The Shadows of the Past part 12
"The Ultimate Rematch, The Chosen Four vs. Lucas!"
The door to the lab shot open and everyone turned sharply to see Lucas enter the room, his face down casted, and saddened. He walked straight to Claus trying to ignore all the stares facing his direction. He was sure this was gonna come off wrong, but he had to speak to his brother. Lucas looked at Claus to see his face was neutral, conveying no emotion whatsoever. Lucas couldn't read him either, so it was hard to say what he was feeling at the moment. Lucas supposed that with his statement before he successful put Claus in a position he didn't know what to feel. Claus just looked at him blankly with that indifferent stare that reminded him so much of when he was the Pigmask General. Lucas glanced down at Claus right hand. Technically it was completely fake, made of wires and synthetic material to get rid of that cannon on his arm.
"I'm sorry," Lucas said after a moment of staring at Claus. Claus tilted his head.
"Why?" Claus asked genuinely wanting to know.
"That was wrong of me to say, I should not look down on you guys in anyway just because of what you are," Claus smiled, and Lucas was glad he was finally showing some emotion. Lucas wrapped his arms around Claus hugging his brother tightly.
"Well…everyone was telling me that you've been under a lot of stress lately. I guess me pestering you wasn't making things better," Claus said pulling away from his brother.
"I snapped at you, and…I alienated you all…" Lucas said staring at the floor.
"Hey, we're all human in some ways," Claus said placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. "So, how have you been?"
"Awful," Lucas said smiling at his brother. "The hellfire of my past is starting to burn into my future, but other than that pretty good since I get to see you guys again,"
"Well Doctor Andonuts should be done with that scanner of yours,"
"Well how have things been on the island since I've been gone? Glad to see it hadn't split apart yet,"
"Hardy, har, har," Claus said. "Things have been good, besides the crazy weather. The Dragon is back where it belongs and everything is in order,"
"Castle Oshoe, is that place still standing?"
"Yeah, and Kumatora makes darn sure of it. The Pigmask know not to mess with her and that area in general,"
"Pigmask?" the others questioned in shock.
"I thought they were no more," Poo said.
"They were for a little while, but ya know how hard it is for evil to vanish. They managed to rise from the ashes with new beliefs and new leaders. I don't know how, but they've become a serious threat now, and they are coming full force,"
"How is it possible?" Ness asked.
"They begin forming new technology rebuilding old weapons but making them bigger and badder then ever. Their base even runs on some strange power source,"
"Strange…" Lucas said his red eyes narrowing a bit. "Define strange,"
Claus was unnerved by Lucas's red eyed gaze so focused but managed to recover, "Yeah, it's like, this weird energy…kinda like the energy we give off,"
"I see…" Lucas said musing in thought. "Did you guys ever recover the Humming Bird Egg?"
"Yeah actually, took us a minute, but we did manage to recover it,"
"What is the Humming Bird Egg?" Ness asked.
"It's like a storage space, but for memories. That's how everyone forgot about the old world, and this one was made. In the wrong hands someone might remember something they shouldn't," Claus explained.
"Wow, imagine if your memories were in that thing Lucas," Ninten said jabbing Lucas with his elbow.
"Yeah…where might it be?" Lucas asked. Claus simply shrugged.
"Wess is the only one who really knows where it is, but if I had to guess it's probably in the area of the Castle," Lucas looked away thoughtfully. "Why do you ask?"
"For curiosities sake," Lucas responded. However, anyone with or without PSI could tell there were deeper motives. They didn't press him though knowing how quick it is to irritate Lucas now.
"Your scanner is complete my boy," Dr. Andonuts announced walking over and placing a small object in his hand. It's green with a blank screen on the center, a small black button stuck out of the green casing. Lucas pressed the button readily, but was dissatisfied to see it not turn on. He looked to Andonuts questioningly. "However, it needs to be powered by a small piece of this MOTHER in order to properly track it. Unfortunately, that burnt out one can only assist in so much,"
"Great, then were right back where we started," Lucas said annoyed.
"Can't we recharge the burnt out piece?" Teddy asked. Lucas rapidly shook his head.
"I know little about MOTHER and that's because Father is the one who dealt with it. I'd hate to experiment and not know the results. Besides what'd be the point of making more if you could recharge it,"
"Well that's why we experiment," Jeff said as he took the scanner from Lucas and took out the burnt out piece. "Just try giving it a little charge,"
Lucas took the piece from Jeff then looked at it. Lucas clenched it in his fist then began to feed energy into the small marble like substance. White sparks of intense energy flowed into Lucas's fist and a red light began to glow through his fingers.
"Hey it's working," Loid said. Lucas's eyes narrowed as he quickly shot off toward the door in a hurry. "Hey wait!"
"Where is he going?" Ness asked chasing after Lucas. Lucas ran outside then pulled his arm back then threw the marble high into the air. Ness caught Lucas just as he threw the marble up. "What was that-," Ness got his answer as a giant explosion of red light went off in the air that was so strong it part the clouds putting an end to the snow. "…about…" Ness finished gaping.
"That's why we shouldn't mess with alien power sources," Lucas said turning to face him. "Now we don't even have that!"
"Calm down, Lucas," Ness responded waving him down.
"Calm down!" Lucas yelled. "You guys just made me blow up the only way I may be able to find my brothers, and save my home!"
"Hey come on Lucas, we can figure something out," Ninten said calmly.
"Yes, maybe we can get a small piece of the core you have now," Jeff said. Lucas looked taken aback by the suggestion.
"Yeah, that could work too," Loid said.
"I already said it's a part of me now!"
"We're not asking you to rip it out completely, just break off a small piece," Ninten said exasperated. "Lucas, what's really wrong with you. You came to us all apologetic, but now you're angry all over again,"
"Because you humans irk me in the worst way sometimes," Lucas growled. Lucas turned around sharply to leave, but Poo's sharp eyes noticed something slip off his back. Lucas stormed off and once he left Poo went over to where he saw the object slip out.
"What is with him?" Claus said.
"That symbiont must be doing terrible things to him," Paula said sadly.
"I'm starting to believe the symbiont isn't what's really behind this," Poo said picking up small red piece of a gem.
"Is that…" Jeff began getting closer. Poo handed the sliver to Jeff for him to observe. "It is, but how did he just slip this to us?"
"I have a funny feeling that's there's something else with Lucas we need to worry about. Let's have that stuff looked at," Ness said pointing to the sliver.
"What could we possibly find from this little shard?" Teddy asked.
"This little shard contains enough power to knock over an entire city," Loid said. "Lucas was right about one thing, we shouldn't experiment with this too much unless were sure of what's gonna happen,"
"Something wrong Poo?" Ness asked his friend realizing Poo's gaze never left the shard.
"This feeling…that shard gives off…some form of life, and an evil…I recognize it, but can't quite place it," Poo responded. Jeff looked at Poo with tilting his head then turned the shard in his hand. It looked so harmless, and quite beautiful. As far as glowing stones go anyway. However, Jeff had a funny chilling feeling too, but he wrote off to the weather. Jeff shook his head from staring at the sliver then he led the way back inside to study the sliver.
Lucas flung himself through the air using his symbiont's tendrils and landed on a stone wall. This stone wall was part of an old looking castle, more specifically, Oshoe Castle. Lucas decided that in order to find his target he had to move now. Lucas hopped down from his place on the wall then began to walk around in the courtyard. It looked quite different with snow covering the area. Lucas also noticed that the needle was back in it's original place. Lucas walked over to it, as if it simply drew him closer. Lucas rubbed the needle and felt the warmth it gave off despite the cold conditions. Clearly a lot of energy was being generated through this and it seemed that Lucas was only just noticing this. He tapped it experimentally. The thought of pulling it crossed his mind, but he literally saw no point in doing so. The dragon would either bring ruin or a miracle.
Lucas's eyes widened as the thought left his mind, "Bring Ruin…or a Mircale…"
"Hey you!" yelled a voice. Lucas was taken by surprise as he snapped from his stupor and turned to see who addressed him. He sees a girl with pink hair, a blue scarf, a long winter blue sweater with fur on the ends of the bottom and the sleeves, leggings with pink boots, and mittens. A man stood next to her with a thick black winter coat, a snow cap, with brown pants, and he seemed to stand with a limp. "Back away from the needle," she demanded as flames stirred up around her mitten covered hands.
Lucas turned his head around sharply prepared to defend himself when he saw his attackers, "Kumatora…Duster…" Lucas said slowly quite surprised. Both looked at Lucas shock and surprise covering their features. They instantly drop their guard upon seeing him.
"Lucas…" they both said slowly. Lucas smiled brightly as he dashed over to them grabbing them both in a tight hug and they return it to him. "Lucas!"
"Oh, I missed you guys!" Lucas said, though granted most of his time away he was unconscious.
"Lucas, you're back!" Duster exclaimed overjoyed.
"Way to go kiddo, I knew you had it in you!" Kumatora cheered messing with his hair. Upon touching it she seemed over come with shock. "Whoa, why…why is your hair black now?"
"This coming from someone with pink hair?" Duster muttered.
"Hey, I can't help my hair color, but this is a little new for him. I mean, you hate dark colors," Kumatora said that last part to Lucas. She looked him up and down and noticed that Lucas's entire attire consisted of black and red. "You, trying to reinvent yourself or something,"
"You have no idea how accurate you are with that statement,"
"Let's get inside and talk more there," Duster suggested shivering. "You guys may not mind this weather, but I won't stand for it,"
Lucas chuckles at his friend as he scurries back inside. He and Kumatora follow him closely behind. They enter the castle, and Lucas instantly felt the warmth rush at him. He was surprised such a place was able to hold in this much heat. The windows and such were shot tight, and it seemed to a complex heating system was indeed in place. Lucas saw a few vents jetting out the wall every which place shooting out warm air. They arrived in the common room of the castle and they all took a seat on the cushioned couches to talk. Once there, Lucas briefly explained everything leading up to this point, save himself storming off from the others.
"That's quite a story," Duster said.
"So, now you're much more powerful?" Kumatora asked.
"Very, but there are always the side effects here and there," Lucas said. Lucas allowed his jacket sleeve to cover his hand forming a symbiont hand with razor sharp claws instead of fingertips. "But, it's pretty cool once you get used to it,"
"It's still a parasite Lucas," Duster said sternly. "Isn't there anyway for you to get it off?"
"None," Lucas said. "But I need it, my body suffered far too much damage with that last fight. Without it, I wouldn't be standing here right now. I'd still be in some tube trying to be put back together again,"
"Then if the symbiont is under control I say the more immediate problem should be focused on," Kumatora said sitting and crossing her legs like Aeolia. Lucas smiled at Kumatora since that's what he's been saying for the longest. "If we can't get that thing off, then we just have to adapt. You better keep that thing in check though Lucas,"
"Yes mam," Lucas responded.
"Okay, now what do we do about the two spies here?" Duster said scratching his chin. "Besides the weather nothing odd has been going on,"
"No one has acted suspiciously as far as I'm concerned," Kumatora said.
"If I just knew, or could figure out their MOTHER signature, I might be able to find them. My lack of memories prevent me from the full control or use of my true powers,"
"Don't worry, we'll help you get your memories," Duster said.
"Maybe you can Duster. You think you can show me where the Humming Bird Egg is?" Lucas said.
"Why?" Duster asked confused. "That thing doesn't cure amnesia, it only unseals memories that it sealed previously. Besides, it's already unsealed everyone's memories already. I don't understand why hide it at this point,"
"Think about it, I was around when Nowhere Island was first discovered by the people on the White Ship. I was here from the very beginning, that much I know. Parts of my childhood are a blur, but I think I finally figured out why,"
"You think you used the Egg to seal your memories?" Kumatora asked.
"Then how do you explain memories slipping through naturally?" Duster asked.
"The lock the Egg creates is powerful, but my mind is even more so. It couldn't possibly contain everything, because that would mean it contained a portion of my power. Memory is power in this case,"
"So you're saying that if we get you this Egg, you may be able to regain powers you lost, and find who's been spying on you?" Kumatora asked for clarities sake.
"That is the plan,"
"Well…I don't know where it is though," Duster admitted. "Only my father knows, and I doubt he'd be willing to spill,"
"Then we must persuade him," Lucas said his clawed hand sinking into the arm of the couch. Duster and Kumatora trade glances between each other then back to Lucas.
"Have you seen Flint yet?" Duster asked. Lucas shook his head. "Well let's do it this way. I'll go see what I can do about my dad and see if I can get Flint to come with me on my way here without spoiling the surprise,"
"Am I supposed to wait here?" Lucas asked annoyed.
"Well we can't always be off to the next fight," Kumatora said looking at Lucas sternly. Lucas sensed that they were trying to keep him here on purpose. Lucas retracted the symbiont up his arm to reveal his normal hand. Lucas sat back in the sofa and he sat brooding. "Might wanna hurry that order up," she muttered to Duster. "Customer seems really agitated," Duster nods then turns to leave the castle hurriedly. Kumatora returns her attention to Lucas who merely looks back at her with subtle indifference. They go through a stare down until finally Kumatora grows tired of the silence. "Okay, what's up with you,"
"Nothing…" Lucas muttered looking away while folding his arms.
"Lucas, I know I said that finding those brothers of yours are important, don't go overboard though. I say this because I care, and I'm really worried. I know that you need support in your decisions though,"
"You sound like the others, claiming they want to support me…" Lucas said his crimson eyes falling to the floor. "However, they wind up simply getting in the way,"
"Then allow me to relieve you of that," Kumatora said standing up from her seat. She walked over to Lucas and picked his head up by probing his chine hand with her hand. "Duster and I have stood by your side through thick and thin. How would we look if we started doubting your decisions now simply from the circumstances?"
"Like normal humans," Lucas replied.
"Well we do have our doubts, but we won't hinder you in anyway," Kumatora said squeezing Lucas in a tight hug. "Whatever you decide, count on us to fight on your side,"
Lucas felt a strong tingling sensation run through his body. His eyes shifted to look at Kumatora while she held his body close to her. So far, all his so called friends have doubted him, and have stood in his way. They claim it's all for his own good, but how do they know what's best.
"They don't trust your judgment. The Humans think you're some weakling simple because of past experiences. They don't want you to go out on your own. They want the glory of saving everyone. They are naturally greedy creatures, even the one in front of you. They don't want you to succeed because they want you to believe you are powerless. They want your power for themselves, and they'd do anything to keep you from it…"
Kumatora pulled away from Lucas noticing he wasn't returning it. She knew that he's the hugging type so she wondered what was wrong. Kumatora looked at Lucas to see his head was tilted down his hair obscuring his face. "Something wrong?"
"You say, you won't hinder me, and you want to fight with me, right?"
"Yeah,"
"I need that Egg…" Kumatora sighed. "I underst-,"
"I just said I was with you, why do you find that so hard to believe?" Kumatora huffed annoyed with Lucas. "Now, what is it you want me to do?"
"If I know Wess, he won't yield under Duster's pressure. The others are probably gonna get in my way also. I shall extract the information from Wess. I want you and Duster to try and hold back the others until I can get that egg,"
"Alright," Kumatora said standing up straight. Lucas looked at her with a tilted head genuine shock and surprise on his features.
"You'll do it?"
"I said I'd help you anyway I could, and if this is how I keep that promise then so be it," Kumatora began walking away. "Come on, let's go catch up with Duster we'll explain things to him. Then we'll get things ready,"
"Alright," Lucas said smiling up at Kumatora. It did feel relieving to Lucas knowing that someone was gonna fight with him, no matter the circumstances. "The others are at the Dr. Andonut's lab. Keeping them busy shouldn't be too hard if they are still there,"
"Alright,"
Lucas and Kumatora rush out of the castle to go and catch back up with Duster. Lucas decided that it would be faster if he carried Kumatora. He picked her up bridal style then rushed off in a huff. Kumatora was a little put off by how quickly Lucas moved through the woods. Lucas approached the outskirts of Tazmilly Village rather quickly. They also notice Duster walking in a rush toward his house where Wess resided. Vowing to never return to that old folks home. Duster heard their approached and turned to see them come in fast. Lucas screeched to halt in front of the thief. He sat Kumatora down as she began her long explanation. Once she finished he looked to Lucas who nods at him, and then to Kumatora who also nods.
"Alright, you guys can count on me. We do crazy stuff all the time, what's one more time going to hurt?" was Duster's response. Lucas smiled happy that he could rely on them. "I don't know how I'm going to get info from my old man though,"
"Leave him to me," Lucas said spear heading the way to Duster's house. Duster and Kumatora followed closely behind as the black haired boy led the way. Lucas lifted his hand to knock on the door.
"If that's the idiot come on in," called a cranky voice from inside. Lucas opened the door to the small home. It was a nice cozy little home, similar to how his house was before the remodling. The Kitchen was in front of him and the Dining Room. To his right were the bedrooms. Lucas noticed that with Wess was his dad, Flint along with his dog Boney. Wess and Flint instantly froze in their spots upon noticing the boy.
"Well I'd like to think I'm pretty smart," Lucas said. Flint and Wess rose from their seats as they approached him. Flint bent down to eye level with his alien son. He placed his hands on his shoulders as it seemed a swell of emotions were slamming on the dam in his brain. This dam prevented a breach of emotions from clouding his judgment. However it was having a tough time looking at Lucas right now.
"L-Lucas…is it really you?" he asked. Lucas smiled as the grabbed his dad in a tight hug.
"Hi, dad," Lucas said a small tear falling from his eye. He was surprised he allowed his personal dam to break so easily. His dad instantly hugged him back.
"Oh, my gosh…" Wess began in awe. "It's some form of miracle!"
"In some ways…" Lucas muttered his eyes glancing from his dad to Wess. Flint pulled back quickly wiping away any tears he had as he returned his hands to Lucas's shoulders. Flint looked his son over, but then quickly frowned.
"Lucas…what happened to you?" Flint took in everything. Lucas's clothes, his hair, his eyes, and his very disposition. "You look so…dark…"
"Simply falling back into old habits I'm afraid," Lucas said sadly grabbing his dad's wrist. "But…I'm gonna fix everything,"
"Does Claus know you're back?" Flint asked.
"Yeah,"
"When did you get back?" Wess asked.
"Just today,"
"What about your other friends?" Flint asked.
"They're here too, back with Andonuts,"
"Shouldn't you be there too?"
"I have another mission," Lucas said getting serious. Lucas stepped away from Flint then walked toward Wess. Flint was confused and looked to Kumatora and Duster. Duster stood stoically, while Kumatora was speaking to Boney however he could only understand half the conversation. When Kumatora was done speaking with Boney the dog gave a bark then proceeded to stand at her side. They both took on the same stoic look as Duster. They all looked serious. "Mr. Wess," Lucas spoke toward the older man with cordial and respect. "I request a huge favor,"
"A favor from an old man like me, can't the idiot do it," Wess groaned.
"Afraid not, I need you to tell me where the Humming Bird Egg is,"
Wess and Flint looked rightfully shocked, "And why would you need to know that?"
"Because, it could possibly hold secrets, secrets that could make or break this world,"
"Like?"
"My memories,"
"Why would your memories be on the egg?" Flint asked.
"It's just a hunch, I don't have the time to explain everything. Just provide me with the information please,"
"Kid, that place is sacred, I can't just go spilling the beans on where it is. Explain to me what you need it for, and I'll decide if it's important,"
"And who are you to make such a decision?" Lucas asked with pure mockery in his voice.
"Excuse me?"
"Humans who pride themselves too much on who they are tend to fall short in the long run. I'm trying to be polite considering you're my friend's dad and we have history. Please, tell me where the egg is,"
"Lucas you are very out of line here," Flint said sternly. He turned to the other three parties to see they were still stoic and uninvolved in the conversation. Seeing as he wouldn't get any help from them he opted to take his chances. "Lucas, this isn't you, what's going on with you?"
"Kinda how you used to be," Lucas said turning his head to look at his dad then returning his attention to Wess. "A man on a mission, with next to nothing to lose," Suddenly two tendrils burst out of Lucas's back and wrap around both Flint and Wess. Duster, Kumatora, and Boney were rightfully concerned at this point but a backwards glance of reassurance from Lucas put them at ease. "Since you won't simply tell me, I'll extract it," Lucas brought Wess in closely to his face. "Don't worry this won't hurt in the slightest," he assured him. Lucas activated his PSI Memory Scan. Lucas's crimson eyes let out a strong glow as Wess eyes resonated the same energy. He was unable to break eye contact with Lucas as Lucas scanned through Wess's memories. Lucas allowed the process to go on until he found the information he needed. Once he did he broke the connection. Wess gasped not used to such a rush. "There," Lucas said setting both men down in chairs. He withdrew his tendrils freeing them both.
"Lucas, what has gotten into you!" Flint exclaimed.
"Hey dummy, you just stood there and let that kid probe my brain. You know how sacred that egg is, and clearly this kid has ill intentions,"
"He didn't harm you guys in the slightest though," Kumatora pointed out for everyone in the room. "You aren't hurt at all. He meant you no harm at all, he just really needs this. He needs people to stand with him, not against him right now,"
"We do stand with him!" Flint exclaimed.
"To a certain degree ," Lucas added. "I understand you all care, but I need fighters not worriers. Once I have my memory, I can finally fight back properly," Lucas turned to his friends who nod. Lucas turned back to the men in front of them and then follow his friends out the house. "It's deep in the catacombs of Oshoe Castle," Lucas reported to them as they began walking away.
"The others might still be at Andonut's lab," Kumatora said.
"You guys head over there, keep them busy," Lucas said. "I'll go get the egg,"
"Alright, but don't take too long," Duster said. Lucas nods to them as he rushes off back toward Oshoe Castle. Duster and Kumatora trade glances as they both nod. They turn to Boney who barks in agreement. They rush off toward laboratory.
"Oh god, that MOTHER Lucas has, we gotta get it out of him!" Jeff said in complete panic.
"I knew something was wrong, why didn't I realize it sooner…" Poo muttered.
"It's no one's fault. Lucas was in a dire situation, he didn't have a lot to choose from," Loid clarified. "It was either do or die,"
"But who would've known that, that one piece of MOTHER contained all that evil," Paula said.
"If I had to guess, I think it would be just a fraction of it," Dr. Andonuts said. "So much negative energy, it possibly overwhelmed the symbiont as well,"
"We have to get to Lucas quick before he does something he regrets," Ness said. "Jeff, how's that tracker?"
"It's working, that shard we have is powering it, but just barely. We'd better find him quick before it runs out," Jeff explained.
"Then let's not waste time, let's go!" Ninten exclaimed charging out the door. Once outside he came to a stop upon noticing three figures. "Hey guys, Duster, Kumatora, and Boney are here!" the others also quickly come out to greet them.
"Hey guys, glad to see you, listen I know you're wondering why we're here well-," Ness began.
"We know Lucas is back, we've been with him this whole time," Kumatora interrupted.
"Oh, well I'm sure you also noticed his…aggression problems,"
"Yeah we did," Duster said.
"We're going to go after him and stop him from doing something stupid, you guys coming?" Claus asked.
"Actually, no one is going anywhere," Kumatora said touching the ground. "PK Ground," suddenly rock pillars burst out of the ground surrounding everyone and shocking the others.
"What are you guys doing?" Ninten yelled.
"We can't let you get in Lucas's way," Duster said taking a fighting position. "We'd prefer not to fight, but…"
"We will if you resist," Kumatora finished also taking a fighting pose.
"Has Lucas brainwashed you guys or something?" Ness said sporadically waving his arms.
"We're just supportive,"
"Supportive of the madness going through his mind?" Ana exclaimed.
"He's a little messed up," Kumatora admitted.
"But he shouldn't have to fight every side of the battle by himself. We honor his decisions, even if you guys won't," Duster said. Boney lowered his head letting out a low growl.
"Well doesn't seem like they'll move willingly," Teddy pointed out.
"They got that look in their eyes too," Claus pointed out. "They've been with Lucas through thick and thin the longest. It's pretty understandable that they'll stick by him no matter what,"
"Well we gotta move while the scanner still works," Jeff pointed out. Ninten looked at Kumatora and Duster. He glanced back at Ness who shared his gaze. They looked at each other for a moment then they both nod.
"Guys, stay with me," Ness muttered to Poo, Paula, and Jeff.
"You guys gonna stay with me," Ninten said to Ana, Loid, and Teddy.
"I'll go with you guys," Claus said to Ness who nods.
"GO!" Ninten said rushing forward with his crew. Ninten punched a piece of earth pillar then threw it at Kumatora, Duster, and Boney. All three parties quickly dodged out of the way. Ness rushed to the opening but a stream of fire caught him off and nearly burned him if Poo didn't pull him back.
"No one is leaving," Duster said throwing numerous smoke bombs around the area. Duster quickly began picking off the weaker opponents that he could handle while in the smoke. This meaning, Jeff, Loid, and Teddy. Ness wiped up a wind to blow away the smoke allowing visibility to return. Ninten slammed both his fist into the ground creating a powerful shockwave through the ground. Kumatora launched a powerful PK Fire attack at Ninten. Ninten quickly summoned a shield to protect himself. Seeing her attack failed she fell back, and just in time to dodge a PK Beam from Ana. Duster tossed a bomb at Ana's feet throwing her through the air, also distracting Ninten. Kumatora launched a PK Thunder attack that shattered Ninten's shield and got a direct hit on him.
"There serious…" Claus gasped. "We may not be able to get fight them like this, they have the advantage,"
"How, we outnumber them?" Teddy said blocking a kick from Duster.
"In this case," Duster said slyly ducking down and performing a leg sweep on Teddy and making him fall to the ground. "There is no strength in numbers"
Kumatora was battling beautifully, as both Ana and Paula could not contain her. Kumatora's range of attacks are as wide as theirs, and her combat ability surpasses theirs. Ness used PK Boom to rush pass both parties and smash through the earth barrier. Ninten saw this as a good chance as any. Claus changed his mind opting to try and get Kumatora and Duster to understand what they were doing was not helping. Claus used his PK Buster attack to push back all three attackers enough for Ness to shoot through grab his friends then shoot off again.
"Dang it!" Kumatora exclaimed.
"Don't worry, they won't locate Lucas quick enough to get in the way," Duster reassured.
"But their heading straight to Oshoe Caslte, which means they must have some way of tracking him,"
"Guys, get a grip," Claus said standing before them. "We aren't your enemy!"
"Neither are we, we just want to help Lucas," Duster said.
"How is fighting us helping him?" Ninten asked annoyed.
"How are you gonna say you're helping him, when you guys are fighting him every step of the way. That sounds more like hindrance to me," Kumatora said.
"We just want to make sure the right decisions are made," Ana protested.
"So are his decisions not the right ones?"
"Well…with that symbiont on him, his judgment is different," Ninten said.
"His judgment is fine. You all fail to properly trust him, and respect his decisions. Maybe he wouldn't be so mad all the time if you guys actually supported what he wanted to do or his plans,"
"That's not fair to him, and it's not right. Even given the circumstances," Duster said.
"We fight for what's good for him, not ourselves!" Kumatora exclaimed.
Lucas bashed through another stone wall as he went deeper and deeper into the catacombs of the castle. He was surprised that they went this deep, but found it fitting. He smashed another stone wall open using his tendrils then stepped in. He noticed that he's in a wide room with pillars aligning the walls from each of the four corners. On the other end of the room sat and egg on a pedestal. Lucas smirked as his goal was before him and he walked toward it.
"All the confusion, all the my questions, it all ends here," Lucas said. He went up the steps to reach the egg then stood in front of it. He remembers how he accidentally activated it before, so it shouldn't be hard to redo that same process. Lucas picked the egg up then held it out in front of him. The egg began to glow, but suddenly in a flash the egg was gone. Lucas gasped in shock then turned to see on the other side of the room is Ness with Paula, Jeff, and Poo. Ness was holding the egg.
"Alright, Lucas, listen to us," Ness said sternly. "This isn't the way to do things,"
"Give me the egg Ness," Lucas said sternly.
"Listen to us, we don't wanna fight just listen!"
"So, is this what you want then?" Lucas asked. This caused the Chosen to look confused at him. "A rematch huh, to see whose the strongest this time around. Just so you know, it's still me,"
"We don't wanna fight we said!" Paula exclaimed.
"Well unless you hand over that egg, a fight is what you're gonna get," Lucas stepped forward toward them. "Now, make your choice…and be prepared to defend yourselves!"