Chapter 13
'Responsibility dilemma'

It took a minute of aimless staring for Glim to recognise the three children before him. A snubble, spheal and a horsea, who were playing around in a paddling pool. It seemed that the snubble was learning to become a mermaid, while the friendly spheal was teaching her to swim. The horsea meanwhile, was just idly splashing as much as he wanted, when suddenly their roleplaying was interrupted by a magikarp, impacting into the water from above and splashing water well over the inflated ring wall. Seeing the water hail down confused Glim, who took some steps back, which he then noticed his paws and thick scarf. He was surprised to become an eevee again somehow, too dazed to figure out what was happening.

'So it is you.' said a creepy voice, causing Glim to glance round to see Martyr, in its horrific human form. It paused as the little eevee only froze up and cowered down. 'Strange… how is it we remember you, yet do not?'

Glim was paralysed, staring up into to the dead black eyes of the human before him, who suddenly flickered away, like it was never there.

'Excuse me.' greeted Ellie, patting Glim from behind and making him jump in fear. He then turned to see the friendly kirlia who also seemed a little surprised. 'So sorry to frighten you Glim. Are you okay?'

Instead of answering, Glim looked left to right, evidently frightened and looking out for Martyr. Little Ellie recognised the fear and smiled, kneeling in front of the eevee and stroked his cheek. Glim did recognise the kirlia, just by the way he smiled, his hair being a little longer on the back and the more joyous shape of his eyes, making him look friendlier than Karli.

Glim stuttered. 'Uh- h-hi.' trying to remember the kirlia's name.

'Did mummy leave you all alone again?'

'She told me to stay here.'

'And you look like you were shot and left for dead, with no friends.' he replied sorrowfully, reaching down to take Glim's paw. 'If you're moving in this time, mummy's not going to be around for a while. Why not come in?' playfully, the kirlia began pulling the little eevee toward the open doors of the large conservatory. 'It is quite sad to see you all alone, looking sad.'

Inside, a long wooden table stretched all across the conservatory. It was very low down, clearly designed for children or smaller pokémon. Instead of chairs, the children had cushions and many were sat at the table, happily chatting about past experiences or what they wanted to be when they grew up. Among them, closer to the door was Rachel the pansear and another eevee. Memories began to flood as Glim remembered the pansear who appeared happy to see the eevee, other than the one she was sat next to. The eevee next to Rachel remained silent and had a timid expression, though his eyes glinted a little curiosity for Glim. Surely it was nice to see another of the same specie most pokémon would think, that is unless the individual suffered from bullying or violence from their own specie.

'Hi Glim!' called Rachel, even though Glim and Ellie were only inches from the table. 'We were just having tea, please join us.'

The kirlia next to Glim sat first, who patted the neighbouring cushion, beckoning for Glim to sit next to him. The eevee sat, just as shy as the eevee on the other side. Most of the children only took one look at little Glim, then happily resumed their own conversations. Looking back to the gentle pansear, Glim noticed Ellie levitating a teacup and a teapot all in his psychic powers. Looking like it was nothing, the kirlia placed the untouched teapot down, without making a sound, while the teacup was given to the little paws of the eevee guest.

He looked down into the very girly, flowery teacup, noticing the tea to be a much lighter brown than what he has seen before. 'I've- I've, never had tea before.' said Glim, sheepishly.

'You've never had tea before?' asked Ellie, a little surprised.

'Well… I always thought it was a mummy drink.'

The kirlia giggled, looking at Rachel who shared a similar expression of affection for Glim's innocence.

'Try it.' replied Rachel. 'It would be sad to leave you out, like you were just now.' she said, pointing at the opened door behind Glim and Ellie.

The little eevee felt a strange flattering feeling, not something he was used to, even though it made him happier inside, he did not know how to respond. However, Glim knew that the kind kirlia and pansear were trying to be nice, so he would only oblige. He dipped one claw into the tea, which was not too hot and gave it a lick, before he took a sip.

'You've come here before haven't you Glim?' said Ellie. 'Do you remember?'

'Yeah.' Glim nodded, placing the teacup down, but then paused. Ellie just next to him recognised the pause, like he was trying to remember or was keeping quiet about why he was there that time. 'Does- does mummy hurt you, Glim?'

Again, the little eevee remained quiet, but in answering the kirlia, he nodded, slowly looking over to him. His long pause, the increased speed of his breathing, trembling of his lips and slow flooding of his eyes immediately told Ellie and Rachel of some very real suffering. As soon as Glim looked to Ellie with that expression, the kirlia and the pansear both sympathised and approached to comfort the little eevee. Rachel had to walk around the end of the table, before she could join in the hugging that Ellie had already started. By that time, the other eevee present had disappeared.

'It'll be alright.' said Ellie, caressing frail Glim, who was trying desperately hard to not cry.

'Yeah, let it out Glim.' said Rachel, stroking the eevee.

Glim barely managed to keep his threshold, as a tear slowly slipped down his face.

'I don't want to go home.' croaked the eevee, voice barely recognisable.

The kirlia and pansear held their embrace for a little longer, giving each other the same concerned expression. Until a human boy walked in from the corner door, from the main landing. Vindicta that day was not in his usual country outfit, but appeared to be wearing a smarter outfit while holding an umbrella. His friendly face was astonishing to see, knowing he was the possible leader of Martyr. However, the look in his eyes as he spotted Glim had nothing but troubling news.

'Glim.' he said approaching, Ellie and Rachel let go upon spotting the human entering. They too became worried when they saw the look on his face. 'I'm sorry, but-'

'Glim!' screamed Sharon, from outside. Both Ellie and Rachel gasped and they glanced at the voice, echoing from the open doors. 'You had me looking in the rain for you!'

The little eevee did not even see his sylveon mother before he was suddenly yanked back, by a ribbon forcefully tugging his collar fur. He did not remember it hurting, but was instead scared by the very voice and could only see everything moving so quickly.

'Wait stop!' screamed Rachel.

'Mrs Fleece!' stuttered Vindicta.

It seemed everything was violently moving in Glim's eyes, before flashing brightly, which he thought was the sky at first. Everything then turned black.

'What a fate,' whispered Ellie. 'We wanted to save you Glim, from her, yet it was your mother who saved you. But was it better that way?'

At the brisk of dawn, the eyes of the pretty glaceon fluttered open. Only remembering what he was just dreaming about. He laid still, on his side, piecing together what he was dreaming about. It was mostly a distant memory, many years ago, but also a mental intrusion, after seeing Martyr in it as well. Why would it be interested to know of Glim's memories?

It was still quite dark, comfortably cold for the glaceon, relaxed deeply by the sounds of the quietly lapping waves as the vessel gently rocked. The weather-proofed sheet used to shield the cargo was thin enough to let the late morning light to protrude. Annoyingly, Glim was no longer tired and by the looks of it, everyone was asleep. Karli was in the small space opposite Glim, with her back to him and tucked up in a thick blanket. Further down was Angel, just sitting in silence, with his head down, whether or not he was sleeping or just thinking deeply seemed unclear to the glaceon. At the back was the quiet cranidos, completely hidden in her blanket.

Glim had forgotten that he was sleeping with Shadow, as he wondered why he could not see him or Beryl. He was about to roll to his left, when he finally noticed the slender black paw holding him around the torso. The glaceon then quickly glanced back, to see the very warm houndoom, who was also awake. Glim clearly seemed tired to the dark hound pokémon who nuzzled him.

'You alright love?' whispered Shadow. Glim seemed confused, a little fidgety in his drowsiness. 'No one's really sleeping, Glim. Just trying to keep warm if anything.'

'Why's it so quiet?' whispered Glim. 'I mean…' the glaceon looked back to see the others in their silence. 'Did I fall asleep early or something? Why is everybody so quiet?'

'Well, remember. Your friends are still a little shaken out from that attack. But also, I think those two…' he said, nodding at Karli and Angel. 'They're a little frosty with each other. And him…' looking at Beryl was on the other side of the houndoom, still needing to share his heat. 'He has a similar problem for the little one down there.' he said, referring to Terri, who was out of his sight.

Glim paused, looking at his friends, before looking back at Shadow. 'Would I be okay to- to talk to them?'

'Yeah, I would-' he replied, rolling over to whisper to the curled up braixen. 'Would you be okay if we left for a moment, Beryl?

The braixen boy, not even looking back replied with just a nod. Shadow looked back to Glim, who looked worried for Beryl, but the houndoom felt that the braixen may like some space. The glaceon however wanted to ask, but as Shadow was leaving the blanket all to Beryl, he sorrowfully shook his head, telling his boyfriend to not talk to him just yet. Beryl buried his head, including his long fox ears into the blanket he tightly wrapped himself in. He looked so sad, unwell and loneliness was the last thing Glim wanted for the braixen, but given what happened a few hours ago, it could also be what Beryl wanted at that moment.

Whether or not Beryl was crying, Shadow and Glim decided to quietly leave him be. The glaceon felt the need to tip toe, as if everyone was sleeping, due to the silence, though the houndoom already told it was quite the other way round. Glim wanted to talk to his friends, to know what was on their minds, how they were coping and whether or not he should tell them more about Martyr. On one paw, he did not want to tell them anything about that monster, after what it had already done and of all the insane paranormal experiences Glim had been encountering, which in turn may cause them to be more afraid. At the same time, he could not help the crawling feeling of a brick, sliding up his torso, guilty that he may be dragging his friends into horrific attacks from Martyr, as it was actually him it was after. Because of him, so many have died, just by witnessing the attack back in Iris. Even though he knew nothing about Martyr and was only trying to survive, it was getting to him. Just remembering Boris' death, or when the second remnant destroyed most of the vessel to Camellias, then there was Mercury and Austin, it hurt to think he was responsible for it all.

Glim wanted to speak to Karli first, for being the closest, but also having fought Martyr before. Maybe it was after her too for surviving, but Martyr had only attacked the ship because Glim was there he thought. The little glaceon, trailed by his houndoom crept over to the kirlia who appeared very fast asleep.

'Karli?' whispered the glaceon, standing on his hind legs to reach the risen space, where the kirlia was resting.

'Yeah?' she replied whispering, rolling over to meet the glaceon's eyes. It was obvious to Glim that Karli was not tired at all. 'Are you alright, Glim?'

'Yes, yes… I just… wanted to know if you're alright.' he paused, staring into her massive, passionate amber orange eyes, which stared back and gave Shadow just behind the glaceon a glance.

'This is about when Martyr attacked, right?' she asked and Glim nodded. 'I'm… I'm alright, yeah. Angel and I came into the fight a little late, if you remember?'

'Barely.'

'Well… you already told me about Martyr. Only this time, we saw that human you said about.'

'Yeah. That guy is way worse than any of the monsters that come with it.'

'Was he the leader?' asked Shadow.

Both Karli and Glim shook their heads, answering in unison. 'We don't know.'

'Why was it attacking us anyway?' asked Karli. Glim paused, looking fearful. 'We're in the middle of nowhere and… could it be with the Republic, like some secret weapon?' Shadow glanced at the little glaceon. 'That explains why it attacked the ship we were on, a few days ago. And… and maybe the other times, like just now, it was targeting vital allies of the Crimson.' she said, nodding in the direction of Captain Ariel.

'You think they know about this?' asked the houndoom.

'I don't know, but this Martyr organization, whatever it is, is dangerous.'

Glim kept quiet, somewhat relieved that Karli drew a conclusion like that. To an extent, it made sense, what if Martyr are actually members of the Republic? Most of that party are controlled by unfeeling, violent monsters who care more about getting richer and powerful at the expense of the poor and equality. However, one line immediately echoed in the glaceon's mind.

'We shall meet again glaceon.' hissed Martyr, making Glim feel targeted and unforgotten, which made his ears drop slowly.

'What about you and Angel?' asked Shadow, breaking Glim from his worrying train of thought.

The kirlia leaned forward, seeing the half-asleep weavile just sitting with his face silhouetted and looking really depressed. 'I think he's still a little spun out, about the whole Martyr event.' she said and Shadow nodded. 'Could you talk to him, Glim? You may not have heard it, but we got into quite an argument before you woke.'

Glim answered 'yeah, I was hearing some of it.'

Karli nodded. 'He deserves to know, after helping us so much.'

'Did he?' asked Shadow, glancing at Angel.

Both the glaceon and kirlia replied with a 'yes', before Karli said 'remember, he was the one who got Glim and Beryl out of that prison.'

'Oh yeah.' replied Shadow, shaking his head flustered.

'It hadn't been easy for him though.' said Glim.

'No?'

Glim shook his head sadly. 'First time I met him, he was carefree, good with words and mischievous. He was getting me into that nightclub, that- that we met in.' he said glancing up at his houndoom. 'But since then… he's been dragged into shit again and again. Getting himself pummelled, Belle, getting blown up with us, helping me fight a family of murderers. He- he's been good to us.'

Both Shadow and Karli shared sad expressions.

'Just…' Karli paused. 'Tread lightly, if you're going to talk about Belle, okay?'

The little glaceon only nodded, before turning to face the lonesome weavile, still sitting in place and just contemplating. He crept silently, nervous to break the silence. Glim even considered carrying on and talking to Terri instead. Thankfully however, Shadow caught a glimpse of his shyness and moved slightly ahead for his glaceon. He passed with a smile, adoring Glim's nervousness.

'Angel?' whispered Shadow. 'You okay, mate?'

The weavile only looked up, inhaling deeply, like he just woke up. The houndoom was giving him space by not being in front of him, but from where he and Glim stood, it looked like that Angel was daydreaming.

'I was hearing you and Karli talking.' he said and Shadow became a little flustered. However, the intimidating presence appeared to be directed at Glim, Angel slowly turned to look him in the eye. 'Something tells me you already know, about that thing.'

The rising sense of hostility, made Shadow step in front of his boyfriend with a suspensive expression. 'Whoa, easy.' but the weavile and glaceon kept each other's gaze.

'Glim, whatever that was, it was not controlled by the Republic. I bet my ass on that. There is no way in hell, the Republic could nor would tame something like that. Yo, psychic types can hit like bombs, especially when they're that pissed.'

'A psychic type?' replied Shadow. 'It looked very water type to me.'

'That was just its form though. Whatever it was, it was still partly unown.' Glim's eyes turned smaller, remembering how often he saw the unown with any form of Martyr. 'And when Glim used his attack, it was screwin with its concentration bad.' Angel said, poking at his head before glancing at the glaceon. 'What was that you used?'

'I-it's called Signal Beam.' replied Glim. 'I don't know what type-'

'It's a bug attack.' interrupted Shadow. 'S-somehow, I'm not sure why.'

Glim's eyes shortened, remembering that the nearby unown would scream violently whenever the Martyr creatures were hit by his attack.

'What was that Glim?' asked Angel. 'Karli called it "Martyr"... is that an organization?'

'That's its name,' nodded Glim. 'And they speak of themselves as "we", so I'm guessing so.'

The weavile paused, just staring at the depressive, yet confused glaceon. His own expression showed wariness, a sense of mistrust, like he knew Glim was not saying something. Angel looked back down.

'In your own time, Glim.' he said, the glaceon paused, a little uneasy about that last statement.

'Um, Angel?' interjected Shadow. 'Just wanted to say thanks, by the way.' Angel's eyes met those of the friendly houndoom, somewhat curious. 'While I was gone, you were around to help Glim and his friends is all.'

The dark sharp claw pokémon exhaled, like he was chuckling. 'Yeah, well… it's what I get for being such a sweetheart.' finished Angel, going back to his attempts of sleeping.

Shadow seemed concerned, unsure what to say to what Angel said. It was like the weavile was regretting to help his friends. The houndoom looked to his little glaceon sat next to him and then just nodded away, it was clear that Angel wanted to be alone.

The boat seemed a little longer in the dark as it was several metres Shadow and Glim had to walk to reach the little cranidos, huddled up in the back and all alone. She was facing the wooden walls and all wrapped up in her blanket, just like Karli on the other end. The glaceon crept closer, just able to see the enormous blue crown that cranidos were famous for, which was sticking out.

'Hello?' whispered Glim, instantly causing the little cranidos to shuffle away, sitting up and stare back in fright. 'S-sorry, I didn't mean to-'

'I-it's alright.' replied Terri. 'I just didn't… um.' she stuttered, attempting to wipe her eyes with her tiny arms, though she had to duck down to do so. Seeing that made Glim tilt his head, looking sorrowful.

'Hey, were you crying?'

'No! I was sleeping, that was bits in my eyes.'

The way she said that made Glim sceptical inside, but understanding of her desire to remain brave.

'It was Terri, wasn't it?' he asked and the cranidos nodded. 'We just wanted to know if you're doing okay. You know… after the attack.'

Terri paused, what bravery was in her eyes had sunk. 'I… honestly don't know what's going on. I don't know what that monster was, I've never heard of a "Martyr" before.' she paused again and Glim kept quiet. 'Whenever something was wrong, Austin was always there to pull me out, or explain things to me.'

'Were you two best friends?'

'It's… kinda complicated. You see, he use to bully me, when we were at school and we lived in the same street too. But… when Hydrangea was Dragon Raided, the first time, I was left helpless in my flat which was set on fire from the meteors. And then, out of nowhere, Austin and his dad burst in and saved me, like I was family to them.'

'What?' puzzled Glim. 'Why did he do that?'

'I don't know, but he said I was his friend. His dad knew my mum and dad too.'

Glim looked down, still confused about Austin having bullied Terri, yet regarded her as a friend and rescued her. Perhaps the situation that was happening forced a change of heart for him.

'I'm guessing you got onto the escape vessels to Camellias, like we did.'

The cranidos nodded. 'Yeah, me, his parents and one of their friends. They were just so caring for me.'

'Of course they were sweetheart,' interjected Shadow. 'That city was practically blown up and you lost your parents. I've heard of stories where even criminals become saviours at times like this. Crio is under revolution, sweet.'

'I know, and that's what made us separate!' she cried.

'Wait, what?' replied Glim, while Shadow put a claw over his mouth, trying to tell Terri to quiet down.

Terri's voice began to crack as tears slowly broke through her threshold. 'Days after we escaped Hydrangea, Austin's parents got into a fight. His father and his friend left for Haine, while his mummy made us stay, but Austin wanted to go anyway.' her cries could be heard throughout the cargo, but while Angel tried to ignore it, Karli meanwhile could not help but listen, affected by Terri's story.

'Did he want to help his father?' asked Shadow.

'He did… and we sneaked out last night to join this extraction.'

'You mean you ran away?'

'Well…' she stuttered, breaking into tears. 'I didn't w-want him to go.'

Glim approached and held the little cranidos by her shoulders as she breathed deeply and wiped her tears.

'If… this is all too much.' whispered Shadow. 'I'm sure you could stay on the boat and the captain could sail you back to Camellias.'

'I don't want to go back.' replied Terri, regaining her stability. 'What would I say to his mother? To see me come back all alone? Especially knowing how he died.' she said, her voice cracking again and mouth trembling.

The glaceon remained quiet, remembering the last time he saw the graveler, though it seemed the story appeared worse, judging by the pain Terri was in.

'Wait, what happened?'

The cranidos paused and looked to the front-left corner of the area, where Beryl was resting, though she could not see him. 'Just ask him.' she said, sadly.

The houndoom looked over to the same spot. 'Beryl? Was he… responsible or something?'

'No… but, he's so sad about what happened. Could you tell him I forgive him, please?'

Shadow seemed confused. 'Can't you tell him yourself?'

Terri slowly shook her head. 'He… just doesn't want to talk to me. Like he thinks I'm upset because of him.'

Glim and Shadow glanced at each other, with a promising look in their eyes. The little glaceon, comforting the cranidos, nodded to the houndoom and released Terri.

'Don't you worry, sweetheart, we'll talk to him.' Shadow said, winking.

'Thank you.'

It seemed like that every ally who was present on the ship was infected with some dark stigma. The more of them the houndoom and glaceon spoke to, the darker the area got. When Glim and Shadow came back to the braixen, he was still facing away, hidden in the darkness. He was not shivering in cold anymore and it was difficult to tell if he was sleeping or not.

'Beryl?' whispered Glim, creeping closer. Beryl did not answer, but his eyes opened, which the glaceon could not see. 'H-how are you doing? Feeling any better?'

The braixen paused, before slowly nodding. His silence encouraged for Glim to talk less, like he was either really tired or ignoring him. The glaceon looked back at Shadow, who drew closer, standing next to him.

'Beryl?' whispered Shadow. 'I forgot to tell you, thanks for what you did back there.' Glim looked up at the houndoom again, and kept his curious expression. Beryl also seemed curious, not that he was showing it. Shadow looked at his little boyfriend, seeing the question in his eyes. 'I don't think you were awake at the time Glim, but when I found you, I was still really far from you and you were about to be killed by that human-Martyr thing. Did you see that?'

Glim nodded, vaguely remembering when he was fiercely fighting the walrein-granbull-kingdra hybrid, the human appeared right next to him, ready to decapitate the defenceless glaceon. 'That's when you fired that flamethrower, wasn't it?'

The houndoom shook his head. 'That wasn't me.' he replied, looking back at the braixen before him.

They paused, then Beryl finally moved, rolling slowly onto his back and turning his head to face the boys, who were just on the edge of the cushioned platform the braixen laid on. He had a miserable look and instead of saying anything, he just paused.

'That- that was you Beryl?' asked Glim and Beryl nodded. 'That was… amazing. You blew that thing completely gone, from what I was seeing.'

'I…' the braixen quietly stuttered. 'I don't know how I did that.' Beryl looked back, picking up the unique azure wand he used and held it between them. 'You think it was the wand I was given?'

'That doesn't look like a wand most braixen use.' said Shadow.

'There are- there are different kinds that we and delphox can use, but… even I have never seen one like this.'

'Where'd you get that, anyway?'

'It was given to him,' answered Glim. 'When we were being freed from that prison. An alakazam had it.'

For a moment, they pondered, all staring at the artistic wand. Strange to see the branch a navy blue, complementing the blue handle, which looked crafted, while the branch tip remained as curved and unique as any other branch.

'However you did it Beryl,' said Shadow. 'You saved him.'

Eerily, the braixen's saddened eyes went from gazing at the wand and meeting Shadow's, which made his usually charming eyes suddenly turn aggressive. The houndoom knew he hit a nerve, seeing that look.

'Is this supposed to make me feel better about Austin?' he whispered so seriously. 'I couldn't save him, alright?'

'Beryl.' Shadow replied, cautiously. 'We're not trying to upset you either, but… could you tell us what happened? Terri doesn't want to tell us and she is still a little broken about all this. She's not just lost Austin, but she's all alone now. And Beryl… she's not mad at you, in fact she told us to say that she forgives you.' Glim nodded and Beryl tensed up, looking down again. 'So please, tell us what happened Beryl.'

The braixen paused for a moment, then he slammed his wand back on his blanket, before taking a deep sigh. 'I could have saved him… but… I was so scared and in so much pain, I couldn't think.'

'Was this when that monster dragged you into the water?' asked Glim, and Beryl nodded coldly. 'I don't know how long it was, but… I thought you were dead when I saw that.'

The braixen glanced at the houndoom. 'This was when we were reuniting after an avalanche. I ran ahead to meet up with Mercury and Austin, which was when that thing flew out of the ice and dived into us. Mercury and I barely had any time to move, and this was on ice too, so we were hit so hard, I blacked out for a moment. I totally do not remember being forced so far down into that freezing water. But… when I came to, I remember that unbearable freezing I felt. It felt like millions of sneasel cutting my flesh, all over me, it hurt, like shit. I was in agony, only realising I was in the water. In my desperation I looked up after finding where up was in the water, and I could see Mercury in some stranglehold with that monster, I-I couldn't see very well. But I did see that thing fully dive into the water, while Mercury swam back, still fighting it. I was so deep in that water and tried to swim for that opening they were swimming from, but that's when I noticed something, struggling crazily. I thought it was a block of ice… but it was Austin. I had forgotten that most rock pokémon could not swim, I could not recognise him, I was in too much pain to think. I ended up crashing into him, which almost knocked me out, while his weight was forcing me down with him. He was madly struggling to swim… I could feel him vibrating so violently, but the water was agony to be in and it was hurting the deeper we went. So I just ignored him and tried my hardest to push him away and swim back up and as I managed to pass him, h-he grabbed my leg…' he paused as his voice began to crack. 'Desperate to get out of there, to get out of the cold, to breathe… I drew my wand out… and without thinking, I shot him… his arm broke off, leaving him to sink. Only afterward, do I realise that I could have saved the both of us, had I…'

Beryl paused again, leaving Glim and Shadow to stare in worry. The braixen instead broke, letting the tears slide down, though he resisted crying. The glaceon decided to climb onto the platform and embrace the braixen, who did not hug back.

'I can't…' stuttered Beryl. 'I can't unsee that face he had, when I shot him. He was screaming, r-reaching out for me and sinking… until I couldn't see him.' he said, triggering him to bawl and tightly hug the glaceon.

'Hey, hey…' whispered Shadow, approaching with a sympathetic atmosphere. 'There wasn't, anything you could have done, especially not like that. I mean, did you know Psychic or Telekinesis?' Beryl in Glim's embrace barely shook his head, so miserably. 'If you didn't escape, you both would have died. You're lucky you got out of there.'

'Yeah,' said Glim. 'You were down there longer than me or Mercury. When you scrambled out, you were steaming.'

Beryl said nothing, just holding Glim, remembering the previous times he had held onto the little icy glaceon. It was comforting, yet uncomfortable in contrasting natural temperatures whenever they hugged, but it calmed the braixen down.

When Glim eventually let him go, the braixen wanted to be alone for a little while longer and the two boys accommodated his request, since there was one last person to talk to. To get to the front, Shadow and Glim had to climb on a makeshift staircase and squeeze through the cargo cover, which proved to be a lot sturdier than the glaceon had thought.

The captain, Ariel, was tugging the vessel so calmly through the windless sea. Sailing into a white zone of thick fog, the glaceon breathed in the calming scent of morning dew, mixed with sea salt. Hearing the waves, even at the front was only relaxing. Most of the lapras who was tugging the vessel was underwater, so her fins did not hit the hull for being so close, due to short tow ropes. She had heard Glim, followed by Shadow, peeking through the covers, except she was not sure if it was them and rather focused on what was ahead. Just between the captain and the vessel was one of many tow extensions, a short bow to give Ariel something to hook the ropes onto. Glim crawled out of the cargo and stepped onto the small bow with ease, for being so slender and small. The houndoom behind him, though he was also slender, his size and horns were giving him troubling in stepping out. Ignoring Shadow, the glaceon sat on the very edge of the bow.

'Captain?' asked Glim, no longer needing to whisper, but had forgotten her name.

'Good morning.' she replied coarsely, secretly forgetting his too.

'Um…' Glim paused, suddenly intimidated by the scarred face of Ariel, who looked back at him. 'I uh… wanted to ask, how you're doing.'

'Wasn't part of that fight, sweetheart. I should be asking you.'

'O-oh, yeah.'

Shadow finally fell out from the tight gap, crashing on his back.

'Well?' Ariel continued.

'Huh?'

'How're you doing?'

Glim paused, looking back, passed Shadow and thought about his friends. 'It's seems everyone is… well, down about that attack in their own ways.'

'I'm not surprised, I heard Mercury was killed.'

'You knew him?'

'Of course I did. Who do you think I met every time I came round that route?' Glim kept quiet, as Shadow approached and sat with him. 'So what was that thing, you were attacked by? I'm hearing you guys calling it "Martyr".'

'It's… a long story.'

'And am I to be looking out for it?'

'It seems to only be after us. As far as I know.'

Captain Ariel paused, looking vigilantly. 'Alright… but do your friends know about this thing?'

'Some of them, yeah… but, I don't exactly know what it is either. I don't suppose you do, do you captain?'

The lapras shook her head. 'fraid not.'

Glim looked down and nodded, figuring she had not known, but then his ears twitched as another question sprung to mind. 'What about Rancour?'

Ariel that time nodded. 'Commander Rancour was an ally of mine back when Crio was facing the XENOS uprising, the Tragoria war and the many rescues from the Titan Enforcement. With him in charge, we won every single battle with only few fatalities, bisharp have such insane senses of strategy. That is of course until we retired, but now… it seems we're needed more than ever.'

'So were you two friends?'

'We certainly knew each other, I'll say that, but he's rather cold and forward. Very serious.'

'Then do you know where we can find him?' asked Shadow.

Ariel chuckled. 'Haine, that's really all I can tell you. He's probably got some base of operations, but he's too smart to take that shelter. Knowing him, he probably hides out in somewhere more confined, only known by his best comrades. Hell, he wouldn't trust me with information like that, and I'm here helping the cause.'

The glaceon and houndoom looked at each other and just paused, having heard the terribly vague answer of Rancour's whereabouts before. The capital was bigger than the island they were sailing from and had four levels of ground so to speak. There was the ground floor itself as all land locations have, an underground level, generally for subways and shelters. A risen level, much like a giant plate that covered a third of the city and finally, a level that was known as the 'Storm Walk', a massive armada of ships that stay no higher than a thousand feet above the city entirely. The Storm Walk was said to house a hive of Dragon Raid armies, in every airship, and there were more than ten of them.

Being made aware of how dangerous Haine was, made it all the more haunting as that was where Glim and his friends were destined to go. The Crimson Revolution Commander could be anywhere, on any of those spoken levels below the Storm Walk and that fact was the same for the prime minister of Crio. To think Jane was going after either one of them sounded like an impossible destiny.

Just over an hour later, land became visible through the thick fog, as the lapras had reached Lumineon Point, where the land that makes the right edge of the V channel curves sharply, becoming a regional coastline. It took a moment for Ariel to dock next to the shoreline that met the water, because she had to be a close as she could be, without wrecking the hull behind her. When she did, she made the call for everyone to leave the boat, because the lapras had no plans in staying. However, it only took a minute for everyone to leave the cargo and landing on the shallow freezing water. Beryl had the luxury of jumping onto Ariel's shell and being personally escorted onto the white sand metres from where they docked. The braixen felt a little guilty for that, but the lapras offered to do that and his friends encouraged him too, the water was cold enough to make them want an escort.

The cliffs that surrounded the narrow beach were covered in blue, grey and brown vegetation, meaning they were no longer in the coldest zone of Crio, but they were still on the northern coastline, which was still cold enough to get snow. Ariel and Beryl waited for the others to regroup and as Shadow was the first to bolt out of the water. Glim ironically felt the water to be at soothing temperature for him and was the last to leave the water. For a moment, it looked like Terri was still inside the boat, until the glaceon spotted her climbing down from Shadow's back.

Glim joined the rest of his friends on the white sand, which was when the lapras turned and said 'see ya, good luck.'

'W-wait!' called Karli, while Ariel appeared to slide so slickly into the water.

'I have to get to Liatrus by eleven and still have some way to go!' she replied, using psychic powers to reconnect her idle carriage to the harness on her shell. 'Good luck out there!' she said, before breathing out a massive stream of mist, fogging up the area around her. The lapras then swiftly swam away, disappearing into the fog.

'It would've been nice to get directions… or to know where the hell we are right now.'

Glim spoke. 'We're-'

'We're on Lumineon Point.' interrupted Shadow. 'We've only got to head south, right?' he said, looking at Angel, who slumped his backpack down, digging for his map.

'Hold on.' said Angel, pulling out his map and unfolding it. 'Here,' he said, kneeling down for his friends to see and pointing on the right tip of the V channel. 'This is Lumineon Point. There's no roads whatsoever down to Statice, so we'll just cross over to Larkspur and south again.'

'Right.' replied Shadow.

Suddenly Glim gasped quietly and his ears sprung up as he remembered what he was told about Larkspur Town. It was warned to be a 'slaughterhouse' and he alone would have to persuade his friends to avoid it.

'No, no wait!' cried Glim, suddenly surprised and shocked, which made his friends become wary.

'What?' asked Shadow, shocked by the glaceon's transformation.

'W-we can't go through Larkspur, haven't you heard about it? It's incredibly dangerous now.'

'Glim,' replied Angel. 'We're in a revolution, everywhere is dangerous.'

'Hold on, hold on.' interrupted Karli. 'What's happened to Larkspur?'

'Y-Yuki,' stuttered Glim. 'Yuki told me that that town has become a cult and are killing people who enter. Like- like Symphonia! Remember Shadow?'

The houndoom nodded very nervously. 'Yeah, but Glim, you're acting very shifty. Are you alright?'

The glaceon just paused, unable to think or say anything without getting any more suspicious than he already was.

The weavile asked 'why would Yuki tell you, but none of us?'

'Please, just trust me!' cried Glim, unable to think of any more ways to persuade them to avoid Larkspur.

Seeing the glaceon so desperate and serious all of a sudden did make the others wary, especially to Angel, who was only seeing his words to be suspicious. Shadow and Karli wanted to agree with Glim, knowing how depressive and innocent he can be, being a contrast to his funk there at the time. Beryl and Terri meanwhile are not sure of what is going on at all and instead looked at the other pokémon for their own state of mind on what Glim was warning them about.

'It is the most religious landmark in Crio.' said Shadow to the other curious pokémon.

'Is it?' asked Angel.

'Yeah, I was brought up in a Coronet, in Iris, and they sometimes spoke about Larkspur. Being some "sacred ground" or something.'

'I've heard of that.' Karli spoke up. 'Was there anything Yuki told you specifically, Glim?'

Having a moment to think gave the glaceon a chance to remember what the mysterious woman had told him. 'She just said that it wasn't in the papers yet and to avoid it at all costs.'

'I still want to know why she didn't tell any of us that.' said Angel, giving Glim a wary stare.

'Maybe she told Mercury, to tell us.' answered Beryl with a sad expression, also hinting to why they did not know.

The weavile then nodded and looked back at his map. 'Alright, then are only other way south, is to forge a path down the country side, down to Statice and we can worry about the Lake Mesprit boarder later. This map does not tell me about the terrain much, so.'

'Wait, where're we going?' asked Shadow.

'Over there.' Angel pointed slightly to his right, heading south, which passed through a cave, before they would hit any country.

Glim was relieved to have persuaded his friends to evade Larkspur, but to an extent he regretted it, as the journey through the miles of fields, hill woods and streams took hours and was very stressful. Nobody wanted to talk, under Angel's advice to not alert anybody of their presence, whether or not they were from the CR or Republic. Things got even worse when the storm came round after travelling the first eighteen miles. The cold rain and chilling winds were fine for the weavile, the glaceon, however Shadow, Beryl and Terri were naturally vulnerable in wet weather. The crew did not stop, since they were only a few miles from the village they intended to stop by.

Lightning struck as the six friends ran out of the woods, having joined some country road that led into the lush village. Rather like Jasmine, Statice was a beautiful village coated by flowers. Unfortunately the storm had not cleared and they had not thought about where they were going to stay. Angel at the front of the pack stopped under a large olden bus shelter on a roundabout. Shadow arrived just after the weavile, immediately shaking himself violently, flinging a lot of the water onto Angel.

'Oh- Shadow, thanks!' he complained.

'Sorry mate.'

Seconds later, the rest of the crew ran out of the heavy rain and under the giant wooden roof. Beryl and Terri were also desperate to shake off the water on them, though the braixen had a much less messier method, he instead went straight to grooming the water off him. Karli as well began squeezing her long blue hair and dress to free the rainwater. The glaceon seemed more content, since being cold was more comforting for an ice type.

'You guys wait here,' called Angel, looking at the nearby buildings. 'I'm gonna see if any of these are shelters, okay?'

Even though he was asking, the weavile did not wait for an answer and ran back into the rain in search of shelter. Due to the storm, Angel simply vanished in the visible winds carrying water.

Beryl and Karli continued to squeeze water off them as Shadow approached his little glaceon, who looked up at him, soaking wet. Glim seemed curious to why the big dog pokémon looked at him the way he did. Those big pretty eyes, complimented by his glistening crown and shining coat made him smile. Shadow sat down and proceeded to groom the glaceon, wiping off the water, though his paws and tongue were incredibly hot. Glim sat down too, feeling a little uncomfortable, but feeling that tongue going up the side of his face and behind his ear felt so satisfying.

Glim was not the only one to get some friendly treatment, Karli was less concerned about getting a cold and so went to help the pained braixen dry himself. Terri was keen to stay warm too and approached Beryl who physically felt warm to stand next to. He and Karli were continuing with their friendly grooming when the cranidos stood closely next to them. Beryl felt a little nervous about Terri being so close, but understood that she was just cold.

Angel came back, only minutes after he left. 'Okay! There's a village hall, down the road.' he said, pointing down the road he came back from.

One by one, the crew prepared for the harsh rain that began to slow down. The hardy weavile leaped back out into the rain and waited. Yelling 'go, go, go' as his friends ran out of the bus shelter. For some reason, after watching Shadow, Glim and Terri run out, Angel decided to stick his foot out as Beryl was passing him, causing him to fly and splash flat on his face in a massive rain puddle. Immediately, the weavile erupted in laughter, while Karli yelled out in despair for Beryl.

'Angel!' cried Karli. 'What the fuck was that for?'

Beryl quickly got up, miserable and furious, while Angel was having trouble in catching his breath. However, the weavile was guiltily waving his arms and with an expression that he was also apologetic and trying to apologise, except he could not stop laughing. Seeing the amusement from the weavile caused the braixen to light up in a burning fury, as he drew out his wand and began blasting a stream of fire, seemingly unaffected by the rain. Having anticipated the act of revenge, Angel legged it in the opposite direction, easily dodging what looked like a long wall of fire. The kirlia meanwhile, was a little shocked by Angel's mischief and Beryl's enragement, but it made her chuckle guiltily too. When the mischievous sharp claw pokémon ran off, still laughing helplessly, Beryl quickly calmed down, sort of.

'Fucking asshole!' he cried.

'C'mon Beryl.' said Karli, happily running by and taking his paw.

Up ahead, the rain began to slow down as Shadow stopped by a long olden building, made of uneven rocks, simply cemented together. A sign in front of it said 'Village Hall' and below it had 'open to refugees and survivors' painted on. The building looked like a Coronet with its primitive, artistic design, but similar buildings of that size were used as halls for all kinds of events.

Seconds later Glim and Terri came around the corner of hedges and enter the parking lot in front of the hall. The houndoom waited for them to spot the hall before he too ran inside the building that kept its doors open. Inside Shadow resisted shaking himself dry, as he was greeted by a male audino, leaving his desk.

'Welcome,' he said, in a caring tone, approaching Shadow, but looking at the door to see a glaceon and cranidos run in. 'Did you escape from Larkspur, or Haine?'

The houndoom also looked back, wondering why Karli, Angel and Beryl were not behind them. 'No, we're… wait, what's happening in Larkspur?'

The audino paused. 'Unless you're going there, it would be best if you didn't know.'

Glim looked up at him, sharing the look of unease and depression. At least the village could confirm for his friends about the town many miles north-west. The glaceon then turned round also, just in time to see the soaked, dirty braixen and kirlia running toward the building.

'Oh there they are.' said Shadow, who looked to the welcoming audino. 'We're from neither and just need a place to shelter right now.'

'Of course, of course.' replied the audino, bowing and pointing to the doors to his left. 'This may not be a luxurious home, but we have enough supplies and bedding to home refugees for now. So make yourself at home. My name is Azul and I'm one of the village doctors. If anybody is feeling unwell, please let me know.'

During his introduction, Beryl and Karli came inside, catching their breath when they stopped. The braixen however seemed more interested in cleaning himself up again.

'Will do.' nodded Shadow.

'Oh wait,' replied Azul, returning to his counter. 'Can I get your names, please? For quicker medical purposes. They can go on.'

'Okay.' the houndoom nodded at the doors and Terri was the first to open it and leave the room. 'So I'm Shadow, a houndoom.'

'No need to tell me your species.' he said, winking.

'Oh good, that was Terri who just left.' continued Shadow, as Karli and Beryl left the room as well, while Glim chose to stay. 'Karli, the kirlia and the other was Beryl, and here we have Glim.'

The audino quickly jotted down the names and species as quick as he could. 'Okay, done.' he said happily. 'I can only assume that I spelled your names right.'

'Oh… don't worry, I'm bollocks at…' said Shadow leaning back to see outside the front door again. He then looked at the sitting glaceon. 'Hey, where's Angel?'

Glim had a curious look, only looking through the same doors.

'Angel?' asked Azul.

'He's a weavile, he was just behind us as well.'

'I think I saw him a few minutes ago, shall I write his name down too?'

'Yeah yeah, I'm sure he'll be here soon. Glim, you go on, I'm going to wait for him.'

'Oh- okay.' replied Glim, nodding.

Down the corridor from the main entrance, the glaceon could hear the room neighbouring the corridor to be getting louder, the closer he got to the other side. At the end, he noticed a cinccino crying on the left side, holding tightly onto a mawile. Opposite the two, was the door into the hall. Glim gave one worrying look at the couple, unsure of what their relations were, but he quickly saw the still cold look from one of the mawile's eyes. That look sent a chill down Glim's back, the mawile was dead. Frightened, the glaceon quickly opened the door and entered the hall, unable to stay in that corridor.

The fright of seeing a dead young mawile eased the surprise of the hall being rather crowded. There were tables and tents with numbers all over the place. The noise was almost three times louder than what it was in the corridor. Despite the noise and activity, Glim was able to hear Karli calling his name to his right. The blue-haired kirlia was waving her arm quite far down the hall, where it looked a little emptier. The atmosphere was buzzing with activity, as if it was a nightclub for families, children were running around playing, while adults were sat anywhere the glaceon looked, either talking, comforting, sharing photos or bringing food.

'We've been given 138!' said Karli, pointing down the aisle she stood next to.

Glim could only assume that meant what tent they were staying in, which seemed to be the case. The kirlia was holding a blanket as she led the glaceon to where they were staying. The tents where surprisingly big on the inside as they each had a raised level, with room for at least two smaller pokémon. For that reason, Terri was already on the top bunk, which did not look safe at all, as it was just a few boards with a blanket held up by some poles. Beryl meanwhile was predictably drying himself with a towel, still appearing a little annoyed after Angel's stunt.

Karli knelt down, setting out her blanket, when Glim had something to ask. 'Um, do you know where Angel went? He didn't show up when you guys left.'

Beryl and Karli looked at each other, which then the kirlia chuckled. 'Um, I'm sure he'll come round. Y'know after he gives Beryl enough space.'

The braixen sighed angrily, gently grooming himself. 'I'm fine now, damn it!'

'Did- did I miss something?' asked Glim, with wide eyes.

The kirlia tried to resist giggling, waving her hands at Glim. 'Don't worry, he'll be back.'

About five minutes later, while the glaceon sat outside their tent to signal Shadow or Angel if they came in, the houndoom approached, he had a suspicious look on his face. Glim noticed him a little too late to tell him they were staying there, but he could sense that something was wrong as the houndoom peered into the tent.

'Hey Shadow.' said both Karli and Terri in unison.

He politely nodded in return, but seemed rather fearful as he fixed his gaze on the kirlia. 'Hey Karli?'

Noticing the tension, Karli paused. 'Yeah?'

'Someone is waiting outside, for you.'

Everyone in the tent stared at the surprised kirlia, all with the same curious look. However, her expression then turned into a look of both dread and annoyance.

'Tell me this isn't a dusknoir.'

The houndoom's eyes went from tense to pity, knowing he was terrible at lying. Shadow gave a cold nod to confirm her hunch.

Karli sighed. 'Can everyone come with me, for this?'

'Are we… going to fight him?'

'No… but I would like all your support with this, I've come too far now.'

With that, she stood and left the tent. Worried for her, Glim and Beryl tailed her and Shadow was keener on going wherever his boyfriend was going. The little cranidos also followed, unwilling to be alone. The kirlia seemed both frustrated and nervous, indicated by her serious expression, yet edgy movements.

Outside the village hall, Angel stood between the hall and an enormous plump ghost type pokémon, with muscular arms and a long grey cloak, draping from his back. He was floating there, since dusknoir have no legs, with arms folded and towering over the weavile. He was not moving and keeping his distance and surprisingly, the look on his one eye had a sense of peacefulness about it, despite the intimidation of such a pokémon. From what Azul could see from the entrance, it looked like that Angel was arguing with the giant ghost.

It had thankfully stopped raining, as the crew stepped out, one by one, at which point, Angel had stopped talking and glanced back to see the shiny kirlia step out first. The weavile took a step back letting the dusknoir and kirlia to see each other easier. Karli clenched her fists, nervous as hell, but resisting to show it.

'Hello dad.' she said.

Everyone else were silent, just watching the fire in Karli's eyes and the pressure emanating from her father just opposite. The tension was unbearable, even for outsiders like Glim and Shadow. The only innocent one was Terri.

'Wait,' she blurted. 'That's your daddy?'

The dusknoir had a surprised look in his eye, hearing the voice of the little cranidos, which then surveyed the others. 'Greetings, everyone.' he said so politely. 'I am assuming you are friends of Karli?' everybody nearby could only nod. 'My name is McGregor, I am indeed Karli's father.' the dusknoir and kirlia paused for a moment. 'Karli… you know why I am here, don't you? I am here-'

'I'm not going home!' Karli said.

The friends around her began getting paranoid of an ugly family scenario or even a fight, as McGregor sighed. 'Karli. If only you knew the worry you've been putting on me and your mother! Not only did you not return to stay in Iris, after the raid so I could find you. You instead ran all the way to Camellias and now intend to go to Haine, are you really that naïve!'

'I said I'm not going home dad! I've come too far and lost too many of my friends to turn back now.'

'That does not mean you have to die for them! You survived, my child. That is a privilege for any parent or friend, don't let your luck go to waste!'

'It's bigger than that! If I go home back to that hellhole, my luck really will go to waste. Crio is at revolution!'

'Which will not affect Stephanotis.'

'It will eventually! And I'm not dying cooped up, grounded for the rest of my life! Fuck off!' she shouted, cheeks burning red, while McGregor paused emotionlessly. 'You know how we'll settle this.'

'I was hoping, Karli, we could settle this more peacefully. But to know you haven't changed in spite of your journey, is a bit of a relief to me. But you are still just as stubborn as I am. Very well then.'

The dusknoir took off his robe, revealing the black armour he wore over his left arm and shoulder. Immediately, Shadow, Angel and Glim were calling out for them to stop as it was obvious that they were about to fight.

'Stop, stop, stop!' shouted Shadow.

'Don't fight!' cried Glim.

'This can be resolved peacefully!' continued Shadow, staring up at the dusknoir veteran.

'No, it can't.' said Karli. 'Unless you guys want your asses kicked, you'll stay out of this. Because… he will.'

'Well count me in!' shouted Angel. 'This just doesn't need to-'

Suddenly McGregor vanished into the floor before shooting up behind the weavile and giving him a brutal Brick Break to his back, breaking through his cold and dark intentions. Angel was sent flying metres away, quickly crashing into the hedge nearby.

'Angel!' shouted Shadow, as he and Glim took a random dive away, thinking that McGregor was going to attack them too.

Upon hearing the vicious cracking sound of the dusknoir's chop, Berly and Terri ran over to Angel, who urgently needing medical attention. Thankfully Azul had also heard the attack and was attending to the matter, running out from the entrance.

McGregor reappeared back to where he was only seconds ago. 'Stay out of this!' he roared. 'This, is a family matter.' Shadow looked over at Angel worriedly and back to Glim, who was safe, but also worried for Karli. 'You can have the first move as always, my child.'

'Do not underestimate me now dad!' said Karli, hitting the floor and summoning a Reflect barrier.

'That's not going to save you.'

McGregor lunged forward, attempting to simply break the Reflect with Brick Break, when he was suddenly hit back by the kirlia rising from the floor, the same way her father did. The attack only prodded him forward and made him grunt lightly, as he glanced round, charging his fist in electricity, but as he suddenly threw his fist, the Reflect spell swooped between Karli and the dusknoir, causing a massive echo and pushing the kirlia a little further away. She landed metres from where was likely to land after her first attack, but she fell to her feet perfectly. The barrier appeared before her again, which was not the only advantage Karli had, though she was unaware of it, the eviolite strapped to her neck was glowing a faint purple, severely pumping her up.

'Your use of Shadow Sneak has not gotten any better, Karli.' said McGregor. 'Let me show you how it's done.'

As before, the mighty dusknoir disappeared into the ground, but Karli knowing that technique well jumped up, pointing her Reflect downward as quickly as she could helped to deflect the fierce ascent McGregor gave when he rose. However her strategy appeared to worked, as the dusknoir fell back to the ground, but the impact also sent the kirlia much higher into the air. That however gave Karli a safe distance to use another attack. She summoned a load of leaves from thin air, which then quickly homed in on the fearsome dusknoir who began to levitate and cover himself with armour on his arm. Each of the leaves would barely make him flinch as he drew closer to the falling kirlia, who quickly became aware of her danger. She had flown some distance away from the hall and used Psychic to stop herself from impacting on the ground so hard. She rolled out of the collision she suppressed, landing on the lonesome road, between the hall and village square. As soon as she stood, she knew her father would be using his gravity to his advantage and pointed her Reflect upward, just in time to get smashed to pieces by McGregor using Brick Break. The force of his attack had shook the ground beneath them, causing the kirlia to fall back and roll back onto her feet again. Instead of another attack, McGregor paused, staring his daughter.

'Are you all right?'

Somewhat offended by the question, Karli summoned another Reflect to her advantage.

'You never give up. I guess I have myself to blame for that.'

McGregor stayed in place that time and attempted to break the barrier again, when he was suddenly met by another uppercut from the shadows below him. As before, it only belted forward, as he used the momentum to wing his hand round, making it certain to break the Reflect and as soon as it broke, he turned completely black and zoomed into the kirlia, knocking her several metres away. She yelled in pain, but not scream in agony, like she used to, thought the dusknoir. Something was very different about his daughter as she ground herself to a stop and stood without a regret.

Nearby, Shadow, Glim and Beryl left the parking lot, to watch the battle, in case their help was needed or if things got taken too far. Karli got roughed up from the last attack, but was visibly determined to fight on.

Predicting his moves, Karli took steps back, encouraging her father to use Shadow Sneak again. Her tactic had worked as the dusknoir turned black and instantly sunk to the ground, but since they were quite far from each other, she had enough time to summon yet another Reflect, causing McGregor to crash into it, knocking both himself and Karli back. However, the kirlia was quicker to regain her footing and retaliated with the same attack, that time, appearing over her father and stomping on his face. He crashed onto the ground, followed by enduring another set of Magical Leaf Karli quickly summoned.

As soon as Karli landed fiercely, metres away, McGregor sunk to the ground, gambling on mind games. However Karli had already predicted that and leaped forward, leaving her Reflect on the ground far behind her. Her gambit succeeded in falling the dusknoir who rose up, quickly breaking yet another barrier with Brick Break, only to be countered by the kirlia striking him from behind with another Shadow Sneak. That time, when McGregor got back up and Karli summoned her fourth Reflect, the dusknoir merely stood, staring at his daughter with a look of surprise and confusion.

'How on earth…' he said, trying to not sound breathless. 'Have you become so tough?'

Seeing a personal change within the eye of her father, Karli, still holding her stance and barrier decided to ask. 'Dad, we don't have to do this. I'm a big girl now. Let me go.'

For a moment, the dusknoir thought about it, remaining so silent. His breathing increased and sweat became more visible. It seemed even he was at a loss, until he saw one advantage. Having paused for so long, Karli's Reflect suddenly faded.

'No!' yelled McGregor lunging forward his darkened form.

Instantly knowing that she would not be able to summon another Reflect, the kirlia resorted to using Shadow Sneak also. Both of them disappeared roughly at the same time, but the dusknoir lunged out of the floor only a split second earlier, for being quicker than his daughter, who then struck him from behind once more. The mighty dusknoir fell down, catching himself as he did. A myriad of emotions went through him, agonised for being beaten by his daughter, amazement to know just how much stronger she had become and regret, because he was there to take her home, when she was clearly able to take care of herself. She had a lot friends too, so even if she was to fall, they would be there for her, as they did stand up the McGregor before their fight.

Karli landed hard, poorly breaker her fall, but quickly getting back to face her father once more if he was able. To her surprise, her father, remained looking downward, twitching in pain. That time, she was the one to ask the question as she stood straight.

'Dad?' she paused. 'Are you all right?'

The dusknoir looked up, still with his back to his daughter, several metres away. He could see Shadow and Glim, stood in awe, afraid to say or intervene. Beryl stood near Karli, hoping for the battle to be over, frequently glancing back at Angel, who was often yelling in pain. McGregor looked down again and shook his head.