The wait has finally ended! Part 2 of A Hero's Rebirth is here. I have decided to continue on the same story for two reasons: One, it's much easier to manage one story than three at the same time, if you count the Special Chapters, which is out too by the way. And two, I think it will be easier to understand. If you want me to split both of the parts into two separate stories, then tell me, and I'll consider it. Or start a poll. Have fun!
Chapter 24
The Blue Devil
Two figures appeared under the entrance to Treasure Town. The small town was filled to the brim with pokemon going about in their business. It was a famous town now. After all, it was the only one that still had a functioning explorer's guild, and was home to one of the best teams of the Region: Team Pokepals. Those who once laughed at the name now stayed silent and stared in awe when their members passed in front of them: Zed the Zorua, a pokemon from across the ocean that was considered to be the most silent creature to have ever walked on that land, and of course, the leader, Eric the Riolu, many times referred to as "The Blue Devil".
Some said he didn't have a heart, that he was a demon whose sole objective was to hunt down those who inflicted the law. Some said that he didn't even have a soul in fact, and he wasn't even a pokemon who wanted justice. He just wanted to fight, he wanted to hurt someone, and being part of an exploration team was an excuse to hurt. No one except the riolu himself knew. He didn't talk much now. Some who knew him from before thought that all of this happened because Elly the Eevee, previous member of the exploration team had disappeared. Some blamed him for her disappearance, and some blamed him from murdering her.
None of these rumors bothered the two visitants however. One of them, the smaller one walked ahead. Two seconds after speaking he spoke with the bigger one. - Treasure Town. Population as of this year is five hundred thirty-two pokemon. Three more will be born this day at half past seven, eight twenty-four of the afternoon and another one at eleven forty-six this evening. Only three hundred and twenty-two are capable of fighting and opposing resistance. Up this hill is Wigglytuff's Guild. Founded seven years ago, twenty-three members active. We only care about two of them, Eric the Riolu, Zed the Zorua. - He said. He looked at the bigger one, who had a hand under his chin. - What do we know about them? - He asked.
- Zed the Zorua, fifteen years old, turns sixteen on twenty fifth of May. Usually shy when meeting new pokemon, though proves to be open and warm to those he values as friends. Born in a far away region. No information gathered about this land Mildly powerful abilities to attack his enemies, though mostly in self defense. Expert in disguise and taking the paper of those who he replaces. - He stopped talking then. The bigger shape looked at him. - And what about the riolu? - He asked. The smaller one didn't answer immediately, and instead breathed in deeply.
- E... Eric the Riolu. Age... Unknown... Extravagant at first, though has evolved into... an emotionless state because of the lose of her loved one, Elly the Eevee. No more information about this conflict is known, neither about the riolu except the possession of exceptionally powerful abilities which are in theory impossible for a riolu to possess. Level of mastery of aura is comparable to the one of a shiny lucario. He is an all around perfect fighter, and a born leader. - He said. The bigger one, who was floating over the air, got in front of him.
- Interesting... Then let's go meet our friend shall we? - He said. The smaller one didn't walk. - They aren't here right now. If they were to be here the town would be in a much agitate state. Eric is known for training in the dojo in town, and sometimes children and cubs gather around to try and see him train. Zed on the other hand sometimes help in the guild, and can many times be seen buying things in the shops, a trail of girls following him, as they consider him "cute". However, none of these are present right now, and Team Pokepals does not stay in the guild for the day. Both of them are out in a mission, so we must wait. - He said. His voice didn't change it's tone in any moment, and sounded cold and frank.
The bigger one looked at him. - Is that the case? Well.. Then we'll have to wait. - He said, smiling. He floated over to some stairs that lead down into the ground. - Shall we? - He asked, before heading downstairs, the smaller one going after him.
(Won't stop, just go! - Sonic Adventure 2)
- Holy shit! - The mankey shouted, as he began running away. Zed noticed him, but since he was still tangled up with the other two mankeys, he could go after him. - Eric! - He shouted. But he was too slow for the riolu, who was already running after the fugitive. The mankey rushed through bushes and tall roots alike, the abnormal trees makng them rise from under the ground to a considerable height. The mankey broke through some of them and instantly fell down a slope, getting back up on his feet as fast as possible and running like the devil was coming for him. Well, in that situation the devil was, in fact, chasing him. Eric the riolu, known as the blue decil was chasing him through the forest of giant trees. The riolu in question didn't skip a beat, and when he came up to the slope, he didn't slide down He jumped up as high as he could and on top of some branches. And then he started jumping from branch to branch at a blinding speed.
Now the chase was really on, as both of them saw how trees passed like a blur. Of course, Manket had an easier time than Eric, since the riolu also had to dodge small branches that stuck out from the sides of tree as well as jumping from branch to branch and not missing a single one. If he did, he would fall ten meters to the ground, probably hurt himself, though not really wound him and worst of all, lose the criminal in front of him. He certainly wasn't going to allow that to happen, as he kept on jumping, his speed making the wind buffeting his face as he skiped past some spinarack trying to make a colony. He almost tripped on the webs, but it gave him a nice idea of how to catch the criminal. He intentionaly undershot a jump, grabbing the next branch, swaying for a second before dropping to the ground, rolling on contact with the dirt and immeidately running after the outlaw.
Running on the ground was much easier than running on the land. However, Mankey noticed the rioul chasing him and decided to do something to get him off his tail. He was an expert in multi-tasking and even while running, he could focus to open his bag and grab some blast seeds, throwing them behind him. Far from going blind, Eric saw these seeds and jumped into a tree so to avoid the blast. Using the momentum provided b y the explosion, as well as the impulse he got from jumping off the side of tree he managed to get even closer to mankey. Soon, a knocked over tree came into view, and the outlaw jumped over it. Eric however, decided to slide under it.
He calculated and once he was close, he pulled his weight back, lowering himself as he was scrapping the ground with his back, one leg in front of the other. He grazed the tree with the tip of his nose, and once out from under it, he used his paws to impulse himself forward and back up to his feet, not skipping a beat and dashing forward almost instantly. While mankey needed a second to calculate the jump, Eric didn't really need any time to think what to do, thus allowing him to catch up to him. While Mankey was now the one jumping from branch to branch, Eric was the one running on the ground, jumping over any obstacles, sidestepping so as to avoid trees and also managing to vault over another knocked over tree. Soon, he found himself just below the mankey. Taking profit of the fact they were now entering a more jungle like area of the forest, Eric began seeing vines dangling from the lower branches.
He smirked, as he jumped into the air, grabbing a vine and using his momentum forward to jump up to the level the mankey was running. He flipped around in the air, right in front of the mankey and going over him. Time seemed to slowdown, as the riolu closed his eyes. It took him two seconds to land on a branch, he only needed one to focus enough to concentrate aura in his body. Once on the branch, he began jumping from branch to branch while putting his paws together and summoning an aura sphere. It was of small size, strong and fast enough to throw the mankey off the branches. He threw it as he calculated the next branch the mankey would step on. He was right on, as the brnach blew up as the pokemon stepped on it, making him fall forward.
However, he grabbed a vine and used his speed to impulse himself forward, jumping for another one and repeating the process, keeping his momentum and trying to cover as much ground as possible. Eric noticed that the monkey pokemon was going a bit faster by using this strategy. So he dedided to imitate him, as he overshot another jump and grabbed the nearest vine and began jumping from vine to vine like a monkey. If one was to see them both jumping in the forest, they would think they were both mankeys, though one of them was blue and moved like a blur. Eric finally caught up to the criminal, as he proved to be the better monkey by jumping even faster. He grabbed the mankey's shoulders, stopping him from grabbing the next vine as they both fell to the ground, Mankey hitting the ground with his back first.
They slid for about teen feet before Mankey kicked Eric off him. The riolu spun in the air and managed to land on his feet, while the mankey struggled to get back up even after stopping. The pokemon charged for the rioly. He focused all his energy in his right paw, though instead of making an aura sphere, he opened his fist and slammed his palm right in his face. The result was the mankey being violently hurled backwards, spinning like a ragdoll, howling in both fear and pain as he crashed through everything in his way: trees, branches, bushes, roots... everything seemed to be destroyed when he touched it. He grazed the ground, bouncing up again as he started loosing speed. He touched the ground once again, this time bouncing a little shorter than before until he began bumping on the ground before he slid right into a huge tree, making him stop on the spot.
(Stop the music)
The mankey was already unconscious the instant Eric hit him, but the whole flying, crashing and sliding into a tree ordeal contributed to make several of his wounds worse than they already were. The mankey was lying upside down, his tail falling down to his chest as his backside was up against the tree while his torso was lying on the ground, his head resting on the dirt and his arms stretched out. Some giant leaves fell from the tree and covered the pokemon, though Eric could still see his tail. He yanked it and pulled it from his shoulder like the pokemon was a sack of potatoes, dragging him across the dirt back the way they came. Eric didn't really know what there had headed, but he just had to follow the trail of destruction they had left to find his way back to zed. Dragging the mankey proved to be difficult because of the fact that he often got stuck on the dirt, and didn't really help at all.
Eric stopped next to a tree and kicked it with his right leg. He waited for a few seconds as a big green leaf floated down to him. The leaf was almost as big as him, maybe wider. He put the mankey on it and started dragging him again. The leaf made the task much easier than before, and the fact that Zed was already following the already mentioned path Eric and the fugitive had left behind, he almost bumped into Eric, as he didn't notice him at first. He was focusing on the other five mankeys, all members of a gang that had brought a couple of headaches to Sheriff Magnezone. In just five hours, they were chased, found, beaten up and ready to be deputed and sent do jail. That's basically how Team Pokepals acted now. Now, they were tied up together by a rope that bound their paws together as well as keeping them close enough to they wouldn't run off.
Zed looked at Eric, dropping the extreme of the rope from his mouth and stomping on it. - Knew I'd find you if I headed this way. - He looked at the mankey, and noticed it's many wounds. - Wow. I've seen you leave a mark in the criminals you hunt down but... - He looked around. - Man, I've never seen you mess up a place this way. - He looked at the riolu, who was tying the mankey's feet at the other end of the rope. He didn't say anything, as he walked up to Zed, who groaned in annoyance. - Are we really going to have to drag that one as well? - He asked. Eric stared at him. - Well, if you want to carry a sweaty mankey then you're more than welcome. Another thing we can do is leave him to rot here. Personally, I prefer the last option. - The riolu said coldly. He walked up to the zorua and grabbed the rope. He pulled from it, making the prisoners stare at him and begin walking, as they resumed their walk back home.
Zed sighed. - Alright then Eric... - He said, really sad. His friend had changed... quite a lot. "It had all began after that New Year's Eve night... When that huge water bird appeared out of nowhere and kidnapped Elly... Pidgeot and Eric flew after her... But she didn't come back once they returned. Pidgeot was all around ok, as he didn't remember much as he was knocked out by an attack but... Eric was just a wreck. He didn't speak to anyone once he arrived, and Pidgeot said that he hadn't pronounced a word. We were all really worried for him as he stayed in his bed for a whole day... But we grew worried sick as he didn't eat, or drink for about two weeks straight... He was like in some kind of trance... Nobody knows what was going through his head during that time... But one day, he just rose form his bed and... he was the riolu he was now." He mentally told himself. He looked at his friend again, his gaze lost somewhere else. Somewhere far away from where they were.
Something in that forest changed him. For the worst. Maybe he was an exceptional fighter now, and a great service to the ETF, but... As a pokemon... he didn't even look alive. He was a machine, always doing the same routine: getting up early, selecting a mission, finishing said mission and then going into Marowak's Dojo for the rest of the day. Only the owner knew what he did in there, and he said that he had never seen that much anger in a creature. As a friend however... Eric was simply dead. He was still alive and kicking, but the way he talked... the way he moved, he fought... It had all changed drastically. The Eric everyone once knew was dead now.
And many knew. Some old friends had left his side, as the relations with the other guildmembers had gone cold, even with the Guildmaster, who avoided him most of the time. He didn't have dinner with anyone else, and even though everyone tried as hard as they could to keep a normal way of living... They could feel his presence, and that was more than enough to made everyone feel sad or anguished. Many of the shop owners that he had once been friends with, like Electro, had forgotten about him. Well, not exactly really... Zed talked with them. They were all worried sick about him, but... They just couldn't do anything for him. He never went to Spinda's Cafe anymore... Or dropped by to buy things at the Kecleon Market, or check on his goods in the storage... Not even the money bothered him. He didn't seem to care about anything else, other than training.
And he trained hard. Really hard. Marowak once appeared at the guild, pleading for help. He said that Eric had finally gone insane and was breaking down the dojo. Once they got inside of the building however, they were surprised to see that the structure was intact, but all the dummies that were in the room, either hanging from the ceiling, standing on the ground or pinned on the walls were now piles of wood, straw and sometimes even molten metal. He was lying in the middle of that whole mess, bruises and burnt marks on his fur and body, fragments of wood stuck in his flesh, while he was holding an iron bar that he had used to bash a dummy's head, splintering the wood and making a notch in the metal.
It was just... scary to say the least. Nobody knew what went trough his head, even in those moments when he was focused on something or resting. He in fact never really seemed to rest at all. He was always moving, or mumbling something incoherent. Zed knew this because, after all, he was one of his, if not, his closest friend. He never really gave up on him. He sometimes saw the old Eric under that cover of sadness. Like just a second ago, when he had proposed leaving the mankey behind. It was a twisted sense of humor of course, but he was still throwing out those comments.
He thought about all of this while they walked back to treasure town. The job they had just completed had taken place in Giant's Forest. It was a strange place, but to be honest, was there any normal palce in the world nowadays? The forest was filled with huge trees, about thirty meters high. The concept itself was already impossible, but what was impossible was to believe that the forest had appeared in one night. Specifically the night of New Year's Eve. That huge forest had appeared out of nowhere, and the same with a huge rock formation, located where the hot spring had previously been. No one dared to come close to that mountain. Some say that by the shape it looked like a fortress, but no one really knew. That's why they had called it "Rock Fortress".
These two new areas hadn't been investigated thoroughly at all, but some said that it all had something to do with Team Uncario, the guys who apparently were behind Elly's kidnap as well. No one knew anything about them, other than what Eric had told them, and it was obvious he hadn't explained everything he knew. After giving a detailed description of the members that were alive they had been put as extremely dangerous criminals and to be handled by experts at the ETF, while everyone tried to go back to their normal lives. However, he knew as much as everyone that nothing was going to be normal from that moment.
They finally got to treasure town, and they went straight into town, going through the middle of the streets with the six mankeys following them. The pokemon that were passing by either stood there, looking at both the team and the outlaws, or some walked away hastily, hoping to avoid getting in Eric's way. The fact that no one really accepted him anymore didn't seem to bother the riolu at all, and they got to the police block in a few minutes. The building was a strange cubic structure, the emblem of the police, a bolt striking through a badge right on top of the entrance, which was open all day. Some magnetites who were standing guard next to the doors hurried up to them and grabbed the rope and lead the criminals inside. Right after that, Sheriff Magnezone came out of the building. By the time he was out, Eric was already gone.
- Zed! Good to see you! - He said. He waved his way. - Come in and have a chat. We need to talk. - He said. The zorua nodded as he walked in. The inside of the building was a bit less impressive, though it had undergone some changes since last time. There was a hole on top of the ceiling, through the which came both sunlight and Pelippers who delivered the missions and messages. Under this hole, a few magnetites were organizing the letters, putting them in bags and taking them to the guild if they were normal missions. Special missions were either handled by the police itself or high-tier exploration teams, which they contacted immediately via a post system that was run by the Pelippers themselves. To the right was a wooden door, with a bolt engraved on it. Magnezone floated over to this one and opened the door. - Come in. - He invited the zorua, who gladly took the invitation.
Magnezone's office wasn't really big. It was a cubic room, with gray stone walls, a huge window and a desk in the middle, on top of which many papers could be seen. He walked to the side, where a cupboard could be found. He opened said cupboard and brought out two glasses and a bottle. - Want some? - He asked. Zed shook his head. - I don't really drink anything that has alcohol, I'm still fifteen sheriff. - He said. The sheriff laughed. - Don't worry! It's just gummy juice, bought this very morning from the cafe. Hope you like a mix of gray and yellow gummy, because it's my favorite. - He said, serving a strange slightly dark yellow colored liquid in the glasses. - But come on, sit down. - He said, pointing at a chair at the other side of the desk.
Zed jumped up and sat on it, grabbing the glass of juice with his paws. He tastes it. It wasn't really displeasing, but it wasn't something he enjoyed drinking either. His face showed his thoughts, as the Magnezone laughed. - Looks like you didn't really enjoy it! Anyways... - He took a sip of his glasss and possitioned himself on the other side of the desk. - You're probably wondering why I've brought you here and not Eric. - He began. Zed shook his head. - It can't be for the mission reward, he's the one that manages that stuff right? - The magnezone nodded. - The money has been transferred to the guild, so don't worry about it. I'm here to talk with you about something else. - He said.
- This morning, I walked into Spinda's Cafe to buy this very bottle, when I noticed someone sitting at the bar. It was the Great Dusknoir! - He said, excited. However, Zed tiled his head. - The Great Dusknoir? Who's that? - He asked. - He's one of the best explorers out there, and he has received many awards from the ETF, as well as his companion Jake the Sneasel. - Zed listened to him and nodded. - Alright, but what does that have to do with me or Eric? - He asked. Magnezone smiled. - Well, turns out he's heard a lot of stories about your team, and wants to meet both of you in person! - He said, really excited for some reason. He had to be some kind of fan of the explorer. - Ok, I think that's going to be easier said than done. You know how Eric is... - He said.
The sheriff's face went grim. - Yeah... He's changed quite a lot... and for worse too... But I think he'll be glad to talk with Dusknoir. If you think about it they are both similar. - He said. Zed snorted. - So you mean they are both sadistic pokemon who go around beating up criminals just for the sake of doing so? - He asked. Magnezoe shook his head. - No. They are similar because they are both great explorers. - He said, a bit annoyed. Zed closed his eyes and sighed. Even though Eric was his friend he sometimes got a bit fed up with him. He looked at the sheriff as he opened his eyes. - Alright, I'll see what I can do. - He said, as he jumped off the chair. Magnezone coughed as he was about to get out of the room. - Are you going to drink that? - He asked Zed, pointing at his glass. The zorua looked back, and shook his head. As the dark type got out of the room, Magnezone was already gulping down the other glass.
Once Zed got out of the Police Department, he headed straight for Spinda's Cafe. He guessed that Dusknoir would still be there, as Magnezone had told him the famous explorer was there that morning. However, just as he was about to go into the cafe, he saw a large group of pokemon around someone up the stairs in front of the guild. He decided to check what was going on, so he walked up to find out. He saw many pokemon he knew from view, but he recognized many of the guildmembers as well in the middle of the mass of pokemon. In the center of the crowd a Dusknoir could be seen, as he was much bigger than the rest. The dusknoir also noticed Zed, as he instantly made his way through the crowd to talk with the zorua.
- Zed the Zorua I suppose. There aren't many zoruas around here. - He said, as he reached out his right arm. Zed extended his upper left paw and shook hands with him. - Y.. es... I've he.. ard a lot ab.. out you mister! - He said, stuttering a bit. He was a bit thrown back because of the fact that had never heard about him, and he felt embarassed for it. - This is my companion, Jake the Sneasel. - He said, as said pokemon walked out from behind him. - Pleasure to meet you. - He said, as he bowed. Zed was really embarassed now. Both of them were really polite, and he didn't know what to say. The crowd around them started dispersing. - Well, I do believe you know why I have come to this town don't you? - He asked. Zed nodded. - Yes, I'll take you to Eric. But... I have to inform you sir that... he is a bit... touched. - He said shyly.
The dusknoir looked at him with interest. - Touched? What do you mean? - He asked. - Well... you see he lost his signifcant other three months ago and... He's not the same riolu we all know. He's changed quite a lot. I tell you this because I don't want you to get alarmed if he says anything rude by any chance. - He said. With that, he started walking down the stairs. - This way. He should be in the dojo, training. - Zed explained, both of the famous figures following him. They went back into town and he lead them to the left, heading to Marowak's dojo. However, they didn't find traces of Marowak anywhere, or Eric for that matter. Zed was confused. He didn't know where he could've gone. Zed looked at dusknoir.
- Well, if he isn't here... there's only one other place he goes to. He must be on top of the Sharpedo Bluff, meditating. He goes there whenever he finishes training. However, I have to take care of some... errand. - He said. The truth was that he just wanted to leave them. He didn't feel comfortable when he was around them. He started walking away slowly, still looking at them. - See you... - He said, before turning around and walking away, a bit hastily this time. Dusknoir stared at the zorua. - You were right. He is shy. - He looked at the dojo. - I do believe that our friend finished his business here and went to meditate. You may stay behind and gather information about anyone else of interest. - He told the sneasel.
Jake looked at him coldly. - Is there anything you want to know specifically, master? - He asked. Dusknoir thought about it for a second. - Find out anything you can about what happened on New Year's Eve. Ask around in the guild, you may get info from there. Use our "popularity" and our interest in stopping Team Uncario as an excuse to get the information. If they don't comply, do not insist. We must keep our cover. - Dusknoir explained. The sneasel nodded and they both parted ways, each with a task in mind.
He had been training for a week straight, yet he still couldn't do it. He still couldn't use an aura projection. He had read about it in one of Slew's books about aura techniques and aura knights. He wanted to master this technique in hopes of being able to search for Elly. As soon as he though of her, he felt his guilt overcoming him again, the pain in his chest getting stronger with each second. He dismissed those thoughts and returned to meditation. He had to do it. It was the only way. In this state, he very sensitive to any kind of energy that surrounded him, and of course, it didn't take him long to notice the aura of a pokemon behind him. His eyes shot open, though he didn't turn around to look at him.
- Who are you? - He asked. The pokemon behind him coughed. - I am The Great Dusknoir, a famous explorer that has heard of your adventures and wanted to meet you in person. - He said. Eric smirked, as he closed his eyes. - Congratulations then, you've done it. You've met the biggest asshole in the history of this world. I hope the trip was worth it, because now you've got to go back to where you came, though this time with the feeling that maybe you shoudl've never met me in person. - He said coldly, hoping that he would leave. Dusknoir smirked. - Well, aren't you a bit harsh? The stories I've heard about you say a lot of things about the adventures you've had. You truly are something special. - Dusknoir said, getting his attention.
Eric began chuckling, as he rose from the ground, his eyes still closed. - Special? Yeah, I think that defines me well. Those stories you've heard probably tell you about how I stopped a dangerous outlaw on my first mission, or saved hundreds of pokemon, or even fought a legendary and survived. But let me tell you, you don't know anything about me. In reality, I am a traitor, a coward and overall the biggest fucker you could imagine. That's who I am. - He said, turning around with his last words and staring at the dusknoir. He was much bigger than him, but his size wasn't even close to intimidating him. - Now, I suggest you turn around and head the way you came before I keep on exposing to you how horrible of a pokemon I am. -
He said, turning around to face the setting sun. Dusknoir's smirk disappeared from his face. - I've been told that you've been like this since last New Year's Eve. Does this have something to do with Elly? - Eric's breathing stopped, as his eyes went wide open and froze completely. He slowly turned around to face him. - How do you know that? - He asked, his voice sounding even more gloomy than before, and much more deep. This didn't bother the pokemon. - Everyone knows it. Her loss has put you like this, though no one knows what happened exactly... - He began saying, the riolu stared at him, his face showing pure anger. - You do not know anything! None of you do! You think it's as simple as that?! That she hasn't come back?! Is that all you think that happened?! You're just another pokemon who wants to know how bad I fucking felt! - He shouted, inching towards him. - That just wants to find out so they can put it in front of a fucking newspaper! - He shouted. Dusknoir started backing away.
- You want to feel sorry for me?! Well, let me fucking tell you, I do not need your misery! I do not need you feeling sorry for me! I do not need anyone at all! I don't deserve anyone! - He shouted as loud as he could, his voice echoing around, and probably being heard down at the beach and in treasure town. Dusknoir was staring at the riolu, who was as angry as he could be. - Now, leave me alone. - He said, spitting out every single word. He walked past him and headed for treasure town when Dusknoir called him. - It doesn't have to be this way! You can... - An aura sphere flew past his head, grazing the left side of it. The projectile exploded a few feet behind him, the blast radius was actually pretty big, but it didn't knock him off. He didn't move, as the riolu's eyes stared right at him. - I don't deserve any help. Not after what I've done. - He said. Eric then walked off into town, leaving Dusknoir there.
Eric didn't find anyone on his way back to the guild. He didn't want to find anyone. It was better that way. He got up the stairs and went down into the guild. The guildmembers were talking and going about their usual tasks, and eh was thankful they either didn't notice him or ignored the riolu. He went straight to bed and laid on his bed, located right next to the far wall of the room. He closed his eyes, and laid there for a few minutes. He didn't want to think of where he was know. It was their room... with him and her... But not anymore. She wasn't with him. Not anymore. He heard Chimecho calling everyone for dinner, but he didn't rise from bed. He didn't want to eat. He just wanted to sleep, he just wanted to forget it all... He just wanted it to end...
He was back in the cursed forest, with a torch in hand and walking through the darkness, tears in his eyes. He had lost it all... Everything that he cared about... was gone. And probably forever... because it was his fault, and his fault only... He grabbed another of the dead eevees and took it to another ditch in the dirt, where the carefully rested it on the ground. After that, he put dirt over the improvised grave and went to grab another one. Each corpse stole a small part of his soul with him. In the end, he began making the process with the precision of a machine, gotten used to carrying the cold bodies on his shoulder, depositing them carefully in the dirt and closing their eyes, letting them go to sleep forever...
Finally... after hours... Thirty one new graves could be found in the deepest part of the forest... Thirty one lives that had ended because of one pokemon's fault... His fault. He looked at the small graves. What had happened before... and what all of them could've done... It didn't matter anymore. They were dead. Any dreams they wanted to accomplish, any loves they had, any games they wanted to play, or any lives they wanted to live... It didn't matter anymore. It was all over. Because of his fault. Why was it his fault? He didn't know that Tantius would go and slaughter everyone in the forest, right? So, why did he feel guilty?
Easy. Because he had let them there. Twice in fact. First, Inpetus, and then Blake. Booster was right from the very moment he met them. He would only bring trouble. His actions had killed them all. He closed his eyes, falling on his knees and vomiting on the floor. The area around him smelled like rot. The dirt, the trees, himself... They all smelled like rot. The forest was rotten. It's inhabitants were rotten. His soul was rotten, slowly being munched away by an increasingly more painful feeling of guilt and sorrow. He whimpered, as tears stream from his eyes. He had betrayed them all. A promise he had made, barely twelve hours ago, of never leaving her side ever again... And he had broken it already... If he just, hadn't let go of her when she was asleep. If he didn't try to find Blake... She wouldn't have killed her mother... She wouldn't have ran off, leaving him alone... None of that would've happened... They would've just gone back home... Plan out a strategy to bring down Blake once and for all...
But no. He had fucked everything up. He had let go in the worst moment, taken away from the one he loved just because of his thirst for revenge for the ones that had died. He screamed into the air, as he hit himself. He was worthless. He hit himself again. The lowest of the lowest. A liar. A traitor. A loser. Each of these concepts burned into his mind like the bruises from his punches. He dropped to the ground, falling on the mud, crying and sobbing. That was the only thing he could do best. Cry for the loss of those that he loved the most. He turned around, lying on his back, looking at the sun. The light burned into his eyes, and anguish rose from his stomach again, almost vomiting, tasting the bile before in went back down. That was what he deserved. To be in pain.
His eyes shot open. Once again, he had remembered that day where he had lost everything. That night when his old, foolish self died, giving birth to a wreck of creature, dragged back to it's home by it's worrying friends... If only they knew... The things it had done... The guilt that built up in his body... They would've felt him rot in that forest. Rot with those that he had killed. Left him to be dragged to the deepest parts of hell, to experience the most painful of eternal sufferings... Because that was what he deserved. That was what should've happened, but... Fate had other plans, as death visited him, and instead of taking it's hand... he spat at it. And punched his own face. He wouldn't let himself go that easily. He would pay for his mistakes, and make the world a better place. For the sake of everyone else except himself.
He didn't deserve to die. If he died, he would only take up someone else's place in hell. He wasn't going to die for nothing. But he was going to life for something. Even if that life was a living hell by itself, it would only give him a taste of what was to come from him once he expired. He couldn't sleep through the whole night, as his nightmares hunted him, his best dreams being the ones where he saw himself die. Where he saw himself being torn apart, or drowning... or just throwing himself off a cliff or hanging himself... He was going mad, he was sure of that. Any sane pokemon in his place would've ended it all already. But he was going to make himself suffer, because he didn't deserve death. He only deserved pain. And it was only pain he would find.
He rose from his bed. It was still night, and everyone was sleeping. He didn't care, as he walked out of the room and went to the stairs, climbing up silently. Dugtrio, who was standing guard that late at night didn't notice him as he slipped right behind him, going down the steps and heading through town at a snail's pace, savoring every shudder his body gave at the cold winds that blew that night. Spring was on it's way, but he couldn't care less. It wouldn't be anything else but three months of flowers blooming. After that, summer would come. He hoped he would dry from not drinking and die of dehydration, but then again, he knew he wouldn't let that happen. Not yet at least.
He got to the sharpedo bluff, as the moon was shining high up in the sky, the stars twinkling and giving off their own small light. He didn't care about neither of those things. He sat on the edge again, crossing his legs and closing his eyes, and started to meditate again. What did he meditate about? He didn't know. He could't stay calm, which was the basic for meditation, so it was overall a waste of time. But, after all, there was nothing he could do with those sleepless hours other than meditate or re-read the same books about mind-health that Zed had brought him from Slew's library...
Zed... He was a companion... Someone to share adventures with... but not a friend. He didn't have friends anymore. The guildmembers had abandoned him, obviously because of his violent behaviour when they asked him about his state or what had happened. The pokemon that lived in town. He almost didn't talk with anyone else. He let Zed do the talking. He just worried about one thing: training. Becoming harder, stronger, faster and more intelligent... To outsmart his enemies, to beat them to a pulp, to rush into danger and get out alive, to survive the most dangerous of situations... And to get his revenge. If there was something that hadn't changed in those three months, was the thirst of revenge for those who had hurt him.
Blake, Nymphe... Haunter... All those names made his blood boil, made his heart race and his eyes open and go bloodshot. He wanted them dead. All of them. Lying on the floor, bleeding, beaten up to such a state they wouldn't even recognize themselves... Pleading for him to end their suffering... But instead he would make it longer. Make it as long as he had made it to himself. Make them taste the repercussions of their actions. And then, he would finish them. And he would die with them. And he would befriend the devil himself, and torture the fuckers until the end of time! He slammed his fist against the stone. He hurt himself, as his fist hurt for the next few seconds. He would make them pay. He promised himself. He promised to everyone. And he promised to her. They would all pay.
He kept meditating, his senses slowly sharpening, letting him be more aware of his environment: the wind blowing against every hair of his fur, the sound of the waves crashing against the sharp rocks at the bottom of the bluff, the smell of the sea, which brought more memories to him. He remembered the day he met her. At that time, she didn't trust him, and she called herself Eevee. He remembered what he answered. "So, your name, is Eevee the Eevee? Yeah, sure..." He remembered. He felt a tear come out of his eye, as he remembered those moments with her. When they joined the guild, their first fight together, when they argued, when he rescued her... All those moments where they stood together and fought against whatever came their way. Those moments were the ones he truly cherished... and at the same time, the moments he wanted to forget.
He wanted to forget her. He didn't deserve her. None of the memories he had from her. The sound of her voice, her laugh, her face, her sky blue eyes, the brownish tone of her fur, the taste of her lips... He dind't want those memories. But, even after trying his hardest to put those memories in the bottom of his heart, and bury them in a layer of pain and suffering, even after trying to forget them... They still came back, and he cried long and through for her loss, even if he hated himself for loving her. Because he didn't deserve love her, or love anyone else. He didn't deserve anything else other than pain, not even death. It was in this state... when one could say he was his true self. He suddenly felt a presence behind him. His eyes opened wide as he got up and turned around. - Long time no see... Rish -
It was haunter.
(Mellohi – Minecraft)
- You... - Eric started. Haunter smiled. - I see you've changed a lot, from that annoying brat to an emotional wreck. - He laughed out loudly. - You know, you actually remind me of myself when you killed her. How's the taste of your own medicine... friend? - Eric stared at him intensely, hatred building up. - You dare show your face... after what you did?! You've got a nerve... - He said, hissing. Haunter smirked. - Says the guy who just forgot about everything, decided to move and go Carpe Diem on his past. In a nutshell, you're one to talk you piece of shit. - Haunter calmly said. Eric frowned. - No matter how many times I tell you, you still keep on thinking I am that Rish you are looking for. I am not a... -
Haunter interrupted him. - A murderer? Wow, you actually have the guts to say that after everything that's happened recently? - Eric stared at him, really surprised. - How did you find out?! - He asked, raising his fist. Haunter flew back. - The hills have eyes Eric, I eventually get to know if something interesting happens. - Eric felt a shiver run down his spine, as his mind suddenly clicked. He was just as despisable as Haunter had described him... In other words, he could very well be Rish! Haunter licked his lips and laughed as he noticed Eric's face changing into one of horror.
- Ohohoho! This is just too good! Allow me to rub salt in the wound however. You see, a little birdie has told me that a certain Eevee, who goes by the name of Elly, is currently hiding in the Amp Plains, to the north of here. - Eric's ears perked up, as he looked at him and a glint of hope appeared in his eyes. However, Haunter gave him his most wicked of smiles as he continued. - I know, I couldn't hold my excitement either when I heard the news... I finally had a chance of letting yourself feel the pain I felt when I lost my love, but... Let's just say that someone else was really happy to hear these news as well, someone who goes by the name of... Blake I believe... -
(Stop the music)
Eric looked at him, horrified. - He is already on his way to the Amp Plains, while I came here to to inform you that she is basically dead. In this very moment, he may or may not be biting down on her neck, or stabbing her with his paws, cutting her throat or... - Eric charged into him, but Haunter avoided him by flying up. He rose his index finger and waved it around, making "tsk" noise with each move. - Now now, don't get so feisty with me. I am just here to inform you, I am not the one that's going to kill her. You know what they say... Don't shoot the messenger... - He said, laughing madly while hovering over Eric. His anger built up to levels not even he knew, as he jumped up so high up that he stomped on his head and slammed him into the ground, earning a loud scream from the ghost type and making a loud crash noise, shaking the ground.
(Vs. Dark Samus – Metroid Prime 2)
Just as he landed, a rock was violently hurled at him, and Haunter rose from the dust, really angry as well. - Is that so?! Have it your way then! - He shouted, as he rose to the ground, began glowing purple and charged into Eric, aiming to grab his neck. The riolu however, rolled to the right, dodging the grab and punching the haunter in its' side, but the gohst type disappeared and he didn't hit anything. He reappeared to his right and delivered a blow with a shadow veiled punch, making the riolu fly backwards. He managed to cross his arms and block the attack, pushing back the haunter as well. However, the later was the first one to step into the fight, charging into Eric again and this time successfully grabbing his neck, both of them flying back into Treasure Town.
Haunter's grip around Eric's neck was really strong, but Eric grabbed his dismembered hands and bit down. The ghost type howled in pain and let go of Eric, who landed on the ground in the middle of the main plaza. While haunter was still howling because of the tremendous bite Eric had just given him the riolu jumped up and slammed his head into the main section of his body, going past him and over him. He put his paws together and brought them down with all his strength on top of his head, slamming him into the ground. Eric then fell to the ground and tried to stomp on Haunter, but he suddenly vanished and hit the ground, making the earth tremble a bit and raising rocks and pebbles, as well as destroying the patterns of the plaza, leaving a crater in the area he landed in.
He looked around frantically, trying to find Haunter, but he didn't appear. He heard his laugh. - You've improved since last time Eric, but I think I'm just making this easy. Let's see how you deal with this! - He shouted, as four Haunters re-appeared. He was doing the cloning thing again, as they all prepared a Shadow Ball in their claws and began flying around him like crazy. They all stopped and threw the balls at the same time. However, one of them was real, as he had learned from his previous encounter with Haunter. However, he had no idea of which one was the real Haunter. He took the hit, as it turned out to be the one to his left. The ball exploded near his feet, launching him to the ground. However, he knew which one was the real haunter, and fixed his gaze on him.
- Confused Eric?! This time around no one will save your ass! - He shouted, as he began forming another sphere and flying around. He followed the one that had previously thrown the ball at him until they stopped moving. When they threw the attack, he was ready, as he crossed his arms and blocked the ball, making a cloud of dust rise between him and haunter. He took advantage of this and jumped up to where he was, punching his face and sending him into a building, slamming against it and leaving a hole with his shape. - How did you... - He growled in annoyance. - No matter. I guess I must change my strategy then! Let's see how you deal with me when you can't see me! - He shouted. He vanished again, but this time he didn't reappear.
Eric felt a punch impacting against his stomach, blowing the air out of him. Another hit to the head almost knocked him out, but managed to stay conscious. Haunter, who was now invisible to him grabbed his legs, and started spinning around, hurling the riolu into Electro's tent. He broke something, as he felt an intense pain in his side area, but also broke the wooden stick that was holding the tent up. The cloth fell on him, giving him a nice cover for a couple of seconds. Once again, he only needed one to focus and channel aura into his body. He closed his eyes and decided to let his aura detection guide him. It was all completely black, though he could see the outlines of some objects. He busted out of the tent and looked around. He found haunter's aura flying not too far from him.
He smirked to himself as he created an aura sphere. - Huh. Looks like you learned a new move! Won't save you though! - The invisible pokemon shouted as he charged into the rioly. This time however, he was ready. He jumped to the left, avoiding his claws and threw the sphere directly at him. This caught him off guard as the projectile hit his body directly, making him fly off into another building, this time going through the wall altogether. Anyone who was in town was obviously up, as pokemon started surrounding the plaza. This distracted Eric, but not enough to not grab Haunter's claws as he made himself visible again. They began to struggle against eachother, their faces almost touching, staring into each other's eyes, both of them filled with anger and bloodthirst.
(Stop the music)
- Stop right there! - Someone shouted. Eric turned his head to look at who it was, giving Haunter a chance to push harder, making the riolu fall backwards. However, he reacted as fast as he could, as he threw another aura sphere, this one hitting Haunter in the face, launching him upwards and then landing on the ground forcefully, though still conscious and ready to fight. However, he noticed all the pokemon that had gathered around them and were watching, some of them eager to jump into the fight and help Eric. He smirked, as he looked at his adversary. - Well... It looks like you got your ass saved by someone else again Rish... It won't be a fair match from this moment, so I am going to have to retire. However... - He said, as he started vanishing. - Next time we fight, you won't have anyone's help! - He shouted. Eric charged into him. - HAUNTER! - He shouted, trying to hit him one last time before he disappeared. However, he was too late, and the ghost pokemon disappeared. He didn't go invisible either, he just vanished.
Eric got down on his knees and howled out in the middle of the night sky, filled with anger and unsatisfied revenge. It took him a few minutes to calm down, during the which many of the inhabitants of Treasure Town were worried about what had just happened. The fact that a member of Team Uncario had appeared out of nowhere scared everyone. Everyone knew about Team Uncario nowadays, though they only knew things they had done like stopping time altogether in a city, killing hundreds, or various murders and the likes. However, no one really knew the extent of their actions. No one but Eric, to whom Team Uncario meant more than a terrorist group. They were a menace. And everyone knew.
Eric ignored all the crowd going wild and headed straight for the guild, however, Zed caught up to him. - Eric! Was that...? - He asked. The riolu looked at him and nodded. - That's haunter. The guy that attacked me they day we met. - He said, still walking hastily. They found the guildmembers grouped in front of the guild entrance, hesitating if they should go down or not. Chatot flew up to Eric. - What were you doing from the guild this late at night?! And what the hell happened down there?! - He asked, hysterical. - I got attacked by Haunter, also known as an assassin that Team Uncario hired to kill me and Elly a year ago. He also seems to know me personally and has a personal vendetta against me. - The name did ring a bell in some of the guildmembers heads. - Wait, wasn't that the guy who tried to kill you a year ago? - Sunflora asked. - And the same guy that planed the whole cart thing? - Loudred asked, referring to when Eric had been exiled because of being blamed of a crime he had never committed. He nodded.
You never told us he was part of Team Uncario. - Chatot said. - That's because I didn't know. - Eric answered. - Hey!Hey! How did you find out?! - Corpish asked. - Because he's told me where Elly is. - Everyone stared at him with their eyes wide open, even Zed. - HE TOLD YOU WHAT?! - Everyone shouted simultaneously. Apparently shouting the same thing, at the same time was something common in that guild. - Yeah. She is hiding somewhere called Amp Plains. And he also told Blake. - Bidoof looked at him, confused. - Who's Blake? - He asked. Eric looked at him, showing the hatred that went through him everytime he pronounced that name. - He's Elly's father, also known as Lord Tantius, leader of Team Uncario. - Now, that one just made everyone's jaws drop to the ground in pure shock and awe.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?! -
Everyone shouted, once again, simultaneously. It was starting to tick him off. - Yeah. You've heard it. - He calmly said. Chatot looked at him, dumbfounded. - But... why didn't you tell us any of this?! This is vital information! We could've helped you... - Eric violently walked up to him and pointed at this own face. - DO I LOOK LIKE I NEED ANY FUCKING HELP COMING FROM ANY OF YOU?! - He screamed as loudly as he could. Everyone walked backwards. - Yes. - A voice said from between the members. The guildmaster, Wigglytuff was the one that had spoken. - We all know about your loss Eric. You don't have to be so hard on yourself. But she isn't dead isn't she? Why are you blaming yourself so hard? - He asked.
Eric frowned. - That's none of your business guildmaster. - He said. Everyone gasped, Chatot shouting once again. - Don't be disrespectful to the guildma... - Wigglytuff looked at him. - Chatot, please let me handle this. - He said. He looked at the riolu. - She hasn't died, we know that much. So why do you blame yourself like that Eric? - Eric's face slowly went from angered to depressed, as he turned moody with each word. - It isn't about her dying or not... It's about all of those who lost their lives in the process... And also breaking a promise... It's both of those things that fill me with guild Wigglytuff. - He explained. The guildmaster looked at him. - Then don't you tell us?! We are your friends, we can... - Eric rose his head. His eyes made the guildmaster completely freeze. - I don't deserve friends. - He said. His voice sounded monotone.
He walked past the guildmaster and into the building. The pink pokemon stood there for a few second before he started tearing up. - What's wrong guildmaster? - Chimecho asked. - His eyes... They are... a dead pokemon's eyes... Someone who just doesn't want to keep going... Oh Arceus I can't get it out of my head... - He started swaying back and forth, severely traumatized about what he had seen. Wigglytuff was really sensitive when it came to that area, but... This... was just crossing the line. Everyone felt anguish build up in them. What had he seen in Eric's eyes to react to badly? None of them wanted to find out. Chatot accompanied Wigglytuff inside, followed by the rest of the members shortly after.
She is currently hiding in the Amp Plains...
I know, I couldn't contain the excitement... I wanted you to feel the same pain I did...
So I told Blake...
And now he's heading to the Amp Plains this very moment...
The words echoed in his head as he opened his eyes. Someone else was in the room, and it wasn't Zed, who was sleeping on the other bed. He looked at the door and recognized the shape instantly. It was Lucario. - It's been a long time Eric. - He said. He snorted. - Can't say I missed you. - He said, lying back on his bed and trying to ignore the leader of the ETF. - It seems like your friends were right. You've changed quite a lot. - The bigger jackal said. Eric sat up and looked at him. - Really? What gave it away? My attitude? The stories of how I killed my mate, or simply the fact that I want you to leave me the fuck alone? - He said. Lucario frowned. - Eric, my patience has a limit, and you're scraping it. I wanted to talk with you about what happened this night. - He explained. Eric smiled. - You and everyone else in town. You want to know everything. Well, guess what, this si the only you're going to get. It was Haunter, an assassin contracted to kill me and Elly, and he seems to want revenge on me for something I don't remember doing because... Hello? - He asked mockingly, tapping his head. - I'm a god damn amnesiac? - He was being way too sarcastic about this.
- And what about Elly being in the Amp Plains? - Lucario asked. Eric didn't move. - Who told you that? - He groaned in annoyance. - Doesn't matter though. Yes, she is in the Amp Plains. - He said. Lucario stared at him. - And? Aren't you going to go save her? - He asked. Eric nodded. - Yeah. Tomorrow morning, after I get some rest... - The lucario edged closer to him. - You haven't slept through an entire for three months Eric. Your attitude has gone from displeasing to downright rude in weeks, and you are blaming yourself for deaths that didn't have anything to do with you. And I know about the graves too. - He said. Eric stared at him. - How the fuck did you... - The lucario stared him down.
- We have explored every single place where any member of Team Uncario has been seen, including the cursed forest. We saw all the graves and wondered ourselves what had happened there. When we found out about New Year's Eve, we just connected the dots. Is that what torments you? All of those pokemon that died in the forest? - He asked him, raising the tone of his voice. Zed woke up, a little sleepy and didn't quite realize who was in the room at the time. - Eric, can you please keep it down, I'm trying to sleep... - He noticed lucario was in the room. - Here... - The leader of ETF looked at him. - Goodnight Zed. Me and your friend are having a friendly discussion here, excuse me if we have waken you up. -
He said, obviously forcing his cheerfulness. Eric looked at him. - You know what... Maybe we should leave this conversation for tomorrow... - The riolu suggested. Lucario looked at him, frowning. - Or maybe we should take this conversation to another place. This is kind of important you know. - He said. Eric sighed. - You're not going to let me sleep... So yeah, let's get this whole ordeal over with. - Eric said, as he got up from his bed and walked after the lucario, who lead him out of his room and out of the guild. They walked down the stairs, looking at eachother harshly. - So. Hope you're happy about pulling me out of bed a,d making me walk outside in a freezing night... - Eric said, smirking, as he shivered. - Swear to Arceus... Are we really in April? - He said, trying to redirect the conversation topic, for nothing could be done, as Lucario kept talking with him once they got to the bottom of the stairs.
- You know, both you and Elly are possibly the only ones who have more information about Team Uncario. After all from my understandment Elly is... - Eric looked at him, staring him down. - The father of the biggest son of a bitch you could ever imagine. He killed his own wife... TWICE, he turned his daughter into a monster and made her attack her mother and me... And killed everyone in that forest as well... - He said. Lucario looked at him. - There, you said it. It wasn't you who killed all of them. It was Tantius, not you who killed them. - Lucario said. Eric chuckled. - I never said any of that. Maybe Tantius cut their throats out, but... it was me who brought him to the forest. In the end, it was me who killed all of them. - He said. Lucario wanted to say something, but Eric kept talking. - Not only that... but I also broke a promise. I promised her that I would never leave her and... Man... I counldn't even keep that promise for four hours... - He said.
- I don't really know what happened after she got kidnapped. I can't really say anything about that, since you haven't said anything about that. From what we know, there were thirty pokemon living in that forest. But there are thirty-one... - They had crossed Treasure Town by the time they got to that point of the conversation. - She is alive. The thirty first grave is... Skye's... - Lucario looked at him. - Skye? - He asked. Eric sighed. - She was Elly's mother. She was murdered about twelve years ago by her own husband. She somehow merged into the forest and became it's consciousness. She was trapped inside a crystal in the hidden basement of one of the houses. She broke out of it when Blake, or Tantius, whatever you want to call him, explained his whole plan. After that... she fought with him and I fought with Elly, who was under his influence... - He sat down on the edge the cliff, grabbing a rock and throwing it.
- After that, Skye used her powers to enter Elly's mind and free er of his control, and she told me to keep a hold of Elly so she didn't attack her while she was in her mind... But I didn't find a reason to keep a hold of her after she fell asleep... And I decided to search for Blake's corpse to confirm he was dead... And in those seconds I let go of her she got up... and bit her mother's neck... and she died in front of us. When she realized what she had done... she freaked out and ran away... and I ran after her, and even dragged myself across the ground, trying to get to her but... I lost her. - He finished, looking at the bottom of the cliff, were pointy rocks rose.
- You're scared. - Lucario said all of a sudden. - What?! - Eric asked, looking at him. - You're scared, yeah. You're scared that she might know about what happened back there and that her mother died because of your fault... You're scared that you broke your promise and she hates you know... And you're also scared that innocents may die again. - He said, spitting each of the words at Eric's face. Well, not literally, but speaking to him like he was repulsive. And to the lucario, he was. Eric smiled. - About time someone got it. Yeah, I'm a fucking coward, someone who can't even defend who that matter to him. Neither his friends, his allies or the ones he loves. - Lucario stared him down. - Oh, you're strong enough Eric. More than enough. But you're just being a god damn idiot now. - He said, really seriously.
- And you want to now why? Because you're being a coward in a situation you shouldn't be afraid in. The damage has already been done. And I think you can learn from your own god damn mistakes. Right now, Elly is out there, alive, hiding in the Amp Plains, probably shivering, waiting for you, and a god damn murderer is own his way to kill her. And what are you doing? You're sitting in the comfortability of your guild, mourning to yourself, thinking that you deserve unmeasurable pain, when there are others out there who are in a much more worse shape than you. There's pokemon dying or disappearing every single day, time is stopping in more areas as time passes, we've lost communications with other regions and for some reason, water is disappearing all over the region as well! And on top of all of this, you're being a whining kid who just won't man the fuck up, go out there, and give trouble to the fuckers that hurt him so bad! -
Every single one of the words Lucario said hit Eric in the heart. Every single word. He was absolutely right. But he wasn't over yet. - I know how you're feeling Eric. A long time ago I... I lost everything. I made a mistake... A terrible mistake, and I payed the consequences as I lost everything and everyone. My world was killed in front of me, as it burned to crisps. I felt destroyed, I just wanted to die, and stop it all, but... Soon I noticed that many others, every day, suffered the same hell I once suffered. It was then when I decided to act. I became some kind of hero... and after not too long, many others joined me. And the EFT was born. I rose from the ashes, and I brought a lot of warriors with me. And I am weak Eric. I am old, foolish and experienced. I am weak compared to you. If I could rise with just a couple of warriors... then you can rise with a whole army, and bring them to the doors of their fortress and make them pay for everything. -
The sun had begun rising by the time he got to the rising from ashes part. His words... Were just so true for him. - I... I am sorry for everything... I was an idiot, and I thought I was in some kind of huge mess... in a problem I just couldn't solve... When the answer was always right in front of me. - Tears appeared in the verge of his eyes. - Thank you Lucario... You.. you saved me. You saved me from drowning in my own tears... Thank you for everything... - The lucario smiled, as he patted his back. - Everyone needs a little advice from time to time Eric. - He nodded. - Yeah.. I didn't need anyone to feel sorry for me... I just needed someone who just told me what needed to be told. It was as simple as that... And yet I made it so hard for myself, and everyone around me... - His gaze went gloomy.
- Even after all of this, the fact that I did something horribly wrong still haunts me. And just talking isn't going to fix it. - He said. Lucario nodded, smiling. - That's right. - Eric got up. - I am going to make up for all of it. Even though I still feel guilt creeping up on me... I know that I have to try at the very least... - He nodded. - It's decided then. - He said, as he walked away. He didn't say goodbye, but it didn't really matter. The lucario already knew he was really thankful. Eric ran through treasure town, a smile of confidence on his face. "Don't worry Elly... I'm coming!"
He walked into the cave. Yes, she had been there. Not too long ago either. She had probably detected him before he got there. He also felt something else in the area... Something he knew all to well... His hairs stood up straight as he recognized it, but dismissed the thought. It couldn't be. She was dead. She had died twice, so she couldn't be there. He heard steps behind him, and turned around. What he saw... he couldn't recognize. - Get out of here. I know what you are. You have no business here Umbreon. - The other one said. Tantius smiled. - Do you know who you're talking to? - He asked. - Another one of you cocky fuckers? I see enough of you lately. Now, get out of here and as far as you can. - Blake frowned. Something inside of him... just told him to do what it said. He growled. - We'll meet again... creature. - He said, before he disappeared into the shadows of the cave.
Tantius fused with the shadows and traveled in the darkness, almost instantly getting back to his castle. Nymphe was waiting for him. - What is it Nymphe? - He said, as he walked up to his throne. An Alakazam came up from the shadows at the other side of the room. - Master... Me and her were wondering where you had gone off to. We have both made great progress. - He said. Tantius looked at him. - Aaah Delirus, good to see you... I trust that you are training on those murdering skills, right? - Delirius nodded. - Yes, and I've also perfectioned my mind control. - The umbreon smiled. - Excelent. And you, Nymphe? Are you creating an army for us? - He asked. She nodded. - Yes my lord, our numbers grow bigger and bigger each day. However, I still want to know, where you were Lord Tantius... -
He stared at her. - Are you pleading me... or asking Nymphe? - He asked teasingly. She gulped. - I am pleading you my lord... Tell us where you have been to... - She asked, nervous. He laughed. - I was checking if my daughter was alive. Haunter informed me that she was hiding in the Amp Plains, but she seems to be long gone. However, she is alive. And that makes everyting much more complicated than before... - He put his paws together in front of his face, a wicked smile on his face. - And much more fun as well... - He looked at Nymphe. - We need an army now Nymphe, get back to work. As for you Delirius... Keep on training... - He said. Nymphe nodded as she meleted into a puddle of water and sank into the floor through a crack. Delirius however, stayed. - Master... If you would be so kind to tell me... Why don't I ever do something important? I am always training and... if you sent me to kill one of those repulsive... - He began speaking.
Tantius looked at him. - No. Your role in this team is much more important than killing or training Delirius. Much more important than that. - The alakazam looked at him. - Then what is it? - He asked. Tantius chuckled, as he looked out of the window, into a sky filled with purple clouds and purple lightning. - Time will tell Delirius... Time will tell... - He said.
And we are back with the story! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, there's more on the way. Trust me, this story is getting to a part that I've been building up in my imagination for over three months already. In my opinion, it's going to be insane. Thank you for reading, and have a fantastic way.