Man, this took longer than I wanted it. I apologize for the delay.
Chapter 25: Freedom
The group rushed through the halls. To them it was like reliving a horrible nightmare, but this nightmare was real. Just as Celebi had shown them Neo and Sasha were rushing to their deaths.
Skye: So you mean to tell us that this is exactly the way the vision went?!
Skitters: Exactly!
Melody: So when we reach the end Neo and Sasha will be...
Bandit: We hope not!
Bix: I won't let them die... I won't let them die. I won't let them die! I WON'T LET THEM DIE!
The group continued through the base, remembering each and every corner they needed to turn. After running for a few more minutes they all froze. There, right in front of them, was the final corner they needed to turn. However, none of them wanted to go around it. Even Bix, normally afraid of nothing, was scared to go around.
Shadow: Come on, everyone. We came this far.
Dante: Shadow's right. We have to see this through to the end, good or bad.
The others nodded, agreeing with the Mightyena. Still a bit scared they all slowly walked towards the corner. Before going around they paused.
Retro: This is it. No turning back now.
Bix: We all knew that when we first entered.
Ziggy: So we're going then.
Bix: Yeah.
Though they were still a bit hesitant the group gathered their courage and walked around the corner... only to be met with a familiar scene. A yellow blur flew in front of them, slamming into the wall and falling to the floor.
Bix: Neo!
Neo's battered body slowly stood. He glared in front of him.
Neo: Damn you, Kirkland!
Everyone followed his glare to the other side of the room. Standing there was Kirkland with Gem on his shoulder, as well as the same massive Pokémon they all remembered from the vision. However, this time they were able to make out what it was. It was incredibly large, a mountain of black rocky skin. It's arms were huge with a hole in the palm of each hand. On the Pokémon's head were two large horns.
Kirkland: Now now, Neo. You'd better be nice or I'll have my Rhyperior crush your precious mate like a little bug.
Down beneath the Rhyperior's foot was Sasha.
Skitters: No! Not again! Were we too late?!
Bix: No! I refuse to fail them a second time!
Just as Bix was about to rush the battlefield the room was bathed in a bright yellow light as Neo launched a Thunderbolt at the Rhyperior. The attack struck the Pokémon's horn and seemed to just vanish. Kirkland laughed at the confused look on Neo's face.
Kirkland: You fool! Rhyperior is part Ground! Your electric attacks are useless!
Bandit: Damn! There's nothing Neo can do!
It appeared as though Bandit was right. But then, Neo saw something that no one else did. For a brief moment it appeared as though Sasha's tail twitched, almost as if a small electric current just passed through her.
Neo: Did I just see that?
To test it Neo fired another Thunderbolt, which was once again absorbed into the Rhyperior's horn.
Kirkland: Still trying the same old tricks? Well they still won't work!
Neo was ignoring Kirkland, concentrating on Sasha's tail. Sure enough it twitched again. This gave Neo an idea.
Neo: If the electricity is passing through him to her then there may be a way we can hurt this thing...
Neo began to charge his body with electricity. Kirkland looked on with amusement.
Kirkland: You can store up all the energy you want it won't do you any good.
Neo: We'll see about that!
After a few seconds Neo jumped into the air.
Neo: Sasha! Use your Thunderbolt!
Sasha: What... but why... It won't... do... any good...
Neo: It will this time! Now hurry!
Sasha didn't know what he had planned, but this was not the time to argue. She quickly charged up her electricity and sent a Thunderbolt through the Rhyperior's body. At the same time Neo fired his, aiming right for Rhyperior's horn. The Double Thunderbolt assault appeared to greatly damage the Rhyperior, tens of thousands of volts coursing through his body.
Kirkland: No! That's impossible! How are they hurting him?!
On the sidelines Retro knew just what had happened.
Retro: Of course. The way Rhyperior protects itself from electric attacks is by channeling the charge through his body into the ground. But because Sasha was between him and the ground it had to pass through her first, meaning that there was a slight interruption in the electricity flow.
Missy: And that meant that if they attacked together there wouldn't be anywhere for the electricity to go.
Retro: Exactly. With no way to channel it to the ground Rhyperior was going to be in for a shocking surprise.
After a few seconds of non-stop voltage they stopped their attack. The Rhyperior was still standing, but his body was smoking a great deal.
Neo: And now for the finishing touch!
Neo charged the Rhyperior, his tail glowing white. The large Pokémon didn't have the strength to do anything but fall as Neo's Iron Tail connected with his jaw. With him out of the way Neo immediately checked on Sasha.
Neo: Sasha! How do you feel?!
Sasha: Like a Snorlax went to sleep on me.
Neo was glad that Sasha was alright, more or less. He also knew that as long as Kirkland was still in possession of their daughter neither of them could take a moments rest. The two Pikachu looked at Kirkland, who was seething with anger.
Kirkland: You may have defeated my Rhyperior, but you won't defeat my next Pokémon!
He glared at Neo and Sasha, intent on finishing them off right here and now. But before he could make a move Bix and the others quickly ran to their side.
Neo: We were wondering when you guys would show up.
Bix: Better late then never, right?
This new development forced Kirkland to rethink his plan. He still intended on destroying Neo and Sasha, but with all of their friends here he knew the chances of that happening were incredibly slim. Still, he'd make sure he had the last laugh.
Kirkland: I may not be able to destroy you now, but I still have your daughter!
Without returning his fainted Rhyperior Kirkland turned and ran.
Sasha: No!
Neo: Get back here!
The two Pikachu ran after Kirkland, determined to get their daughter back.
Celebi: Come on! They may need our help!
The group started to follow when Retro froze. He looked behind them towards a door. No one but Missy noticed.
Missy: Come on, Retro!
Retro: ... he's here.
Missy: What?
Retro: He's here.
Missy: Who's here?
Retro didn't reply. He kept his gaze on the door, never blinking. Then, without warning, he dashed towards the door.
Missy: Wait, Retro! Where are you going?!
She was about to follow him when Bix came back to see what the hold up was.
Bix: Hey! Where did Retro go?!
Missy: I don't know! He said something about someone being here and just took off! I'm going with him!
Bix: Hold on! What about Neo and Sasha?! They may need us!
Missy: We'll catch up later!
Missy flew off to go catch up with Retro, leaving Bix to wonder where they were going.
Bix: Hey! You two be careful!
She had no idea whether Missy had heard her or not, but she didn't have time to sit there and think about it. She ran off to rejoin the others so they could back-up Neo and Sasha if they needed it.
Missy was still following Retro as he flew through the halls, being led by some unknown force. She didn't know where he was going or who he was going to find. But what she did know was that there appeared to be nothing or no one that was going to stop him from reaching his destination.
Missy: Slow down, Retro!
Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Retro was too focused on his destination to hear her calling him. He was fully intent on arriving at wherever he was going. Moments later Retro flew around another corner. Missy followed and found him stopped inside of a room. She flew to his side, slightly out of breath.
Missy: Finally... what was the rush?
Retro didn't answer. He was too busy glaring at someone in front of him. Missy looked and saw a short bald man sitting in a chair in front of a desk.
Missy: Who's that?
As the man stood up Retro answered her.
Retro: He's the head of Cipher... Grand Master Greevil.
Greevil: And I assume you're with that group of Pokémon Kirkland was going on about.
Missy: What if we are?
Retro moved in front of her. Missy was about to say something, but then she felt a strong emotion coming from him...
Hate.
Retro: I've finally found you.
Greevil: Oh? You've been searching for me?
Retro: That's right. I'm here to get revenge for my trainer.
Greevil simply waved off Retro.
Greevil: You have no idea how many Pokémon trainers have come here for similar reasons. All of their Pokémon either ended up as Shadow Pokémon or along side their trainer in the afterlife.
Retro: I assure you I won't end up like them. I will be the one to bring you down.
Greevil: I you say so. Tell me, what trainer are you here to avenge?
Retro: One I'm sure you should be very familiar with, seeing as how he was once one of your best agents.
This caught Greevil's attention. Though Cipher had dealt with many trainers over their years of operation he couldn't ever remember having to kill one of his own. Unless...
Retro: I see you're starting to remember... now you tell me, does the name Joe sound familiar to you?
Indeed Greevil did recognize that name. It wasn't everyday someone with a strategic mind as good as his came along. But if this Pokémon knew him then that meant...
Retro: I see you're starting to put it all together. That's right! He was my trainer!
Greevil remembered that incident clearly, almost as if it happened yesterday. He had ordered Joe to be killed when he not only refused a direct order to have his Pokémon shadowed but he also physically prevented them from going after the Pokémon when he released it. Greevil slowly stood up from his chair and walked around the desk, a Poké ball in his hand.
Greevil: I let you get away once before... I won't let it happen again!
He called out his Pokémon, a Tauros. But this was no ordinary Tauros. Like many of the other Pokémon in the facility this one was a Shadow Pokémon. One look at the Shadow Tauros and Missy knew Retro would need some help. But then...
Retro: Let me face him alone.
Missy: What?! But that's a Shadow Pokémon! You can't defeat him one-on-one!
Retro: I have to try... for Joe.
Missy knew it was a bad idea for Retro to try and face that Shadow Tauros by himself, but out of respect for him and his trainer she decided to go ahead and let him.
Missy: Promise me you'll be careful.
Retro: Don't worry, I will.
Filled with new determination Retro faced his opponent, ready to do battle.
Greevil: I won't let you escape this time.
Retro: I don't plan on escaping this time. This time, I'm taking you down!
Kirkland was sure he had gotten away. Looking behind him he saw no trace of Neo, Sasha or their friends.
Kirkland: Hah! Looks like I lost those fools!
Just when he thought it was smooth sailing from there on a Thunderbolt struck the ground in front of him. Kirkland lost his balance and fell to the ground. Gem, being much more agile than he was, landed gracefully on the ground. Kirkland looked back and saw Neo and Sasha standing a few yards away, their friends appearing behind them.
Kirkland: Your persistence is starting to annoy me.
Neo: There's nowhere for you to run, Kirkland! Now give us back our daughter!
Kirkland looked at the two determined Pikachu and then at their daughter. Gem was glaring at them, her cheeks giving off sparks. Right then another evil plan formed in his mind.
Kirkland: You want her back, do you?
Neo: That's what we're here for!
Sasha: We've suffered enough because of you! Now release our daughter!
Kirkland: All in due time. First, I'd like to know how far you'd go to save her.
Neo: We've had enough of your damn games, Kirkland!
Kirkland: Oh this isn't a game, I assure you. I'd just like to know to what extent you'd go to save her.
Neo: There's nothing I wouldn't do...
Kirkland: Interesting. Would you go as far as, say... fighting her yourself?!
The next thing they knew Neo and Sasha were blown away by a powerful Thunderbolt. The attack only stunned them. Neo and Sasha soon recovered and looked to see where the attack came from. Standing across from them was Gem, crouched down on all fours and ready for battle.
Kirkland: I'm feeling generous so you can have your daughter back... if you survive! Kill them!
After giving out his orders Kirkland hurried out of the room.
Bix: Damn! He's getting away!
She was about to run after him when Neo stopped her.
Bix: What are you doing?! We have to go after him!
Neo: You can't!
Bix: Why not?!
Neo motioned over towards Gem, who was still standing in her battle stance.
Neo: If you had made any attempt to go after him Gem would have attacked, and I doubt if she would have let you live.
Now Bix understood why Neo had stopped her. She wanted to rip Kirkland limb from limb but she wasn't going to fight Gem just to get that chance.
Bix: Okay, but what do we do?
Neo looked over at Sasha. His mate looked back at him with a worried look on her face.
Sasha: Neo...
Neo: There's no easy was for me to say this... but we have to face her...
Sasha: No, Neo! There has to be another way!
Neo: I wish there was, but Kirkland hasn't left us any other option.
Celebi: I could try to purify her if you want.
Neo: I don't think that'll work. Remember, he saw when you purified Jirachi last time. I know he's taken some kind of extra precaution to make sure that won't work this time.
Celebi knew Neo was right. Meanwhile Sasha was staring at her daughter. The eyes that once showed unbound love and kindness were now clouded in hate and anger. Despite that Sasha knew that somewhere in there was the daughter she and Neo brought into this world all those years ago, and that one way or another she would get her back.
Sasha: ... let's do it.
Neo: Sasha?
Sasha: I can't stand seeing Gem like that! I want my baby back! And if fighting her is the only way to get her back then... then I'll do it!
Neo knew this wasn't something Sasha wanted to do but he was glad to see that she realized it was necessary if they wanted to rescue Gem. He reached over and grabbed her paw, giving it a slight squeeze. Sasha smiled at the gesture. The two Pikachu then got serious as they looked towards their daughter. Gem's body was now shooting off sparks at an alarming rate.
Neo: This is it. No matter what we must win.
With no other option Neo and Sasha charged forward with the intent of winning against their daughter. But seeing as how Gem was now a Shadow Pokémon victory wasn't guaranteed.
Retro was finding battling Greevil's Shadow Tauros to be just as difficult as he expected. With increased speed and strength the Tauros was proving to be a formidable opponent. On top of that every attack the Shadow Tauros used was super-effective against him, adding to his problems.
Greevil: What the matter? After all of that big talk is this the best you can do?
Retro: Trust me... I'm not done yet...
Though he was physically exhausted Retro knew he couldn't stop and give Greevil a moment to gain a larger upper hand than he already had. And with Missy still on the sidelines like he requested earlier he knew whatever he came up with would have to be enough to win him the battle.
Greevil: Well I'm afraid that your little break is over! Shadow Rush!
With a loud bellow the Shadow Tauros charged Retro, his body glowing with dark energy. Retro just barely had enough time to look up and get out of the way. But Greevil wasn't about to let him get away that easily.
Greevil: Chase him down with Shadow Rush! I want him crushed into the ground!
The Shadow Tauros's attacks became more violent and out of control. Everything in the room became a target for his rage as he tried to smash Retro. Missy had to fly up to the ceiling to keep out of range of the Tauros's assault. Retro not only had to dodge the Tauros but debris from everything he was tearing through. File cabinets, chairs, even the desk was turned into nothing but a splintered heap once the Tauros was through.
Greevil: Run all you want! My Shadow Tauros will catch you eventually!
Retro didn't want to admit it but Greevil was right. At the rate things were going it was only a matter of time before the Tauros caught up with him.
Retro: I can't keep running like this! I have to attack!
Tired of running Retro turned to face his opponent. But when he did he noticed something different. The Shadow Tauros was no longer chasing him. He was standing in the middle of the room, a far-away look in his eyes.
Retro: What's going on?
He approached the Tauros to see what was the matter when...
Missy: Retro! Get away from him! Quick!
Retro was about to question Missy when he felt it as well. Something was wrong with the Tauros, and he had a good idea what.
Retro: Damn! He's going into Reverse Mode!
Retro quickly flew up towards the ceiling next to Missy, and not a moment too soon. The Tauros's eyes soon became filled with rage as Reverse Mode took over. He bellowed loudly and started thrashing about, tearing huge holes in the walls.
Greevil: What the hell are you doing?! Attack that Sableye!
But the Tauros didn't listen as he continued to tear the room apart.
Greevil: I am your trainer! Now obey me! Get that Pokémon!
Still, the Tauros refused to obey.
Greevil: Listen to me, you worthless pile of hamburger meat!
Right then the Tauros stopped. Greevil thought he was finally listening to him, but when the Tauros turned around Greevil found he was sadly mistaken. The eyes of the Pokémon were looking at him with rage. He backed up a bit as the Wild Bull Pokémon started pawing the floor.
Greevil: W-What are you doing?! Don't you look at me like that!
Retro: How ironic...
Greevil looked up at Retro.
Retro: Look at you, cowering in fear at that which you created.
Greevil: Listen... you can't let me die. You have to stop him! I'm begging you, please!
Retro: Shut up. At least die with some dignity.
Greevil grew wide eyed before looking back at his Tauros. The Wild Bull Pokémon bellowed loudly before charging, driving his horn into Greevil's gut. The Cipher leader let out a gargled scream as the Tauros drove his body back into the wall, driving him through it. The impact knocked the Wild Bull Pokémon out, but Greevil wasn't as lucky. Missy looked horrified, but Retro was unfazed.
Retro: Joe... you have been avenged...
Missy: How horrible... to think he would be killed by one of his own Pokémon.
Retro: It was the price he had to pay for his actions. Let's go. The others may need our help.
With nothing left to do Missy and Retro left. With Greevil's death the end of Cipher had just begun.
Retro and Missy arrived where the others were, but the sight that greeted them wasn't pleasant. Bix and the others were staring as if they didn't want to accept what they were seeing, and with good reason. Neo and Sasha had just been blown back by a powerful Thunder from Gem. The two Pikachu were battered, but the Pichu didn't have a scratch on her.
Sasha: It's... no good. She's just... too strong.
Neo couldn't help but smile a bit. Even though she was a Shadow Pokémon now he was amazed at how strong she had become. But even so they still needed to get her out from under Kirkland's control.
Sasha: So, you got any ideas, Neo?
Neo: We have to immobilize her somehow, and I might just have a plan for that.
Sasha: Good. So, what is it?
Neo: Paralysis.
Sasha: Isn't that a bit excessive?
Neo: We don't have any other choice. Besides, I taught myself Thunder Wave for situations like this.
Sasha: Well, Thunder Wave doesn't hurt so I guess it's okay to use it on Gem. But how do you plan on keeping her still long enough for you to use it?
Neo: That's where you come in. If you can distract her long enough for me to get off a good shot we'll have a good chance of getting her back.
Sasha: I'll try my best.
Neo: That's all I ask.
With their plan set Neo and Sasha faced Gem once again. The Pichu was glaring at them, waiting for one of them to make a move. Then, after waiting a few seconds, Sasha sprung into action. Gem watched as her mother circled around behind her.
Sasha: I think it's time we had a mother-daughter moment.
While Gem focused on Sasha Neo was waiting for the right moment to use Thunder Wave.
Neo: That's right, Sasha... just a bit longer...
As more time passed it seemed as though Neo's plan would work. But then Gem lunged at Sasha, striking her in her stomach.
Neo: Sasha!
Sasha had the wind knocked out of her, giving Gem the opportunity to continue her offensive. She bit down hard on Sasha's arm. She let out a cry of pain as she felt Gem's teeth dig into her arm.
Neo: I can't wait any longer!
Neo hurried and fired off his Thunder Wave. At first it didn't seem as though Gem saw it coming. But then, at the last minute, she turned and forced Sasha to take the attack. The female Pikachu was paralyzed on contact.
Neo: Damn! No choice now!
Neo gave up on his original plan and charged the battlefield. Before he could get to them Gem threw Sasha into Neo, knocking them both down. Gem then jumped into the air and rained down a devastating Thunder down on the two of them.
Melody: This is getting hard to watch.
Bandit: Just think how the rest of us feel.
Bix appeared to be the most affected of all. Her care for not only Neo and Sasha but Gem as well made it almost impossible for her to remain on the sidelines. Ziggy could feel the desperation radiating from her and stood closely by her side.
Ziggy: No matter what you have to believe in them.
Bix: I know. You won't see me giving up on them that easily.
On the field Neo and Sasha were slowly getting up after getting hit with Gem's Thunder attack. The blast left their bodies crackling with electricity, but Gem was still ready for more.
Sasha: It's... no good... We can't get... close enough...
Neo: Not in the normal way at least... but maybe there's another way...
Sasha: How?
Without answering Neo jumped to his feet and ran at Gem, using his Quick Attack for extra speed.
Sasha: That's it, Neo! You're almost there!
Just when it seemed as though Neo's tactic would work Gem unleashed a Discharge attack, sending electric bolts throughout the room. Unfortunately for Neo he was moving too fast to dodge effectively. One of the bolts hit him and drove him back towards Sasha, who had to duck and cover from the attack.
Skitters: So close!
Shadow: He was almost there!
Bix: Shit! Heads up, everyone!
The others soon found themselves dodging the electric attack. For the most part they were unharmed, though it did give them quite a scare. Neo had recovered, but his energy reserves were starting to run low.
Neo: I... can't... keep... this... up... much... longer...
Sasha: We can't give up. This may be our last chance to save Gem and there's no way I'm giving up now.
Neo let Sasha's words sink in and realized she was right. They had to get Gem back right here and now. The only problem was figuring out how. Gem had become much stronger than they thought. Neo went through idea after idea before one stood out... one very risky one.
Neo: ... Sasha...
Sasha: Yeah?
Neo: Do you believe in me?
Sasha: Huh? Of course I do.
Neo: And do you trust all my decisions?
Sasha: What is this, Neo? Why are you asking me this?
Neo: Please, Sasha. I have to know.
Sasha: You know I do.
Neo: Good.
Sasha: What's going on, Neo? You're really starting to scare me.
Neo: I'm going to be honest with you, Sasha... I'm running out of ideas. Only one thing looks like it's going to work.
Sasha: Well, what is it?
Neo: ... Volt Tackle.
Sasha: Volt Tackle?! You can't use that on Gem! She may have gotten stronger but she's not strong enough to take that!
Neo: But I have to. Otherwise her Discharge is going to blast me away again. I need to use Volt Tackle in order to shield myself from her electric attacks.
Sasha: Okay, but even that's risky! You haven't mastered Volt Tackle yet! What if something goes wrong?! You could end up hurting yourself just as easily!
Neo: That's a risk I'm going to have to take.
Sasha looked at her mate. She knew his idea was risky... almost too risky to let him go through with it. But she also knew he wouldn't have suggested it if he didn't have to.
Sasha: Just... promise me you'll be careful.
Neo: I will.
Neo brought his attention back to Gem. His body tensed up, the electricity building.
Neo: Alright! Here goes nothing!
He broke out in a full-on charge. While Sasha knew what he was doing no one else did.
Dante: Looks like he's going to try again.
Skitters: But why? He'll just get blasted away again.
Melody: I know. Do you think that last attack knocked him a little senseless?
Missy: No. He knows what he's doing.
Skye: How do you figure that?
Missy: Can't you sense it?
Skye: Sense what?
Retro: Missy's right. There's a lot of power coming from Neo right now.
Bix: Power? What are you... wait a minute! You don't mean?!
Orion: What, Bix? What is it?
Before the Meowth could reply Neo's body erupted in a bright yellow glow.
Ziggy: What the?! He's using Volt Tackle?!
Melody: I've heard of that attack! Isn't it supposed to be the strongest electric-type attack there is?! Why is he using in on his own daughter?!
Melody's question was answered when Gem tried to fight off her father's advance with a Thunder. The attack his, but thanks to Volt Tackle Neo wasn't blown back like he was last time.
Retro: I understand now. He's not using for offense. He's using it for defense.
Missy: I see. His Volt Tackle is absorbing the impact from Gem's Thunder. He might just break through this time!
Just as Missy said Neo was breaking through Gem's Thunder thanks to Volt Tackle.
Neo: I'm coming, Gem!
With one last effort Neo broke through, resulting in an explosion. The blast knocked them both down.
Neo: Now, Sasha! Before she gets up!
Seeing her opportunity Sasha ran to Gem and took her in her arms. However, Gem woke up and started thrashing about, trying to get free. This only caused Sasha to tighten her hold.
Sasha: It's okay, sweetie! Mommy's here!
No matter what Sasha said Gem continued to struggle. Neo saw that Sasha wouldn't be able to hold her for much longer. He got up and ran to her side, helping her hold on to Gem.
Neo: It's us, Gem! Please snap out of it!
Sasha: She's not listening, Neo!
Neo: Don't give up! We have to break through to her!
They both held on tight and called to her, hoping to get some kind of response from Gem. After a few minutes it became clear to Gem that they weren't going to let go. So she changed her tactics and fired off a Thunder, flooding their bodies with thousands of volts of electricity. Both Neo and Sasha cried out in pain, but refused to let go.
Neo: Stop it, Gem! It's us, your parents!
Sasha: Please, sweetie! Don't you recognize us?!
Still in the grip of her parents Gem increased the intensity of her Thunder. By now the entire room was aglow with Gem's Thunder. The others had to shield their eyes or risk being temporarily blind.
Shadow: What power!
Ziggy: Man! I never thought she'd pack this much strength!
Bix: But nothing's happening! She still doesn't know who they are!
Celebi: Wait! Something is happening! I... I can feel it!
True to Celebi's words something was happening. The yellow glow Gem's Thunder was giving off was slowly mixing with an unknown green glow emanating from Neo and Sasha.
Neo: No matter what happens we're not letting you go!
Sasha: We love you, Gem! Now and forever!
The longer Neo and Sasha held on the stronger the green glow became. Pretty soon everything was glowing in a mixture of yellow and green. Right then Missy felt something.
Missy: I... I don't believe it!
Retro: What?!
Missy: I... I can feel her! I can sense her emotions!
Right then a huge wave of power pulsed through the room. The pulse knocked everyone off balance a bit. When they recovered they all noticed that Neo, Sasha and Gem were still standing in the middle of the room. Neo and Sasha had their eyes closed, their bodies crackling with electricity from the attack. Then...
Gem: ... Mommy? Daddy?
They both opened their eyes and looked down. There, staring back at them, were the caring, love-filled eyes they had been missing ever since they came to Orre.
Neo: Gem? Are you alright?
Gem: Uh huh.
Sasha: My baby! We missed you so much!
Unable to control herself Sasha threw her arms around Gem and hugged her, her eyes filled with tears. Gem returned her mother's hug, crying as well. Neo was content with holding both of them in his arms.
Sasha: I've got my baby back...
Gem: I was so scared, but I knew you'd rescue me.
Neo: It's okay now... It's all over...
On the sidelines the others couldn't help but smile at the scene in front of them. Ziggy looked next to him and noticed a few tears in Bix's eyes.
Ziggy: You crying?
Hearing his question Bix wiped her eyes with her paws.
Bix: Of course not. I just... got some dirt in my eyes.
Ziggy decided to let that go and brought his attention back to the newly reunited family. After months of traveling, fighting, and heartache Neo and Sasha were finally reunited with their daughter.
It took months of traveling and fighting, but Neo and Sasha finally managed to rescue Gem. Now that the family is reunited what's next for them? And what of Kirkland, who escaped during the battle? Find out in the next chapter of Fighting The Shadows!
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