Chapter 37 - A Surprise Confrontation
"Uh, we have a problem..." Leo uttered, with him, Susanshi, Tokot and Jon still traveling across the mountainside.
"What is it, Leo? Something bad?" asked Susanshi.
"We're not through the mountains yet, and it's been some time," explained Leo.
"...Leo, that's not any kind of problem," sighed Susanshi. "At least the weather's been stable since we left that shelter."
"Do I sense whining within earshot?" pondered Tokot sarcastically. "Is one of us a little displeased with something? Maybe you, Leo?"
"Stop trying to be funny, Tokot. It just isn't working," sighed Leo.
"Relax, Leo. There isn't much further to go," stated Jon. "We're already pretty close to the base now."
"And how can you be so sure?" questioned Leo.
"Because I am," replied Jon.
"We have been walking for quite a while today, though. I'm actually amazed we all seem to have the endurance to manage it," commented Susanshi. "I myself have only soup and hot chocolate fueling me the whole way."
"You know, I never actually thought about that," spoke Leo. "Although I don't know how we'll handle things the rest of the way. I didn't pack any food... Do you think fruit trees grow nearby?"
"Fruit trees? Are you for real?" questioned Tokot. "I haven't seen any trees in these mountains, let alone any with fruit on them!"
"Dang it! Why didn't I pack a snack?!" Leo exclaimed in frustration.
"An Explorer is always ready, am I right?" asked Tokot. "You were clearly more bothered about buying some overpowered ball of glass than actual food, which is, you know, necessary!"
"I'm sorry, Tokot!" sobbed Leo. "Uh... I-I'll eat some of this snow! Yeah, that should do the trick!"
He bent down and scooped some snow in his hand, before taking a bite out of it and chewing. He showed a shivering smile, his whole mouth feeling the shock of the cold.
"Leo, don't eat the snow," mumbled Susanshi.
"But it's all around us, ready for the taking!" argued Leo.
"You wouldn't drink seawater, would you?" quizzed Susanshi.
"What? Oh no, I know it's not good to drink seawater!" answered Leo.
"And snow is no better. So drop it."
"Awww..."
With disappointment, Leo dropped the snow from his hand.
"Well, it tasted too cold for me anyway."
"I know it's worrying, not eating for long periods of time, and I myself have nothing edible on me, but don't lose hope. We'll find food somehow," said Jon. "But for now, we'll just have to hold on to our strength."
"I hope you mean those words, Jon..." sighed Leo.
The path ahead began to curve to the right, passing through a cave in the bottom of a mountain. Seeing this, Leo became optimistic.
"Hey! Surely that cave will lead us out of these mountains!" he stated. "We've come pretty far down, so surely that has to be it!"
"It indeed is," confirmed Jon.
"Can't wait to get my feet warmed up! They feel so tingly from walking in all this snow!" Leo exclaimed.
The snow stopped just outside the entrance of the cave. Inside, there was still a sense of cold in the air. The lack of snow on the ground was definitely a welcome change.
"Hmm, the ground's a bit rough in here," mentioned Susanshi. "We need to be careful, because there's a danger of tripping."
"Still beats that tingling sensation from having snow under your feet for so long," commented Leo. "Man, I just can't wait to see the sun again. There had barely been any at all back there."
"Once we get out of this cave, we'll be in the Distant Badlands. It runs through the mountain province, and leads to the Quad-Eye Peaks. That is the region Margaret mentioned not being ruled by our own laws. There's no telling how the hospitality will be there, but we should still go there," Jon lectured. "If you are to find the final Fragment, we'll have to. It could be there, or someone there may know of its whereabouts. I'm not fully aware of the nature of the residents of the area, nor do I know what it's like. But if there's one thing I can guarantee, we'll be far away. Very far away from the one who hunts you down."
"Well, I guess that's one good thing out of this situation," noted Leo. "The idea of going to a place that sounds rough still worries me."
"If what I'm hearing is true, how can we be certain that we can get that Fragment?" wondered Susanshi. "Whether it's there, or if someone knows where it is, they probably won't hand it over so easily."
"But we desperately need it! We can't be said 'no' to!" exclaimed Leo. "We've come too far to let something as silly as stubbornness halt us now!"
"Let me step in. I'll show anyone who tries to stop us," offered Tokot.
"No, we're all in this together," objected Susanshi. "Not only one of us will carry the others through. We're still a team, and that's how it'll always be."
"Oh please, Susanshi. Not everyone can handle every situation that comes up," objected Tokot.
"Tokot...actually has a point," agreed Leo. "But still, we ARE a team! ...And Jon being a guest. We've been through so much already, so we'll just go through more!"
"Yes, more. With you," replied Tokot.
The exit of the cave soon came into sight. Once the group was outside, they were greeted with the continuation of the path. This path was short-lived, and now there was an area extending to the left, sat between two cliffs, much like a canyon, but more spacious and open. The land was barren and desolate, with no signs of life whatsoever: nothing but rock and featureless ground. The skies were much clearer than before, but was also showing a tint of orange, suggesting the sun was already at a point that almost concludes the daytime. With a more normal air temperature, Tokot eased his tail fire's power.
"Ah, clear skies once again!" cheered Leo.
"This is the Distant Badlands," described Jon. "Being here really is a testament to how far we've come."
"Yeah, it's all in the name: distant!" exclaimed Leo with mild pride.
"This is no time for lame jokes, Leo," said Tokot.
With that, the group began to walk through the badlands that stretched out before them. Off into the distance was a foursome of pointed peaks reaching high into the sky, lined up much like the points of a trapezium shape.
"You know, it's hard to believe we were surrounded by snow not too long ago," mentioned Leo. "The craggy feel is still here, just with...a lot less snow."
"See those mountains pointing up higher than the others? That's the Quad-Eye Peaks," announced Jon.
"It looks like it's a pretty long way away," analyzed Susanshi. "Is it wise to make the whole journey now? Shouldn't we stop along the way and rest for the night?"
"You mean set up camp? Whoa, I've always wanted to do that!" replied Leo. "With us being Explorers, it makes perfect sense to do that, even just once!"
"I'm not walking my feet off, so you know what? I'm perfectly fine with this," agreed Tokot.
"You agree with something I said? What a rarity!" exclaimed Leo.
"Susanshi suggested it first, not you," stated Tokot.
"I support the idea," assured Jon. "Out here should be safe overnight. No worries about anything or anyone bothering us during the night. We'll continue a little further up before stopping."
"Yeah, it'll be night soon, and I don't really want to walk about at night again," commented Leo. "Ugh, where's Lisa when you need her? She'd be the bodyguard of all of us."
"We don't need Lisa, Leo. We're able to defend ourselves," explained Susanshi. "Yes, it was great when she was with us, but the fact of the matter is that she can't be there to watch our backs all the time."
"I-I guess you're right, Susanshi," sighed Leo. "I do have to wonder what Lisa's up to right now. After all, we never told her we were leaving for a while. You think she'd worry?"
"Maybe, but we're our own team, so our safety is in our own hands."
Meanwhile, without the knowledge of the group, somebody was sat behind a large boulder to the side, appearing to be sleepy. It was Harstarr, the Cinccino. The incoming voices caught her attention, and she peeked out from behind her hiding place. When it was clear that it was who she was waiting for, she walked out into the open, standing before the group as they approached.
"Hey, excuse me, madam. You're standing in our way," called Jon.
"I am aware of that. And it is my intention," answered Harstarr.
"It's... It's you," uttered Susanshi with some slight worry.
"Y-you're one of Vascious's cronies!" exclaimed Leo. "Why are you here? Wanting to stop us or something?"
"Yes, I knew you'd remember me," said Harstarr. "We met at the ruins some time ago."
"But why are you here?" inquired Susanshi.
"I'm here under orders from Lord Vascious. He had received word that you would eventually walk this path. So, he has ordered me to confront you, and attempt to put an end to the threat you pose to him."
"You're not worth our time. We're only after Vascious," explained Tokot. "Now, step ahead, if you'd be so kind."
"I am sorry, but if I disobey Lord Vascious, I'll be greeted with my end."
"Your...end? That sounds kind of sad..." commented Leo empathetically.
"That is why I must battle you and attempt to score victory. Lord Vascious wants you eliminated more than ever since Grandill returned to him with the injuries inflicted upon him."
"Grandill? He's still alive?!" questioned Susanshi.
"But I saw him fall a hundred feet! We all did!" added Leo.
"Grandill was hurt badly. It was a sight not meant for the faint of heart. But his wounds were patched up and bandaged. He can barely fly until his wing is healed. That made Lord Vascious realize that you have brought your A-game, so to speak. Now, he wants you out of his way. Except for you, Susanshi. He still wants you alive. I have a message from him to you. He wants to offer you the chance to join him. Do so, and he'll spare you and your friends' lives."
"No!" shouted Susanshi. "I will never surrender to Vascious! Don't you understand what he wants?! He wants to destroy everything! He wants to resurrect Hadreca and bring upon doom! Why side with someone with such evil desire?"
"Why? Because I was seduced by Lord Vascious into siding with him. He...took advantage of my inner sadness and sorrow. I had nothing left to live for."
"Huh...? What happened?" wondered Susanshi.
"I was left alone... I was left with nothing. I was a victim of misfortune. Lonely and miserable. Then, Lord Vascious appeared a short time ago. He convinced me into joining with him, for he had a plan to make things better. I couldn't say no to those words, so I agreed, and I became one member of his trinity, along with Grandill and the one whose identity must remain a secret."
"Harstarr... I don't know what you went through to have to become a henchman...henchmon? ...Of Vascious. But I can understand if you feel terrible with yourself," spoke Susanshi. "But no matter what may happen, I'd always stick to good, not bad. Vascious is not a good...Pokémon. He's nothing but bad news. Why not leave him and join us? We're acting as freedom fighters, if that gives you an idea. You can become a part of our group. We let Jon join our cause, so why not you?"
"I already explained to you, Susanshi. If I disobey Lord Vascious, I will die. If I battle you and lose, he may spare me, for at least he would know I at least tried."
"Then what will you do?"
"I will fight you as intended. Think of me as...a challenge before the ultimate battle. I need to see, with my own eyes, the determination you all bear, and to see if the will to maintain the future you feel is right."
"But why does it matter so much to you?"
"Well... I have something truthful to say. I don't want to be Lord Vascious's minion anymore. I want his terror brought to an end just as much as anyone. Ever since that time when... Ohhh, I don't like thinking about it, but when he killed that Pokémon, I was forced to see it. It was something more worse than I could ever imagine. Lord Vascious murdered someone just for the cause he wanted. Even I knew it isn't worth it! But I had to hold my fear and disapproval in. If Lord Vascious spotted anything suspicious, that would be the end for me. He would see me as a traitor of Hadreca. I'm in a rather dangerous situation, and now I want to get out of it."
"I'm glad to know you've seen the error of your ways," said Jon. "Although Vascious likely won't do the same. But I have to question your wish to battle."
"When I saw these kids at the ruins, they were no match for Lord Vascious. But no matter what, they showed a sense of justice. A sense of justice that hopes to prevail in saving the land. Lord Vascious is very dangerous and powerful, even though he keeps talking about how he hasn't even reached his full power yet. If what he says suggests he'll only become more deadly, then he'll need to be matched in power. I need to see for myself the hope these kids have. They may be young, but they seem to be the best hope for Sacreca. I've heard about their efforts thus far, so please, I need to know this determination for myself. Show me the will and justice that drives you!"
"I...accept your challenge with respect, Harstarr," Susanshi said. "Leo, Tokot, it's time to battle."
"This is quite an interesting event... But all right. Let's do it!" announced Leo.
"Well, I guess you won't be needing me then. I'll just stand back now," spoke Jon, taking a few steps back.
"OK then," replied Susanshi. "So... I never thought a civilized battle could ever exist at times like this. You, Harstarr, even though we sympathize with you, we won't back down. We'll give it our all!"
"I can't believe this is even happening," sighed Tokot. "But it's not like I have a say in this, huh? I'm always forced to be in the back of our team."
"Harstarr, I hope you understand that this is an uneven battle, since it's three against one, but we're a team. We support each other," explained Susanshi.
"I realized that already. But that's why I have my own strategies to handle such situations," assured Harstarr. "Shall we begin?"
"Yes," replied Susanshi.
"Ready!" said Leo.
"Yeah, me too. Let's just make this quick," spoke Tokot.
"Very well. I'll make the first move," announced Harstarr.
She put her hands together, almost appearing to pray. Before long, she produced a large heart shape from her hands, that traveled towards Leo.
"Huh? What in the world is-" Leo muttered before being struck.
Next, the same thing happened to Tokot. The two were left with unusual expressions, as if their opponent had them in a state of hypnosis.
"Attract?" questioned Jon. "What a dirty tactic."
"A-Attract?! Oh no!" exclaimed Susanshi.
Leo and Tokot were now eyeing Harstarr together, big smiles upon their faces.
"Hey, baby, you have one hell of a fine body," Tokot said.
"She's sooooo pretty! I want to stroke her fur!" stated Leo.
"There, now teamwork will be even more difficult," commented Harstarr.
"Leo! Tokot! Snap out of it!" shouted Susanshi.
"But look at her! She's stunning!" stated Leo.
"I bet she has a nice ass," commented Tokot.
Susanshi shrugged in shock at the remarks, and was forced to turn back to face Harstarr.
"OK, it's just you and me then."
She began with a Bubble Beam directly aimed at Harstarr, who retaliated by releasing a stream of stars from her palm, cutting through the bubbles and striking Susanshi.
"Ngh, Swift attack? So, I have a projectile to deal with," noted Susanshi.
She decided to take things up close and personal, running towards Harstarr with a Drill Peck going. Harstarr leaped to the side, resulting in a miss. Susanshi skidded to a stop and faced her opponent again. With their positions swapped, she charged into her again, only this time opting for a standard Peck attack. What resulted was a series of beak thrusts from Susanshi and back-jumps from Harstarr. The pair ceased all actions and commenced a stare-down shortly after. Now, Harstarr was just a few feet away from where both Leo and Tokot were stood. The duo looked on with admiration and adoration.
"Just look at those moves!" commented Leo.
"You can't keep dodging forever," stated Susanshi.
"And you can't keep attacking forever," added Harstarr.
"Well then, I'm just going to have to shake things up a bit!" declared Susanshi.
"Sounds good. You're going to need to if you hope to stand any chance against Lord Vascious."
"My goal is to defeat...no, destroy him. And I'll do whatever it takes to achieve..." Susanshi announced, before an unusual occurrence forced her to stop.
She was left with a puzzled look on her face, as Leo was stood directly behind Harstarr, stroking and fondling the fur scarves on her back.
"So soft and snug. Is this what heaven feels like?" Leo pondered, the love for the feeling on his fingers showing in his eyes.
"Um, Leo, let go of Harstarr. We're kind of in the middle of a battle here," uttered Susanshi.
"No! I don't want to ever let go!" argued Leo. "Mine!"
Susanshi was left to stare with a blank look, all while Harstarr appeared to simply accept it.
"Ah, forced infatuation. What a dangerous thing it can be," commented Jon from afar, shrugging.
"Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing with my babe, Leo?" questioned Tokot, approaching.
"Your babe? I think you mean MY babe!" objected Leo.
"She's all mine! I call dibs on her!" shouted Tokot, trying to pry Leo's hands off Harstarr.
"Noooo! Don't remove me from my soft and cuddly heaven!" cried Leo.
Tokot would continue to try to force Leo's grip to loosen for a set amount of seconds, but still he maintained.
"Right, that's it," he said, before punching Leo in the face.
His grip was finally no more, and he fell to the ground, groaning in pain. The blow snapped him back to reality, completely unsure of what had just happened.
"W-whoa! What am I doing on the floor?" he questioned.
"You were...under the effects of Attract from Harstarr," answered Susanshi.
"Attract?! You mean...I could've done Sacreca only knows what to somebody?!" Leo bellowed in shock, before holding the sides of his head. "Ahhhhh! I feel so...violated!"
"You're violated? I think Harstarr's the one who was most violated," spoke Susanshi.
"B-but I'm a decent Pokémon! I would never..." Leo lamented.
"Hey, stop sobbing. I'm not done with you yet!" exclaimed Tokot.
"Huh? Tokot, what are you talking about?" wondered Leo.
Suddenly, Tokot pounced on him. Leo had to restrain him by grabbing his arms, as he was trying to punch him repeatedly.
"Tokot, stop! I'm myself again!" begged Leo.
"Shut up, you idiot! You tried to steal her from me! I saw it all happen!"
"Tokot, stop it! Leo's fine now!" assured Susanshi.
Alas, she was ignored, and Tokot overpowered Leo, and was now jabbing his face, alternating with his fists.
"Ah! Tokot! Stoooop! Nooooo!" Leo cried in agony.
"So sorry for this, but I think this has gone on long enough," sighed Harstarr, before slapping Tokot across the face.
He fell onto Leo, stunned by the attack and pinning him down.
"Phew, thanks for that," Leo spoke in relief. "Any more and my whole face would be nothing but a pulp!"
He then rubbed one of his cheek.
"Ahhh... It still stings."
Seconds later, Tokot regained his usual state of mind.
"Ugggh... My head hurts," he groaned.
He lifted his head up, and the first thing he saw was Leo's face staring back. He knew right away that he was lying on top of him.
"Hehe, hi," Leo bashfully greeted.
Tokot was in pure shock and disgust. He felt as if a part of him had just died inside.
"Say WHAT?!" he yelled as he leaped off Leo. "Why the hell was I lying on you?!"
"You were beating me up just seconds ago because you were in love with Harstarr," replied Leo honestly.
Tokot looked over to Harstarr, then back at Leo.
"You must be joking! I have no interest in that walking cushion!"
"You clearly did, Tokot," objected Leo.
"Tokot, settle down!" called Susanshi. "You were under the effects of Attract."
"What? With her?!" snapped Tokot in response. "...Did I say anything weird to her?"
"You said she had a nice ass," replied Susanshi.
Tokot's face became blank.
"I...said that? Please say you're kidding."
"Nope."
"I have no words..."
Tokot then shook his head, returning to his senses.
"Bah, never mind that! We were about to start a battle! So let's finish it!"
He could hear Leo giggling beside him, as he was amused by his reactions.
"Oh shut up, Leo."
"And I thought this was meant to be a serious battle," commented Jon.
"I feel...rather awkward for these bizarre events," spoke Harstarr. "But I won't forget the original plan. We will continue our battle. This time, all three of you can participate. There is no need for Attract this time."
"Yes, no more forced love! Let's go!" declared Leo.
The battle resumed, now with Leo and Tokot as participants. Harstarr produced another Swift, aiming it at Susanshi. She created a Whirlpool, sucking in the stars and protecting herself. With the added power of the Swift, she launched the Whirlpool. Its slow movement allowed Harstarr to dodge out of the way, quickly making another Swift stream, this time towards Leo. He believed he was safe when he avoided it by moving to the side, yet the stars were locked on to him, and struck him anyway.
"Leo, Swift attack never misses its target unless it's intercepted!" explained Susanshi.
"Well, in that case..." Leo responded with a slight grunt. "...Focus Blast!"
He started to charge up a energy ball in his hands.
"Seems like Harstarr takes advantage of the Swift attacks, allowing her to keep her distance. We need to take this up close!" he analyzed in his head. "Whew, I feel like I'm thinking like Susanshi! Awesome!"
He ran over to Harstarr, swinging the sphere around in his hand. Harstarr braced herself as Leo prepared to strike her with the Focus Blast head-on. Faking her out by believing he would tackle her with it, she leaped back. Leo expected this, so stopped short of her and threw it. She took the full hit and fell to the floor.
"N-not bad..." she grunted, picking herself back up.
She rushed at Leo quickly, attempting to Slam him with only her hand. Leo guarded his body with nothing more than his arm. It took the full blow, and was forced down. With Leo's defenses lowered, Harstarr struck with the other hand, knocking him back a short distance.
"My turn!" shouted Tokot, charging ahead.
He readied a sharp Slash attack from his hand. Yet, his warning gave Harstarr enough time to prepare accordingly. She fired a Swift at him, and with no hope of defense, he was hit. He didn't stop though, and simply continued towards her. Once at close range, he slashed at her, but missed as she moved back. With the small open window left, Harstarr struck with another Slam attack, also knocking him backwards. With the mild damage sustained, Tokot produced a Flamethrower, fast enough to strike Harstarr.
"Yeah! That's how we do it!" Tokot announced.
"Ngh... Such power..." groaned Harstarr, still feeling the pain from the flames. "But...this isn't over. I can now show you my true power."
"Oh, I'm so scared," remarked Tokot.
Ignoring such sarcasm, Harstarr appeared to be fleeing, distancing herself from the trio.
"What is she doing?" wondered Leo.
"I don't know, but it can't be good," replied Susanshi.
Once she was far away enough, she began charging back at high speed, cloaked in a bright fiery energy. She was intending to ram into Tokot.
"Tokot, look out!" called Susanshi, before creating a Whirlpool to attempt to use to defend.
Leo also readied a Focus Blast, unsure of what the outcome would be. Harstarr drew closer, the power of her Last Resort still in full. Susanshi and Leo were ready to attack her as she got close, when suddenly:
"Enough!" an unknown voice shouted.
Harstarr forced herself into a stop, dispelling all the energy she emitted. Susanshi and Leo also cancelled their moves. There was much confusion in everyone, even Jon, who was still watching from afar.
"What? Who's there?" questioned Harstarr.
"It's no fun cutting our battle short," grunted Tokot.
Then, a figure, dressed in a black buttoned-up cloak with a hood hiding the face and a backpack on the back dropped down from above one of the cliffs to the side. It walked across to Harstarr, then signaled to Susanshi, Leo and Tokot to step back, swaying his arm at them.
"What are you..." Susanshi was ready to ask.
"Stand back," the figure requested.
Without any words, Leo joined Susanshi as they took a few steps back. Meanwhile, Tokot refused to move.
"You, stand back," the figure repeated.
"No way. This is a battle I'd prefer to finish!" objected Tokot.
"Tokot, please. Just stand down," ordered Susanshi.
"Ugh, fine," grunted a disgruntled Tokot.
He joined back up with Leo and Susanshi.
"This sucks. Does he think he has the right to stop a battle?"
"I...don't know," replied Susanshi. "But, he looks familiar..."
"What do you mean?" wondered Tokot.
"We met someone with that same body shape and cloak some time ago," recalled Susanshi. "It was when we left Aqua Lake with our first Fragment."
"Ah yes, I remember now," said Tokot. "So what the hell is he doing here? Has he been stalking us?"
"Guys..." mumbled Leo. "I...recognize his voice!"
"What?" questioned Susanshi in reaction.
"Cease this battle with these children. They are not your concern," spoke the figure to Harstarr.
"Who are you? Show yourself," insisted Harstarr. "What gives you the right to stop a battle to test strength and strategy?"
With only a faint grunt in agreement, the cloaked figure grabbed each side of his hood with two black hands, each bearing a large spike on the back of each, and pulled it down, finally revealing himself.
"No way! It can't be!"
Leo was in absolutely shock once the face became clear, no longer shrouded.
"It's... It's my dad!"
"Your dad? Leo, are you sure?!" questioned Susanshi.
"It has to be him! I should know!" insisted Leo.
"My name is Hiroca, a Lucario. These children should not be fighting you," the figure said in a serious tone.
"What do you mean?" asked Harstarr.
"Their target is the ringleader, not a crony such as yourself. It is not worth battling them just to merely test them, nor to spare your own life. They already have the bravery and will to prevail in battle. They work as a team, and support each other."
"But I don't have a choice! Now, get out of the way."
"Is there any way to reason with you? This battle will mean nothing. You will be defeated, and their worth will be proven. The risk is not worth it."
"If I were to return to Lord Vascious with no sign of injury, he will assume I ignored his orders, and the worst will happen to me! And running from him won't help either!"
"Look at yourself. You already have signs of burns to your fur from the Charmander's fire attack. Would that not suffice?"
"I...don't know... It might not be enough to convince Lord Vascious..."
"Hmm... Your tone and aura suggest to me that you don't really wish to do evil. You are just vulnerable."
"You...know how I really feel?"
"Yes, I can read it in your aura. You do not really believe in evil. You feel manipulated and lost. You wish for only the right thing. I've been watching and listening in secret from atop the cliff. It sounds to me like you've been led down a road of untruth and darkness. You are filled with regret, and now want to set things right for yourself again. You no longer want to be by Vascious's side. You want freedom, and not just for yourself, but also for Sacreca, for it is your home.
These children show much promise. They have done so much already, with nothing more than the desire to change the fate of themselves and the entire land. Should that not be enough evidence that they have a chance at success? No amount of test fighting should ever be the only way to prove it."
At that point, Harstarr showed a look of sadness and guilt.
"I'm...sorry for the trouble, but you're right. I allowed myself to be lured to the side of Hadreca by Lord...no, just Vascious. I was there, watching him commit acts of a vile nature. I saw him when he killed that guy, yet I never tried to stop him. Do you think I liked what I saw that time? Absolutely not! I knew then that something was wrong, but I hid my concerns from him. I can't risk being discovered for questioning him! That's why I had to battle these Explorers! I had to protect myself! I have Vascious's trust, after all! I'm a member of his trinity!"
"Listen, things don't have to be this way. You can help change your destiny. Anyone can change their destiny for the better. It's all down to each individual. And if it seems difficult, know that you don't have to do it alone. It is ultimately down to you if you wish to make a change though. So, what will you do?"
"Thank you, stranger..."
"Hey, just call me Hiroca," he said with an assured smile.
"Thank you...Hiroca. I-I know what I have to do."
Harstarr then turned her back and headed away.
"Where are you going?" wondered Hiroca.
"I'm returning to Vascious," replied Harstarr without turning back.
"Despite all the risks you implied?"
"Yes, I'll try to think of an excuse that'll help to spare me. I have to stay with Vascious, and pretend that I am still loyal for a little longer. I'm sorry for all the trouble, kids, but now I have to look after myself while you continue with your own thing. We'll likely meet again. Until then, be careful. The three of you fight well. Just don't lose that will of yours, OK? I'll secretly be wishing you the best of luck."
She continued to walk away, not wanting to look back at anyone. Along the way, she whispered to herself:
"And good luck, Susanshi. I hope you can have closure after everything..."
"...Wow. That was quite something," spoke Susanshi.
"You're telling me. That guy's good," agreed Jon, having just approached the spectating group.
"That proves it..." mumbled Leo. "It really is him."
He slowly walked over to Hiroca alone, stood in front of him, and looked up at his face.
"I am sorry for the delay. I had to settle things before I could talk to you," Hiroca said calmly. "So Leo, is it truly you that stands before me?"
"...Yes, Dad. The one and only."
"Ahh... It's...just as I thought... I always hoped I'd see you again."
"M-me too, Dad. But where have you been all these years?"
"I ran away. I'm so sorry to leave you, but for my own safety, I had to. It's a long story, but your mother's death... I had to get away after that."
"But...I was sad when she died too, but I stayed in town. When you weren't there the morning after, I felt so...broken! You missed the funeral! You were put on the SPF's missing Pokémon list! It was like you vanished off the planet! And now, you suddenly turn up. I-I just want answers!"
"I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you these past eight years, Leo. But now I'm back, and I won't leave you ever again. I promise."
Hiroca fell to his knees, holding out his arms in invitation.
"But now...I ask only for forgiveness. If you accept, I will tell you everything. Will you forgive?"
Leo, ready to weep, ran into the open arms of his father, and the two embraced.
"I do..."
"Thank you, Leo..."
"Why... Why do you appear now?"
"As soon as I heard of the one named Vascious, and his foul misconduct, I had to ensure you were OK. I returned to check on you, then I saw you with the Piplup and Charmander near Aqua Lake. I knew, at that time, that I just had to meet you again. Then, you appeared again in the Frosted Village. I knew then that I just had to follow you. I had to analyze you from afar, see what had changed in my only son."
Away from the scene, Susanshi, Tokot and Jon were all stood together. They all remained quiet and still as they watched.
"So he was reunited with his father," mentioned Susanshi. "So heartwarming..."
"Yeah, I guess so, but this still seems weird to me," replied Tokot.
"Yes, there's still a lot we need to know," continued Susanshi. "But...let's give it another moment. These two would need a little more time alone."
She, Tokot and Jon remained still and looked on at the reunion that took place before them. Tears continued to flow down Leo's face, for he was not only happy at the sudden turn of events, but also in utter shock that he was being held by one he had though he would never be held by again. Hiroca was relatively more calm, simply keeping his eyes closed as Leo's head rested on him. Despite the composed vibe he gave off, he was still bothered by something deep inside. He did not know if Leo truly wanted to know whatever he may had hidden from him.