Ch.52: Find Your Way Through the Water Temple's Maze! Treasure Hunters and Pirates Collide!
Not much could be remembered after the sudden whirlpool threw everyone into the temple. At least, these were the current thoughts of Ambrosine after being thrown overboard by the raging waters. She must have blacked out in all the chaos. Not a good start to her first pirate mission. Of course, she was expecting to raid a town or something, not take an underwater excursion through the deep blue.
Even though her mind was foggy and disoriented from the sudden wave of darkness, she was conscious enough to formulate a valid question: why was she still alive? It's possible one of the crew saved her, but she didn't think they knew she fell overboard since they were liking trying to swim to safety. Though, it appears someone clearly got her to safety.
Her throat felt sore from the recent intake of water, but the soreness against her stomach told her that someone made her regurgitate the water in her lungs. No wonder she felt so sick.
She dared to open her eyes and peek around her current location. Not much, but her eyes were unfocused as of now. Just a lot of grays and…gray. Oh wait, there was some light. She wasn't back on the ship, that much was evident.
Her eyes wandered around until she spotted a splash of orange and yellow sitting nearby. She squinted in confusion. Did she have any crewmates with vibrant color like that? Perhaps Smith, but his fur was much too dull to be this one. She let out a weak groan that garnered the individual's attention. A quick head turn and her vision clearing revealed her savior's identity.
The Flareon of Team Ravenfield.
"Oh good, I was wondering when you were going to wake up." Not the words she expected from someone meant to be her enemy- wait, why did her enemy save her? "How are you feeling?" he asked with a kind, yet concerned voice.
Ambrosine weakly lifted her hand and lay it over her forehead, groaning in exhaustion. "Ugh…how did I…get here?"
The Flareon explained, "You weren't among the rest of the Desert Beasts after you all…ahem, attacked us, so I assumed you fell off your ship during the whirlpool. I managed to catch you and bring you into temple."
That's the motivation the Steenee needed answered. She pushed herself up into a sitting position, much to the Flareon's immediate complaint that she needed rest, and lay her arms in her lap. "Wait…you…saved me?"
All the Flareon could do was shrug. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not the biggest fan of the Desert Beasts with all the trouble they've caused." He rubbed his throat. "Leigh…sort of hates my guts, right now. That said, it'd be wrong to let you drown." He narrowed his eyes. "Speaking of which, I've never seen you before. At least, ever since I last saw the Desert Beasts. Are you…a new member?"
Should she really be conversing with the enemy? Then again, the captain didn't seem all that annoyed, or at all for that matter, when the short brawl between Ravenfield and Lyra consisted of playing conversation. What kind of weird relationship did Arid and Ravenfield have with each other? She's heard of the term 'frenemy,' but those two seemed too much like rivals to be on good terms with each other.
Even so, she might as well be grateful someone dragged her out from her near demise. "Ambrosine…" she muttered.
The Flareon tipped his hat to her. "Flint Ravenfield."
His last name was Ravenfield, too? That must have made the Umbreon his brother. "I, uh…thanks for pulling me out of the water, I guess." She looked at her clothes and groaned at how soaking wet they were. "Darn it…"
Given that Flint wore a wetsuit, his clothes were much drier compared to hers. "They'll dry eventually." Flint stood up and looked around. "Anyway, my team and your crew got kind of scattered throughout the temple. I can't tell where everyone is. The walls won't let me peer through and see everyone's auras."
Ambrosine stood up as well and peered at the walls. With her vision fully cleared, she saw she was standing in a cubical shaped room with spherical light sources lining the walls. There were passage ways on each wall, as well as depictions of all kinds of Water-Types in battle. "So, in other words, we're stuck in a maze."
"For the most part." Flint sighed and rubbed his head. "I hope everyone's alright, especially Gwyn." Not to say he didn't trust the Mew's sense of judgment when it came to danger. She acted naïve, but she can be brilliant when the time called for it. Even so, with all of their team being capable on their own, it was the Flareon's feelings for the spunky Mew that made him worry.
Ambrosine sensed around the room once more and noticed magic traveling through the ceiling and walls. It felt hostile, similar to the Water Guardians from outside. She grimaced, then directed her gaze to Flint. "We should probably start walking. I don't think standing here will do us any good."
Flint immediately caught on to what she meant. He, too, could feel the presence of the Water Guardians drawing nearer. He nodded in agreement, then they made their way out one of the provided passageways. Who knows? They might get lucky and avoid the Water Guardians and find their comrades altogether.
After recovering from the whirlpool, Griffin and Gwyn made their way through the differing passageways of the temple. They found out they couldn't peer through the walls, meaning they'll be going in blind for most of the walk. Neither friend nor foe could be predicted unless they were in direct line of sight in the temple. They'll have to take their chances.
Griffin took the lead with Endless Regret supported over his should, keeping an attentive and alert gaze of all his surroundings. All senses were being utilized to keep wary of ambushes. Gwyn followed closely by his side, feeling oddly secure around the terrifying bounty hunter. It mostly had to do with him being a close and respectable ally. Though, a thought dawned on her.
They haven't really taken the time to converse together.
Sure, there was the occasional sentence thrown at each other, but she hasn't really connected with the Grovyle. Everyone else had their own interaction with him, for better or worse. They were alone for the time being. Might as well get to know the bounty hunter.
Giving her best smile, Gwyn started off with, "So Griffin, uh…how are you doing?"
"I don't sense any immediate enemy in our vicinity," he quickly muttered.
That…wasn't the response she was hoping for. Perhaps she should try something else. "Uh, right. Well, um…do you have any wonderful 'antique dotes' you want to share?"
"First of all, the word is anecdote." Gwyn should really skim through that dictionary of hers more often. She only heard the word a handful of times from Flint. "And second, no."
Gwyn pouted in a disgruntled manner. She knew the Grovyle could come off as cold, but this was ridiculous. He's usually livelier with Ella or Wes. Or Tony, as of recently. "Aww, come on, Griffin! We barely talk to each other! I get bored easily!" She usually filled her time chatting with Ella or Flint. Never a dull moment with them. "Please~! I just want to connect with you!"
The cheery and pleading aura around the Mew permeated the air near Griffin. He didn't have to turn his head to know she was giving him those big puppy dog eyes that made Flint weak-kneed. They'd obviously never work on a stubborn bounty hunter like Griffin, but hearing the Mew whine would grow irksome after a while.
He rolled his eyes and decided to play along. Might as well. She's not wrong, after all. "Fine…what do you want to talk about?"
Gwyn took a moment to emit the most saccharine squeal that's ever hit the Grovyle's ears. That girl was too cheery for him. "Well, since Flinty's not here, I wanted to talk about the new Naturae Fruits I've developed!"
Oh…right, I forgot she makes stuff like that. Griffin shrugged indifferently, but listened anyway. "Go on."
"Well, after some rather exasperating design flaws, I've perfected my latest batch of Toxic Hunter Berries and Informis Oak Berries! I have, like, so many ideas for new batches running through my noggin! I'm considering a batch that revolves around speed, but I don't have any ideas for a base! I can't really think of a plant that accelerates speed and perception."
Griffin rolled his eyes wryly. Oh, I can think of a few off the top of my head. Though, going through his list of experiences and travels, there could be a plant that (safely) increases speed and perception. Granted, his field of expertise didn't correlate with the Mew's, so he wasn't helpful in this department.
"I considered the Flash Freeze flower, but that may take some time. Plus, I want to widen my variety of fruits! Got any suggestions?!"
Oh great, I have to answer a question. Griffin sighed tiredly. It's not that he hated Gwyn, far from it. He found her oddly amusing and a good source of optimism, even if she's naïve. They just didn't have much in common to hold a conversation, or at least the Grovyle's social skills could use some improvement. Still, she expected an answer and he, at least, wanted to be respectful.
His mind wandered off for a moment and briefly recalled his encounter with Voss, making him grimace in irritation. Though, he wasn't thinking of his sworn enemy simply out of spite. No, this had more to do with the Mew's question. If there's one type of enemy Griffin hated going up against, it was his polar opposite: defensive fighters.
He remembered the troubling times, sparring with fellow teachers who possessed the Revulsion Anima. The one thing he couldn't get around was their arsenal of defensive spells that made it nigh impossible to get a hit in or get close. Perhaps…the Mew could benefit from a defensive option.
Griffin shrugged and gave his response, "Might I suggest a berry that increases your defensive capabilities? You seem to take on a mixed fighting style with those berries. When in battle, you tend to stay at medium range for the use of your primary weapon, a whip. You unmistakably compensate for different opponents by using different styles. I haven't seen a pure defensive set, so try that."
Gwyn tilted her head and gave the Grovyle an awed stare. "Really?"
Griffin nodded with his eyes closed. "You don't stand out as the strongest among our party, but you excel at unpredictably if you can command the very element of nature through complex science and adroit magic." He shrugged. "If you ever need training tips, you're more than welcomed to…" He heard the Mew sniffling out of the blue. He turned and raised a curious brow at her big watery eyes and wide, cutesy smile. "What?"
"We're…We're bonding!" she exclaimed before embracing the Grovyle's side.
Griffin didn't reciprocate the action. He stood in place and exhaled a heavy sigh. Good grief.
Griffin let his guard down for only a moment as the Mew hugged him. That one moment of weakness nearly cost him, as he sensed a fast approaching force coming straight for them. Thankfully, he barely brought Endless Regret up in time as two katana slammed against the edge, sending a wave of sparks flying off. Griffin growled and pushed the attacker off, already identifying them from the method of attack.
Griffin pointed his weapon at the attacker. "Well, it's as if fate wanted us to continue our little brawl."
Drake straightened himself up and crossed his katana. "Very rarely do I get to fight another competent swordsman- seldom my own species, even."
Griffin narrowed his eyes. "Gwyn, leave this one to me. I can take him."
Drake narrowed his only eye. "If you're worried the young lady will find herself wearied with our current altercation, perhaps my crewmate will keep her entertained."
"Huh?" was the first thing to escape Gwyn's lips before feeling the sinister presence of a second attacker. She screeched and rolled out of the way as a set of battle claws sunk into her previous position. She tumbled onto her rear before scrambling to her feet. "That wasn't nice!"
Leigh pried her weapons from the floor and aimed them at Gwyn. "I was hoping for the Flareon, but you'll make a suitable substitute."
Gwyn blinked in momentary silence, then glared back at the assassin as she drew her whip. She reached into her bag for another item of interest. "Oh yeah…you're that angry Togetic who went after Flint earlier…"
Griffin and Gwyn, with their backs to each other, kept themselves on guard as the two pirates circled around them. Griffin glared softly. "Gwyn, it seems we have a perfect opportunity to test those new berries of yours."
Gwyn smirked deviously, completely offset by the bubbly giggle she made. "Way ahead of you."
However, before anyone could make sudden movements, they felt another presence enter the room. Many presences, none of which they were associated with. They quickly scanned the room and spotted water dripping- or rather, leaking from the ceiling. The water swirled together and created multiple water humanoids with piercing red eyes.
Griffin growled through his teeth. "Water Guardians…of course." A three way brawl between the two members of Team Ravenfield, two Desert Beasts, and a whole squadron of Water Guardians. Agitating, perhaps, but the anticipation made Griffin smirk. "Try not to slow me down, Gwyn."
Gwyn flashed him a cheery smile. "Mutual request."
They squatted a bit, then sprung towards their respective opponents. The pirates followed suit with their weapons raised. The Water Guardians flew into action as well, forming orbs of compressed water in their hands. Weapons collided and water blasts exploded.
Tony, with his hands calmly in his pockets, dodged a powerful shot of compressed water that smashed up the room he ran into. He smirked as five Water Guardians pursued after him. He was calmly jumping backwards, keeping his eyes targeted on the advancing aquatic elementals.
"Now, isn't this lovely?" Tony exclaimed before flipping over a shot similar to pistol fire. "A welcoming party for me! You all make me feel so invited! Allow me to return the favor in full!" He pulled his hands out and aimed. "Lightning Shot!" Both fingers lit up and fired the thin lightning streaks.
One Water Guardian slammed its hands down and formed a barrier of water that immediately converted to ice, effectively blocking the Lightning Shots. However, the attempt was futile to dissuade the Dewott. He ran around the wall with Quick Step active and fired off Lightning Shot: Lotus Bullet. The flurry of beams ripped through them with ease. They fired off a surge of water, but Tony braced himself against the impact. The water was magically enchanted, but he could take the hit.
In fact, it only made his smirk stretch farther as he plunged his hand through the surge and electrified it. The Water Guardians were immediately stunned from the attack, cancelling their attack and give Tony and opportunity to get in close. He dashed forward and leapt over them, stretching his arms to his sides.
"Dragon Thunderclap!" The powerful shockwave smashed down on the paralyzed Guardians and disrupted their forms into inanimate puddles of liquid. For extra measure, however, Tony slammed his hand down on the water and further punished it with volts of magical lightning. The water soon evaporated from the heat, leaving Tony seemingly alone in the stone room. He folded his arms behind his head and smirked. "Heh. Are these things getting weaker or am I that badass?"
All joking aside, the Dewott had absolutely no idea where he was. Sure, he was a natural when it came to swimming, but he never had to swim through tough currents like that. Suffice to say, any attempt to rescue his friends would've ended in disaster. He knew they were a competent bunch. They were inside the temple, waiting to regroup once more. The real trouble lied in navigation.
His lips formed a sour grin. "Ugh…can't waste magic running around the place. Guess I'll have to take my sweet ol' time." Running was his thing, but he couldn't afford to expend energy currently. He shrugged and decide to take one of the random corridors presented to him.
Plans had to be cut short, however. He ceased walking and gaped in mild surprise as arrows flew from the darkness of the corridor before him. With only small adjustments to his posture, he spun on his heel and let the arrows fly past him, though he made quick analysis of the points. Red glowing arrowheads. He took note the sloshing material inside. Transparent material comparable to glass. The possible liquid was likely a type of potion, but what kind?
Judging from what he saw next, he had to guess it was volatile upon impact.
The arrows exploded against the walls, blasting debris across the room. Tony kept his calm composure as more arrows flew at him. Without removing his hands from his pockets, he took gentle sidesteps to avoid them. His eyes scanned their trajectory and, while some were clearly targeted for him, noticed a handful hitting the light sources in the walls. The explosives rendered them dysfunctional beyond repair. All light was removed from the room, leaving the Dewott in the dark with his mysterious attacker.
Despite the circumstances, the Dewott's mood didn't falter. He closed his eyes and smirked dauntlessly. "Interesting choice of attack, my friend. I'd say you're a bad aim, but I wish not to sound too impertinent."
"Oh, so you're the smartass of the group?" The voice was unmistakably female. "Don't worry, I'm not a nice gal myself."
Tony smirked. "Ooh, a bad girl? You sound like my type."
"Flattered, but ultimately uninterested."
"Can I interest you in a date, then?" Tony leaned back and felt an arrow pass by his face. "We'll settle on a maybe." The bright glow of the arrowheads was the only thing who could make out, but they were expertly hidden from sight before firing.
"Let's see if you can dodge as fast as you run your mouth." More arrows fired from the darkness.
Tony smirked wider and skipped along the floor, skillfully avoiding the arrows as they exploded along the room. "If we're going by that comparison, I must talk a lot!" Freeing his hands from his pockets, he backflipped over three arrows, then shot down three more. He landed, then immediately dodged again. "Okay, how many of those things do you have?!"
"Let me answer with another question! Think you can survive for the next hour?!" One arrow, this time glowing green, flew down from above this time. Tony quickly identified it and deflected it with the back of his wrist. The arrowhead broke against the ground and released a corrosive acid.
Tony was at a minor disadvantage since his eyes were never trained to see in total darkness. His opponent, however, clearly had the upper hand. Basic analysis indicated the Pokémon he was facing was capable of seeing in the dark. She believed removing the light source in the room would assure victory in her favor.
Oh, how wrong she is.
Tony's body suddenly lit up with electricity, emitting a static like appearance to his fur. He smirked confidently into the darkness. "If you wanted to play a game of catch, I'm willing to accept!" He chuckled. "Rules are simple: I catch you, you lose. Quick Step!" Speed tripled, he rocketed across the room.
The pirate gasped and dodged an attempted grab for her arm. With the light of Tony's body, he identified her weapon as a crossbow, which was being loaded as of now. The claw loading it was that of a Sneasel, the same one from earlier. Tony sidestepped the arrow aimed for his head. Another explosive tipped.
"You're that Sneasel from earlier?" Tony suddenly asked as he fired Lightning Shot.
Indigo jumped in the air and loaded two arrows. "And you're the Dewott." The two arrows, now fired, were tipped in icy blue liquid.
Tony dodged one and caught the other. He took quick note of the sheet of ice forming from the first arrow before glaring at the Sneasel, twirling the arrow between his fingers. "Some fancy weaponry you've got there. Potion expert, I'm assuming."
"Normal potion maker," she answered. Indigo landed on her feet and went for another round of arrows. "Nothing impressive, just the basics."
Tony looked at the arrowhead with a surveying gaze, taking note of the amazing craftsmanship of the arrow and the concoction trapped inside the arrowhead, then smirked. "Basic potion work, yes. My Mew pal has you beat there. Though, I can't give you no credit. Did you make these arrows yourself? Remarkable beauty and slender design, just like yourself."
Indigo smirked and aimed another round. "Ooh, aren't you smooth, hotshot."
"So, that a definite on the date?"
"Don't push your luck." She fired an explosive arrow.
Tony let fly past once more, but smashed the arrow in his hand against the explosive one. The arrow struck the ground, but didn't explode as a sheet of ice absorbed the impact instead. "Sweetheart, I test my odds every day." He charged back into battle.
Fortunately, Indigo was prepared for close range combat. She readjusted some knobs on her prosthetic claw before transforming it into its blade form. Tony smirked and drew his twin scalchops. With Razor Shell active, he slammed the water energy blades against the blade.
They exchange a brief glance with each other before pushing back and racing around the room, meeting with repeated blows and clashes. Sure, Tony could easily blitz her with Quick Step and certainly Light Speed, but where was the fun in that? He wanted to take his time with this. Despite the obvious difference in potential speed, Tony found the Sneasel to be an impressive fighter.
Indigo shared mutual respects as she dodged the water blades with attentive focus on Tony's movement. She pulled an arrow from the quiver hidden behind her waist and smashed it down, sending a cold wave the Dewott's way. Tony jumped over it, allowing Indigo to tackle him in the air. She pulled her blade back and went for the thrust.
However, Tony's confidence continued to stand strong. The Sneasel's blade would never make contact with him as he twisted his body to avoid stabbing, then slammed his palm against her chest. "Ventusphere!" An erratic wave of wind blasted them apart, with Tony crashing against the floor and Indigo greeting the ceiling with a hard slam.
Indigo dug her real claws into the ceiling to keep herself rooted while converting her fake claws into its buzz saw form. The configuration worked in complicated matters, implying the material lined within the claws was complex. Her two claws would connect and shift into a more stylized and appropriate looking wheel before exposing blades from it. The saw spun and gave a satisfying hum. The Sneasel smirked and kicked off the wall. "Take a gander at this!"
Tony crossed his arms and blocked against the saw, with only his protective aura keeping the deadly teeth of that saw from lacerating him. His body generated more sparks as he glared intensely at the Sneasel. "Well, if you're not going to take my offer seriously, then I guess we're done playing."
Tony kicked back and let the saw slash into the ground. Indigo was offered no time to retreat as Tony tackled her with his crossed arms and charged her into the walls, pinning her down.
Indigo glared and raised her buzz saw, roaring with speed. "I guess we are!"
Tony raised his finger and generated a Lightning Shot. "You're move, pirate!"
They glared fervently at each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Despite their words, they didn't want the fun to end so soon. Still, they both were playing defense until the time called for action, even if Tony had the upper hand with the pirate pinned to the wall.
However, as they waited for an attack, they were given time to analyze each other, though Tony was arguably being more thorough. Strangely enough, both their expressions shifted from passionate glares to confused gazes. It felt reminiscent of their earlier exchange of eye contact, but this one allowed for more information to absorb.
It was hard to deny, but Tony recognized the facial features of the Sneasel. To the untrained eye, any Pokémon could be easily mistaken for another, if said outside party had no personal connection to said Pokémon or just didn't give a decent look. There were clear, yet subtle differences in a face.
He intensified the light of his Lightning Shot, but had no intention of firing. He wanted a bright light source. This Sneasel had a certain look to her that he couldn't quite explain in words. It was just…something he recognized. His keen eye for detail pointed him to the scars hidden under the Sneasel's fur. Nothing serious by any means or easy to see without looking really close, just tiny scars from…hard times…
Indigo's saw blade ceased revving and powered down, with her arm going limp as well. The Dewott felt reminiscent of a certain time as well. He had a lean build, something that was undoubtedly attractive of the Dewott. Still, her attention was (mostly) drawn to his face. A face she felt she has seen before. Someone who…was once naïve and sad…
Their eyes shimmered in disbelief. Their bodies went limp a bit, enough for the Dewott to drop the equally dazed Sneasel. They stared into each other's eyes as the memories started connecting. Something…from the past was standing right in front of them.
"…Tony?" the Sneasel muttered meekly.
"…Indigo?" the Dewott asked softly.
Being the only non-magic user of their little group, Ella knew she was a few steps behind when it came to fighting magical creatures like Guardians. She liked to think she was capable on her own, despite her limited training in psychic power. That being said, there was a fine line that needed to be drawn for this.
Surprise, surprise, she ran into some pirates, specifically Banama, Zerif, and Malcolm. They, too, were fighting back against the Water Guardians that had ambushed them. Banama took the lead and kept the Guardians away with a blast of electricity. The power caused the room to rumble and shake.
The Guardians created a thick wall of ice to take the blast for them, before rushing the Raichu and slugging him in the gut. Banama tensed up in time to absorb the blow, which pushed him back next to the others. He glared with crackling cheeks. "I thought I'd have an easier time with these things…"
Zerif clenched his teeth and took a step forward, reaching for the cutlasses in his hair. "Not much I can do against them, either."
Malcolm narrowed his eyes. "Breaking them apart until they can't reform anymore is the best start."
Ella, who was sitting behind them, smirked lazily. "Well, in that case, carry on with your fun. Don't want to leave a poor lady like me in danger."
Banama glared at her. "Don't think we've forgotten about you." Ella found herself coiled in the Raichu's tail and lifted. "Using you as a distraction doesn't seem like a bad call."
Ella's expression remained bold. "As threatening as that sounds, maybe you shouldn't be talking in the middle of a fight."
Banama barely put his guard up as a Water Guardian went for his face. The impact didn't harm him, but the shock caused him to release Ella, who made a straight shot for one of the provided corridors.
"So long, suckers! Love to stay and chat, but I've got business to-!" She ran into a solid mass of water, then immediately jumped back in alert. Her eyes widened as she found the hand cannons of a Water Guardian aimed at her face. With an uneasy grin, she said, "Huh…learn what you preach." She quickly rolled away from the expected water blast, which ripped through the floor with ease.
Malcolm tanked two Water Guardians' flurry punches before finding his opening to counter. He grabbed one of the water elemental by the wrist, pulled them in, and slammed his elbow into its head. The blow dismantled the Guardian into water, though it'll likely reform in a second. Malcolm kept his guard up and took three punches from the second Guardian.
Malcolm smirked, having hadn't a good fight in ages. Sure, the Water Guardian's weren't an optimal choice given his main style of fighting is bare knuckles and…these were water elementals, but that didn't remove the excitement and thrill it gave him.
He pivoted on his heel and avoided a straight jab from the Water Guardian. Malcolm tightened his fist and threw it through the Guardian's head, reverting it to water in an instant. He hopped readily on his feet like a boxer. "That the best you can do?"
Much like he thought earlier, a simple punch wouldn't be enough to take out the Guardians. However, he found it odd how they went down so easily, only to realize too late that water tendrils sprung from the puddles he was standing in and lifted him into the air. They restricted his arms and legs to prevent counterattacking.
Ella, who was blocking punches with a psychic shield, quickly noticed her enemy's plight. While it would be better to leave the pirates to fend for themselves, she wasn't exactly in the best of positions if she were to piss them off. She could fight, but against three pirates like them didn't make her odds better, especially when one of them directly countered her main style of fighting.
Ella expanded the shield and pushed the Water Guardians attacking her away, then ran towards the water tendrils. Applying Psychic to her hindlegs, she sprung to the Golduck's aid and snatched him from the tendrils in a blink.
Malcolm was surprised for a moment, then glared at her. "I didn't ask for your help!"
Ella smirked. "I know. This was the best way to keep my conscience clear AND to annoy you!"
The Water Guardians emerged from the puddles and went after Ella and Malcolm. Not showing any tact for the Espeon, Malcolm grabbed her by the ankle and threw her into Water Guardians before diving to the ground. Ella psychically bounced off the air and flipped over the Guardians, then blasted them apart with a psychic blast.
She threw a glare at Malcolm. "You certainly don't know how to treat a lady right!" The Golduck simply ignored her and went into another fistfight with some more Guardians.
Zerif couldn't rely on his illusionary capabilities against the artificially created humanoids, limiting his options to swordplay. He sliced the Guardians relentlessly, but his attacks couldn't leave lasting damage. His arm got stuck in one of the Guardians, setting it up to grab him by the wrist and blast him with a surge of water.
The illusionary fox absorbed his impact with the wall against his hands and feet, then dropped down. He scowled aggravatedly before charging back into battle. He pulled out more and more cutlasses and sliced furiously into the Guardians. Two grabbed him by the wrists and encased his arms in ice before slamming their knees into him.
Zerif staggered back and shivered from his icy quandary. They weren't offering him much in the form of counterattacking. Even so, that wasn't enough to deter him. In fact, he was smirking wildly. "Fine, you want to play like that?" He rushed into battle a third time, with the intention of making use of his frozen arms.
The cutlasses that were frozen along with him retained their natural sharpness under the sheet of ice, so they glided smoothly through the Water Guardians as expected. Lasting damage wasn't possible, but overwhelming them was. The Zoroark knew plenty when it came to overwhelming an enemy.
Following Malcolm's example, he went for vital parts of the Guardians. Unlike Earth Guardians or Fire Guardians, the Water Guardians had a bigger disadvantage when it came to regenerating because they were a readily available source of water. They may be magical in nature, but they had a limited supply of magic and couldn't expend the use on restoring a lost limb. In other words, hack and slash like there's no tomorrow!
Banama dodged a surge of water, then sliced off the Water Guardian's arm cannon with his tail. He jumped back and punched his fists together, surging power and magic through his body to increase his electrical output. His cheeks crackled dangerously, then he unleashed a wave of lightning at everything within his immediate sight.
Malcolm and Zerif quickly dodged the attack in their haste. The Water Guardians froze from the stunning wave, then evaporated on the spot. Zerif punched his frozen fists together and growled, "Watch where you're aiming that, you stupid rodent!"
Banama merely shot an uncaring stare his way before looking around the room. There weren't any more Water Guardians to attack them, but more will likely take over in due time. They'll have to retreat farther into the temple if they wish to find their captain.
However, his focus then settled on Ella, who was attempting to sneak away. A quick bolt from his hand near the Espeon's feet before she could abscond the area. She gulped inaudibly, then flashed a sour grin over her shoulder. "I wasn't aware you boys enjoyed my company that much."
Banama sauntered towards her with a darkened expression. "Where do you think you're going?" His cheeks crackled forewarningly, hoping she got the message of his intent.
Even if she did, the Espeon was too stubborn to show any sort of fear or dread to an enemy. Suppressing the urge to flee on the spot, she brought a paw to her chin and gave a demure smile, contrasting her usual attitude. "Oh, don't think bad of little ol' me. I just want to find my friends."
The tail binding around her body concluded the pirates weren't going to let her go that easily. Banama's cheeks crackled again. "We know all about your secret agenda. We know what you're looking for."
Ah, back to that minor detail. Ella dropped her little act and glared suspiciously at the pirates. "I'm not going to go blathering words out just in case, but what do you think we're looking for?"
Zerif skulked around her with silent footsteps. "A golden statue imbued with the powers of all. Though, that's only the long-term goal. You're here for something to access it."
Malcolm glared softly. "Not so much a myth anymore, is it?"
The specifics of their words were all Ella needed, though that didn't make the situation any less dangerous. She smirked uneasily. "Oh joy, just what I needed: more people interfering with our hunt."
Banama tightened his coiled tail, though it didn't cause discomfort to her. "How many of the keys do you have?"
"I have plenty of keys. My houses keys, my work keys, a book titled 'The Key to Your Heart,'" Ella jested, her smirk losing some of its uneasiness. Nothing calmed her nerves more than being an asinine quipster.
Banama suppressed the urge to grunt, though his facial expression showed he really wanted to. Before he could get another word in, Zerif inserted himself into the interrogation. "This is a waste of time." He slammed his hands down and smashed the ice off. He placed all but one of his cutlasses away, then brought the last one to her neck. "We have a prisoner, at least. The weak link of Ravenfield's posse."
Ella closed her eyes, suppressing the irritation bubbling inside her head. Ah yes, once or twice was enough, but it was pretty damn demeaning to be called the weaker link. What, not have fancy magic made her weak? "You do realize at least one of you possesses no access to magic, correct?"
Malcolm, immediately picking up she was referring to him, cracked his knuckles. "Your point?"
She smirked. "Sure, I'm no magic user, but I'm the next best thing." Her eyes, as well as the gem on her forehead, exploded with psychic energy that blasted all but Zerif out of her sight.
Zerif, immune to her psychic attacks, swung his cutlass in a reverse grip. Ella spun around his attack and kicked the blade out of his hand. Zerif made the mistake of having his eyes follow the spinning blade, because it gave Ella the opening to kick him in the gut. He staggered in pain and fell on his back.
Ella leapt and caught the weapon in her teeth before sprinting to a random corridor. "Ciao!"
The pirates quickly rose to their feet. Banama got on all fours. "Don't let her escape!" He sprinted after her with Malcolm running close behind. Zerif growled angrily, then smirked as he made himself fade out into a misty fog. While he couldn't be seen, he ran after his teammates to capture the pesky Espeon.
"That idol will be mine, boy!"
Just his luck. Wes entered the temple in hopes he'd be alone (with his teammates, at least) and instead found himself battling against his sworn rival, Arid. Well, maybe not sworn rival, but definitely a rival. The worse thing about being in a stone temple was that it gave Arid all the ammunition he needed to fight the jumpy, currently purple-furred Umbreon. Just crush up some rock and you got yourself some sand.
While that made avoiding the wave of sand tracking him down all the more worse, it was by far the least of Wes' current string of problems. To name one from the top of the list, Arid's apparent knowledge on the idol. Wes wanted to believe the pirate was talking about any old idol and simply got wrong information about this temple. That would have made his day ten times better.
But no, Arid wasn't stupid, unfortunately. A pirate, yes, but a brilliant thinker when it came to dissecting leads. The Umbreon's first suspicion was that they've been secretly monitoring their activities, even though the chances seemed unlikely. Second suspicion, they found out about the information from an outside source related to the idol's mythos. The third option, the one that seemed just as unlikely but also plausible, Arid picked up on certain context clues back in the living cave in Slab Blade Mountain.
The Umbreon kept a calm composure as he glared at the pirate captain, keeping his attention split between him and the sand that chased him down. "Arid, you're going to need to fill in the blanks for me, because I don't know what the hell you're talking about!" He rolled under the spire of grayish sand and dodged. The sand was hardened into sharp daggers of sorts.
Arid waved his gauntlet around and targeted Wes with a keen, observant eye. "Don't play the fool, Ravenfield. You've tried to deceive me once, throw us off the scent for your true goal." His eyelids deepened into a firm glare. "You're too impulsive when it comes to hunting treasure. That's how you've always been." He punched forward with a twist of his wrist, sending a swirling barrage of sand down on Wes.
The Umbreon tried to leap over, but his left hindleg got caught in one of the sands and dragged him in. He pressed around on his chest before locating the Amulet of Umbra. His body converted into an ethereal shadow before slipping out of the sand. He reverted to normal and spun in the air, releasing Lumios Storm. "Your point?!"
Arid flicked two fingers up and blocked the light arrows with a sand wall. "This feels too linear for your spontaneous mindset, especially given the prize you had your eye on." The Darmanitan closed his eyes and groaned softly. "Only a fool wouldn't deem such an unseemly target to be more than its physical worth. A useless key upon first sight." His eyes opened into a confident glare. "That's when I started pondering, putting all the little clues together.
"You're not the only one with access to myths and legends, Ravenfield."
Wes grunted faintly as he jumped away from a second wave of sand. He stood his ground firmly and leered at the pirate captain with caution. Was there any point in tiptoeing over the secret anymore? Arid was purposely not saying the idol's true name just to mess with him. He wanted the treasure hunter to confirm his suspicions.
A straight up lie would be easy enough, but he was dealing with a rowdy, yet perceptive captain who knows the Umbreon's common mannerisms like the inner workings of his gauntlet. Frankly, denying the truth will land him deeper in the hot water.
Wes smirked boldly, though there were hints of unease peeking through. "Heh…trying to make me look bad, Arid? That's cold, even for you."
Arid slammed his hand down and sent forth a tidal wave of sand, taking more stone from the ground and further wearing the room down. Wes summoned a Warp Pad under his feet and sped off into a second Warp Pad on the wall. He ricocheted off the surrounding area and maneuvered around the sand as it chased him down. Arid glared before covering himself in a dome of sand.
Wes bounced off the walls five more times before springing directly at Arid. "Mystic Burst!" With the cloak of magic surrounding him, he drew his foreleg back and slammed it into the sand barrier. The barrier rippled with kinetic energy, but ultimately stayed intact. Wes flinched as the rough barrier scratched up his skin. Yeah, one of the biggest issues fighting someone with control over sand/earth particles. It was like scrubbing yourself with sandpaper.
Wes kicked off with a Warp Pad before the sand could drag him in. Note to self, find a new spell to counter that. Aquos Mist seemed like a good counter, but he wasn't sure if this particular sand was resilient to water or not, given it was the material used for the temple.
The Umbreon rolled under a five-way strike of hardened sand, then inhaled sharply. "Aquos Mist!" Regardless if it stopped the sand or not, the thick mist would give him cover.
Arid dropped the sand barrier and scowled. He slammed his fist down and used his sand to break the room up for more ammunition. Sand fired from the ground and encompassed the entirety of the mist. He aimed his hand out, then clenched his fist. "Die."
The sand compressed into a single point, potentially crushing all inside the spherical mass. Some dampness from the mist peeked through the sandy sphere. However, Arid wasn't going off chances. Ravenfield was crafty and resourceful. He thought three steps ahead when analyzing an opponent. This wasn't enough to stop him.
Arid narrowed his eyes. "If I know you, Ravenfield, you weren't in the mist when I attacked."
True to his suspicions, Wes appeared over Arid in a flicker, having used Warp Pad before the sand converged on him. "Right you are, Arid!" He spun his hindleg down and slammed it on Arid's head. However, his leg sunk through the Darmanitan, who broke apart into sand. Despite the scratches to his leg, Wes still smirked. "And knowing you, you made a sand clone while inside your barrier!"
The sand clone looked up at him and smirked back. "You don't make this as entertaining as I wished."
Wes quickly scanned the room before jumping away from a swirling drill of sand that smashed into the clone. The Umbreon jumped back until the back of his legs nudged…what was left of a wall. The sand Arid was accumulating was getting bigger by the second. Any bigger and it'll take up what was left of the room.
Wes spotted the Darmanitan riding on top of a platform of sand. The pirate leered at the Umbreon coldly. "I'll be taking this temple's key, as well as yours, Ravenfield."
Wes cautiously placed a paw on his bag. Arid might not know I have two in my possession. Let him keep thinking that. Wes glanced over at one of the corridors. I'll have to make a break for it. Hopefully the others are faring better than me. Wes glared softly at Arid. "You know I can't let you do that, Arid."
The Darmanitan huffed subtly, biting back an instinctual impulse to scoff. "Then this temple shall be your tomb!" Sand shot out for the Umbreon.
Wes kept his head low and sprinted for the sand. He quickly analyzed the movement of the sand, then used Warp Pad to weave around the tendrils of loose earth. He followed it up with a Mystic Burst and charged straight through a wall of sand before slammed his forepaw into Arid's face, then sprung off towards the first corridor in sight.
No time to think! Just run and let luck decide! Wes landed off his feet and bolted as fast as his legs could carry him.
Arid, who was unfazed from the strike to his face, turned around and glared callously at the fleeing Umbreon. "I won't let you escape." Sand built up under his feet and lifted him. He surfed along the wave of sand and chased him down.
Strangely enough, as Flint and Ambrosine traipsed through the many corridors and stairs of the water temple, they have yet to find danger from around the corner. They almost let their guards down at one point, but kept alert for cautious purposes.
Ambrosine's eyes aimlessly darted at her surroundings, keeping her attention on anything but the Flareon she walked beside. It felt strange to be rescued by someone who was supposed to be her enemy. Then again…even before the Desert Beasts, 'help' was a foreign concept to her, friend or enemy.
Even with her eyes off the Flareon, she could make out the muttering under his breath. An accidental glance over his head pointed out the twitching ears. He seemed to be on high alert. "…a few floors below us if I'm correct. Friend or foe, though, not sure."
Ambrosine folded her arms behind her back and glanced to the side with a narrowed eye expression. "Sssooo…you've been chatting under your breath for a while."
"Huh?" Flint shook his head and brought himself back into reality. "Sorry, I'm just keeping an ear out for everyone." His left ear waved for emphasis. "The Eeveelution species has exceptionally high senses, including hearing. It's…something we learn to use at a young age. Very useful if we ever get separated." Flint's face fell into a deadpan. "And necessary when your team leader is an impulsive, greedy maniac."
"I've been told of the Umbreon's avarice from my captain," the Steenee brought up. "Is it that bad?"
Flint rolled his eyes. "Depends, really. Thankfully, he's not impulsive enough to put lives in danger over treasure. On his own, though, all bets are off. This rivalry between him and Arid has gotten out of hand more times than I can remember."
Ambrosine narrowed her eyes a bit, then looked down. "…why did you save me?"
"I told you, it would've been wrong."
"That's not an answer. Do you…value saving a life?" she asked.
Flint heard a mild tremor in her tone. He would have asked, but it wasn't his business to do so. She was being passive now, so he'd rather keep it like that than accidentally provoke her. He stared forward with narrowed eyes. "Funny, I've been asked that question multiple times by one of our party members. It's like a hobby of his." Flint sighed. "I don't know, I guess I do. My mom and dad raised me to be supportive and caring of others. I've…been called reserved, but also overemotional when it hits me hard."
Ambrosine's face turned somber, then she gently placed a hand over her heart. "I can understand the feeling, I guess." She dared a look at him. "Don't you ever feel…pressured to save a life?"
Flint shrugged. "It's a gut feeling, if I'm being honest. I…I'm a gentle soul in my own right."
Ambrosine faced forward, still keeping a hand on her chest, clutching her damp shirt. "…Jeffery overheard your conversation the other day."
The Flareon's eyes never dropped so fast into a glare. "…how much?"
"Just about all of it." She looked at him. "You all…are risking your lives for this treasure."
"Does Arid know about this?"
"Yes, but…I'm honestly not sure about his opinion on the matter. His face barely changed when Jeffery told him everything." The Steenee sighed faintly. "You're willing to risk your life for that idol?"
Flint looked down. "To be honest, I've never been more scared in my entire life. Still am. Fear doesn't go away. It's hard to conquer. Hard to forget. All you can do is put on a brave face and hope all goes well."
Ambrosine's eyes watered a bit. She quickly shielded her face so he wouldn't notice. "Is saving someone that important? I mean…if you don't get there in time or do something unnecessarily, you could risk your own life for…nothing. Death without a cause."
Flint felt his mood sour. Downcast eyes staring at the floor as they walked. "I'm…afraid to die. I'm afraid to throw my life away feeling…useless." He sighed shakily, then smiled nervously. "Guess I'll have to be like my brother and not let it affect me. We can't help anyone if we can't keep ourselves together."
The Steenee clenched her teeth tightly, but not out of aggression. Why would anyone want to self-sacrifice themselves? It's…pointless. You risk your future…for someone else. Is the life of another really that important? She felt her heart racing, but she didn't notice. One thing we can agree on: I don't want to die. But if you're so scared, why are you willing to pursue a prophecy you didn't ask to be a part of?
Ambrosine suddenly stopped and dropped to her knees, grunting in pain as a sharp pain through her chest. Her breathing quickened out of nowhere, much to the alarm of Flint. Why was she writing in pain? They weren't attacked, were they? There were no Water Guardians to be seen.
Regardless, Flint took to her side and held her up straight. "Are you okay?!" Her cheeks were flushed from a rush of blood through her body. He could feel her warming up. "H-Hey, please tell me you're alright!"
Ambrosine pressed her hands against her chest and administered a healing wave through her body. It acted like a pain reliever, so it wasn't an advanced healing spell. Even so, it worked like a charm in clearing up the tension in her body. She breathed unsteadily, but it gradually returned to normal. The pain subsided after a moment and her cheeks cooled down as blood started pumping normally.
She rested on her side and breathed slowly. She winced a bit, then looked up at a concerned Flareon. She sighed. "S-Sorry…I…suffer from occasional chest pains when I get worked up."
Flint narrowed his eyes softly. "Do you have some sort of sickness?"
She brought herself up on her knees and rested her arms in her lap. "D…Depends on your definition of sickness." She rubbed her head, feeling a mild migraine coming on. "But, I suppose you could say I'm not perfectly healthy."
"Shouldn't you see a doctor about this?"
The Steenee's expression turned bitter at the suggestion. "No doctor in the world can help me…"
"Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?" Flint asked.
Ambrosine glared over her shoulder, then sighed. "I don't speak in hyperbole, just fact. It's nothing life-threatening…so long as I keep my heart rate down."
Flint's eyes still reflected concern. "What brought this on?"
A sad smile graced the Steenee's lips. "Heh…all this talk about saving lives just got on my nerves…" The confusion on Flint's face was to be expected, but the Steenee pushed herself up anyways. "It's nothing…we should be looking for our respective teams."
Flint narrowed his eyes and placed a paw on her shoulder. "Now hold on a minute, what-?"
They both jumped in shock at the sudden crash through the walls. Out of nowhere, Cheshire and Julius landed in the room, looking bruises and soaked. The Banette, however, continued to give his signature smirk as he waved his knife at the opposing force on the other side of the room. "Ha! Yes, yes, inflict more pain!"
A group of Water Guardians stepped through the hole and massaged their liquid knuckles. They glared menacingly on the two pirates, along with the two newcomers in their sight.
Julius twisted his cannon for another shot when he noticed Ambrosine in the room. "Ah, lassie! So good to see ye doin' alright!" He then glared at Flint. "And…the other Ravenfield…"
Cheshire snaked around the Flareon unexpectedly and pressed the blunt edge of his knife against his throat. "Ooh! Our lucky day!"
Flint pushed him off and partially summoned his Guardian's arm around his right foreleg. "Back off!"
Ambrosine held her hands up. "Whoa, cool it, you three! Guys, cut him some slack! He fished me out of the water before I drowned!"
Julius narrowed his eyes skeptically. "Is that so?"
"Shouldn't our main concern be THEM?!" Ambrosine shouted, gesturing to the Water Guardians.
Cheshire snickered through his closed smile. "Ooohhh, fair enough, my dear." He traced his finger against his knife's sharp edge. "We'll place nice with the fire fox…then he's all mine." The creepy laugh behind his zipped mouth made Flint shiver.
Even so, they focused their attention on the Water Guardians as they charged for the group. With Ambrosine staying back, the two pirates and novice archeologist sprung forward and delivered strong blows to the Guardians.
With the natural agility of a Grovyle, Griffin and Drake were neck in neck in speed. They ran and jumped off walls like green blurs. The collision of their blades rained sparks and a satisfying echoed of metal colliding. Griffin wasn't using his magic just yet, not until he saw the pirate Grovyle's true strength in action.
They pressed their blades together in midair and hung around for a moment before falling to the ground. They pushed off before landing, then went for the rush strike. Drake stopped Endless Regret with one katana, then slashed at Griffin's back with the other.
Griffin caught the blade in his toes, then pull the opposing Grovyle off his feet with it. He pivoted and slammed his palm into his stomach. "Repello!" The spell knocked Drake back.
The pirate tumbled along the ground, but sprung cleanly onto his feet. Seemingly unharmed, he cracked his neck a couple times before heading back in to fight. Griffin quickly looked around and saw three Water Guardians converging on him, too. He immediately switched Endless Regret with Absolute Zero, then swung around him.
A ring of frost painted the ground before springing spears of ice at all sides. The Guardians and Drake leapt over, with the pirate decapitating one Guardian before diving for Griffin. Griffin stopped one katana with his hand and the other with Absolute Zero. Frost formed over Griffin's arm and Drake's katana.
They quickly split apart from the diving Water Guardian's water javelin, who then shot pressurized water with both hands at them. Drake crossed his arms with his weapons running against his sides. He focused his right eye on the water before sending a sharp slash that split the pressurized water around him. Griffin sidestepped the water blast and slashed across it, sending out a wave of icy energy that incased the Guardian in ice.
Meanwhile with Gwyn, she kept Leigh at range with her whip while the Togetic converged on her viciously. The former assassin's eyes left a blazing trail of red light, projecting her bloodlust against the Mew. Given Gwyn's lack of experience against hitmen or assassins, this left her with a feeling of dread tingling on the back of her neck.
Leigh snarled murderously as she flew in close and slashed furiously at Gwyn. The Mew squeaked and blocked the slashes with her whip, matching the speed of her flurry. The Togetic moved back and coated her claws in a red aura. She dragged them through the ground, dashed right up to the Mew, then swung up. A trail of flame followed the claws' path, singing some fur off Gwyn.
She stumbled back and patted the burning fur in alarm. "H-Hey!" She growled and reached into her bag. "I didn't want to be rude, but it looks like you're my new test subject!" She pulled out a purple berry with black, barbed vine designs wrapped around it. "Bottoms up!" She pushed it into her mouth and chewed thoroughly.
Leigh sneered and sprinted at full speed. "Bad time for a snack, Mew!" She jumped and, with the assistance of her wings, spun through the air with red aura wrapping around her. Spiraling like a drill, she torpedoed straight for the green Mew.
Gwyn used her whip to pull herself out of danger as Leigh drilled through her original spot. Gwyn finished chewing and swallowed the experimental berry. Her eyes widened as her magic aura suddenly spiked. She hugged herself and staggered around, still not fully used to the transformations.
Her fur changed to an unsettling shade of purple, while her eyelids took on a light shade of it. She could feel a strange moisture crawling out from her pores. The most drastic change was the vines that shot out of the back of her sweater, about ten. They were barbed and thorny in appearance, though they didn't bother the Mew in the slightest.
Leigh stopped her assault for a moment, legitimately taken back by the Mew's sudden transformation. "What the hell?!"
Gwyn shook her head and got her bearings in order, then observed her new features and appendages. She grinned. "Sweet! Another success! The unveiling of my Trapper Berry!"
Leigh blinked, then scowled coldly as she crossed her battle claws. "Oh goodie, you turned yourself into a plant." She rushed with her bloodlust projecting out. "Sure hope you have something more impressive!"
Gwyn felt some of her mad scientist qualities bubbling to the surface, as she flashed a menacing, yet innocently giggly smirk at the former assassin. "You asked." Her vines stretched out and launched themselves towards Leigh.
Leigh slashed through any vine that got close, mindful of the thorns. What kind of plants are these? She kept them from touching her, then thrusted her claws at Gwyn.
However, the Mew sidestepped and gently smacked Leigh in the back of the head. The Togetic stumbled forward, then spun around to attack, but she froze up momentarily before growling out in pain. "Agh!" She pressed her hands against the back of her neck. A purple splotch was developing on her. "AGH! My neck…feels like it's on fire!"
Gwyn held her hip and grinned cheerfully. "Hehe, ever heard of Toxic Hunter Plants? I changed the chemicals in my sweat to produce the similar toxins used in them." She held her hand up and showed off the purple tinted sweat steaming in her palm. "When it comes to the flora of nature, I take advantage of it. An assassin like you benefits from close range combat, correct?"
Leigh used her anger to take her mind off the stinging pain. She set her sights on the Mew and projected her bloodlust against her, causing Gwyn to step back instinctively. "Don't mock me, little Mew!" She charged for her again.
Gwyn gulped, then raised her vines before firing thorns into the ground. She clapped her hands. "Accelerated Growth!"
Leigh stepped on one of the thorns, the flat side of it, and found herself incased in Toxic Hunter vines. Leigh gritted her teeth and tried to keep herself from screaming. The toxins of the vines burned at her skin in unbearable ways. "D…Damn you!"
A twinge of guilt coated the Mew's face. She knew just how potent the toxins were, so she felt pity for the assassin. She clapped her hands together as a show of apology. "Heh…I recommended washing yourself and applying aloe. The effects will wear off in a few hours…"
Leigh growled furiously and used her battle claws to slice her way out of the vines. The pain dulled as adrenaline pumped through her veins. "Die, die, DIE!"
Gwyn gasped and sent her vines out. They wrapped around the Togetic, but her strength surpassed the vines. She thrusted her arm out and slashed across Gwyn's cheek. The currently purple Mew managed to move her head out of the way in time.
However, she got a quick look above her and gasped out as a Water Guardian slammed its fist down on her stomach. Her current mutation would do absolutely nothing against the Guardians. She rolled away from a second punch, then slashed its legs off with her vines.
Leigh struggled to pick herself up, with the toxins burning at her skin, then suddenly got kicked in the jaw and blasted with a vortex of water. She clenched her teeth angrily, though the water helped cool her skin and wash away any excess toxin on her skin. She spread her wings out and propelled through the water before dicing her attacker into droplets.
Gwyn reached through her bag for another berry. "Toxic Hunters won't work against these things!" A Guardian grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against the wall. "Ow…" Her eyes widened as the Guardian charged up its water cannon for her face.
Griffin, who was being pushed against Drake, glared in her direction. "Gwyn, hang on!"
Thankfully, out of nowhere, the ceiling exploded open, taking the Guardian's attention off Gwyn for a moment. Falling from the ceiling was Flint and the three pirates he was stuck with, along with a group of Water Guardians chasing them down.
Cheshire shouted, "Seriously, Julius?! You just HAD to take out the floor?!"
Julius nodded proudly. "The best kinds of attacks are the ones the enemy can't predict!"
"Yeah, of your allies!"
Ambrosine was keeping herself calm as they fell, a habit she has picked up on her journey to refrain from her pains. She took quick note of the room they fell into. Her eyes widened when she spotted Drake and Leigh. "You two!" She then noticed Griffin and Gwyn. "And them!"
Gwyn blinked, then reared her legs back to kick the Water Guardian's head off and revert it to a puddle. She landed on her rear for a second before dashing over to Flint with open arms. "Flinty! You're okay!"
Flint dusted himself off, then shrieked when he saw Gwyn's new form. He summoned his Guardian's arms and shielded himself as Gwyn hugged him. With how much the Mew prattles about her experiments, he knew exactly what this was. "Gwyn! Toxic Hunters!"
Gwyn immediately retracted her hug and smiled apologetically. "Oh! Sorry, Flinty!"
Griffin pushed Drake back, then froze a Guardian in ice. "Flint, what are you doing with those pirates?"
"Trying to save my hide, that's what!" Flint dodged a Water Guardian's water cannon. "Mutual need for survival, you know!"
Griffin glared at the hole in the ceiling and noticed more Water Guardians making their way through. "Grr…" He directed his glare at Leigh and Drake. "Might I suggest a temporary ceasefire to get our asses out of here?"
Drake narrowed his eye, then sheathed one katana. "Very well."
Leigh crossed her blades. "As if!" She aimed a claw at Flint, who yelped in response. "This guy has it coming!"
Gwyn shielded Flint with a stern expression. "Lay one claw on his fluffiness and I'll make you the opposite of fluffy!" Flint faltered forward with a blush of embarrassment, yet appreciation.
Cheshire waved his knife around. "Will someone make up their minds?" He dodged a water ball with surprising strength to punch into the floor.
Griffin glared. "We have no time for this. Let's move!" He dashed into a corridor unblocked by the Guardians, with his teammates in hot pursuit. The pirates looked at each other, sighed in agreement (some reluctant), and followed after their enemies as the Guardians chased them down.
Calder watched the scene unfold with his water orbs. He had perfect view of everyone fighting with his Guardians. He smiled proudly. "Hmm…seems everything is going exactly as planned. My Guardians will lead them to the chamber if they can make it through the onslaught. I have no interest in the pirates, but this Team Ravenfield that's been praised so much."
His eyes wandered around the orbs, then his smile turn warm when he saw a contrasting scene. A Dewott and a Sneasel hugging in the darkness of one of the rooms.
"Hmm…now that's a sight you don't see every day. I must of did them a favor. Hehe…"
Neither of them knew how much time passed. The hug came out of nowhere, yet neither wished to let go anytime soon, out of fear this was all a dream. Both the thief and pirate stood in complete silence, basking in each other's embrace for just a little longer until their brains finally convinced them this was all real.
Tony and Indigo finally separated, with the former giving the pirate a big smile and exclaiming, "Indigo! It really is you!"
She smiled back just as enthusiastically. "I-I can't believe this! Tony Sapienti! Long time, no see!"
"You don't know the half of it!" He picked her up by the waist and spun on his foot. They both laughed out of joy before falling over on the ground. They shot up into sitting positions and continued to laugh. "Man…I haven't seen you in years. How long has it been, again?"
Indigo glanced up at the ceiling, recalling the number. "Hmm…I'd say three or four years ago." She shrugged. "Sounds about right."
Tony snickered through his teeth. "Whatever, I'm just glad to see you doing well." He then smirked. "Well, about as well as a pirate can get." Indigo crossed her arms and smirked back firmly. "Heh…so, when you left Fuego Village, I didn't expect you to turn to a life of piracy. Maybe robbing the greedy rich and blissfully naïve, but pirates? Really?" Tony wasn't mad or upset by her choice, just genuinely curious. Not like he's done better.
Indigo laughed it off. "What can I say, I'm a girl with standards. If you got the goods, I'll offer my expertise." She waved her metal claws around. "I met Captain Arid three days after I left the village. The crew spotted me and tried to pick me clean, but I was bone dry on goods. Though, given I was a stupid teenager, I was too bold to bring supplies before the trip."
Tony shook his head, disagreeing with that notion. "Trust me, with the shit your bitch of a mother put you through, you made the right decision to leave."
Indigo smiled faintly at the ground. "Yeah, I guess so." She shrugged it off. "Anyway, I begged and begged and begged and…well, after the tenth time, he put me to work scrubbing the ship." She waved her real claws in Tony's face. "Do you know how hard it is to scrub a ship with one hand? Pretty damn hard!"
Tony glanced at her prosthetic claws curiously. "Pray tell, where did you get those beauties?"
"Ah, these things?" Indigo showed off before removing the claws. She handed them to Tony to examine. "Six months in, I went up a few ranks. The captain is surprisingly generous if you don't piss him off. Because I've been doing a bang-up job on the ship, he asked if I had any requests." She pointed at the prosthetic claws. "That, there, was my request: those fancy prosthetics for those who lost a limb."
"Enchanted artificial limbs," Tony clarified. He took a glance at the Sneasel's stump. It looked better than when he last saw, though he could see the scar from where the wound sealed up. Indigo hid it out of awkwardness, so Tony averted his eyes back onto the metal claw. "I must say, fake limbs always fascinated me. I wouldn't want one myself, but the near limitless applications are astounding. Seems your captain spared no expense acquiring these." He chuckled. "Well…that's assuming he paid for these." He handed it back to the Sneasel.
Indigo rolled her eyes and slid it back on. "You'd be wrong, then. He held the designer hostage until it got crafted."
"How does it stay on?" Tony asked.
"Special binding enchantment, I assume." She waved and flexed the claws. "They bind to my nerves and act like my old claws. It…felt weird at first. Doesn't puncture the skin, but it's close to that feeling. Unless I will it, no one but me can take these off…obvious exception being hacking my arm off."
Tony grinned. "Neat."
Indigo smirked. "What about you? Didn't expect you to join the treasure hunting business."
Tony rolled his eyes with a playful smirk. "What can I say? Times change." He leaned back on his hands and sighed. "To be honest, I kind of roped myself into this mess. Did some thinking and…I decided to help these guys out."
Indigo tilted her head with a curious glare. "What about your mom and sister?"
Tony grinned. "You still remember them?"
She flashed a toothy grin. "Hey, they were like a second family to me!" She then glared bitterly at the floor. "Or…perhaps like a real family."
Tony quickly got the conversation on track. "Yes, yes, well…they're doing fine. My mother's been sick for about a year. The ash wasn't doing her favors, let me tell you." He smiled. "She's…getting better, thankfully. She's actually here with a circus troupe."
Indigo smirked knowingly. "Aaahhh, so the Pikachu you were screaming at was Cheri, I presume."
Tony's face fell and turned sour. "How did you know that?"
"Jeffery filled us in on the details. Only you would be that overprotective." She pressed her fist against her cheek. "Seriously, she was actually walking the tightrope?"
Tony glared to the side. "I…prefer not to relive that unpleasant scare."
Indigo laughed and shrugged. "Whatever you say, Hermes."
Tony found his mood returning, along with a nostalgic smirk. "Heh…haven't heard that nickname in forever. Certainly better than my new one."
"Ooh, you got a new nickname?" Indigo pried with a teasing grin.
Tony deadpanned. "Don't even think about it."
Indigo laughed and waved it off. "Touchy, huh? Fine, I won't snoop." She held her chin curiously. "Heh…well, I'm glad they're doing alright. Shame I can't see them. The moment we leave the temple, we're retreating."
Tony smiled warmly. "I'm sure they would've been happy to see you alive and well. Not sure if Cheri remembers you, but who knows."
Indigo smiled kindly for a moment, then started to smirk with flirtatious undertones. "Sssooo…back with all that flirting from earlier…"
Tony laughed awkwardly and scratched his cheek. Oh dear, I walked myself into a corner. "Heh…you don't sound pissed, so I should count myself lucky."
Indigo held her chin with a kittenish vibe Tony could feel. "So, knowing now it was me you were making a move on, does it still hold up?"
Tony smirked back, feeling some playfulness rise in him as well. "Hmm, I wouldn't say so. Now that I know it's you, I say my compliments weren't strong enough." He looked her up from her slender legs to her charming eyes. "I have to say, you've changed since I've last saw you. You're taller, bolder…and much more attractive."
The Sneasel scooted closer with a teasing grin. "Is that a fact?"
"I trust my sources." He scooted closer as well. "Got anything to say about me?"
Indigo checked out his body for a moment. "Hmm…you've been working out. I can see those lean muscles of yours."
"I'm not one to boast physical strength, but…" He flexed one arm just to show off. "Are you impressed?"
"Oh, very much so." They giggled quietly amongst themselves. Sure, they were messing around, but nothing they said was false. "Heh…you do realize we're enemies now, right?"
Tony shrugged indifferently. "Appears so. Still friends?"
Indigo winked. "Thick as thieves."
They stared into each other's eyes in a comfortable silence with relaxed smiles. Seeing an old friend after so long was quite a memorable occasion. They didn't want this unexpected reunion of theirs to end. They'd rather sit in silence and let the memories resurface once again.
However, reality eventually set in and reminded them they were in a temple with their teammates scattered about. They jumped to their feet when they saw an Espeon running in. It was dark, but Tony immediately knew who it was. "Ella?!"
"Can't talk! Running for my life!" Ella got knocked down by an invisible force and pinned to the floor. She gasped as crystal started wrapping around her legs and restraining her to the ground. "Oh no…"
Zerif appeared out of thin air over her with a wicked grin. "There's only few types of Pokémon who can make it in a magical world. Zoroark like me are a prime example."
Banama and Malcolm sauntered in, slightly exhausted from running. The duck cracked his knuckles. "Now for payback."
Tony glared, then looked at Indigo. "So…"
Indigo grinned awkwardly. "Yeeeah, I rather not have my crew find out about my relationship with you."
Tony smirked teasingly. "What kind of relationship are you referring to?"
Indigo rolled her eyes and pulled her fist back. "No hard feelings, but…" She socked him across the face without warning, then kicked him in the gut.
This drew her comrades' attention to her. "Indigo?" Banama called out.
Tony stumbled back and rubbed his chin. Strong right hook. He snickered under his breath. What a woman. He caught her next punch and threw her over his shoulder, while saying, "No hard feelings, my dear." He threw her into Zerif, breaking his illusion over Ella.
The Espeon ran over to Tony immediately and put her guard up. "She didn't give you any trouble, right?"
The sly simper across his face didn't go unnoticed. "Nothing I couldn't handle."
Ella blinked, then stared forward with a suspicious grin. "You're lucky I haven't learned to read minds yet."
Banama glared at them as his cheeks sparked. "We've got two of them now." He threw his arms up, surging electricity through his body. "Let's see what the new guy can do!" He stomped forward and sent out a vicious wave of electricity.
Tony stood in front of Ella and spread his arms out. He leered at the approaching electric wave, then called out a Dragon Thunderclap that disrupted the lightning's trajectory, diverting its path around the two treasure hunters. He then aimed his fingers out and charged electricity through them.
"Lightning Shot: Double Barrel Shockwave!" The two twisting beams cut through the Raichu's electricity and blasted him.
Banama clenched his teeth against the hit, then glared seriously as his body absorbed the electricity into his body. Tony immediately cut the spell off when he saw this, taken back by the Raichu's immense resistance to storm spells.
"What the…?" Tony noticed a strange sight under the Raichu's shirt. A large golden glow seemingly coming from his chest. Tony narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "This guy has a knack for lightning. I can sense a strong magic force inside him. Something foreign, though."
Ella bit down on his vest. "Whatever, we need to find the others and find Calder! We need that key!"
Tony nodded, then summoned a Ventusphere. He threw it down and kept the pirates back with the vicious winds. The two ran to a corridor, though Tony looked back to wink in Indigo's direction. Whether she saw it or not didn't matter, but it was a little send off before his escape.
Indigo secretly smiled behind her claws as the wind died down. Malcolm stepped forward and clenched his teeth. "They're probably heading for the treasure. Don't let them get away!" They charged after the treasure hunters.
Fighting here, fighting there, fighting everywhere. Everyone was fighting hard to get through the large temple. The layout of the temple was unknown to them, so it was a mystery as to where they'll end up. Well, all but Calder knew. The Politoed observed them with careful planning, as he has been secretly leading Team Ravenfield and the pirates to his chamber. He scratched his neck in anticipation, sitting calmly on the floor.
He heard their footsteps grow louder, as well as the attacks thrown by his Water Guardians. The water mage stood up and opened his eyes with a sagely smile. "It's time…"
The first to enter was Wes, who jumped away from a shark of sand snapping its stone teeth at him. The teeth came down and Wes kept the knife-like teeth from chomping him with his feet. His forepaws and hind paws ached from the coarse sand rubbing against his skin.
Wes glared at Arid as he rose from within the sand shark. "You aren't…taking the…key!"
Arid glared and held his hand out. "Is that a challenge?"
However, their confrontation halted when two more groups entered the chamber. Griffin's group and Ella's group. Griffin, Gwyn, Flint, and their tagalong of pirates were fending off Water Guardians while Ella and Tony were fending off their pirates.
In the spur of confusion, they all stopped fighting and realized they were all present. "Wait, huh?!" they all shouted in unison.
Calder smiled and stepped forward. "Hmm…took you all about an hour to get here. Not bad, not bad."
Arid narrowed his eyes, then dropped the sand shark. Wes fell on his head, a shiver of pain crawling down his spine, then fell flat on his back. The Darmanitan marched towards Calder. "Are you the keeper of the key?"
Calder bowed. "Indeed, I am. Who might you be?"
Arid slammed his golden fist on the ground and pounded his chest with the other fist. "Captain Arid, captain of the infamous Desert Beast Pirates! I order you to relinquish control of your treasures!"
Calder raised a brow. "Hmm…weighty demands you have there, but I'm afraid that's not how it works."
Arid sneered. "I don't think you heard me." Sand swirled around him, with daggers aimed for the toad. "I said…hand over the key."
The Politoed chortled a mirthful laugh, something Arid was only half expecting. "Hmm…I appreciate enthusiasm, but my interests lie with those six." He pointed around the Darmanitan, singling out all of Team Ravenfield. "Besides, your crew has never fought anyone like me before, I assume. They wouldn't last very long."
Team Ravenfield grouped together apprehensively. Gwyn's berry wore off and reverted her to normal. "Are they going to fight?" She looked at her sweater, then frowned at the ten holes in the back where her vines sprouted out. "Aww, but I love this sweater!"
Griffin placed Absolute Zero away and pulled out his prized black blade. "I doubt it'll be much of a fight."
The Desert Beasts grouped up behind their captain, arming their weapons and awaiting orders. Arid narrowed his eyes carefully at the water mage. "I've been informed by my information gatherer that those six are part of…some prophecy related to the shadows."
Calder nodded. "You are aware of the shadows?"
"I am now." Arid glared. "Those archaic nightmares are back, huh?"
Calder smiled calmly. "If you want, you're more than welcomed to attack me. However, I wish to test the might of Team Ravenfield to see if they can handle what's coming."
Arid's gaze lightened, but he didn't cease glaring. Acquiring those keys was top priority for the captain, but now the greatest threat to Mysto has arisen after five centuries. That wasn't something he expected coming down here, much less a prophecy centered around his sworn rival. There was a lot to take away from it all.
He wanted to test this mage, if only a little.
With a subtle flick of his finger, he fired off the hardened slabs of sand at high speed. His intentions relied on the Politoed not suspecting the sudden attack, if only to see just how alert and strong this mage truly was.
Calder made a subtle grin as the slabs came close to jabbing him. Without the slightest hint of warning, a cloak of water sprung from under his feet and wrapped around him as a swirling tornado. The slabs were obliterated back into earth particles that were ejected near instantly.
The pirates gasped at his quickness, then gasped once more as frozen spears of ice were seen surrounding them, only ranging more in the near thousands compared to Arid's. While his crew was stunned, Arid remained straight-faced with the Politoed.
Calder lifted his hand casually. "Water. Fluid and swift. The element I am most comfortable with." He narrowed his eyes. "Still believe your crew can take me as a whole?"
Arid narrowed his eyes. A good chunk of his crew wasn't made up of strong fighters, at least compared to a mage. Banama, Leigh, and maybe Cheshire were the only ones who could keep up with the mage and even lay heavy damage. Even then, with their long-standing failures confronting Ravenfield, it made him wonder why his ragtag team would fare better than his own.
He glared judgingly at Team Ravenfield. He could make out the anticipation to battle on their faces. He had to wonder…just how strong they were if a prophecy was centered around them. A curious thought, really.
Arid didn't like backing from a fight…but he certainly hated losing more.
He sighed, then turned away. "Stand down, Desert Beasts." They looked at their captain in confusion. "Nothing will be accomplished today, it seems." He walked away from the water mage and made his way to a wall. "If we're going to take these keys for ourselves, then it's best we analyze our potential rivals and the enemy thoroughly."
Griffin clenched his teeth. "I could dispatch them if you want," he whispered.
Flint shook his head. "Don't. They're…horrible people, yes, but not killers…mostly."
Wes closed his eyes and smirked. "Heh…let them stay and watched. I've got no problem with it." He stepped forward, with his team following after.
Calder bent down and stretched his legs. He offered an enthusiastic smile. "I've been looking forward to this. Randolph and Seraphina have already challenge the Umbreon and Grovyle." He stood up straight and cracked his knuckles. "I want to test all of you as a team."
Ella's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
Tony narrowed his eyes. "We've never had to fight a single guy before."
Gwyn gulped nervously. "Heh…that's a little nerve-wracking, personally."
The pirates joined their captain by the wall and leaned against it or sat down. Banama looked at Arid. "You think we can't beat him?"
Arid narrowed his eyes. "Let me put it to you like this. There's…a chance. However…I wish to see what's so special about these six."
Ambrosine glanced at her captain, then looked forward with a focused gaze. You're not the only one.
Wes activated his Star Amulet and turned his fur purple once more. Flint readied himself up to summon his Guardian. Ella stayed in the back of the group with her gem channeling her psychic power. Gwyn cracked her air with her whip and narrowed her eyes sharply. Tony lit his fur up with electricity, keeping a calm gaze. Griffin aimed Endless Regret forward while also wielding Pride of Leones. All of Team Ravenfield set their sights on this eerily calm Politoed.
Calder closed his eyes as water rose up from behind him. The way it glowed blue indicated a high account of magic wrapped inside. He smiled and folded his arms behind his back. "Hmm…now, you may have the first move."
