Chapter Thirty Three: The Mystical Fox, Kitsu
Meanwhile, Moon's team was making their surf to Pallet Town, using it as a shortcut to Viridian City. Moon felt an odd power emanating from the island, her team putting in effort to swim hard.
"There's something off about that place," The blunette narrowed her eyes. I don't think we explored that laboratory enough. There's something amiss."
"Shouldn't we focus on getting the last badge?" Shadow asked, floating beside the Moémon.
"Yeah, but I want to see something."
"After the badge. You need to get registered so they don't try to revoke your license like that dragon guy was talking about."
"I… I guess you're right. We can just focus on the other stuff later."
They reached the shores of the mainland, the team stepping off onto the shores of Moon's hometown. Nostalgia filled her as she walked through the streets (well, street) toward her home. She opened the door to her childhood home, gasping as she was grabbed in a hug by Daisy and Rose.
"Welcome home, Moon!" They held her.
"I ain't done yet," Moon hugged her mother and grandmother, Eve snuggling into the hug.
"Well, a certain group has stopped by and wanted to see you before they left."
"Who?"
"Us, dumbass," Tyra's massive frame stepped into the door, taking up almost all of it. The rest of Moon's team piled into the room behind her. Moon grabbed Tyra in a hug as Eve climbed onto the Tyranitar Moémon's head. She nodded her head in comfort as she sat there.
"You wanna come with?" Tyra asked. "We just been cruisin' through these Gyms. Viridian's our only one left."
"Let's do it." Moon had a huge grin as she gave Tyra a fist bump. The groups sat down and recounted their adventures before piling out the door with a wave and a promise of return.
"Did you tell her about Mount Silver?" Professor Oak asked Rose once they were out of earshot.
"No. Unfortunately, she found a message from Red to her."
"Well, I suppose it's inevitable she go there. It's almost like fate. We must make sure she succeeds."
Traipsing through the path to Viridian, Moon and both her teams raced to get there first. Velvet and Sparky held the speed advantage, Shadow being the only one even close to catching them.
Reaching the city, they all stopped in front of the Center, looking at the massive Gym. Moon clenched a fist as she felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Getting cold feet?" Tyra smirked.
"Something's in there," Moon growled. "Something that shouldn't be."
"Then we go kick its ass, of course."
"Sounds like a plan."
Approaching the Gym, the two teams were stopped at the gate by a guard.
"Sorry, only registered trainers allowed."
"We are. And, why is there a guard here?"
"The Gym Leader requests only qualified trainers. He's not in such a good mood today."
"Wait, the Gym Leader here is Veronica. Why isn't she in?"
"She had a, uh, early retirement. Headed out to Cerulean. Sounds lovely this time of year."
"Let us through to face her replacement then. Veronica would never retire. And, why do you not strike me as familiar."
"Fine, enter the Gym. But, you must face me to test your skills."
Moon's Kantonese team entered behind the guard, Eve tensing up in Moon's arms. Her hair and tail were bristling. The guard noticed her, his eyes widening slightly.
"Now, let's see if you can beat your own selves in a match." He tossed out six Moéballs as the Gym doors shut and locked.
"What the hell is this?" Moon asked, her voice in a low growl.
"This is where your little journey ends, Moon Aquarius," The 'guard' discarded his uniform to reveal a Team Rocket uniform. One of the Moéballs exploded open to reveal a pink blob. The blob began to slowly morph into the shape of a gooey, pink girl. She wore no clothes, but her body none of the finer details of human or Moémon anatomy, mainly being a gooey blob shaped like an adult woman's silhouette. She giggled, her gaze focused squarely on Eve.
"Looks like you were truly the perfect one of us," She said in a distorted voice. "Shame I'll have to suck that perfection out of you."
Eve hissed similar to a cat, her mouth opening as a powerful Hyper Beam shot straight from her mouth at the girl. The gooey pink girl dodged, moving her body to avoid it. The Hyper Beam struck the wall behind them, exploding it wide open.
"Come and get some then," She smirked as Eve struggled out of Moon's grip, hair bristling. Moon didn't dare interrupt this. Both squared each other up, the gooey pink girl clenching a fist as Eve glared at her.
With Ember, Maga, and Hex
"You will need to be ready, warrior," Maga said. "You will not know when you will have to fight again. Your power is unrivaled, being such a powerful match for even the gods."
"I hope to never have to fight. But, I suppose being in shape isn't bad."
"Then show me that glorious power you defeated me with and we shall do glorious battle once again.
"I—I don't know how. I won't be able to—"
Ember was struck in the face by a backhand from Maga.
"A strong power is approaching us. You need to be ready to fight. Now, battle me."
"I can't—"
Another backhand. This time, Ember flipped to right herself, rushing for Maga, who kicked her in the gut.
"You are lacking even in basic fighting skills. I learned about you; a fighter from youth and a fierce opponent, willing to destroy an island to defeat an opponent who had wronged you. Your skill became unrivalled in our battle, but you've lost it."
"I will regain what I had!"
"Then prove it."
Ember leapt at the warrior, throwing a small combo of blows that Maga quickly dodged, kicking her again.
"Show me better! Give me a glorious battle!"
"Shut up!" A small spark of flame flickered around Ember's tail. The next blow the trainee threw connected, knocking Maga back from the surprise.
However, while both were fighting, they failed to see what was coming.
"What is that?!" Hex stood stock still, looking off toward the sea. The fighters stopped fighting, looking in the same direction she was. They saw nothing at first, but the water began to move as something shot forth from under the island. It was a small grey blob, pulsing and shaking. Maga retaliated by shooting a blast of her Fire at it. It seemed to dodge this, moving toward something they couldn't see.
"Something is coming," Hex narrowed her eyes. "I can feel it… we need to go, now!"
"I will fight," Maga said.
"I won't let you stay here by yourself," Ember said. "I will fight with you."
"Then, fight, noble warrior. But, be ready to sacrifice yourself. What I now feel is greater than any evil Team Rocket could begin to conjure."
"Well well well," A voice came from above them. "It looks like three little insects need to be squashed. I sense a great deal of my power here."
The three looked up to see the forms of a tyrannical seeming being and two much less powerful, but still quite powerful beings beside her. Ember was completely frozen in fear; something she had never felt before. Pure, unadulterated fear coursed through her veins. She trembled as she felt the gaze of the leader pass over her.
"I will not let you succeed, monster," Maga said. "I will atone for my own sins with my battle. You two must run."
"We won't leave you," Ember said.
"You have not even begun to tap into your power," Maga said. "Now, leave before you fail to reach that power."
"Seems you're something of interest," The leader landed. "I've not seen a live Charizard in quite some time. I think I'll enjoy making a race go extinct.
"Shall I handle them?" The four armed lackey asked.
"Sure, Quadratia," The leader smirked. "Handle them quickly."
"Go," Maga commanded as Hex pulled Ember away, making sure to go quickly. The sounds of a struggle sounded, then silence.
"Maga!" Ember tried to go back.
"Stop," Hex pulled Pyrah back. "She's going to be alright. Now, come."
"Those guys will kill her if she doesn't stop them. She's definitely no match for the leader."
"And you saw how she looked at you. She looked like she would rather do nothing more than give you a slow and painful death. You don't have the power you had when you first fought Maga! I won't let you throw your life away like that!"
"We need to help her!"
"And you would be ruining her sacrifice that she's making by going back there! Come on! We can go to the Psychic in Saffron City to unlock your powers. Now, come on!"
With Lugia, Azula, and Audi
"We need a plan," The goddess looked to the other two.
"We hide a piece where she can't get it," Audi suggested.
"They call to her," Azula said. "We'll have to do something else. We can't destroy them either. They're far beyond our strength."
"We need to find this Pyrah," Audi spoke up.
"It's impossible. When she used her power, she disappeared. But none of us can find her energy anywhere. She'll no doubt want to get involved if she were around."
"We must stop her at any cost. There's no ability to wait."
With Meowth
Meowth walked through the grass, searching for any sort of clues as to where this mystical Moémon could be. However, her search was interrupted by a shuffling sound behind her. She turned to see the still injured forms of Lee and Chan walking toward her.
"What do you guys want?" Meowth glared daggers at them. "You hurt Kachu."
"We would like to undergo training from you," The two relayed in unison. "Or, rather your monster."
"Snorey won't want to train you. And, I don't want to see you."
"We will aid you in your search. Perhaps you could look for them in an old training ground we know of."
"You can take me there, but I don't want to see you after that."
"If you still desire it."
Meowth disappeared into the trees with the two fighters.
With Katie
The Rattata Moémon was thrown backward from the impact of the icicle that struck her. She collided with a tree, watching her opponent. She clutched her chest, feeling the bruise that was forming. She spit out blood caused by crushing her ribs. Her opponent stood like a ghost, turning to face her.
Dressed in a white dress that reached her knees, the ghostly creature stood barefoot in the grass. A single small flame was on the front of this dress, heavily contrasting the colors. Her hair was a salt color, moving as the wind blew around her. A small spark of orange stood on her hair, a streak on the white purity. Crystal blue eyes stared through Katie, pupils the color of fire adding to the stare. Were the ghost on the ground, she would have been half Katie's height.
"Why have you not heeded my warnings?" She spoke in a whisper that shrieked into Katie's ears. "And still entered my domain?"
"We're here looking for the mystical being," Katie said. "And, I suppose you're it."
Another icicle struck Katie in the chest, causing the tree to crack behind her. The Rattata Moémon coughed up more blood as the attack nearly pierced her flesh.
"You are unwise." The ghost girl spoke.
"What… are you?" Katie could feel the blood trickling down her chin as she collapsed to the ground.
"Something you should never have disturbed. Now, join the fate of the others that have disturbed me. Perhaps you should have believed the illusions your mind created. It seems your friend was wrong about you."
Another icicle moved to pierce her. But, before it could touch her chest, a pair of fangs crunched down on it, shattering it.
"You can say whatever the hell you want about me," Katie stood up, breathing ragged and heavy. "But, I'm the only one that can insult that dolt."
"And you belittled her and tried to keep her down solely so you could fill your ego." The ghost blinked, a spear of ice piercing Katie from behind. The Rattata Moémon was pinned to the ground through her chest, though not a single vital organ was hit.
"Perhaps you should have thought against entering my domain. I would have had the sense to turn and run if I were in your shoes."
"A spear and some cheap illusions aren't enough to keep me from beating you," Blood trickled faster down Katie's lips. She tried to push herself up, but could barely move with the injuries she'd sustained. Just what was this ghost?
"You are a fool for straining yourself. If you struggle more, you'll die. Accept my mercy of not killing you and surrender."
"Go fuck yourself," Katie spit blood toward the ghost.
"When I kill you, I will use your tail instead. Now, act as your friend would and understand your place. I'll deliver your corpse to her."
"Shut the FUCK up!" Katie felt the shout burst from her lungs as the spear in her chest shattered. A glow began to surround her, disappearing a second later. Katie weakly reached into her shirt and pulled a small stone from it she'd kept close by.
"Hey Katie, I found this cool stone I think you'd like!"
"Skyla, this stone looks like a normal stone."
"Well, it's probably really special. Like our friendship."
"Our friendship looks like a rock?"
"Yep."
"I have no idea how you come by that."
"You will one day."
Katie stared at the rock, looking at the ghost. A shard of ice shot toward her and she used her arms to try to block it. However, she somehow managed to hold the stone out. The shard shattered the stone in her hand.
Katie stared at the stone, horrified at the fact that her best friend's gift to her was now destroyed.
"Y-You… you bitch!" Katie shouted, feeling strength pouring into her. A glow surrounded her. She felt taller, more powerful. Something had changed in her.
"Changing your form won't save you from me. You'll have to do better than that."
"I'll break your goddamn spine!"
Katie felt her speed had increased as her Quick Attack carried her over to the ghost and she levelled a blow to her face. Or she would have had she not gone right through her.
"It seems you've increased your speed as well. But, no matter." The ghost struck Katie from behind. "I'll finish you off regardless."
"You'll fail to do so," Katie swung a kick that actually connected, sending the ghost flying back. Katie then moved over and opened her mouth wide. Powerful fangs of pure energy emerged from her mouth, pulsing as she clamped down on the ghost. She was thrown back by the force of the attack she'd just unleashed.
"You're going to suffer." Katie said, standing on her feet. "I won't let you get away with saying that."
"It seems you've got a spine now." The ghost said. "Well, I suppose you're a slightly bigger challenge now. But, it won't be enough. You're cut off from your allies. You're unable to damage me much. What will you do when I wear you down?"
"I'll just keep kicking your ass." Katie said. "You're coming with us and helping us."
"Can you defeat me to do such a thing?" The ghost asked. "Many, many others have failed to do so."
"I'll do what they didn't." Katie sped forward, swinging her tail around. Her tail became covered in iron, sharpening and yet still flexible. She swung her waist around, her tail slamming into the ghost. A shriek escaped the ghost's lips, causing Katie to step back.
"Seems I've found your weakness. Now, I'll break you with it."
Katie moved toward the ghost, who breathed a cloud of ice. The ice became a mist that surrounded them, blinding Katie to the location of the ghost.
"You can't hide from me forever." The former Rattata Moémon shouted, swinging her tail around wildly.
"It seems you are far too brash for your own good." The ghost struck her from behind with an Ice Beam, ice beginning to creep up her body from her feet.
"I won't let you beat me." Katie swung her tail to break the ice. However, she was too slow to stop the second Ice Beam that began to freeze her further. Soon, the former Rattata Moémon was covered in ice, her entire body frozen. The ghost stood in front of her.
"Do you understand now?" She asked. "Why you were no match for me? Why you were never going to win?"
Katie could only stare at her as she floated in front of her.
"You were in my trap the moment you entered my domain." The ghost said. "I held power over you the second you tried to find me. Your friend somehow entered my field to give you ultimately useless words, but you still tried. Most of the others simply gave up, but you had perseverance. I suppose you are simply stubborn. However, that stubbornness wasn't ultimately enough. I suppose I'll have to take your mind and comb through it. I find it quite… fascinating to find someone like you."
The ghost's eyes glowed as the ice began to turn orange, seeming to solidify further.
"In about thirty minutes, your body will be frozen solid." The ghost said. "Consider it an honor to be defeated in such a way by such a mystical being.
The ice turned white, hiding Katie within as she floated near the ice. The ghost silently watched the ice she had encased her victim in, frost forming on it as she stared at it. The Rattata had been amusing to her; not many ever had. But, alas, she held no more challenge than the rest.
A small crack in the ice diverted her attention. It hadn't been there before, but it was nearly invisible, difficult to pin down, so she had no idea when it would have been made. It wasn't hers, so the question was how the strange Moémon had managed to get one off on her ice.
The crack widened, causing the ghost to narrow her eyes. It seemed the former Rattata was making an effort. Perhaps she was far stronger than she thought. It wasn't impossible, but she certainly wasn't going to give the possibility a chance to come to fruition.
She snapped her fingers, but the ice exploded outward as Katie fell from it. She dropped to her knees, panting as she clenched her now gloved hands. The gaze she gave her opponent could have killed. However, she knew that it was only a matter of time before she couldn't fight.
"I'll" She glared harder. "Make sure you join us."
"Oh, is that your plan now?" The ghost asked. "I thought your goal was just to beat me."
"I'll make sure you don't succeed," Katie said. "I'll end this with one attack."
"Oh?" The ghost became even more intrigued by this threat. "And, what pray tell could you use to damage me?"
"Focus Energy," The words sent a shiver down Katie's spin despite being the one who spoke them. She knew that the power was enough, so she hoped.
A burst of power engulfed her. She'd watched Pyrah use the attack and she'd learned enough by seeing that to understand where the attack went. She knew that she wasn't going to succeed unless she could do it quickly. Both of Pyrah's power boosting attacks had a cost, but Focus Energy the lesser of the two evils.
The ghost could barely react before Katie's fist slammed into her. She hadn't expected to do so well but she had managed to handle it for the time being.
"Iron Tail!" Katie shouted with purpose as she once again swung around for the powerful attack. Her tail slammed into the ghost, causing her to shriek once again in pain. The ghost slammed into a tree, falling to the ground. She fell on her face, landing hard as the attack had continued damage. Katie stood over her, the Focus Energy fading. She dropped to her knees, falling over the ghost. Her body was freezing, but the former Rattata Moémon didn't care. She just needed to sleep and recover.
Later
Katie opened her eyes to see Lillie staring down at her. They were in a room Sabrina had lent them for the time being.
"What… what happened?" Katie asked.
"You fainted in the forest. I found you and a child passed out. The entire woods shifted to normal, so we could find you easier."
"I guess I didn't do good enough, huh?"
"Now, don't you start with that too." Lillie's voice was uncharacteristically stern. "It was bad enough when Aqua did it. Skyla would be proud of you no matter what."
"It's the opposite of Aqua and Pyrah's relationship. I feel like she won't need me."
"Are you kidding me?! Skyla flew over here from Viridian City just to see how you were doing."
"She what?"
"Katie, I'm so worried about you!" Katie was soon pounced upon by the Pidgeot Moémon she had come to know as her best friend. "I flew super super fast to get you! Don't die on me!"
"I'm not dying, you idiot." Katie flicked Skyla in the head.
"Well, why didn't you say so?" Lillie excused herself at that moment, waving to Skyla. "I was led here by Sabrina and so I had to see you."
"Well, I fought a little girl with crazy Psychic powers and won."
"Wow! We should celebrate!"
"And, how should we do that?"
"Well, we can show how your evolved!"
"I'm what?"
"I think you evolved on your way to fight."
Skyla moved the mirror in the room over to show Katie her new form. The former Rattata Moémon was shocked at her look. She was dressed in brown, something looking almost like a maid dress. Long brown and white striped stockings rose above her knees, light brown shoes covering them. Her undershirt was white and showed like a beast's underfur. Her hair was now brown, her ears more prominent. Said hair was also more wild, looking almost feral.
"It's so cute!" Skyla pulled her into a hug and grinned wide. "We should totally go and get some Poffins to celebrate!"
"I don't know." Katie looked down.
"Hey!" Skyla shouted. "We are celebrating! I think you're the coolest and strongest person I know! And, I want to make you proud! Now, let's go celebrate."
"Think yourself strong." The door opened and the ghost floated in. "It takes more than sheer luck to defeat me."
"I think that's a sign we need to get Poffins for the three of us." Skyla grinned.
"Good idea." Katie sighed, allowing herself to be dragged by Skyla. "But, you should get back so Moon can use you."
"Right! But, I gotta celebrate with you first!"
"You dolt."
"Say, what's your name, floaty girl?"
"I am Kitsu, last of the Fox Spirits."
With Arceus
The goddess Moémon glanced at the time goddess next to her.
"Dialga, what do you see?"
"I see nothing good, mother. The battle is inevitable."
"Are you sure?"
"My limited vision of the future has shown me that the fight between the two is completely inevitable. As for the victor, even I do not know. The powers unleashed in this battle are far too strong for me to see clearly."
"And what of my other daughter?"
"Her involvement is unclear to me. Unfortunately, I can't tell what she will be doing."
"You must have some knowledge," Arceus' eyebrows narrowed. "I mean, you are the goddess of time."
"But, when such strong, ancient powers burst forth, I cannot see. However, our enemy is currently on Cinnabar Island."
"And of her opponent?"
"I cannot sense her presence currently."
"Be vigilant. I want to know when the showdown begins. The beginnings of her power emerging were enough to shake the heavens. Imagine when they have truly emerged again. It fills me with anticipation for a glorious duel."
"But, it could destroy the region."
"We shall see."
With Leaf
Leaf sat next to Frieda, simply resting her head against the Butterfree Moémon. Frieda stroked her hair, holding her. Leaf, as timid as she was, wasn't against acting this way, even in public. Frieda had to admire her for that. She had to admit it was quite cute of her.
"Frieda?"
"Yes, Leaf?"
"What should I do?"
"About that other you?"
"Yeah… I'm scared."
"I'm here with you, Leaf."
"Okay. I believe in you."
"I'll keep you safe."
"And I as well."
"Who said that?"
Leaf's shadow moved, grabbing Leaf's breasts before taking the shape of the ghost that had possessed her since Lavender Town.
"Genny?" Frieda asked. "How did you manage this?"
"I may be a ghost, but I do possess a good deal of Psychic abilities." The ghost grinned her broken grin. Frieda narrowed her eyes as she stared at the ghost. Genny's face seemed to contort to emphasize this fact.
"You are on thin ice, ghost."
"Be nice to Genny," Leaf whispered. "She's been good to me."
"She forced herself on you."
"L-Let's not phrase it quite that way." Leaf cast her gaze downward and grew very quiet. "She hasn't come to the front unless I'm in danger."
"She still kidnapped you and possessed you, Leaf."
"I-I trust her."
"If you say so."
"I'm one of the most trustworthy people here," The ghost's grin widened further. "Besides, it's not like I'm leaving anytime soon. I'm bonded to her soul, remember. Only her death will separate me."
"Sounds like you're just forcing her to trust you."
"S-Stop, please." Leaf whispered. "I-I just want us all to get along."
"As you wish," Frieda sighed. "But, whatever that other you was talking about might come soon."
"I-I know we'll be ready."
"I don't believe that completely. But, I do believe in you."
"Oh, please, if anyone's gonna do it, it's that monster on Moon's team."
"Nobody knows where Pyrah is, much less what state she's in."
"Well, we just need to see what happens. I'm willing to bet she's biding her time, getting stronger."
With Maga
The Spitfire Moémon was weakened from her fight with Pyrah, having not been able to fully recover. But these two seemed to be even stronger than she was, if that were possible. She had taken several massive hits from these two.
"It seems that you're not as strong as you once were, warrior." Quadratia said as she landed a powerful blow to Maga.
"You are the weakling." Maga said. "Vigora, how should we finish her?"
"All the power from our mistress and you still can't defeat us." The other said. "Let's just break her."
Quadratia grabbed Maga's arms, leaping into the air and slamming her down onto the ground. She drove her elbow into Maga's back, the Spitfire Moémon grunting as she turned and punched Quadratia with enough force to knock her off.
Suddenly, she was struck with a spear of what seemed what looked like liquid metal, Maga giving a cry of pain as she felt consciousness fade. Vigora stood above her, her arm reforming itself into what it was previously.
"It's a shame she fought the Charizard first," Vigora said. "I had hoped to fight her at full power. It was boring to fight her in such a weakened state."
"We shall take her to the mistress then." Quadratia said. "Perhaps she'll give us a sparring partner then."
With Ember and Hex
"We need to go back for her!"
"No, Ember. We can't. That woman wants you dead."
"But, why? And why does she look like you?"
"That's… unimportant."
"She's attempting to kill us and that Maga person. I think it's important."
"There are facets of my past I don't particularly like. Facets that caused me to go into hiding. They may even involve your past."
"Wait… we need to know what will happen. Why is she chasing me?"
"You are the last of the Charizard, the truest foe she possesses. She was afraid of your race so long ago and destroyed them all. But, you survived somehow. And, now she's come back to regain her strength and is more powerful than ever."
"How am I a threat?"
"There is a legend among your people and among the gods about a powerful warrior possessing flames of blue and possessing great power. She is afraid of that legend and that is the reason she is hunting you. By destroying the Charizard born, she is able to be the most powerful being on the planet, perhaps the entire universe."
"Those are two vastly different scopes."
"She's from another planet. One where she was far superior to others of her race and she killed them all, absorbing their power to become even stronger."
"But, the goddesses of this planet could protect us, right?"
"They're afraid of her. She knew that and they were no match for her."
"But, how come she didn't kill them then?"
"They somehow managed to break her apart and split her power across this planet in seven pieces. From what I could tell, she only needs four more after she kills that Maga."
"Then, we have to stop her."
"We can live a safe life away from her. She doesn't know where the last piece is and only I do. I'll keep us safe."
"But… what if she destroys the world?"
"She won't."
"Hex… I want to stop her. Something… something in my gut is telling me to fight."
"That's your Charizard nature. It's a fighting nature. When you were fighting with Maga, I saw a spark on your tail. That means it wants to fight, but without your flame, it won't be much."
"I… I want to live a normal life, but I'm afraid that if I don't help stop this, then I'll never be able to."
"We need to return to the Sevii Isle and then we can work out that aspect of the plan."
"But…"
"No, we need to go."
"Leaving so soon?" A third voice spoke up from behind her.
The two turned to see the tyrant that had attacked them and Maga earlier. She was standing behind them, arms crossed.
"Who are you?" Ember asked, turning to face her.
"I'm the grim reaper, come for your soul." The tyrant smirked. "I've collected almost all the pieces of my body and I will make sure you suffer for your resistance."
"Leave us alone." Ember said. "We don't want to deal with you."
"Oh, you're going to suffer greatly." The tyrant smirked as she stepped toward them. Hex grabbed Ember's wrist, turning around and running. A blast from behind them caused them to be thrown to the ground.
"I'll make sure you both suffer greatly for this insolence."
"You won't get the chance." Hex said.
"Oh, is that so?" The tyrant smirked. "We're going to have fun, you and I, as I destroy the rest of this region."
"Leave us alone," Ember shouted. "We don't want to fight you."
"Well, I will make sure you both suffer accordingly."
The tyrant snapped her fingers and her two lackeys appeared, Quadratia and Vigora. Both stood there, Quadratia holding Maga above her head.
"Looks like your little protector wasn't as powerful as we thought," Vigora threw her to the ground. "You must have done a number on her for her to be this weak with a piece of our mistress inside of her."
"Maga," Ember whispered.
"And now, for you." The tyrant looked to Hex.
"You won't hurt her," Ember stepped in front of her, holding her hands out.
"Your tail isn't even lit," The tyrant glanced in the direction of Ember's tail. "What hope could you possibly have to defeat me? You're essentially a walking corpse."
"You're not hurting anyone else," Ember said, clenching a fist. "I want a normal life, but I'll never get one with you around."
"Well, I know that you can't beat me, even without me having my full power. Imagine how pitifully I'll crush you with the remainder of my power. With this weakling's piece of me, I only need four. And, I know exactly where they are."
"You won't hurt anyone else."
"I suppose you'll stop me?"
"If I have to."
Ember stood firm as the tyrant moved in front of her faster than she could see. A swift blow was delivered to her gut, doubling her over. The tyrant smirked as she walked over to Maga. She punched through Maga's chest, pulling out her heart. She crushed it, a liquid metal oozing out of it and absorbing into her arm. Her aura seemed to grow, Pyrah shuddering as she felt the tyrant's power grow stronger.
Hex was aghast as she watched the gruesome scene. The tyrant's gaze turned to her.
"Would you be so kind as to surrender your piece of me?" The tyrant asked, her two lackeys stepping in front of her and walking towards Hex and the downed Ember.
Hex growled, picking Ember up and bolting as fast as she could go. The two continued to follow her, somehow keeping up with her as she made her way to the end of the island. She looked and saw the boat they took, jumping onto it and sending it full speed ahead.
The boat suddenly exploded, sending debris into the water. The tyrant looked down, grinning wildly at the destruction she'd brought about, her hair blowing in the wind.
Beneath the waves, Ember and Hex sank toward the bottom. However, they felt themselves being lifted by something.
Elsewhere, hours later
"Great Elder, I have brought warriors here to you." The voice sounded above the sleeping duo.
"I am amazed you have found them so suddenly, Karra. I applaud you."
"But, why did you wish for me to save this one who looks like our greatest enemy?"
"She is not like our enemy. She could be a great asset to help defeat the enemy."
"But, she is of the same species."
"If they were working together, don't you think she'd have joined forces with her?"
"But, what should we do with her in the meantime?"
"Heal her and figure out a plan when they wake up. In the meantime, you must prepare for combat. Meltan is not going to be an easy foe to defeat and she has three of her pieces already. I pray that she does not obtain any further pieces."
"Yes, great Elder. I obey your commands. Even if I don't fully understand them."
As Karra left, the Elder sat down on his chair, sighing. He was getting too old for such intensity. When he was younger and had battled with his partner Moémon in his previous taking of the region, he was capable of handling the fighting that came with it. However, now he was old and would not be able to command his team with the same vigor he once held.
Looking down at the two unconscious Moémon on the beds in front of him, he clenched his hand around his staff. He looked to the heavens, praying silently to the goddesses for a miracle. If these two were not to save the region, who was? The orange clad one particularly resembled something he had seen in legends. Such a creature had not been around for thousands of years, completely unable to emerge perhaps from fear of the return of this ancient evil.
It was something he had to note; would their battle, were there to be one, be a clean battle? Would the entire region be caught in the crossfire? He only hoped that the fighting would not destroy this region he and millions more called home.
It seems as if the pieces are coming together. I wonder where the last pieces of Meltan are and whether or not she'll bring them together.