Chapter 19
Rescue Part 2
True to Mystic's words, the group encountered no dungeonous Pokémon. Occasionally, they heard confused and slightly angered calls from the wild Pokémon trapped within the false dungeon, but they paid them no mind. With Seth and Team Surge leading the way, the group sprinted through the maze, the Absol's brilliant red eyes trained on the path before them.
To Furno, it seemed like the Absol was leading them in a random direction, but he knew better. The certainty that the Monferno saw in his posture and gaze made it obvious that Seth was following some sort of trail.
As he ran, Furno couldn't help glancing behind him. Worry coursed through him like a cancer. Having left a team member behind to fend against one of the Pokémon that had defeated his team with ease was did not sit well with the Monferno. That Zoroark was strong, Furno knew that just from the short amount of time he had watched the monstrous fox battle. Taking that into account, along with Bella's typing, the chances that the ghost type would be victorious…
Furno violently shook his head, shaking the dark thoughts free of his mind. Bella wasn't alone. She had Wake with her. The Poliwrath could definitely handle the dark type, especially with its illusions rendered useless by the Banette. Not to mention, out of all of Team Dawn Breaker, Furno wagered Bella was the strongest of them.
Furno faced forward once more. He didn't need to worry. Bella would be fine.
"How large is this dungeon?" Weiss asked, breaking the silence. "Do we need to worry about going through multiple floors in order to reach them, or…?"
"No, this mystery dungeon is a single floor," Mystic responded. "A false dungeon merely manipulates the area incapsulated, it is not complex enough to add extra layers to it. In reality, this dungeon is only as large as the actual Ashen Woods."
"Just more confusing," Samuel added helpfully.
"Thankfully, it will be just as confusing to Morpheus and his group," Mystic said, sparing the Abomasnow a withering glance. "As such, we have a much higher chance of encountering them before they can escape."
"And we're sure that we're going the right way?" Bogran asked.
"Seth knows where we're going," Jasmine snapped, her eyes harsh.
The Marshtomp gave a startled 'eep', effectively cowed by the Liepard. Liz rolled her eyes at her teammate before addressing Team Dawn Breaker with a much gentler tone. "You can trust Seth," she said. "He's adept when it comes to tracking."
"All Absol are," Weiss added under her breath, though Furno was able to hear her.
The group once more fell into an uneasy silence. They kept running for several more minutes, none of them willing to taper their speed. It wasn't long before they reached another clearing, this one with four branching paths, one continuing straight, two parallel paths extending right, and a single path that led towards the left. Reaching the center, Seth paused, his gaze shifting to each path.
"What's wrong?" Furno asked.
Seth frowned, still observing the paths. "There are tracks leading down each path."
"They split up?" Liz questioned in surprise.
"Most likely as an attempt to stall us," Seth growled. "They must have anticipated that we'd follow."
"Well, can you tell which path Morpheus took?" Furno asked anxiously. "We just need to find him."
"Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find his tracks the entire time we've been searching," Seth responded. "He most likely has been levitating the entire time."
"Then he might have been going down an entirely different path while we've been following the rest of his group!" Furno exclaimed, panic beginning to set in his voice.
"Calm down!" Seth snapped, causing the Monferno to freeze. "While that is entirely a possibility, I don't think Morpheus would separate himself completely. He's a coward, always hiding behind others, even if they're his puppets. It's more likely that he is down one of these paths."
"Then how do we precede?" Weiss questioned. "Do you know which member went down each path?"
Seth looked around, carefully eyeing the tracks that led down each separate path. "We'll have to split up," he said finally. "I only have a rough idea of which members went down each path, though I can't find the Xatu's, Chesnaught's, nor the Milotic's tracks. The other psychic types must be levitating the latter two in order to keep their locations hidden."
Quill tensed at the mention of the Chesnaught, but said nothing. The members of Team Dawn Breaker looked at the Quilladin in worry, but none of them dared to say anything.
Taking another moment to observe the paths, Seth turned to face the group. "Judging by the tracks, it appears that the Primeape took the top rightmost path and the Gothitelle took the path below it. The Sableye went straight and…the ape-like Pokémon went left." A flicker of annoyance flashed across the Absol's face. Clearly, he disliked the notion of knowing nothing about a Pokémon. "We'll have to precede with caution. Those three could appear at any given location."
"So how will we split up?" Furno asked impatiently.
Seth eyed the Monferno with distaste, making it clear that he wished nothing more than to send him and the rest of his team back to the division. However, Furno stood his ground, meeting the Disaster Pokémon's glare with one of his own. Eventually, Seth looked away and addressed the entire group.
"Liz, you will take the path towards the Primeape. Its species are known for their brute strength and relentless rage, so you'll need all of your strength if you want to be able to beat it."
"Understood," Liz responded with a short nod.
"Bogran and Dusty will also go," Seth added, looking at each Pokémon as he named them. "It will be up to you three to both weather the Primeape's attacks and support Liz any way you can."
"Got it," Samuel said while Bogran and Dusty nodded determinedly.
Nodding in respond, Seth returned his gaze to the rest of the group. "Mystic, you will be taking Jasmine, Quill, and Noelle to face the Gothitelle." Seth sent the Meowstic a meaningful look. "Gothitelle are powerful psychic types, I'm trusting that you can keep them in check with your own abilities."
"It is within my capabilities," Mystic responded, something akin to determination glowing within her eyes.
"Good," Seth said curtly. He turned to the others he mentioned. "While I don't doubt Mystic's capabilities, you three will also be assisting. Attack from afar and keep out of the Gothitelle's psychic grip."
"Wait, wouldn't it be better for me to go down another path?" Quill interjected. "I'm part fighting type. The Gothitelle—"
"You have a long-ranged bug type move, Pin Missile, correct?" Seth interrupted coldly. At Quill's hesitant nod, Seth continued. "That gives you an advantage. Don't be careless enough to get hit by a psychic move and you'll be fine."
Quill gulped, but nodded his head. His fingers curled into tight fists as he forced himself to remember what he was here for. His friend. His brother. He would have to risk everything to save them.
Staring a second longer at the Quilladin, Seth's gaze shifted to Noelle. The small ice type was shaking fervently. Much more than what was common for their species. "Any other objections?" he asked, his voice cold and harsh.
Noelle flinched at the question, her eyes shifting up to meet the Absol's before flickering back down. It was obvious to anyone that looked at the Snow Hat Pokémon that she was nervous, even terrified. It was a pitiful sight. Yet, despite the clear fear, the little Snorunt was refusing to step back.
Holding his gaze for a moment, Seth relented with a sigh. "Next, Bolt. You, Samuel, and Weiss will pursue the Sableye," he said, turning to the Manectric. "Sableye are tricky Pokémon. They're not typically ones for head-to-head confrontation, so expect cheap tactics and traps. You and Weiss will need to rely on your speed to catch it while Samuel, your focus is to impede its movements."
"Got it," Bolt said.
"Should be a piece of cake," Samuel said, cracking his knuckles.
Weiss was silent, but she nodded her head nonetheless. Her teal eyes were narrowed in anticipation.
Nodding to the group, Seth then turned to the final two Pokémon. "Furno, we'll be going after the final member of the group. Admittedly, we know very little about our target other than they appear to be a psychic type. I will be the primary damage dealer while you, Furno, will stay back and assist when you have the opportunity. Keep your distance, however," Seth added with a sharp glare towards the Monferno.
Furno just nodded, his tail flame flickering wildly. Next to him, Jasmine gave a simple nod of acceptance.
With the assignments given, Seth addressed the group again. "We aren't entirely sure of our enemies' capabilities nor the location of the three wild cards, so proceed with caution. Team Dawn Breaker, you all will listen to those the members of my team that are with you. They are in charge. If they tell you to run, you will run. Is that clear?"
The younger team all nodded, their faces set in determination. Seeing this, Seth continued. "And, remember, our goal is to find Morpheus and rescue Zero, not to defeat the others. If you are given the chance to pursue Morpheus, pursue him. The others are not a priority. Understood?"
"Understood!" they all chorused.
Seth nodded. "Alright then. Let's move."
-Resistance-
Weiss would be lying if she said that she wasn't nervous. No, she was more than just nervous. She was terrified. To be honest, she didn't know why. She had been in numerous dangerous situations in the past. It was a hazard of being part of the Resistance, but, for whatever reason, this felt different.
Maybe it was the fact that she was going after trained Pokémon and not just some petty crook or some mindless dungeonous Pokémon. Or, maybe it was because of how easy she and the rest of Team Dawn Breaker had been defeated by the very Pokémon they were pursuing.
A cold lump of dread settled in the Absol's stomach, causing her to shudder. Yeah, it was probably the latter of the two. Back when she and the others were captured, seeing her friends' morale crushed. Seeing Quill battered and bruised, it scared her. It scared her more than anything she had ever experienced. Yet, here she was, running right back into danger.
Weiss sighed inwardly. "I must be crazy…"
"Are you alright, Weiss?" The off-colored Absol startled, eyes flying to the large ice-grass type's concerned pale purple.
"Y-Yeah," Weiss answered, wincing at her own weak stutter.
The Abomasnow hummed in response. When the Frost Tree Pokémon didn't comment any further, Weiss allowed herself to relax. This wasn't the time to be afraid. Her team's leader, her friend, was in danger. She couldn't—"
"You know," Samuel suddenly said, startling the Absol, "it's alright to be afraid. It's a natural reaction to being in a situation like this."
"I-I'm not scared!" Weiss exclaimed, affronted. "I'm just…thinking of the best way to approach the coming battle!"
Samuel just hummed again, sending the off-colored Pokémon a side eye. He clearly didn't believe her. Glancing past the larger Pokémon, she noticed that Bolt had also turned his attention towards her, his expression holding note of concern. Weiss simply 'harrumphed', flicking her head upwards and refusing to meet either Pokémon's gaze.
She didn't need either Pokémon telling her how she felt or how she should feel. How she felt was irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. What mattered was the mission and assuring its completion. Emotions had no place in the field. Especially for a Pokémon like her…
"You know, being part of a strong team doesn't mean you can't show emotions," Bolt stated.
The sudden comment caught Weiss off-guard. She froze yet, at the same time, continued running, causing her to stumble and nearly fall before she regained her balance. "H-Huh?"
"Like Samuel said, its only natural to be afraid out in the field," Bolt continued, keeping his eyes forward. "Fear, anger, sadness, joy…all of those feelings are natural. You don't have to push all of that down in order to perform well on a mission."
Weiss frowned. "Emotions lead to rushed and haphazard plans and actions. A member of the Resistance can't afford to show emotion in the face of the enemy or the entire mission could be put in jeopardy."
Bolt just shook his head, a small smile on his muzzle. "Jeez, what are they teach kids in the academy. Tell me, Weiss, does Quill take you as the 'unemotional' type? Or Furno for that matter?"
"Well, no, but…"
"And are they incompetent?" Bolt asked with a knowing look.
Weiss was about to answer, but paused. While she would be the first to admit that Quill could be…gung-ho during missions, he was competent in combat and more than willing to protect a teammate from harm, even if he did have to be reined in every once in a while. Furno was the same, if not more reserved, despite his more recent irate attitude as of late (though he has become better).
"N-No," Weiss admitted.
"Exactly," Bolt said. "Even Seth, believe it or not, does in fact have emotions. Granted, most of them are irritation and grumpiness, but they're emotions nonetheless."
Bolt chuckled at his own joke, only stopping when he noticed that Weiss was still frowning. "Listen, Weiss. While keeping a clear head about you is always good, becoming completely emotionless will only hurt you."
"Yeah, well expressing myself will only hurt me," Weiss muttered bitterly.
"I'm guessing that's because of the whole Bloody Absol thing?" Samuel questioned.
This time, Weiss did freeze. She abruptly stopped in the middle of the path, rooted on the spot. Both Bolt and Samuel paused, glancing backwards when they saw that they weren't being followed.
"Weiss?" Samuel asked.
"…" Weiss didn't respond. She just stood stock still. Her head bowed; her eyes unfocused.
"Dammit, Samuel," Bolt hissed, shooting the ice-grass type a heated glare before slowly approaching the Absol. "Weiss?"
"…"
Bolt sighed. "Look, I won't begin trying to understand what you are going through, but…"
"Shh!"
Bolt blinked back his surprise. "What? Weiss, I get that this is a sore topic, but—"
"I said, shush!" Weiss hissed. Her fur was standing on end; a sharp tingle of dread shot down her spine.
Bolt frowned, noting the Absol's sudden change in demeanor. "What is it?"
Weiss remained silent, her gaze shifting from left to right. All Absol possessed the innate ability to sense coming disasters. The slightest change in the atmosphere, the most minute underground shift, all of these were privy to any nearby Absol. However, this ability goes further than simply detecting natural disasters. Few Absol possess, what they call, a sixth sense: a 'feeling' of impending danger or strife that rivaled a vicious storm. A feeling like a cold blade slowly being pressed down their spines. A feeling that Weiss was feeling at that very moment.
A sudden prickling at the base of her neck set the Absol in motion. "Get down!" she shouted as she lunged towards Samuel.
"Huh?" The Abomasnow didn't have any time to react before Weiss barreled into him, sending them both crashing to the ground. Not a second later, a dark purple blur flew through the air, passing right over their downed forms.
The blur landed roughly on the ground, stirring up a small dust cloud as they skid to a halt. Stretching to its not impressive height, the Sableye grinned jaggedly at the trio. "Damn. I was hoping that I'd at least be able to take one of you down like that. A well." He laughed; seemingly nonchalant about his attack missing.
Samuel and Weiss scrambled to their feet, Bolt rushing to stand at their side. "Where's Zero?" the Manectric snarled, baring his fangs.
"Not here, obviously," the Sableye said; his grin never fading. He shifted slightly, moving so that he was standing directly in the center of the path. "He's further in the dungeon, unless Morpheus got lost along the way."
Weiss' eyes narrowed. The path, while not terribly narrow, didn't off a lot of wiggle room. Even now, she was standing slightly behind Bolt, who stood behind Samuel. The Abomasnow took up almost the entire corridor. If they wanted to progress, they would have to deal with the Sableye.
"You won't win this fight," Samuel boasted confidently, making a show out of flexing his massive arms while taking a step forward. "If you don't want to get hurt, I recommend surrendering."
The Sableye took a step back as a response, but his grin never faded. "Oooh. Scary. All three of you against little old me. It's just too much."
The Sableye looked nervous to Weiss, despite their borderline creepy smile. He didn't seem like an incredibly strong Pokémon, at least not in terms of brute strength or raw power. Yet he willing exposed himself rather than leading the trio around. What was the Darkness Pokémon planning, and why did Weiss still feel an impending disaster?
"You're right, though," the Sableye commented. "As I am now, I'd be helpless against the three of you. Thankfully, however, I've got an ace."
Before the trio of Resistance members could question what the ghost meant, he pulled out a spherical yellow stone with a red and purple spiral in the center. Seeing the item, Bolt paled in realization. "That stone…" he said.
"That's right!" the Sableye said with a gleeful laugh. "It's time to go beyond!"
At those words, the small orb glowed brightly, bathing the entire corridor in a near blinding red light. Weiss squeezed her eyes shut, in an attempt to block out the light. That light, despite the color, there was no mistaking it. It was the light of evolution.
"This was what Zero and Furno warned us about," Weiss heard Bolt say. "An extra evolution that goes beyond the line of a species."
The red light died down, revealing their enemy. There, standing behind a two-foot, bright red crystal, was the Sableye. His ears elongated and spike now grew from his head. His once pale blue, crystal-like eyes now glowed with a blood red, mirroring the crystal it held before it. In the center of its chest, a small trickle of black ichor dripped from the gaping hole that now rested there.
The newly evolved Sableye regarded the group with an unreadable expression before he grinned, revealing his yellowed teeth. "So, tell me…" the Sableye said; there voice sounded distorted, as if they were speaking over an echo, "do you still think you can win?"
-Resistance-
Liz, Bogran, and Dusty were immediately put on edge when they saw their target seemingly waiting for them in the middle of a large clearing. The Pig Monkey Pokémon stood in the very center of the clearing, back turned towards the group and appearing completely unconcerned. Liz raised her hand, gesturing for the younger two to stay behind her, and cautiously edged forward. Her eyes roamed over the immediate area, searching for any sign of a trap or any Pokémon waiting for an ambush.
"Will you hurry up and get in here?!" the gruff voice of the Primeape shouted. "There aren't any traps, if that's what you're worried about."
Liz frowned, but stepped into the room, gesturing for Dusty and Bogran to stay back. "You're along?" she asked, still not fully trusting the Primeape.
The fighting type turned; a deep scowl struck across his face. "I don't anyone to tell me how to do things." He eyed the Nidoqueen, seemingly sizing her up. Glancing behind her, he took note of the two others behind her and sneered. "Seriously? Jeez. Talk about a disappointment."
Liz blinked. "What?"
"I was hoping they'd send that Poliwrath after me," the Primeape confessed. "At least a fellow fighting type would put up a better fight. Then again, he can't be all that strong if that water worm beat him." The Primeape snorted aggravatedly. "At least this will be over quickly…"
"What do you—" Liz tried to question the Primeape, but was cut off as the Primeape suddenly lunged forward at alarming speed.
Before the Drill Pokémon could react, the Primeape's fist was already buried in her stomach. The air cracked from the punch's speed; air and spittle ejecting from the Nidoqueen's mouth as the fist dug painfully past her heavy plates. Liz felt her feet leave the ground as the Primeape's momentum suddenly slammed into her, sending her flying through the air. Like a ragdoll, the Nidoqueen hurtled towards the corner of the room, slamming into a tree with such force that it topped over a second after she slumped bonelessly to the ground.
"Hmph," the Primeape grunted, flexing their mitt, not even bothering looking at Liz's downed form. "Weak." He glanced over to the shellshocked Marshtomp and Sandshrew. "'Guess you two are next."
A partially restrained whimper escaped the Marshtomp as he took an involuntary step back, his entire body trembling. Next to him, Dusty wasn't fairing much better. The normally stoic ground type was visibly shaking. The strength this Pokémon possessed…was league's above their own!
"Well?" the Primeape inquired, appearing bored. When neither Pokémon responded, he sighed angrily. "Fine. If you won't come here, then I'll come to you."
Both members of Team Dawn Breaker tensed as the fighting type took a threatening step forward. Both knew that running wouldn't do them any good, the Primeape proved himself to be incredibly fast. He would no doubt catch up to both of them with ease. They had no choice but to fight.
The Primeape paused; tilting his head as he saw that both Pokémon were preparing to fight back. He snored derisively. "Shouldn't even bother," he mumbled to himself. Drawing a fist back, he prepared to lunge forward and decimate the two brats before him and—
"Hey!"
The Primeape froze. Eyes wide, he turned to where the Nidoqueen had fallen and was shocked to see the poison-ground type was standing tall. The scale plating around where the Primeape had punched her was partially dented with several cracks stretching out from the center, but the Nidoqueen looked little worse for wear.
"Wha—" Liz smirked at the Primeape's befuddled expression.
"What? You didn't think a sissy punch like that would knock me out, did you?" she taunted. She proudly thumped her chest, the impact of her fist against her scales causing a resounding thump. "I'm made out of far tougher stuff than that!"
The Primeape stared at the Nidoqueen, still caught in shock. His shock, however, quickly bled into mounting anger. "Sissy punch?" There was poorly controlled anger to his voice; his entire body trembling with rage before he burst. "I'LL SHOW YOU A SISSY PUNCH!"
A crimson aura encompassed the Primeape as he flexed his entire body. Before the trio's very eyes, the fighting type's muscles bulged and rippled, thickening to nearly twice the size as before. A shrill shriek tore its way out of the Primeape's throat.
"I AM ARES!" the Primeape roared; stomping his foot hard enough to crack the grass-covered ground. "REMEMBER IT, 'CAUSE IT'LL BE THE LAST NAME YOU HEAR!"
"Why don't you shut up and put your money where your mouth is!" Liz snapped back with a nearly feral grin.
The Primeape shrieked in response before throwing himself at the Nidoqueen, murder alight in his eyes.
-Resistance-
Elsewhere, Mystic's group was having an equally difficult time. Currently, the Meowstic was locked in battle with the enemy's Gothitelle. The two were looked in a stationary, yet intense battle. Psychic energy was flung violently across both sides; tearing up chunks of earth and trees for ammunition and leaving the area cracked and broken.
Mystic grit her teeth as she stumbled back under the force of the opposing Gothitelle's power. The Astral Body Pokémon was truly a skilled psychic. Ruthless in her technique yet composed in the heat of battle. She was truly someone that Mystic had to be wary about. Especially with her other teammates preoccupied.
Glancing behind her, Mystic grimaced at the sight of the small Snorunt cowering behind her. The ice type's eyes were tightly shut, her entire body curled into a tight ball as she shook violently. The small Pokémon had immediately been targeted by the Gothitelle when they had first entered the clearing, forcing Mystic to have to protect her. Unfortunately, the little Pokémon appeared to have been petrified by fear as she had yet to move, leaving Mystic stuck in her current situation. What's more, the Gothitelle wasn't the only enemy.
Quill cried out as was sent tumbling backwards, his arms throbbing from the vicious blow he had just barely managed to block. Wincing with more than just physical pain coursing through him, Quill stared up at the massive figure. The Chesnaught towered over him, arm glowing with vibrant blue energy as he swung its arm at the smaller Pokémon. Quill barely managed to lunge out of the way, the Hammer Arm just managing to clip the Quilladin as he moved out of the way.
The ground caved in under the Chesnaught's attack. Earthen splintered erupted upwards, scattering in all directions; a plume of dust curling up from around the Chesnaught's arm. The grass-fighting type blinked at its arm which was now imbedded in the soft ground. With a grunt and minimal effort, it ripped its arm free and turned back towards Quill.
"Dammit, Crass! Snap out of it!" Quill shouted, desperately wanting his brother to hear him.
However, Quill's pleas fell upon deaf ears. Cress' eyes remained blank, his facial expression never changing as he lumbered towards Quill. Before the Chesnaught could attack, Jasmine leapt onto the larger Pokémon's back. A thin cloud of smoke enveloped the duo as the Liepard preceded to claw and bit at every available point on the Chesnaught's back; almost comical stars shooting out of the cloud as she did so.
Despite the super effectiveness of the attack, the Chesnaught just grunted. It twisted his body around violently, trying to dislodge the large feline on his back. Unable to keep her grip, Jasmine was forced to jump off of the Chesnaught, wincing as she landed. The smoke cloud dissipated, revealing the blank, unchanging expression of the Chesnaught.
"Crass…" Quill muttered helplessly.
"Stop screwing around!" Jasmine hissed at the Quilladin. "You have to fight!"
"But…it's Crass!" Quill said. "I can't…not to him…"
"Useless!" Jasmine growled before turning back to face the Chesnaught. With a sharp howl, she released a large Dark Pulse at the slowly encroaching Pokémon. Unperturbed, the grass-fighting type simply raised an arm and blocked the attack. "How strong is this guy?!"
A cruel, condescending laugh filled the clearing. "Attacks like that will get you nowhere," the Gothitelle laughed. "You'll find my little guard is more than capable of shrugging off anything you can throw at him. In fact…"
The Gothitelle shrilling whistled, causing Crass to freeze. Turning away from Jasmine and Quill, he instead focused Mystic, who was still preoccupied with keeping the other psychic type at bay. The Spiny Armor then opened his mouth and unleashed a barrage of glowing seeds at the Meowstic.
"Mystic!" Jasmine shouted in warning, but it was too late.
The Meowstic turned just in time to be met with Crass' Seed Bomb attack. The Constraint Pokémon cried out in pain as the large seed exploded upon contact; the force of the various explosions throwing her across the room. Noelle, still rooted in her spot, too was caught up in the ensuing explosions. She cried out as she was flung into the wall of trees, slumping bonelessly next to Mystic's still form.
"Mystic! Noelle!" Quill shouted in concern for his teammates. He made to rush towards them, but was stopped by several small spikes rushed past his vision. They sunk into the ground just in front of him, leaving small almost unnoticeable points protruding past the grass. A virtual minefield of spikes now separated him from Mystic and Noelle.
"Lovely display," the Gothitelle cheered, sounding rather smug as she sauntered over to Crass. She caressed the Chesnaught's arm in a parody of a loving gesture. "You really make the perfect bodyguard."
Quill saw red. "Don't you touch him!" He made to rush the Gothitelle, but Jasmine grabbed his arm in her mouth.
"Don't act rashly," Jasmine chastised, her voice slightly muffled as she struggled to keep the Quilladin from running. "It's what she wants!"
"Oh, you have no idea what I want," the Gothitelle said slyly, now leaning heavily against Crass' side. "Though, currently, I supposed doing away with your group is ideal."
"Dammit!" Quill growled angrily, though he made no move to charge again. "Let go of my brother!"
"Oh, he's your brother!" the Gothitelle gasped in surprise. A sly grin found its way onto her face. "Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your brother is gone."
She turned to Crass, her grin becoming cruel. "Morpheus is quite thorough when it comes to making hit puppets. He enters their minds forcefully, tearing through any mental defenses they. It's quite a painful experience actually and it can last hours if they resist," the Gothitelle added, smirking when she saw Quill beginning to shake with rage. "Morpheus then taking them everything about them, their memories, experiences, personalities, everything that makes a Pokémon themselves and crushes it. He doesn't erase it, no, that'd be too easy. No, he instead pushes it to the furthest corner of their own mind, making room for Morpheus' will."
Quill was shaking violently. His teeth audibly grinding against one another as he struggled to maintain his composure.
"He doesn't have to do that, thought. It's actually much easier to control someone when everything about them is erased, but Morpheus doesn't do that. He likes allowing them a small sliver of consciousness so they can see everything," the Gothitelle continued, undaunted. "He enjoys knowing that they are fully aware of everything he makes them do. Everything he does to them, they're away of it all."
She patted the Chesnaught's arm and laughed. "I wonder how he feels…knowing that he's fighting his brother."
At that moment, Quill snapped.
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Quill roared. He surged forward, tearing his arm from Jasmine's jaws.
"No! You fool!" Jasmine shouted, but Quill didn't care.
Nothing mattered to the Quilladin. His reason for entering Ashen Woods? Meaningless. His allies? Unimportant. All that mattered in that moment to Quills tearing the Gothitelle apart and Morpheus after.
Author's Note:
I am so sorry it took me so long to update. Between everything that's been happening in my life, finishing up Rise of the Dragon, and dealing with my own laziness and tendency to procrastinate, time just got away from me. Now, I won't promise that I'll start updating faster than before, even though I'm down to one story. I actually have been trying to write an actual novel that I hope to get published. It's been slow going since I haven't wanted to abandon my fics, but, now that I only have one, I'm hoping I can put more effort into that endeavor. Regardless, stay safe out there and thank you for your continued support.