That night I took the time to sleep on the couch as per usual. No nightmares bothered me as my dreams were devoid of image and sound. In the dead of night, I heard rustling. A single rock bounced off the window stirring me up from a dead sleep. Sitting up, I looked out the large living room window. Another stone skipped off the pane. My eyes scanned the darkness, falling upon Bry's father who leaned against a tree. Before he could throw another one, I snuck outside to meet him. I stopped several feet away appraising his condition.

"What do you want?" I asked calmly. He shifted uncomfortably under my gaze.

"To train Kyle."

"Out of the question, "I retorted.

"Bry told me he wants to become a Ranger. I can help him with that."

"Why should I even listen to what you have to say?" I demanded.

"The headmaster is known for her power. Not only is she the strongest Human known to all regions, but she is also very proficient in Aura. She's even mastered Gold Aura."

"Then it means Kyle is safe while he's there."

"True. I'm not saying he isn't. But you want to give him the best chance for success right?" the Lucario taunted. His words tantalized my weak spots. Shifting uncomfortably, I sighed.

"If I'm going to trust you, I need answers. How did Kyle acquire level 2 Aura?"

The jackal sighed before answering my question.

"I contemplated it all day. To be honest I can't be sure. The only thing that I could see is that it was gifted to him..."

"How?" I demanded.

"A Legendary Pokemon would be the only one capable of such a feat."

My mind raced as I thought of possible entities who had interacted with him. Mew had to have done it after the first time she had met him. It would make sense that she would give him the power to help him in the fight against Mewtwo.

"Ma'am?"

"It's Rose," I spoke, glancing over my shoulder.

"Do you or your family intend to visit my son anytime soon?"

My eyes appraised his emotional state and I realized that he had grown extremely anxious.

"Yeah. Today in fact," I stated, lying directly to his face. He took the bait spilling his reasoning a moment later.

"Do you think we could keep our little interaction from earlier a secret from him? I'd be in your debt."

He was afraid of someone and that meant I immediately had a method to extort him should he prove unruly. I smiled broadly and nodded.

"Of course."

He sighed a breath of relief. I took that as my cue to leave him behind. As I headed back towards the door, the Fighting-type called my name one last time.

"One more...thing you need to know."

I stopped in my spot and looked over my shoulder.

"Kyle's Aura had another side to it while I examined him today. A very dark side, that could change his nature. He could willingly hurt those he cares about. I'd be careful around him."

His words made my spine stiffen and fur stand on end. Facing forward, I snapped my answer and headed inside.

"Good Night."

I didn't wait for his reply. As I shut the door, silently my facade faded. His last statement filled me with dread and anguish. I slumped back against the door.

Dark Aura? Was Kyle...growing evil over time?

The rest of the night, I spent in a perpetual state of restlessness and the edge of consciousness.

A presence tried to slip past me, but I woke up, catching said Pokemon off guard.

"Mornin," I mumbled wiping the crusty sleep out of my eyes. I strobed my eyes a few times, coming face to face with a beet red Delilah.

"I'm sorry. I was trying to be stealthy..."

"Try harder," I joked, only for the recollection of yesterday to make my mood sour. I yawned loudly, and jumped off the orange couch, and followed the Gardevoir into the kitchen.

"You look really tired," she said, as I hopped up to a chair.

"I am. I…couldn't sleep," I said, keeping my tone even. Despite my best efforts, Delilah still managed to pick up on my shitty mood.

"What's on your mind?" she asked.

"Nothing," I mumbled. She wasn't convinced. She leaned over the counter and booped my nose.

"Well? Just tell me."

I relented under her scrutiny and tried to divert her attention.

"Do you think visiting Bry would be a good idea?" I asked.

"Yes. And stop stalling," she said, flicking a single psychic green leaf into my head.

"Ow! Not cool!" I growled. She rolled her eyes and stood up.

"Are you going to tell me or no?" she asked. Despite my best efforts, I knew I would eventually crumble. I had to speak with someone about this. I bit my lip anxiously.

"You and I know Kyle is in danger. But what if...he is the danger?"

My words had a visible effect on Gardevoir. She looked at me firmly. I could see she appeared angered I would even suggest that.

"He has a good heart. Nobody would still mourn the loss of your sister as he does," she said, saddened by her own words.

"I know. I can't help but feel that my presence exacerbates it."

Delilah turned and glided over to the silver door of the fridge opening it. I watched as Pancake Mix, Mago Berries and a sweet cream floated over to the countertop. She closed the door, and I waited for her to speak again. It didn't take long.

"You shouldn't. Your presence helps him cope. His thoughts can dark at times, but without you, he may never have recovered. He needs you. So I wouldn't concern yourself with him comparing you to Rose," she said. She popped open the tub and moved to a cabinet behind her grabbing a stainless steel pan.

"We are being optimistic, Delilah. What if he turned on us?"

She whirled on me, and I was surprised to see the fear and anger written all over her face.

"He wouldn't-"

"Everybody has a breaking point," I whispered quietly. It took her a moment to compose herself. She closed her eyes and exhaled loudly before speaking.

"We both know what he couldn't lose."

I thought on the statement before I replied swiftly.

"Emily."

"If she died, he would be so lost. I don't know how far he'd go to avenge her death. He has his moments that have me concerned as to what he is capable of. But...he's such a good and pure soul. Having us around is the most important thing in the world. Don't worry about him turning."

Despite her intentions, it did little to allay my concerns. I turned my questions to myself specifically.

Could you raise your paw against him if he turned?

Would you still love him if he did?

Would you willingly follow him down that path?

My chest ached as I struggled to push those thoughts down.

"Rose. Stop. I know you are overthinking this. You really love him. Just continue doing that and everything will work itself out. He's a good kid," she said beaming as she placed a dollop of mixture into the now hot pan.

"That he is," a voice said. I fell off my chair and whirled around. Kyle's mother stood against the corner, watching us. Her dirty blonde hair was unkempt and she was enrobed in dark blue pajamas.

"H-ho-how long ha-have you been standing there?" I stammered.

"I heard enough," she replied picking me up, tenderly. I avoided her gaze out of fear of reprisal. She chuckled before tilting my chin up.

"I'm not upset. I'm his mother and I've worried I might have put him on the wrong path many times. It wasn't until you, Chris, and Delilah showed up on my doorstep, did I realize he was on the right one," she said, letting me go. I relaxed as my mother moved to assist Delilah at the stovetop.

"Also, visiting Bryan sounds like a delightful idea. I'm sure Kyle would agree to visit. It's been about a week since we last saw him," she stated.

"Mom?"

"What is it?"

"If...If I wanted to be date Kyle how would you feel about it?"

For a moment she was quiet before her answer came out smoothly.

"The law says no. I say who cares? You fall in love with who you fall in love with. Just know if you break my son's heart I'll put your head on a pike."

I gulped audibly at the statement and rested my head on the table edge. So easygoing. Yet I knew she was a woman of her word. At this moment I was more scared of her than Kyle.

After Kyle came down to join us for breakfast we all took time to get ready for today's events. As I sat outside Kyle's bedroom, Lula joined me for a moment to remind me about the favor from last night.

"Rose. I need to know that you aren't doing this just to please me. That you will put forth the effort?"

I felt uncertainty rise up as I contemplated the repercussions of her request. There was a lot that could go wrong if we weren't careful. Including losing Kyle himself in the process. A risk that I was hesitant to take.

"Lula. I'm not sure this is the right way to go about this. Surely, he would have-"

"This is between us Rose. You gave me your word you would do right by me," she stated. Her twisting my words, felt like someone twisting a knife into my ribcage. I didn't like it one bit. My canines dug into my lip as I anxiously tried to Weavile my way out of it. Finally, I relented, staring deep into her cobalt eyes.

"Lula. I'll fulfill my end. Today after we visit Bry."

"Good!"

And with that, she departed down the stairs, just as Kyle left the bathroom all steamy.

"What was that about?" he asked. I tilted my head curiously and he elaborated.

"It's just...the two of you usually don't get along. Doesn't matter. To be honest, I feel bad."

I stood up and brushed past his leg to lay in my mattress.

"Why?"

"I feel like with you home, and all that's been occurring...she's gotten the short end of the stick. She's my starter. My first Pokemon. However, after the abuse I've put her through, I wonder if perhaps she resents me? Truth be told...I want her to come to Ranger Academy with me."

My eyes widened before I grew crestfallen. He must have sensed my despair, as his hand came to brush my fur.

"Rose. I'm sorry…I didn't mean-" Kyle stammered.

"Didn't mean what?" I snapped, a growl dying in my throat. I had no right to be upset with him for being loyal. I was only his friend for four months. Lula had been with him for years. Standing up, I bit my own tongue to remind myself not to say something harsh.

"Kyle, I-"

"Did you only come back to make me love you?"

His words cut deep. I hadn't prepared for such a scathing come back.

"No," I replied forlornly. I jumped up to his bed, before patting the spot next to me. He sat down and I laid myself into his shoulder.

"Kyle. I came back for you. You are the first friend I've allowed myself to have in such a long time. You have the traits I desire in a male. When I came home I couldn't put my own feelings aside. I wanted you. Badly. However, right now a romantic relationship isn't what you need. You need a friend, and anything more would be selfish."

"You kissed me," he said pointedly, and I blushed hard.

"It was nice. But it's unfair for me to expect something when you aren't ready." I paused, reorganizing my thoughts. I reflected on the real reason I was so hurt. When I knew what it was, I spoke up again.

"Kyle. I'm not hurt that you chose Lula over me. She's your starter, and I'm just an intruder. We haven't known each other that long. With that being said, I saw this as my chance to redeem myself. For what I did to you."

My eyes stung as I realized just how much this one thing mattered. I averted my gaze. Being truthful and vulnerable was unnatural for me.

"Rose...I...I...I…"

I waited patiently for him to respond. I had placed the ball in his court. I just wanted him to at least understand why I felt so betrayed.

"I forgive you for my arm. It sucks, but all I can do is move forward. I'm sorry. I didn't really think about it like that. I only saw the promise I made to Lula. She would go wherever I went. And she promised to be by my side. As a Popplio the two of us had so many adventures. I won't forget the first time she took me diving at Poni Coast. The water was sooo clear. Granted, she had to take it slow since the current was strong, and being a Brionne there was only so much she could manage. This isn't about who I love more. I love you both equally and nothing will change that."

"I know," I whispered. It didn't make his decision any less heartwrenching. Getting up, I proceeded downstairs, to watch the clouds pass by lazily. Time passed by slowly, and yet the ache still filled up every crevice in my lonely mind. I would be left behind. Normally being alone was a normal thing. In this case, it would only exacerbate my worries.

Finally, everyone was ready and we started down the clear path heading to the Pokemon Center. Despite the heavy discussion from earlier, I tried to appear interested in the discussions going on around me. Yet deep down I was still troubled.

"Rose?"

A voice snapped me out of my self-contemplation. Turning around I came face to face with the last being I wanted to speak to. Keeping my tongue in cheek, I tried to remain neutral.

"Yeah. What's up?"

"You look upset," Lula said, from her floating bubble.

"You won. Kyle wants to take you to Ranger Academy," I stated. "Your favor doesn't matter anymore."

"It does to me," she replied.

I sighed, when Kyle spoke up, catching her attention.

"Hey Lula," he asked.

She floated forward to spend time with Kyle giving me the space I desired. Delilah interrupted immediately her voice in a whisper as she met my gaze.

"Don't be too harsh on yourself."

That was all she said before she departed to go speak with Olivia. The walk went on in silence for me as I contemplated where I sat in all of this.

As we entered the Pokemon Center, we were surprised to see that it wasn't actually busy. In fact, only one trainer sat at the desk. Olivia walked across the smooth tile to the open booth next to it where Chansey greeted us.

"Miss Bredeson! We've been expecting you. Bry's father warned us you might show up for a visit today," she said, beaming at us.

"Is…that so?" Olivia said. I could feel her stare on me as we followed the Pokemon around the counter and down a hall. We passed by numerous open rooms with humans Pokemon getting seen for issues raining from superficial to debilitating. Finally, we stopped at the end of the hall.

"They moved him?" Olivia asked as we stopped at the closed door.

"At his mother's request. They are waiting for you," the normal type Mon said. Delilah opened the door, and we all filed In slowly. My eyes scanned the room surprised that they had moved to a small single bedroom area. It was big enough to fit us all In the center was a massive trampoline upon which Bry and another Emolga who was slightly bigger. On its head were two pink ribbons which were tied into bows. Kyle's father sat at the corner of the room, appraising us. Our eyes met, and I could sense he seemed a little apprehensive. Like I wouldn't keep my part of the deal. A loud scream threw us for a loop. My attention was drawn to the female Emolga who hopped once and landed on the tile in front of me.

"Howdy, y'all! Aren't ya just the most precious group!" the Emolga drawled out. Her accent was strong but it came from a high-pitched voice. It was adorable, to say the least. She dashed over to Olivia and crawled up her shoulder in a matter of seconds.

"Ya must be Mama bear. I owe ya debt of gratitude for taking in ma Baby Boy," she exclaimed.

"It was my pleasure," Olivia replied. Before the human could speak again, she had hopped off and landed on Kyle's head.

"And this here must be Kyle."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied in a very respectful manner.

"Ma son has told me quite a bit bout ya. Ya real cute too. You ain't got anything on ma stallion over there. It's a pleasure to meet ya. And last but not least…"

On cue, the Emolga hopped off and floated over to my nose. She landed on one toe, and I glared at the Electric Flying as she pirouetted on my maw.

"And as the only Absol in that room, you must be Rose. Son says you give im a hard time."

I nipped at her toe, making her jump out of range chuckling as a small smirk overcame my maw.

"Very true."

"I appreciate it. Someone's gotta keep that huge head of his on his shoulders."

I bowed my head respectfully.

"I'm sorry girls. What's are ya names?" The Emolga asked politely.

"I'm Lula."

"Delilah, ma'am."

"Thank ya much. Now with introductions out the way… I hope ma hubby was cordial when he visited."

My gaze wandered around the room as each family member shuffled awkwardly. I met Emolga's eyes who widened at our response. As I was the only one to meet her gaze, she directed her questions towards me.

"Rose. Wanna tell me what Kenzo did," she asked sweetly. I looked to the male who shook his head sneakily at me warning me to keep quiet.

"Dad. You know better than to piss her off!" Bryan hissed. We all heard his statement, but the female Emolga remained focused on me.

"Hush now. Rose…if ya would be so kind to spill the beans."

"Rose. You promised! Please don't," the fighting type said. My eyes crept over to him as he shivered violently. He was scared of his mate. It was adorable and I wanted to find out exactly why.

"Zip it, Kenzo. Last time I'll ask, Rose," the Emolga warned, her cheeks crackling.

"He assaulted everyone including me. He ripped a hole through the kitchen ceiling and made huge gashes in the walls. He put everyone to sleep. Got into a fight with me, and almost killed Kyle."

For a moment she appeared nonplussed by my words, but then a nasty smile spread over her lips. She turned to the male in question and stalked towards him angrily. He retreated as fast as she walked until he was back against the wall.

"I- I- I-"

"None ya excuses gonna help here. If I remember correctly, I believe I told ya to be amicable when you visited," she said with a glare.

"You did ma'am," he stated, looking for an exit. Unfortunately for him, our family blocked his only exit. He realized it as he awaited his punishment dutifully.

"Glad ya listen to me. Bry. Be a dear and move off the bed. He's gonna need it," the diminutive Pokemon said. To his credit, the kid listened to his parent, dashing over to our side. I watched the show with a gleeful smile on my face. She jumped to the trampoline and then landed on his forehead. The fighting type gulped audibly.

"I-I love you," he pleaded, as she pecked his nose with an audible 'smack'. Her cheek nuzzled his, and I watched as a small shock ran through his body paralyzing him in place.

"Same here baby."

The overhead lights flickered as the Emolga's cheeks grew brighter with each passing second. Finally, they shut off, and all the was visible was two bright blue circles. A single thunderclap echoed loudly throughout the room as the Emolga discharged a powerful attack into the Jackal. It lasted for about two seconds before the energy dissipated. The male's fur was singed and steam poured off his stiff body. He fell towards the floor, but Bry's mother flapped her arms once. A gust of wind lifted the male and dropped his motionless and limp body onto the trampoline. I couldn't help but immediately fall into a fit of laughs which overcame reason.

"Rose!" Delilah warned me, but I chose to not heed her. My eyes filled with tears as I continued to giggle at the now unconscious male.

"Is-is he going to be okay?" Olivia asked, having retreated to behind Delilah.

"He'll live. I've put him through far worst. My name is Vickie and y'all have my humble apologies for his behavior."

She hopped down to the immaculately clean floor and waddled towards Kyle.

"I hate ta be a bother, but my son praised Kyle telling me how special he was. I don't have any fancy aura sensing abilities but I do know how to test them. Kenzo is really good at teaching believe me or not. Now then…front and center," she demanded. I wiped a stray tear or two out of the way, as Kyle moved to sit in front of the Emolga.

"Explaining this is gonna be a pain. Bryan. Would ya kindly?"

"Yes, Mom. So…Aura is the life force of Pokemon. There are three levels. Blue, Purple, and Gold. Each one naturally shields you from attacks with Blue being the weakest and Gold being the strongest. Each level comes with distinctive holes that can be broken through. It's how Mom was able to shock Dad without any trouble. She knows his Aura signature," he finished.

I nodded and then asked the obvious question.

"So what does she intend to do?"

"I'm gonna shock, Kyle. Not as hard as my husband got it, but nuff to get the blood flowing. I'll be seeing if his Aura reacts to ma power of its own will."

"Essentially, she'll be learning his signature to see how strong or weak he is," Bry explained.

Everyone fell silent as the female took Kyle's arm.

"Now…don't move if ya know what's good for you. The last thing I wanna do is hit your body with the amps I'll be producing. Ready?"

Kyle inhaled loudly and then nodded. I glanced to Bry who laid back. I suspected that his relaxation was a natural response to the situation. I eased my body down and watched the proceedings in silence.

"I'ma start small."

Yellow electricity arced around Kyle, and I remained quiet. At first, there was no response but I could tell he was under pressure. His brow was furrowed as she focused on her actions. I looked to Kyle, unable to distinguish any difference in what was happening on the surface level. I studied the Emolga as the electricity increased in power to the point the lights flickered in response. My eyes widened as my own fur gained a charge.

Kyle's face was contorted into a grimace, but I sensed that was more out of fear than pain or discomfort. After another minute the electricity vanished, and the air was still.

"He's strong. Son wasn't kidding. Your defense is surprisingly high for a human. I'm impressed," Vickie said, hopping up to the bed next to her son.

"Thanks for the compliment," Kyle said before his attention was drawn to his friend. I followed his gaze and remained silent.

"How is your recovery coming along? What are they doing here?"

"I called for them. Mom's helping me relearn how to fly and glide," the electric flying type said proudly. It was good to know that his family supported him no matter what happened. His mother appeared to be satisfied with how he was recovering from the accident.

"He's healing slowly," Kenzo said from his position on the bed. "Wounds are deep."

"Took ya long enough to wake up. Lazy mutt," his mate said, kissing his cheek.

"Love you too," was the immediate reply.

Kyle let out a low sigh, and Bryan was quick to scold him.

"This isn't your fault. I've told you time and time again, that I wanted to follow you. And I have."

"I-"

"No arguin. He said it ain't your fault, so stop ya fussing and just be happy he made it out in one piece," his mother stated tapping her foot loudly. I smirked as Kyle sheepishly tried to agree. My eyes focused on Kyle's lack of an arm. I had been responsible for severing it and jeopardizing his chances at becoming a Pokemon Ranger.

"Will he be able to glide again?" Olivia asked, and Emolga's female parent rubbed her head sheepishly.

"With the help, we been givin him? Very likely."

Delilah spoke up, and I followed her gaze to the father.

"So what do you intend to do while you wait?" she asked. The jackal looked at me, fury burning in his eyes. I ignored the obvious threat and waited for his response.

"Train Kyle," the male spoke.

Immediately the room was in an uproar. I could sense the anger pouring off the others in waves, despite Vickie's attempts to calm them all down.

"QUIET!" I shouted. All eyes turned to me, as I glared at the Fighting/Steel type. "Normally I'd be against him learning from someone who attacked us, but in this case, I agree. His mastery over Aura can help Kyle prepare better for school. Any advantage we can get would be better than no advantage."

"But what if he attacks Kyle-"

"Won't happen," Vickie stated. A smile formed on my lips as the small female moved to her mate.

"If he so much as hurts a hair on Kyle's head, I promise to nuzzle his generous size and burn it till there ain't nothing left. Castrate I believe is the proper word y'all are familiar with."

"You-you wouldn't. Don't threaten me," the male said, trying to retain some dignity.

"Not a threat, sweetie. A guarantee," she replied, patting his cheek gently. His false bravado faded away as he slumped against the mattress.

"Good. With that all settled, I hate ta ask but could you give us some privacy. I need to speak with my family about a few things."

"Of course!" Olivia said ushering us out the door. As I was the last one leaving, Bry called me out. I paused and glanced over my shoulder.

"Remember your promise kay?"

"Of course," I said, hesitating to reply. With Lula taking my place, I would be unable to fulfill my oath to him. I exited the room, and the door hissed shut behind me. My mind immediately grew dark as I realized that there were a lot of moving cogs towards the next two months of training for Kyle. I seriously questioned one thing: Where did I fit in all of this?

Delilah drew my attention to her by tapping my shoulder.

"Vickie scares me," she whispered. I couldn't help but chuckle at her statement.

When we arrived home, everyone went about their business. As I lay on the orange couch, Lula approached me. The TV was playing a nature show going over random facts about Shedinja. Something that while I wasn't entirely interested in, yet it held my attention for the current moment. Her blue maw put itself within inches of my own. My body was curled up and comfortable on the cushions.

"It's time Rose."

Her favor.

I stared at her intently before sitting up.

"Kyle's already admitted he's taking you," I stated. Her maw popped open in mock surprise.

"That's right. He did," she said. My irritation grew as she slid her tail to curl around her.

"Lula. What's this really about?" I demanded, unsheathing my claws.

She fell silent, and I sensed that perhaps I had misread her emotions. She was genuinely surprised? I couldn't be sure.

"It doesn't matter what his decision is. I need to know that I've earned my place there."

My hairs on my back tingled, as I stared at her. I couldn't comprehend why she was so set on this task.

"Kyle chose you. He picked you over me. Enough, Lula. I'm-"

"What if I'm not strong enough to help him pass? As his starter, he chose me, but at this point, I need to know what I'm fully capable of. I need this, Rose. You promised me you would do right by me."

I stared at the Primarina and shook my head in response.

"How do you think he'll respond if he finds out what we are doing?" I asked, laying my head back onto my paws.

"I don't know. Master usually doesn't get upset when it comes to sparring," she said trying to deflect the question.

"Be realistic. This isn't sparring. You want me to fight you for real.."

She fell silent and my eyes fluttered close for a minute. And then she said it. She spoke words I hadn't expected to ever hear from her.

"Master needs the strongest Pokemon to help him pass. He can't pick me if you are the better choice. I need to prove that I am worthy of being his partner."

I looked to Lula in shock, as she held my gaze. Her words reflected my own doubts. I couldn't help but feel bad about what she had said.

"Lula. Kyle loves us both. Not to mention he's keeping his promise to you."

"He loved Kat. She's dead, and if she were still here we would both be fighting for the right to be his mate. Why are you so willing to give him up?"

I started to reply but paused. I didn't have a simple answer to that.

"Fine. I'll fulfill your request. We will have a real fight. But…when one of us faints the fight is over. Got it?"

"Fine by me," she replied.

The balmy weather was a good counter to the chill that ran between the Water/Fairy type and me. We had left out the back door to go to the training field that my sister and she had often frequented.

Lula sat on the field as I faced her a good dozen yards away from her current position. I rubbed my claws into the hardened mud. The sun shone brilliantly over both of us, as closed my eyes.

Her request had thrown me entirely off guard. Something about it had tantalized me about the forbidden nature of it. I had my reservations though about going along with the Primarina's demands. It would hurt Kyle if he found out about the deal.

Shaking my fur out, I asked her one more time.

"Are you sure about this? Lula. He's already made his decision," I stated.

"Scared? Master needs the strongest Pokemon to have the greatest success at graduation."

"Yes, but…" I trailed off uncertainty again filling my chest. If I hurt Lula irreparably I would have let Kat down. And that was something I couldn't accept.

Before I could voice my opinion, a massive blast of water surrounded me and threw me head over heels. I tried to surface, only for another surge to knock my feet out from under me. The cold water chilled my muscles making them lock up. I focused my senses as I searched for something to grab. Finally, my right hind claws found purchase as I reorientated myself. Now I locked my legs into the attack as I created a sharper blade at the top of my horn. My head lowered itself as I cut the Water attack in half. After another minute, the pressure faded leaving me soaked and angry. Adrenaline poured through my limbs helping to cut through the frigidness which permeated my core.

"Rose. Fight me. "

"I don't want to hurt you!" I shouted, spitting out a little excess water, and growling feral.

"You don't have a choice!"

I couldn't fathom why she was pushing me so hard. However, if she wanted to see my resolve I refused to give her the satisfaction of me bowing before her. Digging in, I fired a single Psycho cut with every ounce of strength I could muster. The attack soared fast, throwing up a cloud of smoke. Lula fired another water gun, which I ducked under, as I closed the distance in a matter of milliseconds. She swung her tail upwards. The limb was covered in a thick mucus-like fluid. My senses warned me of the danger, and I slid left as her eyes widened. I focused power again into my horn a massive green aura overcoming my appendage. I hesitated but only for a second as I drove the attack deep into her chest. She cried out in pain before an explosion sent her flying. She slammed hard onto the ground before she whirled around to face me. A gash on her forehead wept blood into her eyes as she glared at me.

"Lula. Stop...please!" I begged, only for her to fire Hyper Voice at me. The attack shook me to my core halting me in place. My eyes shut involuntarily when a thick amount of ice lashed against my feet freezing me in place.

"Rose. I'm not letting you take him away from me!" she sang, as a massive sphere of water formed. The attack slowly descended as she sang softly.

NOT GOOD!

"Lula. I c-can't," I whispered under my breath as I braced myself for the attack. I thought I could handle it. I wasn't prepared as the orb engulfed me. Closing my eyes, I tried hard to fight the current as it pressed down on me. My legs groaned in protest, as I started to fall to the ground. I waited patiently hoping the attack would give me respite. My ears popped as the pressure grew thicker. And then it happened. My lungs begged for oxygen. I opened my eyes noticing Lula's plan. She intended to drown me. Water continually poured into the air, keeping me from lifting a claw to harm her. Fury boiled in my blood as my vision blurred and I inhaled unwillingly. Cold water filled my lungs and I realized how far she was willing to go. She would kill me. My old habits which I had been trying to suppress came back full force. I flexed my digits, activating Shadow Claws on all four limbs. The ice shattered, as I spun around twice, using my limbs to dispel her water attack. My scarred side cried out in protest, but the pain only fueled my anger.

"GRRRRRRRRRAAAAHHHHHHH!" I howled letting all of my strength flow out in a massive burst of energy. I shifted my weight, before pushing off. The Water/Fairy type let out a cry of shock, firing a blast of ice. I created several after images, ducking in and out of her attacks, as she attempted to slow my advance. Despite her best efforts, she did little to pinpoint me. As I came within striking distance, she smirked before firing a minor Moonblast at point-blank range. Smoke engulfed the battlefield as the attack destroyed nearly a half-mile patch of ground. As she exhaled, I emerged at her blind spot. Before she could flee, my claws pinned her to the ground, as I stared into her eyes. She trembled as I focused all of my strength into a single Razor Wind. My anger fueled the attack, honing each to be sharper than a knife. At this range, I wouldn't miss. Releasing the storm, I slammed the attack down jumping away as the tornado started tearing into her fur. Blood splashed the watery field, as she cried out. As I landed, a rapid-fire barrage of pink bolts approached my position. Each attack sent me sprawling back as I did my best to deflect or avoid the dangerous energy. The first one slammed into my ankle, dislocating the joint. I grunted, and stood my ground, unwilling to back down. I continued swiping each away as I tried to focus on my target. As the next one came, I noticed I had lost track of Lula. A massive blow slammed into my side. My eyes widened as I went rolling painfully. I tried to get my feet under me, only for my ankle to cry in protest. I slammed down hard and rose up limping as my bones ground against each other painfully. I could feel two ribs had cracked from the last attack. The water type had blindsided me with Aqua Jet. Stupid on my part. As I faced her again, my eyes widened. She was gasping for breath. Her tail was deeply cut and weeping blood. Her white fur was stained pink from her own crimson fluid which came from the cuts all over her body. Her right eye was swollen shut, as she faced me. She wheezed for air, as her nose was clotted.

"Lula…"

"You...You won't win," she stated, starting to prepare another attack.

"Have it your way," I retaliated, taking off. She fired a Fairy Wind into the ground concealing her presence. She was stupid if she thought I would fall for the same trick again. As she tried to blindside me from above, I activated Detect. Her head slammed into the barrier stunning her, giving me the chance to finish the fight. Poison seeped into my right claw as I reached back. Her eye closed in preparation. I swung forward with all of my might, as a scream pulled me out of my murderous haze.

"ROSE! DON'T!" Kyle cried out. At the last instant, I flicked the hazardous liquid into the ground. I shifted my weight towards the side. A mistake I would regret as Lula released a fully charged Moonblast point-blank. I couldn't dodge this time. The energy compressed against my chest before it expanded fully engulfing me. The attack finally exploded, sending me sliding through the muck and mire until I came to rest. My breath wouldn't come and my vision blurred as I stared at the Water/Fairy type.

"Lula! Why did you-?"

"An accident, Master! I'm sorry. Rose are you-"

As her eye looked into mine I could see the satisfaction. She was convinced she had won. I needed to stand. To prove that I wasn't going to just sit there and take it. My claws dug in as I started to stand.

"Rose. Don't. You need medical attention!" Kyle begged.

If Kat can take a beating from her so can I. I refuse to lose. Not this time.

My strength gave out, as my willpower took over. What my body wouldn't, my mind could. I stood gasping for air. Facing my opponent, I dared her to finish the fight. My arrogance proved to be my undoing, as the Water/Fairy type opened her maw again. Kyle was so focused on me, he failed to realize the danger. Twisting my head, I bunted him out of the way, as the orb formed. Lula aimed, and I braced myself for the worst when the energy dissipated. Her eyes widened as her head whipped to her tail. I had been aiming to not hit her. However, my reaction speed had been too slow and Poison Jab had hit her tail. Her eyes fluttered up into her head as she passed out. I remained standing for as long as I could before I too faded into unconsciousness.

I-I won.