Quick Author's Note: Hey, everyone. Just wanted to give you all an reminder that I do have an discord server that you can access from my FFN homepage. Anyways, enjoy the new chapter!
Chapter 24: Showdown at Serenity!
Flames spread throughout the buildings, some collapsing on the ground and shattering into pieces.
"Please help us, Chief!" one of the villagers screams, running away along with the others. Forest grits his teeth as Jester and the rest of Team Conjure wreak havoc on his village left and right.
The messy hair man looks at his arm blade, a locator device peeking out of it. It looks similar to a satellite, spinning around in place while beeping and buzzing. He strokes his chin, glancing. The device then stops, aiming at Forest's home. Jester then taps on another Conjure member besides him.
"It's located in that house over there," he says.
The individual takes off his black shades, his long blonde hair flowing with the wind as he gazes at the house. His skin is also dark brown instead of the lighter one like Jester's. "Good."
Soon two Mystical Projectiles zoom past the two, leading them to tilt their heads to the side. "The heckle was that!?" Jester coughs afterwards. Justin, Ada, and the others rush towards them. "Oh...It's you pixie farts."
The group stops in their paths, other Conjure members hurling around them. "Says the guy that has the word 'pixie' in his Magic move," Justin mentions.
Jester shakes his fist at him. "Hush, you!"
Ada looks at the blonde hair individual. "I see that you got a new friend there."
"I prefer the term 'ally.'" The blonde hair Conjure puts his hand behind his back, touching the end of his silver lance. He glances at the group, Mesmeren's spine rattles at the sight of his green eyes. She yelps, closing in on the Zorua and covering her face. The Conjure member raises his brow. "Friends do not have beauty. But an ally...certainly does."
"Are you implying that I'm beautiful?" Jester asks him.
"No." Everyone raises their brow at the individual, some stretching their faces out and squinting in perplexion.
"What?" Justin, Ada, and Ramon say with blank gazes.
The blonde hair Conjure puts his hand against his chest. "Allies have beauty in the manner of remaining loyal and honest. They never betray each other because of their dignity. Friends, however, lack this beauty. They're never loyal nor honest. They'll think of every opportunity to hinder one another for their own desires. Thus, they have filthiness." He releases a soft sigh. "This is what I meant by beauty."
"Sounds like nonsense, to me. Friends wouldn't do such a thing to each other! At least, my friends wouldn't," Ada says.
"Of course you'll find it nonsensical. Kids like you would disagree with adults on anything. Therefore, you'll learn the truth the hard way."
"I've known Justin since my childhood. Who says you can determine if he'll betray me or not?"
"I wasn't determining anything. I was merely stating facts on what friends can do. Ask any adult: They'll give you the same answer."
Ramon looks off to the side, distress dancing in his mind from his brother's words. He glances, drowning in those thoughts. Then Ada's claws extend themselves, the Zorua's ears flickering to them.
"Like I'll believe you terrorists, anyways!"
The dark brown Conjure lifts his chin, gazing down before closing his eyes. "Hmph. Very well then. You're in the way of beauty flourishing in this world so…" He opens them. "Off with you! For I am Arthur, one of the supreme commanders of Team Conjure!"
Justin runs towards Arthur and jumps in the air. "Oh shut the hell up!" He thrusts his blades at the member, clashing against Arthur's lance.
"Bold of you to attack me first, boy." Arthur fires Mystical Projectile at Justin, blue sparkles forming around it. Justin gets hit and flies towards Sylock. The Blaziken moves out of the way, the teen rolling around afterwards.
"Justin!" Ada shouts before being greeted with another Mystical Projectile coming from the grunts. She shields herself with Mystical Shield, groaning.
"I'm fine! Don't worry!" Justin gets up, brushing himself off. "Let's just take care of these assholes!"
"No need to tell me twice." Ada rushes towards the two Conjure members and leaps in the air, swinging her giant claw. Jester and Arthur jump off from the magical river, landing on the ground as it gets cut in half.
Courtney and Sylock nod at each other, rushing by the teens' side. The Lopunny leaves a white trail behind her and dashes towards two Conjure members, pushing them down with ease: Quick Attack. Another grunt leaps towards the rabbit, surrounding his arms in a blue aura. Sylock gets in front of Courtney and jumps higher than the grunt, spinning his leg around. He kicks the Conjure member in the face, sending him flying towards another one: High Jump Kick.
"Good thing the move landed that time." Courtney snickers, giving Sylock a thumbs up.
The Blaziken lands on the ground, twirling his sword. "Pfft, don't remind me."
Justin looks at Sylock and lifts his hand. "Ayy, that was some sick move you did there." Sylock raises his brow and glances at the teen, engulfing his hands in flames before looking back at Conjure. Justin squints his eyes at the Blaziken, lowering his hand. "...Aight then."
Arthur rushes towards the boy from behind. "Justin, look out!" Ada shouts.
"Hmm?" Justin is greeted with a lance close to his face, blocking it in time. "Oh crap!"
Sylock swings his Fire Punch at the Conjure commander. Arthur shields himself with his lance, sliding across the ground a little from the impact. Jester pushes himself forward with his mystical water, summoning his arm blades to slash at Ada. Ada blocks the attack with her claws before swiping at him. Then the two engage in a barrage of slashes, dodging one swipe after another.
Courtney is about to aid Ada until she dodges a Mystical Projectile, sliding across the ground. She turns around and three Conjure goons rush towards her, one of them possessing many blue magical daggers around him. Courtney smirks and holds her hands together, her body shifts from side to side while she stays in a calm posture: Agility.
As for the others, Ramon and Mokuri are firing their range moves at the incoming Mystical Projectiles: Ramon flings his Dark Pulses while Mokuri summons multiple sharp leaves, his Razor Leaf colliding against a couple of Conjure groups. Both are shielding Forest and Mesmeren, with Mesmeren ducking behind Ramon.
She trembles, looking around her surroundings. "Th-They're everywhere! Eek!" The tapir covers her head, whimpering.
"Just stay close to me. I'll do my best to protect us," Ramon says, charging another dark ball of energy and blasting at an incoming Conjure member.
Mesmeren looks up at the Zorua panting heavily, remaining close to her. Why? she thinks. Why am I so afraid to help him? I've helped him before! Why is it different now? She gazes at her hands, lowering her ears with her eyes half-closed.
Ramon looks up, eyes widening while he trembles in place. A Conjure member is in the air wielding a purple magical hammer. "Everyone, move out of the way!" he yells. Mesmeren shakes her head and yelps before being pushed by the Zorua. Mokuri grabs Forest and jumps away, Forest clinging onto him like no tomorrow. The Conjure member slams it towards the ground, causing a shockwave to blow the four away.
The Abomasnow turns around and lands on the ground swiftly while the other two roll. They eventually come to a stop, Ramon's face being close to Mesmeren's as they groan. The two stare at each other for a brief moment before blushing. Ramon gets up immediately.
"Erm...sorry about that," the Zorua says, shaking off the dust.
Mesmeren shifts her shoulders, caressing her arm while looking off to the side. "It's...fine."
"Hey! Ain't no cuddles here! It's chaos time!" one Conjure member shouts, her and the other Conjures gathering around the two, preparing their energy orbs. Ramon and Mesmeren have their backs against each other, with Ramon glaring at the group.
"Hey Mesmeren, you can use moves as well, right?" Ramon asks.
The tapir looks at him, pointing at herself. "Moves? Um...y-yeah."
"Good. Because I'll need your help on this, honestly."
"My...help?" The Zorua nods at her. She sighs. "I'm not sure if you want help from m-"
"Behind you!"
Multiple Mystical Projectiles come screeching at Mesmeren. "Eek!" She whimpers before pushing her hands forward, closing her eyes as many of the energy beams froze in place. All are surrounded in pink outlines. "H-Huh?" The Drowzee opens her eyes, revealing their glowing light blue color as she looks at her hands in shock. The Conjure members look at her in perplexion before she frowns at them, pushing the projectiles back with Confusion. The beams connect, blowing the Conjure members away and crashing them into nearby buildings. Mesmeren's eyes revert back to normal, gazing at her hands in astonishment. Am I dreaming? There's no way I'd do something this brave!
Ramon jabs a nearby grunt with Sucker Punch before firing Dark Pulse at another, blowing those two back. He looks behind him, Mesmeren continuing her gaze. He rushes towards her side. "Something's the matter?"
"I-" the Drowzee stares at the Zorua. "-I...somehow managed to blow all of those attacks away. With Confusion…"
Ramon smiles at her. "Sounds amazing!"
Amazing? Mesmeren looks at the knocked out Conjure members. I...never heard someone telling me that before…
Ramon tilts his head. "Did I say something wrong?"
Mesmeren takes her attention back to the Zorua, awkwardly moving her lips up to smile. "N-No...You're fine."
The two stare at each other, warmth resonating within their bodies. Then Ramon's ear twitches, a couple of Conjure members shuffle their way to them. They have their backs against each other again. "What's not fine are these Conjure fellas."
"Mm, r-right." Mesmeren lifts her arms up, positioning herself in an uncomfortable manner as the Conjure groups surround the two.
Mokuri finishes slamming another member to the ground, dodging a Mystical Projectile one after another. He flings Razor Leaf on the other member, blowing him away before punching another one running close to him.
The hammer Conjure dashes towards Forest, preparing herself to swing. Forest twirls his cane, frowning at her as she launches in the air. Mokuri spots her while holding the other two members, slamming them together before rushing towards her. He gets in front of Forest, his arm shrouded in green aura. He swings towards the hammer Conjure and hits her in the stomach, blood spitting out of her mouth. She then flies off to a nearby forest, screaming.
Mokuri grips his arm, wincing from his Wood Hammer attack. The elder puts his hand onto the Pokémon's back, smiling at him. "Thank you, Partner," he says in a calm tone. Mokuri looks at him with one eye closed, smiling back.
Over to the other three, Courtney kicks one Conjure in the face before rushing by the other to punch him. The other blocks the punch and sends many daggers flying towards the rabbit. She jumps in the air, taking her sword out while twirling herself around. She deflects the daggers before grabbing one of them, tossing it back at the Conjure. He uses his Mystical Shield, the daggers bouncing off from it. As it fades away, Courtney grabs the Conjure's arm.
"Huh?" he says before being lifted off the ground. Courtney spins herself and the grunt around, hitting the other members with the spin attack. She then throws the grunt in the air as he screams, crashing into the fountain.
"Hope I gave ya a nice little Return back home!" Courtney blinks for a moment before slamming her hand against her face, shaking her head. "I could've sworn that sounded good out loud…"
Meanwhile, Jester and Arthur continue to fend for themselves: Arthur uses his lance to block every Fire Punch and Sorcery Blades from Sylock and Justin, while Jester swings his arm blades against Ada's Enchantment Claws.
"How's everything going on your end?" Jester asks, groaning.
"Currently in an unfair matchup," Arthur replies, ducking from a kick coming from Sylock.
"Unfair? You're the one to talk, hypocrite!" Justin shouts, slashing at the Conjure commander.
"Well it sucks to be you right now, Arthur. Because at least I'm in a fair one on o-" Courtney's Jump Kick zooms towards Jester, cutting his sentence off as he blocks the attack with his blades. Red aura surrounds the Lopunny's legs.
"You were saying?" Arthur comments, raising his brow at Jester. Courtney jumps off from the blades and backflips onto the ground, landing swiftly.
"Sh-Shut up!" Jester's voice shatters before Ada tackles him, pushing him back. Jester groans, noticing the many Conjure members being knocked out by the group: Mokuri uses his Razor Leaf on a ton of them, Ramon dashes towards many of them with Sucker Punch, and Mesmeren flies some of them with Confusion. The convoluted hair individual squints his eyes. "This is not good."
Ada claws at the commander before he blocks it in time. Courtney rushes towards Jester and punches him in the gut with Quick Attack. He coughs from the attack, gritting his teeth. Ada then hops over the rabbit and roundhouse kicks him. He rolls around the ground afterwards, groaning while Arthur gets thrown next to him. Sylock dusts his hands off in response.
"Drats!" Arthur shouts, coughing afterwards.
"Hey, that was some smooth combo we did there, Ada," Courtney says, smirking.
"No kidding! High five for that one!" Ada lifts her hand up and collides it against the rabbit's cheerfully.
"Ugh." Jester gets up, gripping his fists. "Enough of this nonsense!" He floats in the air, waving his arms around in place.
Courtney raises her brow. "Uh, what is he doing?"
The mystical river forms around Jester, Ada gritting her teeth in response. "Everyone, move out of the way now!"
"Too late!" Jester shouts with haywire as he pushes his arm forward, the large river charging towards the group. Ada tries to dodge it, but gets engulfed.
"Ada!" Justin yells before getting engulfed as well. Courtney and Sylock hop over the river, Arthur looking up at the two.
"See if you can dodge this," the lance user says, lifting his hand up. He then brings it down instantly, a strong gust of wind blowing the two Intellicates towards the river. They start gasping for air.
The river comes roaring towards the other four's direction. Mesmeren gasps, trembling in place. "Where did this river come from!?" Ramon says, looking at Mesmeren immediately. "Can you use the move again on that river?"
"U-Um, I'll try." Mesmeren puts her hands out, using Confusion on the river. It becomes surrounded in pink outline for a moment before the outline disappears, the Drowzee whimpering. "I-It's not working!"
Ramon grits his teeth and starts firing his Dark Pulse at the river. It propels, not letting the dark balls stop its track. Mokuri looks at Forest, pushing him to the side. The elder grunts and falls to the ground, the stream engulfing the three Pokémon right in front of him. "Mokuri!" Forest shouts. Everyone is trapped inside of the floating river.
Jester bursts into laughter, making the river form into a giant orb. He hovers it above him. "You see? I am the best commander of Team Conjure! Never mess with the likes of Commander J! I am magnificent!"
"If I hadn't used my Righteous Winds, you wouldn't get those two in the river," Arthur points out, staring at Courtney and Sylock holding their necks.
"Yeah yeah, whatever smartie."
"I'm starting to regret considering you as my ally."
Righteous? Justin thinks, squinting his eyes at the commander. The hypocrisy continues! Also shit, I can't move!
Jester smirks. "Last time I wasn't able to continue the suffocation. This time will be different! Because who knows when my objective here will be complete?"
I...can't...breathe, Ramon thinks, his eyes widening and his body flailing. He also winces.
Mesmeren squirms in place and winces, her eyes being closed. Oh gosh...I'm going to die. I didn't think this day would come so soon...Serves me right for who I am, I guess…
Ada flails herself in place, grabbing her neck and releases a couple of bubbles in the river. Crap! I can't move from my spot, she thinks, her mouth puffing up. What should I do? What...can I do? Her vision begins to blur, the muffle laughter of a commander echoing through her ears. I...guess I'll never be able to find you...Father…
Ada closes her eyes, slowing down in movements. Justin looks up at the girl, eyes widening with dread. No! Ada!
"Ooo. Looks like I'm about to kill one, Arthur! Can't believe I'm getting my first kill in this job." Jester snickers. "Boss is going to love this."
"I'm certain the only thing she cares about is the mission, not your victims," Arthur corrects.
"Arthur, stop being a party pooper."
The lance user stares blankly. "Does this look like a party to you?"
"I DIDN'T MEAN IT LITERALLY, NIBWAD!"
Arthur glances. "That is not a word."
Jester puts his palm on his face. I'm starting to regret partnering with this guy.
The emptiness cuts out the sounds, the visions, the feelings: Everything. Silence looms, with only a heartbeat interrupting it from time to time. The beat slows down one after another, Ada remains floating in place.
Ada, my child, a voice says in her head, calm yet determined. I need you to never give up. Push through these gruesome times and become strong. Even stronger than I ever will be. Soon an image appears, showing a little girl looking up to a grown man. Tears stream down the girl's face as the man holds her hands, smiling. Do this not only for yourself, but for those you cherish.
The voice fades away, the image withering into dust. ...Father, Ada thinks, her hands twitching. I'm so sorry for giving up there. Claws extend from her hands as she opens her eyes, glaring directly at Jester. She swipes forward, moving out of her spot. She swipes again. And then again! Continuing to swim towards the Conjure commander.
Everyone goggles at her. Oh shit, Ada is moving! Justin thinks, opening his mouth with a smile before gasping. Why did I do that!?
"Hmm?" Jester raises his brow. "What the hell!? Wasn't she supposed to be stuck!? HOW'S SHE MOVING!?"
Almost there… Ada continues swiping, her heart beating fast.
"No need to worry. I'll push her away with my winds," Arthur says with serene, moving his hand back before pushing it forward.
Strong winds blow the teen back as she groans. What the hell!? she thinks, looking down at Arthur. I see how it is. She fires multiple Mystical Projectiles at him, the lasers screeching out of the river.
"Hmm?" Arthur blocks them with Mystical Shield, the winds stop blowing. Ada swims faster.
Jester gulps, backing away from the girl. "Uh beauty boy, I need your wind right about now."
"In just a mo-"
Before Arthur can finish his sentence, Ada leaps out of the river and slashes at Jester's chest, tearing off parts of his uniform. "Gah!" He falls to the ground, the river vanishes afterwards. The group falls to their freedom, hugging the ground. Ada flips her body forward, landing onto the ground with grace. Arthur dashes towards her, readying to swing his lance forward. She turns around and fires her Mystical Projectile at him, the Conjure commander grunting as he crashes against a nearby building.
"Hmph!" she says, brushing herself off.
Everyone gasps for air, Sylock rushing immediately by Courtney's side. "Are you alright!?" he signs, his hands spazzing out in motion. Courtney coughs, looking at the Blaziken.
"Yeah, barely. That river sure gotten me loving the air more," Courtney says, laughing in a raspy tone. "Guess I know to look out for anyone that spawns magical rivers now."
Sylock sighs in relief. "You being alright is all that matters to me." He then hugs the Lopunny, Courtney blinking in response. She then smirks and hugs back.
Ramon and Mesmeren are next to each other, coughing and taking in the sweet air. "That was rough," the Zorua says, panting heavily.
"Y-Yeah...Thought I was a goner there, to be honest," Mesmeren responds.
"Same here." The Zorua then flickers his ears and blinks, whimpering sounds turning his gaze to Mesmeren.
"If only my Confusion attack was powerful, I would've stopped the river in time." The Drowzee covers her face, tears escaping from them. "If it weren't for Ada swimming towards that guy, we would've been dead…"
Ramon puts his paw onto the Drowzee's leg. "Don't beat yourself over it. At least you tried to use Confusion on that river."
"Y-Yeah, but...I wish I prevented this situation from escalating! I wish my Confusion was strong enough to stop that river! I-"
Ramon stands on his hind legs, putting his paws onto Mesmeren's shoulders. "Look, you tried. And trying is better than not trying at all." He smiles, his legs trembling and shaking.
Mesmeren uncovers her face, gazing into his eyes. She blinks for a moment, the last tear drips onto her leg as she releases a sigh. She nods at the Zorua. "I...see."
Everyone goes to rush by Ada's side. "Give it up for you being awesome as usual, Ada!" Justin says, ready to fistpump her.
The teen collides her fist with his', snickering. "Well that's a rare compliment coming from you."
"Haha! But seriously, thanks for saving our asses there. How were you able to swim towards him?"
Ada shrugs. "Beats me. I just...thought about using my Magic move and started clawing my way towards him. Must be a weakness to his Pixie Flush."
"Huh. Not sure why I never thought of doing that."
Courtney waves her hand up and down. "Either way, that was a fine move on your end." She gives Ada a thumbs up.
Soon, Jester groans and gets up, everyone being on their guard within seconds. "Although, let's not celebrate yet," Ada says, having her claws ready.
"Right you are!" Arthur exclaims, everyone looking at his direction. Forest groans, the tip of Arthur's lance poking against his neck. Some debris slides off from Arthur's shoulders, collapsing against the ground.
Everyone gasps in response to Arthur's captive, including Mokuri who whimpers. "Aboma!" Mokuri shouts, gritting his teeth into frustration.
"Continue harming my teammates and I, and your chief will be dead." Arthur grips his lance, glaring at the group.
"You son of a-" Justin grips his fists, glaring back. "Let him go!"
"Not until he leads us to what we're looking for." Arthur looks at Forest. "The Transmutation Spell. Where is it?"
"Transmutation Spell?" the gang says in utter confusion.
"I have zero clue what you're talking about," Forest replies, raising his brow at Arthur. The lance drills a bit into his neck, the elder yelping in response. Mokuri whines, shaking in place as his eyes wander in horrorland.
"You're not the first old person I've killed. So please don't play the silly 'I don't know' game and lead me to the spell already." Arthur squints his eyes as other Team Conjure members recover from their knocked out state. "We know it's here. We just need you, the guardian of it, to guide us towards it."
Forest looks at Mokuri, distress spreading throughout his face. An image in Forest's head paints the Abomasnow as his smaller, bipedal self: A mere Snover looking up with plead. After a moment of silence, Forest closes his eyes and sighs. "Alright. Just come this way."
He leads Arthur to his home, entering inside of it. Shortly afterwards, the two exit from it, with Arthur wielding a book in his hand. "Thank you."
The book is shrouded in red coloring, a pixie dust symbol being its front cover. Everyone looks at it in curiosity as Arthur puts it in his pocket. He snaps his fingers to reveal a hologram spawning from his hand. "We got the spell you're looking for, Mistress."
A shadowy individual appears sitting on a throne, nodding at Arthur. "Good. I'll see you at base then."
Soon the hologram fades away before Arthur, Jester, and the rest of Team Conjure glow blue. Arthur kicks Forest away, Mokuri rushing towards him without a second thought. Jester sticks his tongue out.
"Bye, losers," he says.
"Oh no you don't!" Ada rushes towards him, her claws readying to slash. She swings it towards Jester only to hit the air, him and the other members having fully vanished. "...You have got to be kidding me!" She frowns, gripping her fist into frustration.
Justin puts his hand onto the girl's back. "It'll be fine, Ada. At least we made it out alive, thanks to you."
Ada looks at Justin for a moment before sighing, putting her hands in her pockets. "Yeah, I suppose so."
Courtney and Sylock go to aid Forest. "Are you alright, Master!?" Courtney says, a large ounce of anxiety boosts her tone.
Forest groans, rubbing his back. "He...didn't have to kick me that hard." He then looks up at the three Pokémon, being lifted by Mokuri. "Besides that, I'm fine." Everyone else rushes by his side before he looks around the village. Many buildings are smothered into flames. So much so, not even his dojo escapes from it. Ignitions are running wild. "Although...I can't say the same for Serenity."
The flames start spreading towards Forest's home, the two teens sprinting towards it without question. Everyone else follows them as they form the huge shield around everyone and the house. Ramon is about to lift his paw up and-
No, Nomar tells Ramon, preventing him from using his Mystical Shield. Ramon raises his brow at the question before letting Justin and Ada protect the group.
The many screams and shouts echo throughout the village, a little boy crying next to his parents as a Bunnelby screams from the flames surrounding him. Mesmeren squirms, getting close to the Zorua. He gazes at the many flames igniting the entire village, eyes shaking in place. Sylock grips his fists, Courtney shaking her head and folding her arms. Ramon looks up at Ada and Justin, the two remaining still. Justin glances at the flames, a single tear shedding from him as Ada grits her teeth into frustration. The fox lowers his ears, sighing.
Soon, a bunch of red trucks burst through the village, many red vest individuals and Water type Pokémon exit from it. All of them are carrying water holes, firing streams at the burning buildings while the Water types use their Water moves.
Forest smiles in a weak manner. "At...least the firefighters are here," he says.
"...Yeah," Justin replies as he and Ada lower the shield. Everything falls into silence, nothing but the flames being put out and the reliefs of villagers can be heard.
The elder turns towards Justin and Ada. "Thank you for trying to save this village. All of you," he says in a soft tone.
Justin nods. "You're welcome…" He remains silent for a moment before looking at Forest. "Although, there's something I got to ask you." Justin puts his hand against his chin. "What are Spells?"
Forest stares off to the side and releases a heavy sigh, turning towards his home. "I...may as well explain those to you."