Disclaimer: Despite providing a warning of this fic containing blood and death at the beginning, this chapter further elaborates on it with body parts. Viewers discretion is advised.
Chapter 28: Triple Trouble in the Gloomy Woods Part 2!
Snarls vibrate from the Zoroark, him gripping his fist and gritting his teeth with fury. The Lucario glares into Ramon's eyes, blood sliding off from his lips.
After what feels like centuries of glances, Ramon looks down and sighs. Travis raises his brow a bit, his paw glowing yellow. "About time you've decided to accept your fate," he says, facing his paw towards the fox.
"Wait!" Ramon shouts.
Travis raises his brow once again. "Don't bother with your tricks. It's over."
"But…" Ramon looks back, his ears lower as his eyes become teary. "At least give me a reminder. If you truly believe I'm lying to you, then provide one more context to why you couldn't stop chasing me. Tell me exactly why you wanted to kill me...All of it." He unravels his fist in exchange for it shaking. "...Please."
Travis continues his glaring for a moment until his eyes widens a bit, his heart thumping. ...What the? he thinks to himself, his appendages twitching. My aura is going against my thoughts on Ramon...Could he be telling the truth about not knowing a single thing? The Lucario looks off to the side before shaking his head. No. He has to be lying about his amnesiac state. I know he is.
The blue canine clears his throat. "I don't know why I should tell you since you're outright a devious liar. But sure, I'll remind you just this once." Travis presses his arm further against the fox's chest, Ramon groaning in response. "To avenge my beloved friend, Xander Yvonne."
"A-And why's that? Elaborate further than just revenge."
"...Xander's life was going so well. So peacefully…" Travis gazes up at the dark trees, a few leaves hurling their way down towards the three. "He was always a man of determination. The...willpower to experiment all kinds of ideas." Travis smiles. "He wanted to improve both mankind and Pokémon alike, and I admire him for it. Because he cared about others and not just himself." The Lucario then sighs and glances back at Ramon. "It was until you came into the picture where everything had gone down to ruins. You see, Xander was working on this project called 'Project Transvian,' hoping to find a way to turn a Pokémon into one."
So...he must be the one who wrote that wet note then. Ramon looks to the side for a bit, concerns sprawling inside of his mind. He then looks back. "Why did Dr. Yvonne form the project? Besides wanting to turn a Pokémon into a Transvian."
"...He did it for my other friend, Noctis." Travis sighs. "Noctis once thought he wanted to evolve into his final form. But once he did, he regretted ever being in that form…" The Lucario lowers his ears. "He wished he could devolve back, but couldn't due to not being a Transvian. Xander felt sorry for him..." He grips his fist, tears beginning to stream. "I wished he wasn't so selfless as to make the project become a reality. Because after trying so hard to make the conversion work...he met you. Something tells me not to trust you." The Lucario grits his teeth. "And after hearing about the incident along with rumors of a Pokémon surviving it, I knew you were the cause of it."
Mesmeren gazes at the two, her hand pinning against her chest. Oh dear...I-I can see why he cares so much about this Y-Yvonne scientist...
"I…My sympathy towards your friend, Yvonne..." Ramon shakes his head before frowning. "But also, your conclusion makes no sense! Why would I stay at a facility after it's destroyed? Let alone not remembering a single thing from it!"
"Cut the crap, Ramon: You intentionally became one of Xander's subjects so that you can sabotage the facility!" Travis yells.
"Then why would I remain there? If my entire goal was to destroy it, don't you think it would be a good idea to escape afterwards?"
Travis' heart jumps, the Lucario's eyes widen. His appendages twitch once again. "Grr, you stayed there so that you can steal Xander's journal and use his hard work for nefarious deeds."
Ramon snarls. "Oh my gosh, you're killing me with how many times you're evading my honest answer, especially with that response. Sure, it's possible that I could've remained at the institute after destroying it and grabbing the journal...But also why wouldn't I just do that before ruining the place? Let alone staying in it."
Travis' appendages shake more, the Lucario's eyes trembling. Ugh, my aura is acting up again! I know he's not telling the truth! Stop being sensitive! "So you're admitting that you DID cause the incident, lying about your amnesia this entire time!"
Ramon squints his eyes, growling. "No: I'm going off from your assumptions of me, and none of it adds up." He groans in frustration. "Don't you get it!? I. AM. NOT. THE. CAUSE!"
Travis grits his teeth, his appendages twitching at a rapid pace. He starts trembling, growling. "SHUT UP! I KNOW YOU KILLED XANDER AND DESTROYED THE PROSPECTIVE INSTITUTE!" Travis shouts, tears sliding down his cheeks like a waterfall. "He...He was a dear friend to Noctis and I. And then you ruined it all!" STOP BEING SENSITIVE! HE'S LYING, DAMMIT! I KNOW HE IS!
Ramon grits his teeth into frustration, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Why can't you just believe me!? Why do you insist on me being the cause!? Why!?" He grips his fist.
Travis looks at the Zoroark for a moment, eyes trembling with intensity. He then lifts his paw up, readying his Force Palm. "Ju...Just shut up and die!" He then gets pushed to the side by Confusion, rolling around as the light blue outline fades. Ramon drops to the ground, stroking the grass in freedom and panting. He looks to his left, Mesmeren's eyes reverting back to normal. She gropes her chest, panting at a speedy pace.
"Mesmeren…" the Zoroark says in a soft tone before turning to his right, the Lucario grunting in pain. Travis gets up, staring directly at Mesmeren. He snarls, casting a white bone within his paw. "Oh no you don't!" Ramon gets on fours and dashes. Travis is about to throw his Bone Rush until he gets tackled, the two rolling around and latching onto each other. Ramon and Travis snarl, gritting their sharp teeths with menace.
. . .
The Greninjas leap from one branch to the next, Sylock and Justin keeping their eyes sharp. Justin groans, lowering his brows at the quick frogs.
"Shit, how do we take these guys out? Cuz I only have two chances left for my shield, fam." The boy gazes at his shield, blue auras flourishing throughout it. He then snaps his finger and looks at Sylock. "Say, I heard Blaziken can have that Speed Boost ability. Do you have it?" he asks. The Blaziken looks at him and shakes his head, the boy grunting in response. "Welp, that blows." He stares back at the Greninjas. "I guessed the only option we got is us fighting them and me putting up the shield when necessary. Would that be alright with ya?" The boy blinks for a moment, twitching his ear to see if he can hear a single word from Sylock. He can not.
Justin turns his head towards Sylock. "Well?" Sylock simply nods at him, the boy squinting in return. "Dude, you could just talk to me straight up instead of nodding and remaining silent…" The Blaziken then gradually looks back at the Greninjas, to which Justin raises his brow at him while frowning. Bro…
Sylock grabs the edge of his sword and unsheathes it, Justin lowering his arm. The blue shield fades away, the three Defects wasting no time to strike the two. Justin casts his blades before swinging them at one of the Greninjas. It fades from the swing, the Substitute doll taking its place. Oh no you don't! The boy jerks his blades towards the side before hitting another Greninja's Water Shuriken, a kick to the side from the other. He blocks the kick with his blade, sliding across the ground and grunting.
The Blaziken clashes his sword against the third Greninja's Water Shuriken, gritting his teeth before backing away and shrouds his legs in dark red aura. He jumps in the air and aims his High Jump Kick at it, but it disappears in exchange for a Substitute. Dammit… Sylock thinks, kicking the doll. The Greninja reappears and slaps him to the side, the Blaziken clawing at the ground and stopping himself. He snarls, glaring at the Greninja dashing towards him. Its Water Shuriken meets his sword, the two pushing against each other.
Justin slashes and blocks the aquatic shurikens, jumping backwards from the two Defects. The two frog ninjas jump towards him, readying to strike. Justin smirks, swinging his leg around to kick the amphibians to the side. The two Greninjas collide against a nearby tree before immediately getting up, rushing towards the boy.
After he lands, Justin prepares his winds and swings his sword forward, the winds dashing directly at the Defects. The two jump to the side, the winds dissipating. "Uh." The teen looks to his side, the first Greninja swinging itself towards him with dark energy. Justin blocks the Feint Attack, moving back a bit. "Knew you'd do that crap." He swings his blade, the Defect fumbling around the grass before jumping back. Then the second Greninja shoots its Water Shuriken at the boy, leading him to scream and crash against Sylock. "Ugh…"
The bipedal chicken pants, grabbing the side of his arm while keeping his sword out. All of the Greninjas shoot their Water Shurikens, Justin raising his arm up in response. The Mystical Shield engulfs the two, the water projectiles bouncing off from it. Justin and Sylock groan, exhaling strenuously. The boy looks at the Blaziken as he looks back, the two nodding at each other. "One last time…" the human says, summoning his blades again upon getting up.
Sylock gets up as well, gripping his hilt with firmness before casting flames around his other fist. As the shield fades, the two jolt towards three Greninjas.
. . .
Courtney ducks from many patches of leaves the Alakazam tosses, white trails forming behind her. The Exploud runs towards Ada, its fist engulfed in flames before using Fire Punch.
Ada winces while blocking the punch with her claws, getting pushed back a bit. She grits her teeth into frustration. They're so...strong, she thinks to herself, her heels scratching the grass.
The Lopunny kicks the Alakazam back with her Quick Attack, the Defect shielding itself with a clear sphere while crossing its arms. Huh. So we're facing two abandoned Defects, then, Courtney thinks before jumping backwards, landing on the ground swiftly. Yeah, no. That is FAR from good.
The yellow humanoid then turns towards Ada, its spoon glowing into a dark pink color and expands itself. It swings its arm forward, sending a Psycho Cut wave at the girl and hitting her. "AH!" Ada screams, flying off and thrashing into a nearby tree.
Courtney grits her teeth and rushes towards the teen, but gets encased in a light pink outline. "Ah cra-" the Alakazam throws the Lopunny across the Exploud with Psychic, slamming her into a boulder next to Ada. Courtney widens her eyes, coughing out blood. Ada stares at the rabbit with anxiousness, eyes rumbling from side to side. The Lopunny then lets out a cry, shrieking at the top of her lungs while gripping her fists.
The scream echoes over to Sylock and Justin, the Blaziken widens his eyes and lowers his sword. Courtney!?
The teen looks to the side. "Was that Courtney screa-" a large stream of water hits the boy as he yelps in pain: Hydro Pump. He collides against Sylock before the two crash into their main tree, groaning heavily. Justin quickly raises his shield, letting it take the incoming range attacks.
Sylock snarls and pushes Justin off, attempting to get up only to wince afterwards. Ugh...Must...save...her.
Justin groans in pain, his arm remaining up. "A-At this rate fam, we might be screwed: This is my last usage of the shield. And those three Pokémon kick both of our types asses…" The boy widens his eyes, gazing at the ninja frogs that hop from one branch to the next. "Shit, man…"
. . .
SLAM!
"GAH!" Ramon yelps, the Lucario's arm pressing him against a tree with zero spacing. Mesmeren raises her hand, her eyes glowing light blue. Travis snaps his attention towards the Drowzee, his eyes turning pure blue before pinning Mesmeren against the boulder. She coughs up purple blood from the gruesome slam, stuck in place by Travis' Psychic.
"Now then…" The blue canine glares at the Zoroark, his paw surrounded in yellow aura. "Got any last words before I end you?"
"Yes…" Ramon sighs for a moment, gazing down at the grass. He then takes his attention back to Travis. "Why do you hit so hard after I use my Dark moves on you?"
Travis and Mesmeren blink at the Zoroark's question, raising their brows. "Wha," the two say.
"Really? That's what you wanted to say before you die? Not even going to ask me about my childhood memories with Xander or anything? THAT'S what you're curious about?"
Ramon nods his head, lowering his ears while smiling awkwardly. "Y-Yeah. I've been wondering about that for so long, and it's been bothering me from time to time." The Zoroark whimpers, staring at Travis with puppy eyes. "I know you think I'm lying to you, but the least you could do is tell me about that!"
That's...a very unexpected question to ask in a life or death situation, Mesmeren thinks, wishing to tilt her head.
The Lucario returns Ramon the look of perplexion, his mouth slightly agape at the entire ordeal. "...Justified, that's the name of my ability. It powers my physical moves every time I get hit by Dark moves."
"Thank you-Wait, ability!? The heck is that?"
Travis squints his eyes. "You know what that is."
"No, I seriously don-"
"Shut it." Travis squeezes Ramon against the tree, the Zoroark groaning in response. His other paw glows yellow, raising it towards the fox. "You've already mentioned your last words. So die." The Lucario pins his Force Palm against Ramon's head, the Zoroark yelping in pain. He drags the fox's head back, his appendages going haywire as his eyes widen. HE IS NOT INNOCENT, AURA! SHUT UP!
Mesmeren stares at the two, mortified to the very core. "Please, don't kill him!" she pleads, tears starting to form. Ramon grunts, gritting his teeth into anxiousness.
Meanwhile, Ada and Courtney stroke the side of their arms, legs shaking and breaths racing. The Exploud closes its mouth, wiggling it in place as Courtney grips onto her hilt. The Alakazam twirls its spoons, glaring at the two. Ada eyes the blue bipedal, taking a step back.
"What...is it doing?" the teen asks.
Courtney squints her eyes, light blue aura sparkling around the wide mouth Defect. She then gasps, widening her eyes as the Exploud crosses its arms and leans its head back. "Shit, he's about to-"
"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" The Exploud unleashes a giant group of supersonic waves, roaring at the top of its lungs. The two get pushed away by the Boomburst, the blue waves dragging the trees along with them. The two scream, fumbling around in the air. Ada slams against one of the trees, coughing out purple blood upon creating a crack on it. The noise echoes throughout the Gloomy Woods.
Justin and Sylock turn to their side, the waves vibrating towards their location. "You heard that?" Justin says, raising his brow. The Blaziken nods, glaring.
Travis raises his brow, his ears twitching. "Hmm?" He looks to his right. "What the?"
Mesmeren blinks in confusion. "Wh-Where's that coming from?"
I don't know where it's coming from either, but… Ramon eyes the Lucario's arm. Now's my chance! He grabs the canine's arm, Travis yelping. The fox twists him around, throwing him against the same tree he was pinned at. Mesmeren falls to the ground, the blue outlines fading from her instantly.
"Grr...Why you little-" before Travis can finish his sentence, the Zoroark scoops up a large chunk of dirt and throws it towards him. "GAH!" The Lucario screams, gripping his face and covering his eyes. His paws tremble, caressing his eyes and growling in agony.
Ramon dashes towards Mesmeren, picking her up and setting her on his back. "Hang on!" he says before running on all fours, not giving the Drowzee enough time to think. Luckily, she grips onto the hair, with some yelping and her ducking along the way.
The Lucario stops rubbing his eyes, opening them only to be met with the two no longer at his sight. He snarls, gritting his sharp teeth and gripping his fists. "I'LL KILL YOU EVEN IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO, RAMON!" He shouts, his appendages jittering within rapid sessions. His shaky paw touches his claw marks, wincing from it. Blood drips onto his paw as he trembles in place. "...I need to go to Serenity. See if anyone's kind enough to treat this wound…" Travis grips his fist, squinting his eyes. "Despite wanting to go after him."
The Lucario turns around, staring ahead at the darkness. "...Ugh." He shakes his head. I know what I'm doing is right...I just know it. He then runs off.
. . .
Sylock's fists clench, engulfing himself into a red orange aura. Justin eyes him, keeping the Mystical Shield up. "Uh…" Sylock grits his teeth, glaring at the hopping frogs. Bits of flames spark around the Blaziken, blending in with the aura. Something...tells me to back away from him, Justin thinks, moving back at a steady pace.
The Mystical Shield then fades in response, the boy jumping up. "Ah shit! I didn't mean to-" three of the Greninjas hop off from the branches, preparing their Water Shurikens. "CRAP!" Justin summons his blades, sweat dripping off his face. Within a flash, Sylock disappears from his spot, flames trailing behind. Justin looks to his side. "Huh!?"
Sylock punches each of the Greninjas in the face, shooting them towards the ground. As the Defects get up, the Blaziken leans his head back and engulfs the first Greninja with a fury of flames: Flamethrower. The Greninja's skin deteriorates, its tongue ripping itself off as the Pokémon gets pushed back. After the flames disappear, the Greninja is left crisped against a boulder.
The Blaziken lands on the ground before two aquatic shurikens aim at him. He dodges forward and jabs the second Greninja quickly with Fire Punch. As it yelps, he grabs its tongue and twirls it towards the third Greninja, slamming the two against the same boulder from earlier. Sylock catches the tongue on fire, spreading it throughout the Greninja. He then moves the Greninja back and thrust it forward, bashing it over and over on the third Greninja.
Blood spews out of the two like a water hose, the second Greninja screeching in agony. Sylock's eyes widen, seeking his claws into the Greninja's tongue. You're. In. My. Way. He increases the bashing speed, snarling and growling. He doesn't even care about the blood coating his claws: He's too prioritized.
The boy stands there, hands trembling and eyebrows raising. What the hell? he thinks, sweat dripping onto his shirt and painting it dark blue. Is this what Blaze or whatever it's called can do to a Pokémon? Just… Justin presses his back against the main tree, gritting his teeth as his blades fade.
Soon the bashing halts, the second Greninja quivering and yelping in place as the third is left unmoving. It coughs out many red liquids before Sylock yanks it, dragging it towards him. Sylock punctures the tongue one claw after another, holes of blood gushing out. The Blaziken have the Defect up close to him, staring into its red eyes with his browbeating blue ones. To the Greninja, it looks as though Sylock's eyes are crossed, shaking to their very core.
Leave, the only thing Sylock can think of before slamming the Greninja's tongue to the ground and stepping on it. The Defect yelps and tries to form another Substitute, but Sylock kicks it to the air in time, ripping its tongue off. The Blaziken jumps, his knee surrounded in dark red aura. He flips around before landing his High Jump Kick onto the Greninja, firing it off towards the sky. The Greninja screams while bypassing the leaves, never to be seen again.
Sylock lands on the ground swiftly, turning around to face Justin. The boy continues his gazing, gripping onto the tree in pure dread. "H-Hey man," Justin says. "You...didn't have to kill them, ya know?" The Blaziken glares at the teen before looking beside him, dashing past the boy. The teen yelps and jumps from the sudden speed. Holy crap, he moves fast! The dark skinned boy blinks for a moment before gasping. "Yo, wait for me!" He chases after the Blaziken.
. . .
The Zoroark runs and runs, squinting his eyes to dodge any incoming bushes or trees. Mesmeren clenches the tip of his hair, closing her eyes.
Ch-Change back…
Ramon raises his brow. What?
Change back to your Zorua form. Pl-Please, Nomar pleads.
Why? And how do I even do that, anyways?
Just stop and change back!
HOW, NOMAR!? YOU'RE NOT TELLING ME EXACTLY HOW I CAN DO THAT! Ramon snarls. I don't even think I CAN do that!
Mesmeren tilts her head. "Is something's wro-" her sentence stops when Ramon glows white, decreasing himself. "EEK!" The Drowzee falls off from the glowing creature, rolling around the ground.
Ramon stops running, turning around once his large hair is gone. The glow fades away from him, showing off his Zorua's appearance, with a red tuft on his head and all. "Hmm?" Ramon says in his softer tone, gazing down at his forepaws and then his bushy tail. Although, his left eye remains covered by his newly formed hair: It's a similar color to his gray fur. "I...I have no idea how I changed back into a Zorua…" Actually, what even was I after I evolved!?
I think it's Zorua's evolution, Zoroark?
Ramon raises his brow. Wait, you 'think?'
My knowledge has been leaving me since I died so bare with me…
"U-Ugh…" Mesmeren groans, catching the Zorua's attention.
Ramon rushes to her. "Are you alright?" he asks with concern sprawling throughout him.
Mesmeren sits upright before stroking her arm. "A little, yeah…"
Ramon sighs in relief. "Good to know."
"H-Hey, um…" The Drowzee shifts in place. "Why di-did you change ba-"
"I'm not sure," Ramon says, cutting the Drowzee off and looking off to the side. "It just...happens, I guess."
"Huh...That's bizarre." Mesmeren leans against a tree behind her, caressing her hands.
Ramon blinks for a moment before lowering his ears, whimpering. "Ah! Apologies for interrupting you like that!"
"Um...It's fi-fine," Mesmeren says in a shaky tone, smiling at the Zorua with trembling lips. The fox looks back at the tapir, smiling and wagging his tail. Mesmeren eyes at his slightly new appearance, focusing on the bangs shielding the fox's left eye. Her face reddens. Si-Since when did he become cuter!? she thinks while mesmerized.
Ramon tilts his head, his left hair shifting to the side. "Is something wrong?"
The Drowzee yelps and shakes her head, looking off to the side. "N-Nothing. Just, um…" She looks around, her hands jittering and covering her face. "Thought about something embarrassing that happened in my childhood, that's all."
"Like what?" Ramon leans closer, perking up his ears. Mesmeren spreads her fingers, screams echoing inside of her upon her face being close to his'.
E-EEK! SO CLOSE! A-AND WHY ARE YOU SO CUTE!? Mesmeren turns to the side. In fact, he even looked handsome in his Zoroark form, l-last I checked. She gasps and smacks her hands against her cheeks, Ramon raising his brow in response. Oh gosh, pull it together, me!
"Um...Are you alright?" Ramon asks, laying his paw onto Mesmeren's leg.
The Drowzee shivers, laughing nervously afterwards. "Y-Yeah! I-I'm fine. Just, um, overwhelmed by all of what happened today. Yeah...that's it."
The Zorua gives Mesmeren a straight look. "I mean, I'm overwhelmed, too. But it doesn't mean I have to slap my cheeks and shake constantly…"
The Drowzee lowers ears, looking off to the side. Good job, me. Now I creeped him out… "S-Sorry…"
"No, I'm sorry. I...didn't mean to phrase it like that…" Ramon whimpers. "I mean if I was overwhelmed, I personally wouldn't react in that way. But it's okay if you do." Ramon smiles at her. Mesmeren perks her ears up, gradually looking back at him. "I guess in a way, that's what makes you who you are."
The tapir gazes at Ramon for a brief moment, feeling as though time has stopped. Afterwards, she nods meekly. "Th-Thank you…"
Ramon nods back. "No pro-"
I would hate to interrupt this sweet moment between you two, but there is something crucial I got to tell you, Ramon, Nomar says in the Zorua's head.
Ramon blinks, stepping away from Mesmeren. Mesmeren looks at him in confusion, holding her hands together. What is it?
Don't tell your friends about you achieving Transvolution. Tell Mesmeren not to let the others know, too.
Wait wait, what!? Transvolution!?
You're able to evolve and devolve between your evolution by will. Hence why I told you to revert back to a Zorua.
But...I didn't revert back on my own. It just so happens out of nowhere.
Huh...That's odd.
Ramon looks off to the side. So...if I can do that, then doesn't that mean I'm a Transvian?
...I'm not sure.
The Zorua raises his brow. What do you mean you're not sure!? We both learned about their existence from Forest, who gave us more details about them along with the history of this region!
Those stories are just fabricated lies formed by humans and you know it! Nomar yells.
Ramon frowns. Nonsense! Otherwise, Dr. Yvonne wouldn't write about his successful attempt at turning a Pokémon into a Transvian! He grits his teeth. And how do you even know about Transvolution, anyways!?
Ramon: Why are you still defending humans? Haven't our separation and my death not taught you anything about them? Nor the events at Majestic City with that corrupted mayor? Nor what happened at Serenity when it was raided by that Conjure group?
The Zorua snarls, leading Mesmeren to tremble a bit. "Ra-Ramon…?"
You know deep down that humans are vile, ruthless beings waiting to shred your heart into pieces. Slowly and...painfully. Nomar emphasizes the latter with a gruesome tone, Ramon lowering his ears as he widens his eyes. Remember the talk you had with others yesterday? About you calling humans 'evil?' You're completely right about it.
The Zorua gazes ahead, eyes trembling in place before forming tears. It's okay, Ramon. It's okay to feel that way. Ramon sniffles after hearing those words, tears sliding down his cheeks. As for how I know about Transvolution, I'll explain to you about it later. As of now, please...Tell Mesmeren not to let the others know about it.
"Um...h-hey." Mesmeren waves. "Are you o-" she gasps from the sudden hug, Ramon whimpering onto her chest.
"Me-Mesmeren…" Ramon looks up, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Don't...tell the others about what I did." He yelps. "Pl-Please…"
The Drowzee stares for a brief moment, nothing but the tears of the fox can be heard. Eventually, she says, "I...I will."
Ramon sniffles once more, looking up at the Drowzee. "Thank you…" The fox then frees the tapir from the hug. "Can you still move?"
Mesmeren grunts as she gets up, her legs trembling a bit. She then smiles at the Zorua, raising her thumb (or thereof). "Somewhat, y-yeah."
"Tell me when to slow down, alright?"
After Mesmeren nods, the two take off running.
. . .
Sylock blazes past the trees and bushes, zero care to the boy begging him to slow down. Faster, dammit! he thinks to himself, spreading his hands out before catching them on fire.
Over at Ada and Courtney's location, the two pant heavily from the Boomburst attack. They then get pinned down by the Alakazam's Psychic, groaning in helplessness. "C-Crap...This sucks," Courtney says. She grits her teeth, gripping her fists.
"Yeah...think we're done for," Ada replies before groaning, the Exploud marching its way towards the two. "We're at a complete disadvantage against those two. They're just...so strong." The girl sighs, looking down.
"Dammit girl, have some faith in yourself!" Courtney sighs. "I'm sure that Sylock, Justin, Ramon, and Mesmeren heard the Exploud's Boomburst."
The Exploud cracks its fist as Ada raises her brow at Courtney. "And what makes you so certain about that?"
Sylock zooms past the Exploud, the creature pausing and widening its eyes before yelping. Rage fuels the Blaziken's eyes as he Fire Punches the Alakazam in the stomach, flames bursting throughout the yellow humanoid. It coughs up blood, blasting through multiple boulders behind it and disappears.
Courtney gasps. "SYLOCK, BESTIE!" the Lopunny yells, her and Ada being free from the Psychic wrath.
As the Exploud turns towards Sylock, Justin stops by to kick it in the head, causing it to groan.
"And Justin, too!" Ada sighs in relief as the two get on their feet, legs trembling for a moment. "I suppose you're right about that after all, Courtney."
"I told yo ass to slow down, man!" Justin yells at Sylock, jumping off from the Exploud afterwards. Sylock looks back at him with a red glare, Justin raising his hands up within seconds. "Haha, I mean, at your own pace, man!" My Arceus, this dude is scary.
The blue bipedal gets up before its eye gets slashed by Ada's claws, blood spewing to the side of the grass. Ramon and Mesmeren soon reunite with the others, the Exploud rolling around the ground and pinning against a tree.
"Ada! Justin!" Ramon shouts, wagging his tail in excitement.
The two teens look behind them, glee spreading across their faces. "Ayy, Ramon!" Justin shouts back, his tone filled with even more excitement.
Before any sort of celebration happens, the Exploud groans loudly. It looks at the group: Ramon moving forward to snarl at it while Ada and Justin summon their Magic moves, glaring directly at it. Mesmeren hides behind the Zorua while Courtney strokes her hilt, squinting at the Exploud. The blue creature then eyes Sylock, who's real up close to it. Sylock cracks his fists, gazing down at the Defect with menace and fiery. The Exploud's eyes widen as it trembles in place, jittering its mouth.
The moment Sylock ignites the flames around him, the Exploud takes off running. Not leaving a single trace behind. Good, Sylock thinks.
Everyone sighs in relief, the flaming aura around Sylock subsides. "Man...what a day so far," Ramon says, falling flat onto his stomach. "With us getting separated from one another, and then me encountering the cloak wearing guy again."
"Agreed…" Ada sits on the ground with Ramon, staring up at the shielded leaves before blinking. "Wait, you said you met the cloaked guy again!?" Ramon nods, Ada gripping her fist afterwards. "I swear he's getting on my nerves every time he tries to kill you…" She slams her fist to the ground. "Over something you don't even remember doing!"
Justin shakes his head while putting his hand against it. "Man."
Courtney and Sylock look at the three, perplexion popping throughout their heads. "Uh, what are y'all tal-"
Sylock coughs out blood onto his hand, interrupting the Lopunny. Courtney gets close to him, letting his arm rest on her neck. "Think I've...overdid it a little," Sylock signs, blood dripping from his mouth.
Courtney squints her eyes. "Ya don't say, goofball."
The four look at Courtney and Sylock, tilting their heads. "...Huh?" they say in unison.
Ramon then gets up, sighing heavily. "As much as I'd like to explain about the cloaked guy, it's best if we move forward. I don't want to see him again."
"Same," both Ada and Justin say.
Courtney snaps her fingers. "Let's also try sticking together, while at it."
"I-I second that!" Mesmeren says, raising her hand.
Before the group leaves, Courtney holds her hand out. "Wait...Got something to say real quick."
"...And that is?" Justin raises his brow.
Courtney turns towards the Zorua. "Nice hair."
Sylock shakes his head as Ada groans. "Ugh, really? You stopped us just to say that?"
Ramon blinks in confusion. "Um, thanks?"
The Lopunny smirks. "No problem. I don't remember your hair covering ya left eye, though."
Ada, Justin, and Sylock start laying their hands against their chins. "Yeah...come to think of it, why did your hair change? Or fur, I should say," Ada questions.
Oh dear… Nomar gulps echo throughout Ramon's head.
"I'm...not sure, honestly." The Zorua shifts in place, blowing on his left tuft of hair afterwards. "But I guessed it's a part of me, now."
Everyone looks at each other for a moment before shrugging. "I see," Ada concludes.
Phew… Nomar says, sighing in relief. Afterwards, the group moves forward.