Returning home from our eventful evening, I was exhausted and wanted nothing more to sleep. Unfortunately, due to my lack of communication, I found that everyone minus a certain psychic/fairy type had been overly concerned about my whereabouts. My sister wouldn't give me a minute's rest, and my mother helped carry me up the stairs to the soft king sized mattress awaiting my return. Lula and Absol were furiously arguing about something, which Elaina exacerbated. They were using their native language so I was entirely out of the loop as to what they were arguing about. Nonetheless, as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a lamp.
I woke up what felt like ages later, to Lula sitting on the mattress next to me. Her eyes stared at me pointedly before she huffed loudly.
"So…any word on my Z-Crystal, Master?"
"Ughhh. My head," I groaned, as a migraine set in immediately. The effects from the Mega Evolution training yesterday were in full effect, and it felt like someone had taken a drill to both of my temples.
"M-master? Are you okay?"
I shook my head side to side, and placed a hand to my face. Almost immediately, I withdrew in even more pain. Just the touch of my hand felt like I had placed scalding hot metal to my skin. I sat there in silence, as I tried to compose myself but the pain only intensified.
"Should I get your mother?"
"Don't. He needs to see me for a minute," a voice spoke up from outside the door. I distinctly recognized my Dark type's voice.
"Why does he need you?"
"I know somewhat about the effects that are onset by Mega Evolution. Especially since it'll be the effects of a Dark type Pokemon. Something you aren't," she growled. The malice was shockingly harsh coming from her, but my water type acquiesced to her request and opened the door.
In an instant, Rose was on the bed next to me, her claws touching my face. I expected agony to fill my cheek, however my headache seemed to dissipate. Her fur was cold and soft, dispelling the aches and pains one at a time.
"How are you feeling now?"
"Much better…thanks. H-How?"
"I'm channeling dark energy into the palm of my paw like I would Night Slash. You've never been drunk, so I assume hangovers are a new thing to you. Depending on the interactions, most humans wake up in agony from a failed Mega Evolution because they didn't receive enough energy from their partner, OR their bodies failed to adapt. I believe it was the former, which is why this is working right now. Give it about another four minutes, and you'll be right as rain. Eon is supposed to return today, with news about when we move out."
I nodded and nuzzled her paw with my face, letting out a small moan of contentment as it worked its wonders.
"Lula. I found a buyer for your Z Crystal in Alola. After this is all settled, I promise we'll try and go pick it up. Granted, he told me that unless I doubled the price, he would give it to the line of people waiting for it. I told him one month, and I'd quadruple the price. He accepted," I said, answering all of her questions.
"YAY!" she cried out in joy.
"Save your cheers for after we beat Mewtwo," I responded, contemplating the future heavily.
"I couldn't agree more, Kyle."
My head snapped up and I noticed my intimate moment with my friends had been crashed by Eon, who was stalked behind by his Dragonite, and Milotic. The human had spoken and now moved to a chair at the foot of the bed.
"How are you feeling?" he questioned, petting his Milotic on the head.
"My head is hurting less and less, thanks to Rose."
"The troublemaker?"
"The realist," said Pokemon retaliated.
Glancing at Eon, I noticed he chuckled under his breath before glancing to his dragon.
"I told you she was stubborn," he stated, trying to hide his muzzle behind a paw.
"I can tell, and she can hear you," Eon replied, turning to face my dark type. "This your handy work? Mega evolution is not something to idly play around with you-"
"I don't need a lecture on what I know. I'd prefer if you got to the point," Rose stated, her voice a threat in and of itself. I glanced between the two of them, as tension mounted, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Easy, Rose. This is not a fight you wanna start."
She sighed under my touch before removing her paw from my head. Bouncing off the edge of the bed, she let out a menacing growl as she departed the room. Silence filled the air only for Eon to break it immediately.
"Definitely a fiercely loyal one if I ever met one. Well then. Business it is. Mewtwo has plans to move the Wishing Stone from its current location to a Team Rocket/Aether Foundation base in Kanto. While I'm not entirely certain about the plans, I did quite a bit of spying and gathered enough to venture a guess as to where it might be."
"Why would he move it?" I asked, glancing to Lula. She lay her head across my legs, with her tail curling around my back.
"Many reasons. However, my two main suspicions are that he knew I was there. Secondly, he needs to be at a certain angle in order for everything to align. The planets, and Jirachi must be in a specific spot in order for the wish of this magnitude to be granted."
I processed the information before responding with the deeper question, I needed answered.
"And if we stop his wish, what will you do with the Stone? What do you want out of this Eon?"
His smile faded, and he looked troubled by my question.
"I don't know. Honestly, I'm sure we all have dreams and wishes we'd want fulfilled. Some of which would end terribly for all involved. Even something like world peace wouldn't last as Humans and Pokemon are prone to conflict. No…I don't want anything."
"This just doesn't make sense to me."
He remained silent as I tried to wrap my head around all of the things that had occurred.
"Why does he want the wish stone? What wish could be so important he'd attempt to stop anyone from knowing about it? That he would try to kill me and my family?"
"He wants to erase Humanity from existence," Dragonite intervened. His words made my blood run cold, as I contemplated the implications of that one wish. "During our last fight with Mewtwo we had a moment of respite. We questioned his motives and tried to plant a seed of doubt into his desires. Instead, he rebutted our attempts to reconcile our differences."
"Why? What have we done to earn such a harsh punishment?"
Eon took over, replying with a bitter laugh.
"In his eyes, we are a plague. A cancer to Mon kind. The world is corrupted by humans. Pokephilia. Pokemon Battles. Exploitation of the land and our constant growth into other regions. We consume natural resources, and drive Pokemon from their homes. It's a take-take relationship, and he feels that it's time the debt was paid."
Glancing to Lula, I noticed that she had both paws over her mouth.
"M-master doesn't exploit us! We are here because we want to be. It's not fair that Mewtwo gets to decide for all of the world!"
"It isn't. He doesn't care about what's fair to humans."
"Why would the humans I saw help him?"
"Immunity. From the cops. Fear or threat of death. Any number of reasons. They know that their days are numbered whether they help or not. The only thing I can say for certain is Mewtwo has everything he needs to execute his plans."
I nodded in response, before glancing at the time. It was only 10:30 am, which gave me time to eat, shower, check up on everyone and then meet up with Eon.
As we sat there, a voice spoke up from outside the door.
"Master. Pardon the intrusion," Lucia spoke.
"You're excused. What's going on?" Eon asked.
Lucia bowed respectfully before responding to his question.
"He's returned. Blaze is dealing with the situation but he refuses to back down. He even mentioned Kyle numerous times."
I watched as Eon blanched at the seemingly bad news, and sighed heavily.
"Kyle. Follow me. Looks like you've got a date with disaster. Jeesh. I wish he'd just leave things be."
I rolled off the bed, and slipped on some clean clothes, before following him to the front of the house where an intimidating looking Blaziken argued with a being out of my sight.
"I know he's here. Now let me see him."
"You're starting to really piss me off. You're like what? Two inches tall. If you don't get out of here, I will squish you!" Blaziken shouted.
"But Eon promised…."
"You got five seconds before I-"
"Blaze!" Eon shouted, watching as his mon stepped back.
"Oh. Sorry. The little twat won't move and keeps annoying everyone here. He says that he needs to speak with Kyle Bredeson. That they are destined to be together," the fire fighting mon replied, leaning against the door frame.
"I can still hear you! And his aura is calling to me," the mystery figure stated.
"You said that about the last trainer," Blaze snapped.
"I didn't. Eon brought him, and it's not my fault he didn't measure up," the figure responded calmly.
Glancing to Eon, I decided to take control of the situation. Tapping his shoulder, I moved up front to greet the male who was causing trouble for everyone. As I passed Eon, I came face to face with a small Pokemon. It's white under belly contrasted the back side which was covered in thick fur. Yellow flaps of skin hung off of its sides. Staring at the small rodent, I felt a small smile touch my lips.
"An Emolga?"
"Finally! Hello Kyle. It's a pleasure to meet you," the electric type spoke, bowing slightly to me.
"Well...hello there friend. What's this about my aura?" I questioned, kneeling down to meet him. The rodent jumped up onto my shoulder, sniffing my hair before launching himself several feet away.I followed him as he glided down to a small patch of grass next to the sidewalk.
"I can prove it to everyone here, right now. Kyle. May I see both your hands?" the mon asked. I sat down next to the Pokemon and placed my hands straight out.
"Higher. I want you to place them like you are trying to push an invisible wall. Then...close your eyes and concentrate on the color blue."
Following his directions I placed my hands as he directed, and closed my eyes. A small blue circle emerged in my eyes and I could sense it growing with each second. Like a vortex it pulled me in, and my strength seemingly increased. Opening my eyes, I was shocked to see a massive blue energy orb which floated in the air in between me and the Emolga.
"Wh-what the-?"
The energy rippled and the sphere collapsed in on itself before exploding with significant force. Sliding through the earth I recovered to notice the sugar glider Pokemon was hovering off the air from the attack.
"Just as I said. Your aura speaks to me."
Moving forward towards him, I noticed that his black eyes shone brilliantly with a blue light. I became entranced by them only for the light to fade away, returning to their natural color.
"Emolgas aren't supposed to utilize Aura. What are you?" Rose asked. Her presence at the porch was less of a shock than what had just occurred. Glancing back to her, I noticed she seemed troubled by the enigma presented.
"I'm 50% Emolga, and 50 % Lucario. My mother's genes passed on the ability to sense Aura and slightly manipulate it, but not use it in combat. Without a good counterpart, the most I can do is see it with my eyes closed. However, with someone whose heart resonates with mine I gain control and the ability to utilize it. I've only done it a few times, but nothing as massive as that," Emolga said, with a toothy grin.
My eyes remained fixated on the Emolga, confused as to how something so little could contain so much power. Nonetheless, a simple glance at my Pokewatch notified me he was only level 40. If anything landed a punch on him, he would be down and out for the count.
"Please let me join you. I've been waiting my whole life for a trainer to synchronize with me."
While my heart went out to the moon, I was concerned about the future.
"I...I can't offer you the future you want. I am not sure if I can promise to be around in the coming days," I replied, watching as his smile faded and he grew solemn.
"Eon. What is he speaking of?"
Glancing to the champion I could tell he was just as troubled as I was by my words. Nonetheless, he provided no answers, and stepped back into the safety of the mansion. I looked to Rose who sat down and let out a loud sigh. For some unknown reason, I could sense her desperation at the coming fight and it resonated in my heart. I wanted to believe that everything would be hunky dory but in all reality and likelihood, I would die. Mewtwo would wipe our entire party and that would be the end for humanity. Turning back to the electric rodent, I explained the battle as best I could without unnecessary exposition.
"A battle to the death? I see. And this battle is for the sake of humanity?"
I nodded quietly, and shoved my hands into my pockets and rocked backwards onto the heels of my feet.
"Then I have to come with."
Staring down at him, I sensed his determination was absolute.
"Why? You barely -"
"Kyle. May I?" Rose intervened.
I acquiesced, stepping aside to let her move up to the smaller mon. To his credit, he remained stalwart despite the threatening gaze on Rose's face.
"You don't know Kyle. His family. His friends. Eon and the others. This battle has no stake in it for you. You get nothing from it. Are you willing to die for him if the time came? For any of us?"
The hard question caught me off guard and I looked at the Emolga who smirked at the question.
"Die for him?"
Rose raised her voice, angered by the confusion in his voice.
"Would you expire...cease to exist for someone you don't know?" she demanded, taking a menacing step forward.
"Yes. For him, in heartbeat. I have never resonated with anyone until he came to this island. It took me nearly a week to feel a connection this deep. I can't explain it but he has to live. With that being said, if this battle is as dangerous as you say then, I have to be there. To give it my all, and protect him. I doubt you'd be willing to put everything on the line. I've heard you Absols are quite the elitist group," he retorted, stepping forward. To my shock Rose backed up a step, letting out a small growl.
"You are in position to question my loyalties. I'm much older than I appear. Which is why I don't appreciate you stalking us like you have the past few days. Including on the cliff," she retaliated. The tension grew with each passing second before he responded.
"No offense intended, Absol. You asked me a question, and I answered. Yes. I would die for him. If it meant that my purpose was completed, then I'd do it in a heartbeat. But I hope it doesn't come to that," Emolga said.
"I can't just accept that though. While you may be willing to die for me, I don't want anyone to. This is not the fight I wanted and nor is it the one I'm running away from. You're asking to follow me, and yet you barely know me. You know nothing about my struggles or pasts...and I don't want to jeopardize a good Pokemon's life just to win this fight," I said, reflecting on my words. Glancing to Rose I noticed a sense of anger at my words but figured now was not the appropriate time to question it.
"I don't know you personally but I can sense you and I are very much alike. A living beings Aura is a blueprint as to who they are.. In that one sentence you solidified my resolve. You want...no need to protect your family at all costs. It's something I understand whole heartedly. So please...let me help. I need to protect you. No price too great."
Looking back I noticed that Eon had returned from indoors with a single Pokeball in hand. He lobbed the spherical capture device in a lazy arc. Snagging it with my left hand I faced the electric rodent one more time. Kneeling down I placed my palm on his forehead, and the ball on the ground.
"I won't make you. I can't make you. If you want to join then you have to choose this. If you do, I promise to take care of you as best as I can. I get it. For some strange reason I can see myself in your eyes. What is your name?"
"Call me Bryan. Bry for short."
Stepping back I watched as he stared at the red Pokeball. Then without a moment's hesitation he said one final thing before pressing the center button.
"From this moment on, I'm yours Kyle. I have your back."
The red light absorbed him and the ball shook only once before letting out a ding. Reaching down to pick it up, I turned to Rose who appeared furious with me.
"Rose?"
"How dare you!" she growled, shaking her fur before approaching me. I took a step back and she pursued, launching herself into me and pinning me down onto the earth. The pokeball slid out of my hand and rolled several feet, as she held me firmly. Our eyes mere inches away from each other, I remained still. She appeared to be trembling as she held me still.
"HOW DARE YOU! Your mother, sister...friends. Everyone here is here of their own will. While I don't agree that taking the rat with us was a good choice, it doesn't mean that you get to decide our fates for us. What happens if Mewtwo is willing to spare us if you die? Do you think your family could live without you for a minute? Do you think your friends are willing to forget the relationship you've built over a single night?"
Blood and shame filled my cheeks turning them rosy red. Hanging my head I shook my head before she tilted my head up with a sharp black claw.
"I'm here because of Kat. You are here because of her. We owe it to her, to finish this fight. So don't think for a second that I'm going to walk out on you. I'm her sister after all. And your friend. Now…."
"Let him go, Rose," a voice shouted a mere foot from us. Our eyes shot up from our current position on the ground to notice an extremely stunning sight. Emolga stood a few feet away, his body alit with blue electric energy. The air crackled loudly as he motioned at Rose threateningly.
"This is between me-"
The sentence never finished itself as a massive Electro ball sent her sliding through the dirt, much to both mine and everyone else's surprise. She rolled several feet and started to stand only to be paralyzed in place.
"You little runt!"
"I warned you," Emolga replied before moving to me and ruffling my brown hair a little.
"Bry...I think you pissed her off," I said, laughing a little as my Dark type tried to move forward inch by inch. Each movement was followed by a groan as the electricity surged through her muscles.
"She may be a lot tougher than me, but all it takes is one good zap from me, and I can put em down hard," Bryan said proudly. Shaking my head, I moved to Rose, and picked her up.
"As soon as I get healed up...you're a dead rat! You best believe it!" she bellowed in my ear as we moved inside to introduce my newest team member to everyone.
Opening the front wooden door, and following Eon, I noticed that Lucia and Arren had immediately taken residence at my side as we proceeded towards the kitchen.
"Master Kyle. I can take care of your friend," the grass type stated. Nodding in thanks, I placed her gently onto the marble slab watching Lucia ripped a small tip of one of her petals.
"OW!" I moaned out in shock, watching as she giggled at my reaction.
"It doesn't hurt. And it'll regrow by the end of the day. Granted it's pretty bitter. Some Pokemon do like the taste like Blaze over there," she said, offering the small leaf to my friend. She greedily consumed it and let out a sigh of relief. She sat up and shook her fur out free of paralysist. Smiling at her recovery, Arren's voice in my ear set my heart rate skyrocketing back through the roof.
"Eon wants to test your strength."
Glancing over my shoulder into his eyes, I noticed his gaze was nonchalant. He took a step back giving me a minute to digest the information before heading towards the rear entrance.
"KYLE! Mind stepping out here for a minute?" Eon shouted from outside.
"I-I can't go. I'm not ready to face him. Much less Mewtwo-"
"Go. As your friend and trainer the past week, you've got nothing to be worried about," Rose said, smirking as I started to sweat profusely.
"Rose. I-"
"Don't. You and I both know you can fight. You've gotten a lot stronger. Give it your all," she said, pushing me with her head.
"But-"
"No buts. If it helps, win or lose, I'm proud of you. And so is your Mom. Despite your blunders and flaws, she never stopped praising you around me. So let's get this ball rolling."
Much to my reluctance, I followed my Pokemon outside to face the coming storm. Both literally and metaphorically. Dark grey clouds now rolled over blocking out the sun and the wind picked up in strength.
As I came outside, I noticed that Sarah and Elaina were leaning against the wall. The Zoroark was in human form and grinning ear to ear, while Sarah tapped her foot impatiently.
"Good luck, Kyle!" Elaina shouted. It appeared that everyone knew was about to happen. It made me curious as to why he was singling out just me. Pene stood with my family, gently brushing my Primarina. MY audience was entranced by the situation, while I was emotionally repelled from it. I would be put on a stage for all to see. I hadn't rehearsed enough, nor did I know my lines well enough to not feel perform under the stress.
Eon stood with his hand on his blade and the Blaziken jumping up and down excitedly. I stopped at the edge of the Pokemon ring noticing that Rose had stayed beside me the entire walk.
"Here we are. I'm going to cheer for you right here. Now go make my sister proud."
Her words were the encouragement I needed and she knew it. My eyes grew determined as I thought about my beloved friend. Gritting my teeth I moved forward across the line and into the compacted dirt ready to throwdown.
"Alright Kyle," Eon called out, holding a hand up for me to stop. "Now here are the rules. Pretty simple. Fight. For now, I'll start with just me and you to feel you out. Then my entire team will join in, versus you. I need to see how you handle multiple opponents."
His words drained the courage I had built up. Rose and I had only trained for a one on one situation. Looking down at the ground, Eon allayed some of fear, calling out to me again.
"Relax. I'm not here to kill you, just assess your skills. Dragonite and your mother have expressed your desire to become a Pokemon Ranger. After everything you've accomplished and at your current level I want to see for myself if you have what it takes," he said. placing a hand on his hip.
"Weapons?" I asked as I reached behind to unclasp my blade.
"Yes. Don't worry. I know how to hold back. And I'm not so worried about you killing me. Ready?" he asked.
Another strong breeze whipped up, as I stared at my opposition. A Milotic. A Dragonite. A Blaziken. And a three times reigning Champion of Hoenn. I had so much to fear. Adrenaline pumping I dug my heels into the Earth, and breathed out softly. Closing my eyes I imagined my Absol one more time. With all of my heart I hoped she would watch over this fight. Opening my eyes, I nodded once slowly.
He shifted his weight forward, before closing the gap. I refused to blink as his sword came clean of its sheath and he swung it. Mine came out a millisecond later, blocking the hard slash from his right. As his elbow came around to smack me, I ducked performing a sweep which he lept over with ease and delivered a jumping push kick which sent me sliding backwards. Regaining my balance I parried his next slash, and delivered a hook, which connected, before throwing my own sidekick. He slid back, rubbing his cheek with a grin.
"Not bad. Let's get serious."
Raising my blade up steadily, I took a step forward. Pushing off, I met him in a clash of sparks, only to gasp as he pushed me off with seemingly little ease. Regaining my footing, I delivered a low cut which he blocked. We hacked at each other, creating a huge rain of sparks as our swords met time and time again. At first, I felt confident. But with each block, parry and dodge, my confidence started to fade. Nicks on my arms and legs started to get at me. Backpedalling to avoid a furious onslaught, I watched as he rushed forward not giving me an opportunity to breath. Acknowledging his eagerness, I launched my blade at him, watching as he batted it aside. My eyes followed it as it slammed into the dirt a mere 9 feet away. My eyes widened as he seemingly vanished, and I watched Milotic open her mouth.
Not good!
Jumping as hard as I could I soared upwards, only to see the shadow too late. Dragonite was awaiting me from above. As my upward momentum ended, I watched him launch a punch at me. My reaction speed was enough that I grabbed the limb and flipped off of it, kicking him downwards. Now about ten feet up in the air, I watched as Blaziken rushed my position. Scanning, I noticed I was only aware of at most three of them. Eon had seemingly vanished into thin air, which meant he-
"Guards down."
BAM!
I cratered into the earth, my air leaving my lungs forcefully. Shaking my dizziness off, I got my feet underneath me, and jumped away from my position, noticing my blade was in reach. Snagging it with my left hand, Stood fully, facing my opponents. A strong breeze whipped up, and I kept my gaze on the three close range attackers. They were my immediate threats. Making a quick plan, I pushed off, meeting Eon. As he slashed at me first, I ducked under, sliding past him. Blaziken rushed to intercept, along with Dragonite. Continuing my full on sprint, my eyes narrowed as both of them opened their maws. Orange and red colided as both beams from their mouths fused into a six foot wide attack. Slamming my blade into the ground, I used it as a mount point and launched myself off it. Pulling it free with my hands, I rose above the attack. Rising over them, I landed at their backsides, and rushed Milotic. She had been my goal this whole time. Her eyes narrowed as I approached, but I refused to back down at this moment. Shooting forward at top speed, I blitzed behind her. Watching her swing a water infused tail at me, I blocked it with my blade, before locking my hands around her waist. I ducked under a point blank Ice beam before yanking her off balance and delivering a strong punch to her head. The attack sent her sliding. Returning my focus to the front, I noticed that my opponents had surrounded me, with Eon catching his water type.
"Not bad," the femine Pokemon said, with a small smile.
Already I was huffing for air, and just landing that one blow had taken quite a bit of strength out of me. Nonetheless, I was still good to keep going. Blaziken was the first to rush me. He delivered a sweeping low kick that slid under me. I side stepped, crying out as Dragonite blitzed my move, and caught me in a half nelson. The first punch that came from Blaze, keeled me over, stealing my desire to fight.
"Get out of there Kyle!" Emily screamed.
Gritting my teeth, I tried to break free, only for a second strike to end my resistance. My legs came out from under me and I gasped for breath. Five. Six. Nine blows in rapid succession struck me. My vision blurred and several strands of hair got in the way.
"He'll keep going until you figure a way out," Eon called out. Staring angrily at the Fire/Fighting type I focused on his movements.. As the next strike came, I locked his wrist in both of my feet and delivered a stunning hook kick to the back of his head. He reeled backwards. Using the upward momentum, , I flipped out of Dragonite's grasp. Landing out of the trap, I took a nanosecond to catch my breath before dashing away from a Hydro Pump which had been aimed at me the whole time. Backing away, I ground my teeth in frustration. I couldn't beat them. There was too much variation and too many opponents for me to handle at once. That is until I glanced at Arren. My memories of previous encounters flooded my mind, and I smiled. I didn't have to handle them all at once. Just one by one. Which meant, I had to treat them all as single opponents and land blows. Rushing forward towards Eon, I noticed he waited patiently. Glancing at Blaze, and Dragonite, I noticed they were pursuing me from behind. Ducking down, I dug my hand into the dirt. Blaze appeared at my side before Dragonite could reach me. He recolied away a minute later,as he was blinded by the sand I launched into his eyes. Dragonite stopped mid flight, which gave me time to face Eon. Feet pounding, I greeted Eon with a furious overhead slash, which he blocked driving a single fist into my gut. Warding off the attack, I sheathed my blade and stomped at his knee, following up with a knife hand to the back of his head. He grunted, but keeled over sideways, giving me the window to rush Milotic. She fired another Ice Beam and I dodged it. In retaliation shespun her tail sideways covered in water. I jumped over another aqua tail, before delivering two swift punches to her jaw mid air. As she shook her head I turned around to catch Dragonite off guard, as I faced his flying form. Unwilling to slow down he tackled me. At first, I held my ground as he attempted to shove me. Grunting, I wanted to throw him into the ground, but the mud make grabbing him extremely risky. My delay in reacting gave him enough time to latch my belt and pull me into the sky..
Gotta get down fast!
Kneeing him twice in the chest, I broke his grasp and I moved to jump. And like that my footing was quickly taken away. As I started towards the earth, I was caught by my ankle. His claw firmly grasped on my appendage, I cried out as he turned over mid air, and brought me crashing very literally into the ground. Bracing myself for the impact as best I could, I rolled with the impact. Starting to stand again, I was encased in ice, which was thawed immediately by a strong Fire Punch by Blaziken who sent me rolling across the field to end up at Rose's feet.
Sputtering, I tried to stand. I managed it, albeit with major difficulty. Once standing I lost my balance for a minute catching myself a second later. Grunting from the effort, I noticed my four opponents watched with large smiles plastered on their faces. My body refused to respond. Using effort, I looked at Rose who watched me with a smile. Collapsing from the damage I endured, I felt my will to keep fighting start to fade. I couldn't keep up forever. They had beaten me.
"Kyle."
"Get up!"
"You can do this!"
"Don't you fucking give up yet!"
The cheering from my friends pushed me upwards. Getting my legs under my stomach, I stood on shaky legs and faced Eon and his team once more. The various shouts of encouragement fueled me more than my own will could.
"That's what I like to see," Eon called out.
"I can't win," I whispered to myself, huffing hard, and placing a hand to my aching ribs.I couldn't endure another hit. I'd have to play defensively or I'd be out of energy to fight.
"Kyle. You're not finished. You can still fight," Rose encouraged from my side.
Nodding, I raised my guard up and advanced slowly.
"From this point is the real test. We were all holding back. Now I won't. It'll just be me and you. Let's see what you have left."
Eon had closed the fifteen feet in an instant. My eyes widened as his punch flew past my upraised hands and directly into my gut. The next strike came from my right and I rolled across the earth. He was faster than Rose. Anticipating his next attack, I ducked under a sweep kick and blocked his next punch. Throwing one of my own, I was redirected past him. Before I could even recover he kicked me while I sending me sliding further along the ground. I jumped up and tried to block his next punch only for his jump kick to send me right back to the ground. And like that it was over. No final come back. No final return.
"Kyle. You're still holding back." Eon stated, kneeling down.
"I'm not. I'm giving it my all," I said, as bitter tears rolled down my face. All that strength and I was still nothing. It was foolish to even believe I had a chance. I cursed my weakness. I felt the desparation I had felt when fighting Mewtwo return in a full wave.
"You are. I'm not saying you should be able to take all four of us out by yourself but I don't think you realize how strong you really are."
Before I could retort, he lifted me up until I was standing and we were face to face. I trembled from exertion, pain and exhaustion. I tried to keep my composure but the defeat hurt more than the physical wounds I currently carried. It wasn't until Rose called my name did my attention shift to the spectacle before me.
"Emily. Lula. Step up to the lines I made."
Looking up, I noticed he was holding both of our swords..
"Are you done fighting?" Eon asked again.
"For now...Yes."
"Very well," the champion retorted, turning around. Time stopped almost instantly as both his arms came behind his head.
No!
Tick
An inch.
Tock.
Another inch.
Tick.
Launch.
Both blades left Eon's grasp aimed at the two most precious people in the world to me. My strength flooded me in an instant overwhelming all of my senses. A calmness settled over me, distilling the air around me. Halfway there, my eyes opened from being closed as I immediately kicked off with every ounce of strength I could muster. I reached both of the blades instantly. Not a nano second. Not a millisecond. I literally felt like I teleported the 30 feet in the time it would take lightning to strike. My first hand slammed the blade aimed at my precious sister into the earth. As the second blade continued, I reoriented myself and pushed off again. A mere foot from Lula, I arrived in front of her, catching my own blade with bated breath. I exhaled and fell to a knee as a huge gust of wind from my movement blew past us rocking everyone back. Standing up my rage peaked at Eon. He threatened my family willingly and had attacked them without regard for their welfare. I took a step forward, only to collapse a minute later. My body trembled violently and the strength I had felt a moment earlier turned into a fatigue which dragged me towards unconsciousness. Placing a hand on the ground, I noticed that Eon was standing before me.
"Easy. You're gonna pass out now. Just let it happen. Told you. Stronger than you thought."
"I…"
I welcomed the darkness and fell into a deep slumber, my body incapable of sustaining itself for much longer. As I dreamed, I could only see Mewtwo's face and imagine the despair that would come when I faced him. If I couldn't face Eon then I had no choice against the level 100 Legendary. This wasn't going to be a hero's victory. It would be a tragedy.
I can't lose them...I can't.
Much shorter chapter but I'm taking things slower. I rushed this out so I didn't feel guilty for not finishing chapter 13. Anyways, hope you enjoyed it and see you soon. |
One final thing. Bri is pronounced B-R-EEE. Kind of like Brioche.
Take care all and stay safe.