Ruby Episode 2: Set in Motion

Ruby was prepared to fight this Charmeleon, but the moment the battle began, everything felt like it was against her. Smokes thrust his umbrella at her like a spear, to which she leapt to her left. He swung at her several times, and she ducked and stumbled away from each attack. Eventually he stopped, letting her flare her back and prepare to attack. However, she shifted back a little only to feel a foot slip down.

"Argh, darn it what?" she whispered and glanced back. The river was right behind her. She faced Smokes and snarled, who snickered.

"Yep. Nowhere for you to run, girl. Just get in the river and stay there," he said.

I didn't wanna have to do this here, but you've got no choice, Ruby! she told herself as she planted her feet. She took a deep, loud breath and leaned back.

"Oh? You're not going to resort to Bestia, are you?" he said, and waggled a nail at her. "Do that, and I'm sure the whole village will come running to take you down."

She ignored him and exhaled a stream of fire. He coughed and flailed his arms to try and block it, but that was all Ruby saw before he disappeared behind a wall of flames. Knowing she'd hit, she kept up her attack until she was out of breath.

A large fire was left behind, but with the damp floor, it shrunk right before her eyes. Seconds later and she could hear Smokes' angry growl amongst the crackling, and his umbrella pushed through the fire. He swung it around at the flames to get rid of them.

"Good gods girl, you're out of your mind! What're you trying to do, set the whole village alight?" he shouted as he stomped out the last of the fire. Ruby leaned back.

"For someone who just tried to kill me, that's a weird thing to be worried about," she said.

"Hey man, can't have you wasting Bestia. I already told you the umbrella blocks weapons. Your Flamethrower isn't going to work on it!" he shouted.

Ruby opened her eyes in surprise. He's right. He doesn't have a scratch on him! And I'm pretty sure I hit him head on.

"Tch, got to make this quick. Pokémon are gonna come after that fire any minute now," Smokes muttered as he looked over his shoulder.

But he doesn't know that my attacks don't use Bestia. If I can find a way to hit, I can win for sure. Then that brella's mine! she thought, and flared up her back.

Smokes glared at her with a crooked smirk that let his fangs show. He held his weapon with both claws like a baseball bat and began to step around her slowly, so she did the same and tried not to look away from him. She had to be wary of the river behind her, so she kept glancing back.

"Heh. The age difference is showing. I've had more battles in a week than you've had in your whole life. Give it up," he said with a snicker.

"Nuts to this," she said with a growl.

She bolted forward to try and tackle him, but her head met the umbrella. It didn't hurt as hard as it looked, more like crashing into a wall covered in felt. Not painful enough to physically damage her, but painful enough that she bounced back and stumbled, where he thrust the weapon to shove her back. She coughed as she was sent rolling across the floor and stopped on her front. She was back to the river again, and glanced at it in angst.

She didn't dwell on that, though. She charged forward, but instead of ramming herself into the umbrella again, she slid to her right to try and get around it. Smokes slammed the open umbrella onto the ground and held it forward like a shield, where he had no trouble turning to keep that shield in her way.

"Darn it, that thing," she hissed as she skidded to a stop.

"Impenetrable defence, light enough for speed, and hard enough for a mighty offence!" he cheered.

He closed the umbrella and drew back to swing at her. The instant he did, Ruby tackled his chest and pushed him down, but he grabbed her with a claw. She clutched his chest in response, desperate not to let go of him.

"Gah, get off you- you—" he choked as he stood up. He stumbled around as he tried to yank her off him while yelling all kinds of profanity and curses, but she held tight.

All she could hear were her growls and his shouts as the surroundings blurred, while sharp pains came from her sides where his nails dug into her. Eventually she managed to breathe in for a Flamethrower, and blasted his face. He yelled and tripped back, but the force knocked her to the ground.

"Will you stop using Pokémon attacks? Gods, what is wrong with you? Bestia is no joke! How can a homeless bum like me possibly know better?" he shouted as he brushed himself off. The attack had left his scales charred. "And a fire move on a fire type, no less!"

"In case you haven't noticed, my Flamethrower doesn't use Bestia!" Ruby shouted as she got to her feet. He gawked at her. "But even if it did, it doesn't matter, I would still use it anyway. I need that weapon!"

"You would sacrifice the Bestia of the village just to get a weapon? What's the point?" he gasped.

"You wouldn't care. But more than anything in the world, I need that weapon," she said. She flared her back again, but his arms fell to his sides loosely. He hesitantly scanned the area, and sighed. He closed his umbrella and tossed it over to her. "Huh? What's this?"

"It's true. All the grass and colour is still intact," he said. He shook his head and held a claw forward. "I don't know how in the world you did that, or what the heck is wrong with you. But if you want it that badly then fine, keep it. The Parashelter is yours. Just stick to our original trade and gimme that treasure."

Ruby glanced at the treasure she'd dug up, a gold armlet with curious markings and curls on it. "Considering you just tried to kill me, I dunno if I should. So what's this all about, really? You got some friends to ambush me when I walk away in a bit?"

"I don't have friends. Why would a homeless Pokémon like me have friends?" he said. He growled and shook his head again. "Look, Pokémon are coming! Just gimme the damn bracelet before trouble starts. You don't want any grownups seeing you with a weapon either, do ya?"

"Tsk. You better not be lyin' again." She accepted the trade. The Parashelter was light enough for her to carry, and had a strap she could wrap around her waist to carry it at her side like a sheathed blade. "Huh. It is really light. A little big, but it'll do."

"Don't go waving that thing around in towns and cities now, you hear? It doesn't count as a weapon because it's an umbrella, so inspectors should let you through," Smokes said. He stepped back a few paces, and then turned tail. "And with that, I've done everything I'm required to do as an adult. You're on your own from here, so I hope I never see you again!"

"Uh." Ruby opened her mouth to speak, but he was off in the distance before any words came out. "O-kay? The heck was that about?"

"Ruby!" a familiar voice cried. She turned to see Crystal coming towards her, alongside the Kangaskhan she didn't want to see and one new figure.

"Oh. That's why he ran away." She slumped.

"Are you okay? Your fur's drenched!" Crystal cried. "You didn't do the river training, did you?"

"I didn't do the river training. I got er, an umbrella from some guy. Yeah. He said he wanted a treasure for it. But the treasure was in the river, so I dug it up," she said. "But a better question is, the heck happened to you? We were in this together, then the next thing I know, ya disappeared on me!"

"O-oh, er, erm…" Crystal started playing with her flippers. "You went into the casino. Only grownups are allowed in there."

"Yeah, but it was for the cause Crystal, the cause!" Ruby cried.

"I won't ask what this 'cause' is, but I do have a concern. That treasure you said you dug up," Kangaskhan said. Her voice was very soft and serene, which matched her stoic appearance. Despite her massive build as a bulked up and rugged Pokémon, she looked like the type that was mentally too soft to touch a Cutiefly. "It wasn't a gold armlet by any chance, was it?"

"An armlet?" Ruby cocked her head.

"A bracelet, Ruby. An accessory you slip over your arm." Kangaskhan said.

"Yeah it was. That's what I found, anyway. I've been diving into that river for months, but I never knew there was treasure buried in it. Why didn't you tell me?" She bounced excitedly.

"Oh dear," Kangaskhan said, and leaned on one arm. "It's imperative I get that back. But first, you two are coming home with me."

"Aw what? But you better hurry, the Charmeleon who took it said he wanted to leave Lillistep. He'll probably be gone if you don't go after him now," she said.

"The necklaces you two have acquired are more important. Let's go, young miss," Kangaskhan said. She turned to lead the way back, leaving Ruby confused.

"Necklaces?" she mumbled with a tilt of her head. She felt her chest, and there it was, an accessory she didn't realise she was wearing until now. The sudden feel of it made her flinch and hold it up. It only had a tiny hexagon on the end, but it was chilly enough to tickle her. She looked back and forth between Crystal and herself, speechless that Crystal had one the exact same as hers. The Pokémon next to Crystal, a massive, round, bird-like Pokémon covered in white feathers with triangle markings on its belly, giggled and raised a wing. "When and how did… and who the heck're you?"

The Pokémon put a wing to its mouth as if to hush her, and then pointed to the nursery in the village. They flew off towards it, and Crystal didn't say anything either, so Ruby sighed and gave up.

What felt like minutes later, they were back at Lillistep Nursery. Ruby was hesitant to step in, but Kangaskhan pulled her in roughly. The place was no different to what she expected to find of it. An army of baby Pokémon that could barely speak a word scattered about a large, colourful room, doing nothing but play with whatever curious novelty took their interest. Various toys littered the place, pre-school level posters were on the walls, and a few cots lined the wall at the far end. She hated it, but not enough to flare up.

"I'm glad you came back, Crystal. You did the right thing," Kangaskhan said.

"You sold me out?" Ruby cried.

"I didn't! I swear, I just came back. Mum figured it out," Crystal cried, shaking her flippers in protest.

"You didn't have to come back here," Ruby raised her voice.

"Don't shout, Ruby. Shh. Indoor voices, please," Kangaskhan said. Some of the babies gathered around her.

Ruby growled. "I don't have to do this anymore, Suzie. I'm outta here. I've got a weapon and I'm strong enough to take care of myself. I'm leaving."

"You are not going anywhere, young lady. Not while you look and smell like that. Crystal, you too. You know where the bath is," Kangaskhan said.

"You're not gonna make me get in, are you?" Ruby slumped.

"Of course not. Just wash that mud and damp off. And I expect you out in fifteen minutes maximum," Kangaskhan said.

"Yes Mum." Crystal bowed her head.

"Tsk. Whatever, Suzie. Can't remember the last time I shared a bath with Crystal," Ruby said with a groan. She followed Crystal to one of the side rooms, but stopped to look back at the children in the room.

"Alright everyone, it's time to clean up. We have an important meeting to have super soon," Suzie announced. She pointed to a trio in the corner of the room, a Mudkip, Chimchar, and Snivy. "Sapphire, Pearl, Emerald, you three are get the toys. Remember: wooden toys go in the wood box, while games go back on the shelf."

She pointed to another group, a Pikachu, Charmander, and a Totodile. "Yellow, Red, Silver, you three are on sweep duty. Pick up all the rubbish, okay? And don't even think about trying to eat it. Gold, Black, White, help clean up all the board games, please."

Ruby blinked in amazement. As Suzie commanded orders like she'd recited them for years, the kids obeyed without question. The room was being transformed into an orderly hall right before her eyes. She shut her eyes and sighed.

Their washroom was fancy compared to the other spots in Lillistep. It was indoors, but it was a spring with a loamy floor like the fields outside. A thick series of bamboo pipes circulated and filtered the water from the bottom and sides of the pool, where they were even labelled as hot or cold dispensers. She had no idea how it worked, but it worked. Crystal had already dove into the pool, so she assumed the water would be cold and sat beside the water to clean herself off.

"So what happened, really? If you weren't trying to sell me out, what gives?" she said. Crystal surfaced after a moment and paddled over.

"Suzie realised we were missing, so I just told her you'd gone training. But she knew I wouldn't have taken so long if I was just checking up on you after you blew up in the chimney this morning," Crystal said. "But get this. When we set out to look for you, an angel showed up. Me and you are legendary heroes, Ruby!"

"Legendary heroes?" she cocked her head. The big bird Pokémon from earlier suddenly popped out of Crystal's necklace like a ghost. She flew through the roof like it wasn't there, and then came down beside them with grace, where she bowed to them. "Wah! Where the heck did you come from?"

"Yep! You've got no idea how surprised I was to find two more heroes in one place again. If this keeps up, finding all of you is gonna be easy," the Pokémon said. "Crystal is right. The name's Angel, and I'm gonna be your guide for this stuff."

"Wait wait wait, slow down a sec. Guide? Heroes? Start from the top!" Ruby cried.

"Urf, I uh, kinda don't wanna repeat myself. Don't you girls know about the legend of the Shining Warriors?" Angel said. Ruby and Crystal exchanged glances, and then shook their heads at her. "Never even heard of it? Huh. Okay, that makes this a little tougher, but it's nothin' complex. I'll explain fully once you two meet up with the other heroes."

"Meet up?" Ruby said. "Sorry you fat ghost. I've got my own plans."

"Wait Ruby, think about it," Crystal cried. "I know you want to get revenge for your mother, but we don't know where that killer is. We might as well do this journey and then figure it out on the way."

"Plus, the meetup point is only at Fossil Hill. That's like, two regions away from here. You could get there in a couple of days if you don't sleep," Angel said with a wing raised.

"Wait a minute, don't sleep?" Crystal muttered.

"Tsk. Yeah I guess that makes sense. But if this is a big chore, then I'm quittin'. Killing that guy comes first," Ruby said.

"Besides, you don't have a choice, really. You either do the Shining Warrior journey or the whole world dies," Angel shrugged.

"We get to sleep though, right?" Crystal muttered.

"The whole world dies? You're just exaggerating. Whatever. So I'm guessin' it's your fault I got this necklace," Ruby said, holding it up.

"Yup! Those are your amulets. You couldn't get rid of them even if you wanted to, but keep them close and handy, anyway. They're proof that you're heroes. And with it, you can channel special powers, too," Angel said.

"Special powers?" Ruby perked up.

"Oh, are you interested now?" Angel said with a half-lidded smirk.

"Anything to make me stronger," she said.

"A-are we really gonna do this without sleeping, though? Strength is no good if you're sleepy," Crystal muttered.

"Well then, you'll just have to get to Fossil Hill to find out. Go there and get to the highest point you can. That's where I'm telling the other Shining Warriors to go, too. You'll meet all at once, and then I can give you all the full low-down," Angel said. "You've gotta leave like today, though."

"I was already plannin' on doing that, so you've gotta convince Suzie of that," Ruby looked away.

"I do plan on sleeping, you know," Crystal hung her head.

Some instinct told Ruby to keep quiet just then. There were voices muffled by the distance and walls, but their tone and volume hinted at aggression. She exchanged glances with Crystal, and then they both jumped at a loud thump. Several thumps. And then what sounded like several heavy things collapsing. The duo gasped at each other and then bolted back to the main room.

"Mum?" Ruby gasped and skidded to a stop the moment they entered. Suzie was leaned over like she had just punched someone, and there was a knight fainted halfway through the wall in front of her. Two other knights held their weapons in battle-ready stances.

"Girls!" Suzie gasped and glanced at them.

Her moment of distraction was met with sword thrust in her face. She leaned away just in time, but the knight punched her in the stomach, ignorant of the crying baby that was there. Suzie doubled over and the child toppled out of her pouch, while the knight drew back to raise their sword.

"Watch out!" Crystal cried.

Ruby foresaw what was about to happen, though. She had no idea what was going on or what had happened while they were in the wash, but what was important now was that Suzie's life flashed before her eyes. She didn't need another reason to bolt into action.

She didn't flare her back, she just threw up the strongest burst of fire she could muster in the moment. A cry of shock echoed from the knight's helmet and they recoiled. The other knight turned its attention on her and Crystal and advanced on them, where the duo shifted back.

The moment gave Suzie a chance to console her baby, but they wouldn't stop crying. She patted the child and cradled them while still leaned over, and they nuzzled into her chest in fright. "There, there now, there's no need to worry. Everything is going to be alright."

"Mum, pay attention!" Ruby shouted. She had to jump back to dodge the knight in front of her, who hammered their lance where she just was.

"Stay still. I don't want to have to hurt valuable subjects like you," the knight said. Ruby growled while Crystal cowered behind her. Ruby couldn't turn away from Suzie's battle behind the knight, though. The Kangaskhan continued to comfort her child, and delicately placed them back into her pouch.

"You on the other hand, you can die!" the sword knight shouted as they swung their weapon down. Crystal shrieked, but her fear was unfounded. Without looking up at the weapon, Suzie caught the blade in her bare hand.

"What?" Ruby's eyes opened wide in disbelief.

"What the?" the knight said, held in place by Suzie's grip. They twitched and grunted to try and get away, but as long as they held their sword, they weren't going anywhere. Suzie's grip was so tight that she had surely cut herself, but the only evidence were her grinding fangs. "Y-you can't be serious!"

Suzie looked up with a vicious glare. There was a feral spirit in her eyes, which shone red almost as if they had begun to glow. "I really didn't want you girls to have to see this."

With her grip still on the sword, she flung the knight up high and uppercut their stomach with a punch so hard it dented their armour. Then she then spun on one leg to swing her tail and strike the knight with wicked force. The knight was sent flying into the wall so hard their body tore through it like paper, where they collapsed into a silent heap.

"Ack! St-stay away!" The remaining knight stumbled back. Their legs turned to jelly and they shoved their lance forward desperately. Suzie turned on them without a pinch of mercy on her face. She snatched their lance and snapped it in two with her hands, kneed the knight in the stomach to make them stumble away, and then drew a fist back to punch them as hard as she could. Just like the first knight, their figure was sent flying into the wall, where they fell limp.

She took them out in an instant. Steel types, with her bare fists! Ruby's jaw was on the floor. Suzie let out a sorrowful sigh, shook herself, and then stood tall with her arms at her sides.

"They finally found us," she muttered.

"They… found us? Huh?" Crystal came out of cowering.

"What happened? Why were they trying to kill you?" Ruby bounced angrily.

"That is a story not for your ears," Suzie said.

"Nuts to that! You always told us to avoid the knights but you never told us why. The villagers said that the knights just protect Pokémon, so what gives? Why were they trying to kill you?" she raised her voice.

"Wait, you met the knights in the village?" Suzie said.

"I… okay, sorta. When I learnt that they protect villages and stuff, I was gonna get one of 'em to gimme a weapon, and then they asked about the nursery, so I pointed them here," she said. The colour drained from Suzie's face, and her body fell even looser.

"You sold us out! So much for your end of the cause," Crystal spat.

"Hey, I didn't sell you out! I didn't know they wanted to freaking kill you," Ruby cried.

"You still did exactly what Mum told us not to do. If you'd just listened to Mum, this wouldn't have happened," Crystal said.

"Girls, please do not argue. In fact, now is not the time to argue," Suzie said, getting their attention. "The retrieval of the river's treasure, our discovery of the knights, and you girls epiphany as Shining Warriors… It appears that far more has been set in motion than I could ever have prepared for."

"What're you talking about?" Ruby said.

"There is little time to explain," Suzie said as she walked to one of the broken shelves. The baby Pokémon made space for her, but their frightened and worried faces made it a wonder why they were silent. She took out a first aid bag from the broken shelf and began to bandage her hand. "Crystal. You know how you always feel like there is a reason for you to leave home? That you have the constant feeling of an underlying task you need to fulfil?"

"Ye… yes?" Crystal nodded.

"Oh, that 'destiny' stuff you sorta mentioned," Ruby muttered.

"Now is the time for you to put that into practice. I know it is sudden, but I cannot hold you back any longer. You were always fated to leave this place, and I have the necessary tools for you to do so," Suzie said. She came back from the mess with a small bag and a bow and quiver set. "Take this. It is your weapon."

"A bow and arrow? Wa-wait a minute, why am I…?" Crystal whimpered as she held up the weapon. The quiver was packed with arrows, but some of them had been tied together by a thin rope to make a knife-like weapon. Suzie seemed to ignore her, and hung the bag over Crystal's shoulder. She replaced Crystal's current weapon. "How am I supposed to use this? Piplup don't have any fingers!"

"Trust me, and trust yourself. When you leave the village, you will be attacked by feral Pokémon, the uncivilised Pokémon who know only to hunt and kill. Whenever you find yourself in danger, summon up your courage and attack them with everything you've got. Take care of your sister," Suzie said.

"Oh yeah, sure. Like she has to take care of me," Ruby rolled her eyes.

"And you, Ruby," Suzie said.

"M-me?" she bounced in surprise.

"It is good that you have a weapon now. But if your sister is in danger, or you get attacked by another knight, I want you to breathe as much fire as you can," Suzie said, and held a fist forward.

"Wait you… actually want me to shoot fire? You always told me to hold in my fire, what's going on?" she gasped.

"As much fire as you can. Really set the world alight like I know you can!" Suzie pumped that fist enthusiastically. "And don't get cocky against those knights. They aren't like the petty criminals you read in those comics and stories. The knights will kill you even though you're children. If you get into a fight with one, don't stick around to fight them. Run the moment you knock them down. You can't underestimate them enough."

"Why can't you just tell us what's going on?" Ruby shouted. Suzie leaned back a bit, and then smiled warmly.

"And Ruby, thank you so much for saving me back there. I really appreciate you calling me 'mum' again," she said.

"Wha-what? N-no, that wasn't," Ruby whispered. Her face grew hot and she rubbed her cheek. "I just did what any strong Pokémon would."

"I'm afraid we just don't have time. But I love you both so much," Suzie said.

She knelt to cuddle them both together, and their breaths stopped. For whatever reason, worrisome feelings sparked in Ruby's chest, making her shudder. Being this close to Suzie, she could tell that this Pokémon was genuine in what they were saying. Despite never seeing Suzie as her real mother and knowing that, she felt like she was in the embrace of a mother that meant as much to her as her real mother.

"Me and the other kids are going to miss you both every day. But even if you miss us, you must press on. I have to let you grow up. You're both Shining Warriors, now," Suzie said as she broke away. She still had that warm aura around her, making the two girls frown. "If you're worried about us, don't be. I set up this nursery and took care of all of you kids for nearly a decade. A little skirmish isn't going to defeat us. But you must not let the knights find you. So go, now."

"Mum," Crystal said.

"Suzie," Ruby muttered.

"Go. Get out of the village, and stay out of the view of the knights," Suzie said. She became firm as the girls hesitated. "I mean it, go! Before more show up. Your grand, Shining Warrior journey starts here and now!"

Even Ruby couldn't help but hesitate. She played with her forelegs and moaned about something, but when she looked up to see Suzie's annoyed look, she forced herself to move. She grabbed Crystal by the flipper and dragged her out the door.

"Wait Ruby!" Crystal cried, dragging her feet to slow them down. Ruby pulled until they were out of the house, where they both flinched and gasped.

There was a fire in the village, and it wasn't a weak, controller fire like Ruby's Flamethrower. It tore through the few buildings in the village and had a crowd of shouting Pokémon around it. Amongst the chaos, she spotted a group of four knights jogging right past the fire and in their direction.

"This way!" Ruby hissed. She dragged Crystal to the side of the house with such a violent yank that the Piplup yelped from it. From here, they could hide in a bush to spy on the knights as they barged into the nursery.

"Oh no, they're after Mum. We've got to help her," Crystal cried.

"Shh, stop it. I know what this looks like, but I think Suzie can take care of herself," Ruby whispered sharply.

"You think? You saw one of them nearly kill her, Ruby!" she cried.

"I know, but—" Ruby huffed. She poked her head through the bush. The area was far too open to properly hide, but with the commotion, they could probably slip into the forest without anyone noticing. Ruby nodded at her thoughts, and kept a grip on Crystal's flipper. "We have to believe in her, Crystal. This way."

"No Ruby! Mum needs our help. This is just like the thing with you, we need to stay and fight," Crystal pulled back.

"I wanna know what's up with Suzie too, but whatever it is, times like this are when we just have to trust her. She gave us what we want, and we need to take it!" she said. She took one glance at the house, and shivered. "N-no matter what it takes. All for the sake of… our destinies."

"Our… destinies?" Crystal went quiet.

"My quest to avenge my real mother, and yours, the one you've been having dreams about. It might be related to the Shining Warrior stuff. It hurts, it really does hurt, but we have to go," Ruby said. Why do I sound so desperate? Stop it Ruby, you can't show weakness now. This is what I wanted, I get to go, I get to go!

Crystal gulped and looked like she swallowed tears behind her eyes. "Okay. Let's go."

Ruby shuddered as she took off, but Crystal was supportive this time. She sprinted on all fours for a while, and glanced at the distant Kecleon Shop as they passed. That was one of the places on fire, and it looked like the villagers were passing buckets to each other to put it out. The flames looked too big to be put out that way, however.

She tore her sight away and growled. I hate this. I dunno what's happening but I have to press on. I HAVE to press on. Just go Ruby, go!

She sped up, and this time she didn't stop until darkness took over her surroundings. She skidded to a stop and opened her eyes wide, but it was only the trees of the forest that had darkened everything. They had entered Misgeriom Woods at last. She caught her breath as she walked, and Crystal linked hands with her.

To them, the ground went from the soft earth of cultivated fields to an erratic stretch of roots and soil. A curious smell filled the air, nothing like what she expected from such wild woodland. Misgeriom Woods didn't have a theme to it – every single tree was a different type of tree, from palm trees, to oak, to various fruit trees, and everything in between. They still did the job of blocking the sky with their leafy tops, while their roots fought to cover as much ground as possible. As such, there was no path, only steps of mushy soil amongst various sizes of tree roots.

"U-um, Ruby? Is this the right way?" Crystal said after a while.

That got her to turn around. She couldn't see or hear the village. She couldn't see or hear anyone at all, for that matter. She cringed as a horrible sense of claustrophobia took over. As she slowly spun and examined her surroundings, she felt like the woodland might close in and crush her. It had her breathing shakily through her mouth. Don't lose it, Ruby. Damn it, what's wrong with you, what's wrong with you, what's WRONG with you? Get it together, all you have to do is —

Her heart stopped for a moment and her eyes opened wide. Above them and to their right, camouflaged amongst the branches, was a huge monster. She could barely see it thanks to the darkness, but there was no mistaking it. There was something with blue and pink scales watching them. She flinched when a pair of toothy grins appeared, and the figure jumped toward them.

"Watch out!" she cried and dove into Crystal. Ruby rolled to her feet while Crystal fell face flat in the soil. Their attacker was some kind of two-headed, quadruped dragon with blue and pink scales on its lower half, while its upper half had a rough black fur coat. Its whole body was aged and dirty like it hadn't been cleaned in years, but it didn't smell at all.

"Breeh… heh heh heh. Ha ha ha! What a turn of luck, 'ey?" the Pokémon's left head said in a deep, gritty, monstrous voice.

"It is an uncharacteristically fortunate turn of events, yes," the right head said in a posh, sophisticated voice. "For once, we agree."

"Well it doesn't take a genius to figure out, dumbo!" the left head said.

"A-aah! Are you the monster of the forest?" Crystal cried. Ruby didn't say anything. She just flared up. "The monster of Misgeriom that eats lost children… it's real!"

"Breeh. It's like a script. Perhaps I should play along sometime and see if I'm capable of theatre," said the left head.

"With your intelligence and patience, I'd say you have a six percent chance to succeed, even after rehearsal," said the right head.

"Oh shuddup. I'm too hungry for this. I'm gonna eat both of them!"

"Tsk tsk tsk. That's we, my dear Evark. We shall consume them together."

"Na-uh. I saw them first, so that means I get all the meat," said Evark left.

"There are two of them. We shall share the goods," said Evark right.

"When has that ever worked? You try and talk like a gentlemon, but you always eat too much!" said Evark left.

"You pin that blame on me, despite us sharing a stomach? Have you considered eating less, my dear Evark?" said Evark right.

"Why should I eat less? How about you stop being all high and mighty and eat less?"

"Once you learn to cooperate for once, my dim-witted other half."

The two of them started to snap and bark at each other, to which Ruby calmed down a bit. "Crystal, quick. While they're arguing."

"Hu-huh? Wha-what do I do?" Crystal said.

"Remember what Suzie said. Your weapon. It's up to you to beat them. If I use Flamethrower here, I could set the whole forest on fire. But maybe your arrow can hit 'em," Ruby whispered. Crystal took out her bow and held an arrow in it, but then gulped. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure, Ruby. I-I dunno the first thing about using a bow and arrow." She shook her head.

"You just pull back on the string and then let go of the arrow, and it flies off, right? Try not to think too hard about it, just try and hit the guy. Er, guys," she gasped, glancing back and forth.

Crystal held in a squeal, but she gave it a try anyway. She pulled the arrow back, but without fingers, her grip on the bow and arrow was shakier than a Snorunt. She squeaked as she accidentally let an arrow fly loose. Everyone flinched, and both heads of the dragon snapped to her direction.

Crystal gasped and held her breath. Silence fell. It took a few seconds to realise that the arrow had pierced the monster's front, a little above its right leg. Evark didn't flinch though, even though the arrow was in pretty deep. The left head looked down at the arrow for a moment, then at its other head, and then at Crystal and Ruby.

"That's a real arrow, isn't it?" said Evark left.

"Yes, I believe it is," said Evark right.

"Lodged right into my side?" said Evark left.

"Our side, sir Evark," said Evark right.

"And it's excruciatingly painful?"

"Oh we are going to be feeling that one for the next few nights."

Finally, the two heads roared so loud the forest around them rumbled. Their heads shook and they stomped across the floor. After a long moment of thrashing, they charged forward at wicked speed, and stopped right in front of the frightened Ruby and Crystal.

"You'll regret that you cocky little nuisances!" both heads roared in perfect sync.

Before either of the girls could retort, Evark's heads attempted to bite them with jaws so wide they could have been swallowed whole. The girls screamed and dove away, making the two heads bash into each other as they both targeted Crystal.

"You idiot, go after the left one!" Evark left said.

"Would that be your left or my right?" Evark right said.

"Your left! I mean, my right! I-I mean- gah, just bite things you imbecile!"

"Bite whatever moves. We're having meat tonight!"

Evark charged again, this time towards Ruby. She screamed and shoved her umbrella in defence, but the left head chomped down on it hard. That choked him and caused the whole body to stumble, so he started to wildly bite the umbrella.

"Ah- no, get off!" Ruby pulled back before her weapon was torn to shreds. Another arrow hit him in the side and the heads roared again. They turned on Crystal, who was behind him.

"I-I'm sorry I'm sorry, I don't mean to hurt you so bad!" she cried while Ruby ran over to her.

"You… you! Evark, they're feisty ones!" Evark right glanced at his other half.

"That means we do what we do best, right?" Evark left glanced, too.

"Dragon Pulse!" they cheered, and planted their feet.

"Dragon Pulse?" Ruby said.

Both heads began to breathe in just like Ruby would a Flamethrower, only there were no visible flames as they leaned back and inhaled. But there was a loud hissing sound, almost like a powerful jet of flame was splitting the air.

"Girls!" a familiar voice squeaked. Angel popped out beside them. "You've got to get away, fast! They're going to use a Pokémon attack. I can feel the Bestia draining from the area, and you will soon, too!"

"An actual Pokémon attack? Are you serious?" Ruby gasped, glancing back and forth.

As Evark's charge continued, the colour began to drain from the world around them. Ruby gasped and choked as suddenly her breath was stolen from her. She couldn't believe her eyes. The darkness of the forest, what little browns and greens she could make out, all of it swirled towards Evark's two mouths, where it took form as a pair of sparking blue balls of fire. What was left of the colourless areas was a world of grey, as if everything Evark was absorbing was turning to stone.

What? Ruby gasped in her head, and fell on all fours. As the grey spread over her and Crystal, her energy seemed to drain from her. In seconds, she became a gasping wreck that could barely lift her head. She growled as she tried to force herself to get out of the way, but it was no good. Everything became muffled and blurry – Angel and Crystal's shouts and struggles, the forested scenery, and even Evark and his attack.

The last thing she saw was a large blurry ball surrounded by faded grey before she fell flat, and everything turned black.