Episode 8: Lucca's New Mission
"I don't get it. I thought I would understand, but I don't," Lucca admitted as he observed the show. The way the Oricorio moved, he knew he could dance better than them. Combined with the Cinccino's scarves and clothes flowing about the stage, and the Ninjask zipping about too, the dance routine appeared very flashy. It was as if bunch of figures were dancing through water, without any actual water. He couldn't help but feel it was wasteful.
"There's nothing to get, silly. It's just a dance. Shh," Azu hushed him and giggled.
"I am watching. I can do the moves they're doing," he bragged. He squirmed in his seat, and wound up leaning on the chair in front of him. "And these things aren't built for Pokémon without feet. This is so uncomfortable."
"That is a good point. I thought they would've accommodated for that," Azu commented. "Sorry."
"Not your fault. Just, when you said it was a dance show, I thought there would be a battle involved, but there's not a weapon in sight," Lucca said.
Azu pulled him back into his seat. "Why would a dance performance have a fight?"
"Isn't that practical? That's the only reason why I learned to dance, to apply it to combat. Weapons are pretty difficult for a Brionne to use, so I had to find a way," he explained. There was a pause, and Azu appeared almost sceptical. "I've never seen Pokémon dance for entertainment before. I-I didn't know others liked to watch, too."
"I'm starting to get a picture about where you've come from," Azu muttered. The performance finished just then, and applause started up as lights came on. "Okay, you gotta admit, that pose is cool."
"The coordination, the balance, the timing, the smoothness… they're barely twitching. These Pokémon would be real contenders in battle," Lucca remarked.
"What is with you and fighting? You didn't strike me as the violent type, you know," Azu laughed lightly.
"Force of habit. I did get to see a thing or two I could try out sometime, though," he admitted.
"Will you relax? You're not here to train or learn how to fight or whatever. Just sit back and enjoy the show. It's not even the main act yet," Azu said. She dug behind her and revealed a bowl of food. "Here! Chewy sweets. Try one!"
"Sweets?" he replied, eying it unsurely. Small, soft, pink and white squares were heaped up. He took one, sniffed it, and could only smell sugar. He wasn't sure until he took a bite, hardly expecting it to be as fluffy as it was. It was tasty enough to make him blush and reach for more, but she pulled the bowl away from him.
"Uh uh uh, we're sharing these, hee hee," she said, half-lidded.
"Aww. What are they? I could eat a whole bowl of them!" he remarked and licked his lips.
"They're called marshmallows. Something told me you'd never tried one before," she giggled as she held one out to him. He followed it with his nose like a magnet, so she played with him a bit. She held it up and he stood on his tail, and when she held it low, he flopped to the floor. "I cannot believe you sometimes."
"Gimme!" he whined. She flicked it up and he caught it in his mouth, making a pleasant sound while he chewed.
"So which of you is the dog now? Or is this just what Mimia takes after?" she giggled, playing with another one for him.
"Only when tasty food is involved," he said without turning away from the marshmallow, making her laugh even more.
"Oh Lucca," she sighed.
"Thank you, thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemon, let me thank you for coming here today!" began a new voice as the dancers left the stage. Lucca had to do a double take as the voice was all too familiar. The moment he saw the large Ribombee show up in the centre of the stage, he flew forward and leaned on the chair in front of him.
"Alver?" Lucca gasped.
"Lucca?" Azu whispered. He instantly felt embarrassed, and glanced between her and the stage.
"I'm sure many of you have travelled far and wide, and paid many a pretty penny to come all this way for tonight's show. For that, each of you is the star of the show," Alver continued. "But before we continue on with the main act, I must run through our house rules so that you all, and our star Esther, may all enjoy the show."
I don't get it. What the heck are you doing here? Lucca asked himself, unable to believe his eyes. What happened to our mission?
"Is it someone you know?" Azu asked quietly as the audience had gone silent. Lucca got a hold of himself and leaned back.
"U-uh, I… sorry about that. I-I thought it was someone I knew, but there shouldn't be anyone," he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. What am I doing? What's the harm if Azu knows? She might even be able to help.
As Alver spoke, Ruby crawled on stage and ran into the light in the centre. A round of gasps came from the audience as she appeared and flared her back, and even Alver lost his trail of words. Lucca leaned forward again too, and this time he was gritting his fangs.
"Wait, isn't that Ruby?" Lucca hissed.
"What is she doing here? How did she even?" Azu added, concerned now as well.
"Ahaha, excuse me a moment everyone," Alver laughed. "Young miss, please return to your seat. We cannot continue the show with members of the public so close to the stage."
Ruby tensed up. "You don't remember me, do you?"
"Hmm?" Alver replied.
"Figures. A heartless murderer like you probably doesn't remember anyone he's killed," Ruby raised her voice. The flames on her back grew, and she opened her eyes to give him a fierce glare. "Ring any bells?"
Alver was silent. Despite Lucca's distance from the stage, for the briefest moment, it looked like Alver smiled. Something about it rubbed Lucca the wrong way. Perhaps the Ribombee had an inside joke brought up, or just found the scene funny. Alver's slight reaction just felt concerning.
"Young miss, please return to your seat as you are holding up the performance. I do not want to have to call security," Alver instructed with a bow.
"Like hell I'd do that. I'm not leaving until you're burnt to a crisp," Ruby threatened.
"Ruby, stop it!" Crystal cried, appearing onstage too. Mimia barked beside her.
"Stay the heck back! This is between me and the murderer!" Ruby ordered. "I'm not letting you live another day. You're gonna pay for killing my mother, and I don't care who's around or what. Today, you die!"
"Er, what is going on? Lucca, she's not seriously going to, is she?" Azu said with growing panic.
There's no freaking way, Lucca cried in his head, starting to shake. The one who killed Ruby's mother was Alver? That's impossible, this is Alver's first time in Heroica. Ruby HAS to be mistaken!
"Well now, that's quite a threat. I would ask that you don't—" Alver replied.
Ruby cut him off by blowing fire straight at him. In a flash, his large staff appeared in his dangly arms, and he spun it around to deflect the flames. Ruby quickly let up, and he was completely unharmed. He didn't retaliate however, and held the staff over his front defensively.
"Wait… Ruby mentioned it. A large yellow bug type with a staff. She actually said it," Azu revealed, making Lucca gasp. "But in front of all these Pokémon? Lucca, she's really going to fight him!"
All Lucca could do was growl. Alver? Seriously, it's ALVER? What in the world is going on?
"Um, Mr Alver? What's going on?" a young girl asked. A Pikachu peeked out from the curtains behind the stage, making Alver glance away from Ruby.
"Esther, stay back!" Alver shouted and held out his arm.
"Die!" Ruby shrieked, shooting another stream of fire at him. Both Alver and the Pikachu ducked away from her attack, letting it blast against the curtains in a small explosion. A large fire spread upwards across the stage decor, but that didn't stop Ruby from fighting.
Shouting wildly, Ruby unleashed Flamethrower after Flamethrower towards Alver, who ducked and swerved side to side to avoid them. Seconds later and he was surrounded by flames and screaming Pokémon, yet he stared at Ruby with an unbothered look.
"Don't give me that!" Ruby snarled, opening the Parashelter. She filled the canopy with fire and then twirled, keeping her weapon on the tip of her hand. Fire Spin flew from her with perfect aim, and this time her attack hit its mark. Alver was surprised, and crossed his staff and arms over his front to resist the embers of Ruby's flaming hurricane.
"Ruby, stop it!" Crystal shrieked as she dove into her.
"Crystal, what the- get the hell off me!" Ruby shouted back.
Mimia was in shock too, glancing back and forth as the two Pokémon wrestled and rolled all over. In the chaos, Alver swiped his staff aside to free himself from the Fire Spin, and then shared a glance at Mimia, too. Neither said a word.
"Crystal what the heck?" Ruby cried, finally throwing off her sister.
"Don't ask me!" Crystal coughed as she rolled to her feet. "Just look around you. Why would you do this?"
"Shut up! I don't care. This is what I'm alive for you bastard! I won't let you get in the way!" Ruby cried.
"Just stop it—" Crystal tried to argue, but was cut off by another Flamethrower that just missed her. Her eyes were wider than ever. "R-Ruby…"
"This isn't like Fossil Hill or the stupid dogs in the field, or even Suzie. Crystal if you don't get outta the way, then I'll kill you, too," Ruby threatened, eyes open and flared with hatred. Crystal couldn't respond. "This bastard murdered my parents. I spent all my life getting stronger to get revenge. I'll die before I let anything stop me!"
Roaring at the top of her lungs, Ruby unleashed another burst of fire, but Alver dodged it just as effortlessly as ever. This time however, the Ribombee charged towards her, dodging two more bursts of fire to appear right in front of her. He swung his staff upwards, and even though Ruby blocked it with the Parashelter, her weapon was sent flying out of her grip.
"That's enough racket from you," Alver said as he brought his weapon back down. Ruby attempted to shoot more fire at him, but he struck her head straight down, making her choke on those flames. The one attack brought her face flat to the floor too, with a huge dent below her. He raised his weapon again, leaving a moment to see whether she was still conscious or not, to which she shivered in pain. "Disrupt my show, will you? I'll see to it that you never walk again!"
He swung down at her, but a heavy snap was all that sounded out instead. He was surprised to see Mimia protecting her, knife in mouth and growling fiercely. They stayed like that for a moment, and then shifted away from one another.
"Ruby, Crystal!" Lucca cried, finally reaching them. Azu stayed back with a frightened Shelly. The audience had all evacuated, but the Pikachu from earlier still peeked in from backstage.
"You know these children?" Alver asked.
Lucca's mouth hung open in response. Now that he was right up close, there was absolutely no doubt that it was Alver, his retainer and childhood friend. The resemblance was unmistakable. Before he could say a word, a platoon of Pokémon appeared behind the group.
"Cease! Apprehend them!" a round of orders were given, and Lucca's group were tackled down by Machoke, Scizor, and the like. Nobody tried to fight them off at all.
…
"Well this couldn't have gone worse," Azu grumbled, giving an iron bar a light kick. "Jailed for wanting to go on a date with a Shining Warrior. The gods really do have it out for me."
"It wasn't your fault though. It was Crystal's!" Ruby shouted, giving the same iron bar an even harder kick. The six of them had been thrown into the same jail cell, which was cramped and lacked a bed.
"My fault? You let your fire out in a room full of Pokémon!" Crystal cried. "Of course we were gonna get arrested!"
"Yes, it's your fault. If you hadn't gotten in the way, I'd still be fightin' that guy. He got hit by my Fire Spin!" Ruby raised her voice. She growled and shot yet more fire at the iron bars, but it had no effect. "Instead he got out of it then got lucky with a hit. Stupid, stupid, stupid!"
"Pull yourself together," Mimia cried. She glared at him as if to hear what he had to say, but he stopped there and turned away.
The bickering continued, but Lucca was zoned out to it all, leaned against the back wall with folded flippers. A thousand questions filled his thoughts, and it hurt not to have answers to any. After a while he looked up, maintaining a serious look. "Ruby."
"What?" she snapped at him. There was a pause.
"You might as well tell us what's up now," Lucca demanded. As if she caught his tone, she turned away and growled, eyes darting side to side. "We've seen what lengths you're willing to take. There's no point in keeping us out of the loop."
"Hmpf. If it means none of you pulling that Crystal shit again," Ruby grumbled. That touched a nerve, and Crystal slapped her face. "You little—"
"Watch your language!" Crystal cried. "And stop trying to act so tough, too. We're on your side. There's no point in fighting us."
"That's what I thought, but then you freaking stopped me—"
"We're not arguing about this. There were a thousand ways to deal with that situation and you took the most stupid one. Now the whole city thinks we're Bestia thieving fakes," Crystal cried.
"Crystal, Ruby!" Lucca snapped, getting their attentions. "Stop fighting and let her talk."
The duo turned away from each other, and Ruby stomped away. She sighed after a while, and tried to look at the group. Her face was bitter and she couldn't keep eye contact with anyone. "I don't know what the guy was after, but he attacked me and Mum years ago."
"I figured that much, but to what extent? You've been calling him a murderer," Azu commented.
"I dunno. The guy had these monsters I've never seen before following him. They were these super strong monsters, they tore down our house and everything. Mum tried to carry me through a forest to escape, but they got her," Ruby recalled. "She jumped off a cliff with me to try and get away and everything. He just kept chasing us until he killed her. I think he wanted me dead too, but I guess he didn't know I survived."
"Monsters you've never seen before? You're certain it was… the bug we saw on stage?" Lucca questioned.
"I couldn't see the monsters because it was really dark and rainy and stuff. But they were big and white, and strong enough to tear down trees and the hut where we lived," Ruby explained. "But that guy, I'm certain. Big, yellow bug with the weird writing on his head and the staff with the moon shape on it, he was the main one."
"It fits his description to a T. I'm not saying I don't believe you, but it's difficult to picture. He was just a stage presenter, after all," Azu commented.
A retainer turned presenter who used to study Ultra Beasts, and murdered Ruby's mother years ago? It just doesn't make sense why he'd do this, Lucca thought, rubbing his chin.
"I didn't even realise Mum had died at the time. I stayed underneath her body, and nearly drowned in rainwater and mud. If Suzie didn't find me, It'd have been that or I'd have starved to death," Ruby continued. "It's haunted my nightmares ever since. That's how I know it's my calling."
"Your… calling?" Shelly asked.
"I spent all this time training daily. Making my fire stronger so that I could burn him to death. That's all I've really cared about. Even this Shining Warrior stuff doesn't matter to me. All I want to do is kill him and make it stop," Ruby stated. Everyone stared at her, and not one of them hid their troubled appearance. "I said the same to Crystal. If I have to kill one of you to get through to him, then I will, and I won't hold back. So don't gimme those looks. Next time, do not get in my way."
"Don't be like that. Crystal's your sister, isn't she? If she had to die for this, what would you do afterwards?" Azu challenged.
"I don't care if I die doing this or whatever! I don't care about anything, don't you get it? Nothing, and I mean nothing, matters except killing that guy!" Ruby cried.
She's totally stubborn on this. I can tell she's not lying or exaggerating, but can reoccurring nightmares really cause this much hatred? Lucca rubbed his chin, and then glared at Ruby. "Do you understand why Crystal tried to stop you? Or why we're all clearly opposed to this now?"
"'Cos of the stupid public, or Shining Warrior Journey or whatever. I know this isn't about me," Ruby replied, and turned away. "Things'll never be about me."
"When you're calmer, you should sit and have a real think about it," Lucca suggested. He meant to say more, but stopped as he could hear footsteps approaching. A Magnezone followed by two Pangoro approached their cell, and stood by the door for a moment.
"What?" Ruby snapped at them.
"Would the one called Lucca please come forward? You are required for questioning," Magnezone requested in its robotic tone. The group exchanged glances, but Lucca followed the instruction.
"Wait but—" Shelly leaned forward.
"It'll be fine. It's worse for us if we don't behave," Lucca said as he walked out.
"But… but the… p-p-poster," Shelly whimpered and scrunched up.
If it's just questioning, hopefully I can explain what's going on, kind of…this is going to be tough, but I have to try to get everyone out of this. It's my fault, after all, Lucca gulped as he was directed back through the corridors of the jail. He was confused when they began to ascend stairs toward the exit however, and even more when he was brought into a hotel lobby. The room was totally empty besides Alver, who had his back to them when they arrived.
"We have brought him, captain," Magnezone said, making Alver turn around.
"Thank you. Would you give us the room?" Alver asked. There was slight hesitation and unsure looks from the Pangoro, but Magnezone gestured a nod.
"Very well, captain. We will guard the premises," Magnezone stated. Just like that, it was just Lucca and Alver. The bug type fluttered over to a small café section where there were seats, and leaned on the backrest of one.
"Alver," Lucca began.
"Well now, you've been getting yourself into quite the noisy activities, haven't you? I almost gave myself away, seeing Mimia show up like that," Alver said with a snicker.
"You're telling me! What in the world are you doing as a stage presenter for a dance show?" Lucca replied.
"Are we duelling with questions? What were you doing at a theatre in the first place? Don't you have Shining Warrior duties?" Alver smirked this time.
"Grk. Weren't you supposed to be assisting me from afar? I've seen nothing!" Lucca growled.
"Your Highness," Alver said. His smirk didn't change.
"It's complicated," sighed Lucca. "Do I have to tell you?"
"Yes, you must. You wouldn't want to betray your father, would you?" Alver challenged. Lucca paused again.
"I've met someone I like… I didn't think I would. Father's words that I should live and enjoy myself on the journey made me think it would be alright if got to take a little time off," Lucca explained, playing with his flippers. "She's really into the Shining Warrior stuff, and ancient history and legends. We're a lot alike, I just thought—"
"Oh? Is it that Azumarill?" Alver asked, leaning forward. Lucca gulped. "Ah. You have good taste. Someone who matches your type and interests would make a fine queen. You are not wrong for indulging in her, provided something comes of it, Your Highness."
He makes it sound a bit like it's a game… How would Azu react to Reverie, anyway? She'd probably squeal if she found out I was the prince of a legendary race, Lucca asked himself.
"You must watch yourself, however," Alver continued, unrolling a large piece of paper. Lucca's mouth dropped when he saw his portrait on the wanted poster. "We can't have you loitering around a huge public space like this when there are wanted posters around."
"Wait, that was justified, I promise—" Lucca staggered.
"You need not explain yourself to me, Your Highness. You killed a Pokémon that threatened our mission, did you not?" Alver raised a hand. Lucca held his breath. "That was our agreed duty when we came to this world. To see you be persecuted by the Pokémon of Heroica is just a solid example of why the Shining Warrior legend exists in the first place."
Lucca didn't reply. What does he mean by that?
"Didn't you ever question why Bestia is a limited resource in the first place? Or why the Pokémon of Heroica struggle to uphold the legend, to the point that it is known as a legend and not a tradition?" Alver asked.
Lucca's breathing became heavier, so Alver started pacing, fluttering back and forth.
"For daring to kill a Pokémon that threatened to drain the remaining Bestia from our world, you are seen as a criminal, not the Pokémon. We Revenants, it is down to us to shoulder Heroica's toughest chores and burdens. To ensure that these Pokémon can innocently live in their own paradise, no matter how much we have to sacrifice. That is simply the way it must be."
"You're saying there's going to be no real reward for doing all this, aren't you?" Lucca hung his head.
"That you may even die for nothing. We both knew this when we left Reverie, however. I'm merely saying to watch yourself as you do what must be done, lest the Heroicans do worse than simply jail you. Their ignorance to the world's problems is boundless," Alver explained.
There was another pause, and Lucca sighed. Seeing that, Alver smiled and leaned on the chair again. "You may have noticed that Magnezone call me by the title of 'captain'. I took on the role of authority here so that I can uproot any criminals and bring them to justice. Specifically, those who use Bestia. Would you like to deal with my current objective?"
"Huh?" Lucca looked at him. That strange smile never left, so Lucca grew concerned. "What do you mean by that?"
"Your name is already on a wanted poster. We could work together. I draw out the Bestia thieves, you erase them. There is one right here in the performance industry, that is why I am here undercover as a presenter," Alver explained.
Wait a minute, he can't possibly mean… Lucca froze at that thought. "You want me to…"
"Don't make me say it out loud," Alver tensed up.
"What is wrong with you? I only killed Evark because I had no choice. He could have dealt significantly more damage if I didn't. I don't intend to kill anyone else so casually!" Lucca exclaimed.
"It will be both of our faces on wanted posters if you leave it to me. Either way, my current target dies tonight," Alver stated.
Lucca's body went cold. "Alver… have you… killed a Pokémon before?"
That eerie smile returned, and Alver flew closer. "Do you suspect me of something?"
"Please don't dance around the question. I need to know. Have you killed another Pokémon before?" Lucca lowered his tone.
"More than I can count. So have you, counting the beasts of Reverie we used to train you. Is there someone specific?" Alver asked, and then his face brightened. "Ah. You suspect me of that Cyndaquil's vengeance, don't you? Something about her mother?"
Lucca glared at him. His heart beat so fast it felt like it might jump out of his chest. It was like he already knew what response he was going to get, yet he didn't want to hear it. The feeling made him gulp and shift back.
"Everyone I have ever killed has been detrimental to our plan in one way or another. Bestia thieves, or Pokémon that knew of my origin and intended to stop me. I seem to recall a Typhlosion diving off a cliff to protect her child from me," Alver stated, rubbing his chin.
It is… it's Ruby's story… Lucca froze completely stiff.
"I didn't know the child survived, nor that they would resort to using Bestia to take revenge," Alver mumbled.
"No, wait! Ruby's fire doesn't use Bestia," Lucca cried, and then covered his mouth. Alver glanced at him. "I-I can't believe it… it's you that she's after. It's really you."
"Is she one of yours?" Alver cocked his head.
"Yes, she's a Shining Warrior. She's not a threat in any way. But that's why we need to think about this," Lucca cried. "We can't just go and kill every little Pokémon that wastes Bestia. These are Pokémon who're just living normal lives, or trying to. Some of them don't mean to, and they have families, or children, and friends! They're—"
"Your Highness!" Alver interrupted him. "Have you forgotten what I just explained to you?"
Lucca gulped.
"We are Revenants from Reverie. Aska Revenants. And you, especially, are the crown prince. It is your duty to do absolutely everything you can to ensure our world comes to peace. To bring back your family," Alver stated. "You cannot worry about the Pokémon you kill, their families, or whatever personal agendas they have. You work for the greater good. If a Pokémon uses a substantial amount of Bestia, we must stop them by all means possible. Even if it means killing them."
Lucca hung his head.
"Do I make myself clear?" Alver asked. Lucca didn't reply, so he cleared his throat. "I said, do I make myself clear?"
"… Yes, Alver," Lucca replied bitterly.
"If you are wanted, then I won't risk soiling my name and position should there be any error. I could even position myself as the captor of your case, meaning I would always be able to sneak you free should you get caught. It is a fortunate spin on the situation," Alver rambled.
Lucca zoned out again. He could hear Alver clearly and took in the words, but the darkness of the situation tore at him. Lilan gave me hope that what I did was for the greater good and that I could be a hero. If I just go and start killing more Pokémon, am I really a hero? Just because they threaten the chance for the Aska to come back?
Thinking of Lilan brought back the awful feelings he got from villagers of Vergrace. Their collective fear, their silence, their clear animosity towards him and his new friends who hadn't even done anything. The frozen figures of his family came next, and his determination to free them.
What good is freeing my ancestors if I have to be a villain to do it? What would they say and do if they found out I killed innocent Pokémon to help them? Lucca tensed up with his thoughts. What would Father do in this situation? Can I even tell Mimia?
…
Lucca had entered a distant trance that evening. Just like Alver proposed, some strings were pulled and the team were set free, under the condition that they leave Girage as soon as possible and not make too much of a big deal. They still needed a ship, so tomorrow would be a big day.
"The target is the Pikachu idol, Esther. She travels Heroica, performing pop music and dances at concerts and theatres like the one you were at earlier," Alver explained. "But her routine has herself and her entire troupe using electricity. The move Flash, Discharge, even Volt Tackle and to a degree, Draining Kiss. You already witnessed it in the usage of the stage lights. This obvious waste of Bestia made her a danger to our plan, but her celebrity status made it extremely difficult for me to get close. Tonight, she sleeps on the fifth floor of Chansey Towers. This may be our only chance to stop her for good."
The coldness of Alver's instruction was what bothered Lucca most. He sat leaned back against the bed of this fancy hotel room, located on the first floor of Chansey Towers. When Mimia finished sorting their supplies and prepping the beds, they would go to sleep, and Lucca would make his move.
There's no buttering this up. This is a hit, Lucca thought with a sigh. He glared at Mimia, who made an upset face at whatever look Lucca was giving him. And this doesn't even begin to touch on what I do about Ruby. Can I really do the rest of the journey knowing that the justice she wants is right there? Was it even for the greater good?
Mimia barked at him, and his heart jumped. At some point, the Stufful had come up close to him. "Mimia," Lucca shuddered.
"What's wrong?" Mimia asked, speaking feral. He said that as he cuddled Lucca tight.
The best thing about Mimia was the magic of his hugs. This Stufful had the physical strength to uproot trees without much effort, and yet, his body maintained a nostalgic softness that was always pleasant to touch. Lucca hugged him back, and all the comforts of his favourite stuffed toy from childhood came right back.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong," Lucca replied, stroking Mimia's back.
"We've been together too long for that to fly. Don't you want to talk to me about it?" Mimia continued, breaking away. Lucca tried to hide a gulp. He felt so guilty, facing Mimia like this. As if detecting that insecurity, Mimia nuzzled his face. "When we were in Reverie, you had no problem sharing secrets with me. Even now, those secrets and feelings stay between us. Why can't you now?"
"I can't now because nothing's wrong, silly. If there really was something wrong, I'd tell you, that's for sure," Lucca said slowly.
"Was it something I did?" Mimia replied with a whine. Lucca's eyes widened.
"What? No, what could you have possibly done? You've been phenomenal throughout all of this," Lucca remarked. Mimia stared at him, and then he realised Mimia meant the earlier argument. "Oh, you meant that stuff with Azu. Er, I can talk to you about that, actually."
"You like her. That is very clear," Mimia turned away. The disappointment in his grumbles was clear.
"Father made a joke about it, but now I know what he said about meeting Pokémon is very real," Lucca sighed. "She's just… it's like when I met you, I guess. I can't help but feel kind of feathery and happy. I-I like being around her. I want to know more about her and have her around our little adventures. Having someone cute, smart, and adventurous like her around would make things even funner than they already are."
"Did you really feel the same things about me when we met?" Mimia asked. His cheeks grew a slightly red then, and the question and the cuteness made Lucca's face feel a little hot, too.
"Well I don't know exactly about back then. That was over ten years ago. I just know I feel that about you now," Lucca rubbed the back of his head. He perked up and tackled Mimia onto the bed, who playfully fought back. "What's with a question like that, anyway? Point is it's nothing to do with you, buddy!"
Mimia barked a few times before he was able to squirm out of his gasp. He had a great big smile on his face. "Azu has lots to do with me!"
"She… does?" Lucca froze up, confused. Mimia sighed, then pouted, and turned away.
"Never mind," He whined. Silence fell, so Lucca got comfy again. "What are you going to do about Ruby and Alver?"
He immediately sat back up. "How do you know about—"
"Because you just told me," Mimia sighed in normal speech this time. "We cannot allow her to fight him."
Lucca's breathing was heavy. "Mimia… what do you plan to do about it?"
Mimia went straight back to speaking feral again. "I would allow her to have her revenge, and to fight alone for that revenge, but we cannot guide her to Alver yet. Someone of her determination would set aside the fact that we know him. We have to respect one another's decisions."
"That's awfully sound of you. She has a short temper, so how do you know she won't literally kill us, too?" Lucca asked.
"This is the way of the feral code. If this was to happen while in my pack, this is how we would deal with it," Mimia explained, his growls and noises oddly stern. "If she refuses to understand our position and tries to kill us, then she can try. Think of an act like that as treason – turning on your own kind is never tolerated."
"I get it, but—" Lucca shuddered.
"But Ruby is a friend," Mimia continued. "And we are not in a feral pack, nor are we in a place of royal code. We are adventurers from another realm. If I am being honest, I do not think Ruby has the power to defeat Alver just yet. I want to help her indirectly, so I would guide her away from Alver until she is strong enough, and observe how this situation develops."
"You actually want to let her kill him?" Lucca whispered, covering his mouth. "Do you dislike Alver?"
"I am indifferent. I want to let her see her fight through. It is out of respect for both parties, not hatred," Mimia explained. He curled up and settled on the bed beside Lucca. "There is one more thing to discuss on this matter. Ruby likes you. A lot."
"Yeah that's kind of lucky, isn't it? It doesn't seem easy to get on her good side," Lucca sighed. He laid down and tucked his flippers behind his head. "She doesn't seem like she has a lot of friends or intends to make many. Er, keep that one between us."
"For goodness sake My Lord, I mean she likes you romantically!" Mimia barked a few times. Lucca flinched.
"You're kidding, right? We haven't known everyone for that long. And if she was in love with me, why not just say it?" he asked with a furrowed brow.
"Of course she won't say anything! You are unbelievably dense, My Lord. You just remarked how closed she is, yet she treats you with constant kindness and admiration," Mimia explained.
"… I guess she does," he said blankly. "What do I do about that? She's a kid, we can't be in love."
"If she discovers your connection to Alver, you may break her heart. But it is also inevitable that she will discover this connection," Mimia stated. "You must talk to her about this at some point, both her feelings for you and your connection to Alver. And you must time it perfectly, My Lord."
Lucca sighed again. What kind of timing is he talking about? This barely answered anything. In fact, it just gave me even more to think about. If I act too suspicious, she'll figure it out. If I tell her, she'll never let me live it down.
"The only advice I have is to picture yourself in her feet, the same way you did for me," Mimia made softer noises as he settled into bed beside him. "If you were in her scenario, when would you prefer to find out? What would you like your friends to do?"
What would I like my friends to do? Lucca repeated, staring at the ceiling. "I'm sorry, Mimia. Would you give me some time to think about that one? I don't have an answer right now."
"There's no need to apologize to me," Mimia assured even softer. "Goodnight, Lucca."
"… Goodnight, Mimia buddy," Lucca mumbled back.
Soon after silence fell between them, that distant trance came right back. Lucca kept his eyes shut, but his thoughts wouldn't stop. He repeated words from their conversation, and memories of his mission and Alver's meeting. All of it felt so surreal, so improbable, so unreal that it wasn't really happening. He opened his eyes hours later, yet it felt like no time had passed at all.
It was even darker than it was earlier. Candles had been put out, the cold wind of the night shook the windows, and not a whisper or a creak came from any Pokémon. Despite being indoors, just the sound of the wind made Lucca cringe from a chill.
He stared at the ceiling for several minutes. Mimia snored beside him, mouth open and drooling ever so slightly. He stroked Mimia's back a few times, and didn't get a hint of a reaction. Must've been so much more tired than I thought. He was on his feet all day, after all.
With a deep sigh, Lucca slid out of bed and retrieved one of his swords. He squinted at the blade, and then grabbed the other one. This still didn't feel like it was happening. He would play along, some other crazy thing would happen, and then he would wake up in a tent like it was all a dream.
Still got to do it properly, he told himself, and slid out of the room.
The hallway was just as chilling. It was pitch black besides a single candle lit at the far end. The walls quietly rumbled with the wind outside, too. Lucca stood still for a moment to try and detect any other Pokémon, but felt nothing. He headed for the dreaded stairs, and no sooner than he reached them, his heart fell into his stomach.
Climbing stairs was already difficult. Climbing them while making as little noise as possible, with the end goal being to kill another Pokémon, was a whole other spectrum. The world around him vanished as he slid his form up one step at a time, as time came to a total standstill. At one point, he even felt suffocated, and had to stop to steady his thoughts.
What am I even doing? He eventually asked himself. He drew a sword and stared at it. Its golden blade appeared dull and faded in the darkness. I just have to do what I did to Evark. It's for the greater good. Just do it, Lucca. Do it just this once, and then never again. We can leave Alver behind and just worry about the Shining Warrior journey from here on.
He took the deepest breath ever, holding his chest with both flippers. Alright. Fifth floor. Let's do this.
The fifth floor should have been the same as the other floors, identical in everything but decoration. It was a deluxe section of the hotel reserved for celebrities and the rich, as Alver had told him. As Lucca approached the end of the stairs, he was alarmed to not find any Pokémon guarding the place. It made him slow in expectation of an ambush, but as he slid into the corridor, there were no Pokémon.
They can't just leave celebrities out in the open like this… unless everyone's asleep, he thought to himself as he glanced back and forth. The colourful, shiny decoration proved he was in the right place, but the stains on the floor said otherwise. He approached one of the stains and smelt it, immediately recoiling. His stomach turned upside-down, and he had to cover his mouth.
There's no way! This is— he choked in his head. He didn't realise he was shuddering like crazy until he pulled his flippers away from his mouth. Blinking several times to check if he was dreaming or not, he followed the trail of stains, which led to a single, open room.
He didn't need to think about this one. He held one sword at the ready, kept a flipper by his back to draw the other one at a moment's notice, and slowly slid toward the door. Although he felt threatened by an enemy he couldn't sense, he was able to focus fully. Someone was here before him, someone he couldn't hear or smell. Wanting to get a good look at this dangerous Pokémon to plan his next move, he peeked into the room, making sure not to touch the door. He immediately gasped, giving himself away, however.
The room was a deluxe hotel room. Busy with furniture, fancy decorations, a huge mattress bed rather than the standard hay ones, and even curtains. Everything seemed insulated too, as it was warmer here, and he couldn't hear the wind either.
However, everything looked like it had been struck by a storm. The furniture was broken and snapped to pieces, which were scattered all over the room. The bed was torn apart, the windows were cracked, and a Braixen lay discarded in the corner, its body covered in damage.
Lucca grit his fangs to prevent himself from making more noise as he scanned the room. Opposite the fallen Braixen, a Pikachu was backed into the corner, also covered in damage. She was awake, with a look of terror as her attacker stood over her. Lucca's presence made the Pokémon turn to him.
"C… C-C-Crystal?" Lucca whispered.
It was definitely her. The docile Piplup twisted their head to stare him in the eyes. Her own eyes were glowing. No, there was a ring inside her eyes that glowed an eerie blue. She had her bow at the ready, and that was all he needed to see.
In a flash, an arrow was drawn and fired at Lucca, who shifted to the side. It nicked one of his ruffles, making him grunt. He reached to rub it, but Crystal lunged and tackled him to the ground. He instinctively held her back with his sword, surprised to find himself in a life or death moment. She held an arrow in one flipper and her bow in the other, and pointed both at his neck. She had enough strength that she could stab him with both if he let up for even a moment. This was not a moment where he could let his shock control him.
Lucca roared at the top of his voice. He flicked his tail to kick Crystal away and then rolled onto his front, drawing his other sword in the process. Crystal lunged at him again, but her weapon was no match for Lucca's at this range. Two quick slashes knocked her bow and arrow away, and sent her flat on her back. She didn't seem to get back up.
Lucca breathed out loud, holding both swords ready for another moment in case she stood up. The Pikachu moved in the corner of his eye to bring him back to focus, and his heart jumped out of his chest.
His thoughts raced too much to form anything coherent. Crystal was here, attacked him and the other Pokémon here, and now this utterly terrified idol Pikachu was staring at him. The Pikachu appeared almost desperate, as if praying with all her will without physically praying, and that brought Lucca to his decision.
He took a deep breath, sheathed swords, and then scooped up Crystal. With one more glance at the Pikachu, he threw Crystal on his back and made for the staircase.