Chapter 16
Tom awoke, in Shalla's arms. He gave her a light kiss, and gently pried her off.
Some way off, charizard and Shyru stood, deep in conversation. Tom wandered away, not particularly willing to break up their moment.
*You're certainly up early.*
*Yup.*
*Anything the matter?*
Tom glanced at alakazam wearily. *Actually, there is. Could you help me understand pokemon?*
*What do you mean?*
*As in the language.*
Alakazam's eyebrows rose, and he stood, silent for a few moments, deep in thought.
*I'm not too sure. Wouldn't it be simpler to just read their minds?*
*Well, firstly it doesn't work on dark types, and I don't want to violate their privacy. After all, any psychic probes will pick up lots of unwanted "garbage" that may just contain something that the pokemon wants to be kept secret.*
*All right then. But, don't expect this to be easy. its very complicated; a slightly different tone of the same word may mean something else altogether. Those...*
A small shadow materialised out of nowhere, interrupting alakazam's "lesson". {I may be able to help with that.}
*How?*
{I can, under the right circumstances, help to transfer memories, knowledge, or sometimes even personality traits or quirks from one being to another.}
*I see. What's the catch?*
{There isn't any. But the condition is that the two must have a really close relationship, and their minds must not reject each other. Alakazam is out of the picture; there is just too large a risk of psychic feedback...}
Alakazam spoke, glaring at shadow. *Then why don't you do it?*
Shadow paused, and considered it.
Alakazam reverted to a persuasive tone. *You're psychic, and your dark element eliminates psychic feedback, as you call it. Besides, you would be the best candidate since you are the only one who actually understands this... link thing.*
{I am not sure... But its worth a try, I suppose.}
*How does it start?*
{Just stand there; and do not move. Concentrate on my words; I shall try to establish contact. Leave yourself open. Drop all shielding that you have in place, and try to accept my entry.}
All was silent, as shadow knotted his brows in concentration. Sweat broke out all over his body, and dripped onto the grass like tiny, dark pearls, albeit all of the drops seemed surreal.
Tom seemed fine, although his limbs were twitching uncontrollably, as if he was having an attack of some sort.
Ghostly tendrils drifted out of shadow, inching towards Tom's forehead. The wisps connected gradually, growing slightly thicker.
Shadow grinned, and relaxed. Tom clutched his head, eyes wide open, as he sought to take in all the knowledge. Shadow frowned, and grasped his own head, screeching out.
Both fell to the ground, the dark mauve tentacles still throbbing. Alakazam acted quickly, bringing all of his considerable powers to bear, and lashed out at the bundle.
It didn't budge.
A little further away, Shalla started screaming.
***
It was nighttime, and there was still no change, although both of them were doing better. Shalla had woken up to a sharp pain, which had not receded as yet. She laid down beside Tom, holding his hand with pale knuckles, eyes reflecting only a portion of the worry and pain she felt.
Gradually, the phantom vines faded, and the duo woke up. Shalla placed a hand on her head, surprised to find the pain beginning to die away as well. She pounced on Tom, planting kisses everywhere, letting the first tears flow.
Tom hugged her fiercely, and only released her when all the pokemon repeated their question: What happened.
Tom shrugged in response, still holding onto Shalla, and indicated shadow, who seemed to be struggling with himself. The ghost pokemon sighed, and began his lengthy explanation.
{It seems, that when I relaxed, all my memories and knowledge flooded through the link. None of the personality traits were transferred, since that takes a lot of concentrations, but basically he has inherited everything that I know.}
Shalla breathed again, not even realising that she had been holding it. She frowned. *Something has been left unsaid.* "Then why do you look so glum?"
Shadow hesitated, and Tom took the opportunity to answer. "Shalla, shadow has the knowledge of all his ancestors..." He allowed time for the fact, and its implications to sink in, before continuing. "I'm sure you all know what that means."
Everyone nodded numbly, people and pokemon alike. Shyru barged in, excitement mixed with anxiety bleeding into her telepathic voice. *Does that mean that you know things that shadow saw?*
Tom did not see where the statement led. "Yes."
*So you know why I was banished?*
Tom scowled, searched through his new memories, glancing through them.
"Yes."
*Come on, out with it.*
"Shadow was at the council of dragons' meeting. I'll let him explain it, since it would be best for it to come from him."
Shadow shook his head. {No... There is a better candidate; charizard.}
"Huh?"
{She is the grand daughter of the ex-charizard representative in the council, and at that time, her ancestor was in the council.}
Everyone turned to charizard expectantly, Shyru particularly eager to obtain the information.
Tom smiled weakly, encouraging charizard. She sighed, and started. "This was passed on to me by my grandmother, before she was killed in an assignment. I will tell this, as best as I remember it."
She started swaying, from side to side with eyes closed, and spoke.
As she narrated the story, Tom seemed to hear the words as the council member spoke them, long ago.
The Council's Dilemma
There was a legend, one that told us about what would come to pass, should a kill ever happen in the dragon cave. It only applies, of course, if the death is caused deliberately, and through anger; it would not mean anything, for example, if you kill a magikarp there for food.
The legend goes thus.
Should the death occur, the culprit shall forever become evil, having caused bloodshed because of anger in a sacred place. He shall have an unnatural evolution, and although strong, all that he would think of is destruction and death... and causing them.
Until saved.
That's the gist of the myth, as I know it.
Different versions have sprung up over and over; but one thing was clear in every single one of them. That dragon must not destroy.
The council didn't know what to do. The councillors were divided. There was a vote, and here is the result, whether they were for the banishing, or not.
Dragonite: For
Kingdra: Against
Gyarados: For
Charizard: For
Skarmory: Against
Lapras: Against
Ampharos: For
Aerodactyl: For
They agreed finally, to ensure that the dragon never set foot inside the dragon cave again, not unless the "Until saved" condition was met. After much debate it was passed, that that dragon would be banned from the dragon cave until otherwise ordered by the council.
Shyru turned out to be the one.
As the council issued the order, they did not provide an explanation, and none attempted to ask. All sorts of rumours spread, and soon, Shyru was shunned by all, and chased out by the masses.
She started causing destruction, much like the legend went, which is when the council released the details. From then, each and every dragon has agreed to prevent her from destroying any of the sacred places. We foiled several of her plans, but her control over the elements extended far above us, and soon all we could do was to protect our own territories.
Shyru raged on.
*End*
By the end, Shyru was in a state of shock, and she slumped, dejected. She took off, and was out of sight in seconds, the darkness of the night claiming her.
Charizard made as if to chase her, but Tom gestured for her to stop; there was no way any of them could catch up with Shyru's sheer speed. Tom sat, and pondered about the circumstances. Gradually, an idea formed in his mind, not yet complete, but probably the best shot they had.
He stood up, and announced, "I'll go and find mewtwo. I doubt if anyone else would be able to help. Shyru needs to be calmed, and I just don't have enough power to do it."
Shalla was the first to speak up. "But isn't she already saved?"
Tom replied in a firm tone, "No. We have no way to certify that this is the case. Not yet. Don't worry, mewtwo won't do anything to me. I am going, and that is final."
{Then I am going, as well.}
"Why?"
{Should mewtwo attempt anything, I would not be affected.}
Tom nodded, and prepared to search for the one who had taught him; guided him before.
"Wait."
Tom turned to Shalla, a questioning look on his face.
"How come I experienced some pain when you did? Just now."
Tom thought back to the moment, and laughed. "The sapphire. It contains some of me, spiritually speaking. It communicates what I am feeling to you, if the emotion is strong enough, or if you learn to listen."
Thinking that that was it, Tom turned away again, closing his eyes... and snapping them open when he felt hands twisting his head back, and Shalla meshing her lips to his. A few seconds later, Shalla released him, a worried look ingrained into her face. "Come back soon... or I won't forgive you."
"I know. I will."
With that, Tom sent a psychic pulse outwards, searching and listening to the faint echoes of weaker psychics. Then, a giant signal blossomed, and Tom smiled. Holding onto shadow, he disappearing in a flash.
They teleported to a cavern, where a purplish being sat, meditating. Tom studied the standing figure, snorting at the curious resemblance to mew, and waited.
Without looking backwards or opening its eyes, mewtwo spoke.
*Greetings Tom.* It turned to shadow, head inclined. *You are...*
{Tom calls me shadow. You may do the same.}
*An appropriate name. Your presence, in the psychic realm, is but a shadow.* Mewtwo shrugged, and turned to Tom. *And I suppose you need help... Again.*
Tom flushed, but nodded. "I *found* a pokemon recently... Shyru."
Mewtwo focused on Tom, jerking sharply at the mention of the name. It whispered something, and signalled for Tom to continue.
"Well, she just found out why she was... banned, and hasn't worked it out yet. I think she may attempt to take revenge... on her former brethren."
*Ah yes. There is that problem...*
"Can you help me control her? If need be."
*I doubt if I am strong enough.* Mewtwo shrugged again.
"All I am requesting is for you to try." Tom was faced with silence, while mewtwo thought it over.
*I cannot help you in this.* It finally decided, and resumed its meditation.
Tom hissed in frustration. "Why."
*Because that is the way it *has* to be.* Mewtwo replied simply, and took no further notice of Tom's vexation.
Shaking his head, Tom teleported back, only to find everyone asleep -- even Shalla was deep in dreamland. However, it was immediately apparent that at least a few where not in a slumber. Charizard whispered, "How did it go."
Tom just shook his head.
Charizard nodded. "Just as I thought."
"WHAT?"
"Isn't it obvious? Shyru has to be saved from his own anger. Controlling him will just compound the problem. And believe me, she will know, even if you are just contemplating the notion. Mewtwo knew this, which is why it declined."
"So what am I supposed to do now?"
"Step one: find him."
Tom snorted. "Great. Absolutely great. I have to find a pokemon that is probably a hundred times my mass, and just as many times stronger and faster than me. I have to find him without my psychic powers, since Shyru knows how to counter that. I have to approach a pokemon capable of destroying whole cities in a blink of an eye, and I have to convince her not to take revenge on one of the most powerful pokemon communities in the world. Excellent." Tom ticked off the points on his fingers, and grunted. "I will be better off trying to win in arm wrestling against a machamp."
Charizard chuckled, and offered, "That might just be easier, and decidedly less ugly."
Tom glared, murmuring, "Thanks a *lot*..."
***
Tom approached the giant cautiously. After a few days of tracking down false leads, he had finally found Shyru.
She was watching the sunrise, standing on the cliff.
Tom sidled up to the edge, and stood beside her, surveying the view. Only half of the celestial body was in view, but the navy-blue ocean reflected the image. As they watched, the "sun" gradually elongated, and split into two, the last few seconds before the separation lasting a long time, as if the star itself was reluctant to break the contact.
He turned to the terranite, studying the contours of her face, marvelling at the intense gaze and sculpted features, now bathed in a golden light.
No words were spoken, but even without her psychic abilities, Shyru understood why Tom was there.
*I made an oath to serve you, as long as you keep your part of the bargain. I will not break that promise, unless you are unable to attain your end.* Shyru stared intently at Tom.
He hesitated; this could determine how everything went. "I... will help you with the Rockets, but the dragons..."
Shyru nodded. *I will take care of the latter myself.*
Tom felt a chill creep up his spine as she said so, but did not act on it, seeking to place her emotions. *Confusion and grief, certainly, but I don't detect anything else.*
"What exactly do you plan to do?"
*That is for me to know, and only myself.* Shyru lifted off, but hovered for a while. *Don't bother looking for me this time. I doubt if you can locate me.*
As the dragon zoomed away, Tom muttered under his breath, "Don't be so sure, Shyru. Don't be so sure..."
***
The next dawn broke over Blackthorn city, accompanied by pidgeys chirping and spearows squawking. The human populace were still in bed, but their sleep was not to last much longer.
A colossal form descended onto the grass, south of the metropolis. Peculiar sounds emerged from the pokemon, and suddenly all the wildlife stopped their orchestra, most fleeing the area, flapping madly.
For a nerve-wreaking minute, Tom waited in suspense, in hiding on top of a tree.
A deep rumble started, originating from the underground. Shyru turned her attention to the spot, and pursed her lips. The ground itself caved abruptly, and serpentine creatures swarmed out, their sleek, aqua outline creating a mass of writhing shapes.
Out of the hole, a being rose, lightly swooping his wings, floating on air as if by magic. The dragonite spoke in a thunderous voice, making Tom flinch. Shyru wasn't even flustered, and shot back a reply.
"Why have you come back, Banished One."
*I do have a name...*
"Which *I* choose not to use. Answer me."
Shyru lifted her chin in a defiant manner. *I am back, because I have the right to be here. I was born here; raised here, and I shall not be denied what is rightfully mine.*
"Insolent child, it is obvious that you do not understand the magnitude of your error, both past and present."
*It is you who is misguided, me thinks.*
"Oh really." The dragonite, slightly smaller than Shyru, tilted his head, conveying a sense of total disregard for what she had to say. His sarcasm was obvious, no effort having been made to conceal it.
*Do not underestimate me, councillor. I may be young by our standards, but I do know how to fight.*
"Do you, Shyru?" He finally acknowledged her presence verbally, and spoke sharply, "We shall see."
He jerked his head, and what happened next was nothing short of disastrous. Ignoring the danger, Tom ran towards the conflict, shouting.
Tom awoke, in Shalla's arms. He gave her a light kiss, and gently pried her off.
Some way off, charizard and Shyru stood, deep in conversation. Tom wandered away, not particularly willing to break up their moment.
*You're certainly up early.*
*Yup.*
*Anything the matter?*
Tom glanced at alakazam wearily. *Actually, there is. Could you help me understand pokemon?*
*What do you mean?*
*As in the language.*
Alakazam's eyebrows rose, and he stood, silent for a few moments, deep in thought.
*I'm not too sure. Wouldn't it be simpler to just read their minds?*
*Well, firstly it doesn't work on dark types, and I don't want to violate their privacy. After all, any psychic probes will pick up lots of unwanted "garbage" that may just contain something that the pokemon wants to be kept secret.*
*All right then. But, don't expect this to be easy. its very complicated; a slightly different tone of the same word may mean something else altogether. Those...*
A small shadow materialised out of nowhere, interrupting alakazam's "lesson". {I may be able to help with that.}
*How?*
{I can, under the right circumstances, help to transfer memories, knowledge, or sometimes even personality traits or quirks from one being to another.}
*I see. What's the catch?*
{There isn't any. But the condition is that the two must have a really close relationship, and their minds must not reject each other. Alakazam is out of the picture; there is just too large a risk of psychic feedback...}
Alakazam spoke, glaring at shadow. *Then why don't you do it?*
Shadow paused, and considered it.
Alakazam reverted to a persuasive tone. *You're psychic, and your dark element eliminates psychic feedback, as you call it. Besides, you would be the best candidate since you are the only one who actually understands this... link thing.*
{I am not sure... But its worth a try, I suppose.}
*How does it start?*
{Just stand there; and do not move. Concentrate on my words; I shall try to establish contact. Leave yourself open. Drop all shielding that you have in place, and try to accept my entry.}
All was silent, as shadow knotted his brows in concentration. Sweat broke out all over his body, and dripped onto the grass like tiny, dark pearls, albeit all of the drops seemed surreal.
Tom seemed fine, although his limbs were twitching uncontrollably, as if he was having an attack of some sort.
Ghostly tendrils drifted out of shadow, inching towards Tom's forehead. The wisps connected gradually, growing slightly thicker.
Shadow grinned, and relaxed. Tom clutched his head, eyes wide open, as he sought to take in all the knowledge. Shadow frowned, and grasped his own head, screeching out.
Both fell to the ground, the dark mauve tentacles still throbbing. Alakazam acted quickly, bringing all of his considerable powers to bear, and lashed out at the bundle.
It didn't budge.
A little further away, Shalla started screaming.
***
It was nighttime, and there was still no change, although both of them were doing better. Shalla had woken up to a sharp pain, which had not receded as yet. She laid down beside Tom, holding his hand with pale knuckles, eyes reflecting only a portion of the worry and pain she felt.
Gradually, the phantom vines faded, and the duo woke up. Shalla placed a hand on her head, surprised to find the pain beginning to die away as well. She pounced on Tom, planting kisses everywhere, letting the first tears flow.
Tom hugged her fiercely, and only released her when all the pokemon repeated their question: What happened.
Tom shrugged in response, still holding onto Shalla, and indicated shadow, who seemed to be struggling with himself. The ghost pokemon sighed, and began his lengthy explanation.
{It seems, that when I relaxed, all my memories and knowledge flooded through the link. None of the personality traits were transferred, since that takes a lot of concentrations, but basically he has inherited everything that I know.}
Shalla breathed again, not even realising that she had been holding it. She frowned. *Something has been left unsaid.* "Then why do you look so glum?"
Shadow hesitated, and Tom took the opportunity to answer. "Shalla, shadow has the knowledge of all his ancestors..." He allowed time for the fact, and its implications to sink in, before continuing. "I'm sure you all know what that means."
Everyone nodded numbly, people and pokemon alike. Shyru barged in, excitement mixed with anxiety bleeding into her telepathic voice. *Does that mean that you know things that shadow saw?*
Tom did not see where the statement led. "Yes."
*So you know why I was banished?*
Tom scowled, searched through his new memories, glancing through them.
"Yes."
*Come on, out with it.*
"Shadow was at the council of dragons' meeting. I'll let him explain it, since it would be best for it to come from him."
Shadow shook his head. {No... There is a better candidate; charizard.}
"Huh?"
{She is the grand daughter of the ex-charizard representative in the council, and at that time, her ancestor was in the council.}
Everyone turned to charizard expectantly, Shyru particularly eager to obtain the information.
Tom smiled weakly, encouraging charizard. She sighed, and started. "This was passed on to me by my grandmother, before she was killed in an assignment. I will tell this, as best as I remember it."
She started swaying, from side to side with eyes closed, and spoke.
As she narrated the story, Tom seemed to hear the words as the council member spoke them, long ago.
The Council's Dilemma
There was a legend, one that told us about what would come to pass, should a kill ever happen in the dragon cave. It only applies, of course, if the death is caused deliberately, and through anger; it would not mean anything, for example, if you kill a magikarp there for food.
The legend goes thus.
Should the death occur, the culprit shall forever become evil, having caused bloodshed because of anger in a sacred place. He shall have an unnatural evolution, and although strong, all that he would think of is destruction and death... and causing them.
Until saved.
That's the gist of the myth, as I know it.
Different versions have sprung up over and over; but one thing was clear in every single one of them. That dragon must not destroy.
The council didn't know what to do. The councillors were divided. There was a vote, and here is the result, whether they were for the banishing, or not.
Dragonite: For
Kingdra: Against
Gyarados: For
Charizard: For
Skarmory: Against
Lapras: Against
Ampharos: For
Aerodactyl: For
They agreed finally, to ensure that the dragon never set foot inside the dragon cave again, not unless the "Until saved" condition was met. After much debate it was passed, that that dragon would be banned from the dragon cave until otherwise ordered by the council.
Shyru turned out to be the one.
As the council issued the order, they did not provide an explanation, and none attempted to ask. All sorts of rumours spread, and soon, Shyru was shunned by all, and chased out by the masses.
She started causing destruction, much like the legend went, which is when the council released the details. From then, each and every dragon has agreed to prevent her from destroying any of the sacred places. We foiled several of her plans, but her control over the elements extended far above us, and soon all we could do was to protect our own territories.
Shyru raged on.
*End*
By the end, Shyru was in a state of shock, and she slumped, dejected. She took off, and was out of sight in seconds, the darkness of the night claiming her.
Charizard made as if to chase her, but Tom gestured for her to stop; there was no way any of them could catch up with Shyru's sheer speed. Tom sat, and pondered about the circumstances. Gradually, an idea formed in his mind, not yet complete, but probably the best shot they had.
He stood up, and announced, "I'll go and find mewtwo. I doubt if anyone else would be able to help. Shyru needs to be calmed, and I just don't have enough power to do it."
Shalla was the first to speak up. "But isn't she already saved?"
Tom replied in a firm tone, "No. We have no way to certify that this is the case. Not yet. Don't worry, mewtwo won't do anything to me. I am going, and that is final."
{Then I am going, as well.}
"Why?"
{Should mewtwo attempt anything, I would not be affected.}
Tom nodded, and prepared to search for the one who had taught him; guided him before.
"Wait."
Tom turned to Shalla, a questioning look on his face.
"How come I experienced some pain when you did? Just now."
Tom thought back to the moment, and laughed. "The sapphire. It contains some of me, spiritually speaking. It communicates what I am feeling to you, if the emotion is strong enough, or if you learn to listen."
Thinking that that was it, Tom turned away again, closing his eyes... and snapping them open when he felt hands twisting his head back, and Shalla meshing her lips to his. A few seconds later, Shalla released him, a worried look ingrained into her face. "Come back soon... or I won't forgive you."
"I know. I will."
With that, Tom sent a psychic pulse outwards, searching and listening to the faint echoes of weaker psychics. Then, a giant signal blossomed, and Tom smiled. Holding onto shadow, he disappearing in a flash.
They teleported to a cavern, where a purplish being sat, meditating. Tom studied the standing figure, snorting at the curious resemblance to mew, and waited.
Without looking backwards or opening its eyes, mewtwo spoke.
*Greetings Tom.* It turned to shadow, head inclined. *You are...*
{Tom calls me shadow. You may do the same.}
*An appropriate name. Your presence, in the psychic realm, is but a shadow.* Mewtwo shrugged, and turned to Tom. *And I suppose you need help... Again.*
Tom flushed, but nodded. "I *found* a pokemon recently... Shyru."
Mewtwo focused on Tom, jerking sharply at the mention of the name. It whispered something, and signalled for Tom to continue.
"Well, she just found out why she was... banned, and hasn't worked it out yet. I think she may attempt to take revenge... on her former brethren."
*Ah yes. There is that problem...*
"Can you help me control her? If need be."
*I doubt if I am strong enough.* Mewtwo shrugged again.
"All I am requesting is for you to try." Tom was faced with silence, while mewtwo thought it over.
*I cannot help you in this.* It finally decided, and resumed its meditation.
Tom hissed in frustration. "Why."
*Because that is the way it *has* to be.* Mewtwo replied simply, and took no further notice of Tom's vexation.
Shaking his head, Tom teleported back, only to find everyone asleep -- even Shalla was deep in dreamland. However, it was immediately apparent that at least a few where not in a slumber. Charizard whispered, "How did it go."
Tom just shook his head.
Charizard nodded. "Just as I thought."
"WHAT?"
"Isn't it obvious? Shyru has to be saved from his own anger. Controlling him will just compound the problem. And believe me, she will know, even if you are just contemplating the notion. Mewtwo knew this, which is why it declined."
"So what am I supposed to do now?"
"Step one: find him."
Tom snorted. "Great. Absolutely great. I have to find a pokemon that is probably a hundred times my mass, and just as many times stronger and faster than me. I have to find him without my psychic powers, since Shyru knows how to counter that. I have to approach a pokemon capable of destroying whole cities in a blink of an eye, and I have to convince her not to take revenge on one of the most powerful pokemon communities in the world. Excellent." Tom ticked off the points on his fingers, and grunted. "I will be better off trying to win in arm wrestling against a machamp."
Charizard chuckled, and offered, "That might just be easier, and decidedly less ugly."
Tom glared, murmuring, "Thanks a *lot*..."
***
Tom approached the giant cautiously. After a few days of tracking down false leads, he had finally found Shyru.
She was watching the sunrise, standing on the cliff.
Tom sidled up to the edge, and stood beside her, surveying the view. Only half of the celestial body was in view, but the navy-blue ocean reflected the image. As they watched, the "sun" gradually elongated, and split into two, the last few seconds before the separation lasting a long time, as if the star itself was reluctant to break the contact.
He turned to the terranite, studying the contours of her face, marvelling at the intense gaze and sculpted features, now bathed in a golden light.
No words were spoken, but even without her psychic abilities, Shyru understood why Tom was there.
*I made an oath to serve you, as long as you keep your part of the bargain. I will not break that promise, unless you are unable to attain your end.* Shyru stared intently at Tom.
He hesitated; this could determine how everything went. "I... will help you with the Rockets, but the dragons..."
Shyru nodded. *I will take care of the latter myself.*
Tom felt a chill creep up his spine as she said so, but did not act on it, seeking to place her emotions. *Confusion and grief, certainly, but I don't detect anything else.*
"What exactly do you plan to do?"
*That is for me to know, and only myself.* Shyru lifted off, but hovered for a while. *Don't bother looking for me this time. I doubt if you can locate me.*
As the dragon zoomed away, Tom muttered under his breath, "Don't be so sure, Shyru. Don't be so sure..."
***
The next dawn broke over Blackthorn city, accompanied by pidgeys chirping and spearows squawking. The human populace were still in bed, but their sleep was not to last much longer.
A colossal form descended onto the grass, south of the metropolis. Peculiar sounds emerged from the pokemon, and suddenly all the wildlife stopped their orchestra, most fleeing the area, flapping madly.
For a nerve-wreaking minute, Tom waited in suspense, in hiding on top of a tree.
A deep rumble started, originating from the underground. Shyru turned her attention to the spot, and pursed her lips. The ground itself caved abruptly, and serpentine creatures swarmed out, their sleek, aqua outline creating a mass of writhing shapes.
Out of the hole, a being rose, lightly swooping his wings, floating on air as if by magic. The dragonite spoke in a thunderous voice, making Tom flinch. Shyru wasn't even flustered, and shot back a reply.
"Why have you come back, Banished One."
*I do have a name...*
"Which *I* choose not to use. Answer me."
Shyru lifted her chin in a defiant manner. *I am back, because I have the right to be here. I was born here; raised here, and I shall not be denied what is rightfully mine.*
"Insolent child, it is obvious that you do not understand the magnitude of your error, both past and present."
*It is you who is misguided, me thinks.*
"Oh really." The dragonite, slightly smaller than Shyru, tilted his head, conveying a sense of total disregard for what she had to say. His sarcasm was obvious, no effort having been made to conceal it.
*Do not underestimate me, councillor. I may be young by our standards, but I do know how to fight.*
"Do you, Shyru?" He finally acknowledged her presence verbally, and spoke sharply, "We shall see."
He jerked his head, and what happened next was nothing short of disastrous. Ignoring the danger, Tom ran towards the conflict, shouting.