Chapter Two- Leadership Skills

"You saw the Absol attack?"

"Yeah, I did. It was my dream, I was there, I witnessed the attack--I died..."

"The ability to see events in dreams is strictly a psychic elemental ability."

"I know it is, Mewtwo. I don't understand all of it. First, the vision of you coming here, then the Absol attack... What next?"

"I don't know, but the first thing that's done should deal with the Absol. We need to stop these creatures. And at the same time, find out what is causing them to appear. It will be a lot of work."

"In understand, Mewtwo. I'm ready to fight whatever evil comes my way. Starting now, I will defend my people."

"You're starting to sound more like a real leader--that's good."

"Thank you."

Nyreami gave Mewtwo a hug, and he returned it, a bit ashamed at stooping to such a 'cute' level, but not being able to resist seeing as she was so happy about the whole situation.

"Now, Nyreami, listen to me. You are not human, so you will be able to look at the Absol without it causing disasters. But--that doesn't mean you're immune to any other attacks it has. A creature that strong must be able to fend for itself, and non-humans could still be enemies to them. The Absol is a creature we know so little about, we shouldn't take it lightly, or we may be paying for it dearly."

"You don't want me hurt, do you?"

Mewtwo would have blushed there--if he hadn't quickly stopped himself. Giving her a serious look, he spoke calmly.

"You can't have such a silly attitude towards this. This is going to be dangerous."

"But you'll protect me, right?"

"I will if I can."

"Wha?"

"Nyreami, have you forgotten your elements? I can't use my power against a Dark elemental. Psychic power is useless against Dark creatures. When fighting the Absol, I will have to reamin strictly physical, and I have to admit, I don't train in physical fighting."

"You'll be fine."

"I know I will, it's you I'm worried about. But we have to move."

"Right."

"I'll teleport us there, so hold my hand and don't let go."

Nyreami took hold of Mewtwo's hand as he concentrated his energy. Vaporeon, realizing they were leaving, jumped out onto the roof and grabbed Nyreami's leg as they teleported. They ended up in what was once a town and marketplace, now nothing but rubble and rifts in the earth. A crowd of people stood at the far end in a safe spot, and they made their way towards them.

"Mewtwo, do they know who we are?"

"Someone will know."

Someone did know. As soon as they approached, someone shouted 'It's the Empress!' and someone else added 'And that's the legendary Mewtwo!'

In seconds, everyone in the crowd was on their knees, bowing respectfully. Nyreami at first didn't know how to react, forgetting her own title, but she soon remembered and addressed the crowd.

"You may all rise."

"Great Empress, the demon has struck this place! Look at what is left of it!"

"Our village has been destroyed!"

"I lost my home, and my familiar!"

Light sobbing was heard from the back of the crowd. Nyreami moved toward the sounds and the crowd parted to reveal a woman, crying.

"I lost all my family... My daughter.."

"She was going to be 17 today, wasn't she?"

"Yeah, all excited-"

"About becoming a Spellcaster."

"Yes.. How did you know?"

"I just know."

The crowd was amazed at this, and they stared at Nyreami as if she were some kind of Goddess and not just a powerful Ice Elemental.

"The Absol, (here a considerable number of the people flinched) where did it go?"

"It ran off. The last anyone heard was some people screaming about how it was running to the East, but those people saw it and they're not with us anymore."

"The East, is it? I promise you that I will defeat this Absol in battle, and lock it away for the good of all. I know the Absol's weakness, and I will capture it myself. As I'm sure you all know, I need not fear it's disaster magic."

The crowd nodded amongst themnselves as Nyreami walked off towards the East, Vaporeon and Mewtwo following, like an army headed to battle. Once they were out of earshot, Mewtwo gave Nyreami a glance and a smile.

"You know the Absol's weakness, huh? You swear to defeat it?"

"Well, had to say something.."

"You know, you're starting to sound even more like a real leader now. Lies and everything."

Playfully smacking Mewtwo, Nyreami laughed, but then stopped.

"What did you say about being serious in this mission?"

"I know. So keep your eyes on the road and stay alert. Immunity to the magic or not, like I said before, they're still dangerous creatures."

"Yeah, I got it."

The two continued to walk East, keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of the Absol. But as observant as they were, they failed to see the dull yellow eyes glowing from the surrounding trees..

End Chapter Two