(A/N) Kaijuu/pokemon aren't my creations, and I'm not getting any money for it. Paws off my original ideas and characters!

The Adamant Key

Chapter 12: The Key

By Trivnar Silversword

Kepa fell through the air, gaining speed at an alarming rate. "Stonejaw!" he yelled frantically. He had no idea if the aerodactyl was still around, or if she was within hearing distance, but whatever fate had in store was better than getting blown apart by the lugia.

"Kyaaaaaa!" A grey blur shot past him and latched onto his shoulders. There was a violent jerk, which nearly broke his back, and they came to a stop. Stonejaw cast a disapproving glance at him.

-Nearly broke my wings, that did! What's the big idea, throwing yourself off a cliff like that! You don't have wings! Leave flying to those who do. If I hadn't been so close...-

Had Kepa not been dangling from her claws, he would have hugged her. -Thank you. With all my heart.- He said fervently.

She sighed gustily. -All right, you are forgiven. So where do you want me to take you? I'm a bit surprised to see that the healer isn't with you...-

-Back to the mountain. We're not done yet.-

Stonejaw glided slowly back towards the mountain. -Alright, but the way you first came in is heavily guarded now.-

-Doesn't matter. Just fly by and drop me off.-

She approached the entrance from above, dropping Kepa among the kaijuu standing guard. They disappeared in seconds under great sheets of flame.

-Good luck! Bring her back!- Stonejaw called out after him.

He darted through the honeycomb of hallways, pushing kaijuu aside. He had no idea where to go, and could only hope that he wasn't too late. He dashed down a side-corridor that looked promising, tripped over something, and sprawled his whole length down the hall.

"Oof! What the hell was that?" Getting up, he saw with surprise that it was a body. He rolled it over with his foot and gasped. "Damian!" Kepa felt a rush of relief. It looked like Rowan was very much alive and kicking. Or at least, she had been. Now if he were her, where would he go...? The answer struck him at once.

"But how am I going to find that machine?" he wondered aloud. "I can hardly ask directions. I suppose I could just walk around until I find it..."

Moving out of the side-corridor into one of the larger ones, he found that the corridors were now empty of all kaijuu. Not a soul was to be seen. Kepa looked around and shivered, rubbing his paws along his arms. "Spooky place..." His voice echoed strangely along the rocky corridor. Clamping his mouth shut, the blaziken kept on advancing, choosing corridors at random.

Rowan could tell when they neared the contraption, for the corridors were larger and more busy. Still, no one seemed to pay any attention to the lone human. She could only assume that since they hadn't had any orders to stop her, they ignored her. Well, fine by me.

"Mariiiiiil!" The tunnel opened up into a vast natural cavern. Rowan looked up and saw it was open to the sky, sharp jagged walls rising high until they levelled out, some fifty feet above. Quite a few ledges jutted out from the walls, all of them crowded with kaijuu.

Rowan, however, only had eyes for the strange contraption that dominated the center on a raised platform and the dark figure that stood by it. Rowan nearly gave herself away, rushing towards Viridian and the globe of fake adamantium. By her triumphant look, it had obviously survived the tests that she had put it through. But where was Kepa! Only he knew how to break the carved globe.

More and more kaijuu entered the room, until Rowan was pressed up against a wall. Viridian started to talk to the crowd, and Rowan truly wished she could understand what she said, but she spoke in kaijuu.

-Fellow brethren! Behold this magnificent machine, built completely by kaijuu! It was commissioned by a human, by Loth, who would absorb the power of the Ancients and use it to control us! Does she think that we will stand by and allow this! We will not let ourselves be enslaved! Behold! The power of kaijuu!-

Viridian held up the globe to the crowd, which cheered wildly. Rowan's hand dropped to the knife at her belt. She didn't know what she was going to do, but there was no way she would stand by and do nothing!

"Viridian! What do you think you're doing?" hollered Rowan. She had to gain time, time to think!

The umbreon paused and lowered the globe, scanning the crowd until she spotted her. Her eyes narrowed and she barked an order, causing the kaijuu to part, clearing a path. Rowan slowly walked towards Viridian, eyes firmly fixed on the umbreon's until she stopped right in front of the platform.

"Still alive, are you? It seems Damian is even more incapable than Loth makes him seem. But it doesn't matter now, I have what I need. A puny human such as yourself could not possibly stop me."

"What are you going to do?"

Viridian cackled and brandished the globe. "The secret lies in the shape of this object that your blacksmith so carefully carved. A long time ago, before the humans came to this land, an Ancient was born from two different parents, a hybrid. Something in its genetic structure went terribly wrong and although this being had power the likes of which had never been seen before, it was a hideous, mindless thing.

"Unfortunately, the thing's parents loved it dearly, and hid their mutated offspring from the other Ancients until they died. With none left to control it, the thing went mad, rampaging across the countryside and causing horrible destruction. Finally, a small band of Ancients managed to seal the beast away, using all their power. Two of their number died from the effort. All records of the sealing-place were destroyed, so none would take it in their mind to search for the thing.

"Since it was before their time, few humans know this story. You are only the third to know since the event. Loth was the second; she pried the story from Lorelei, the alakazam that follows her around."

Viridian laughed. "You thought it was all about using adamantium to make weapons and that sort of thing! But you had no idea of what is truly at stake... That thing is sealed in the bowels of this very mountain! And this globe is the key which will unlock the seals!"

The Temple forces had been pressed hard, losing ground at every step, when Ismitta finally released her true power. White lightning cut through Loth's troops and the very earth trembled before her wrath.

Those from the Temple felt their courage renewed, and gathered about Ismitta, letting their attacks follow in the wake of the white lightning.

Well away from the main action, Loth felt the first stirring of fear. For the first time, she realised that she might actually loose. "Lorelei... get ready to take me out of here if things get too bad." She instructed the alakazam.

I'm afraid that is not possible, my Lady. One with a great mental will is holding down on this place, preventing anyone from leaving.

Loth cursed angrily. "What! No teleportation?" She started to pace, muttering to herself. "Something is not right, Lorelei, not right at all. Even these Ancients don't have enough power to hold down on an area this large for a long period of time and still fight. How long has the barrier been up?"

Since the start of the battle, my Lady. May I also inform my Lady that her long time rivals, the Free Riders, have joined the battle against us? Please be careful, theirs is a grudge they cannot forget. Their anger burns red-hot, consuming all in their path.

Loth shook her head. "For heaven's sake, how could they possibly still be annoyed over that! I betrayed them for greater power, yes, but I really don't see..." She stopped pacing and swung around to face the alakazam. "I really don't have time for this. Contact Viridian and tell her-"

Lorelei interrupted her. I have not been able to contact the Lady Viridian for quite some time now, my Lady."

"You haven't?" Loth frowned, deep in thought, then suddenly swore loudly, causing the kaijuu to start in surprise. "She betrayed us. That wench betrayed us! Call off our fighters, our fight is no longer here. Not only that... Release the kaijuu, send them all back to their homes, apart from our strongest and most devoted. Greater numbers will only be a hazard where we are going."

If Lorelei was surprised at the unusual orders, she did not show it, nodding and turning away from her mistress, facing the battle. The fighting slowed as Loth's troops no longer threw themselves at the Temple forces. A great number turned and started to leave, while a smaller group turned back and gathered around Loth.

Those from the Temple turned and gaped in surprise, completely confused. Why had the enemy suddenly disbanded? Ismitta watched through narrow eyes as Loth's group moved off into the mountains. Was it some kind of trap?

Kazumi the Kedabra sighed wearily. It's not a trap. Lorelei tells me they head towards another battle. She says we have all been deceived. He shook his head. I have no idea what she is alluding to.

Ismitta bellowed furiously, causing a nearby Free Rider to jump in terror. –What about Kepa Nur? Doesn't everything hinge around him?–

I do believe, he shifted uneasily, that Kepa left the Temple long ago. My advice to you would be to seek out one of these Free Riders, a man named Scucca. I believe he can answer some of your questions...

Rowan stared at Viridian in shock. The strongest Ancient... mad and insane... locked in the bowels of the mountain!

"Wh-what will happen when you release the seal?" She hardly dared ask.

Viridian grinned. "Don't worry, I wouldn't be so stupid as to release that thing. That's what the machine is for. I will siphon off that creature's power and absorb it. Who needs those pathetic Temple Ancients when ultimate power is right under my feet!"

Rowan's shoulders slumped. All that power in control of a sane and cruel being. That was worse than releasing the Ancient! And without Kepa she had no idea of how to break the globe. But she must... it was no longer the lives of a few kaijuu hanging in the balance, but those of everyone on the planet!

New resolve lent strength to her soul. Rowan suddenly launched herself at Viridian, catching the hybrid completely off guard. The two collapsed in a heap, both struggling to gain possession of the key. It fell out of Viridian's hands and rolled across the floor. Rowan, who was on top, scrambled after it.

Something snagged into her ankle, jerking her back. Viridian had lashed out with the spines on her forearm, leering as she dug them in deeper. "What are you waiting for, kaijuu! Get that globe away from her!"

The kaijuu in the hall sprang towards the platform, some forming attacks made from their element. Rowan screamed in pain and jerked her leg free, rolled forwards and snatched the globe.

"Get her!" Viridian screamed. "You can't hurt the key!"

Wanna bet? Rowan thought smugly as she got to her feet. Her ankle looked like a terrible mess, and she knew she shouldn't be putting weight on it, but she was so pumped with adrenaline she felt no pain.

Stuffing the globe in a pocket, she darted behind the machine, barely avoiding a score of elemental missiles.

"Don't hit the machine!" Viridian suddenly hollered. "Whatever you do, don't hit it!"

Where could she go? It was like being in some kind of medieval arena, with no escape unless you had wings. If only I could fly. There! A patch of darkness in the wall ahead and slightly to the right. It could be only a shadow on the rock or it could be...

Rowan sprinted ahead, dodging left and right to avoid getting hit. Risking a glance behind, she saw the kaijuu were almost around the platform, some already were, and starting to launch their attacks. She looked back just in time to notice the rock under her feet crack and start to crumble.

She jumped to the left, windmilling her arms as a whole section of floor caved in and she teetered on the brink. A blast of air hit her in the back, sending her stumbling off in the direction opposite the one she wanted to go.

Her ankle started to throb as the punishment she was putting it through overcame the adrenaline. However she didn't have the time to stop and heal it. Gritting her teeth, she faced the cleft and ran towards it, head down. Something exploded behind her, the blast picking her up and carrying her the rest of the way, along with sharp pieces of rock, some of which stuck under her skin.

But she was there! Shaking off a pain induced haze from her mind, she saw that there was indeed a crack in the face, barely wide enough for a human. Without a second thought she squeezed through, gasping with pain as she hit her ankle against the side of the face. Her bow snagged behind her, so she shifted it until it hung across her chest, instead of on her back.

"You fools!" She heard Viridian ranting behind her. "Get her quickly, but don't collapse this place around our ears! The seal can only be broken here!"

Storing that bit of knowledge away, Rowan inched through the crevice, fervently praying that it didn't lead to a dead end. There was enough light coming from behind her so she could see well enough, although if it started to twist and turn she feared she would loose it.

"Viridian!" This was a new voice, one that Rowan had never heard. She could hear the conversation quite clearly, as it echoed through the tight passage.

"You betrayer! Lorelei warned me not to trust you and she was right! Trying to seize the power that is rightfully mine!"

"Loth! But how did you get here? You shouldn't have been able to teleport!"

Loth's voice was mocking. "We couldn't teleport for quite a while, then suddenly we could. Perhaps your hold on this mountain is breaking, Viridian. Not exactly in control of the situation, are we?"

There was a scream of rage and everything shuddered, dislodging a number of small rocks which fell down on Rowan. She jumped forwards just as another quake released more loose rocks. They fell directly behind her, sealing the passageway and blocking out the light, leaving her in pitch darkness.

Rowan groaned. "Just when I thought it couldn't get worse. There had better be an exit up ahead or else they're going to find a very pretty globe and a bunch of dusty bones whenever they find me!"

She squeezed ahead for a couple more feet, which seemed like an eternity in the darkness. Now she had to feel her way forward with her hands, which were soon bruised and sore. Then, even more worrisome, she heard a sort of scratching sound behind her. Rowan knew exactly what that meant. Someone was now trying to unblock the path.

The steady scratching launched her forwards again, faster this time. Now she stumbled over the rough floor often, throwing her hands against the walls to hold herself up. She advanced blindly, only her fierce determination leading her now.

Her foot hit a rock and she started to fall. Rowan reached out for the wall but found nothing, only air. Hastily she reached down instead, barely in time to break her fall. "Oof!'

Rowan lay still a moment, trying to decide what had happened to her. It suddenly clicked in. "The wall!" She jolted upright, peering into the darkness, trying to see. It was still dark, but now a faint light hung in the air, enough to see by.

She was in another cave, slightly smaller than the one she had come from but not by much. Most of the cavern, however, was filled by a large lake, its waters eerily still here where there was no wind to ruffle its surface. Shaking her head in disbelief, Rowan started walking around the lake, limping quite badly now.

She heard shouts of glee behind her, and guessed correctly that her pursuers had broken through the rock fall. Not long before they catch up now. Time, she needed time! She needed to heal her ankle, and her hands too. Torn up as they were, she doubted she could even use her bow.

Halfway around the lake, she leaned against the wall, breathing hard. She placed her forehead against the cool stone. Only a few seconds to rest. The wall, so close to her eyes, blurred then came back into focus. Rowan blinked in surprise, then jerked back.

Slowly, her fingers reached out and brushed the stone. Carved into the wall was an ancient pattern, so old that it was hardly visible, worn by water trickling down the cavern walls. Yet Rowan recognised the shape; a carved sphere, with no beginning and no end. She had an exact copy in her pocket.

She lay her thumb on the carving and pressed harder. This time it sank smoothly into the wall and she heard a faint click. A whole section of wall swivelled open on unseen hinges. The Ancients's work still worked perfectly; even after so many years, the door made not a sound.

Unhesitatingly Rowan stepped inside, sighing in relief as the door slid shut behind her, as quietly as it had opened. If they know about this place, too bad, I'll give it up. She smiled grimly, guessing she was the first to walk here since the Ancients had sealed the hybrid.

For this place could be nothing else but the way to where that creature was locked away. "I guess I won't be seeing Kepa for quite a while yet." Sighing, Rowan slid to the floor and slipped into the semi-conscious state needed for healing.

Ankle and hands taken care of, the healer fell sound asleep, not even bothering to look around this new place.

Kepa Nur had encountered some excitement as well, although not nearly as much as Rowan. He had wandered around until he came across a room filled with a dozen psychic kaijuu, all deep in concentration. With no idea that these where the ones blocking teleportation from the battlefield, Kepa decided that nothing Viridian did was of any use to him and knocked each kaijuu senseless, an easy task since they were concentrating so hard none noticed his presence.

That done, he continued searching for Rowan until, by pure luck, he came out on one of ledges overlooking the central chamber where, much to his surprise, a battle raged. Loth and Viridian each held one side of the chamber and attacks flew back and forth. Kepa searched frantically for the machine, but it was nowhere to be found, Viridian having already removed it and ordered it stored in a safe place.

There was also no sign of Rowan. Kepa found a steep path leading down from the ledge into the cavern, ending up behind Viridian's side of the field. She stood not far from him, shouting orders at her kaijuu. She caught a glimpse of him and gestured for him to join her.

He hesitated, then did so.

"What did you do with Rowan?"

"You should ask, what did Rowan do to us!" Viridian snarled angrily. "That little wench stole the globe and ran off with it, deep into the mountain. I sent kaijuu after her, but so far they haven't found her." She sneered at Kepa. "How does it feel, blaziken, to no longer be the center of attention?

"You are useless now; your task is done. Adamant has been re-forged into this world by a worthless human posing as a kaijuu. Another useless human has stolen it and has seemingly vanished from the face of the earth! Now you are alone and helpless."

"What do you mean by helpless?" Fire gathered in his paws.

"You can't do anything to save the one you love. Kill me if you want, Kepa Nur, but then Loth will win this fight and send her own after Rowan."

She turned away from him and started shouting orders once more. Kepa gazed after her in shock, never having guessed that Viridian was so perceptive.

But her words rang of truth. If Rowan was gone, where he could not follow... with the key, no less. She didn't even know how to break it! He staggered back and slumped against the wall. Useless...

Have faith in her, Kepa Nur.

Kepa looked up through hooded eyes. Inali the abra sat before him, staring at him with her penetrating gaze. You gave Rowan the key, didn't you?

He nodded dumbly, too lost in self-doubt to even show surprise at her appearance.

Then have faith that she will realise it. Believe in her, like she believes in you. Have faith that she will know what to do. You still have a duty to preform. Leave Rowan to her destiny and go find yours!

Kepa blinked as her words sank in and his eyes suddenly hardened with new purpose. "What must I do?"

Inali smiled. That is for you to discover. She nodded, as if pleased by what she saw and vanished.

Good luck.