A.N. Because I didn't write a chapter last week, I've decided to write two this week. The story will be more present in this chapter. The reason it wasn't in the last one was because I hadn't worked out how to properly go about this, but wanted to write a chapter anyway, so I apologise if you felt the last chapter was completely pointless, (I'm still new to this, after all). But with that said, enjoy the chapter.
CHAPTER 6
Safety and Danger
The idea that Volo and Darkrai could come in contact with each other caused a great deal of concern among the higher-ups of the Galaxy Team. Even worse was the idea that Volo might try to break into Jubilife Town in order to hurt Rei. Many meetings were organised by Kamado to discuss the best way to deal with the situation. He decided to hold these meetings at night, in order to not cause fear or cause chaos, something Irida thought was a sensible precaution.
They briefly considered keeping Rei in Jubilife until Volo was either caught, or enough time had passed without him being seen that he couldn't be considered a threat. But Laventon quickly shut the idea down. "It wouldn't be fair on Akari, or anyone else that would need his help" he pointed out, "He's the best at resolving problems. How could he help unite the clans if he can't leave the town." Kamado relented to this.
Another suggestion, suggested by Adaman, was for Rei to not stray off any of the paths built and guarded by the Security Core, and for him to have a small guard of Security around him as well. But this idea was shut down by Cyllene surprisingly. She pointed out that no one was as affective at catching pokémon and completing research tasks as him. "And anyway," Irida added, "it would once again be unfair to Akari and other people who'd need his help." Adaman accepted that, and they continued arguing about the best course of action.
Eventually, it was decided that Rei would carry on as usual, but he'd have members of the security core follow him and keep watch. The moment Volo appeared, or one of his pokémon, or even Darkrai himself, the security core members would leap into action to help defend him. At first, this idea seemed to work. But, a few weeks into it, they realised that it mightn't have been the best decision. They became aware of its flaw when the security core members tasked with watching him followed him as he and Akari sat watching the sunset in the coastlands and watched as they got a bit too… intimate. After that ordeal, it was decided that he'd be followed, unless he and Akari were going out alone.
But it wasn't ultimately necessary, Irida thought, because Rei could fend for himself, and it was as if he'd developed eyes on the back of his head. He always knew who or what was approaching him before he saw them. He started walking more carefully the moment he left the village, and always had his Typhlosion at the ready at all times. Akari kept her Pikachu ready too, in case she needed to help defend him. But, so far at least, Volo didn't try to attack him. Neither did Darkrai. But that didn't take the edge off of Rei for a while.
Security Core members were stationed permanently at both entrances to the cave leading up to the temple of Sinnoh, as well as all over the temple itself. Kamado knew that if Volo were to do anything, he'd most likely try it there. His hunch hadn't born fruit yet, but that doesn't mean it won't. But it looked like Volo had vanished again. People were still on edge, however. Whenever they travelled, people started bringing pokéballs with them, in the hopes that they'd be able to catch themselves a partner in order to defend themselves.
But after two months without a sighting, people were beginning to calm down. But that seemed to be what Volo wanted. Late one night, Irida was woken by the sound of struggling and yelling. She slipped out of the bed that she slept in whenever she stayed in Jubilife and went outside. The sound of scuffling came from Rei's house. Other people had left their houses as well to see what was the matter? Irida hoped Rei and Akari weren't having a lover's quarrel. But that question was answered when Akari came pelting out of her house and running as fast as she could to Rei's. Irida ran to keep up.
Akari ripped Rei's door open and stopped dead. There, standing in the doorway, with Rei in a chokehold, was Volo himself. He looked completely different to how he did five years ago. His hair was still in that ridiculous lightning bolt shape, but it had since grown wilder and out of place. Like Rei, he had grown a beard. But unlike Rei, it looked like he tried, and failed, to keep it in check. His eyes had the look of someone who'd long ago completely lost the plot. And he was looking at Rei with malic satisfaction at seeing him at his mercy.
Akari took a step towards them, and Volo looked up. he was grinning broadly, showing a set of yellowed teeth. "Take a step closer, and I'll snap his neck" he told them. Akari stopped, but kept a looked of deepest loathing fixed on Volo. This caused him to chuckle as he turned to look at Rei. "Well, isn't that sweet" he said to Rei, who was struggling against Volo's hands, gasping for breath, "it seems you managed to get yourself a girlfriend. I'll be sure to let you lock eyes as I snuff the lights out of them."
"NOO!" Akari yelled and she dived on him. As Volo dodged out of the way, Rei was able to struggle free and gasp for breath. Then he turned around and threw a punch across Volo's nose. Volo stumbled backwards, blood spouting from his nose. He threw Akari off, and shoved Irida and others out of the way as he ran towards the exit. But members of the security core stood in the way. So, thinking quickly, he pulled out his Togakiss, leapt on it and took off into the night.
But the guards had no time to even get angry that he'd managed to slip through their fingers, because Rei suddenly collapsed to the ground, clutching his head and screaming in agony. As Irida turned him over to see what was wrong, he suddenly screamed louder, then stopped and fell unconscious. Then, Irida saw his scar and gasped. It was turning black. She knew what that meant and ran to tell Adaman. Darkrai was returning to Hisui, and it was using Rei to do it.
That got darker than I expected. I wanted to end with Darkrai's mark appearing on Rei's head, but I was struggling to fill this chapter in. So, if the ending felt rushed, that is why. But I hope you enjoyed. Now, unfortunately, the next chapter won't be out on Friday. But I might be able to post it on Saturday, we'll see. So, I'll see you then.
