A Love -Hate Relationship
36
From Darkness To Darkness
A/N: This Fan Fiction is based on the Galar region and games (Sword/Shield) featuring CanonXOC It based on the GAMES and NOT the anime version.
"Remind me again..." Bede huffed irritably, "Why we are all wandering around LOST in the WOODS!?"
Bede's voice echoed in the Forest of Focus, which, inspite of its name, was not helping anyone's focus at all.
"We're not lost." Hop huffed, "It just so happens that no matter which Tower we go too we must pass through these woods to get there."
"So then which tower is it that we are going to?" asked Marnie.
"Hard to say..." said Anani, "All we can do is let Kubfu lead the way and decide for itself."
"Great..." said Bede, "Our lives are to be left in the paws of a teddy bear." he said rolling his eyes, but still, he followed anyway. They were brought to the Training Lowlands, led by Kubfu.
"He seems bloody determined to climb this..." said Hop as the reached the steps to what was known as the Challenge Road.
"yeah..." said Anani, "I think...The Tower of Darkness stands at top here..." she blinked and glanced down to the small bear with a fierce fire in its eyes.
"Is this where you want to go?" she asked.
"Bear bear!" is what he stated in a low growl.
"...Well you heard him." said Anani, "This is where he wants to go."
"Since this is a trainng journey built for Kubfu...I suppose Kubfu would be the best to listen to in the situation." said Marnie.
"The day I take orders from a teddy bear..." Bede mumbled, "My have I sunk so low...?"
"Oh pipe down and push on." said Hop in a huff as he shoved passed Bede who snorted his disapproval. Challenge Road surely lived up to its name. It was a treacherous climb with uneven footing. Hop and Anani worked well in helping each other up in turn of helping the rest of their party. Through grit and determination led by a small bear Poke'mon, they made it to the top at last, where a student of the dojo waited to greet them.
"Sister, Anani." said the student as she bowed her head politely, "Master has already sent word of your arrival." she stated as she stood upright once more, "I take it you are here with Kubfu in order to take the Trial of Two Fists...correct?"
"Yeah..." said Anani as she glanced down at the bear Poke'mon, "This is where Fuukuu wanted to go..." she blinked, "So here we are."
"Very well." the student nodded, "This is the Tower of Darkness." she explained, "It's a training ground built only for Kubfu where it can learn how to channel its own inner darkness." she said, "Once you have entered the Tower, you will not be able to leave until you have bested the five opponents who await you inside, "Or until you are beaten yourself."
"So this is a test of grit then." said Bede, "Defeat or be defeated, huh?" he scoffed and flipped his fingers through his hair, "Sounds easy enough, My team and I could do it blindfolded."
"It' not easy as you think." said the student, "There will be no team." she stated.
"What!?" The group blinked as the studentt went on to continue.
"This is a training ground built only for Kubfu." she explained," So only Kubfu may participate in these battles and no other party Poke'mon are allowed." she stated.
A soft gasp escaped the traveling group.
"So you mean...Kubfu must win these 5 battles in a row...on its own?" blinked Marnie.
The student nodded.
"With Anani, of course." she stated, "On top of that, the unchosen Tower will be locked away to you forever." she said, "So be certain..." the student blinked, "Do you truly wish to forsake the path of Water...and follow the path of Darkness?"
Anani blinked and glanced down at Kubfu. They shared a long gaze when the bear poke'mon narrowed its bead eyes and nodded firmly.
"Well you heard Kubfu." said Anani, "This is the path he chose."
"Very well." said the student, "Remember there is no turning back once the choice is made." she explained as she gazed upon the Poke'mon that showed no sign of turning back,"...I can tell your heart is set...best of luck to you both." she smiled, "Since this training ground is made only for Kubfu, I must ask that you leave the rest of your party Poke'mon behind until this training is over."
"Understood..." said Anani as she removed her remaining Poke'balls from her pack and turned toward her friends, "Hop...could I count on you to look after them?"
"Of course!" Hop smiled and graciously accepted her cherished partners into his hands.
"You do realize Hop isn't the only one here, right?" Bede huffed, "We're here too-OW!"
Marnie had shoved a sharp elbow into Bede's arm to which his muttered as he tried to rub away the growing bruise it would leave behind.
"I'm sure what Bede means to say is that we'll take good care of them~!" she said with a warm smile. Anani couldn't help but giggle.
"Thank you." she said softly, "All of you."
"Hmph." Bede huffed and folded his arms stubbornly," So what are we waiting for then?" he asked, "Let's get to climbing this stupid Tower-"
"I'm sorry-" said the student holding her hand up to interrupt him, "But I am afraid only Kubfu and Anani may pass beyond this point." she stated.
"Wait-" Bede gasped, "You mean we can't go up with her!?"
The student sighed and shook her head softly.
"This is an outrage!" Bede huffed, "We got dragged ALL OVER THE PLACE by that Teddy Bear and here we arrive just to be left behind!?" he ruffled up his own hair in frustration before straightening it out once more to continue his complaints, "WE are Anani's friends! She needs us!"
"Bede..." Anani whispered his name softly blushing. Soon after, Bede found himself blushing as well, and quickly tried to cover it up.
"I-I mean...THEY..." he corrected, "They are her friends...I-" he stammered and Marnie began snickering. Even Hop was rather amused. "YOU!" he said pointing to Hop, "She's like your 'best mate' right? Surely you would have something to say about this!"
"That's true..."Hop stated softly," I mean..she is my best mate and all- but I-"
Anani smiled and took Bede's hand in hers. He jumped a bit, startled by the sudden shock between them as she held his hand and he blushed a bit. Only slightly though.
"Thank you for your concern, Bede, really..." she said softly, "I'm glad we're friends." she smiled.
"...We're not friends!" he snipped.
"Don't give me that!" said Marnie, "YOU said-"
"I DON'T KNOW WHAT I SAID!" Bede huffed as he quickly pulled his hand away and folded his arms. He turned his back to hide his face and the remainders of the group, laughed light heartedly.
"Do you best Anani! And Fuukuu!" said Marnie.
"Yeah..." Hop nodded, "We'll be here waiting for you when you get back." He gave a tender smile and wrapped both arms around her tight. It was a mutual hug. Anani could feel Hop's trembling concerned to which she acknowledged by hugging back tighter. After finally releasing each other she and Kubfu both took in a long deep breath and slowly exhaled.
"Okay." said Anani, "We're ready!"
"Bear ma bear!" said Kubfu.
"Very well." the student nodded and heaved open the heavy doors, "Good luck." she said. Anani and Kubfu exchanged glances and gave a firm nod, both stepping forward into the darkness that waited beyond the door as it slammed heavily behind them.
To be Continued