Hey.
So, here is the chapter 10. It doesn't look bad I think. I hope you'll enjoy it.
Disclaimer:I don't own Pokémon (obviously)
Chapter 10: The Beritorian Republic
Lurio's eyes slowly opened. He was in a cage of steel, and he straightaway understood his hands were tied up, his body was still hurting, but less than before. He tried to free his hands, but in vain.
"I see you're finally awake."
He raised his head and saw Tractatori who was watching him, there were also two Bisharps who were standing against opposite walls, surveying him as well. They were all wearing blankets.
"It took you a long time to finally wake up." the Hydreigon said.
"...what do you want from me?" Lurio replied firmly.
"I just wanted to ask you something."
He took a break, then continued.
"What did Kayes tell you about us?"
The Lucario was a bit surprised by this question, but he answered:
"Nothing, all I know is that he hates you. And I can understand why."
"Hmph, I see. And I guess he didn't tell you anything about 'mega-evolutions.'?"
"What?" Lurio was astonished to hear that word.
"Sounds like he did tell you. And I think you know that he's able to transform?"
Lurio didn't answer.
"It's a 'yes" then. I wonder why he told you that if he really tried to hide this whole time."
"Hide?"
"Ask him. If you ever see him again. Anyway that's all I wanted to know."
Tractatori turned around and was about to go.
"...wait!" Lurio spoke to him.
Tractatori cast a glance at Lurio, sign that he was listening.
"Charles said you were looking for gems, what was he talking about?" the Lucario asked.
"Charles. So that's how you call him. Whatever, to answer your question... did you ever wonder how the mega-evolution exist?"
Lurio never asked Charles how a Pokémon could mega-evolve, this idea never came to his mind.
"Those rocks, those gems, are the reason of its existence."
Lurio's eyes opened wide upon hearing this. That would mean the Steel Federation knows about the mega-evolution, the Hell Army as well.
"This concept isn't unknown from the Federation, and they know these rocks are precious and a source of power. That's why they built that fortress in the first place. The Hell Army probably knew it, and coveted them. As we did."
With these gems, the Federation or the Hell Army could create Mega-Pokémons, whatever the purpose. And Tractatori wanted them too, but why?
"Why do you covet these gems?" Lurio asked.
"This is way more complicated than you could think. You must know that the Federation and the Hell Army want them so they could increase their power, and crush the other one so they would show their superiority. I have goals, but they have nothing to do with Seraïon."
The Hydreigon headed to the exit door, then he spoke to the two Bisharps:
"Keek at eye ot kis."
"Utpetypoop." the Bisharps replied together.
And he exited the room. Lurio remained lost in his thoughts for a long time. Those rocks are how Charles could transform, as the Aerodactyle he fought in the caves... as the Mega Lucarios. But did they gain this ability by accident or intentionnally? How could these gems allow a person to surpass their natural limits? How does Tractatori knows about Charles's secret? He surely knows way more than Lurio could imagine about the mega-evolution. He needed answers. He needed to find Tractatori again and ask questions, wether he wanted to answer or not. But now he had to escape, and find Gre. Lurio recalled that Gre was poisoned, he hoped Gre was fine and finally cured, the Galorian seemed to need Gre for something, so it would be normal for them to cure him.
He was going to rescue him and get out of here.
He wondered how he could release his hands, they were strongly tied up. He tried again to free them with his strenght, but it didn't work. Then he looked at the Bisharps, the one on his right had a belt on which was fastened a bunch of keys. One was surely able to open the cage. He obviously couldn't use them to open it, but some were serrated, maybe he could use them to break the rope. He wasn't sure if it would work but he didn't have any other idea. But how would he draw the Bisharp's attention? He was thinking about it for a short time. Maybe he could use the spike on his hand and rub it against a bar to make an annoying noise. He approached the bars of his cage and rubbed the tip of the spike of his right hand against the bar. A rather strident noise roamed the room, both the Bisharps glanced at him. It seemed to work. The Lucario continued, looking at the Bisharp with the keys. He didn't have to wait long for the Bisharp to say something:
"Stop." he said with his accent, annoyed.
Lurio continued, he stared at the dark type in the eyes, trying to show he didn't care about what he said.
"I said stop." the Bisharp said.
Lurio kept rubbing the spike against the bar, he even intensified his movement, making the noise more unpleasant. The Bisharp stared at him with a threatening look and slowly approached. It was working.
"Ke iy otpy pautpitj you, peate kis." the other Bisharp spoke to him.
"Hah! Jkap iy ke joitj po po atyjay?" the other one replied while pointing Lurio, he was probably making fun of him.
Then he crouched and looked at the Lucario menacingly.
"I know you're taunting me, but it won't lead you to anything. Stop or this travel will be more painful for you." he said.
'travel'? they were travelling this whole time? Lucario guessed they were in one of the flying ships of Tractatori. He put these thoughts aside and kept staring at the Bisharp, he even smirked a bit. Suddenly the dark type raised his right arm and tried to punch Lurio's head, he moved his head backwards, avoiding the metal arm. The Lucario kept rubbing the spike. The Bisharp was more upse and tried to punch Lurio with his left arm this time. Lurio leaned back and raised a leg, the Bisharp's arm went between the two. He caught it with his legs and pulled it in the cage, the Bisharp got taken by surprise, the other one rushed to him. Lurio had to do quick, he got closer to the belt and tried to take the keys, his fingers were reaching them, but it felt impossible to grab them with the hands tied up. But he kept trying. The other Bisharp pulled his mate while Lurio was resisting. Then he managed to grab the keys, he pulled them with all the strenght he had. He removed the keys from the belt right before the Bisharp freed himself. He looked angry.
"Jkap pip I pepp you?" the other Bisharp talked to him.
"Hmph. Tetk." he appeared to despise the Lucario. What he said also sounded like an insult.
Then he looked at his belt and noticed he didn't have the keys anymore.
"Jkap pke... Ke kay pke keyy!"
"Jkap?! Koj?"
They both stared at the Lucario who was also staring at them. Lurio waited to see what they were going to do, he was hiding the keys behind his back.
"Ke yat top oket pke poot atyjay, atp it ke poey, je jipp teap kis pojt." the Bisharp without the belt said, he looked confident.
The one wearing the belt sneered upon hearing this and got back next to the wall. Lurio sighed softly of relief when he saw that. He tried to cut the rope with the keys, it was surely going to take a long time, especially that the Bisharps were watching him so he had to do it carefully. After a long while, he felt the rope getting less tight, he tried to free his hands and he succeeded. He kept his hands behind his back and looked at the Bisharps, one glanced at him but didn't seem to doubt anything. He thought about how he would escape. An aura sphere would easily smash the cage open, the explosion would create some smoke, he could use his aura vision to know where the Bisharps would be, at that moment he would have to improvise. He closed his eyes and sighed.
He felt ready.
He stood up fast and charged an aura sphere. The two Bisharps immediately turned to him, they were astonished to see him not tied up.
"Jkap pke kepp?! Koj?!"
"Ke suyp kate uyep pke keyy! Jep te..."
Lurio threw the aura sphere to the door and it exploded, creating some smoke as expected. Lurio used his aura vision to see his enemies. He had to be fast, they were approximately at the same place than they were before. He leapt on the Bisharp on his right, and did a high jump kick before he could react. He kicked the head of the dark type, projecting him to the opposite side the room. The Bisharp spotted the Lucario, his arms and legs were wrapped in energy, and jumped on him to land a right, Lurio jumped on the right, avoiding the aerial ace, the Bisharp immediately leapt on the combat type and was about to deal a violent blow to Lucario's head with his leg. Lurio jumped backwards and the Bisharp smashed the ground with his leg, creating a hole, his leg almost subsided, making the Bisharp lose his balance. Lurio attempted to kick his face but the Bisharp blocked the hit with his arm and got thrown backwards. Lurio sprung on the Bisharp, but suddenly, the dark type's eye sparkled, and he rushed to Lurio so quickly it looked like he teleported, and he punched Lurio's stomach violently. The Lucario coughed some blood and was repulsed. He rolled backwards, the Bisharp ran to him and was about to punch Lurio with an aerial ace. Lurio dodged on the same side of the dark type's fist, grabbed his arm, and punched several time the Bisharp to the face. When the dark type was stunned, he released the arm and ended him with a high jump kick. The Bisharp was knocked out. Lurio wiped the blood on his mouth, then he heard quick foot steps going down stairs. Lurio charged an aura sphere, expecting an enemy to burst in the room. A Hitmonlee who was wearing a blanket as well broke the door down with his foot.
"Jkap iy joitj ot!?"
Lurio immediately threw the aura sphere before he could react, he got hit by the sphere but he was still conscious. Lurio leapt on him and kicked his face, knocking him down. He was sure that Hitmonlee wasn't alone to have heard him. He quickly went up stairs, then he looked on his right and saw a Crawdaunt going to his direction who saw him too.
"Pke Puyatio! Ke eyyakep!" the water type gave the alert.
He climbed other stairs and opened a door. He was outside, it was snowing pretty much, the wind was blowing strongly and it was really cold. He was just below a giant balloon which was pulling up the ship, there was also a pipe below from which fire was getting out. Lurio ran on the deck but he saw Galorian fighters coming from the other side.
He was surrounded.
They were all wearing blankets, Lurio now understood why with that cold. He was near of the edge and the Galorians surrounded him. Then he saw Tractatori approaching, telling orders to different soldiers. Then he looked at Lurio, he didn't seem surprised by this attempt. When he was in front of the Lucario, he crossed his arms.
"Too bad you can't fly." he talked loudly because of the wind. "I expected you would escape, even if I have to admit I underestimated your strenght."
"I guess we both did a mistake." Lurio replied.
"You aren't wrong. But the difference is that it's over for you. Surrender and there will be no harm."
"'No harm' yeah..."
He stepped backwards.
"Where is the Greninja?!" he shouted to Tractatori.
"The Greninja? He isn't here."
Lurio didn't believe him, he decided to read in his mind to see if he was really telling the truth. When he did, he saw that the Hydreigon was actually telling the truth. Then he read something:
"See? Reading in my mind only confirms what I said."
Lurio got surprised when he read that, he stopped. Then he saw that the Hydreigon was laughing a bit.
"I have transfered him in an other ship far from here, in case you would try to rescue him.
What was he going to do now? Gre wasn't in this ship and he was surrounded, what was he going to do? How could he run away? Then he looked underneath. They were high, but they were flying over a forest of pine trees. Maybe he could survive that fall.
"You can't survive that fall." Tractatori warned him.
"We'll see about that..."
Lurio jumped. He crossed the air and stretched out his arms and legs to slow down as much as possible his fall, when he almost reached the pine trees, he rolled in a ball to minimize the injuries, squinted his eyes and gritted his teeth, ready for the incoming pain. He went through the branches, shattering every one he collided against, he felt several cut in his whole body, deep or little, he never felt such a pain wandering his whole body before, he collided against a big bough and broke it, and then finally landed on the cold ground covered in snow. His body was hurting so much, he wasn't able to move anymore, any movement was painful, he was groaning on the ground because of the pain.
Meanwhile:
He jumped. Every men got surprised and tried to catch him but it was already too late. Tractatori was surprised to see that the Lucario jumped despite his warning. Akio approached the Hydreigon, he seemed upset.
"Well, now he's dead. If only we had enough coal, we could have flought higher to prevent this." the Alakazam said.
"There's a meagre chance he survived, we're low enough to allow him to. But that luck would imply many injuries, at least."
"...and you think he survived?"
"I would lie if I say no. The Lucarios can be frail, but some are way tougher than the average."
"You want me to send a team to see if he did survive?"
"It won't be necessary."
"...you want to let him die by his injuries?" Akio asked, confused.
"Not really, I'm just doing an experiment. If he survives in these lands, it will be a success."
"...how could he survive there?"
"It's up to him."
"I doubt he'll make it, he has nowhere to go, he will be hunted down if he's discovered."
"But if he succeeds, he will be definitely ready for the final test, and the first of his kind to be. Anyway we're going to stock up on more coal, then go to our next location."
He said 'anyway', but he was actually excited to know the result of this experiment. He couldn't tell why...
...but he felt this one was going to be a success.
Lurio stood still for a little while, then tried to get on his hands and knees. It was hurting, but he did it, then he sat against a tree. He looked at the sky, the ship disappeared. He was surprised to not see it, it wasn't that fast. He put his hand on the large cut on his right arm, trying to limit the loss of blood. He had so many cuts spread on his body, little pieces of sticks and leaves were in his fur. Lurio thought he survived thanks to luck. But now, where would he go? He's lost and it's cold. The Lucario knew he had to move, but his body refused to, it was hurting too much. But then he forced himself to stand up, despite the pain. and walked, stumbling, in the direction the ship apparently took. Lurio didn't know where he was going.
He was lost, wounded, cold and hungry. How was he going to survive? He started to lose hope, but he stayed determined, he had to survive, find Gre and get out of here. But for that, he needed someone, to guide him somewhere, or a shelter to warm up.
He didn't know for how long he was walking, he looked behind him, and saw the blood stains which were following him, he looked at his hand which was on the wound, it was bloody, it disgusted him and continued walking. It was easy for someone to track him down, the only thing he hoped was that someone would help him. His fur was helping him to resist to the cold, but it wasn't enough. He was chattering because of this. After a while, it stopped snowing, then he saw figures not too far away from him. At first he was relieved to finally see people after a long time, but afterwards he could examine them better. They were four, a Golisopod, a Scizor, a Druddigon, and a blue Sandslash. They were all wearing blankets, but what drew Lurio's attention was the fact that they were wearing actual steel armors adapted to their bodies. Lurio had to admit he was scared, because he did learn something at the academy, only one known country, which was next to Seraïon, had the means, the ressources and blacksmiths to produce such armors. And that country wasn't in peace with Seraïon and its soldiers would kill any Seraïonian in sight.
That country was the Beritorian Republic.
He immediately hid behind a tree. He recalled what Galern said about the Beritorian soldiers...
He was still a Riolu back then, it was during his fourth year in the academy. He was waiting on a bench in the playground of the academy. Then he saw Gre coming, who was a Frogadier, he evolved a few days ago.
"So?" Lurio asked.
"Some are talking about Galern, saying he's a Beritorian, that... he shouldn't be here, he should be in Beritor."
"That's absurd!" the Riolu was indignant.
"I know right? We should tell Galern about that..."
Galern entered in the playground from the other side, the hands behind the back, the look with a severe appearance. But Lurio, Gre and all the others learned to know him. He looked strict and demanding, but he was probably one of the nicest people he ever met. The Golisopod never hesitated to help his students, to take his time while explaining, and always tried to understand them. When he got near of them, he greeted them:
"Hello you two."
"Hello master."
Lurio and Gre hesitated to tell Galern what the other teachers were saying on his back. But Lurio decided to eventually speak to him.
"Master Galern?"
"Yes Lurio?"
"Hum... is it true?"
"What?"
"What the teachers are saying. They're saying you're Beritorian."
The Golisopod looked at where Gre came from, the way to the teachers room. Lurio didn't want to read his feelings about it, by respect. Then Galern sighed.
"Yes it is."
"Really?"
"Yes, I come from the Beritorian Republic."
"But why do they say you should go back there?" Gre asked.
"They're just... It's just fear."
"Fear?" Lurio repeated.
"Yes. I don't know if you've been taught that, but the Steel Federation isn't in good terms with the Beritorian Republic. So we're basically enemies."
"That's not true!"
"Some don't think like you. The Federation fears that the Republic would be up to a sudden invasion, so Beritorian immigrants are immediately seen as threats, unless they proved to be not. The Federation did check if I was a spy or something else, they didn't find anything. But there's also something else."
"What?"
"The Beritorian soldiers are reputed to be true beasts, trained to master anger and use it as a weapon, particularly resistant, being able to still fight when a normal person would be aready down."
"Is that true?"
"It actually is."
"Wow, how do you know that?"
"I was a soldier back then. I quit years ago."
They all stayed silent for a short time.
"Whatever, you shouldn't focus on that, focus rather on the techniques I told you to work on."
"But what are you going to do about it?"
He put a hand on the Riolu's shoulder, and smiled a bit. seeing Galern smile was rare.
"...I'm just going to deal with it. See you later."
"See you later Master." the two said together.
Lurio tried to breath slower and quietly to avoid being heard by the soldiers. Then he remembered the blood stains. He grasped the wound on his arm so less blood would drop. He couldn't hide. He had to run, he had no choice. Fortunately, all of them were slow Pokémons, so he had a chance. Suddenly a soldier spoke, he sounded closer than he expected:
"Hmm? Grat us klat?"
"Kley dook fresr, someone us nearky."
He barely understood what they said, he thought they knew someone was nearby. Unlike Galorian, Beritorian was a bit similar to Seraïonian. The main differences were that they had to roll their 'r' and usually articulated more. Lurio heard them coming closer. He had to move.
Now.
He sprinted towards the left, every soldiers gasped out of surprise.
"Huh?! Hey you! Trop rukrt klegre!"
He continued to run. He was grasping really hard the wound, so less blood woulddrop, and tracking him would be harder. But since they were trained here, Lurio guessed it wouldn't change much things. He looked behind him, and saw the Druddigon chasing him, running on all fours surprisingly fast.
"Trop rukrt klegre!" he shouted to Lurio.
Lurio continued to run, suddenly the dragon type jumped and landed right next to the Lucario. The Druddigon's claws illuminated and he quickly raised his arm and attempted to hit the Lucario. Lurio immediately crouched and slided on the snow, dodging the dragon claw, the Druddigon instead stroke a tree trunk and shattered it. Lurio heard the tree falling. He looked behind and he saw that the Druddigon was slowed down because of his attack. Lurio decided to take a turn, hoping he would get out of the forest. He kept running while the Beritorian was chasing him. He didn't know where were the other soldiers, he hoped they were far. Suddenly an arrow just passed right next to him and planted in the snow. The Druddigon had a bow, and now he decided to use it. He straightaway hid behind a big tree trunk before an other arrow was shot, it passed next to the trunk. He stopped moving. All he hoped was that the Druddigon thought he took another direction. After a while he heard the Druddigon's footsteps on the snow. The Lucario was able to hear his heavy breathing. The dragon type continued to advance, Lurio tried to stay hidden from the Druddigon's eyesight who was walking around, looking for him. The Druddigon groaned after a short time. Lurio heard him take an arrow and bend his bow.
"U knor you'gre regre. Sror yoursedf!"
He shot an arrow at a tree trunk, it went through it. He roared of rage and smashed the tree with his claws, then he stroke other trees a bit further. That was maybe an opportunity. Suddenly, the footsteps accelerated in his direction, he crouched right before a hand smashed the trunk, the tree fell on the side. He felt a sudden grip on his head.
"Klegre you agre..." the Beritorian said.
The Druddigon lifted the Lucario with ease and turned him to look at him. Then he noticed Lurio's wound. The steel type could barely see his eyes, hidden behind the helmet.
"Gry rur you run? Espekuasy rukl sukr an unjugry."
Lurio didn't reply. If he talked, he would probably kill him. But what Galern said was a long time ago, maybe the Beritorians changed, but that would surprise him. The situation between the Republic and the Federation didn't change at all.
"Tadk!"
"Because I've been told you would kill me if you knew who I am."
The Beritorian stayed still for a moment. Then he clenched his fist and groaned.
"Segraïonuan skum."
Lurio got his answer. They still hated the Seraïonians.
Lurio punched the Druddigon's head with an ice punch, the helmet took the hit, but Lurio was released and the dragon type seemed stunned, he had his hand on his helmet and shook his head.
"You's rekret klat!"
He leapt on the Lucario with both of his arm raised and claws illuminated. Lurio rolled aside and dodged the attack, but the Druddigon hit him straightaway with the back of his hand, he got repulsed and had to kneel and put his hand on the ground to avoid falling. The Druddigon didn't give him a break and jumped on him again and tried to bite him. He dodged on the side and did an uppercut with an ice punch under the Druddigon's head, not protected by the helmet. He groaned but was hardly repulsed and roared at Lurio. It felt more as a roar of frustration for the fact that he got hit than for the pain.
A normal Druddigon would have been very weakened by this attack.
He noticed a figure approaching, it was the Golisopod. Lurio didn't see the others though. His injury made the situation even worse. He wasn't able to deal with two adversaries at the same time. If he ran away again, the Druddigon would chase him, so the Golisopod would take more time to arrive and the Lucario could beat them one after the other. He decided to do that. The Druddigon tried to grabe Lurio with both of his hands, Lurio jumped backwards in time before his foot got caught. Then he started to run in the same direction than before. Lurio used the trees to protect himself from the arrows the dragon type could shoot. He was right for doing so, an arrow hit a tronk right behind him, then he heard him screaming something to someone, but he didn't really understand what he was saying. Afterwards he saw what could be the limit of the forest, he wasn't really happy about this since he wouldn't be able to hide from arrows anymore. When he reached it, all he saw was empty plains covered in snow, with mountains visible in the distance. The Druddigon got out from the forest as well, he sniggered.
"No mogre rurunk Dukagruo."
He leapt on the Lucario, used his left arm to jump further and raised his other arm, the claws wrapped in energy. Lurio dodged on his right but the Druddigon immediately tried to crush him with his other hand after attacking. Lurio only had the time to block it with both of his arms. His wound made him immediately regret his action. The pain on his arm intensified and more blood dropped from the cut. He moaned at the instant, then he got punched in the ribs and was projected in the snow. He stood up painfully while groaning because of that pain with his not injured arm. The Druddigon leapt on the Lucario and attempted to bite him, Lurio avoided the attack by the side, upon doing that, the dragon type attemped to hit him with the back of his hand, as expected. Lurio jumped before he could reach him and did an ice punch to the neck, not protected by the armor. The dragon type grouched and quickly raised his arm, Lurio rolled backwards and dodged the jab. The Druddigon stayed still, he was probably waiting for him to attack so he could counter. The Lucario had to bait him then. His fist wrapped itself with ice and he rushed at the Druddigon. When he got close, the dragon type jumped aside and did a dragon claw. Lurio crouched in time, he felt the claws grazing his ears, the enemy immediatley attacked with his tail, Lurio hardly had the time to jump over it and punched the helmet to stun the Druddigon. He groaned and stepped backwards, almost losing his balance. Lurio rushed at him and gave several ice punch in the helmet, deforming it. He did an uppercut in the jaw of the dragon type, he collapsed instantaneously.
"Finally..." Lurio said while holding his wound, exhausted.
Suddenly he heard someone coming out from the forest. It was the Golisopod. When the insect type noticed the body of his mate, he stared at the Lucario, the eyes behind the helmet. He joined his hands.
"You ron't rave kle tume to rekret komunk regre, Feregratuon skum!" he said while creating a water saber.
Lurio had be careful about the Golisopod, the steel armor protected the parts which the natural armor didn't protect. The only weakpoint he could use was the head again. And there was something else...
Suddenly the Golisopod disappeared. Lurio looked everywhere, then he felt a presence behind him. He turned around and immediately jumped backwards upon seeing the Golisopod dangerously close to him, about to slash the Lucario. When he swung his saber, Lurio's chest was hit. Lurio yelled at the time. If he waited less than one second later, he would have been sliced in a half.
That was the attack he had to be careful about, first impression.
The Golisopod grumbled when he saw that the Lucario didn't die from this. He charged at him, the saber backward. He swung the water saber high enough to allow Lurio to crouch right below it, he tried to do an uppercut with an ice punch in the jaw but the insect type moved his head to avoid it. His claws wrapped themselves in energy and the Golisopod was going to strike the Lucario. The steel type used his not injured arm to block that brick break, it still hurt. The Golisopod didn't give him a break and jumped on him, the saber raised. Lurio rolled backwards before the water type planted the saber in the ground. The Lucario used this opportunity to deal a high jump kick right into the helmet. The Golisopod was repulsed, he took off his deformed helmet, revealing his face. He created an other water saber. He jumped, spinned around and was about to give a violent saber strike. Lurio jumped aside and dodged it. Upon seeing this, the Golisopod did an other swing, the Lucario jumped over the Golisopod and went behind him. He charged an aura sphere he would throw at the head, the only weakness of that Golisopod. When the insect type was about to turn around, he jumped again, and still charging the sphere. The Golisopod gave a saber strike at where Lurio was standing earlier, he looked above and noticed the Lucario. Lurio threw the aura sphere right into the face of the water type. When The Golisopod got hit, he screamed while putting his hand on his face and moved backwards. Lurio immediately leapt on him and gave a high jump kick to the face again. The insect type almost fell over. Lurio charged an other aura sphere and threw it. But the Golisopod used his arm to block it. Suddenly he projected his water saber at Lurio, the Lucario got surprised but quickly moved his chest, the saber skimmed past it. The Golisopod jumped on him with the claws raised, warpped in energy. Lurio dodged backwards the brick breack and the insect type smashed the ground. Lurio hit his face with a punch, it barely affected his enemy. The Golisopod tried to hit the Lucario with an other brick break but Lurio jumped in time and punched his head again. The Golisopod shook his head and tried to slash the combat type. Lurio jumped backwards, but he moaned upon feeling his arm got hit, it was a cut, but not that important. Suddenly the Golisopod charged at him with a water saber. Lurio moved aside, dodging the saber,then he punched several times the head of the Golisopod, in hope to daze him a bit. Despite the punches, the insect type swung the water saber, the Lucario jumped over it and raised his arms to give a violent blow on the head. The Golisopod was about to swing again, so he smashed his fists against the head of the insect type, making the saber stop before it reached Lurio. The Golisopod was finally dazed. The Lucario decided to finish him with a high jump kick to the head, some blood got out from the Golisopod's mouth and he collapsed, he tried to lift himself, but finally fell uncouscious.
Lurio stood still for a moment, then realized his heart beats were way faster than they should be, and his breathing was really fast. He put his hand on the wound on his chest, but he almost fell over. He was tired. He didn't stop fighting for several hours and he's severly injured. His head was spinning. He needed some time to breath. But how much time did he have before other soldiers find him? He struggled against these two one on one. He couldn't win an other one. He reached his limits. He needed help. But where could he find some? Was it even possible? He had to try, he had no choice. So he got back on his feet and started to walk slowly. Suddenly he felt that something went through his left leg. He yelled because of the sudden pain and kneeled. He looked at the leg.
An arrow.
He looked behind while moaning and saw the Scizor who was holding a bow. They approached. Lurio couldn't move because of the leg.
"That's very impressive, how you took out those two, especially for a Seraïonian." she talked, with the Beritorian accent which made the words less understandable.
Lurio was rather surprised to see a Beritorian talking his language.
"You... talk... Seraïonian?"
"I learned how to speak it, makes interrogations way easier. Whatever, I'm going to take you to the nearest city, my superiors exactly know what to to do with you."
Lurio didn't want to know what they would do to him. When the Scizor was close enough, he rolled aside while trying to deal a kick to her. But she blocked it with her arms and strightaway punched Lurio in the chest. He spitted out some blood instantly. She grabbed him by the shoulder while snickering.
"What do you hope? Even if you manage to beat me, you won't go far, weakened and lost as you are. And if you somehow survive, the Sandslash will tell everyone about your presence, you will be tracked down until you're dead."
The Lucario wrapped his fist with ice and tried to punch the Scizor but she blocked it with her pincer. Then she did a headbutt to Lurio, his eyes started to get heavy. He felt his strenght slowly leaving him.
Suddenly he felt his strenght coming back to him, the pain he was feeling all over his body was gone, and he even felt stronger than he usually was. He opened his eyes and stared at the Scizor with a determined look. Through the helmet, Lurio could read the surprise in her face. He released his hand and gave an ice punch to the Scizor's head so fast she didn't even react. She let go of the shoulder and moved backwards by the surprise.
"Kle fuf?!" she shouted.
She dashed to the Lucario really fast and tried to punch the Lucario but he moved aside, dodged the bullet punch and gave a punch in her chestplate, deforming it. She fell and slided on the snow, she bounced back. Lurio didn't know what was happening, it was like his body was completely ignoring tiredness and pain. Then he looked at his hands and noticed they were emanating way more aura than usual, but why? He didn't know. But now he had to focus on the current fight. Lurio leapt on the Scizor and tried to deal a high jump kick, she dodged it by jumping aside,but upon landing he charged an aura sphere in a very short time and threw it. The insect type didn't have enough time to react and got hit. She got projected in the back, but was still conscious, and able to fight. He rushed at her and attempted to punch several times the Scizor but she managed to avoid all the attacks. Her pincer illuminated all of a sudden and she tried to give a blow to Lurio, he blocked th brick break with his two hands. He did a sweep with his not injured leg to knock the Scizor over and gave an ice punch to the head again, sinking her into the snow. She got back on her feet again surprisingly fast and tried do an other brick break, but Lurio jumped over her, grabbed her head and threw her on the ground. When she was about to get up, Lurio leapt on her and gave a high jump kick to the face, the helmet got removed and she was projected further. She tried to lift herself, but ended up not moving.
Lurio looked around to see if any more soldier was here. After making sure he was alone, he came closer to the Golisopod and ripped the blanket. He used the piece of cloth to bander his wound on the arm. He took an other piece of the blanket then he grabbed the arrow in his leg. He took a deep breath, then he removed quickly. His body was still not feeling any pain, fortunately. He quickly bandered his leg and squeezed the knot very strongly to limit the loss of blood. Suddenly he felt all the pain all over his body and felt tired again. It was even worse than before. His head was spinning more, his vision was getting blurry, and he felt like he was deaf. His heart beats were harder, he had difficulty to breath. He stayed on all fours, trying to catch his breath. After a while it started snowing, he couldn't stay here any longer, in case it would snow more. So he stood up and walked towards a random direction, stumbling. All he needed right now was determination...
...and a big amount of luck.
He doesn't know how long he was walking this way. It was getting colder and colder. His entire body was shaking, he was rubbing his arms, desperately trying to warm them. He didn't find anything but plains covered in snow. He felt his strenght slowly drained over time, and his paces were slower.
Was it really the end?
No, it couldn't be. He tried to ignore these thoughts and continue. But as he was walking and the time passed, he started to accept the truth.
In his current state, he would never make it out alive.
What would he do if he reached a town? The Scizor said others would come to chase him. Perhaps, he had nowhere to hide.
There was still nothing in sight, he felt even dizzier than before, and doing a step seemed to be a torture. But he kept hope alive. But then he stumbled. He tried to get up with his arms, but he couldn't. His arms weren't able anymore to lift him. The Lucario tried to make his body move, bu it didn't want to. It was unable to.
How could he give up now? If he died now, it would mean he was unable to save Gre, to avenge Durry...
He would never be in peace.
He tried again, but his body refused to move. So he was going to die here, alone in the middle of nowhere. He went through so much things, just to fail. Tears went out from his eyes.
He finally closed his eyes, lying on the cold snow.
She was walking for quite a long while, the forest was the nearest of the house, but still far. But walking in the middle of the snow in a weather like this was probably the most pleasant thing she ever done, even if it's to get some berries. She got used to the cold, so it wasn't much of a problem. The calm of Beritor plains was something she could never get used to, at least compared to the cities, with the forges and markets. But something caught his attention. A blood mark on the snow. She looked around to see any other mark, she spotted an other one. They were still fresh, but the footsprints were hardly visible. The person was walking very slowly, either they were a very slow Pokémon, either they're very weak. In any case, she needed to find them. She sprinted in the direction the person took. It didn't take long before she saw something. A body, lying on the snow. She rushed at them and discovered a Lucario. She checked their aura, it was very feeble, they were on the brink of death. They also had bandages on the arm and the leg, but the one on the leg was wet by blood. She had to bring them to the house very quickly. She lifted the Lucario and noticed their body was cold, There was no time to waste, so she sprinted towards the house.
Lurio slowly opened his eyes. Was he dead? He found out he was lying on a bed, in a house. Was he really alive? He raised his head a bit and saw a Golisopod who seemed to cook. The Lucario had bandages on many parts of his body. The insect type turned his head and noticed the Lucario was awake.
"Oh, you'gre arake." he said.
Did this person know about who he was? He probably didn't, a Beritorian would never keep a Saraïonian like him in their home. He attempted to get up, but the Golisopod stopped him.
"Hey your unjugrues agren't reader yet, you neer to retr for nor."
Lurio lied down again, silent.
"Ror rur you enr up duke klat kloukr?" the Beritorian asked.
Suddenly, Lurio noticed this voice was familiar to him. It wasn't the Golisopod he faced earlier, no. It was someone else. Lurio couldn't understand how he got here, but this voice was definitely his. The one who taught him how to fight, everything he knows about battle. One of the people he respected the most.
"...Master Galern?" he asked.
The Golisopod stopped moving, then turned slowly to the Lucario and stared at him with a questioning look. Then his eyes opened wide.
"...Lurio?" Galern replied.
They were both staring at each other. Seemed like they both didn't know what the other one was doing here.
"...but..." Lurio didn't know what question to ask first.
"What are you doing here?" Galern appeared shocked.
"...It's a long story..."
"...Still. How did you get so many injuries? It's a miracle you're still alive."
"Again, it's quite a long story."
He put his hands on the furniture of stone, he sighed.
"...How is it possible?"
They both stayed silent. It didn't seem to be a dream. Galern was really just in front of him.
"Master Galern?"
"You don't have to call me 'master' anymore Lurio. We aren't at the academy, obviously."
"Galern, how did I get in this house?"
"Maria found you just in time."
"Maria?"
"A Lucario."
Someone opened the door, they were a Lucario, wearing a blanket and holding a basket full of berries. It was still snowing outside. Lurio guessed she was Maria.
"U see re's arake." she talked in Beritorian.
"He's Seraïonian." Galern said.
"What?! Really?! What if..."
"We'll make sure they won't find out." Galern tried to reassure her.
"...okay then..."
She turned to Lurio who was surprised to see an other Seraïonian, and a Lucario.
"Glad to see you're fine. I almost thought it was too late to save you." she spoke to him.
"...thanks for saving me I... also thought it was all over."
"But what did you do to end up like this Lurio?" Galern asked. "Tell me, even if it's a long story."
"You wouldn't believe me..."
"I always believed you Lurio. It won't change today."
"...okay."
Lurio talked about what happened at the Shiram Fort, about Gre, about Tractatori. He didn't go into the details. The Golisopod was more impressed than shocked.
"So you went through all of this... to protect Gre. You have an idea of where he is?" Galern asked.
Lurio shook his head.
"But Lurio, how many soldiers did you face?"
"Three of them."
"...that's incredible. you must know they're supposed to have the same level than you."
"Really?"
"Yes, the training I gave to you is very similar to the military training in Beritor. But you're really in danger now. They are surely aware of what you did by now, soldiers must be looking for you. But you need rest..."
"He did mention flying ships though, does it mean the rumors were true?" Maria said.
"I think so." Galern answered.
"What rumors?" Lurio asked.
"For years, people were saying they were seeing flying ships in the sky, but nobody believed them since we were seeing nothing." the Golisopod replied.
"But how could such a big thing be not seen?!"
"That's the mystery."
They all stayed silent for a while. Then Maria talked:
"I'm going to check if someone is coming."
And she left. Lurio was still confused by what Galern was doing here.
"Galern can I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."
"Why did you comeback here?"
"I... it's for her."
"Maria?"
"She isn't Beritorian. She is Seraïonian like you."
This surprised Lurio, since he thought he was the only Seraïonian here.
"She's been here before I got to Seraïon. At that time I was a sword fight specialist and I was teaching people who could use a sword, like my kind. One day she came. Maria didn't say a word when we met. But I could easily see how... lost she was, desperate, dejected. Then when I found out she wasn't from here, I still decided to give her a home. At first she didn't want to, as if she wanted to put an end to his life. I insisted, and she finally accepted. She learned how to talk Beritorian, even if it isn't perfect and got used to the life in Beritor. I came in Seraïon because a friend of mine needed me for something important. But I came back time to time to see if everything was fine."
"That's why you weren't in the Academy sometimes."
"Exactly."
"But how did you get through the frontier?"
"They only authorize Beritorians to enter and exit. I forgot to tell you that before."
"I see... but Galern."
"Yes?"
"Do you know what happened at the village?"
"...what happened?" the Golisopod was worried.
"People... completely destroyed it... and killed everyone."
Galern's eyes widened and his mouth barely opened, then he looked down. Lurio didn't read his feelings, by respect. The Golisopod closed his eyes.
"I... I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"You don't have to." Lurio said in a sad tone.
He was thinking about what happened there, how Durry was killed before he could see if he was. He tried to think of something else, but he couldn't.
"That's why Gre and I started to roam the country."
"What?"
"Gre and I were seeking those people, so we could avenge everyone who died there."
Galern didn't reply for a moment, then he finally said something.
"Just... don't go too far. I saw too many people who fell in that trap."
"What do you mean?"
"I knew people, who wanted revenge on others, but they became crazy about it. They went so far in their revenge... they couldn't live normally afterwards. I don't want this happens to you. You're a good person Lurio, people like you are really rare in these times."
"What do you want me to do? So many things happened... I don't even know if I can get through all of this..."
"You will Lurio, I know it. I saw you growing, I trained you, so I know you'll make it through. And I only want you to do one thing."
"What is it?"
"Do what is right to you."
Lurio looked down without saying anything, unsure if he could do that. Galern put his hand on the Lucario's shoulder.
"You'll make it." the Golisopod said.
"Okay..." Lurio nodded.
They stayed silent for a few seconds. Galern looked at a bowl.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot."
He grabbed the bowl and handed it to Lurio.
"Drink this, it'll help you heal faster.
"Thanks." Lurio replied while taking the hot bowl.
It was a green soup, as he drank it, the taste was salty and acid at the same time. It wasn't really pleasant, but there were worse.
"So... you don't know where Gre is?"
"Uh... no." Lurio answered after he finished drinking. "That Hydreigon told me he isn't here. At least that's what I understood."
"...we need to get you out of here. But the security at the frontier increased over time. It's going to be hard."
Maria entered. She looked at Lurio with a worrying look.
"Nobody is around... for now."
"Good, Lurio will sleep here for the night." Galern replied.
"What? I can't..." Lurio didn't want to put them in danger.
"You aren't able to go out in this cold yet. If you encounter other guards, I assure you you won't get out alive, even with your level. I don't care about the risk I'm taking, if it allows one of my students to live, I'll do it. Do you understand?"
"...yes. I do."
Lurio tried to unwind, but he couldn't fully, the situation didn't allow him to. He was worried that something could happen anytime soon, the fact that he was putting others in danger didn't help. Galern appeared to notice that.
"It's going to be fine." he said, calmly.
Galern meant, by that, he had to trust him. Lurio convinced himself that 'it was going to be fine', since Galern was going to make sure that nothing bad would happen. He finally closed his eyes, trying to sleep.
"...Lurio!"
Lurio woke up with a start upon hearing Galern's voice.
"Lurio! Hide under the bed!"
"Why?"
"A whole squad is coming. Maria spotted them. Now hide!"
Lurio obeyed immediately.
"Just wait..."
Someone knocked violently on the door, Galern opened it, revealing a Weavile and three Walreins, all wearing armors. They talked for a short while, but they did mention Maria. Were they talking about her? Galern and Maria ended up going out with the Beritorian soldiers, Galern camebcack to Lurio, took a blanket and murmured:
"If you do follow us, when the guards ask you why you want to enter the city, say 'U'm jutr vusutunk a fruenr.' They always ask."
Lurio nodded, even though he wasn't sure if he understood very well what he said. Galern discreetly glanced at Lurio before closing the door behind him. The Lucario felt something bad was about to happen to them. Should he follow them? But he wasn't healed yet, his body still hurt. He stayed hidden in case someone would enter. He would go when he felt ready to go outside again.
After a dozen of minutes, he felt better. The soup seemed to do its effect. He took out a bandage on his arm to see if his wound was healed. It already cicatrized, Lurio was surprised, Galern's medicine was really effective. He removed all the bandages, his leg wasn't fully healed, he could feel some pain if he forced a bit. He had to be careful about it so he kept the bandage on it. He took a blanket and opened the door. The weather was calm and sunny. Even so, it was still really cold. Footprints were on the snow, six Pokémons, including three of the same race. That was them. He followed the tracks while scurrying along. After a while, he approached a statue of rock, the footprints changed direction at the statue, maybe it was a mean for people to find their bearings. He kept following the marks until he glimpsed what appeared to be a city, heavily fortified. He slowed down to avoid suspicions. He feared the guards knew who he was, but there was a chance they thought he died, since he was supposed to. As he got closer, he noticed two Escavaliers who were guarding the great entrance, three other guards were on the ramparts, but Lurio couldn't see what Pokémons they were. Lurio repeated several time to himself what Galern told him to say. When he was about to enter, the Escavaliers prevented him to.
"Grat agre you rounk regre?" one talked with a very deep voice and a severe tone.
"...U'm jutr vusutunk a fruenr." Lurio answered, he imitated the Beritorian accent.
The insect type stared at him, then he finally said:
"You kan ko un."
Lurio nodded, as a sign of thanks. The city's architecture changed from Seraïon, the shape of the roofs, the windows, the walls, the organization of the buildings, everything was different. It was actually pretty. The inhabitants didn't seem to really care about him, it suited him. He was looking for what could be an outpost or something similar, at least a place where soldiers could be guarding, That's where Maria and Galern would probably be. After wandering around for a few minutes, he found what could be what he was looking for. The building was larger than most, it appeared to have a rectangular shape and it had two floors, and several Pokémons wearing armors were guarding it. To Lurio, it looked like a prison. He sat against a wall, not too far from the building but not too close neither to avoid suspicions. He kept waiting for a little while, rubbing his arms to warm up a bit, he wasn't used to such a cold. He wondered how some people could ignore it, even if they weren't ice types. Then someone went out of the building. A blue Sandslash.
The blue Sandslash.
Unfortunately, the ice type immediately spotted the Lucario. Lurio looked away, trying to ignore him. But he could see that the Sandslash was staring at him. He looked at him and used his aura vision to read his feelings. The ice type was in suspense, but Lurio couldn't know if the Sanslash simply didn't know what to do or if he didn't know if the Lucario was indeed the one his team faced? Then The Sandslash glanced at the Lucario's leg. The bandage...
The blue Sandslash immediately turned to a Walrein who was guarding the entrance and talked to him while looking at the Lucario. He had to get out of here...
Suddenly something emerged from the prison and landed on the roof of another building. That was Maria. Several Beritorian soldiers exited the prison and noticed her.
"Sre's up klegre! Ket rer!" a Weavile yelled angrily.
Lurio followed Maria in the streets. She was running on the roofs while soldiers were running after her on the streets and the roofs. By following her, Lurio was going into a dead end. He ran on the wall so he could reach the roof despite the pain in his injured leg. When he reached the top, Maria was right next to him, she noticed him and took a shocked face.
"Wha... what are you doing here?!"
"I was worried for you both."
She sighed. When the soldiers approached, the two Lucarios jumped and landed on the thick snow. They continued to run as fast as they could, as several arrows barely missed them. Suddenly a Blastoise landed heavily on the ground right in front of them. They both stopped and were surprised to see a Blastoise come from nowhere. Unlike the other soldiers, his armor seemed heavier, and a red flag was hooked up to their back. Surely a soldier of a superior rank. A Salamence landed on the water type's side.
"So you weren't alone, Maria..." the Blastoise talked. "How many are you?!"
"There's only the two of us." Maria answered.
A pack of four Mightyenas, all wearing armors arrived behind the Lucarios.
"We'll see about that. Ket klem!"
A Mightyena growled and leapt the jaw opened on Lurio. He crouched and moved aside, dodging the dark type. But an other one charged right into him wrapped with yellow aura. He just had the time to block the hit with his arms. He was pushed backwards at the impact, fortunately it didn't really hurt. The other two Mightyenas were attacking Maria. Then he looked at the Blastoise, one of his two cannons aimed at him. He immediately rolled on the side and avoided the powerful hydro pump. A Mightyena jumped on him with his mouth on fire. The steel type countered with a kick to the head before the dark type reached him. Though, the Mightyena wasn't knocked out, but definitely weakened. The Salamence spit out fire at Maria who jumped backwards to dodge it while holding a bone staff, joining Lurio . Lurio could catch sight of other Beritorians approaching.
"We're getting overwhelmed!" Lurio said to Maria.
"I know!" she answered. Then she sighed. "Got no choice..."
"What?"
Her body suddenly illuminated with a bright light. Everyone around stopped moving and stared at her. Despite the light, Lurio could see her body changing.
"Could it be..." he thought out loud.
The light disappeared. Maria was now a Mega-Lucario. She howled loudly. Lurio was shocked to see a Mega-Lucario again, he even got scared for a second. But was she one of the ones who desroyed his village? When he was stinking about it, the Mightyenas did a step back, intimidated. The Blastoise, as everyone, was surprised, but he smirked afterwards.
"You want to play that game?"
He illuminated and his bodu shape changed. When the light disappeared, the form of his head was different, he a cannon on each of his arms and a way bigger one in his shell. The Blastoise could mega-evolve as well. So the Beritorians knew the existence of mega-evolutions. But Lurio cared more about Maria. Could he trust her?
"When it'll be over, we'll make you talk." the officer said.
The Mightyenas attacked Maria at the same time, Maria jumped in the air and threw an aura sphere she charged surprisingly fast. A Mightyena was hit, burned armor plates were thrown and the dark type collpsed instantly. The Mega-Lucario landed, hurled herself at a Mightyena and dealt a brick break to the head. Their body slided on the snow, they tried to get up, but fainted. Lurio saw once again the power of a Mega-Lucario. He noticed in time that a Mightyena was attempting to take him by surprise. The dark type rushed at him with a take down, Lurio rolled backwards, dodging the attack. His fist got wrapped in ice and tried to punch them, but the soldier did a leap backwards. He charged an aura sphere to bait them. The Mightyena barked, the other one started to run towards Lurio who turned to him. The dark type took a hit from a bone staff thrown by Maria to the head, she was fighting the Salamence while avoiding the Blastoise's shots. The hit damaged the helmet, unsettling the Mightyena in his running. The other one jumped on Lurio, the jaw opened. The Lucario dodged on the left and threw his aura sphere at the dark type. It hit them, a burned armor plate was projected and the Mightyena rolled on the ground but managed to keep up, even he spitted out some blood. The other one continued running and was about to do a take down. Lurio rolled aside, but the Mightyena stopped right before and leapt on the Lucario. He could react in time by putting his arms in front of him. His hand got bitten, so he felt their teeths penetrating his skin, but not deeply. The pain was bearable, he gave a violent ice punch to the head . The dark type let it go, stayed on their feet a few seconds then collapsed. Other guards were coming, which worried the Lucario. Suddenly he saw the Salamence taking flight and spit fire at the ground, Maria jumped to avoid the fire. Then they heard something coming right beneath them. A crack.
The ground collapsed and Lurio, Maria and the Blastoise fell in what appeared to be a big tunnel of ice. Lurio slided on the back. The Mega-Blastoise was on the belly and Maria was on front of them. The water type aaimed his arm at Lurio and the inside of his cannon shined with a blueish light. Lurio started to zigzag between the stalagmites. A powerful water jet got out of the cannon and missed the steel type, but the officer redirected his arm towards him. Lurio, being on a wall, jumped to reach the other side. He took advantage of it and shot a dark pulse at the Mega-Blastoise who was an easy target. He was hit on the side of his armor, which got damaged. The water type got hit by an aura sphere in the back, making him grouch. He shot an other hydro pump with his other arm which Maria managed to dodge.
"Behind you!"
That was Maria's voice, it was resonating in his head. She was talking by telepathy. Lurio looked behind him. The Weavile from earlier and two Scythers whose armors seemed lighter.
"Ut's klem! Attaf!" the Weavile shouted.
A Scyther came dangerously close to Lurio. Lurio created an aura sphere and threw it at the Scyther, but they dodged it and closed the gap.
"Rue Dukagruo, son of a kutkr!" the Scyther shouted as he raised one of his sharp claws wrapped by energy.
He leaned back his head and avoided the attack. He tried to counter attack but he was already out of reach. Lurio heard the other Scyther coming, and as he turned around, the insect type was about to deal a X-Scissor. The Lucario quickly shot a dark pulse at him to keep him away, the attack damaged his chestplate significantly.
"Ratrarr!" It came from behind.
He turned around and the Scyther dealt a slash with his claw to his chest. The pain was bearable. Lurio countered with an ice punch right under the chestplate. The insect type whined but continued to attack, Lurio managed to dodge them despite that the Scyther was attacking faster. Suddenly an aura sphere stroke insectr tyoe's wings, making him yell. Parts of the wings were gone and the Scyther stopped flying and slided on the ice, still conscious and angrier. Lurio noticed the exit of the tunnels, and they apparently had to jump because he could see that the ground was rather far below. They went through the hole and they were in the air. When he was about to land, Lurio rolled to cushion his fall, but the leg hurt, he gritted his teeth and put his hand on his wound at the chest as well. he was besides Maria in a plain and they were facing the Mega-Blastoise. The Scythers and the Weavile were behind them. He noticed that the Salamence from earlier was also flying above us.
"Get on my back." Maria said.
Lurio looked at her with an inquiring look. What did she want to do.
"I'll get us out of here, trust me." she answered Lurio's question.
Lurio decided to do as she said. She put her foot backwards and took a deep breath. Lurio could feel her aura increasing. She suddenly started to run at an incredible speed, getting them both away from the Beritorians. Lurio could feel the air going by on his fur really quickly. Lurio looked behind them, the soldiers were hardly visible.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"Somewhere they won't find us. Galern will join us there."
"Did they do something to him?"
"No they didn't. I said he wasn't aware I'm a Seraïonian. Now hang on, I will speed up."
She kept running for several minutes straight. When she finally stopped, they were between hills which were rather short. Lurio could notice what seemed to be a cave entrance, blocked by stalagtites. But he realized Maria was breathing very loudly and he felt her beats by his hands. He immediately got down. Her eyes were half closed.
"You're okay?" he asked.
"...I'm fine..." she said while breathing out.
She transformed back into a Lucario and kneeled down.
"You clearly aren't, you were running so fast for several minutes while carrying me. Get some rest." he replied.
"We're here anyway."
She pointed at the cave entrance.
"We'll hide and wait there the time Galern arrives."
She stood up but with difficulty, Lurio helped her to walk to the cave. He broke the stalactites. The cave was little, but was indeed a good hideout. He brought in Maria and helped her to sit down against the wall.
"Thanks but you'll be okay?" she said while looking at the wound on his chest.
"It should be fine. It isn't deep."
He looked to the exit, wondering when Galern would arrive.
"You're sure you don't have any questions?" Maria asked.
He glanced at her, rather wary now that he remembered she could transform into a Mega-Lucario. But was she really among the ones he thinks about?
"Yes, I do."
He turned to Maria.
"Are you one of them?"
"...I'm not sure to understand..." she answered while shaking her head. But Lurio could see that deep in her mind, she actually did.
"I think you do. Are you one of them?"
He became more mistrusful. She stared at him, Lurio understood she was reading his thoughts as well. Sh,e looked down afterwards. She didn't understand how someone could know. Lurio also read some... regret.
"...I am no longer one of them. I left years ago."
Lurio didn't need to read his thoughts to know she spoke with honesty.
"What have they done to you?" she asked.
Lurio stayed quiet before answering.
"They destroyed my home, and killed my father by doing that."
He felt some pain when saying this sentence. Maria looked down again.
"I'm sorry." she replied softly.
"Can you tell me where they are?"
"No, they move in the shadows constanly."
So it was impossible to determine wher they were precisely. It almost seemed to be a lost cause. The only way to find the Mega-Lucarios was to let them manifest, but that idea didn't pleasse to Lurio. That would entail to risk lives.
"It's rare to see a Lucario who isn't influenced by them." Maria said all of a sudden.
"How is that so?"
"The ones I know are either among them... or dead."
Her face grew sad. Lurio felt pity for her.
"If it doesn't bother you... I'd like to not talk about that anymore..." Maria said in a hushed voice.
She put a hand on the head, she probably went through horrible things. Lurio nodded. He went outside, to see if Galern was coming, or if someone else was coming.
Now they had to wait.
They stayed in the cave for at least an hour. The two Lucarios didn't talk at all. Lurio kept watching the entrance. He noticed Maria was actually sleeping. "She needed it." he tought to himself. She was worn out when they arrived. But when he looked outside again he noticed a rather large figure approaching. He squinted to see who they were. They appeared alone. But as they approached, the figure revealed to be a Golisopod. He sighed out of relief. It was Galern. He had a bag with him. He waved a little, meaning he noticed him. When he arrived, Galern noticed straightaway the injury:
"You're okay?"
"Yes. It isn't serious..."
"You'll need something to heal. Maria is inside?"
"Yes, she's sleeping."
"I see. I brought food from my house. We will need it."
"'We'"?
"I prefer to stay with both of you. They're seeking you two. You will have to expect bounty hunters, and scouts as well."
"They're using so many means to find us?"
"We're in Beritor, Lurio. Here, a Seraïonian is almost, if he isn't, considered as a war criminal."
He turned around, watched the surroundings.
"Let's get inside." the Golisopod said.
When they went inside the cave, they both sat in front of each other. Galern took out a ball of wood from the bag and gave it to the Lucario. It was hot and had a stopper.
"Open it. It's the same soup from earlier."
He opened the sphere and took a mouthful. It was the same soup indeed.
"What was Gre doing that while time?" The water type asked.
"What?"
"You left the village months after him right? So did he become a bounty hunter as he said?"
"Oh yes. He did. He said his tasks weren't the most interesting."
"...I see. You wanted to join him?"
"I wanted to... explore the world with him." Lurio smiled upon saying that.
"Your two were nearly brothers. Inseparable. I never saw such a bound before."
"I always viewed him as a brother. Always here to help me. I just wish... to be stronger, so he wouldn't have to help that much."
"Don't say that. You seem to forget the time you helped him at the academy."
"What about now though?"
"You beat three Beritorian soldiers while wounded from a fall. You did this on your own. You're stronger than you think you are."
Lurio looked down, not knowing what to say. Then Galern continued.
"...I never believed one of you were better than the other."
"Really?"
"Yes, I always thought you both were equal. You're just lacking self confidence."
"Heh. I always did."
"Losing some fights doesn't make you a bad fighter, or a 'loser'. You were never one. You know why?"
"...why?"
"You never gave up. You always clenched your fist and got up. You kept fighting even after taking several hits. When you lose, you always wanted to know your mistakes, to learn. That's something Gre admires in you."
"...He does?"
"He definitely does."
"...Thank you."
They both stayed silent for a while, Lurio finished the soup and broke the silence.
"Why did you quit the Beritorian army?" he asked to kill time.
"It's... complicated."
He did a pause, looked to the outside, then continued.
"I had friends, who I was trained with. Back then, the Beritorian Republic was still at war with the Steel Federation. One day, the Federation broke into our lines, we managed to push them back, but two of my friends died there, stabbed in the back. The others wanted to avenge them, they wanted to infiltrate the enemy territory, and kill the people who killed them. I didn't want to, because my sense of duty told me to stay where I was told to, and I said they wouldn't want us to die just to kill three people instead of serving the Republic. They went there anyway."
He paused again then sighed.
"They were six. Two came back. When they returned, they changed. They regretted what they did. One told me that it wasn't worth it. The commanders... welcomed as heroes, kept telling those who died are dead because of the Federation. All of us didn't understand. We three quitted a few weeks later. We quitted because this cult of hate towards the Federation disgusted us."
"...I'm sorry, That must make you recall some bad memories."
"It's okay."
Lurio looked at Maria. Should he ask Galern about where she comes from? Does he even know? "I need to know" he thought to himself.
"Where does Maria come from?"
"Maria? Let's try to not wake her up."
The Golisopod came closer to Lurio. He began to speak in a softer voice.
"She was used to be in a... cult. That's how she described it anyway. There were only Lucarios, and they said to be the superior race, the one that should rule on the others. She had a husband, and both were in. They were told that they were doing what was necessary for their survival. But they were only killing people and spreading fear. The two realized this with a friend of them. And Maria was about to have a child. So the three left. But when they did, the other members chased them. Her husband sacrificed himself to protect her and their friend. She layed the egg a few days later. They decided to hide it somewhere the cult would't find. They hid it at the top of the... High Peak Mountain..."
Lurio's eyes opened wide and his heart beats accelerated upon hearing these words. Galern stopped. He stared Lurio was also staring at him. The Lucario looked at Maria afterwards. Lurio put his hands in front of his mouth to restrain himself from crying, letting the container fall.
"By Arceus... how did I not realize earlier..."
After all this time, Lurio finally found a member of his family.
His mother was sitting just right here.
End of chapter 10
That plot twist.
Anyway, I hope you liked it. I'm looking forward to change a few things in chapter 4. I'll probably release the "upgraded" version and the next chapter at the same time.
See you next time.
