So who's ready for another adventure? Well, let's keep going...

PSYCHE! We're gonna take a little detour in this one. Not an author redirect, just a little wandering through the subconscious of one of our favorite mermaid friends. Because this one won't be brief like the last few.

Also, as a little added bonus, try to spot the little references used throughout this chapter. There are several, some I know of and some I'm not. If you can spot them, try to figure out where they are from.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or its characters. They belong to Game Freak and Nintendo. Now, enjoy!

Chapter 17:

In the Mist of Peril

It all started in a carriage on a snowy evening. Rina found herself groggily coming to inside what appeared to be a human carriage. As she came more around, she noticed that she wasn't alone. Across the seat from her sat Sketch, nose dug deep into his sketch parchment, remaining unawares to her coming about. Rina could not see much of what was outside besides that it was snowing. She looked to herself next to find that she was adorned in a lovely, teal gown, with small gems adorning her skirt and top. The gems were sewn into patterns resembling that of the ocean, all comprised of sapphires and diamonds. Her dress had no sleeves, but she found that she was wearing sky-blue gloves that reached past her elbows, and she was wrapped in a teal cloak.

Unnerved by where she found herself, she spoke up, "Sketch, where are we going? What's happening?"

Finally breaking away from his work, Sketch replied, "Oh, you awoke! Fret not Princess Rina, we are almost home now."

"Home? Princess?"

"Yes. To the Cerulean Palace for the ball. The prince has thrown it all in your honor."

"For me?!"

"Yes. Because you accepted his proposal. Your Majesty certainly asks a lot of questions for something she has eagerly awaited for so many years. Are you feeling unwell?"

"Maybe just a little foggy." Rina admitted sheepishly, deciding to play along for now.

"Ah yes. It must have been because you were in a deep sleep." Sketch evaluated, "Anyway, we should be arriving home in a little bit." Sighing, Rina noticed a mirror to her right. When she looked at her reflection, she was stunned. She still had her normal hair, along with its length and the string of pearls in the back. But some of it was curled at the end, especially the strands on the sides of her face. Besides Yolanda's tiara, Rina also wore a gold headband with a tiny ruby dangling in the center. She lifted her left hand to see what she wore for earrings, when she noticed something on her ring finger: a gold ring with two pearls nestling a rather large diamond. She didn't recognize what the ring meant, but she knew it was significant. Very significant.

"Are you certain you are alright, Your Highness?" Sketch inquired further, "You seem deeply troubled."

"Sketch, what is this ring?! How am I wearing such an important treasure?!" she urgently requested.

"Your Majesty certainly can jest. To answer you, that's your betrothal ring, as you are engaged since three winters ago."

"Betrothed?!" You mean to tell me I'm getting married?!"

"Well, of course. You knew that upon acceptance, did you not?"

"But, how can I be getting married?!" And, to whom am I to be wed to?!"

"So many questions, princess. All will be answered soon, for we have arrived." As Rina felt the carriage halt, she looked out the window to see where they had arrived at.

It was an expansive palace, stretching far into the distance, the courtyard where they just entered was just as expansive, slightly. It was all two-story, with a landing up front featuring a red carpet all the way up to the front doors. Guards lined the sides of the carpet, Growlithe and Herdier dutifully beside them to sniff out trouble. The snow was still coming down quite a bit, but each man outside did not disrupt his poise or show signs of cold. The awning over the landing featured an emblem of a sword crossing what appeared to be a lightning bolt, much like a coat of arms. Rina was flabbergasted. This was her palace?

Shortly after stopping, Cancer appeared to open the door, dressed as the driver of the carriage in his yellow-and-blue uniform. "Your Majesty." He gestured.

As Sketch disembarked, Rina said hesitantly, "Sketch, you should know I can't walk on my own."

"You have managed walking before princess." He told her, "The cold should be no bother."

"It's not the cold. It's my lack of legs. You know…" then she whispered, "My tail."

"Your Highness has such an imagination. Come down, please."

Standing, she yelled, "I told you, I can't!" That's when it came to her attention about what she was doing. She was standing! Rina didn't understand how that could be. To stand, she would need legs. She didn't have those… she shouldn't have those. However, she hitched up her skirt a little, and found she had feet. Encased in royal-blue, heeled shoes, were feet! Hesitant, she tried taking a step down onto the stairs, and found herself moving forward unhindered. Then she took another step, and another, until she was level with Sketch.

"There you go, Your Majesty." Sketch complimented as he offered his arm, "Well then, shall we?" Linking her arm with his, Rina let him lead her up to the grand palace.

When Rina entered the ballroom, it took her breath away. A grand room with a smooth, glossy floor decorated with murals and patterns that felt as large as the ocean; tall windows on either side that reached higher than a Wailord showed the snow outside, torches burning brightly between each; glistening chandeliers hung high above, adorned with lights and candles that refracted through the glass marbles to give a whole new brightness to the place; and on the ceiling, murals depicting cherubs and Fairy Pokémon gazing down to the people below.

Upon her entrance, one of the servants blew a trumpet and proclaimed, "Presenting, Her Royal Highness, Princess Rina!" The guests present applauded and parted as Rina was escorted by Sketch to the other side of the room. Rina was amazed at the sheer number of people present in the palace. She could even pick out some of Sora's friends; Prince Pewter, Tidus, even Yolanda were among those from the crew present. Kari and Sarah were also there, alongside their lovers Drake and Kenneth.

Once Rina made it to the other end, she set herself on one of the thrones that Sketch designated for her. Once seated, she motioned, "Continue." And so the music resumed, and everyone continued dancing. Women in brightly decorated gowns sailed alongside their partners in their military tunics. Prince Pewter, seeming a little shy for some reason, was dancing with a maiden with long, green hair in a lilac-colored dress. Princess Yolanda was changing dance partners every time a new suitor asked her to dance, which happened a few times intermittently. Tidus was off to the side with Sparky and Dedenne, doing their own little dance away from the grownups. Alongside them looked to be a Poochyena, who sat near the wall while having Dedenne try to catch its tail. Drake and Kari floated among the other guests, twirling and soaring with hearts of merriment. Kenneth and Sarah did likewise, but Rina could almost spot her sister sporting a huge blush across her face. All in all, most everyone she had known and met were having a jolly time.

As the music continued, and the dancers glided, Rina asked her steward, "This is all for me?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Sketch answered with a bow, "All of this, for you."

"You said the prince cast this festivity. But, where is he?"

"Fair inquiry, princess. I shall look for him. In the meantime, remain here and enjoy the ball."

As he departed, Rina muttered, "Kinda hard when I'm up here on my own." As if on cue, Azurill came into her lap, chipper and excited about something. "Azurill?! How'd you get here?"

"Azurill Azu."

"You've always been here? Well, thank you. Maybe you can keep me company for a bit." And so it did, as they both continued to watch the ball underway.

When the last song concluded, Teller came to the center of the floor to announce, "Esteemed guests, welcome! Today marks the eve of the matrimony of the princess of Cerulean, and the prince of Pallet!" The crowd applauded at the announcement, then stopped to allow him to continue. "Today is a time for merriment. Our prince seeks only to grant our guests to enjoy all that we have to offer. However, one such guest has yet to be graced with her distinctive honor." Turning towards the throne, Teller posed, "Dear prince, shall this maiden be forever neglected of you?"

"Not so!" proclaimed a voice to Rina's left. And coming up to her, dressed in a sea-blue general's tunic, was the prince with his raven-black hair, a Pikachu on his right shoulder. "Princess Rina," Sora requested as he held out his hand, "Will you accept this dance?" She didn't respond right away. She was too stunned to do anything. She could feel her heart running rampant, her mind reeling from this revelation, her entire being trembling from all she was witnessing. However, she decided to figure it out later, and took Sora's hand. Sora then led Rina to the center of the floor, as guests made way for them. Once there, he rested his right hand on her waist, while she rested her left on his shoulder.

While the conductor directed the orchestra to ready themselves, Rina whispered, "Sora, I can't dance. I'll just step on your feet."

With a smirk, he replied, "Then I will do my best to avoid yours." And before she knew it, the music began, and Sora began leading Rina in a soft opening. One-two-three, one-two-three, forward-together-back, sway and turn. Rina didn't know how she knew to dance, she had never seen humans dance before today. But she knew the steps to waltz alongside Sora. As she got more into the rhythm of the melody, she could feel a soft smile stretch upon her face.

"You're doing wonderful Rina." Sora whispered.

"How can we be dancing so well?" she asked, still reveling in how wonderful this was.

"Why ask such a question? You always were such graceful dancer. So fluid and majestic, like a mermaid."

Rina blushed at his comment, and returned, "And you are so gentle, yet strong and passionate." Chuckling, Sora lifted Rina into the air quickly, then resumed their waltz. As the song reached its climax, he began twirling Rina around at certain points. As the song ended, she spun out, held on by her fingertips, and then spun into her prince so that their faces were mere inches away from each other.

The crowd applauded enthusiastically while Rina and Sora caught their breath. Rina could not believe how exhilarating it felt to dance, something she had never done before in her life. It felt so natural to her though, like she had done this many times before. And being close to Sora made it even more stimulating. She didn't want this to end.

So she asked softly, "Might we do… one more dance, my prince?"

Smiling wide, Sora directed, "Conductor, another song, if you may."

"Hold it!" someone barked from the entrance as they barged right in. Upon the menacing figure's entrance, guests cowered back as the wind howled in snow, dimming the ballroom in an eerie darkness. The black-cloaked figure drew back his hood, revealing himself to be Ragnar. Sora stood before him, shielding Rina as he approached.

"What foolishness have you wrought, great prince?" Ragnar scowled.

"How dare you enter Princess Rina's home!" Sora snapped back.

Feigning surprise weakly, Ragnar responded, "How cold of you. To your closest confidant."

"Confidant? You are a traitor! A blackheart! Leave at once!"

"You hold no command over me. Such hostility from the compasionate and friendly Prince of Pallet."

"Leave!"

"I will not! For you know why I have come." Then, the chill in the room grew as a dark shadow began to loom behind Ragnar. A cold being, grey, blue, and white like ice. It had what appeared to be two extra arms jutting from its back like ruined dragon wings, one being shorter than the other. It stood on two feet, its clunky body angled so it faced the prince and princess.

"Meet Kyurem! The dragon of the void!" Ragnar introduced. Kyurem scanned the mass of people, causing many to cower at its glare. "You cannot match the might of this behemoth! Not while I have these." Then he held up two large stones, one black and one white. Rina didn't know if it was the weather, Kyurem, or the stones, but she began to shiver violently. Sora took notice, and ordered for her cloak at once. Once it was given to him, he wrapped it around Rina as Ragnar taunted, "Love is a weakness, Sora. It will drag you to the grave."

"Better to love than to have nothing at all." Sora retorted, "For I shall fight to protect everyone." Then, galloping into the hall and blasting Kyurem with a Hydro Pump, was a blue colt Pokémon with a mane of red, and a small horn protruding from its forehead. "Meet Keldeo! Honorable knight to the Cerulean Princess!" Sora proclaimed, "Entrusted to me to guard her from those that seek to do harm." Keldeo stood poised outside, ready to defeat Kyurem for its intrusion.

Rushing to Kyurem's side in the blizzard, Ragnar retorted, You fool! You made this too easy. Kyurem, Dragon Pulse!" So the Pokémon of the void shot two pulse blasts at its opponent, but Keldeo swiftly dodged them both.

"Use Double Kick!" Keldeo then charged, and slammed two mighty kicks with its rear hooves into Kyurem's face. It seemed unfazed by the super effective attack, as it glared at the Colt menacingly.

"Too weak." Ragnar guffawed, "Dragon Pulse!" Once more, two blasts were launched at the Colt.

This time, Sora countered, "Knock them back with Aqua Tail!" With its tail shining with water energy, Keldeo batted both Dragon Pulse's back at Kyurem. The impact created a billowing cloud of smoke within the wind, obscuring both attackers as a flash of red sparked from within. As it reappeared, Kyurem appeared to be standing upright, and was predominantly white. The tail glowed like fire, and was connected to its body by strange cables.

"So you chose to use Kyurem's stones, did you?" Sora gritted.

"Indeed." Ragnar replied, "This is White Kyurem, the empty truth!" Watching from the landing alongside everyone else, Rina couldn't understand how this Pokémon could transform. What did it mean for it to be White Kyurem? Was it a Mega Evolution?

"Kyurem, Fusion Flare!" Fire energy burning, Kyurem generated a massive fireball above itself, turning the sky red. "Now, destroy the palace and all inside it!" Roaring, Kyurem readjusted its target, and fired where Rina and the others were.

"Keldeo, protect them with Hydro Pump!" Galloping to their defense, Keldeo shot two mighty jets of water from its front hooves, battling back against the Fusion Flare. With all its might, it finally managed to cancel out the attack.

Smiling, Ragnar commanded, "Now, Freeze Burn the prince!" In having to save the guests, Keldeo left Sora completely exposed. With it, Kyurem began drawing the cold all around it into itself, once more glowing red with energy. The charge was quick, and Kyurem blasted a concussive ice-blast that was mixed with flames. Sora barely managed to leap out of the way, escaping such a devastating attack by the skin of his teeth. Ragnar growled at the miss, and was angered even more when Keldeo managed to return to Sora's side.

"Well played Ragnar." Sora said as he dusted snow off his uniform, "But this is a battle. Retain what little honor you have left."

"Who needs honor? Power is all that matters in battle." Ragnar retorted, "And now for more!" He lifted up the black stone above his head, causing Kyurem to react. Then, the black stone was sucked behind them, melding into its tail.

As the white stone returned to Ragnar, Kyurem changed again. Much of its appearance was similar to its white form, but black. And its tail and wires glowed blue with a strange electricity.

"Now for Black Kyurem, the barren ideal! Strike with Fusion Bolt!" This time, an orb of electric energy surrounded Kyurem, and it charged at Keldeo with frightening speed.

Deciding that enough was enough, Sora commanded, "Use Secret Sword!" With a mighty cry, Keldeo began to change form. In the process, a great blade of light extended from its head, clashing with the Fusion Bolt. As it held the attack back, Keldeo's improved form was revealed. With its mighty sword, Keldeo's horn elongated, grew larger, and was black in color. In addition, yellow, green, and blue tassels hung from its new horn. With a great push, Keldeo batted Black Kyurem back.

"Now Ragnar, meet Keldeo's Resolute Form!" Sora proclaimed, "With this, we are even!"

"So you were holding back up till now?!" Ragnar growled, "Grr! I will not be made a fool of. Freeze Shock!" Once more, Kyurem drew all the cold into itself, this time crackling with electricity. The charge was once again quick, and it launched a concussive blast at the defenders. Despite the peril, Sora smiled. And with great confidence, Keldeo stepped forward with its great blade, and diverted the blast around itself and him. It was impressive, but costly. Keldeo fell onto its knee shortly after, gripped with pain from the attack.

"Keldeo!" Sora and Rina cried out in unity.

"Looks like your knight has met his match." Ragnar laughed, "None can oppose the might of Kyurem and Ragnar!" Suddenly, Blue fire engulfed Sora, and his gaze became fierce and focused. Rina quickly recognized it as his aura, but didn't understand why it was appearing now.

"We're not finished yet, Ragnar." Sora spoke as if two voices were speaking together. Next, he gathered a portion of his aura into a ball of light, and cast it into Keldeo. The energy he gave it re-energized the Sword Pokémon, healing its injuries. As it stood, Sora continued, "You believe power is the only force of strength? Wrong! There is another. One which you will never comprehend. The power to care for another more than yourself. The power of compassion!"

"Enough! I grow tired of this useless prattling. Kyurem, Glaciate!" As Kyurem returned to its first form, it gathered ice and frost around itself. If it unleashed this attack, not only would Sora be in danger, but everyone for miles would be frozen in it. Understanding that haste was essential, Keldeo galloped forward, Secret Sword shining forth through the cold. Kyurem tried to form a barrier to gain all the power it needed, but it was all in vain. Keldeo's sword came down, slipping through the barricade like butter, and making contact with the dragon inside. All was still, both Pokémon frozen after the clash. Everyone waited with bated breath for the final result of whether they would live or freeze. Then, the terrible dragon collapsed, and Keldeo recalled his blade as he returned to his normal form. A great cheer came from the spectators, for the prince had vanquished a mighty foe. Rina was very proud of her prince, and relieved he and Keldeo vanquished such prevailing opponents.

As Kyurem was returned to his Pokéstone, Ragnar retorted, "This defeat shall bring about your demise, Prince Sora. By the powers of my people, I cast upon you a great curse!" Everyone immediately fell silent, some murmuring worriedly. "Mark my words," Ragnar continued, "You, and all those you cherish will perish within the fortnight! We will not rest until we see the end of you kind perish, for all eternity!" Pounding the ground, he swept the palace with a mighty gale, blinding all present. When it settled, he was gone.

After the incident, Prince Sora requested everyone to begin leaving to safety. No one knew whether to take Ragnar's threat seriously, but Sora would not take any chances with all the innocents gathered in his mistress's home. Only a few chose to remain, though. His closest friends and followers objected to leaving the prince facing this matter alone, and so decided unanimously to stay. Debate was pointless with them, so Sora accepted their aid and comfort.

As for Rina, she went to the balcony overseeing the courtyard, watching everyone depart for their homes. The snow had lightened up extensively, making it clearer to see and less cold to bear. However, she could not help the shivering she felt due to Ragnar's threat. With how much he loathed Sora, she wouldn't put it past him to bring ruin in the form of a prophecy. She had no doubt those weren't just words, but a promise. If that were to happen, she worried about what she would be forced to live with. Even with Azurill held close to her for assurance and comfort, Rina still couldn't overcome her developing terror.

Just then, a hand came upon her shoulder, and chased away the fear, replacing it with warmth and hope. Rina looked behind her to find Sora and Pikachu coming up beside her.

"I know Ragnar's words haunt you." He began, "I would be lying if I said I wasn't bothered by what he said."

"What atrocious mannerisms!" She spoke with disdain, "Ragnar has never let you be, has he?"

"Not for years. Of which you know."

"I figured. But now, I wrestle with the thought that he will come to end you like he said he would."

"I know. But Rina, know that I will not submit to the darkness that is to come. I have too much at stake to surrender. So much."

"Indeed."

Stroking her hair to the side, he resumed, "And I have you too. Like with Pikachu, I care too much to lose you. With our union so close, I could not live with myself if I should fail you."

"Sora…"

"Rina, Pikachu and I both agreed to my proposal. And I want you to be with me to the rest of my days."

"Pikapi Pikachu." Pikachu chirped as he hopped onto Rina's shoulder.

"And when Pikachu makes a friendship like this, you know how devoted he becomes."

"I do. Me and Azurill both."

Rina…" Sora whispered.

"Yes?" Rina softly responded. Their faces drew closer, and they closed their eyes. Was this to be the moment Rina hoped for?

To their utter dismay, the palace rocked as explosions went off all around them. They heard various guards call out that it was an attack, and all went forth to confront the assailants. Sora and Pikachu didn't hesitate to react, as they drew Rina into the palace and down the halls.

"We need to escape!" Sora told her, "Find shelter in Pallet, and prepare plans to strike back."

"Where can we flee?" Rina asked, "The enemy is all around us."

"We'll figure out a way." Though Rina could tell that fear had set in with Sora too. As powerful as he was, to face this kind of assault must have rocked his confidence.

They made it to the ballroom, but found their only exit being barricaded by Conkeldurr and Swampert as they held back black-clad warriors trying to bust down the door.

Sketch came up to the two royals at once, and directed, "Here, behind the throne!" Clasping a hidden lever under the arm, he opened a hidden stairwell behind Rina's throne. "Teller and Pewter will hold the enemy back. You two must fly at once!"

"Thank you Sketch." Sora replied.

But as he led her down, Rina stopped and asked urgently, "Wait! Sketch, what about you?"

"You are my sole responsibility, princess. I must see that you and Sora are safely away."

"Come with us! Please!"

"I will not. I will only slow you down."

"Sketch, come with us!" Sora ordered.

"I am sorry, prince Sora. But I must help hold the enemy back. To delay them so you may escape to live another day. Good bye, my friends."

"Sketch!" But it was no use, for he had closed the path. Then they heard something fall, and Rina could tell he had disabled the door for good. Sora and Rina hurried against the door, pounding and calling out to Sketch. Pikachu tried using its Thunderbolt to shock it open, with no success. Dismayed, it diverted its efforts to comforting the young Azurill in this frightening situation. As they yearned to reach their friend, the two heard a huge 'BOOM' that rocked even the escape tunnel. Neither of them wanted to leave their friends, but they couldn't be captured either. With great pain, both of them retrieved their Pokémon as they fled down into a torch-lit corridor. They made their way with all haste down into the depths, taking caution to potential threats along the way.

"There should be a Rapidash or a Zebstrika ahead." Sora informed Rina, "We'll mount them as quickly as we can, then flee along the forest road towards my kingdom. We'll be safe there."

"But Sora, what about our friends?" Rina brought up, "You heard what Ragnar said. He'll kill them all while we flee." Sora stopped, head down as Rina said that. She stopped behind him, and began to hear him cry.

"I know." He whimpered, "No matter what, our friends might end up dead. If I could, I would've stayed to fight."

"Sora, I'm sorry." Rina tried to reconcile.

"Rill Azu."

Wiping the tears away, Sora turned and continued, "But Rina, as long as we are alive, they will continue to fight. As long as we live, hope remains. That's why they want us to escape. I feel guilty and torn to do this, but I must accept the wishes of my friends."

"Then what do we do?"

"Find help, become stronger, and prepare for the storm that is to come. If we do that, we can ensure our triumph. And if we're lucky, save our friends. No matter what, I will not leave them to be slaughtered." Steeling himself once more, Sora led Rina the remainder of the way out. It looked to be home-free, with no enemies in sight. As they made it out of the dark passage, they were conked out by three cloaked men. All Rina could make of them before losing consciousness was that they wore masks to hide their eyes, and had short, white hair. She saw them snatch Pikachu and Azurill, and then nothingness overcame her.

The empty void was all Rina could see, hear, and feel. There wasn't a soul around, save for herself. She felt empty, listless, unattached as she sat in this blank space, with nothing but darkness all around her.

You aren't dead. Came a woman's voice. But Rina hardly registered the claim.

So another one snapped, Hello! You are not dead, little sister! Rina snapped to attention, looking around for the voices that spoke to her.

Finally, the dense one awakens. Sighed a third in an annoyed fashion.

"Who's there?! Who are you?!" Rina demanded. At that moment, she was forced to shield her eyes as three shining figures appeared before her. They looked to be mermaids, but seemed to float in the air. The middle figure was the most distinctive, with a tall crown and wielding a trident.

"You know, we did kinda warn you before." The middle figure told her.

"About what?" Rina gritted as she continued to look away.

"About his fate. That boy, the guardian, he is doomed to die. We have seen it."

"I don't believe that!"

"It is predestined. Sora will meet his end by one who shall be too great, even for him, to overcome."

"Yeah, so? That can be changed."

"How can you do that?" the second mermaid, the one on Rina's right, questioned, "What can you possibly do that will alter his destiny?"

"I don't know yet." Rina admitted openly, "But I can do something. One way or another, I can help save Sora."

"Stubborn as a Tauros, aren't you?" the final figure scoffed ton Rina's left.

"I'm afraid there is no hope to protect him, little sister." The middle one warned, "You must not become too attached to the guardian. For he will fall, and you will live on."

"Why?!" Rina roared at them, "Why should I live while Sora dies?!"

"Because you are our successor." With that final word, the three mermaid figures disappeared. In their absence, cries of torture, pain, and anguish filled the void. Rina recognized them as Sora's friends. She could pick out who was screaming: Sparky, Violet, the prince, Tidus, Opal, Teller, Sketch, even Yolanda. She also heard her sisters squeal out pleas of death and despair. They bore into Rina's mind as she tried to block them out. Then, she heard a voice she hoped wouldn't cry out. Sora begged for the pain and torture to end, he pleaded that he could be released from the torment. He even asked for death to be his deliverer.

"Stop it! Stop it!" Rina sobbed, collapsing to the ground, "No more! Please, no more!"

The last words she heard were of the one mermaid with the crown, echoing, We warned you.

As Rina came to, she realized she was in a strange dungeon deep in the earth. Stalactites loomed menacingly overhead like spikes on the ceiling, a chasm stretched out in front of her that lead to an eternal darkness, skeletons lined the walls like ghouls. The space was terrifying to witness. Rina tried moving, but her ankles and wrists were chained to the wall, keeping her immobile. Her dress was torn, and her hair was a mess. But none of these things concerned Rina more than the horrific sight across the room.

"Sora!" she called out to the unconscious prince. But he did not stir, yet remained where he was bound on the wall. Unaware that he was unconscious, Rina began to fear that he was truly dead. She struggled with all her might to break free from her chains, wrestling and squirming, writhing and jerking, but the clasps of iron held onto her tightly to the point where it hurt to even move. In her dismay, Rina let out the tears she had welling up in her eyes.

"No. This can't… be." She wept.

During her overwhelming sorrow, a hooded man descended from the stairs on her right, on Sora's side of the chasm. He carried a gigantic axe that could cleave an Ursaring in two with just one swipe. He strode over to Sora slowly, as if eying for how Rina would react to his presence. When he approached the prince, he examined the boy to see if he was dead or still breathing. Whatever the case, he hefted his axe and gazed at Rina, who watched in utter horror of what was to come.

"Till death do you part." He spoke in a voice like Ragnar's. And he swung at Sora.

"SSSOOOORRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Rina awoke from the dream with a great jolt. She was frightened so immensely that she fell out of her hammock and scrambled to the wall. Azurill shot awake, as did Kari and Sarah. Wondering what awoke them with such malice, they immediately spotted Rina huddled against the wall, her tail held up to her chest as she shook violently.

"Rina, what's wrong?!" Kari inquired urgently, "What happened?!" But she didn't respond. She was in too much shock to register the world around her. Pretty soon, almost everyone came to the room to see what the outburst was all about. When they saw Rina cowering, most of them went to her to see what was wrong.

"What happened?" Drake interrogated the two sisters.

"We don't know." Sarah answered, "Rina just screamed out Sora's name, and went over there like something frightened her beyond normal."

"Does she do this a lot?" Kenneth asked.

"No. Not really."

"Actually," Kari pondered, "She has done this before. But never this strongly."

Coming up to her, Drake investigated, "When did she do this?"

"A couple years ago." She recalled, "That was when she had a premonition about us being in danger."

"Premonition? You mean, like a vision?"

"Exactly. Those are really the only dreams she has. Premonitions of things to come." Both Drake and Kenneth were disturbed by this news. And since Rina shrieked out Sora's name, they wondered if it might involve him.

With the others, getting close to Rina was proving to be quite difficult. Any time anyone tried to touch her, she would lash out in defense. When Yolanda tried comforting her, she received a slap from her tail. Even the younger members didn't try to get close to her because of her instability. At last, Sora bounded down into the room to see what was wrong. He went over to Rina, and saw how afraid she appeared to be. He took note to a couple of injuries she had caused upon lashing out, and approached with caution. He barely glanced her skin when she swatted his hand away roughly. But he didn't give up, and tried a second time. This time, he removed his gloves so that he might make more direct contact. When Rina tried to fight him this time, Sora caught her by the wrist.

"Rina, don't be afraid." He said in a soothing tone, "It's me." Rina was about to swing her tail but Sora noticed it twitch and pinned it with his leg.

"Let me go!" she wailed, writhing to escape, "Leave me alone!" Sora gripped her shoulders firmly, pressing her flat on her back in an effort to hold her down.

"Rina, calm down." Sora urged in a firmer tone. Prince Pewter and Yolanda made a move to aid him, but Lucario held them back. This was Sora's struggle.

"No! Sora! Must save Sora!" She whined, struggling with all her might.

"Rina, look at me! I'm Sora! I'm right here!" Seeing that Rina was not receiving what he told her, Sora made a last-ditch attempt to settle her down: he slapped her across the face. Everyone stood aghast at his pulling such a violent method on Rina, much less committing the act altogether. However, it did the trick. Rina opened her eyes, and the panic they once held was removed from her gaze. She began to focus more clearly, and found Sora hovering over her.

"Sora…" she muttered. Then, she broke down in tears as Sora got her up.

"Ms. Rina, are you—" Sparky started to ask. But Sora stopped her, then picked Rina up as he started to leave.

"Rina needs rest." He told everyone, "I'll take her to my quarters so that she might have it, and I can watch over her."

Wary, Yolanda perked, "Um Sora, do you think that's wise to have Rina in your quarters? Wouldn't it be better if she stayed in mine?"

"Maybe. But we still need to find out what scared her so much. I'll set up her hammock and let her rest. We can investigate in the morning."

"Sora, I don't think—"

"That should be fine." Drake interrupted, taking down the hammock Rina slept in, "But make sure not to try any funny business."

"C'mon Drake. I have more honor than that." Taking the hammock from him, Sora made his way to his room with Rina nestled in his arms and Azurill following behind.

Having tied the last knot, Sora announced to his Pokémon and Rina, "There. All set."

"Lar?" Larvitar quizzed.

"For Rina to sleep here for the night."

"Thank y-you Sora." Rina said with a hiccup.

Setting down next to her, Sora returned, "You're welcome. Are you feeling any better now?"

"A little. I just seem to be reeling from the nightmare I had."

"That must have been some nightmare. I bet even Aurora heard you cry out when you did." Sora quickly felt a spark shock his arm, and noticed Pikachu giving him a disapproved look. So he apologized, "Sorry. Bad time for jests. Besides, you need your sleep."

As Sora began taking off his cape and hat, Rina spoke up while looking down at her tail, "Before that, can I ask you something?"

"Uh, sure."

Looking at her hand that had the ring in the dream, Rina asked, "Would you ever consider, if you weren't engaged to Yolanda, to… I mean, have you… could you ever consider spending… spending the rest of your life with… with someone like… me?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Sora wondered.

"Well, say I wasn't a mermaid. Say I was just another human like you. Would you ever decide, when you could, to marry someone like me?"

"Marry you?!" Sora gasped, "Well, I'm not too sure about marrying anyone right now. I still am unsure about marrying Yolanda."

"I see." Rina spoke dejectedly.

"But," he picked up, "If given enough time, and possibly after this hurdle with the Cheiftains, I believe I would consider marrying. Even you, mermaid or human."

"Really?"

"Yeah. But, don't worry. If that should ever come to pass, I'll wait until you are ready for such a commitment." Rina didn't respond immediately, leaving them both in an awkward silence. So Sora urged Pikachu, Larvitar, and Azurill to go to sleep.

As they conked out, Rina finally spoke, "You would still do that? Propose? Even though I'm different? You would wait for me?"

Caught a little unawares, Sora answered, "Yeah, I would. I would wait for you."

"But Sora, you'd be wrong." Rina mumbled audibly, "The truth is…"

"Yeah."

Facing him, she cried, "The truth is, I'd be waiting for you!" What happened next was that Sora's staff clattered onto the floor, and Rina lay against Sora's chest. As she cried the last of her sorrow out, Sora tenderly hugged her close as he tried to wrap his mind around what just happened.

"Rina…" he uttered.

"Please, don't say anything." She wept in his chest, "Just… hold me." Stroking her head softly, he acknowledged the request. "Thank you." A few moments of silence passed between them, neither of them making a sound or a gesture.

"It'll be alright." Sora whispered softly, "I'm… I'm right here."

Rina: This is bad. Sora is really sick.

Yolanda: What are we to do?! None of our medicines will work!

Rina: There might still be a way.

Yolanda: What is it?! Rina, tell me!

Rina: It involves a mermaid's Rite of Ascension.

Next time,

Tail of Compassion