"Not as bad as I thought…" Sakura whispered as they walked inside.
They could see that the damage inside was not as horrendous as it looked on the outside, as they thought for so many years.
Yes, there were portions that are obviously dangerous, but visible at least, even with lack of light.
Following the creatures, Eli having caught his fox, holding her close in his arms, scolding her for running off like that.
Eventually they found themselves set up in what they assumed to be where the front desk would've been.
Finding seats, they grabbed them, dragging them together before settling, the three large beasts, Pokémon as they're known as, sitting before them.
Once all were comfortable, there was a bit of silence, the humans and guardians unsure what to ask or say.
After a bit, Rita gathered courage once more to speak up, "Do you have names like Eli's fox? Gomen'nasai if it sounded rude… You just never introduced yourselves, though I guess we hadn't either."
"There's no need to apologize, my dear," the wolf comforted with what looked like a smile. "It's appropriate to properly introduce ourselves before we discuss things further if we are to work together."
"I'm known as Entei, guardian over the Element of Blaze," the lion introduced with a light bow of his head.
"I'm called Raikou, I had been chosen to be guardian over the Element of Voltaic," the tiger spoke up, resting his head on his paws, clearly not impressed.
"And I'm called Suicune, chosen to be the guardian for Aqueous," the wolf added, crossing her paws elegantly.
Whether they knew their names or not, the group introduced themselves, the beasts, Raikou especially, giving calming nods.
"What we're fighting…what's his name?" Rita decided to ask, a little surprised by how much she's spoken despite how scared she feels.
"Many years ago, he was a Pokémon known as Eevee, a very special being compared to us. But now…I'm not sure whatto call him…" Suicune answered solemnly, eyes glazing over with sorrow.
"Speaking of Pokémon, how come we never heard of them before, Suicune-san, right?" Madison asked nervously.
She had mostly done it to divert the conversation when seeing that bringing up this Eevee stirred up bad memories.
"In some ways, you may say we are animals just as the ones you see in pet stores and on farms. Yet at the same time, we're completely different because of what we're capable of," the wolf answered, silently grateful for the girl's curiosity and intentions for asking.
"But some Pokémon may not always looklike animals, some may appear manmade or bear a human like appearance," Entei added with a chuckle.
"How many are there?"
"Last we had seen, hundreds, possibly close to a thousand. Despite being Pokémon, there are species even wehad never seen, only heard of, places our predecessors traveled too."
"Aside appearances, what else makes Pokémon so different to animals and humans?" Sakura asked, starting to get into the conversation.
"Pokémon come into what are known as types next our breed and status," Suicune added before going into further depth about it.
She told them with Entei assisting, Raikou occasionally adding his two cents, sometimes ignored or given another swat if it too confusing or considered rude.
They explained the various types, using themselves and Eli's fox as examples, what moves they could use.
Hearing what his fox could do, the reincarnation stared down, seeing she looked just as astounded as he was.
"So aside using an Illusion to disguise herself, Zo-chan could also use attacks such as biting or even manifesting ghostly shadows to fire into others?"
"That is correct; many Pokémon who used these attacks often used them for various reasons. They would fight to defend territories, hunt or protect their food, defend their masters and friends, obtain mates and much more. There are some who simply enjoy battling, getting stronger and having fun."
"That's really amazing," Madison chirped, almost forgetting as were some of the others as they were told. "And there are some that come in different colors?"
"Hai, it is rare though, but it can happen. From where we lived, they were known as Shimmers because of the excess shine their coats, feathers, scales, and such held. But the term may have changed over the years, so I cannot be for certain," Suicune chuckled, enjoying their innocent enthusiasm. "But to give you an idea, your Zorua is a Shimmer. The parts that are blue are normally red."
"So she's in a way, extra special?" Madison questioned, getting a nod as she smiled, glancing at the fox.
Scratching her ear as she had seen Eli do, she nearly squealed at how cute the fox was when she nearly rolled off his lap to lean into her hand.
"And based on your species, you three are considered legendary due to low numbers and the powers you held in general?" Julian spoke up, getting a nod from them. "But Pokémon such as Zo-chan are more common or there being others that are classed as pseudo legendary, correct?"
"That is correct."
"So where did you come from though? I mean, if there are as many as you claim there are, why haven't we seen more?" Kero asked, not wanting to be rude, but at the same time, he was a tad suspicious.
"Originally, we had come from what you could consider to be an alternate dimension from this one."
"Seriously?"
"Hai, take the boy, Eli's Zorua, she is a descendant of one of the few Pokémon that must've survived when our island had sunk into the sea."
"But how did you cross from an entirely different dimension though?"
"We were not the first guardians chosen; there had been others before us. One of our predecessors was a legendary known as Palkia. Not only could he manipulate water and use dragon type moves, but was an offspring to the original deities. Because of it, he was able to manipulate and travel through the very fabric of reality itself," Suicune explained with a sad, yet happy look in her eyes.
"Really, that's amazing," Sakura gasped, eyes sparkling in absolute awe at what she and the others heard.
"He had been a wise and brave Pokémon in his time. And when his end came, he did well choosing you to take his place as the next guardian," Entei commented, obviously sad, but happy at the same time.
Before long, they began to get into more depth while making it as simple and not dragging on too long regarding how Pokémon may change.
Using Zo-chan as another example, explained how she could change, or evolve being the term, into a much stronger form called Zoroark.
She could change through battles and sheer will if she wishes it and is determined to become stronger, even it means changing.
Other Pokémon, while some change the same way, others evolved through other means or combination of things.
Many who evolve are permanent, but there are some who may change temporary, either by being near something, holding it, or the weather is in their favor.
Sometimes the seasons themselves may change their appearance, a Pokémon known as Deerling being one of those seasonal Pokémon.
They even explained how some may even change types as they grow or gain one in their growth.
Once enough had been explained, they paused, allowing the group to take in all they've learned.
After a few minutes of silence passed, one managed to speak up, knowing the question had to be asked.
"What about this former guardian, Eevee? What are we to do with him? If he is a Pokémon as the rest of you, then he must possess some sort of weakness?" Spinner questioned, some of the others shifting uncomfortably.
"Spinner's right, even if he isn't what one would consider a normal Pokémon, there must be a way to defeat him still, isn't there?" Eli added solemnly.
As he spoke, he had subconsciously begun stroking Zo-chan's fur, and judging his expression, it was a nervous habit of his. If he didn't have the fox there, then likely it would be Spinner getting the petting instead to ease the boy's growing anxiety.
Yet, despite it, they could see that he really cared about her, acting more like a normal boy than a reincarnated being.
He didn't use a spell to tame her or force her into the sphere when she acted up, even forgiving her for her mischievous actions so easily.
The bond he held with her was truly remarkable, possibly stronger if not closer than what he shares with his own guardians, Spinner in particular.
"You're right, enough has been said regarding our species," Suicune sighed, knowing this conversation was to come sooner or later. "I only pray that what we shared may give you all insight, possibly assist you when confronting him and fighting with us."
"I'm sure that it will. At least we have more knowledge about what you guys are, we'll be able to know what to look for and avoid," Sakura added with a nod.
"That's very true, though we should say this about Eevee, what he used to be and how it relates to what he is now," Entei spoke up, the children turning to look to the knowledgeable Pokémon.
"The stories did mention how he changed. I'm guessing that this transformation had to do with the evolution you explained?" Yelan asked.
"That is exactly what happened. Eevee was unique among us. In his birth form, he is what we would call a normal type. Yet unlike most Pokémon, he is capable of taking on multiple forms through various means."
"You mean he could evolve into more than one Pokémon?"
"Hai, though some are limited depending what form he might've wished for if things had gone differently."
"Then what the former king, he did something so Eevee would become all those evolutions at once?" Rita asked, feeling sick at the very thought.
"He had found some sort of forbidden black magic to make it so. Exactly howhe succeeded such a feat, if this evil spell originated from whence we came or here, I cannot be for certain."
"Either way, he's a bastard and disgrace to his species," Raikou grumbled, getting smacked once more. "I'm just stating the truth!"
"In caseyou have forgotten, he only becamethis way because of that traitorous man. If he had not become so greedy for power, had not used Eevee for his selfish gain, he would not be like this. If we had known sooner, we would have stopped him and Eevee would be with us now than as our foe," Entei scolded the younger legend with a mighty roar.
"Is there a way to save him? Maybe a part of him is still in there, just waiting to be set free?"
"We have tried to persuade him to rejoin us, beggedhim to come back to us that we could help him. But the betrayal he dealt with, undergoing those horrific evolutions, it destroyed his sanity. I cannot hold hope of any part of our dear friend remaining," Suicune sighed, looking away in sorrow.
Hearing that, it brought tears to the poor girl's eyes, pitying the poor creature, knowing deep down inside, he must be suffering.
It wasn't fair he had to go through this. That he had to have such a wicked king for a partner, to have his trust and friendship abused so cruelly.
The very thought of fighting him, possibly killing him made her sick.
She barely heard when the others were discussing more about him, their enemy, someone who's as much a victim as so many others had been.
"Does this guy have any weaknesses we could use? Even to just give us an edge, biding us time?" Tori asked, trying to keep his voice calm when seeing how upset the girl had become.
"I'm afraid there seems to be none. When Eevee had been forced to evolve, it was for the sole purpose of bearing allthe types. In some ways, he is very much like our deity, Arceus. Like him, Eevee is now capable of using nearly every known move. He is every type while none at all…"
"So he's practically invincible?" the teen growled deeply, his fists shaking with boiling rage.
"I'm afraid so. If we had more time to locate the remaining elements, then we mayhave a chance in stopping him. Possibly greater if we were to combine the efforts of your strongest magicians alongside us."
"Then how the hell are we going to beat him?" Meilin practically shouted, her hands curling into fists as she tried to keep her anger under control.
She felt so much anger; it was almost similar to the times when she'd hear people picking on Li and his family's legacy. She couldn't risk losing control, not after all the years she took to manage it, possibly having Entei being who helped her control her unknown powers.
"Just because he has no known weaknesses doesn't mean he isn't immortal. He is stilla Pokémon. He can bleed. He can breathe. He needs to eat, which means he can die," Raikou stated with a deep growl. "What we need is to find out which of our attacks and what methods would have the greatest effect against him."
"You are correct, but even so, once we enter this fight, it will likely be as most humans call it, a one shot deal," Suicune stated. "He will be targeting the children, Rita-chan especially to tear out their jewels. Weakened or not, he has his size and speed on his side while we merely have speed and power."
"So Eevee is smaller then?" Li spoke up, having stayed quiet for the most part, his mind still numbed from earlier.
"He is roughly Zo-chan's size, originally that is. Upon his evolution, he had grown larger, but not by much. At least that is how he appears."
"What do you mean?"
"He uses his newfound abilities to shroud himself in mist, making it difficult to tell exactly whathe looks like. It may or may not be a blessing for us. For all we know, he could literally drive us mad if we saw his true form."
"I guess so…if he has as many evolution branches as you said, he could look like something out of Frankenstein," the boy muttered softly.
"That's one way to put it," the electric type growled softly, not directing it at anyone in particular.
"Is there anything that you are absolutely positive he is invulnerable to? It would be a good start to know what methods to avoid or may use as a distraction depending how the fight may pan out," Eli spoke as he thought about all he's learned.
"What we know for sure is that direct physical attacks have no affect less they are infused with another type."
"Such as?"
"Moves such as actual martial arts or even attempting to tackle or restrain him are completely useless. If you were to try, you would simply phase through him as if he were a specter. However, if you infuse certain attacks with an element or object, it may have someeffect."
"But being what he is, it may have little effect. Plus close range may not be in our best interest. Whether he's physically frail or not, he could prove to have a trick or two up his sleeve."
"He was never frail to begin with, if he was, he would never have been named as a guardian for the Element of Prowess."
"That is true, which means he likely would keep to that fighting style."
"In which he has done so in the time we had fought him. But that may not mean anything; he was new to that form. With all these years passing, he would have had time to adapt and learn its full capabilities."
"Either way, we have a wild card against us. He could remain the same by means of fighting. Or worse, he could completely surprise us with an entire new style of battling where we have no time to counterattack."
"Precisely," Entei answered, "which is why we must teach the children how to control their elements perfectly. If we can do that, they have a better chance to adapt their respective element to their own personal fighting style."
"As well as create new styles if given time to practice before Eevee makes his move," Eli added, his brows furrowed.
In all his years, he never felt so afraid, working so hard not to show it, but he could feel his body trembling. He was sure the others could see he was shaking too, knowing he was scared.
Yet, what they are dealing with, it is something he never thought was possible.
They were dealing with an unknown enemy. They have almost no idea what he looks like, what he's capable of, or exactly how strong he is now.
What will happen if they wait too long or Eevee recovers faster than they predicted, attacking them without warning?
Who would he attack first? Rita being she has no guardian?
Li and the girls since they actually have partners who could teach them all that they need to know?
Target close friends and family to break the four emotionally?
So many questions and theories ran through his head, and regretfully many were negative thoughts, making him shake further.
He had to pull himself together, if not for himself, for the others. He is Clow Reed's reincarnation for gods' sakes!
He can't crumble like this! Not after last time, not after…
A small whimper caught his ear, looking down at the worried face of his Pokémon, seeing her concern.
He swung his head over when a hand landed on his shoulder, revealing to have been Madison's.
They were both trying to comfort him, the camera girl giving him a reassuring smile, like she knows things will turn out okay.
He gave them both a small smile, showing them he was going to be okay, silently thanking them both.
While they had their own silent moment, the others continued on with their discussion to try and figure things out.
"As you and Eli put it, a strategy would have to be made. If that's the case, then if we were to use magic, what would make the most sense to use?" Julian questioned as he glanced at his friends with concern.
He could even sense Yue threatening to go into a panic, obviously scared for Sakura's wellbeing, even if he doesn't exactly show it.
"Training is needed for three of them to literallybecome one with their element. Up until now, they learned basic control to keep it from hurting others and themselves. But now they must learn to utilize it, draw in the raw elements and make it one with themselves as if it was simply breathing."
"What about my Star Cards? Is there a way I could use them in case our elements simply aren't enough or the training is forcefully cut short?" Sakura suggested, recalling the cards she had stored in her bag.
"Right now, it would be dangerous for you to even think about using them andyour element at the same time. From what I had observed from you, you need concentration to summon and give commands to the spirits in them," Suicune explained as she turned towards her new master.
"But if there was more time, I probably could?" the young girl sighed, a defeated look on her face.
"If we are lucky and you show more promise than you already do, it may be something to consider. It is in our best interest to keep our options open."
"And what about Rita-chan?" the brunette asked, casting a glance at her friend, seeing how she fidgeted in her seat nervously.
Not that she could blame her, out of everyone here; she has the most pressure on her because of the element inside.
"Every element is awakened through a means of intense emotion. Meilin-san learned hers is utilized by raw anger. Li-san, while Raikou gave someassistance guiding the bolts, summoned his through raw fear. And for you, Sakura-san…even I don't know how you awakened yours. But whatever it had been, the emotion had been intense based on what you told your friends."
"I just wanted to protect Tori-O nīchan… Could it have been a form of love or a combination of emotions?"
"Possibly, or simply you held none, your mind going blank," Raikou stated, dodging a swinging paw. "What? She was just a brat at the time, it could have happened for all we know!"
"How she first awakened it doesn't seem to matter now. Based on her actions and our observations, she has more control over her element than most."
"How long have you been watching them before all this?" Eli questioned.
"Shortly after their birth is when we were able to escape our spheres to track them down through their aura."
"And yet, you don't know what Sakura might've felt?"
"I am to blame for that," Suicune sighed sadly, "I thought I found Eevee and followed the trails left behind after the fire. I had been so focused I hadn't noticed Sakura-san and her brother were in danger."
"It's okay, things worked out in the end. I still managed to get some control to appear normal to people. Plus, you were looking for Eevee. In some ways, it's more important. Even if you couldn't get to him, you'd at least know where he is to tell Entei-kun and Raikou-kun about it."
"You're right," the wolf like Pokémon spoke softly.
"If I recall, didn't the tale state that Eevee basically absorbed other elements?" Li's mother spoke up, her eyes rarely leaving her son or the other children.
"That is but a tale I'm glad to say. While he did indeed steal them, he didn't absorb them. If thathad happened, then noneof us would be here," Entei stated, the others silently grateful for that.
"But he may still try to attack us regardless?" Li asked, crossing his arms with mixed feelings.
"You, Sakura-san, and Meilin-san are safer now that we've made ourselves known to you. However, Rita-san isn't. She is both without a guardian and has yet to awaken her element," Suicune answered solemnly.
"What about the other Elements though? Shouldn't we try locating them as well? They could be at risk too," the young sorcerous spoke up, worry filling her.
"Sadly many are unknown. There are three I can sense, but right now, they're far from here and would be safer for them to remain unaware. They are much like Rita-san and for reasons unknown, their guardians have yet to free themselves."
"So they're even more helpless than I am?" the mentioned girl whispered softly, hands clasped over each other.
"How could you not be sure where the others are though?"
"This has never happened to us before, but from what we had been told, every Element that is born is chosen by the elements themselves. And being we're technically not from this world, the jewels that resided in the previous kings and queens mayhave returned to where we came from originally."
"So they could be in some alternate universe?"
"They and their guardians, they are tied to one another, so separating them is nearly impossible."
"If that's the case, then what about Eevee's sphere then? If he's still tied to it, maybe we could use it against him?" Madison suggested, the others agreeing with the idea as well.
"Only Rita-san or another Element may use these spheres, but it would be too risky to do so. Using the sphere draws on the element you control, if they do not match, the control is weak."
"And being that we're just learning about this, it'd be even weaker than if we had full control I presume?" Li asked, getting a nod from the three. "And since Rita-chan hasn't even awakened hers, she likely wouldn't be able to use it at all."
"That is correct I'm afraid."
"You said that there are methods to awakening our elements though. Mine is fear, Meilin-chan's is anger as examples. Sakura-chan's could be love or a similar emotion, is that what they draw on, our emotions?"
"Emotions, state of your mind, anything that matches both your inner self and element respectfully," Entei answered thoughtfully. "While it would be wise to at some point figure out what Sakura-san had gone through to awaken hers, with the situation as it is now, it is our lowest priority."
"How far can Eevee go right now? Travel wise that is?"
"For now, he's bound to this island, roughly this town. There is a chance he could leave, possibly sneak onto a ship even, but he's too weak to try. He's better off in a forest where he could safely hunt for food and seek shelter in caves or trees."
"So he's in some forest?"
"That's correct; we know where he is residing."
"Then why wait so long? If he's this weak, why not kill him right then and there?" Ruby questioned with a few others silently agreeing.
"Because, when we first were released, we were weak ourselves. Just like Eevee, we needed time to recover and ensure our new masters were safe," Suicune explained solemnly, feeling her fur gently stroked by the sorcerous.
"Do you know how long it'll take to train us? Before Eevee regains enough of his strength to think about attacking?"
"I would assume we only have a few months before he were to actually do anything, be it against us or another."
"That's not a lot of time."
"I'm afraid not, but it's better than bearing days or hours even."
"That's true…"
"Zo!" the fox cried out, waving her paws excitedly, appearing determined.
"Zo-chan?" Eli whispered as she turned to face him before facing the legendaries, chattering some more.
"What's she saying?"
"She wishes to fight alongside us," Entei answered with a heavy sigh.
"I'm afraid that would be impossible," the water type spoke as she gently nuzzled the dark type. "While you're not a child,you are still young and never experienced battling, friendly or not."
The small fox gave a small whine before feeling her owner hug her tighter, body shaking again.
Glancing up at him, she gave him another whine, licking his face gently, trying to calm him down.
The others never expected to see him like this, watching as he whispered something into her, all but Spinner missing it, the black cat's ears drooping slightly.
"Even after all these years, he still can't forgive himself…" he sighed sadly as he flew over to bring comfort to his master.
"So when should we start training?" Meilin asked almost nervously, knowing it had to be asked.
"Nowwould be a good time," Raikou grumbled, for once not getting smacked, knowing he's right.
"What about me though?" Rita spoke up.
Pondering for a moment, Suicune glanced at the others before asking, "Which of you is best a hand to hand combat? The strongest even?"
"Unless they have trained under the same masters as I have, I'll watch over her," Yelan volunteered, placing a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder.
"I'll search for more information about the Elements. I might get lucky locating where the others are if they're in our world," Eli added with a forced smile. "Even if we can't bring them to our side without endangering them, we'd at least know in case Eevee already knew and targets them first."
"That would be a wise thing to do," the wolf like Pokemon stated, giving him a gentle nuzzle.
"Climb on," Entei spoke gently as he and the other two knelt down for their respective masters.
"Wait, right now?" Tori nearly shouted, already on his feet, grabbing his sister, pulling her close to him.
"Tori-O nīchan…" the brunette whispered, feeling him trembling, knowing it was more out of fear than rage.
"Is there a chance I could at least go with you? To make sure she's okay?" he asked, almost begging, shoulders shaking.
He lost his mother years ago, and having had to deal with his sister capturing cards even before learning what she was doing. And now this?
He didn't think he could handle it this time, not if her life was in actual danger, not some test or dangerous game.
Turning around, facing her brother, hugging him, her body shaking just as hard, yet she seemed stronger too.
"Tori-O nīchan, I'll be okay, I'm sure of it. Suicune-san will take care of me, make sure I'm safe," she reassured with a smile. "Plus, someone has to stay home, make sure Otōsan's okay, that he doesn't get worried about me."
Knowing it was true, he slowly let go before giving one final hug, letting his walls break down enough to know how scared he really was.
"Just…just don't do anything to stupid, okay?"
"I'll do my best."
Note:
I actually did debate whether to make Zo-chan normal or a shiny, but decided to go with it. One, I like the color better, it looked sleeker, prettier even, plus it would suit Eli better in my opinion than red.
As for the ending here, figured Tori might be stressing himself more than usual, so would become more protective, not wanting to risk losing his sister. Even after all the years since their mother died, I'm sure to an extent, it's traumatized him, but to stubborn to really let it show except around certain people or for those people to know what he's really thinking of.
I also made a minor change, namely how many other Elements are in Sakura's world. Who they are, who knows, could be people she knows, or people she's yet to meet.
Please read and review