Sakura slowly woke up, casting her gaze over towards Suicune who walked in with a few fish in her mouth.
She gave a nervous smile, having had to get used to the Pokémon fetching food like this than using money to buy a meal.
Shaking her head, knowing she'll be going home soon, her hand landing on a blue sphere, a jewel embedded inside.
She was able to not only get Suicune's sphere, but it helped her finish harmonizing with her element.
But she would never have expected it to be in a hidden pocket going so deep, never found by any scientist.
It was a good thing she had this somewhat natural control over her element, only fighting to restrain it than the other way around.
It made the test much easier, having to swim down, making the seawater her oxygen than holding her breath.
She had to admit, it was pretty cool, it felt like she was a fish, or mermaid even!
Only thing that made it harder was the pressure the deeper she swam, making her head spin, having had to pause a few times to get her bearings. That and sharks, sharks were scary, really scary.
She nearly fainted when one swam for her, but instead of getting eaten, it literally swam through her trying to eat her!
Okay, out of all that, that was the worst, having to concentrate while freaking out to put herself back together? That was so weird and so freaky!
Good thing though, the shark didn't actually hurt and when it tried for a second time, she was able to create a small whirlpool around it.
It was more than enough to disorient and scare it off, watching it swim away, albeit a little off, but least no one had to die.
This all happened a month ago, far sooner than either expected, only staying to help her use her cards while using her element.
She hardly put effort in when using any cards that required water, such as Rain, Watery, or even Mist. But others like Fiery, Jump, or Earthy, they were harder to focus while using her element at the same time.
But at least she's made some progress…
"We'll have to return to Readington soon," Suicune spoke softly as they ate, the girl having used some tricks she learned from her brother to start fires.
Fish for some reason always tasted better when cooked, sushi's okay, but only if you have the right ingredients to go with a particular fish.
"And when we do, we'll have to fight Eevee soon, don't we?"
"I'm afraid so."
"I see… I wish there was another way… I never…"
"I understand, Sakura-san, but it's the only way we know of. We've tried and failed to bring him back, but he's refused. His mind is too far gone. We're doing this not only to protect the world, but to save him in the end. He doesn't deserve this life, to live like this."
Understanding sadly, they finished in silence, doing some last minute training before they would return.
"Suicune-san?"
"Hai?"
"It's dumb, never mind."
"Nothing is dumb less you desire it to be so," the Pokémon comforted, seeing the girl smile a little.
"When you… Were you born here? Or were you born in your other world?"
"I was born here," she smiled as she delivered a blast of ice for the girl to deflect with her water.
"You were?"
"Correct, I'm not young, but I'm not so old to have been around since our predecessors first arrived in this world."
"Is there anything from that world that was talked about often?"
"Not much than what we didn't do on our island save for the troubles that forced them to come here in the first place."
"Oh…"
"But there is one thing that is of interest."
"What is it?"
"Some of the cultures here in Japan and other countries I've learned about are very much like the cultures from my island. Possibly even the world my predecessors lived prior. And not just culture, but languages even, that's how we were able to adapt to yours so comfortably."
"Really?"
"Hai."
"Guess our worlds aren't that different, save for yours having cool animals like you and mine having magic."
"And both worlds having demons," the Pokémon commented with a soft laugh.
However, the comment unintentionally caused the girl to fumble and get hit with a particularly rough blast of ice.
"Sakura-san!"
"C-cold…" she stuttered before being blasted with the Pokémon's Scald, warming her up without actually hurting her. "Arigatō…"
"Gomen'nasai, I didn't mean to distract you like that."
"It's okay, I wasn't expecting that was all. I mean, I guess I should have suspected demons to exist. They kinda go hand in hand with magic, right?"
"I suppose so…"
"But demons existed not only in your island, your old world, but here too?"
"I've seen only a few or those I suspect to be some, but there were plenty on our island. If I recall, it was some demons who suggested we move to a new world than simply a new island."
"Oh wow, I thought demons were usually bad."
"Not all demons, some are mischievous, sometimes cruel even. But there have been very kindhearted demons."
"Have any been Elements?"
"A few have, mostly from when Palkia had been a guardian long before my time. But the kings of Current, Rime, and the queen of Loam were all demons."
"That's really cool."
"Arigatō, you really area special girl."
"How so?"
"I've seen how demons are normally depicted here and have heard stories even from the other world, not all being good."
"I can sort of understand why, but so long as they're good, why should I be afraid? They may look scary, might scare me be a bit at first, but it wouldn't give me a reason to want to hurt them or see them hurt."
"That is an excellent way to think and if you ever have young, be they of your blood or not, I hope you'll teach them to think that way as well."
Blushing, the girl sputtered out a thank you before they finished what training they started, the girl replenishing her strength by standing in the freezing rain.
It felt so calming, her body remaining somehow dry despite the downpour, even her clothes staying dry thanks to all the training.
Once rested, she joined the Pokémon after packing, the two heading back to her hometown, realizing just how homesick she was.
She really missed her father and Tori even, missing her friends, she even missed going to school!
Guess it was a partial grace that with that flu like spell going on, pretty much school was momentarily cancelled. At least she didn't have to worry about finding some explanation for such a long absence without dragging her father in.
Downside though, it was scheduled to reopen during summer…
Shaking her head of that, knowing going to school was the least of her troubles now, with Eevee still about, there may not…
Don't think like that, they'll win, they'll beat Eevee and stop this and everyone will be safe. No one else will get hurt!
The brunette wondered how Li and Meilin were doing, how much stronger they've gotten since they began training.
Her mind then went to Rita, wondering how she's doing as well, hoping she's okay and if lucky, having awakened her element.
But the idea of her fighting, it didn't seem fair; it was bad enough when the Sword possessed her that time, but now? She's so gentle and sweet, would she even be able to raise her fist to anyone, evil or not?
In a few short hours that would have taken days to drive, possibly weeks if she were to try walking, they arrived in the familiar streets, the raining coming to a still.
Careful to avoid being spotted, they made their way where Yelan and the others are likely waiting eagerly for them.
She hoped her brother was there, her excitement to see him growing more and more the closer they got to the gates.
Slowing down, Sakura was about to hop off to ring the bell before two large figures landed near her.
Falling backwards with a startled shout, she stared up in bewilderment, taking in the sight of her two friends on the backs of their guardians.
"Li-kun! Meilin-chan!" she yipped with joy, the pair jumping off, the raven haired girl hugging her.
"You seriously need a haircut," Meilin teased to both brunettes, her hair hardly changing at all.
"I didn't have time," the sorcerous pouted, the boy making a similar expression as they brushed the locks out of their faces. "But it's still great to see you two; I missed you guys so much!"
"Same," she answered, the boy smiling as well.
"Come on, let's head inside, I'm sure everyone's waited long enough," Li spoke up, taking Sakura's hand into his as he unlocked the gate.
"Right," both answered as they headed in with their respective guardian walking behind them.
"Sakura-chan? Sakura-chan! Li-kun! Meilin-chan!" Madison cried out, running towards the three, hugging her best friend tightly. "You came back!"
"Of course we came back, we weren't going to be gone forever," the brunette reassured as she returned the hug.
Feeling the other body shake, she knew she was crying, bringing tears to her eyes.
"I've missed you guys so much, all of us did," the girl whimpered softly, face buried into her shoulder.
"I know, I did, we all did," Sakura reassured as she gently wiped the tears away when looking her in the eye.
"Let's head inside? I'm sure the others are inside, right?" Li suggested, not wanting to ruin their moment, but knew it can continue indoors where it's safest.
"Hai," both replied as they headed inside, greeting everyone else.
The three were surprised with various hugs from the others, the boy especially as he was hugged by his mother. She didn't hate him and he didn't hate her, but they've always had this strained relationship. Seeing her act like this, just like when he was in the daycare, it was so strange, yet comforting.
"So how did you guys do?" Julian asked as they sat together, a place set up so even the Pokémon could freely roam without any problems.
"I managed to harmonize with my Element and I can only assume they did too," Meilin answered proudly as she revealed the sphere from her bag. The two responded by pulling out theirs as well.
"They're actually pretty cool looking," Tori commented, having taken a seat next to his sister. "So, do they open up or something like Eli's Pokéball does?"
"No, they seem to be made of some sort of stone. Not sure exactly how they work, but I don't plan on using it to put Suicune-san inside unless it's really necessary. Like she got hurt or she needed to hide and it was the safest place."
"Same here," the other two answered at once.
"We'll be able to hear you if you didput us inside, this world is greatly different from the life we had years ago. So us roaming about has become much harder, almost impossible less we stay in forests or mountains," Entei commented.
"Which we can't necessarily do, not anymore at least," Suicune added.
"I guess, it just seems a bit unfair to have you inside this thing for who knows how long," Meilin spoke as she held her sphere up.
"Rita-chan, how were things for you? Were you able to figure out how to activate your element?" Sakura asked, deciding to try and change the subject.
"I'm afraid not, Yelan-san was kind enough to help me learn martial arts and defend myself better, but nothing that could activate my element," the girl sighed sadly, resting her head into her knees.
"I'm sure you'll figure it out. They react on intense emotion, of who we are inside, right?" the raven haired girl reassured, patting her on the back.
"That's correct. While everyone shares similar emotions and traits, there are some that are more unique than others, of what really makes them who they are. That is where the elements draw their power from," the fire Pokémon explained.
"That's really amazing," Madison awed as were others.
"Now that you guys have returned…" Spinner started, a little unsure how to ask without ruining the good mood.
But it appears that was more than enough to do the job, seeing the smiles beginning to fade, making his ears droop a little.
"Smooth, Spinny," Ruby grumbled, crossing her arms in annoyance.
"I'm afraid that Spinner-kun's right," Li sighed as he brushed some of his hair out of his face, making a note to definitely get it cut.
"So what should we do then?" the redhead asked.
"Since we know Rita-chan still hasn't activated her element, trying to use his sphere against him is useless. While we harmonized with our elements, unless we got lucky or had more time to practice using each other's spheres, he'll just escape," the brunette said much to his displeasure and the others.
"So we have no choice but to fight him head on?" Eli spoke, seeing him nod as were a few others.
He glanced at Sakura and Rita, seeing both weren't too keen on taking someone's life, no matter the situation.
He couldn't blame them; they're only kids, innocent kids who should never have to see or deal with something like this.
"But at the same time we simply can't, we need a plan as we're sure he's concocting one of his own. He will likely know Sakura-chan and the others have harmonized with their elements," Yelan added sternly, the boy agreeing with her.
"I was able to do some training with my cards while controlling water," Sakura chimed in, knowing as much as this fight doesn't sit with her, she had to contribute.
"You were? So you harmonized with your element sooner then?"
"Hai, I had a month and a half to practice before we came back. But it's not very good, using water based cards I'm good with, but others takes more effort. If I do use any of the other cards, I would need more time or I have to pause controlling any water to finish summoning a card."
"At least you're able to do some, so it does give us somewhat of an advantage and more ideas to work with for the fight."
"We know that Eevee has potentially eighteen different types of moves he could use, some we likely could counter easily, others may be harder."
"Such as this dragon type?"
"Even with knowledge of how to counter, at the same time, it's partially useless since we really have no dragons to use. While we have Sakura-chan who could summon Snow or Freeze, if it takes too long while she's also fighting with her element, it would leave her open."
"So we would need to cover her," Li stated, knowing they would be doing that already, him especially. "That's nothing new, even if she couldn't use the cards, we'd still watch each other's backs."
"I know, but it depends who else is there that may force us to split up to cover them as well as," Eli explained. "I hate to say it, but because Eevee is technically Rita-chan's supposed guardian, he will try to take her out. It wouldn't matter if we left her here or brought her with us, he would find a way."
"And being with all he can do or possibly do, it'd be too risky leaving her alone."
"Exactly, so she would have to go with you three, more so if there is a chance her element does activate, adding more to the fight."
"But physical moves don't work though in case you've forgotten," Raikou stated with a growl.
"I haven't, but she being her element is prowess, that means she would rely on raw strength, correct."
"Hai…"
"If there was a chance we fight, she could help move things that may be too heavy for others without exhausting themselves or distracting them."
"That is true, while she may not help with the actual fight, she could help move any who are injured or clear paths if things became dangerous," Suicune added before continuing. "But even so, it is a huge gamble not only with her life, but all of ours too."
"I know, but as of now, it is the only shot we have to keep her safe as well as keep one more option open if something happens to benefit all of us."
"Maybe I could try summoning some cards early, on our way to wherever we fight? You know, cards like Power, Fight, Shield, Sword, to loan or something."
"That'd be a good idea, loan them to those who are backing you three up, especially Shield."
"Wait, who exactly are our backups? A few I have an idea, but what about those who aren't fighting, that could be targeted?"
"We are for starters," Tori spoke up, seeing his sister stare at him with wide eyes.
"No way!" Sakura nearly shouted. "What about Otōsan? And yourself?"
"While you were away, Julian-kun and I have been practicing and learning magic of our own. It isn't spectacular, but we can create shields and heal anyone who gets hurt."
"But what about Otōsan?"
"By a stroke of luck, he got called off to some dig needing his expertise, so he should be nowhere near where we are. But you definitely have to tell him about what you've been doing. You don't know how hard it was covering your ass."
"I know…" she sighed, guilt filling her, feeling her brother's arms wrap around her, hugging her close.
"Look, I know the idea of me getting into this mess isn't good, but how do you think I feel? Knowing, learning my imōto had been off fighting magical cards that could've killed her, nearly killed her. Then having some reincarnated brat pulling dangerous shit to see if you're can really control those cards, I don't want to be on the sidelines anymore. I'm going to fight with you, protect you however I can, and if by doing that is by protecting the others so you don't have to, then so be it."
"Tori-O nīchan…" the brunette whispered before breaking into tears, crying softly into his shirt.
"I think for now we should postpone further discussion relating to Eevee or any plans to fight him. The three have gone through enough and need rest," Entei spoke up, the other two Pokémon agreeing.
"Right," Tori sighed as they went their separate ways, heading back to their respective homes.
Just as he and Sakura began, the girl regretfully using the sphere to recall Suicune much to her urging, Julian ran up to them.
"Hey, mind if I walk with you two?"
"Yue-kun threatening to take over if you didn't?" Tori half joked.
"No, but I'm sure he wouldn't hesitate if I didn't," the other laughed nervously, "I just wanted to make sure you two were okay."
"Arigatō," Sakura thanked, giving a small smile.
"When we get back, why don't I help make some dinner? Tea and cakes can only fill one up so much."
"You're the walking vacuum cleaner, not us," the older sibling laughed, making the other blush.
"Dinner would be nice, for almost four months I've had nothing but fish. It was a good thing you taught me how to make a fire if I went camping," Sakura laughed, the teens seeing her brighten up a bit.
"Then I'll be sure to cook something without fish if you need a break."
"Or at least add seasonings."
Please read and review