Episode 30: All-out battle! Heroica Defined by Hope
The fact that this is happening so slowly and subtly feels like a blessing and a curse, Crystal thought to herself. She was trembling as she stared at her flipper. One side of it was greyscale, while the other was the usual blue of a Piplup. She felt crusty and stiff on the inside too, as if her body was gradually shutting down and turning to stone. With Bestia stolen from the world, it makes sense that me and Panzer's other creations would stop functioning. If we get to Dein Nomos, I should be fine, but…
She slowly looked up at the luminous sword in the sky. Eerie as it was, there was something beautifully mystifying about it. I know it's nothing more than Panzer's programming to make me want to go and do Shining Warrior stuff, but I have to be honest to myself. I'm really into this. The sword looks so cool, and I really want to go there! But if I do and we defeat FinVarra, what will happen to me?
No one answered her besides the heavy fear in her heart, of course. She took a deep breath, shut her eyes, and bowed her head. This body isn't mine. I'm a soul implanted in a Piplup's body. I have to give this body back, so if there is any higher power out there, I'm begging you to make it not painful to my friends.
"Crystal, there you are!" Ruby happily called. She stopped as Crystal flinched and spun around. "You okay? What'cha doin' here by yourself?"
"Just a little bit nervous. The kids were treating us all like celebrities and it got a bit much, haha…" she replied.
"Huh, really? It's nice to be treated like a star for once. I'd say suit yourself, but Azu wants everyone gathered. She says she's got something that'll win us the battle for sure!" Ruby started dancing on her toes.
"A new strategy?" Crystal cocked her head. The Cyndaquil bolted off, so she shyly followed.
Everyone was gathered back in the centre of town again. With Azu stood on a tower of logs, she had a full view of everyone, with the main fighters gathered at the front. Ruby shoved Crystal through the crowd against her will, making her giggle.
"Okay, that's everyone. Thanks to you all for saving the books from the citadel, they really came through for us," Azu began.
"Wait, I thought everyone had to flee the citadel? How'd you save the books from there?" Crystal cocked her head.
"They brought those books from all over Heroica in the first place. We weren't gonna let them go to waste. Besides, Kusha picked out important ones for herself," Feather answered.
"I'll try and keep it brief since we're all ready to go. Thanks to those books and everything Esther told me, I figured out the Ultra Beasts weakness," Azu announced, driving the crowd into discussion. "It's sound. The Ultra Beasts are highly vulnerable to sound."
"Sound? Like Kusha's Hyper Voice?" Brine asked.
"Exactly like that. Makes you wonder why she was never targeted by Alver. Her and Esther have been the biggest threats to the Reverie takeover since the beginning. That's why Alver wanted you to murder Esther, Lucca," Azu answered.
"Then what of Panzer? She's the one who got Crystal to try it before I did, after all," Lucca folded his flippers.
"It's to do with Panzer's technology. I could get all scientific with it, but the short of it is there's certain frequencies that mess with the way her technology works. Her knights and other controlled Pokémon can completely shut down if a loud noise disrupts them," Azu explained. "I have no doubt that Alver's using the exact same tricks to control the Ultra Beasts. If we create a loud enough sound, we can shut down the Ultra Beasts, or better still, turn them back into ferals. That'll be key to us getting into Dein Nomos."
"Uh, I don't think I've ever done anything like that. Can I really be that important?" Esther asked.
"You don't need to sing or anything. We just need you to screech into a megaphone, pretty much," Azu put a hand on her hip.
"Oh. But can I sing, anyway?" Esther bounced.
"If you can sing while screeching, I'll be impressed," Kusha gave her a pat between her ears. "So my Hyper Voice at the highest pitch I can manage. We might disrupt our own fighters, you know."
"Nor will you even reach the entire army. So we'll have you two fly behind the main group until we get close enough to the sword. When I give the signal, you make noise, and concentrate it on a straight route to the sword. That'll give the warriors a brief opening to dive in," Azu explained.
"It really is as tight as that, huh?" Kusha shut her eyes.
"Wait, I'm gonna be right in the middle? In case you didn't notice, I literally can't fight, you know!" Esther gasped.
"That's why I'll be carrying you two," Dragonite came forward. "All you two have to do is relax in my mail pouch. When we're good to go, go on my back and do your thing!"
"The instant the warriors get into the sword, everybody retreat, no exceptions," Azu became stern. She looked down at Lucca and the others. "The rest will be up to us. Everyone else, the strategy remains the same. We'll all need to put in one hundred and ten percent, and focus on living and surviving. None of this matters if we have to lose Pokémon doing it. So please, all of you, take care of yourselves."
"You all have to make sure you all do your part and don't lose," Elise replied. "When we go back into hiding, I expect to see a sunrise. I can't stand another day in this grey world!"
"I'm takin' that as a challenge, you know," Ruby grinned.
"I have many things that are heavy on my heart riding on this battle. Losing is not an option," Mimia stated.
"You've got that right. This won't change the pain I've caused you guys, but I can at least begin to atone. I gonna do this even if it kills me," Lucca added.
"You idiot, Azu just said not to die!" Brine put her paws on her hips. "We've all got a future riding on this. And I'm gonna live to make it a bright one of coexistence."
"Everyone has things they want to do. We'll make a new world, we have to. A new world where I can be strong," Shelly punched the air.
"Places then, everyone. One last check through, and then It's battle time," Azu announced with a raise of her staff. The army rallied a cry back at her, and then the hustle and bustle of everyone getting to work started. As the Shining Warriors ran off to gather by Angel, Azu hopped down and put a hand on Crystal. "You're a naughty, naughty girl, you know that?"
"Huh?" Crystal cocked her head.
"You're starting to degrade, aren't you?" Azu asked. Crystal's heart stopped for a moment. She knew Azu noticed the reaction, yet she couldn't bring herself to reply. "Show me your flippers."
"I'm okay though. I'm fine, I promise. I'll be in tip top shape," she gasped. Azu put a hand on her hip.
"I understand this is hard for you. It's hard for me, too. And I get it – it's best we don't say anything until we're gold," Azu said. The Piplup hung her head. "But you have to say something to them before the end. For your sake, not theirs. If you don't, Ruby will never accept you."
"… Thanks, Miss Azu," Crystal said softly.
Before long, the army was mobilised at the front of the valley. The group were sat on Angel's back, while row upon row of makeshift soldiers were mounted on Pokémon who could fly. Zangoose and Zoroark on Pidgeot and Braviary, Van Aken grass types on their Tropius, and smaller, unevolved Pokémon gathered in Pelipper beaks, all with weapons sharp and shiny. Many of them had stern, angry mugs, but there were a fair few Pokémon nervous and fidgety, too.
Beyond that, a Magmortar ordered a row of burly fighting types to pull a few catapults to the front. A Gardevoir and a few Decidueye were giving signals to a colourful range of Pokémon with bows. The youngest Pokémon of the army were making last second deliveries like overworked mailmon, and then hugging their parents and loved ones before retreating to the far back.
Looking at all them now, any normal Pokémon would think they had this in the bag. However, Crystal had seen the way the Van Aken soldiers and Panzer's knights operated. Their army was small and filled with amateurs. Unless Alver remained cocky, this was going to be the hardest battle she had ever taken part in.
No. I'm tired of all the bloodshed. This isn't like fighting with ferals. I have to do this. One last time, just one last time. You can do this Crystal, just one last bad battle, she told herself, and tightened her grip on Angel.
"Everybody ready?" Azu called out. Their response was a round of marching feet on the spot. "Elise!"
"Ferrothorn shields. Launch!" Elise ordered with an upbeat point to the sky. A line of Tropius took off, each one wearing spiked armour. Ferrothorn were carefully wrapped around their backs.
"Fighters! Go!" Azu called out. The Pidgeot and Braviary were next, and their mounts chanted an upbeat squawk. "Dragonite? Behind us!"
"I'll be out in ten!" Dragonite began his countdown. Angel took off then, and shot into the sky behind the fighters.
Elise rushed to her personal Tropius and hopped on. "Archers, have my back in five!"
"Weapon drop unit: don't let 'em down!" Magmortar shouted, and the Pelipper took off behind the archers. "Now let's steal the show, my beloved ground units!"
Everything was perfect so far. Their army had created a circular formation in the sky with the Shining Warriors in the centre, and they were headed directly for Dein Nomos. It was difficult to see, but a group of Mudsdale pulled their catapults across the desert below, keeping this formation from a distance. There were so many of them that a strong tailwind howled in their wake, even though they weren't going that fast. The plan was to conserve energy until they got there.
It took about an hour for them to get near the sword, but once they were, all the anxiety hit at once. Dein Nomos was huge, and the swirl of clouds around it made its moonlight glow seem stronger. Despite being so high in the sky, unlike their previous trip there, the temperature was the same as it was on the ground. An arguably beneficial side effect of the Bestia drained world no doubt, that also meant it wasn't difficult to breathe. The army flew just below the clouds as they seemed too thick to fly through, and most kept their eyes upward in case enemies came from above. Just ten odd minutes of flying more and they would be in the vicinity of the sword. They were so close it almost felt like nothing would happen.
"You fools really came," FinVarra's low, yet majestic royal voice echoed across the sky, making the army come to a halt. "An army of whatever you could muster in this moment of crisis, as opposed to spending the remainder of your lives with your loved ones. Heroica truly is doomed to war and bloodshed."
"Don't act all high and mighty. We're all here to take back what's ours!" Lucca shouted.
"So what is this pitiful attempt? No greater than children scrounging for scraps to play battle," FinVarra continued. As he spoke, Ultra Beasts began to dart into formation, dropping out of the clouds so quickly it was as if they were popping into view. "You will not see the light of day ever again. This world has always belonged to me."
Seconds later and they were faced with an army that dwarfed their own in numbers. Nihilego swayed and sung in their hypnotic, ladylike patterns, while Buzzwole flexed their way into position amongst them. There were even swarms of Poipole around Naganadel, each one as big as the one they had fought in their trial. You couldn't turn anywhere forward and not face this army of Ultra Beasts.
"Whoa, there is… a lot of them," Elise shuddered.
"They came from Reverie, and Reverie's a world, after all," Lucca said. "We can't be afraid. We have to win this."
"When I give the signal, Esther, Kusha, it's all down to you. Keep our secret weapon at the ready," Azu ordered. "Everyone else, charge!"
War cries filled the sky as everyone rushed in with weapons pointed and claws bared. Angel revved up, making Azu yank at her cape to pull her back. "Not you too, Angel!"
"Huh? But we—"
"We need to stay in as top shape as we can. Ruby, Crystal, take sides and block anyone who comes near us," Azu instructed.
"As if you have to tell me," Crystal muttered as she nocked an arrow.
That enhanced vision of hers got to work. The battle had only just started, yet it was one of the most intense conflicts she had ever seen. A Tropius with a Ferrothorn latched to its front bashed into a trio of Nihilego, knocking them out. The Ferrothorn promptly detached itself to cling to a Naganadel that attempted to stab them, bringing that enemy down. However, a Buzzwole swept in and hammered the Tropius toward the ground not a second later. Said Buzzwole then had their wings pierced by arrows from below, making them screech and plummet. More Tropius and Van Aken soldiers took its place and ruthlessly stabbed Poipole and Nihilego that came close, but they were quickly swarmed and brought down, too.
All of this occurred in a few seconds. Moment after moment, no matter where she looked, Crystal witnessed all sorts of gruesome bloodshed from Pokémon and Ultra beast alike. Weapons pierced hide, claws raked skin, and roars of pain, agony, and glory accented it all. Despite the ferociousness of the Pokémon army, she felt unprotected, and locked her sights onto several beasts that broke through their army's defences. She didn't hesitate to keep them back with her own arrows, backed up by Ruby whose flames helped.
She was right to be concerned. Their formation was held, but their progress had been slowed to a crawl. Angel couldn't go two metres without having to guard herself with her wings and let the army before her take the brunt. With every skirmish she witnessed, the Pokémon army visibly shrunk, and the noises of the beasts grew greater. She couldn't stand to see all the suffering as it was, even more so since their plan was falling to shambles.
"This isn't working!" Crystal eventually shrieked, glancing back at Azu.
"I can see that!" the Azumarill barked back at her.
"Permission to secret weapon?" Esther squeaked.
"No, we're still too far away!" Azu warned. She turned to the front and shuddered. They were so close, but she knew with the way that army of beasts were coming at them, a Hyper Voice from here wouldn't clear enough space.
Crystal shot three more arrows at Buzzwole who charged her, and then flinched as a Nihilego swooped close to her face. "What the, how did you—"
"They're everywhere! What're you guys doing?" Ruby cried, and then gasped.
"That was… we're in trouble," Lucca said, drawing both swords. Mimia growled beside him, while Brine and Shelly made worried noises of their own.
They were surrounded by what must have been more Ultra Beasts than there were at the start, and this time on all sides, even below. Their army had been reduced to tired flying types covered from head to toe in marks and damage. Pelipper had dropped their carried Pokémon. Ground support seemed to have stopped entirely. Their immediate future was uncertain.
Crystal's heart raced, yet her eyes remained more focused than ever. The enemies dotted the sky no matter where she turned, and their erratic patterns meant there was no clear weak spot they could use to escape. Dein Nomos sat maybe a minute or three away at Angel's top speed. Their only choice was to dive it from here and give it their all.
"It's do or die now, Azu," Kusha said.
"This is gonna hurt. Angel, your call, are we fleeing or are we going for it?" Lucca asked.
"It's like you said, do or die. And I sure as hell ain't dying a coward," Angel flapped her wings. At her movements, the formation of the Ultra Beasts tightened, as if preparing to take them out. Before any move could be made, Mimia started hitting her back and barking incessantly.
"Buddy, what're you doing?" Lucca gasped.
"Wait, he's right. What is that?" Azu gasped. She bowed her head and raised her ears to focus, and soon perked up. "Is that the sea?"
The others dared to peer down and the ocean, and surely enough, a huge whirlpool was forming. A bigger whirlpool than naturally possible. Even the Ultra Beasts had all stopped to stare in their own display of warning.
I do not like the look of that, Crystal aimed an arrow at it.
A few moments later, the whirlpool erupted into swirling tower of water that pillared into the sky in a flash. A wave of cries from the Ultra Beasts filled the air, and were promptly drowned out as they got absorbed into it. Tremendous pulses of force shook the sky that took everyone, even Angel, off-balance. The pillar bent side to side as it travelled too, as if intentionally attacking the Ultra Beasts. Without instruction, Angel took off to back away from it and observe from safety.
"Look inside, something's coming!" Shelly pointed at. The silhouette of an enormous figure swam up the centre of the water pillar, and the beasts were doing their best to attack it.
"You primitive, barbaric savages of the lower world truly believed that you could conquer the world with your army of ferals?" a young, posh, childish voice echoed in similar fashion to FinVarra's earlier.
"No way, that's Manaphy?" Brine gasped and bounced.
At that moment, the pillar of water burst in one last shock wave that pushed everyone off-balance again. In its place was the water-type prince himself, sat atop the silver-scaled giant that was Lugia. Behind them, Kyogre floated in a similar position. The two legendary Pokémon floated back-to-back and glared at the army of Ultra Beasts. Their sizes alone intimidated the army into keeping away.
"Perhaps you would take the fools of modern Heroica with your tactics, but to believe the Undine of the sea would sit aside and allow you to do as you please, you are delusional!" Manaphy laughed exaggeratedly. As he laughed, an army of his own filled the sky. Starmie, Seaking, Lumineon, Kingdra, Gyarados, Wishiwashi schools, and more refuelled the Heroican army.
Crystal was confused until she blinked moisture out of her eyes. Whatever magic Manaphy was working, heavy rain combined with droplets of water filled the sky in such plentiful amount it was as if she were underwater. She could breathe, but every breath felt like she had half her beak submerged in seawater. Like this, it was no surprise these deep-sea dwellers could fly like they swam.
"Manaphy, you're helping us?" Brine called out as Angel flew closer.
"Don't get the wrong idea. This isn't an allegiance, nor did I ever say I was joining your side," Manaphy replied without looking at her. "I said I was going to give you a chance to do your ludicrous plan of coexistence. But if these fools want conquer my ocean, no amount of words will stay my hand."
"So you're against us, too?" Ruby growled. Manaphy gave her a fake, hoarse sigh.
"You kids aren't done yet, right?" Manaphy replied. Their eyes widened. "If you die, we're taking Dein Nomos. So don't die, and do your stupid coexistence plan. While my army gives you an opening, get in that sword, or we'll take your place!"
"Manaphy…" Brine shuddered. "You do believe in us."
"You heard them, everyone. We can't lose now!" Azu announced. The rallies of the Pokémon picked back up, and many of the previously fallen flying types flapped their way back onto the scene, even as beaten up as they were. "We can do this. We can't give up. No matter what it takes, we will see this through!"
"You heard them, my beloveds. Show them why the sea rules!" Manaphy cheered and pointed forward. An even louder round of cheers shook the sky, and the battle resumed.
It was no less gruesome than earlier. Weapons were thrust straight through beast and Pokémon alike. Pokémon bit, clawed, pecked, everything they could manage to draw blood and take their enemies out of the sky. Crystal hadn't realised how well equipped Manaphy's army was, as each one was well guarded in spiked armour where suited. They had no issue taking out every beast in range, and their elegant swimming patterns made dodging look like a breeze.
The battle hadn't shifted entirely in their favour, however. Kyogre bellowed terrifying roars as it was swarmed by an entire hive of Poipole, while Lugia shrieked with every hard flap of its wings. Powerful gusts of wind blasted anyone in front, the Pokémon army included, all the while Lugia braced against the punches of Buzzwole on its back. The combined armies were still severely outnumbered, but they were able to go through with their original plan – Angel and her surrounding guards soared through the chaos, heading straight for Dein Nomos. Crystal and Ruby had no break when it came to keeping enemies back, while Angel found herself tilting every which way to avoid the friendly fire of arrows or Pokémon charging straight through their path.
Before they knew it, one last cluster of beasts stood in their way. A wall of about ten Buzzwole, five Naganadel, and all other space was occupied by Nihilego. Each of them moved in perfect formation too, blocking any angle Angel could attempt them from.
"Esther, Kusha, now's the time. Inhale!" Azu glanced back at them.
"About time!" Esther cheered as the duo readied their megaphones. Dragonite swept ahead of the warriors and bowed his head to let the girls take centre stage.
"Everybody else, cover your ears!" Azu warned as she pulled her ears down against herself. Angel came to a halt to do the same, and then the girls executed their Hyper Voice.
Crystal was impressed. Even with her flippers held down against her head as tightly as she could, the combined screech of the two girls sounded like they were right beside her. The shrill pitch made her feathers crawl sharper than an electric shock, and she could have sworn Mimia moaned in complaint, too. A moment later, the enemies before them began to vibrate on the spot as if sizzling with static. Unfathomable noises came from each, unlike the strange noises they usually made. The Nihilego weren't ladylike anymore, but jittery and scrambled, while the Naganadel gurgled.
"Angel, go, go! And don't look back!" Azu tapped her.
Everyone held on tight as she took off, though they didn't sheath their weapons. Angst filled their minds at how well Azu's plan may have actually worked. Angel even tucked in her wings as she neared the beasts, expecting them to catch the group by surprise when they got too near. However, the beasts didn't move. They were able to fly right through without any disturbance. The group glanced back with gawks. The beasts still weren't moving.
"It actually worked. That screech took the life right out of them," Lucca remarked.
"What even happened to them? They don't look like it hurt," Ruby wondered.
"There's a lot of science. Brain waves and stuff," Azu replied. Ruby cocked her head. "Let's be honest. You wouldn't get it even if I explained it."
"The other beasts are still fighting. The army really can't win," Lucca said.
"Look alive, Lucca. This was part of our plan. Everyone is going to retreat now. They're going to be okay, especially if we hurry," Azu assured, and pushed his head to get him to face the front.
Now that they were directly below Dein Nomos, the battle sounded like it was further away than it actually was. The loudest thing around them was the tailwind Angel had as she soared around the blade to gain height and survey it for an entrance. From a distance the sword glowed like the moon, but up close, it wasn't nearly as luminous. It wasn't even a metal blade, but a perfectly white stone structure the same as a castle. The black holes were windows wider than Angel, so she had no trouble flying right in.
Inside was where the magic set in. The floors, walls, ceiling, everything of the interior was made out of perfectly smooth, crystalline material. Contrary to the darkness of the black and white, Bestia-drained world, here was bright, colourful, and glistening all sorts of pretty sparkles. A smooth, cool wind brushed the halls in near silence, while blue particles hung in the air like magic dust. The sounds of the war outside were completely drowned out by sturdy walls that were cool to the touch.
"We're here… we really made it. We're finally here," Crystal whispered as she stumbled around in amazement. This room was little more than an empty hall, yet it was as if she had stepped into an entirely different world. A world that energised her the same way as when she first experienced Beau Falls outside of Azu's house. Every childish want to run around and see every angle of this place ate at her to a point she felt jittery and impatient, and danced on the tips of her feet.
"Oh gods, this is as awesome as I thought it'd be. We're here, we're really, really here!" Ruby squeaked.
"Shh!" Brine hushed her. "They probably already know we're here, but we should at least try and get some kind of pre-emptive on them."
"There's only stairs, though. They're probably just going to be ready for us. I know I'm ready for them, but are you guys?" Shelly replied.
"Ha, listen to you right now, showing me up," Lucca drew his swords. "Don't take any chances, guys. Weapons out. Let's bring this to a close."
Mimia yipped and barked with him while the others obeyed. As they walked ahead, Crystal slowed to sneak a glance at her flippers. The underside was even greyer than before, making her gasp. The others twisted, and she hid her flippers fast.
"You okay?" Brine asked.
"Ye-yeah. Uh, I dunno. Is it just me or do I feel like… jumpy? I can't stop moving," Crystal quickly excused.
"Oh wow, I thought no one noticed," Ruby bounced on her toes. "It's like being here is energizing me or somethin'. I'm not used to being this springy."
"Can't you tell?" Angel said smugly. The others jumped when they realised her voice came through their amulets.
"I thought you were physical? When did you vanish?" Azu asked.
"Special rules for this last place, to make sure I don't interfere with the warriors' last act. Dein Nomos is made entirely out of Bestia. You can't lock away the Bestia of this place, or rather, all the Bestia you guys generated, and FinVarra stole, is stored right here," Angel explained. "In fun terms, that means you guys are real Pokémon in this place. You can use your moves and abilities without cost or my help. That energized feeling you've got, that's how Pokémon are meant to feel normally."
"We draw energy from the atmosphere to use our powers?" Azu wondered, staring at her hands.
"A combination of both. Bestia is a residue of Pokémon powers. Think of it as like carbon dioxide that comes out when you breathe oxygen," Angel explained. "Pokémon draw in an energy called Anima, use it to do attacks and abilities, and out comes Bestia, which the environment takes and turns back into Anima… normally. With Heroica in the state that it is, Pokémon have to draw back in Bestia to use their powers. Not only does that make everything weaker, it doesn't give anything out. Thus, the environment suffers."
"I really wish you'd told us half of that sooner. Was that so hard to do? Would that have changed anything?" Azu argued. "But that also means Anima drained in the first place. Panzer's hints are starting to come true. I'm guessing Theria took the Anima away."
"So our job is to bring Anima back into the world, not to simply refuel Bestia," Lucca stated.
"Precisely. That is how we can bring the legend of the Shining Warriors to a close once and for all. The whole world will soon feel exactly how you guys do right now," Angel remarked. "I hope you don't throw away your weapons, though. Combine them with your Pokémon attacks and defeat FinVarra."
"That was the plan," Lucca swiped his swords aside. He faced the window they came from. Everything he could see from here was the darkness and stars of outer space. "We've been through so much to get here. Everything we've learnt and fought for is on the line. Let's go."
The others nodded and jogged behind him, besides Azu, who stared at Crystal. The Piplup tried not to look too guilty, but that concerned stare told her everything. "I'll say something before it's too late. I promise."
Azu didn't say anything. She let Crystal go ahead and bounced after them.
…
Dein Nomos was a linear dungeon so far. Up the first set of stairs led to a corridor with glittering halls the same as the first, to a zigzagging staircase that led to another hall with pillars and more stairs at the end. Every staircase ascended, and this pattern continued for long enough that the group opted to walk instead of jog. There were no Pokémon here, nor did the sound of the area change. Every surface was blue, white, light, and shimmering cooly, while the occasional window gave them a clear view of just how high up they were. It almost looked like the colour of the outside world was starting to return, but it was just outer space taking over the drained sky.
After about half an hour, Mimia finally stopped the party with a foot. He took two steps into the next room and started growling, making the others tense. They didn't need his feral senses to tell exactly what was here. Crystal didn't understand it, it was as if some sixth sense powered by the Anima had awakened in her. Her feathers trembled ever so slightly with the presence of a Pokémon nearby, a Pokémon that held aggression against them.
Surely enough, they reached the biggest room yet. A few pillars connected the ceiling and floor at regular intervals, while open windows on both ends of the room gave them a view of the planet. Heroica sat below the horizon, blurred and outlined by the white glow of the sun, while outer space filled the upper portion. Distant stars and galaxies dotted the darkness. At the far end of the room, Alver sat on his staff, blocking a larger staircase. They didn't need to be told where that took them.
"I'm frustrated. Annoyed that it has come to this. I'm confident that you don't stand a chance against me, but it shouldn't have come to this in the first place," Alver began as he got up. He spun his staff around and caught it straight up beside him. The crescent and orb on the end had a smoky puff of glittery energy around it.
"Then don't let it come to this. I don't want to fight you either. Lay down your weapon and take responsibility for your crimes," Lucca swiped a flipper aside.
Alver sighed. "Come now, Lucca. Why in any mind would I do that in my position? I have everything. Power in a world that I will rule and can bend to my shape."
"Good, you're sticking to your delusions," Ruby came forward. "This is gonna be oh so much juicier with you thinkin' you're unstoppable."
"The only one of you that stands any sort of chance against me is Lucca, and even then, you have not had even a glimpse of what I am capable of. You must think you're invincible now that you can use your Pokémon attacks, but I am leagues above that. I am a luminary, so-called heroes! It is my power that commands the Ultra Beasts and shapes this new world of Heroica. You are challenging a creator! One whose knowledge exceeds that of your kind. I—"
"Oh shut up. We don't have time to listen to this," Ruby spat a little fireball and flared her back. "You're just an insufferable murderer who hides behind other Pokémon who you fear-monger into doing what you want 'em to do. But I ain't afraid of you. I've never been afraid. Ever since you took my mother from me, I've trained and travelled nonstop just to burn you to crisp and have my revenge. Right here and now, you shut up and take your punishment!"
"As simple-minded as ever, I see. And the rest of you have no objections?" Alver cocked his head.
"This ain't about them!" Ruby snapped. "No more hiding behind monsters and royal orders. I'm gonna kill you, Alver."
"And you're going to let her do this? A one-on-one duel? Ha, Heroica truly is—" Alver was cut off as a Flamethrower streaked past him were he not fast enough to dart out of the way. He had an astonished gawk for a moment, and then masked it with a cocky grin. "Where is your honour?"
"You really don't get it, do you? As if a vile guy like you has any honour," Lucca snapped, and then stood up using his blades. "You're just an enemy to us, someone standing in our way. It doesn't matter which of us brings you down. As long as you're dead, Ruby gets what she wants. No duels, none of your pretend royal honour. You're just a feral playing second fiddle."
"Put me on the same level as that servant mutt of yours? How dare you!" Alver's eye twitched. He flinched and thrust his staff as Ruby came charging, managing to keep her Parashelter back. "Gkk, for the love of almighty, let me talk!"
"No one has time to listen to you prattle and boast all day. You're mine, Alver!" Ruby cried. She flipped on top of her weapon and jumped high above the Ribombee, letting out another stream of flames all over him. He gasped as he backed away to defend himself, and vanished into the wall of flames she'd kicked up. As Ruby landed, Alver reappeared to her side and swung his staff across his front, flinging a multitude of dandelion-like spheres of orange dust. Ruby hopped and jumped back away as each one hit the floor, where they exploded into green blasts of energy.
"Fine then. If that's how you're going to be, I won't give you a chance. I'm just going to let this next part speak for itself!" Alver hissed angrily. "Mealtime's come early. I call on you to dispose of these pests. Come forth great Guzzlord, consume all in your path!"
"Guzzlord… I kind of wish you guys weren't right about expecting the worst," Lucca slid back as an orb of light appeared in between both groups. The orb grew and crackled with electric-like energy, making him grit his fangs. "Everyone get back!"
The group dove away as the orb reached maximum size, where it turned dark and swirly like a portal. Out came a thick tentacle with a jaw on the end, the jaw lined with sharp black fangs. A second tentacle of the same kind joined the first, and the two began to pull apart the portal in order to widen it. The rest of Guzzlord aggressively forced its way through not long after. Black scales and skin covered this Ultra Beast's body, which emphasized the glow of its blue eyes and the insides of its mouth. Said mouth made up most of this monster, which hung open constantly.
Crystal didn't know where to start when it came to fighting this thing. Thorns lined every inch of it, even its thick, black, undulating tongue, the sight of which made her feathers crawl. Yellow scales lined its main mouth, and the tentacles came from inside that mouth, too. It even had two faces – a set of eyes just above that gaping mouth, and another set of eyes on the 'head' sat atop the whole form. Were they faces? Were the tentacles a set of tongues? Was the hole at the back of its throat what she thought it was?
"Wait, what do I aim at? No wonder you were scared of this thing, what even is it?" Crystal cried. She didn't even notice the 'normal' set of arms and claws attached to its upper body. They were as tough as a dragon Pokémon, if not harder from the way they shone in the crystalline dungeon.
"Calm down, we can get through this!" Lucca shouted, backing off with everyone else. Once Guzzlord came through the portal completely, it stomped to the ground so hard the room shook with the sound of crumbling rock. The beast rumbled with a low, monstrous, gurgling growl, as it stared down at the group.
"Lucca, we have our Pokémon attacks this time. We can beat it," Mimia glanced at the Brionne. "Angel told us to aim for the head last time."
"Uh, which one?" Shelly squeaked.
"The one high up!" Lucca announced as he leapt up high. He breathed in deeply to fill his cheeks, and then exhaled a forceful stream of bubbles from his nose. The Bubble Beam hit the Guzzlord's upper face, sending it stumbling back as foam began to cover it.
As Guzzlord stomped around growling and roaring in annoyance, Mimia dashed his way around to its tail, and dove on top to grapple it. Brine followed him out of curiosity, and then helped him out with water ropes.
"Crystal, hit it in the eyes!" Shelly ordered.
Crystal shook her head to get into focus and aimed an arrow at the foam Lucca's attack was creating. She knew to hit, she knew she would hit, and yet, something in her made hesitate. The way Guzzlord stumbled around, helplessly blinded, roaring and growling like it was in immense pain, it didn't feel right. The sounds it made were unlike the ones the beasts in the war made. Guzzlord sounded more like a confused and frightened feral, and technically, it hadn't even attacked them yet.
Crystal, what're you thinking? She screamed at herself, and narrowed her eyes. The fate of Heroica is at stake. Your friends who fought so hard for you, everyone else who's fighting so hard to become Pokémon again… for the love of the gods, stop being so wimpy and pathetic!
With a frustrated shriek, Crystal shut her eyes and let the arrow fly. It struck with so much force that Guzzlord bent backwards from it, and Lucca's foam went flying. Lucca stopped his attack too and landed beside Crystal, shocked by the silence.
"It can't have been that easy," Brine remarked, still holding her water ropes. She was jerked hard as Guzzlord shook back to its feet while Mimia yelped in surprise. Together they managed to keep its tail pinned down, but it wouldn't stop the mighty beast from aiming at Lucca and the others.
Crystal's arrow had pierced it right between its eyes, yet there wasn't a drop of blood or flesh to imply it was damaged. It raised its two tentacles and opened them wide, and within the maws of both, blue flames were leaking.
"Dragon Pulse!" Shelly cried.
Crystal planned to jump at the last moment, but when the attack was fired, it came quicker than she could blink. One moment, flames were sparking out of those maws, the next, a beam smothered her in fire and sparks. Pain surged through her form as her vision darkened to nothing but blurry lights, followed by a sharp thump as she crashed against a wall. A burning chill took over after a moment, and her senses began to return to her.
What the…? Crystal grunted as she held herself up via her flippers. Her body ached with every movement, however minor, even trying to focus her sight.
The others kept up with the fight the entire time. Lucca slid around and fired bubble Beam anywhere Guzzlord couldn't swallow it, while slashing at the beast's hide any time it attempted to strike him. Meanwhile, Mimia was always opposite Lucca, tackling or hammering the beast's tentacles and tail to keep it down as much as possible. Every time Mimia charged at it, his body or paws glowed red or white and his attacks took Guzzlord off-balance, boasting the power of his Pokémon attacks.
Meanwhile, Shelly was putting his money where his mouth was. When it looked like Mimia might get hit, he fired Water Gun with impressive force, knocking away Guzzlord's tentacle or tail, or at least slowing them down enough that Mimia could escape. Brine was even more impressive, and seemed to be pulling up the excess water left behind by Shelly and Lucca's attacks to conjure her own moves. Her wrecking ball did a number on Guzzlord, bruising its face and mouth wherever she hit. At one point her attack landed inside the beast's mouth, yet it looked like it hurt.
Even Azu was taking part, though she was more careful than everyone else. She kept her distance and helped out with Water Gun, or whenever Guzzlord came close, her tail glowed with Aqua Tail. A combined swing of her staff and her tail was enough to knock away the tentacles that tried to snap at her or whoever she helped defend. The odd 'layered' body of Guzzlord meant it could attack from multiple angles in many different ways at once – while the Tentacles attempted to bite and shoot Dragon Pulse at Lucca and Azu who scattered to the left and right, its tail swung at Mimia and Brine, all the while its upper body glared at Shelly and threw Rock Slide.
What is wrong with me? Why can't I fight? Everyone else can do so well together. Why was I brought here if right here in our final battles, I can't bring myself to even look? Crystal whimpered and clenched her flippers. She wanted to punch the floor, but the obvious pain from that stopped her. She gasped when a shadow loomed over her, and flinched up in panic.
"You okay lass?" Shelly asked. He held an Oran Berry out to her, and had an intense glare. It wasn't intimidating to her, but confident, and cool. In this brief moment, Shelly looked like a seasoned warrior, battle-worn face, strong stance, and all else.
Ruby is one lucky Cyndaquil, Crystal's eyes were wide as she accepted his help to stand. "I'll be okay. Save the berry for when someone gets hurt."
"You sure? You took that Dragon Pulse pretty hard," Shelly replied.
"I shouldn't even be close in the first place. It won't happen again," Crystal huffed as she took aim. Guzzlord was a big target, so even with everyone sliding around the battle, she had no worries of friendly fire. Hitting Guzzlord in a place that would hurt it however, that was a different story.
Wait a minute, what's going on? We're knocking it around, but it hasn't taken any damage at all? Crystal gasped again. The only visible damage was her arrow between its upper eyes, and the bruises from Brine's attacks. Even then, Guzzlord hadn't slowed at all. If anything it only got more violent, smashing the ground and walls in its ferocious attempts to crush Lucca and the others.
"Shelly, wait!" Crystal yanked him by his tail as he attempted to return to the fray. "I don't think we can beat this thing this way. It hasn't taken any damage!"
"But then what else do we do? We can't afford to run away right now!" he argued.
Crystal stared at the battle again. The others must have heard her as they backed away slowly from Guzzlord. Its low growl intimidated her into growling back. "We're as strong as Pokémon are meant to be now, but so are they… and a massive monster like that takes a little more than we've got to take down."
All the while that was happening, Ruby had diverted away from Guzzlord to fight Alver on the other side of the room. Right now she was hidden behind her open Parashelter as he pelted it with explosive Pollen Puff attacks. In a flash, she came out and shot a stream of fire, burning any more Pollen Puffs coming her way. Alver himself twisted around the stream of fire however, and swooped toward her faster than a bullet. He swung his staff at her so fast that a loud whoosh came out with each attack, but she nimbly dodged with a duck, a hop, a roll to the side, and then opened her Parashelter in his face.
She didn't linger there. The moment he backed off, she spun into a Fire Spin attack, to which Alver bat his wings close to the floor. A strong whirlwind kicked up dust that extinguished the flames, letting him fly up high and cross his arms. His body glowed for a Dazzling Gleam attack, which came out as a rain of pink lasers when he unfurled his arms. Ruby was ready, and roared as she released another Flamethrower to clash with it. A few lasers met her fire, creating an explosion between the combatants while the others lasers blew up all over the floor around her. Both combatants emerged from the smoke with livid glares at one another.
"Hmpf. Perhaps I did underestimate you. It appears we're at an impasse," Alver said mockingly. Ruby spat an ember to her side. "Do you still intend to fight? All that's going to happen is you're going to tire, and my Guzzlord will eat you and your friends."
"To be honest, I'm still getting used to this. I had no idea Pokémon attacks could lead to awesome battles like this. All that fire and jumping around, and I'm not tired in the slightest," Ruby remarked.
"It's something, isn't it? The destructive powers Pokémon can unleash on each other could easily destroy the world. It is for that reason Anima was taken away from Heroicans. The power-hungry nature of you all tainted the history of this land with war after war," Alver remarked with open arms. His eyes narrowed, and he grinned. "We Aska are about take back the land with a conflict to end them all. I propose someone of your talents join us."
"Join you? Have you lost your freaking mind?" Ruby raised her voice.
"A wild fire or a towering tsunami will merely destroy everything in their path. You are special in that you can use both fire and water, as a Watermarked Cyndaquil. Use your power for more than destruction and join us to build a new world of peace and prosperity, Ruby!" Alver held his arms out happily.
"Letting all life on Heroica rot is not how we're gonna do that. You have no right to call Heroicans power-hungry, when here you and your king are committing genocide just so you can rule the planet. It's got double-standards written all over it!" Ruby shouted. "And besides, why the hell would I ever consider willingly teaming up with you? I want you dead!"
"So you'll keep fighting regardless. It's a shame you can't understand what we're doing. All it took was the death of one measly peasant, and you're this blinded by rage," Alver put a hand by his chin. "Your mother wasn't even anyone special. Not watermarked, not royalty, not even rich or aristocratic. If she raised you to be this angry all the time, then she wasn't even a good parent. A typical Heroican through and through."
Ruby flared her back and growled with more fury than she had ever displayed, and smoke bellowed from her mouth as she trembled. "I hate you. I hate you! I'll kill you, Alver!"
She flew toward him on all fours while brewing flames in her mouth, and unleashed them once she was close as she was going to get. She knew he would dodge and yet her attack had many times the force and intensity as her attacks prior, coming out as a volcanic beam that exploded into a sparking, smoky blast on the wall behind them. Ruby paid no mind to her feat, engaging the Ribombee in a close quarters brawl.
Streaks of Flamethrower and Scald battled with beams of Dazzling Gleam and blasts of Pollen Puff, while her Parashelter audibly snapped against whatever ancient stuff Alver's staff was made out of. Ruby resembled a feral, putting every last ounce of aggression into her actions as she could muster. Every dive, dash, swing, thrust, and Pokémon attack was done with a constant snarl or roar, while her missed attacks left scars on the world around them. Black marks and sizzling puddles began to dot the room, even the side in which Guzzlord and the other warriors fought.
For Ruby, every moment was a blur driven by instinct. Her sight was perfectly locked onto the Ribombee, his villainous grin turning her surroundings devoid of all detail besides red. Her body ached from the constant tensing and straining, yet it refused to let up for an instant. Not until she was satisfied seeing his burning corpse and hearing his screams of agony.
Pollen Puff she could burn, letting her charge close to him. He swung from the left, so she opened her canopy in his face, instantly closed it, and then released more fire in his direction. She heard him swoop to the right, so she dragged her Flamethrower across the area to force him to keep moving. He flew above her and flung more Pollen Puffs, forcing her to stop and roll away, bracing against the energy and smoke the blasts of his attacks caused. She charged right through the lingering dust to take him on again, and smashed her Parashelter on top of him. He blocked it with his staff, but the duo became locked in a clash, grinding their weapons against one another. Ruby was right up in his face, and his snide smirk only fuelled her rage.
"You. Cannot. Defeat me," he stated.
Just as she brought up more fire, he flipped right out of her grasp and twirled around her attack as if dancing. She ceased in order to stop him from mocking her, but that didn't stop him from sitting on his staff and crossing his legs in a fancy pose.
"You and I are different. As a result, you will never defeat me, peasant," he stated.
Ruby shifted forward to leap at him, but stopped in a flash. She took in a breath, and her throat got a sharp pain. She almost tripped up as a result, but caught herself on all fours. One by one her senses returned, and with each realization, her heart sunk further. Sweat cascaded off her, or whatever hadn't dampened her loose fur. She was so exhausted that her body shuddered and hurt with every breath. She still managed to glare at him, but had no doubt he knew how tired she was.
"It looks like you're finally beginning to understand," Alver began to descend to her height. "I was born a gifted royal, destined to rule, command, and create a world of my own design. You were born an inferior subspecies whose very existence is derogatory. That your struggles, though all in vain, have brought you this far will impress me for many years to come. You should at least have dignity in that."
"My existence is derogatory?" Ruby whispered to herself, and faced the floor.
"A Heroican peasant managing to impress me so much that I gave them an opportunity to join me. I must be losing my touch. A rather delicate thing to lose for a Ribombee," Alver started fiddling with his staff.
"You're not a normal Ribombee, though," Ruby said quietly.
"Come again? Are those last words, I hear?" Alver leaned toward her as if presenting an ear.
"You're not a normal Ribombee. You're way too big to be one. You've got those markings on your head, and somehow, you're a Revenant. All the Aska so far have been water type. If they really are inbred, that doesn't make sense," she pointed out.
"Those eyes of your finally notice?" Alver leaned away with a smug grin. Ruby took a moment to settle her breath.
"You're not a normal Ribombee, so you're an Aska. You use that staff to control the Ultra Beasts, don't you?" she asked. Alver didn't reply, but sat on his staff as if curious. His look brought back her frown, but this time, she was more focused. "You're right. We're both not normal Pokémon, but we're both super different. Because I have something precious you don't have."
"And that is? Oh, wait. You're going to say it's your friends, aren't you? You're one of the strongest of your group and dedicated your life to defeating me. If you can't even touch me, what chance do you think they all have?"
"And that right there is why you'll never understand," Ruby pointed at him with a cocky grin. She turned tail and ran over to the other side of the room, giving Guzzlord a jab on its leg as she passed to grab its attention. "How's it going? What've you guys got?"
"Uh, Ruby? Wait you didn't beat Alver, did you? This thing's still going!" Lucca gasped. The group split up as a tentacle smashed the floor between them.
"Never mind that, what's up with this thing? You guys can't beat 'im?" Ruby asked. Crystal shook herself into focus.
"It just eats everything we throw at it, and it won't stop rampaging. The rest of its body is too hard to take any damage," Crystal explained. "My arrows can't even pierce it!"
"Then give 'em an upset stomach. That always brings me down," Ruby grinned. She glanced at her friends, then at Guzzlord. "Brine, fancy a team up? The rest of you get ready to finish him."
The group jumped back together as Guzzlord's tentacles smashed beside them, and then split again to take sides. Brine paired with Ruby as planned, while the others scattered around the beast to lock it down. The battle quickly returned to how it was before, with their attacks landing, but each one proving useless against Guzzlord's scales. It didn't even have a problem taking Lucca's Bubble Beam or Crystal's arrows straight down its mouth, although its tongue vibrated with each move.
"Okay Brine, keep a hold of this!" Ruby ordered, and promptly spat Scald into the air. The Pikachu didn't question it. She thrust her arms at Ruby's boiling water to gather it in the air above them, her bracelets glowing brightly with her effort. Within seconds, a steamy blob of water had formed, and Ruby seemed to get excited as it grew.
"What in the world?" Alver muttered with a furrowed brow as he watched them. It took until the water blob was half Guzzlord's size before he grew concerned, and he beat his wings to generate some Pollen Puff.
"I wouldn't if I were you!" Shelly called out to him. He had his paws curled as if he was ready to fight.
"You? What could you possibly do to stop me?" Alver's eyes narrowed.
"I dunno. Ye couldn't beat Ruby, so I doubt ye could beat me either," Shelly shrugged.
"You're mocking me even being that confident, rodent," Alver replied plainly.
"You seem agitated for someone who's so sure of themselves. Plus, I'm not a rodent, Oshawott aren't part mouse," Shelly gave him a cocky look. "Someone of your prestige ought to know that, right? I didn't even have any mice on Van Aken and I know that."
There was a pause, though Alver's lips pursed as pondered his thoughts. "I don't know where you fools are getting this bravado, but I think it's high time I stop playing around. It's time to end this and kill you all."
"Aye. Weren't it that time a while ago? You're welcome to try, either way," Shelly grinned and shrugged.
At last, Alver growled at him. Those Pollen Puff were released straight at Shelly, making him tense up. He crunched on something he had in his mouth, and then coughed up a burst of flames. A small explosion disintegrated the Pollen Puff with ease, while forcing the Ribombee back a bit.
"A Blast Seed is pitiful!" Alver hissed as he flew through the smoke left behind. Shelly yelped in surprise but seemed prepared as he slashed at Alver's staff with a knife. Alver was taken aback for a moment, and grinned. "You're serious about fighting me. Very well, then. I'll honour your bravado with the same level of effort."
Shelly grit his fangs and braced for the worst. It was knife versus staff in a duel that took everything he had learnt – both from his training on Van Aken, but also Ruby's teachings. Alver came at him like a Scolipede stampeding its enemy, and swung with the force of a Giga Impact. He knew he couldn't compete on raw strength, so he took to being as nimble as his little body would allow. He crouched a swipe, then spun backwards to dodge another, and then thrust his weapon to weaken Alver's next attack. The duo bounced back from each other from the force, to which Shelly let out a Water Gun. Alver wasn't hindered by the knockback however, and twirled around Shelly's attack in another approach. He tackled the Oshawott to the ground and pinned him with his staff, holding the beams of Dazzling Gleam on the tips of his wings.
"You're even more delusional than Ruby if you really thought you stood an inkling of a chance against me! Any last words?" Alver shouted madly. Shelly coughed a snicker in his grasp however. "I would pick your words wisely."
"Wiser than you, that's for sure," Shelly held in a snicker. Alver pressed his staff down tighter, choking him. "Ack! I-I just needed… to distract you!"
Alver cocked a grin, only to immediately lose it as steam began to cloud his vision. He glanced up to find Ruby and Brine's orb had grown to almost the ceiling in height. The Pikachu's whole body was strained trying to keep the orb held up, but she managed somehow. Even Guzzlord was frozen to the spot with comical disbelief. The room was fogging up thanks to this giant sphere of boiling hot water.
"A little… help?" Brine growled.
"That's good enough. Lucca, do your thing!" Ruby ordered.
"Me?" he gasped.
"You're the bubble king!" she bounced eagerly.
"I play with bubbles too, you know," Azu pointed out.
"Is it really that easy?" Lucca muttered, and slid over to it.
"No, don't you dare!" Alver yelped. He abandoned Shelly to shoot toward the group, but the act sprung Lucca into motion.
"We'll try it like this. Guzzlord, take this!" he smirked and leapt up high. Azu was beside him, and both of their tails glowed brightly. With an upbeat spin, they swiped at the orb in perfect sync, which knocked it towards Guzzlord, who opened wide to take the attack the same way it took the others.
"No, don't!" Alver shrieked as he struggled to brake.
The instant the boiling water touched Guzzlord, the orb burst, and most of the water was reserved for the Ultra Beast. It was set off screaming and flailing as steam exploded everywhere. Its tongue rippled and whipped back and forth, and had turned completed red from the heat.
"Now, now, now Crystal! Get 'em where it hurts!" Ruby snapped.
"Us too!" Lucca chanted.
Crystal, Lucca, and Mimia sprung into action, appearing above Guzzlord. With the beast aimlessly stumbling about to soothe its burnt tongue, they had a clear view of its upper face. Crystal released a rain of arrows, which Lucca flew beside with Aqua jet, while Mimia came up behind with Giga Impact. Crystal's arrows hit all over, piercing its face and its eyes, letting Lucca stab both blades right in between those eyes. Mimia smashed into him a moment later, drilling Lucca, the arrows, and himself directly through Guzzlord's upper head in a gruesome attack censored by the mist of the hot water. Guzzlord fell silent as Lucca and Mimia skidded across the floor behind it, and soon its rampaging movements also froze.
Alver's jaw was on the floor. Crumbling took over as Guzzlord's mighty form toppled backwards, and it crashed to the ground with enough force that the mist was brushed away. "No… no, that's impossible! The most powerful Ultra Beast, defeated? Why now and not before?"
Alver shifted in surprise as Lucca showed up beside him and brandished both swords. He barely had an instant to block with his staff, and was sent flying toward the floor thanks to Lucca. Mimia was waiting there for him, and instantly engaged with his knife drawn and paws smashing the ground. Alver panted desperately while swerving side to side, only to get barged aside by Azu.
He wouldn't have time to recover. Brine was there, and with thrusts of her arms, sent pulses of water towards him. Alver was frantic enough to dodge her attacks, even surprise arrows from Crystal who was stood behind. That was until Shelly dove toward him headfirst and attempted to knife him, forcing him to escape into the air. At last, Ruby met him head on with a tackle, and their eyes met.
The tackle barely hurt, but it brought out a grunt from the Ribombee. His heart sunk when he realised his predicament however, and time slowed to a crawl. Ruby had latched herself to his wings tightly, and stared him down with a mouth bursting with fire. He had this moment to stare her in the eyes, where he finally felt it: every last ounce of pent-up rage she had been holding until this battle. He was looking at a Pokémon who was about to incinerate him without holding back, and the best he could do in the instant was mentally brace for the worst.
The next moment, Ruby's flames came out in an enormous explosion that filled the room even worse than the giant Scald. Embers, intense heat, and black smoke filled every corner, barely bellowing out of the windows. Above it all was the violent scream as Alver plummeted to the ground. He smashed into it so hard a deep indent formed around him. He was left winded and shivering, covered head to toe in burns and marks. Yet still, Ruby landed directly onto him and made sure her leg stomped down on one of his. That brought out another agonized yell, one that caused tears to fill his eyes.
Ruby glared down at him; her eyes alight with rage. Despite the smoke all over the room, Alver started to hyperventilate, and desperately swung at the air for some type of relief. Ruby effortlessly leaned back from it all, and filled her mouth with flames in threat.
"No, don't! I'm begging you; I give! You win!" Alver cried, realising he didn't have his staff. He cowered behind his arms and whimpered pathetically. "Someone help! Stop her! You guys are meant to be the heroes, you're merciful! Don't kill me, I'm begging you!"
But everyone else stood back and watched. Even Crystal had a focused glare, and showed no signs of stepping in. Ruby's growl and flames intensified to grab his focus, and he finally began to cry at the top of his voice.
Ruby held her flames, however. She let them slowly die out, but continued to glare at the weakened Alver with the same fury. His face was drenched with tears and his whimpers had dulled to quiet confusion, but he stared back desperately. Knowing she had his full attention, Ruby's eyes narrowed. "Finally know what fear feels like, do you?"
He didn't reply. His whimpers only got a little stronger.
"Gods, you're pathetic. It took one direct hit, and you're at my feet. I could kill you right now and that'd be the end of my chapter," she continued. "But that's too easy. Don't think you're getting off easy – I need you to suffer more than I did. Killing you won't be satisfying enough."
"Wha… wh-what?" Alver replied. He seemed surprised at how dry his voice came out.
"I dunno exactly what I'm gonna do yet, but you're gonna stick by me. Same way you glue yourself to Varra, you're gonna serve me that way. Step even an inch out of line, and you're in for a world of pain," she demanded. "Try to escape me, and I will burn you until there's nothing left. Slowly too, so you feel every last crust of yourself burn to ashes. And don't think that's an empty threat, like this is that mercy you were begging for. I'm not goody like the rest of the warriors. You're gonna regret you were ever born!"
"You're keeping him alive?" Crystal gasped.
"Are you sure? After everything you went through to get here," Lucca added.
"Killing him would be a mercy. I want him to suffer like I did, and the best way to do that is to make him live with this," Ruby stated. "Destroy that staff of his. It's controlling the Ultra Beasts."
"Right. That'll free the Pokémon from the war," Azu picked it up. She pointed it to Mimia, who sniffed it.
"There is a peculiar noise coming from the tip. I did not notice it until now. That must be what controls the beasts," Mimia cocked his head. After a moment, he clapped his front paws hard over the crescent on the end, shattering the staff into pieces. Life drained from Alver's eyes as the pieces fell to the floor, clattering like shattered glass.
Soon after, Alver began to groan and growl, and grabbed his head in discomfort. Those groans turned into true discomfort as he arched his back, writhing and choking in true agony. It was enough that Ruby stepped off him in surprise. His body turned white, and his form began to shrink to the size of an ordinary Ribombee, about half the height of Shelly and barely the width. He retained all the damage from their battle, which seemed to leave him even weaker.
"Well what do you know, that staff was giving you power too, huh?" Lucca grinned evilly. Alver couldn't answer beyond infuriated growls at them. He was just as pathetic as before. "You avoided fighting because if anyone ever figured out or destroyed that staff, you were no better than an ordinary Ribombee. With the beating Ruby gave you, you won't be going anywhere anytime soon."
"So it'll be safe to leave him here while we finish this?" Crystal put a flipper on her hip.
Before anyone could answer, a low crumbling noise took over the room, followed by a shake so sudden it took everyone off-balance. The group attempted to wait it out, but it quickly got worse, forcing them to try and stand up.
"What's going on? Why is there an earthquake?" Crystal cried, unable to stay upright.
"It's not an earthquake!" Angel's voice came out. "The fabric of space is changing. These are shockwaves!"
"The what what and the what now?" Ruby cried.
"It's Lord FinVarra!" Alver corrected. "He is changing the shape of the world!"
Before he could elaborate, the shaking got worse. The group couldn't even look for one another before the floor and walls around them began to fall apart. They all made attempts to hold onto something and stay upright, but that only resulted in each of them falling into the many holes forming. For Crystal, she got a moment to spot Ruby and reached out, only to fall forward directly into a hole, and screamed as she helplessly descended into a dark pit.