Ch.70: The Adventure That Shouldn't Have Ended! Willow's Aching Heart!

"HIYA!"

"AAHH!"

Ella was placed into a sparring match to test her martial arts progress. For effective measurement, Willow placed her against someone roughly her skill level. Unfortunately, that someone was Flint, who was unwillingly roped into helping. He wasn't sure why he agreed. He could've said 'no.'

Wes and Tony pushed him to do it. Griffin…really didn't care. Flint was defiant…then ended up doing it because Gwyn thought it would be cool to see Flint fight on his own. So, he was putting himself in danger just to impress his crush.

So, this is what it feels like to do stupid stunts to impress a girl.

Flint shrieked and jumped over a sweep kick. Ella spun on her paws and kicked the Flareon in the face with her forelegs. His protective aura sponged the hit, but he was taken aback by just how much force was behind it. He stumbled back clumsily and continually kept as much distance between him and the Espeon as possible.

They've been at the shop for five days now and Ella was showing steady growth in her training. She was getting quicker with her jabs and could almost perform a basic chain combo. She was adapting to her alternate sense nicely, too, having mostly worn a blindfold during the day, including now.

Ella jumped back and crouched into a lunging stance. "Come on, Flint, you could benefit from working out, too!" She struck with lightning fast acceleration.

Flint unwittingly threw up Blockade Reflector out of reflex. Ella slammed into it and bounced off. "I'm not the definition of fit, you know!"

"You're not that pudgy!"

"Who said I was pudgy?!" The Flareon's face went red after hearing Gwyn giggle in response. He covered his face to hide his embarrassment. "Ella, please, I-YAAAH!" Ella got a surprise hit on him, landing her foot against his stomach. He flopped onto his back and gasped for air. With a pained wheeze, he asked, "Is it…time for break?"

Tony snickered behind his hand. "Oh, this is too much fun."

Gwyn ran over to Flint and helped him up. "Aww, poor Fluffy!" Flint went red once more at the use of her nickname for him. "You deserve a break!"

Flint whined quietly, still sore from sparring. "Okay…"

Ella breathed a relaxed sigh and looked at her teacher. "How was that, Master?"

Willow smiled. "Well, your opponent didn't highlight your improvement in defense, but I say you've gotten better at putting on pressure. Once you've fully mastered the basics of staff wielding, I should have a weapon ready for you."

Ella grinned and wagged her tail excitedly. "Sweet!"

Wes walked up to her and smiled. "Not bad, Ella. Though, you were just fighting Flint, so…"

"Say that to my Guardian, you jerk!" Flint shouted, flailing his paws angrily.

Wes stuck his tongue out at him. "Love you too, bro!"

Ella giggled. "Thank you, Wes, though I know Flint would've beaten me if he let his Guardian loose."

Flint pouted and looked away. "Thank you!" Gwyn patted his head comfortingly.

Griffin stepped up onto the arena, arms crossed. "Okay, enough praise and shit." He pulled out Echo Chamber and swung it. "How about a real opponent this time?"

Ella sweat-dropped nervously. "Oh gee, uh…tempting…" Something told her he wasn't going to be as easy on her as their last sparring session.

Thankfully, Willow came to her aid. "Now, now, don't crowd the poor girl. I say she deserves a long due break for her efforts." She placed a paw on the Espeon's shoulder. "I have to say, for my first teaching role, I did pretty good. You've gotten a lot better at coordinating with your movements. We'll work on staff handling later tomorrow. For now, you are allowed the rest of the day off."

Ella, while normally would jump at the chance, was hesitant for the moment. "Uh…you sure? I'm not going to…weaken from lazing around, am I?"

Willow chuckled. "Maybe if you went immobile for a month, but you'll be fine for a day."

Now the Espeon was fully on board. "Great! I can finally take this blindfold off!" She swiped it off, then got an eyeful of sun. "AAAAGH! Natural light!" Willow chuckled as the psychic readjusted her vision. "Ugh…everything's all spotty and weird…"

"That's normal."

Ella glanced at her. "Say, uh…" She tapped on the bandana over her gem. "What, uh…what about this thing?"

Willow held her chin and gave it a moment of thought. "A good question. With the medicine speeding up your recovery, there's a chance it may be back." She smirked. "Though…I'd give it a couple more days, at least. The longer you keep it suppressed, the better for healing and power building."

Miffed but cooperative, Ella nodded in understanding. "You're the boss."

Wes hooked his foreleg around her and grinned. "Come on! I say we go out for once and get lunch! My treat!"

Ella smirked. "Aren't you a gentleman? I'll make sure not to rack up the bill too much." She strutted off.

Wes laughed nervously. "Hehehe…t-that was a joke, right?" Ella kept walking. His ears drooped, then he chased after her. "Ella! Don't you dare make me pay more than I need to! ELLA!" The Espeon laughed and ran from him.

Tony snickered under his breath. "Oh, what a delight. I can't pass up on food myself. I'm starving."

Willow looked at Gwyn. "Would it be alright if Courtney accompanied you?"

Gwyn gasped and clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling. "More than alright!" She wiggled happily. "She's a cute little cinnamon bun!" She raced off towards the shop. "Courtney! We're going out to eat!"

A loud 'Yay!' was heard in response.

Griffin raised his brow and looked towards Willow. "You aren't joining?"

She scratched at the fur on her chest. "I'm quite weary from training Ella. I'll be resting up here. You kids have fun. Make sure Courtney doesn't have too many sweets. She can get quite jumpy."

The three remaining teammates glanced at each other in suspicion. "She looks perfectly fine to me," Flint commented.

Tony held his chin. "I think she needs time to herself. I can see it over her face."

Griffin closed his eyes. "Best not to disturb her now."

Tony glared at him. "You still want to talk to her, right?"

"…she's the woman who saved me from death…" And that was all the answer he gave before walking from the backyard.

Tony and Flint just shrugged at each other and followed suit, joined by Gwyn with Courtney riding atop her shoulders. Willow watched them leave from the shop's backyard, narrowed her eyes somberly, then shut the door behind her.

It was a slow day in the shop. Not unusual. It wasn't odd to see only a few customers at a time. Weapons weren't a needed shopping item like food and clothes. Normally the shop flooded with adventurers seeking a new weapon…or someone who thinks owning a katana would make them instantly badass. She saw it all the time.

Willow took the money from a customer and handed them their new daggers. She waved off the customer. "Have a nice day." They waved back before exiting. Willow sighed and rested in her forelegs on the counter, gazing around the now quiet shop.

What was unusual was not seeing Courtney running around and being her playful little self. Most newcomers and customers thought she was a delight to run into first time in. Hardworking like her mother, but bringing all the enthusiasm to get the bits. Using her daughter's playful cuteness to draw in more customers…she wasn't ashamed of this.

It was nice to see Courtney off with friends for once, even if they're mostly fifteen years older than her. She appreciated Gwyn looking after the young Absol. Though, perhaps calling her a suitable babysitter wasn't the right word. Gwyn acted more like a playmate than anything else. A child at heart, she could tell. She could see it in her eyes. She had that spark of energy that refused to fizzle out. An ever-burning firecracker.

Reminds me of a certain potion maker…

Willow sighed and pulled herself away from the counter, then roamed around the shop. She merely walked between the aisles, just to pace and think.

A lot of this Team Ravenfield stood out to her. They all had that…resemblance to her own friends.

Griffin…he caught her attention after some time. It took her a while, but she recognized the blade he carried and his name. To see him grown the way he was now, his time after their encounter didn't bring a pleasant journey. Hardened and tough on the outside, sinister and spiteful on the inside if pushed the wrong way. Though, she could tell he was more than that. More of a façade he wears.

Seems he and Alex would have gotten along. She chuckled bitterly at the thought.

Tony was certainly a card. While he doesn't spend as much time with her daughter as Gwyn, he knew just how to make her laugh and was oddly nurturing. Not something she would expect from how he carried himself. Oddly profound, too. She used that word a lot for him: odd.

A certain string wielding Hypno comes to mind.

Flint had his fair share of shining moments in the time she got to know him. Unlike Tony, he seemed to pride himself on his intellect and worldly knowledge, rather than quick-thinking and clever aptitude. Perhaps a bit easy to fluster at times, but still maintains proper composure. She can see that he holds great respect to his comrades and often looks out for their wellbeing.

Ah yes, where have I seen that before? Perhaps the one psychic I know.

It was no secret that Wes reminded her heavily of a well-known Jolteon in her life. Much like his brother, he, too, looks out for his friends, though with visible concern at times. Definitely noticeable with Flint and Ella. Goofy and adventurous were the two words that come to mind for him. A real oddball who wants to see the world and have a grand adventure.

I can see why he caused you so much trouble as a little Eevee, old friend.

And then…Ella.

Ella, Ella, Ella…Willow had so much to note about her. Proper and elegant and all about beauty, yet delivers major sass and charisma that reminded the Absol of herself in her younger years. Well, maybe not with the high societal behavior, but she could see a bit of herself in the young lady. She could see why she was the emotional backbone of the group. Despite the burden, she can keep a level head when needed to.

Willow placed a paw over her chest, clutching at the fur. She admitted to herself that she enjoyed taking on a protégé. A nice change of pace after repeating the same routine for five years. She absolutely adored Courtney and caring for her, but it was a breath of fresh air to her life.

…she often wondered what things would've been like if they didn't go their separate ways to start their own journeys. Starting families, taking up personal work, taking on new career paths…she is happy that her friends went to make new dreams come true and she wouldn't want to change that.

What she wondered was…did they have to stop traveling? If they didn't, would anything have changed? Would she still be a traveling explorer while also being a mother of one? Would she…still have Alex in her life?

She held her face and heaved a deep breath. "I gave up adventure ever since that day…too painful for words. So much…that happened…" She gripped at her fur again and choked on a cry waiting inside. She fought back the urge and vigorously wiped any tears threatening to leak. "…they wouldn't want me like this. Crying all the time. Clara, Garret, Alex…" She frowned, then looked at the ground.

"…Father…"

A little over an hour later, Team Ravenfield returned with Courtney happily standing atop Flint's back, wagging her pointed tail. "Mmm! That was yummy!" she commented. "Thank you for bringing me!"

Flint smiled at her. He didn't mind her standing on his back. She was pretty light. "No problem. Glad you enjoyed yourself."

Ella patted her stomach in satisfaction. "That makes two of us. Best thing I've eaten all week. I've completely forgotten what that awful medicine tastes like."

Wes sighed and held up his bit pouch. It was drastically lighter now. "Why did you do this to me?!" he whined. "So many wonderful coins, golden and silver, with little remaining."

Ella patted his head. "There, there. I'm sure we'll come across a temple full of abandoned treasures in no time."

He sniffled, mostly playful. "Pwomise?" he asked softly.

Ella grinned. "Sure!" They couldn't hold their faces and burst out into laughter. "You're such a dork!"

He slugged her in the shoulder. "You still owe me a lot of money!"

"You said it was your treat!"

"A treat is a lunch and appetizer, not a four-star meal!"

They bickered, but Flint saw it was all in good fun, making him chuckle behind his paw. Tony covered his smirk and quietly asked, "Exactly how did these two break up if they're so chummy with each other?"

"They're really good friends," Flint answered. "Nothing more to that. They've been like this since we were kids."

Gwyn stared at the two Eeveelutions ahead, then held her chin curiously. "Hmm…"

They walked around the back and entered the training yard. Courtney hopped off Flint's back, then stared up at Gwyn, wagging her tail excitedly. "Can we play now? Please! Please! Please!"

Gwyn grinned and clasped her hands together. "What do you want to play?"

"I'll get my frisbee!" She raced back into the house.

Ella chuckled and held the sliding door open. "Rest of you coming in?"

Tony shrugged with a cool grin. "Eh, I'll stay out here and play, too."

Flint chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "I think I'll lay on the porch and do some light reading instead."

With that decided, only Wes, Ella, and Griffin entered the shop, with Courtney running past their legs with a purple frisbee in her mouth. They slid the door shut just as she tossed the frisbee at Tony.

Ella cupped her paws together and shouted, "Master Willow! We're back!" No reply. Ella scratched her head. "Wonder where she is."

Wes sniffed the air, then pointed. "Think she might be upstairs."

Ella walked upstairs with Wes and Griffin tailing behind. The Espeon came up to the Absol's door and rapped her paw on it three times. Ella held her ear out, twitching it for any disturbances inside.

The door opened a little, with the Absol looking through the crack, then opened the door fully with a warm smile. "Oh, Ella. So sorry, I was in the middle of something."

Ella raised her brow. "Such as?"

"Just thinking to myself, I suppose. Hardly get the time to." A playful smirk came about. "Though, I may have also been polishing your weapon." She held up a cloth wrapped item in front of the Espeon's face. "Had to dig through my attic to find this piece."

"Ooooh!" Ella awed. She went to take it, but Willow smacked her on the paw. "Ow!" She rubbed the reddened spot, slightly miffed. "R-uuuude!"

Willow chuckled. "No, no. No peeking just yet. It's a surprise."

Griffin narrowed his eyes on the wrapped weapon. "…I can sense the magic through it. Not like most I've seen, though. Doesn't seem like an emission type of weapon."

A spark of pride lit inside Willow. "Ah, a keen sense, you have. Yes, while laced with magic, it doesn't serve the purpose of firing magic beams or creating windstorms."

"Darn, and I was so looking forward to blasting fools with magic," Ella joked.

Willow tucked the weapon inside her jacket. "I think you'll find this piece more your while." She looked down, her face turning solemn. "I don't want to give it to you just yet. You have one final test to complete."

Ella grimaced. "Oh no, this better not be something with hot coals!"

"Nothing of the sort. In fact…" She took quick looks at Wes and Griffin. "You and your friends are more than welcomed to complete the test together."

Wes raised his brow curiously. "Doesn't seem like much of a test for Ella."

"Think of it as closure for myself." She walked past them, towards the steps. Stopping just before the first, she looked back and asked, "Care for coffee?"

The four sat in a ring in the family room of the shop. The entire back of the shop was basically the house, while the front acted as the store. Kind of a cool idea. Might not be the best for robberies, but something told them that was a minor inconvenience.

Ella lifted her cup of coffee to her lips and took a light sip, with Wes mirroring her actions. Griffin sat with one arm in his lap while the other held a glass of yache juice. Willow drank her coffee in one go, little attention to her manners.

Her pupil snickered. "You aren't too keen on keeping appearances in front of guests."

Willow set her glass down and breathed a raspy chuckle. "You aren't guests anymore. I consider you all close friends." She scratched at her fur. "Hope that doesn't bug you. You remind me too much of old friends of mine."

Wes set his glass down and looked her in the eyes. "So…you know who we are."

"Half of you, really, but calling yourselves Team Ravenfield was a giveaway." She smirked at Wes. "Spitting image of your father, if you were a Jolteon, at least."

Griffin glared softly. "Do you remember me, then?"

"Took me a while, but I say I have seen you before. You were…nothing more than a Treecko back then." Her eyes narrowed sadly. "Sorry about what happened to your clan."

He shrugged. "I'm…mostly over it."

Wes crossed his forelegs. "How long have you known my dad?"

Willow scratched her chin. "Good question. I suppose I was a teenager at the time, back when this place wasn't quite what it looks like now."

"You mean this wasn't a weapon shop?" Ella asked.

"No, my young protégé, this used to be a dojo. Highly respected one, too."

"This was a dojo?!" Ella looked around frantically. "Holy Mew! I would've never guessed!" She pulled on her uniform. "Though…I suppose that explains the uniform."

"There's a lot of mementos like that in the attic. Equipment and junk I couldn't quite part with." She grabbed a coffee pot by her side and poured another cup. "My father ran the dojo when I was a teenager. I was one of his best students. Taking down all my opponents and not a sweat to be broken." She sipped her cup. "Life was good."

Ella grinned. "You were a real pro back in your day."

"Honey, I was the best!" Willow boasted proudly. "No one could match me in a fight. I was at the top of my game." She shrugged. "Got a little too confident in myself and decided to pick a fight with some bandits. Surprise, surprise, I won. I loved the thrill, but it was hard to find quality action in these parts.

"Then came this group of five who seemed like they were the hotshots around."

Wes tilted his head. "The original Team Ravenfield?"

"Exactly. Garret, Ava, Morgan, Clara, and Alex. Five strong individuals with their own talents and skills. I thought I test my skills on them." She raised a claw. "Garret and Ava weren't much of a challenge, though it was strictly physical combat, so they weren't allowed to use magic. Clara wasn't a fighter, so there was no point." She grunted. "I don't even want to talk about my fight with Morgan."

Ella smirked. "Too bad! Now I'm interested!"

Willow sighed and rubbed her head. "Morgan…was a strange guy. Pretty quiet and reserved. Not a lot of energy. Always seemed tired."

Griffin held his chin. "Hardly what I expect. He seemed quite lively and open when we met him."

"He mellowed out with time." She grinned. "You've met him, huh?"

"And Ava," Wes added. "We've never met Clara, obviously, but…" He gestured to the backdoors. "We know her daughter."

Willow looked over her shoulder, catching a glimpse of Gwyn catching the frisbee before tossing it at Tony. She was a mildly surprised. "Huh…that explains so much."

"You don't seem all that surprised," Ella mentioned.

"I kind of figured. Still, to have conceived the child of a Legendary?" She sipped her coffee. "Well, I'm definitely surprised. I have to wonder what her father is like, or if he even keeps watch of her. Can't imagine being in her shoes, knowing my face is that of legends."

Ella shrugged. "Eh, she's gotten used to it…mostly. So, about Morgan?"

"Ah, right, got off track." Willow sighed and scratched her cheek. "Good lord, where do I begin with him? Even without magic, he proved to be a dangerous fighter. Clara, later in life, once told me he would make a good doctor with his knowledge on the anatomy. He knew exactly where to strike his opponent, whether for critical or crippling blows. He can even tell how many bones he breaks in a single strike."

Griffin glared. "That kind of knowledge is useful. He must be an incredibly skilled warrior."

"Even to this day, I still don't know where he picked up on that. He does it like it's second nature. Simple as twirling your finger around." Willow sighed. "That…was a hard blow to my pride, I have to say."

Ella suddenly smirked deviously. "Sssooo…what about Alex?" Her brows wiggled knowingly. "Did you fight him?"

Willow turned away with a visible blush to her face. "You are quite the nosy romantic, aren't you?"

"You said it, not me."

The Absol sighed and scratched at her fur. "Alex…I can safely say is my equal. We both don't have magic auras, but we're incredibly gifted fighters." She chuckled. "We even have similar manners of attacking. Strike fast and precisely, don't give your opponent the chance to react. He lived up to the name 'Ghostwind.'

"Eventually, I learned they traveled to hunt for treasure, but to also fight wandering bandits that catch their attention. Bandits with formidable reputations and very high bounties. All too tempting, so I requested my father's blessing to let me join them. My father was an understanding man. He knew I sought a proper challenge, so he accepted my request.

"From then on, my life changed. I got to experience the wonders of the road and, most importantly, comradery."

Wes smiled. "Sounded like one hell of a time."

"We've gotten in our fair share of trouble. Happens when your team leader is an impulsive wackadoodle." Willow grinned. "No offense to your father, but he would be inclined to agree. He just loved raiding bandit camps and stealing their loot. We accepted it, knowing there was no stopping him. Not that we wanted to." She snickered. "Seeing them flee in terror warmed my heart."

Griffin sipped his yache juice. "You seemed to be much more outgoing in your younger years."

"I was all about finding the next big bad to satisfy my urges." She smiled softly. "Those urges have long since mellowed after Courtney was born." She scratched her face. "Now all I feel are my motherly instincts. I hardly let the little one out of my sight. It's…really hard to let her off on her own."

Ella reached out and patted her foreleg. "It should only be natural. I'd probably feel the same way if I ever have children." She looked down at her coffee. "Though…that does bring up something we've been wondering."

"Oh?"

Griffin sighed and set his drink to the side. "There's no use in holding back. We know what happened with Alex." He glared seriously. "We're traveling to find the Idol of Origin."

A long stretch of silence came between the four. Willow's face was unchanging. Narrow-eyed stare that matched the thoughtful demeanor in her posture. The three patiently awaited her response. After hearing Morgan and Ava's side of the story, they wondered just how Willow would recall it.

They didn't have to wait for too long. Willow finally breathed an uneasy chuckle, then reached into her jacket. "Funny…I was wondering why this thing was going off." She pulled out the golden decagon, which had four of the ten gems darkened. "I shouldn't have expected less."

"So, you knew someone was looking for the keys," Griffin said.

"Didn't think much of you lot…but I had a hunch when you and your brother came in," she mentioned, singling out Wes. "I wasn't sure where Garret hid away those materials to find the keys. Guess they were closer to home than we thought." She sighed. "Garret and Alex were obsessed with that thing." She held her head. "Actually…in a way, we all were."

"The power's that tempting?" Wes asked.

"Untold magical aura coupled with the ability to bend reality to your will. Legends state the hero, Apollo, could barely wield the power himself. And he used it for seven days straight. It's often theorized that the power is so great for one person, it would be near impossible for two or more souls to wield at once. One sound mind must be in control to wield the idol.

"The thing is, since we knew it existed, that essentially gave us a chance to make our hopes and dreams come true. Ava and I were probably the most chill about it, though I personally would've used it to bring about the strongest opponent imaginable worthy of testing my skills." She glared to the side dryly. "Looking back on it…I was a real stupid kid. I might've ended up summoning…I-I don't know, some evil Pokémon creature with a god complex or an evil assassin with hellfire at their disposal. Something like that."

Wes was curious. "What about the others? From how Gwyn describes her, I wouldn't think her mother would be tempted by power."

"You'd be surprised. Clara loved experimenting with different types of plants. One point, I think she wanted to study the big tree in the Swamp Zone and harness its lifespan. She probably would've used the idol to create a seed for it."

"Morgan?" Ella asked.

"He…was a tricky one. I could tell he wanted something. He always looked sad when we brought up the idol and its limitless potential. I'd almost think he wanted the power, yet also despised it. I could never tell with him." She sighed and leaned back. "Garret and Alex were more interested in finding the idol for themselves, just for thrill. I'd imagine Garret would want access to advanced spatial spells, but Alex never wanted much.

"…at least, until what happened to his village…"

The three turned somber, feeling sympathy for the lost warrior. "We heard…"

"I know what that feels like," Griffin muttered.

Willow glanced off to the side sadly. "…it was hard on me, too, not just seeing Alex so depressed. I felt like I really bonded with his family. His older sisters practically felt like my sisters when we met. His two brothers were sweet, too, if only a little too competitive with Alex." A brief, dry smile formed. "…eh, all his siblings were competitive." She closed her eyes. "…his parents welcomed me into their home with open arms. And…oh Arceus, his tribe and neighbors, they were…everyone was so nice, I felt like I was going to faint from the attention."

Ella frowned. "…I'm sorry…for your losses…" Willow took a moment to wipe her eyes. "You must've been really happy with Alex."

"…D-Damn right, I was." Willow faced them with a small smile. "We fought a lot, claws and fists. Neither of us said a word about training. If it was time to stop and rest, we'd immediately start throwing punches."

Griffin scratched his head. "This almost sounds like a bad relationship."

"Far from it!" Willow corrected, letting forth genuine laughter. "We've never been happier. My heart was sent a flutter when he asked me out on a date. Such a gentleman outside of training, but fierce and strong on the battlefield." She smirked to herself. "He had such a fine body, too. I could just melt into those big, strong arms of his."

"Aww," Ella expressed.

"Ugh," Griffin groaned quietly.

Ella shot him a glare. "Oh, don't be such a loveless grump!"

Willow chuckled. "We cared about each other. Our friends could see it. They were so happy for us when we got engaged." She sighed. "I'd only wish Clara was still around to see it. She always teased me about how we were the perfect couple."

Ella raised her brow. "Wait…how long have you two been dating, anyway?"

Willow held her chin. "Hmm…probably when I was twenty."

Wes did some math in his head. "So, you two haven't gotten engaged for…almost twenty years?!"

The Absol rubbed her head. "We were on the road a lot, so the thought never came up. Plus, we were too focused on scouring Mysto and saving lives to fully settle down. Guess Clara's passing hit us pretty hard and made Alex rethink it."

"Dang…" Ella mumbled. "To stay faithful to each other for that long…"

Willow sighed. "Some time after, when Alex found out what happened to his tribe, he and Garret got into a huge argument over the idol. A full-scale battle of fighting skill and magical talent. They were both pretty beaten after that, but Garret came out on top. Alex needed time to himself. So…he promised me he would return after doing some soul-searching. The second he returned, he promised we would get married the day after. I gladly waited for him.

"Since Alex wanted to be completely alone, I could never get into contact with him. I was never worried about him, but…eventually I realized I was pregnant with Courtney. Neither of us knew before he left. He probably still doesn't know…if he's still out there."

Griffin glared firmly at her. "Apologies for opening old wounds…but what happened when he returned? As…not himself, but…the Shadow King?"

Shudders ran through the Absol's body. She scratched at her chest again, appearing very uncomfortable. "…a day I can…n-never forget…"

Ella frowned. Even if it wasn't obvious in her body language, she could feel the tension inside her master growing. "…y-you don't…have to talk about."

Willow closed her eyes, took some deep breaths, then looked straight at her. There were tears building up from the corners of her eyes. "N-No…perhaps you all…deserve to hear my side of the story. What I went through."

Griffin raised his brow. "What more is there to tell? Morgan and Ava told us he showed up and attacked."

"There's…a bit more to it than that." Willow narrowed her eyes, trying her best not to cry in front of them. "Courtney was just a baby when he returned. I was taking care of her with my father when we heard someone enter the dojo. Naturally, I went down to dispose of them. We thought it was some burglar. But…it wasn't.

"Standing out in the middle of the dojo was Alex. I was…so overjoyed to see him and nearly jumped into his arms to welcome him back…then I noticed his eyes." She clenched her teeth. "Dark voids…with two evil eyes of red staring back at me. I knew something was wrong. I called out to my father just as the Shadow King attacked.

"Everything was just a blur after that. From what I remembered, my father made calls to my friends, hoping they could get here in time to help. Garret could use advance level portals, so we knew they could make it. It was just a matter of gathering the others while I held Alex off."

Ella narrowed her eyes. "Having to fight your own fiancé…"

"It was rough, but my mind was strictly on keeping Courtney safe and subduing the king, even if my heart told me it was Alex." She held her face. "I've never been so scared in my entire life, having to fight my fiancé in a life and death battle…and truly was just that."

Wes bit his lip nervously. "What…does that mean?"

Willow lowered her paw, now looking solemn. "The Shadow King was still weak from his imprisonment, but Alex's body made him formidable. Gathering the magic he had left…he…he…shot me through the heart.

"He…killed me."

Dead silence, with a cold chill sweeping through the stunned group. Ella had her mouth covered and Wes held his head, suddenly feeling uneasy. Even the normally stoic Griffin couldn't help but react with shock. All Willow could do then and there was look down at her paws as the tears started pouring.

"…do you know what it's like…having nightmares where your loved one kills you over and over again? That's what I went through when he came…I couldn't forget it."

"Time the fudge out!" Ella shouted. "He KILLED you?! You're very much alive right now!"

Wes reached out to her. "Are you a spirit?" Ella smacked his paw down.

Willow scratched at her chest again. "No…I am alive now. I wasn't fatally wounded but then healed in time. I was completely dead when the others arrived."

"Then…how are you still alive?" Ella asked.

"I have a different question," Griffin brought up. He glared. "Who died to save you?"

"Eh?"

Willow smiled sadly. "So…you know."

Griffin looked at Ella. "I mentioned it before. It's called the 'Life for a Life' spell. A forbidden spell not taught to healers in public. Only a select few are granted the wisdom to learn the spell. It's not something that can be practiced, but it is a powerful spell."

Willow looked down. "The spell…is the ability to revive someone from death. It works within the first twenty-four hours of death only, so it gives the user time to…consider their options."

Wes closed his eyes. "I've heard of that spell. The name means a lot. You use your very life force and magic, transferring it through the deceased and bringing their soul back from death. From what I read, if a magic user brings back another magic user, the revived would…feel an increase in their magical aura."

Ella looked around for a moment. "…I remember Griffin saying that…" Her eyes widened. "Oh no…"

Griffin nodded. "No exceptions are made. It's the law of life. For a life to return, one must stay dead. To bring back the dead is to sacrifice your own life."

Ella held her head, feeling nauseous thinking about it. She barely considered the spell's implications when Griffin first brought it up, but now…now that she was hearing how it worked before a saved life of the spell…it was all so much. "To be given twenty-four hours…to save another life for your own…oh Arceus…"

Willow closed her eyes. "I didn't remember a thing after I was shot. I was out cold for days when I was revived. Morgan and Ava stayed by my bedside and took care of me until I woke up." She gritted her teeth as tears slid down her cheeks. "It…It was…o-only after t-that I f-f-found out…who gave up…their life for me.

"My father."

Wes and Ella's ears drooped. Griffin covered his face, keeping himself together. Ella slid toward her and tapped her shoulder. "Mas…Willow…I'm so sorry."

Willow rubbed her eyes into her sleeve. "My father was magically gifted. I was one of those uncommon cases where you didn't inherit magic from your parents. I grew up without a mother, so…he was always there by my side. He always told me he would give up everything just to save me." She choked on a sob that was threatening to come out. "I never knew how…l-l-literal he was until then."

Willow parted the fur around her chest, revealing a scar seared into her skin. The scar like from a bullet that pierced through her. "Every time I see this scar…I can't help but think back to that day and weep for the lives that were lost…lives I cared about…"

Wes shifted his paws uncomfortably. "We're really sorry, Willow. I…I can't imagine what you must have went through that day. Losing your fiancé…dying by his hand…your father giving up his life for you…"

The Absol sniffled, eyes watering. "It was horrible…simply awful…and it only got worse when we got the news about Garret." She covered her eyes and wept. "So many horrible things happening so fast…I asked myself 'Is this how Alex felt when he lost his family?' I wanted to convince myself to get the idol and reverse the damage. Make everything go back to normal…

"…then I heard Courtney crying." Willow closed her eyes. "Her sad cries for her mother…twisted my heart…yet they brought me back to reality." She set her paws down and gazed out into the backyard.

Courtney skipped through the grass and leaped, catching the frisbee in her teeth and tumbling through the grass. Tony scooped her up and flew her around as she tossed the frisbee to Gwyn. They looked like they were having a great time. Flint seemed to be laughing as he read his book on the porch.

"…I agreed to start a family with Alex because I wanted to experience those joys of raising a family. Family…is important. Regardless of our experiences, good or bad, we can grow from what we've learned from them." She looked at the three. "You three know this, I assume."

They nodded, though Ella looked down with an annoyed glare.

"Alex wanted to reset the damage and suffered for it." Willow clutched her chest. "For the sake of our daughter, and my sanity, I couldn't take the easy way out. Something Garret told Alex before he left…it rang inside me, reminding me why we can't change fate. 'We can't do what the legends can. We're not gods.' In my state, my hysteria, would I have made the rational decision to undo the damages? Or would I have just cause more trouble than needed?

"I stopped fighting because I lost the will to fight with my heart. I may have kept myself from doing the unthinkable, but there was no gain to fighting anymore." She closed her eyes. "I don't regret my decision. I'm happy being a mother. As long as Courtney's happy, I feel happy with myself."

Ella narrowed her eyes. "So…why go through the effort of training me?"

"…because I want you to be ready." Willow stared her in the eye. "You have a role to this team. Hardship and tragedy are inevitable when facing the Shadow King. If there's no harmony between your team, then you would collapse on each other and fail us all. You can't let the world beat you down…I want you to do your best and be the best you can for your team. I may be out of the game now, but I see a true warrior beneath you." She placed her paw on the Espeon's shoulder.

"Show them all…that you can stand above the rest and fight. We're not heroes…but that won't stop you all from winning the war."

Ella's eyes shimmered in silent awe. Wes and Griffin smiled as she laughed under her breath, probably feeling a surge of joy. The Espeon shook her head, then smiled at Willow. "Something like that…I've always wanted to hear from my parents. Just for them to be proud of my accomplishments, not their expectations."

Willow smiled and rubbed her back. "Do what you think is right, in both choices and your future. You'll do well. I promise."

Ella chuckled and bowed her head. "I really am sorry for everything you've been through…"

"I think seeing a wonderful team like yours has eased the pain." The Absol rubbed at her watery eye, flicking away a tear. "Now I know how my father felt when he trained me. I hope to experience this joy again when I start training Courtney."

Ella looked up. "You're actually going to teach her to fight?"

"More so my skills with a sword, but…yes." She laughed quietly. "I'm just glad to see Team Ravenfield's memory is being preserved. I'd say each of us are proud the team name is being held by a competent group of budding Pokémon like yourselves."

Wes grinned. "Thanks. We'll make sure we get the idol and keep it safe from the Shadow King."

"And we won't fall for the temptations of its power," Griffin added. "I refuse to let power tempt my mind again."

Willow nodded. "Good." She looked back at Ella. "When you meet with Ava again, ask her to train you in Psionic Style. She's quite proficient in it and would be a much more suitable teacher than me."

Ella shook her head and laughed. "I'll make sure, but…personally, I think you're the best teacher I've had."

Willow held her paw over her heart, smiling gratefully. "You warm this scarred heart of mine, my protégé." She sighed, then stood up. "I suppose now's a perfect time to get things moving." She headed towards the backdoor.

"Eh? What do you mean?"

Willow slid the door open and shouted, "Everyone! Come inside! I want everyone to be here for this!"

Confused, the four stopped what they were doing and headed back inside. They gathered around and sat on the floor, staring at each other in question. Ella was most confused, but found herself being gestured to stand up by her master. She did as ask and stepped forward.

Willow closed her eyes, then drew out of the cloth wrapped weapon. "Ella Cipher. On this day, you shall take the next step in your lessons. As per tradition of many dojos, the master elevates the status of their pupil, no longer mere amateurs of combat. From this moment on, I deem you worthy of accepting this weapon."

Ella's eyes widened. She felt shifting behind her and looked over her shoulder. Courtney was bowing her head out of respect. Her teammates shrugged at each other, then proceeded to follow in example. Ella felt flustered by the sudden honor hitting her.

She turned back to Willow as she unwrapped the cloth, revealing the weapon inside. A baton with a black grip, meant to be held by the teeth, red metal at the ends with golden bands wrapped around.

Willow held it in both paws and presented it to her pupil. "The efforts for your training have led up to this moment. The extension of your will shall be channeled through this weapon. Become one with it and you shall become a master."

Ella took the baton in her paws, stunned silent. This was an actual weapon being handed to her…as her own. It felt comfortable to hold in her paws. The grip was rubbery and smooth, while the metal was strong and glossy. She felt an odd connection towards the weapon, like it resonated with her.

"I…I don't know what to say…" she muttered.

"Well, I do." Willow smiled and pointed at it. "Magical weapons typically respond to your commands based off your will. In other words, I want you to think about it activating."

Ella stared at it, then spun it in her paw. Suddenly, the weapon's ends burst with teal light and extended out. She gasped as the baton transformed into a staff. Each end extended out into three bars, the same length as the baton. It was basically like holding seven batons glued together by the ends. They looked identical to the middle piece, aside from lack of the grip.

"Whoa…" she expressed in amazement. Her teammates were equally surprised. Ella spun the weapon, using her basic skills of staff wielding. It felt light in her paws and easy to use. She swung down near Willow, blowing her fur a bit with a gush of wind. She grinned. "This…is so…awesome!"

Willow chuckled. "Take good care of that weapon. You'll see it has more useful features once you get your psychic abilities back."

Ella concentrated and returned the staff to its baton form. She held it close to her chest, then smiled at her master. "Thank you…thank you so much."

Willow smiled fondly. "You're welcome, my young protégé."

The Espeon's friends started crowing her to look at the baton. "Wow, it's so shiny and cool!" Gwyn cheered.

Tony patted her in the back. "Can't wait to see you break some skulls with it!"

Flint grinned. "You must feel excited."

"A little dazed, too," Ella admitted, still awestruck to have her own weapon.

Wes threw his forelegs around her and laughed. "You're going to be awesome in battle!"

Ella smiled. "Thanks, Wes."

Griffin rubbed his chin, then glanced at Willow. "What's its name?"

"Hmm?" the Absol hummed.

"It does have a name, right?" he asked once more, getting the full attention of the team.

Willow chuckled and scratched at her fur. "I believe it does. When a weapon is given a name, we put more emphasis on its strengths. As an extension of our will, we must treat it as its own being.

"Ella…I'm proud to introduce you to your weapon: Daybreak."

Within the laboratory of the madman, Aeternus, his fellow heralds, Nightmare, and test subjects were gathered before a table draped in cloth. Something lay on the table, motionless. The Mr. Mime floated above the table, covering his mouth and hiding the evil smirk that snickered with glee.

"Friends, lab rats! Thank you for coming!" He tapped his fingers together. "I think you'll find this is some of my best work. Taking full advantage of my resources and sticking with what works and what doesn't. One minion failed me, but a second should prove new results."

Nightmare glared. "You're sure this one will kill the treasure hunters?"

Aeternus smirked. "Kehehehehe…who's to know? Maybe she will, maybe she won't. All I care for is results. Testing my shadow serum before putting in the final touches." He crossed his arms. "I studied what remained of Lithia's fried corpse. Hard to assess the damage when you're burnt to a crisp, but I made good use of the data. Some new tweaks into my serum."

Callista hissed in annoyance. "Just make sure your little minion doesn't kill the Mew. I want her alive, remember?"

Voss glared. "And I wish to fight Griffin."

The mad clown chuckled and ran his finger across his neck. "Don't worry! I'll make sure to slaughter everyone but them!" He grabbed hold of the tarp. "Now Rubia, reveal yourself and your transformation!" He threw the tarp off.

The Cradily hopped off the table and stared at her superiors. Her plant skin was darkened in color, much more menacing than her light green. Her tentacles were jet black, wiggling ominously at the air. Other than that, there didn't seem to be any other modifications.

Voss glared at Aeternus. "…I'm not impressed."

The clown smirked. "Rubia…kill."

Voss immediately drew his sword and blocked a black spike that protruded from the prehistoric plant's tentacles. His keen eyes detected the grainy texture of the spike. He pulled his sword back and watched as the spike scattered into particles and retreated back inside the Cradily.

"…Sand?" Nightmare asked.

"Metallic sand!" Aeternus corrected. "By using the magnetic ore and infusing it with the power of shadows, I've turned Rubia into a magnet of pure darkness. She is loaded with ore, crushed up into fine particles that obey her every command. The perfect offense and defense. A massive swarm of tiny projectiles that, when combined, become weapons of destruction."

Callista hissed quietly. "Not bad, you mad clown, but will she still be enough to remove the hunters?"

"As I said, my only wish is to do research." He glared. "If she so happens to kill them, then I'll make the necessary adjustments for future subjects to become ultimate killing machines, knowing full well my creations are only growing in power. In the end, I only want results. Killing them is just a bonus. We have nothing to worry about." He smirked. "After all, each day ticks closer to the revival of our king."

Voss glared, then rested his hand on his hip. "Well…in that case, where do we start?"

Aeternus glared at Rubia. "My dear, your task is simple: hunt down those pesky treasure hunters and slaughter them. Make sure to leave the Mew and Grovyle alive. You're free to take as many shadows as you need."

Rubia nodded. "Yes, Lord Aeternus." She walked out of the lab. The metallic sand seeped from her body and orbited around her like a veil.

Nightmare glared at Aeternus. "Do we even know where they are?"

"Kehehehehe…I make sure to keep tabs on those puny Pokémon." Aeternus sat atop his workstation. "Rest assured…everything will be fine." He held his chin and snickered. "Besides, I've got other matters to attend to. We still need to keep an eye on a certain nosy professor for our king."

"Any reason?" Voss asked.

Aeternus narrowed his eyes. "Our king is worried…that the professor is getting too close to the truth. Best to make sure that isn't the case, or we'll have to speed things along." He smirked and held up the two sun gems. "Now, all I need is two more subjects to experiment on."