Ch.111: Eye for an Eye! The Hand of Fate Twists in Time!

"You guys really gave us a scare back there," Wes said, leaning against Krystal's bed in the med bay. "I didn't think you five would push yourselves as far as you did."

Krystal chuckled weakly. "Sorry, comrade. When Team Shatter Star fights for a goal, they fight hard."

Hugo huffed as he applied his healing aura over Cybil. "My child, you must learn to exercise better caution. What you put your teammates through was utterly reckless."

Krystal turned her head and flashed a toothy grin. "Ah, don't be a stick in the mud, Hugo. They went along of their own accord. Right, guys?"

"Yeah, totally," Ebony groaned. She heaved a heavy sigh. "I can't feel my arms. Can someone feed me some scotch?"

"The doctor said not to drink anything alcoholic," Hugo reminded.

"No, she didn't."

"It was implied."

"If it didn't come from her mouth or a slip of paper, that means I can drink."

"Ebony!"

Ella chuckled, then looked back at Krystal. "Still, you guys were impressive out there. A shame you lost."

Krystal waved it off, flinching and setting her injured wing down. "We got farther than those jerks thought. Besides, I don't think most of their team will be getting up any time soon."

Tony crossed his arms and smirked. "Yeah, you did do a number on them. If we get to the finals, taking out Edwin will be a snap." He glared off to the side. "Though, I can't shake this feeling we need to be careful. I'm still suspicious about the graverobbing."

"You and me both," Griffin mumbled.

"I'm back~!" Gwyn sang, turning a corner into the med bay with a tray of drinks. "I cleared it with the doctor."

"You got me scotch?" Ebony asked excitedly.

"Nope, tea." Ebony showed a deep frown and plopped her head back onto her pillow. Gwyn placed a glass of tea beside each of their beds. "I made it myself. Something delicious and refreshing that will also ease up the aches and pains while you're healing." She smiled at Hugo. "I know healing magic is good for curing fatal wounds, but it can only do so much for lasting aches."

Hugo nodded. "Thank you, Child of Mew. In all my years, I have never met a kinder soul. Hardly a speck of sin in your aura."

"Aw shucks!" Gwyn gushed bashfully.

"We appreciate the tea, thank you," Saffiro thanked, lifting the glass to his lips and taking a sip. "Mmm, this would go great with some cake. If I were able, I'd get up and bake some."

"You bake?" Gwyn asked.

"I have a fondest for pastries. Actually, I've always wanted to open up my own little pastry shop." Saffiro chuckled. "Strange thing coming from a guy like me."

"Can you make lemon squares?" she asked.

"Sure can."

Gwyn grinned from ear to ear. "Ooh, we should totally bake some this week. Won't that be fun?"

"Heh, it would~."

Flint chuckled behind his paw before looking back at Krystal seriously. "Now that you guys are out of the tournament, it looks like we'll need to take on the Shadow Bringers ourselves."

"Provided we get past that muscle head and his dancing cronies," Tony said before adding, "and that cute Miltank, Hazel." He grinned. "Mind if I handle her?"

Flint deadpanned. "Absolutely not."

Oswald turned in his bed and said, "Be careful with the Wild Fangs. I've done some digging on them. They're pretty tough bounty hunters from the Desert Zone. They've taken in quite a few outlaws. They may give you some trouble."

Wes shrugged. "Well, if they're that good, hopefully they can deal with the Shadow Bringers if it comes to that."

"Yeah, but we need to get through if we want a shot at fighting Benedict," Flint reminded. "Otherwise, we'll have to go after him back out in the snow until he agrees to challenge us."

Wes narrowed his eyes. "Good point."

"Still bummed that you lost last time?"

He shook his head. "Maybe before, but…I think I'm ready to face him this time."

Flint smiled and touched his brother's shoulder. "Good. We're with you every step of the way."

Wes nodded, then looked back at Krystal. "Once we get to the finals, we'll give that jerk a bashing for you guys."

Krystal smirked weakly. "You're too kind, comrade."

A knock sounded from around the corner. They turned to the entranced and saw Morgan leaning against the side. Jabbing his thumb over his shoulder, he said, "You all might want to get to your places. They're almost done cleaning up the battlefield."

Wes nodded. "Right, thanks." He nodded at his team. "Let's do this."

"Just don't lose," Ella teased, strutted past them as she headed back to the stands. Wes chuckled under his breath, then gestured his team to follow.

Morgan watched them leave, then stepped into the med bay, hands sliding into his pockets. "Rather reckless determination you displayed back there, young lady."

Krystal chuckled. "Who was I to give that Simisage any justification to his taunting? I think I won the spiritual fight."

Morgan smirked. "That kind of determination is essential. You all are strong-willed. It's an admirable trait, a necessary one. Don't lose it." He frowned, then touched his upper arm. He grimaced as the mark wrapped under his sleeve pulsated faintly.

Cybil narrowed her eyes. "You…feeling alright there?"

"…Yes, I'm fine." Morgan moved his hand away, then turned his back to them. "If you happen to still feel sore when they release you, come talk to me. I'm a doctor, so I know a few tricks to relieve pains."

"Thank you very much," Hugo said, reaching his hand out to Morgan.

Morgan flinched and stepped back, surprising the Trevenant. "Sorry, your aura is…kind of dangerous for me."

Hugo blinked, then pulled away with a grim look. "Oh yes, I forgot."

Morgan huffed, then stepped out of the med bay. He didn't get very far, only walking a few meters away before pressing his back to the wall. He slid to the ground and rested his arms on his knees. His hand reached over his branded arm and rubbed it. He felt the faint pulses under the bandages.

Staying around that priest may trigger a dormant personality trait. Feels like my skin's warming up whenever I get too close. He sighed and pressed his head against the wall. You need to stay focused on the task at hand. Team Ravenfield hasn't shown it, but they have doubt in their hearts regarding who I pledge my allegiance to. Morgan clenched his fists. I think Ella might distrust me the most. She's been noticeably colder with me these last few weeks.

Morgan pressed his hands into his face. I can't blame her, though. Even I wonder if I'm totally sane. What if I…revert back to my old self?

"Yo, Doc." Morgan blinked, then looked up at the pair of bounty hunters standing in front of him. Mack, hand on his hip, frowned tiredly at the Hypno. "What'cha sulking about out here?"

Morgan blinked again, then sighed and pulled himself up. "Apologies, I was just contemplating our mission. I have the utmost confidence in Team Ravenfield's performance, though, so we should be-"

"You know that's not what we meant." Morgan narrowed his eyes, staring back at the serious look Holly was giving him. The Lurantis tilted her head down the hallway. "You look like someone who needs to talk."

"…Why you two?"

Mack smirked. "We barely know you, Gramps, so any info bomb you drop on us won't matter."

"Besides, seeing as how you were once with those creeps, you'll have to forgive us for being a bit curious," Holly admitted. She glared. "You knew Voss, after all."

There it is. Morgan took a deep breath, then sighed. He shoved his hands inside his pockets, then looked at them with a weary gaze and grin. "You two are old enough to drink, right?"

"Sorry for the wait, ladies and gentlemen," DJ Chance announced to the returning audience. "Cleaning scorched ground is a surprisingly lengthy process. Haha, not that I care, I didn't have to do anything." He cleared his throat and got back on track. "Anyway, we're back into our second match of the semifinals. The winner of this match will battle with the Shadow Bringers for a chance to take on our champion. I hope you all are set." The audience roared with applause and cheers.

"In the red corner, the newcomers on the tournament scene that are packing power. Lots of it. Be careful with how you approach them, because they might just blow you away. Give it up for Team Ravenfield!"

They waved to the crowd as they cheered for the team. They jumped at the sounds of girls shrieking and squealing at the front of the stands, waving banners with Tony's name across them.

"Tony! We love you!" the fangirls screamed.

Tony smirked their way. "I'm expecting some top-notch cheering, ladies! Whoever cheers the loudest will get to go on a date with me." He pressed his fingers against his lips and blew a kiss at them. They screamed, blushing profusely, and fainted backwards into their seats.

Griffin rolled his eyes and groaned. "Good grief."

"And in the blue corner, the righteous travelers that hail from the Desert Zone. They're full of pride, confidence, and vigor. You better hope to Arceus you aren't up against them, otherwise the sheer magnitude of their glory will rip you apart. Give it up for the Wild Fangs!"

"Yeah!" Gene jumped into the arena and struck a pose. "Who's ready to cheer Gene on?!" The crowd burst into applause, which Gene posed to.

The rest of his team entered into the arena, staring at their leader with deadpan stares. "Uh, boss? You done there?" Orville asked.

"Give Gene a moment!" Gene shouted, flexing his muscles to the crowd.

Hazel shook her head, then waved flirtatiously at Tony. "Good luck, Tony~. Ah'm lookin' forward to whoopin' yer butt."

Tony slid his hands in his pockets and smirked slyly. "My precious Hazel, after I defeat you and your team, would you care to join me for dinner this week-GAH!" Griffin and Flint pinched down on his ears. "Okay, this is getting old!"

Wes stepped forward and narrowed his eyes. "Gene." Gene ceased posing and glared at the Umbreon, who proceeded to smirk confidently at him. "Don't hold back."

A smile grew over the Machoke's face, one filled with crazed excitement for battle. "Gene respects your attitude, Bevanfield." He swung his spear out and aimed the head at the opposing team. "Gene will accept your demands so long as you promise the same."

"Heh. Count on it." Wes crouched while the other four readied themselves to attack.

"It seems both sides are ready to battle. Then, without further delay, let the second match of the second round…BEGIN!"

"Gwyn, get us some cover!" Wes immediately ordered, jumping back.

Gwyn tossed seeds onto the ground, then slammed her hands down. "Accelerated Growth!" The seeds sunk into the ground and sprout up into massive roots rapidly growing across the arena. The Wild Fangs immediately ran back as the roots approached them.

Gene flashed a signal at Yon, who nodded and leaped high into the air. "Water, serve my will." He pulled out his sword and channeled a veil of water around it. "Blue Ocean: Righteous Lagoon Severing Slash." He swung the blade and fired a projectile water blade that shaved the entire upper half of the roots off it one swipe.

Gwyn swung her left hand, making elaborate gestures at the falling roots. "Life Renewal!"

The roots withered dramatically, raining their darkened remains over the arena. When they landed on the ground, they were absorbed back into the earth before sprouting out as new roots. Gene charged into the roots and tore them to shreds with his spear.

"Wilbur, annihilate this forest!" Gene ordered.

Wilbur slammed his cannon down and targeted in on the roots. "Increase power for complete incineration of flora. Adjusting power." He pulled the trigger. "Eradication Driver."

The blue energy charging inside the cannon fired out into a wide beam that punched a hole through the dense forest of roots. The roots were incinerated on the spot, nothing but burning vegetation remained.

Wilbur narrowed his eyes at the raining flames, then glared at his sonar as it started beeping. He only had a second to spin around and stop the electrified water blades with his cannon. He gritted his teeth and traded glares with Tony.

"Careful where you're aiming that thing, buddy!" Tony kicked off and ran off with Light Speed. Wilbur turned back just as Flint came in with his Guardian.

"Piercing Wave." Wilbur raised the cannon and fired, but the Guardian flipped over the blast and slammed its foot across his face. "Gah!" Wilbur flew backwards, leaving his weapon behind.

"Magnification Rings x3!" Flint shouted, summoning the orange rings before him.

"Exosus Release!" Flint jumped out of the way as Griffin swung his sword and fired through the rings, magnifying his attack at Wilbur.

Orville and Hazel descended on the approaching attack. Orville grabbed Wilbur's shoulders and flew away with him while Hazel got into position. "Gluttony's Appetite!" She inhaled and sucked in the Exosus Release, slurping it in like a flailing spaghetti noodle.

Flint gritted his teeth. "Right, she can eat magic."

After inhaling the Exosus Release, Hazel puffed out her stomach and exhaled the magic in the form of a huge white beam. Griffin raised his sword and the flat side into the beam. The magic-negating properties of Endless Regret absorbed the magic and cancelled it out with Griffin barely putting up a fight against it.

Orville swung around with Wilbur and tossed his over to his cannon before divebombing the Grovyle. "Full Metal Crash!" He wrapped his wings around himself and took the shape of a metallic missile.

Griffin spotted the descending Dartrix and raised his hand. "Repello!" Orville came to a dead stop against the repulsive force and went flying backwards.

"Armament Flying Dagger!" With only his wings remaining metallic, he threw metallic feathers in retaliation.

Griffin tensed up as they slashed across his skin. After Endless Regret negated Hazel's attack, the aforementioned Miltank suddenly appeared behind from the dissipating beam and kicked Griffin across the face. Griffin gripped the ground and dragged his fingers in to stop, then slashed across the ground with Exosus Release.

"Gluttony's-!" Right as Hazel started to suck in the air, Tony appeared under her and threw an uppercut to the chin, clamping her mouth shut. "Guh!"

"So sorry~," Tony teased before vanishing just as the Exosus Release exploded into Hazel.

Hazel rolled across the ground and landed on her stomach. She grunted, then smirked in annoyance. "Now that was just rude, sugar. Voracious Nebula!" She spread her limbs out and drew in the surrounding area.

Tony's foot got caught in the vacuum and dragged him back towards Hazel. She spun on her foot and shot her leg square in his face. Like a paddleball, the pulling force dragged Tony back into Hazel's next attack. He couldn't get his Light Speed to activate with all the force pulling on him.

Hazel pulled her fist back. "Sorry to ruin that cute face of yers, hun, but Ah'm takin' home the gold."

Tony smirked as he flew in closer. "A shame to harm a beauty like you, it breaks my heart. Sadly, I was told not to fight you. Flint!"

"Verto!"

Hazel gasped as Flint's Guardian took Tony's place. She raised her arms and barely blocked its punch. She lost her concentration, allowing Tony to zip back in and swipe Hazel's legs out from under her. The Guardian unleashed a flurry of punches into Hazel while Tony readied his next spell.

"Lightning Shot: Double Barrel Shockwave!" He fired the twisting beams of electricity towards Hazel's exposed back.

Orville swooped down in front of the attack and crossed his wings. "Full Metal Shield!" The beams slammed into his metallic wings and pushed him against Hazel's back, with the Miltank still blocking the Guardian's attack rush.

Hazel bared her teeth. "Insatiable Void!"

The Guardian's punches suddenly became ineffective. Whenever it punched the cow, her body would ripple with the impact, yet with no damage taken. Hazel smirked as the Guardian continued striking into her, rendered completely unfazed. To top it off, her previous injuries were slowly fading away.

Hazel looked over her shoulder, seeing Orville still holding back the lightning beam. "Orville, get a move on now!"

"Roger!" He kicked off the ground, letting the beam hit Hazel instead, and took off into the sky. "Full Metal Armament!" He dove into Tony and slammed into his stomach.

"Gah!" Tony skidded backwards with the Dartrix pushing up against him. He smirked irritably. "Ventusphere!" He created the wind orb and slammed it down on Orville's back, pushing him into the ground.

"Armament Flying Dagger!" Tony leaped back from the metal feathers that grazed his cheek. "Full Metal Drill!" He flew from the dust, beak shaped and extended into a spiked drill, and spun into Tony, who blocked with his twin scalchops. Sparks flew between the collision.

Yon and Wilbur kept their distance, with the Accelgor acting as a bodyguard while Wilbur got charged up. He locked in on Griffin, Flint, and Tony, but couldn't detect Gwyn or Wes. "Yon, where's the other two?"

Yon pointed up. "Ravenfield is fighting the boss."

Both Wes and Gene took their fight to the air. While Wes bounced around on his Warp Pad, Gene was merely using the strength in his legs to match his height and strike with his spear. Wes struck the spearhead with his back leg, but was flung back by the surprising force.

Gene spun his spear and aimed. "Incendiary Point!" He fired the fireball at Wes.

"Infernius!" Wes countered with his white fireball, mixing it with Gene's before exploding. Wes formed another Warp Pad and took off into the sky. "Lumios Storm!" He spun and rained down light arrows over the arena.

Gene spun his spear deflected the light arrows as he fell back to the ground. He flipped up upon landing and aimed his spear again. "Storm Piercing Point!" His spear electrified before tossing it right into Wes.

Wes' fur stood on end as he caught the spear between his paws, feeling the electrical energy surging through his body. "W-W-W-Wah!"

Gene leaped into the air and clasped his hands together, slamming them down on top of Wes' head and burying him ten feet through the ground. The earth split open from the rippling impact alone. Gene caught his spear and aimed at the hole. "Gravity Point!" He flung the spear down. A purple aura blazed around it, drastically increasing the speed of its descent.

Wes' eyes boggled open as the spear rapidly approached him. "Someone mind helping me?!"

Flint glared at the spear and clapped his paws. "Time Halt!" In a flash, Flint appeared over the hole, with the Dark Mirror raised over his head. "Oh, I really hope this works the way I imagined!"

The spear slammed down on the surface of the mirror. Flint nearly fell through, but quickly called back his Guardian to catch him. The mirror absorbed the kinetic force of the spear, as well as its magic, and diminished the spear's power. Once it was all gone, Flint flipped the mirror and sent the energy flying back at Gene, who was freefalling.

Gene bared his teeth. "Wilbur!"

Wilbur raised his cannon and fired a blast into the energy, sniping it out of the air. "Okay, I've got everyone locked on." He glared. "Except for that potion maker. Where's that green…whatever she is?"

"I believe she's a Mew," Yon muttered.

"Isn't Mew pink-?" Before Wilbur couldn't finish his question, the ground opened up under him and sprouted wooden roots that drove against his stomach. He gasped and was flung off his feet, keeping a tight grip of his cannon this time.

Shooting up from underground, Gwyn swung her whip and grappled Wilbur from the air, then slammed him onto his back. Her fur was monochromatic and glossy, signifying her iron armor form.

Yon drew his sword. "Blue Ocean: Dynamic Smashing Current Surprise!" Water surged up the blade with incredible force as he swung into the Mew's side. Gwyn grunted, but was unfazed by the blade, only nicking into her hard skin.

"Nutrient Transvoro!" She reached into her bag and absorbed one of her fruits, then raised her left hand to the Accelgor's face. "Cyclone Eradication!"

Yon jumped out of the way just before the winds smashed into him. He drew his sword and slashed repeatedly into her metallic skin. Gwyn continuously blocked with her arms while her tail wiggled around in her bag to grab some seeds.

Wilbur pulled himself up and aimed his cannon at Gwyn. "Locking on target." Once the radar locked on her, he pulled the trigger. "Extermination Volley."

Five energy shots fired from the cannon, locked onto all of Team Ravenfield. They stopped fighting for a moment and braced themselves. The blasts exploded against them and threw them away from their opponents. As Gwyn was the closet to the initial firing, she was thrown back much farther than the others.

Yon pulled his sword back. "Blue Ocean: Smashing River Flurry." He raced and slashed into Gwyn several times before sheathing his sword and facing away from the exploding water vapor, all before she hit the ground.

Gwyn hit the ground, soaked and injured. "Ugh…" She shook her head, then turned herself around and spotted Wilbur preparing another blast. Gwyn quickly reached into her bag, pulled out the first Naturae Fruit she could grab, and bit into it.

"Eradication Driver." Wilbur fired a much narrower beam at Gwyn with just as much destructive force behind it.

Gwyn swallowed hard and became engulfed in her aura. Right as the beam reached her, her hair sprung forward and punched through the beam, sucking up the energy in seconds. When the light of her aura cleared, she was in her magic leech form.

Once all the magic was sucked up, Gwyn wasted no time sending the energy through her body and powering herself up. With a confident cry, she kicked off into Wilbur and tackled him across the ground, throwing his hat off.

Yon sprinted over, channeling his magic again. "Blue Ocean-"

Gwyn aimed her tentacle-like hair at him and released a portion of the stolen magic, blasting Yon in the center of the chest, briefly stunning him. Gwyn then raised her hand and shouted, "Griffin, I'm open!"

Griffin, pushing against Orville's metal wings, aimed his palm in her direction. "Exosus Release!" He fired off the chaotic stream of magic, which Gwyn dodged and left for the two Wild Fangs to take. Both Wilbur and Yon nearly flew into the stands, only hitting the top of the wall.

Gene saw this and raised his spear. "Do not stop fighting! You only stop when you're beaten and broken!" He aimed his spear and fired off a Cinder Typhoon into Wes, who dragged his paws into the ground to slow himself down.

Wes shook his head vigorously, then grinned. "I like your attitude. Let's even the playing field. Septem Gladii Virtutis!" The sword construct formed above his head, then split off into seven separate blades. They hung around the Umbreon defensively. "Come at me!"

"With pleasure!" Gene roared and charged with his spear out. Wes matched his roar and met halfway with a swing of his blades. They locked weapons and exchanged determined smirks with their eyes blazing with a passion.

As the battle was being hosted live through various crystal balls, Morgan and the bounty hunters were able to keep updated on the fight while they were at the bar. They were seated in a booth. Morgan got himself some whiskey while Mack and Holly got themselves apple cider. Mack wasted no time downing his drink while Holly took light sips, mostly staring at her reflection.

The bartender or waitstaff weren't paying much attention to them, so they were free to speak.

Holly took a deep breath, then faced the doctor with a bit of an interrogative look. "We'll be straight with you, doc. Mack and I have been on the road for over thirteen years with Griffin. You were a bounty hunter yourself, yes?"

Morgan nodded. "That's right."

"Then you'll understand why we may not fully trust you ourselves." Holly shrugged. "Now, to be fair, we only just met after the whole…incident a month ago. We don't talk much, so not that much to go off of." She glared. "That said, there is some reason to be hesitant given your unique background. I think you get where I'm coming from with this."

Morgan sighed. "I suppose I do. It's only fair for bounty hunters to be a little suspicious of everything."

"It's not just that," Mack interjected, setting his mug down and leaning his cheek against his fist. "Call me skeptical, but we are talking to a guy who kind of led anarchy and misery with a total madman five hundred years ago. Actually, skeptical is hardly the best way to describe it."

Morgan kept looking around to make sure no one was snooping. He swirled the contents of his mug subconsciously. "What you're thinking is plain as day. I see it in all your faces. While you are quiet about it, the truth is obvious." Morgan glared. "So let me make a vow that I am not that same man. I promise you that."

Holly narrowed his eyes. "We don't know that for sure. You keep grabbing where that little tattoo of yours is. It's like a burden weighing you down, or maybe a curse that's waiting to take effect once more. Who's to say? We're not the ones afflicted by it."

Morgan sighed and took another drink to calm himself. He wiped his lips and continued, "I'm trying my hardest to keep it contained. I assure you, I'm on your side. I have every intention of putting the Shadow King in his place." He clenched his teeth. "He twisted with my heart and made my darker emotions rise to the surface. I can't forgive him for manipulating me for so long."

"What was it like being under his control?" Mack asked.

"I'm not sure I would necessarily call it control. It was like I was walking in an endless fog that left me cold and bitter, reminding me how horrible life was and the creatures around me were." He narrowed his eyes. "And yet, it was oddly comforting. It was like the only place that could bring me joy, allowing me to forget those negative feelings and let them act out according to the king's will. I didn't have to feel sad, alone, or angry. It all seemed so right, yet so wrong. I just never realized until that warrior accidentally brought me to my senses."

Mack glared. "So, basically, the Shadow King brought you peace to your inner struggle by bringing out your darker emotions and leaving you numb to all that pain you felt?"

Morgan shrugged. "Hit the nail on the head." He glared softly in thought. "And it feels like it's trying to draw me back in."

Holly crossed her arms. "So, is it even a good idea to have you along with us? You're marked as a traitor against the Tribe of Shadows. You're good as dead the second they see you again."

Morgan shook his head. "I spent the last five hundred years learning everything I could about the Shadow King and the origin of the shadows." He glared off to the side. "Their secrets were hard to unravel, but I think I've come to my conclusions." He closed his eyes. "Well, I hope so, at least." He clasped his hands together and rested his chin on them. "I need to fight the Shadow King if we want even a sliver's chance of beating him."

Mack rolled his eyes. "No offense, Doc, but having you in the same room as your old boss might be a bad idea. He's the one that corrupted you in the first place. What's stopping him from doing it again once he sees you? If you go back onto their side, we're kind of screwed."

Morgan closed his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. "A burden, and a fear, that I hold knowingly to my heart. I'm not ignorant in what can and will likely happen. If I go back to being the man I was, corrupted from my own grief, I can't guarantee everyone's safety."

"So, why run the risk?" Holly asked.

Morgan didn't immediately answer. He looked to be in deep thought, also glum by his expression. He stared down at his drink, watching the whiskey ripple with his face. "I've lived a long time on this planet running away from my past. I wanted to stay away from everyone and everything. I tainted my soul making a deal with the devil, now I'm doomed to forever pay the price.

"The mark on my arm is a burden that constantly reminds me of what I am and who I shall be for the rest of my eternal life. It'll never leave me. I choose to live with this sin as a reminder of what I forced myself to become in order to feel an ounce of justice for the wrongs dealt upon me." He finished off the last of his whiskey and slammed the glass down. "I will see to it that I atone for my ultimate sin by bringing that monster down."

Holly glared. "And how do you expect to do that? You're strong, I admit, but that guy is way too strong for you alone."

"He spent hundreds of years locked away with nothing but his raw power. I have five hundred years of time preparing for this moment." He pulled on his glove, glaring at it. "Besides, I have a little something ready in case I'm not the one to finish the job."

"Huh?" the bounty hunters sounded in confusion.

"Above all else, I will make sure he cannot use the Idol of Origin to reshape this world into his twisted design. That is my word to my allies." He released his glove and leaned back into his seat. "After that, I leave it up to them to finish the job."

Mack glanced at the crystal ball hanging over them, then glared back at Morgan. "Putting the fate of the world in their hands, huh?"

"I have nothing but confidence they will succeed. I just want to be there to make the final blow count." He glared softly. "The Idol of Origin is something I wanted for myself when it was first spoken of to me. I could've used its power to bring back my first love. I could've undone the wrongs done upon me.

"That power was never meant to be in the hands of mortal being. The power is far beyond our comprehension. It's the kind of thing that a man would seek, even beyond the grave."

"That so?" Mack asked curiously.

"An old legend back in my day. They say a man's grudge can be so strong, it brings them back to life. Though, fueled only by that grudge, you might as well not be the same person. It's the same legend that was said about Banette at the time, how they were dolls brought to life by a vengeful spirit. That's how strong the temptation for the idol can be. Once you get a taste of that power, you'll stop at nothing to have it for yourself."

Holly narrowed her eyes. "Has that ever actually happened in your day?"

Morgan looked to the side. "…Hard to say."

"What does that mean?"

Morgan didn't answer her question, instead got up and placed some money on the table. "There's some extra if you want to get yourselves anything else. I've got to take a walk. Thanks for listening." Hands in his pockets, he walked from the booth and out the door.

Mack looked over his booth seat, then at Holly. "Weird guy." He grabbed his mug and downed whatever was left inside it.

Holly glared at the seat in front of them. "I don't know about you, Mack, but I feel like he's hiding something."

"Hiding something bad or being a secretive weirdo?"

"I rather not have either." Holly crossed her arms. "Didn't Ella get some spooky book from the Immensus Library before it was taken over?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm kind of curious to wonder who would have that kind of knowledge on the shadows and put it into a single book? Can't be a follower." She glared at Morgan's empty glass. "But what about a traitor?"

Wes slid back, swords crossed in front of him after taking one of Gene's attacks, then fired off two into him. Gene spun his spear and deflected the magic swords, but they kept their pursuit, swinging at the Machoke relentlessly.

"Drill Point!" Gene threw his spear, which channeled a spiraling collection of earth around the spearhead.

Wes used the remaining five swords by his side to block the shield. He grunted against the force exuding against them. To top it off, the spear continued collecting earth from the ground and adding it to its rotational power. Wes dug his claws down to keep himself anchored.

"I could use some help over here!" Wes shouted.

Tony, using Quick Step, ran around the arena as Wilbur fired endlessly after him. "Kind of busy over here!" he shouted back before jumping over the chain of energy shots and firing off his Lightning Shot. Wilbur blocked it with his cannon and fired off the Eradication Driver. Tony summoned the Nebula Rider and took off into the air.

Wes bared his teeth as the spinning spear started to crack through his swords. He wracked his brain for a solution, then an idea clicked. It was a reckless and potentially danger one, but it was better than having his entire body getting lacerated to hell with rocks.

"Warp Pad!" He summoned the magic circle under his feet and bounced off the ground. Much like how he expected, the rotation of earth surrounding the spear caught his legs and struck them, tearing up his fur and skin. He seethed with pain as he rocketed into the sky, but set his sights on Gene. "Mystic Burst!" He bounced off another Warp Pad and dove into Gene, smashing his skull against his.

Gene nearly fell backwards, but tightened his muscles and forced himself upright, pushing back against the Umbreon's head. "Gene will not be tested in strength, Agent Reeled! Gene is like an unmovable mountain! Gene can take any punishment you dish his way!"

Wes bared his teeth into a tight smirk. "Your words, not mine. Warp Pad!" He formed and bounced off the magic circle behind him and pushed hard against the Machoke. Gene didn't fall back, but he was slowly being pushed with his feet sinking into the ground.

Flint and Griffin continued battle against Hazel and Orville, with Flint charging headfirst with his Guardian. Hazel blocked its punches before catching its arms and setting Orville up for the next hit, striking the Guardian right in the chin. The Guardian flew back, but caught itself in midair and swung its leg down on top of Orville, shoving his face into the ground.

Hazel jumped back from the Guardian's punches, then dodged an Exosus Release from Griffin. The Grovyle narrowed his eyes, then dashed after her. "Exosus Cloak!" He burst with spiteful magic and lunged at the Miltank, throwing a kick against her. She raised her arms and barely stopped it, leaning backwards against it.

"Endless Gullet!" Griffin bared his teeth as he felt his magic absorbing through the Miltank's body, like a sponge to water. Unlike Ebony's Viribius Swipe that stole physical power and stamina, Hazel's Endless Gullet appeared to be targeting his magic instead. Acting fast, he kicked off the cow with a trail of magic still flowing into her.

"Exosus Release!" He fired from his sword, which Hazel dodged. Griffin landed, panting a bit, while glaring at the Miltank. She can't absorb magic being used through spells. She can only take it in its passive state. She must not know how to string her spells together, otherwise she could've use that other one against me.

Orville pulled himself up from the ground and glared at Griffin. "Armament Flying Dagger!"

"Blockade Reflector!" Just as Orville threw the metallic feathers, Flint jumped in front of him and blocked with the crystal shield. He summoned his Guardian's fist around his paw and punched the Dartrix across the face. Orville quickly recovered and swung his wing, but it passed through the Flareon illusion before him.

Orville, however, immediately spun around and blocked the Guardian's attack rush. He pushed the Guardian back and tackled into Flint, taking him into the sky. "I've about had enough of you and your punching ghost."

Flint clutched to the owl tightly as he was flown higher and higher into the air. Crap, crap, crap!

Gwyn looked up just as Flint was taken into the air. "Flinty!" She started after them, but dodged one of Yon's water slashes. "Hey!"

"You're fight is with me, young Mew," Yon stated, raising his sword at the potion maker. "Flora and water shall clash with each other, creating a beautiful mosaic of nature."

"Uh, what?" Gwyn uttered in confusion.

"Let us cross weapons like a crashing stream." Yon made the first strike, swing his sword against Gwyn, who blocked with her whip. The blade sunk into the plant matter, threatening to snap the whip.

Gwyn bared her teeth. "I've got no time for this." She shoved her hand into her bag. "Accelerated Growth: Mad Party Mutation!" She pulled out and shoved a handful of seeds against Yon, which immediately grew out into a motley array of plants.

"What on Arceus' green earth-?" Yon found himself instantly wrapped in a jumbled mess of vines, flowers, and other various plant life, trapping him inside a cocoon.

Gwyn sighed, then pulled out another a magican and the Sakura peach. She threw both into her mouth and swallowed. Instantly, her body pulsated with magic, releasing her godlike aura, while her form changed to that of her Sakura form. She threw her head back and let out a mighty shouted, releasing more of her aura across the ground.

Yon cut himself loose from Gwyn's trap and looked upon her in shock and awe. "A majestic sight unlike anything I've ever seen." He glared. "Truly a god among mortals."

Gwyn glared right at him, then clenched her fist. "Fine. Guess I'll deal with you myself. Take this!" She broke apart into sakura petals and crashed against Yon in a tight twister.

Yon held up against her with his sword while channeling a spell through it. "Blue Ocean: Reverse Current Tempo Clash!" He pushed back on Gwyn and threw her back with a raging current of water. The sakura leaves scattered with the waves and threw Gwyn across the air.

Gwyn's magic blazed through each individual petal, blowing the water off them, and raining down on the swordsman. Yon held his sword aloft and swung against each petal, deflecting them by the dozens. He became surrounding in a twister of petals that continuously clashed against him.

Tony continued racing around the arena as Wilbur pursued him with his cannon, firing a steady, continuous beam after the Dewott. Tony kept his distance with Quick Step while glaring down the Fraxure.

"Come on, slowpoke, don't tell me this is all you can do!" Tony taunted while charging up a Lightning Shot.

Wilbur didn't react to his mockery. "Try as you might, Dewott, I will not be deterred by your petty insults." He channeled more magic through his cannon. "Perhaps this will make use of your time. Erasure Code." A dark mass of energy gathered in the center of the barrel, then fired out as a black and red flame.

"Light Speed!" Tony zipped off across the arena.

He stopped on the top of the walls and looked back, glaring as the ball of energy chased him down. Tony zipped off again, this time as far down the arena as he could, but once again saw the attack chasing him down.

"Oh great, it's tracking me. Lightning Shot: Lotus Bullet!" He unleashed a barrage of lightning beam and decimated the spell in seconds. Tony smirked at his handiwork, then deadpanned as Wilbur fired off another round, this time with a dozen locked on the Dewott. "Oh great, more." He used Quick Step and raced off.

Griffin pushed back against Hazel as she pursued him with a flurry of kicks. He glared over at Tony as he was being chased by Wilbur's Erasure Code. "Having trouble over there?"

"Oh, you know, the usual!" Tony shouted back. "How you fairing against the beautiful lady?"

"Aww, ya make me blush, hun!" Hazel called out, slamming her fist into Griffin's gut.

Griffin endured the hit, then glared back at Tony. "Want to trade off for a moment?"

"I thought I wasn't allowed to play with her," Tony teased, but yelped as an Erasure Code nearly blew up at his heels.

"Two birds with one stone. You interested?"

"Meh, why not?" Tony stopped and turned sharply towards them.

"Huh?" was Hazel's first thought before Griffin kicked her feet out from under her.

The two teammates raced past each other, exchanging a brief hi-five, and pursing the other's opponent. Griffin stashed Endless Regret away and activated his Clades Cutter. He sliced through the Erasure Code, cutting up their damage output just before they exploded.

Hazel crossed her arm just before Tony struck her with a flying kick. She smirked past her arms. "Just what do ya think ye're up to, hun?"

Tony smirked back. "My apologies, my dear, but I'm afraid this is where the end of the tournament comes for you."

"Not just yet, mister." She shoved his foot back, then gathered the remainder of Griffin's stolen energy through the palm of her hands. "Not until the main course is finished! Endless Gullet!" She dashed into him, swinging her palms.

Tony could feel his magic being sucked in her direction. He dodged her first few palm strikes, feeling Griffin's magic fly through them, then whipped out his scalchop. Hazel poured the magic through her arm and blocked his electrified blade.

Wilbur raised her cannon and fired a volley barrage at Griffin. The Grovyle whipped out his sword and shielded himself against the blasts. He sent an Exosus Release from his hand into the ground, tearing up the earth beneath Wilbur's feet. Griffin lunged and slammed his fist into Wilbur's stomach, knocking the wind from his lungs.

"Gah…ugh," Wilbur groaned stumbling backward.

"Now, Exosus Release!" Griffin swung down on Wilbur and released a curtain of spiteful energy down on the axe-tusk dragon. Wilbur barely managed to raise his arms and block most of the damage. The dragon bared his teeth against the insane pressure acting against him.

Enough of this. He flicked his fingers, commanding his cannon to hover off the ground. It spun around and aimed for Griffin's back. Once the Exosus Release eased up, Wilbur shouted, "Eradication Driver!" The blue beam fired from the cannon.

Griffin position his sword in front of his back and absorb the beam. Wilbur quickly ran off right as Griffin soaked up all the energy. He spun the sword and position the sword, aiming not just for Wilbur, but Hazel, too. Applying his own magic, he fired at the dragon.

Wilbur felt the beam steadily approaching him. "Hazel!"

Hazel stopped fighting Tony and raced over to her teammate. "Ah got this! Gluttony's Appetite!"

The beam came within range of absorption. However, right as Hazel was about to slurp it up, a hole in space opened and sucked up the beam instead. Hazel whipped her head around and found Tony to be missing.

"It's that amulet of his!" Wilbur deduced. "We need to get out of here before he-!"

"Malignitas Force!" Both Wild Fangs gasped as they were struck with a pressure of air to the stomachs. Griffin, lowering his fists, raised his hand and shouted, "Bring them down!"

A vortex opened up above their heads, releasing the sucked-up energy down on them. Wilbur and Hazel screamed as the ground ruptured below their feet. In the steaming aftermath of the blast, they collapsed onto their faces.

Tony jumped out from the space and dusted himself off. "Not too shabby." He smirked at Griffin. "Not bad, Hothead."

Griffin closed his eyes and huffed. "Same to you, Sparks."

Back in the air, Flint clutched on desperately to Orville as the Dartrix held him by the shoulders. "Just try and attack me from all the way up here," Orville taunted. "The second you do, I can't make any guarantees holding onto you afterwards."

Flint gulped nervously. "C-Come on, can't we talk about this?"

"It's a tournament, man. No hard feelings." Orville turned his talons into metal and dug them warningly into Flint's shoulder blades. "I'll just keep you up here until the fighting settles down."

Flint took a deep breath. "Alright. Let me offer a counterpoint. Verto!"

Orville's eyes widened as he and Flint swapped places. Right before Orville could get his wings spread out, Flint wrapped his legs around the owl and took him out of the air. Orville screamed against the wind hitting his face while Flint kept his eyes shut. He felt his hat fly off his head.

"Are you insane?!" Orville shouted.

"I hope not!" Flint shouted.

Gwyn was the first to spot this and gasped as Flint came falling from the sky. "Oh no!" She brought herself back to her solid form and raced towards them.

Yon glared. "We aren't finished with our fight." He slashed the ground and knocked Gwyn over with a small wave of water. "Blue Ocean: Majestic Fury of the Seas!" He slashed down with his sword and summoned up a massive tidal wave from behind him.

Gwyn immediately pulled out her spiky berry and ate it, transforming her into her spiky form. She curled up into a ball and raced towards Flint and away from the approaching wave.

Orville repeatedly bashed the back of his head against Flint's face. "Let go of me! You're going to knock us both out!"

Flint peeked through his eyelid and barely made out Gwyn racing towards them. "Fine by me!"

Gwyn stopped right under where Flint and Orville would potentially land. She looked back at the approaching wave before pressing her hands against the ground. After dealing with Calder back in the ocean, I figured a spell like this would be useful. "Accelerated Growth: Dehydration!"

Her magic pulsated out across the ground. When the water came within reached, the ground sucked up the water, diminishing the size of the wave drastically. Not only that, Gwyn was sucking out every bit of moisture in the ground she could collect, crumbling it into dust rapidly.

Gwyn quickly pulled out some seeds and used Nutrient Transvoro on them. She aimed her palm down and shouted, "Foamy Fields!" Foam spewed from her glove and covered the ground in a large pile.

Flint and Orville braced themselves as they slammed down into the foam, blowing some against Gwyn's face. She stumbled over herself, but shook it off and ran over to where Flint landed.

"Flinty!" she cried, digging through the bubbles. She gasped when she found him laying on a bed of foam. He had his legs wrapped tightly around Orville, taking most of the impact for the owl who fell unconscious. Thankfully, Flint mitigated most of the impact on himself with a Blockade Reflector. Gwyn sighed in relief. "Thank goodness."

"Do not celebrate." Gwyn gasped and narrowly dodged a slash of water from slicing her cheek. She caught Yon leaping over her and readying his next attack. "Blue Ocean: Brilliant Sparkling Waterfall Slash!" He swung down with a cascade of water flying off.

However, Flint's Guardian rose from the foam and caught the blade. Just as Yon saw this, its fist bashed across his face and knocked him far away from the foam pit. Yon tumbled across the ground and fell unconscious with his sword impaled into the ground next to him.

Gwyn sighed, then smiled at Flint, who weakly opened his eyes. "You gave me a scare there," she admitted.

Flint grinned. "Thanks for the save."

"Right back at you."

With most of the Wild Fangs down, all that remained was Gene. Wes and the Machoke clashed their weapons repeatedly with each other, exchanging fierce glares with every collision.

Gene struck Wes with an uppercut, then slammed his foot into the Umbreon's stomach. Wes spat blood before flying into the wall behind him. Right as he peeled off, Gene lunged in and struck with his spear. Wes winced as his aura crackled against the spear.

"Skewer Point: One Thousand Paths!" Gene struck with the spear in a flurry of blows, driving Wes through the wall. Wes raised his forelegs to defend against it, gritting his teeth tightly.

Wes twitched his digits and summoned his sword constructs. They swung down on the Machoke's back, stunning him brief enough for Wes to rocket from the crater with Warp Pad. He somersaulted over Gene's head and kicked him across the face. Gene tightened the muscles in his neck and resisted the blow.

"Skewer Point: Single Path!" He spun the spear and thrusted it into Wes' stomach. A burst of pressure shot through Wes before sending him skyward. Blood sprayed through Wes' clenched teeth. Gene kicked off the ground and flew after him. "Cinder Typhoon, plus Incendiary Point!" Both spells combined together before firing.

Wes glared down at the approaching spell. "Aquos Mist!" He exhaled the thick mist around himself, with the smoldering spell disappearing into it. The mist blew away with the following explosion, raining embers from the sky.

Gene glared at the lack of a body in the smoke. "Cabin-wheeled escaped." He glared through his peripherals. "Not yet!" He spun and stopped the sword constructs swinging behind him.

Gene's eyes widened, feeling Wes' magic presence suddenly appear above him. He jabbed his spear upward, but Wes had vanished with Warp Pad. He glared around the arena, briefly catching purple flashes bouncing around.

"You will not make a mockery out of Gene!" He twirled his spear over his hear. "Skewer Point: Flying Path!" Spear constructs appeared around him. With a flick of his wrist, they sailed across the arena.

Wes bounced and dodged around the spears, narrowly avoiding them. One grazed past his cheek, with only a tiny cut inflicted. Wes dragged his paws into the ground and stopped himself. "Mystic Beam!"

"Critical Point!"

They both exchanged spells. Wes' spell struck into Gene and blew him back with Gene's passed right through Wes. Pain surged all throughout the Umbreon's body, nearly making him pass out from the pain alone. Wes stumbled about as his vision blurred.

Gene dragged his fingers into the ground and landed on his feet, then pulled his spear back. "Storm Piercing Point, plus Unstoppable Emperor Javelin!" Wrapped in electricity and transformed into its elaborate design, Gene chucked the spear into the dazed Umbreon, giving him no time to recover.

Wes gasped as the spear slammed into him and rocketed him up against the wall. The audience gasped as the spear kept its momentum and gradually fought against the reinforced walls of the arena. Wes' aura crackled furiously to keep the spear at bay, but cracks inevitably began to form.

Wes gritted his teeth. "Shit."

Gene approached the pinned Umbreon while massaging his shoulder. "You fought hard, Tavern-meal, but this battle belongs to Gene."

Wes glowered at the Machoke before displaying a tight smirk. "It's not over until I say it's over."

"Hahaha! And how do you plan on freeing yourself against Gene's unstoppable spear?"

"Who said I was finishing the job? Tony, Griffin, take him down!"

Right before Gene could react, a flash of light struck across his face. He pushed against it, barely catching the Dewott springing off his face. With his attention diverted, he missed the Exosus Release shooting against his back. Gene spat out in pain, stumbling forward but still standing.

He glared at Tony and Griffin as they circled around him. "Gene will not be deterred so easily. Skewer Point: Alternate Path!" He formed a blue spear construct in his hand. "Skewer Point: Flying Path!" He summoned more and rapid-fired them at the two.

Griffin and Tony dodged and weaved through the spears, keeping all the attention on them. Gene missed Flint and Gwyn racing over to their pinned leader. Flint nodded at Gwyn. "Ready?"

"Ready!" she exclaimed.

Flint summoned his Guardian and had it grab Gwyn. "Time Halt!" Right as time stopped, the Guardian spun and chucked Gwyn right over to Wes.

Gwyn pulled out a seed and clenched it inside her hand. "Accelerated Growth!" She punched into the damaged wall and injected the seed inside. Roots grew out of the wall and broke more of it apart, giving Wes the room to squeeze out. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him out of the spear.

"Now time will resume!"

Once Gene could move again, he instantly sensed something was wrong. Right as he turned around, Wes rocketed into him with a Mystic Burst-powered kick. The impact, in combination of catching him off guard, flipped Gene backwards twice before knocking him onto his face.

Gene clutched his face, then reached out to his spear. "Return to Gene!" The spear exited its altered form and flew back to his hand.

Wes landed and charged his final attack in front of his face. Griffin and Tony rushed Gene and struck him in the stomach. Gene fought against it and pushed the two back, then batted them with his spear. Flint's Guardian hooked his arms under Gene's and held him down while Gwyn trapped his legs in vines.

"Release Gene at ONCE!" Flint and Gwyn gasped as he exuded an extraordinary pressure from his body, blowing the vines off him and the two of them, plus the Guardian, away from the Machoke. Gene spun his spear, aimed it at Wes, then lunged with as much power through his legs as he could muster. "Skewer Point: One Path!"

"Mystic Burst!" Wes channeled more of his magic through his body, charging more into his next spell. "And…Mystic Beam!" He exhaled his spell just as Gene thrusted his spear into him.

Team Ravenfield covered their faces against the resulting explosion. The crowd gasped from the flash and smoke shooting outwards. Wes and Gene, shooting from the plume, flew back from each other and tumbled across the ground. They caught themselves on their feet, which were both shaking badly. Shrapnel of rock pelted the two of them, but they barely noticed.

Silence hung amongst the crowd as the two leaders glared each other down. Wes had blood dripping from his face while Gene had burns going across his arms. Their magic auras flickered weakly while their eyes drooped with exhaustion.

They held it for as long as they could, but ultimate fell at the same time, giving into their injuries.

Silence continued to hang until the cheer burst into applause.

"Both Wes Ravenfield and Gene Wynspire have fallen, ladies and gentlemen! However, because all of the Wild Fangs are out of commission, this victory goes to Team Ravenfield, who will be moving onto the finals! Give them a hand, everyone!" The crowd cheered louder.

Tony sighed and fell back onto his rear. "Phew, that was nuts."

"I've got a headache," Griffin mumbled.

"You have a headache? I fell from the sky," Flint grumbled. He gagged and spat foam that was still hanging inside his mouth. "Ugh, gross." Gwyn giggled and kissed his cheek, which made him feel a little better.

The cheering from the audience stirred both Wes and Gene awake. It didn't take long for either to realize what resulted from their clash. Gene sighed and sat up. "Well, this bites," he grumbled.

Wes stood up, chuckling weakly, and limped over to the Machoke. "That was a good match, Gene. You're really strong." He grinned cheekily. "I wouldn't mind having a rematch in the future."

Gene blinked, then laughed under his breath. "You amaze Gene…Ravenfield."

"Finally!" Wes exclaimed with a laugh. He held his paw out. "I'll be sure to get to through the finals."

"You better," Gene said, shaking his paw. "Gene doesn't want to be remembered losing to a weakling." He glared. "And be sure to kick that asshole's butt. He has brought great disrespect in Gene's eyes."

Wes nodded. "I'll be sure."

"Aw, this is nice." They looked up and saw both Team Ravenfield and the Wild Fangs approaching them. Hazel chuckled behind her hand. "We're all friends."

Gene laughed, then tried to stand up. His legs wobbled, but he managed. "Great work, Wild Fangs. You all fought hard and proud! Gene couldn't ask for anything more!"

Wilbur crossed his arms and huffed. "Sucks we lost."

"Hahahaha! Gene agrees with you, but Gene doesn't hold grudges over such manners!" He smacked Wes across the back, knocking him onto his face. "This calls for a celebration! Dinner tonight! Our treat!"

"You sure?" Griffin asked warily.

"We have the money," Orville assured. "Trust me, with this lug head's appetite, we need money."

"Mind if we invite Team Shatter Star?" Gwyn asked.

"Haha! Of course!" Gene exclaimed. "They've earned Gene's respect! Such magnificent posing!" He struck a pose in response.

Flint chuckled awkwardly. "That's good." He yawned and rubbed his eyes. "Yeesh, I'm going to need this day off tomorrow."

"Let's get going and rest up," Wes advised. Both teams nodded and made their way out of the arena.

"There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. With the semifinals over, we will be moving into the finals in the next two days! The Shadow Bringers vs. Team Ravenfield! Be prepared for a battle of epic proportions!"

"What do you mean they can't compete?"

Edwin groaned, sitting in the corner of his hotel room. He looked up at the annoyed Watchog staring down at him. "I'm not speaking Spanish here. Team Shatter Star did a serious number on them. One of my guys has a concussion. The doctors said they won't be allowed to compete."

"I knew Count Aeternus should've injected them with shadows," Zaros mumbled.

"I can't fight Team Ravenfield on my own. I can hold them off, sure, but they have a guy who knows all the secrets to Revulsion Anima. I can't do squat without getting my ass kicked."

Zaros shook his head. "Then I suppose we have no choice but to unveil our contingency plan." He crossed his arms. "Rules state you are allowed to share items within your team. You should be allowed to use those summons we have ready for them."

Edwin rubbed his temples. "I don't know. I'm still frazzled after what happened with Team Shatter Star. I'm not sure if I can beat them, even if we have our advantage."

"Is that all?" Edwin looked up as Zaros pulled his glasses off and cleaned them with a rag. "Lucky for you, Count Aeternus needs me to tie up some loose ends. Taking away a warrior's concentration is the easiest way to ruin a strategy. Aside from Everfall, their entire team needs to keep their cool to perform properly. They won't be able to fight as effectively if, say, they were plagued with overwhelming rage and grief."

Edwin blinked, then narrowed his eyes. "What are you going to do?"

Zaros placed his glasses back on. "They don't call me the Ancient's Assassin for nothing." He pulled a picture out of his jacket.

A picture of a certain Flareon.

"One of them doesn't even realize how long I've been keeping an eye on him. I think it's time to showed the older Ravenfield what happens when someone competes against me for uncovering the secrets of history."