Ch.112: Zaros' Ambition! To Control History is to Control the Present!

With their final match taking place the next day, Flint and Gwyn used their day off to have lunch at a local diner. They grabbed seats outside and ordered submarine sandwiches. They happily ate their sandwiches while chatting, glowing positively at each other's company.

Gwyn giggled. "You sure you can eat all that, Flinty? It's pretty big."

Flint chuckled. "Oh, this is nothing. I've eaten subs twice this big." He took a particularly big bite to show off, but overestimated himself. His cheeks puffed out with a little bit of lettuce sticking out of his mouth. Some of the dressing coated around his mouth.

Gwyn tried to hold back her laughter. "You, um, going to swallow that soon?"

Flint pounded his chest and raised his head to let the food slide down his throat. It took a great deal of strain and caution, but it went down without a hitch. He breathed a sigh of relief, then grinned awkward. "S-See? Nothing to it."

"My, my, you really are a tough guy." Gwyn threw her head back and laughed.

Flint blushed, smiling sheepishly. "Heh, perhaps I could spare the theatrics before choking hazards occur."

"Brilliant stroke of genius, my fluffy fellow." Gwyn cheerfully nibbled away at her sub. "Seriously, though, thanks for taking me out. These are so good."

Flint beamed proudly. "I'm glad you like it. A nice quiet date after our victory yesterday is just what we needed."

Gwyn blushed. "Hehe, we're on a date." She squealed quietly.

Flint blushed as well, chuckling in response. "Maybe I can make you a sub some other time."

"You make subs?"

"Err, not regularly. Actually, I don't do a whole lot of cooking or making." He scratched behind his head. "Buuut, you know, homemade stuff is more special that way, right?"

Gwyn smiled. "Well, even if it tastes like garbage, I'll still eat it, because it's something special made by you."

"Gwyn!" Flint shouted, taking offense to her joke. "I'm not that bad at making food!"

Gwyn giggled mischievously, lightly kicking her legs under the table. "Oh, you know what I mean. Heehee!"

Flint huffed and turned his back to her, forelegs crossed firmly. "I'm ashamed you think I'm a terrible cook."

Gwyn shook her head, picking up he was merely kidding. She scooted her seat around the table and hugged him from behind. "D'aww, don't be so pouty, Flinty. I'm sorry. I'm sure it'll be delicious." She nuzzled into his neck, purring.

Flint couldn't hold the stern face for very long and laughed. "Okay, okay, I'm not mad." He hugged her back, returning the nuzzle. "I'm at least happy you're enjoying yourself."

Gwyn pulled back and smiled brightly. "Only because I get to spend time with you." She blinked, then immediately reached into her bag. "Actually, that reminds me." She pulled out a small pocket watch and checked the time. "Oh darn, I better get going soon."

"The Q and A thing going on today?"

"Yep." Gwyn slid back to her side of the table and grabbed her sub. "I need to be there a half hour early to get set up. I don't want to be late." Flint's eyes widened as Gwyn shoveled the rest of her sub into her mouth and swallowed in one big gulp, and seemingly with no physical discomfort. "Mmm! Delicious!"

Flint blinked silently, then chuckled nervously. "I know who I'm rooting for in an eating contest."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing, nothing," he laughed off. "Don't let me keep you waiting."

"You sure you don't want to come with me and hang out?"

Flint shook his head. "Nah. I think I'll go tour the city later. Maybe I'll swing by and pick you up in two hours when you're done."

Gwyn smiled. "Sounds good to me." She walked over to his side, grabbed his face, and have him a big kiss on the cheek. When she pulled back, she giggled at his dopey smile and droopy eyes. "You look so silly."

Flint chuckled awkwardly. "Y-Yeah, well…"

She nuzzled his cheek, then started off. "I'll see you in two hours. Have fun."

"You too!" he shouted back. He waved to her until she was out of view. Flint sighed contently and leaned down on the table's surface. "Guess the guys were right. I'm one lucky guy." He chuckled, then went to finish his sub.

Once he finished, he paid for his and Gwyn's meals and got his stuff together. He swung his backpack onto his back and started down the street. He figured he could check out the small museum they had in the city first. There was supposed to be some interesting historical events in this part of the Snow Zone. He hasn't studied that much on the Snow Zone's general history, so it would be a good start.

On his way, though, he stopped when he spotted a familiar face walking in his direction. A Steenee in a cloak with her head down. Flint thought back to a few days ago and remembered he met such a Steenee when they first got registered.

He smiled and raised his paw. "Hey!" The Steenee stopped and jumped when she saw the Flareon. "Hey, Amber, right?"

The Steenee, really known as Ambrosine, covered her face. The crew asked her to pick up snacks since they had to wait in the ship outside the city. She lost a bet, so she was forced to go. She was hoping not to run into any of Team Ravenfield, especially Flint. She felt her face heating up while looking from the corner of her hood.

Just keep walking and pretend you didn't hear him. Play it cool. Ambrosine took one step forward, then gasped as Flint was suddenly in front of her.

"Yeah, it is you. Remember me? We met at registration. How are you doing?"

Why can't people just keep their dang mouths shut? We're practically strangers. Ambrosine made sure to keep her aura as low as possible to minimize any signs of detection. The second Flint sensed the familiar aura, her cover was blown.

Ambrosine gulped and pulled a forced smile. "Um, hi…Flint. I heard you and your team got into the final round. Those…Shadow Bringers look tough."

Flint chuckled. "They kind of do, but I think my team and I have chance. We're pretty strong, not to toot my own horn or anything."

"Uh huh…" Ambrosine pulled on her cloak. "Listen, I should get go-"

"I was actually heading over to the museum. Care to join me?"

Ambrosine's face lit up. "J-Join you? L-Like a…date?"

Flint blushed awkwardly at that. "Eh…n-no, not a date. I have a girlfriend. The Mew that was with me when we met."

"Oh…oh yes, right." Ambrosine felt a sharp pang in her heart, though it felt different to her usual heart attacks.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to let it come off like that," Flint apologized, laughing it off. "If circumstances were different, maybe I would consider it a date, but I could never do that to Gwyn. I…" He smiled happily. "I really care about her."

"I see…my apologies, too." Ambrosine pulled down on her hood.

Flint smiled softly. "But hey, it'll be fun. I wouldn't mind the company. Plus, you look like you could use some yourself."

Ambrosine pushed her hood up and looked down at him in surprise. "You…wouldn't mind?"

He shook his head. "Not at all."

Ambrosine blinked, then cautiously looked over her shoulder. She didn't sense any of her allies nearby, or any other malevolent forces lurking about. She gritted her teeth worriedly, contemplating her options. She didn't see anyone around, so maybe it was safe?

"…Alright, sure."

Flint grinned. "Great." He turned and gestured her to follow. "It should be down this way. Let's go." He started off with a jolly spring in his step.

Ambrosine laughed nervously as she followed. "R-Right behind you." She gripped her cloak tightly and kept peering over her shoulder. Why am I doing this? He doesn't even know what's coming for him soon.

"So, do you like history?" Flint asked, breaking the few minutes of silence between them as they walked.

Ambrosine jumped from her thoughts and glanced at him. "I'm…not really the biggest fan of it. Though, I didn't really like going to school in general. Haven't been in school for a long time."

Flint frowned. "How come?"

"Personal reasons." She secretly kept a hand over her heart, grimacing to herself. "I don't like thinking about the past too much."

Flint smiled lightly. "Well, whatever your reason, there's a lot of neat stuff to learn about from history. I personally want to take a career in uncovering history."

"Archeology?" she guessed.

"Exactly. I actually met some archeologists while I was in school. They told us all about the exciting things they discover when researching untouched or hidden land. It's a lot of research and cross-referencing to find anything of relevance on the history of the forgotten culture, but I live for that stuff. It could take years to understand a forgotten culture's history, but the fun is in the discovery and new evidence we find."

"Sounds like a lot of work," Ambrosine mumbled. "And boring."

Flint chuckled. "I won't deny that. Not every profession is for everyone. My brother certainly wouldn't want to spend his time outside digging for lost treasure." He glared off to the side with a wry smirk. "Actually, he prefers running in blindly and taking the treasure. Research isn't exactly his specialty."

Ambrosine sighed. "Yeah, brothers can be…reckless."

"Oh? Do you have a sibling?"

Ambrosine bit her lip. Had. "Y-Yeah, an older brother. We played a lot when we were kids. I…haven't seen him for quite some time."

Flint smiled. "Too busy having an adventure?"

"Something like that…"

"So, what hobbies do you have?"

"Do you just want my personal information while you're at it?"

Flint chuckled. "Just making light conversation."

Ambrosine huffed. "…I study in healing."

"Oh, really?"

Ambrosine nodded. "Yeah, medicines and stuff." Half true, but I don't want him peeking at my aura.

Flint looked ahead. "I could never see myself being a doctor. I wouldn't be able to hold myself together during a surgery. And medicine making is just way too complicated for me." He shook his head. "Or at least I believe so after being Gwyn's partial assistant. I don't even know what she's doing with her potions half the time."

Ambrosine sighed. "My…family is made up of some of the greatest healers in Mysto. It's sort of a tradition."

"That's pretty neat."

She narrowed her eyes. "Maybe, but…at the end of the day, you have to wonder why people would save others."

Flint stopped and looked at the Steenee in surprise. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Ambrosine clenched her teeth. "N-Nothing."

"What's wrong with saving other people? Isn't that the point of being a healer?"

"…" She turned around and glared at him. "Why would I put myself on the line just for someone else? People in this world do stupid things just to keep another life preserved, like death doesn't matter in that instance." She clenched her heart. "But death is cold and miserable, even for a brief instant. It's a horrible feeling. To think someone would voluntarily risk their life to experience that coldness. It feels like isolation, loneliness, and misery. You saved a stranger's life in exchange for your own and what? Some stupid funeral and eulogy are made in your honor? Maybe a statue? A statue doesn't take the pain away."

Flint's ears flopped. "Amber, what are you talking about?"

"When you lose your life, you and the people around you are miserable. My family has the power to reverse it, but at what cost? Who cares if other people die? Why are helping them over your own health? Your life is more important than mine. My life is more important than yours. A selfless act of kindness in exchange for an eternity of misery. That's what sacrifice truly is! It's not a noble act, it's Hell!"

Flint jumped back. "Amber, are you okay?"

"I never want to see or feel that inky black void ever again! I refuse to go through it a second…a sec…second…ugh…" Ambrosine dropped to her knees and clutched her heart, gritting her teeth. She felt the erratic thumping under her ribcage. "Agh! AGH!"

"Amber?!" Flint reached out to help her, but stopped and watched her apply healing magic onto herself. His eyes widened, a sudden flashback overcoming his vision. He stumbled back in shock as she eased her pain. "Wait…you're that…you're that Steenee from the…" His eyes widened. "The Desert Beasts."

"I must say, Ambrosine, I admire your cunning mind." Both their heads shot up, sensing a presence over their heads. Sitting on the awning over their heads was a Watchog that would forever haunt Flint's dreams. He had his arms crossed in a satisfied manner, smiling at the aching Steenee. "Whether it be intentional or not, you've led my target into a secluded part of the city. Well done."

Flint whipped his head at him. "Zaros-!"

"Hello, Flint Ravenfield." Flint's eyes widened, now spotting Zaros in front of them on the road, with his back turned to them. "It's been a while." He looked over his shoulder. "I've been listening in for quite some time. Surprised you didn't catch onto her sooner."

Flint gawked, then turned to the aching pirate. "Am…Ambrosine?"

Ambrosine winced, seeing the distraught in his eyes. "Flint, I didn't mean to-"

"You're served your purpose, Ambrosine." Zaros waved her off. "I suggest you retreat. I have business with the older Ravenfield."

Flint realized immediately what was going on and tried to run back the way he came. However, without a second passing, Zaros appeared in front of the Flareon. He dug his heels in and stopped. "Get away from me!" Flint jumped back and squatted defensively, baring his teeth to the apprentice.

Zaros, with one hand hanging in his pocket, grinned with amusement. "Must you be so uncivilized, Ravenfield? I warned you before that I would have my eye on you."

"Where's the rest of your team?" Flint growled. "Are they here to ambush me with you?"

Zaros shook his head. "Just you and me, my rival. A fair fight between brilliant scholars of history. That's all this is."

Ambrosine got to her feet and slid behind some barrels for cover. She took a moment to get herself together, with her heart returning to a normal beat. She sighed in relief, then looked around the barrel. She bit her lip worriedly as she stared at Flint. Flint, get out of here.

Flint kept his distance and activated his aura to summon his Guardian at a moment's notice. "When I get to my friends, you will be sorry."

Zaros smirked. "Really? The way I see, you're all alone in this fight. Your brother and the Espeon are often having their fun, yourgirlfriend is back at the arena, the swordsman is with his friends on the other side of the city, and the thief is too busy fooling around with his little fans to come to your rescue." Flint's eyes widened. "I don't want our match to be interrupted. I made sure to factcheck before I made my move. How fortune to see the stars lining up in my favor."

Flint gritted his teeth. "What…do you want with me?"

"It's within my orders to eliminate the Ravenfield Brothers. The Shadow King is certainly up in arms about you lot." He held his chin. "Such a curious thing, actually. You Ravenfields hold a great secret to get that man so riled up. What is it, exactly?"

"My family?" Flint asked in confusion.

"He sees something in your family that no one else can process. It's so odd. How far back does your family history go?" Zaros smirked and shrugged. "Well, regardless, I was ordered to get rid of you both. Lines up well with me in the end. I've had a personal interest in eliminating you."

Flint bared his teeth. "I don't even know you. How can you have a grudge against me?"

Zaros chuckled behind his hand. "So egotistical to think I care about your existence only. Flint Ravenfield, if the circumstances were different for me, I would've seen you as an ally to history. We both are after the same thing. We want to discover the secrets of the world and understand the origin of our magic when it was given to us by the gods. If anything, I'm honored to be in the presence of the first historian to enter the Immensus Library."

Flint narrowed his eyes cautiously. "That so?"

"It's a hotspot for all of history. The very creation of Mysto and its history seen through the eyes of the all-knowing library of gods. You even got to meet the great Uxie. What I wouldn't give to have that honor. You seem to fancy the attention of gods, my friend."

Flint huffed. "I don't sense any jealousy in your words."

"What's there to be jealous of? It's too much of a waste on my talents." Zaros bowed. "I am humbled. We both would react the same. Flint Ravenfield, you were given the chance to uncover the history of Mysto during your brief dive into the Immensus Library, yet you refused. Am I right?"

Flint blinked. "Uh…yes, actually."

"Then you, too, understand why the library is both a blessing in history, but a curse to historians like us. If one were to have all the knowledge in the world at their fingertips, all the hard work of thousands of years would be a waste. While it is in our possession, I refuse to use the library for those purposes. I want to uncover the truths of the world as my own."

Flint's posture relaxed, but only slightly. He was still ready to bash the Watchog's face in should he try anything. "It would be a shame. To have the information isolated to one area, you could uncover it all."

Zaros nodded. "You have my respect for forgoing those temptations, Flint Ravenfield. History must be uncovered by Pokémon, not by the gods. After all, with history…comes power."

Flint glared. "Power?"

"That is where we differ, Flint Ravenfield. You seek to uncover the history of the world, but I have a differ goal in life. Are you familiar with the ancient Meto Civilization discovered back in 873, correct?"

"Yes…"

Zaros smirked. "Their ruler, King Rullu, took over the civilization after the previous king. Violently murdered him in his sleep. When he assumed the throne, he had but a single goal in his mind: to remove outsiders from his land. We as a species rely on history in order to understand how we became the world we are today. Rullu decided to burn all documentation of recordings of the civilization's history and findings of the earth.

"He fabricated a new history where his family would be the ones in charge. Histories forged on how his family were gods brought about by Yveltal, the great death god himself. Their revised history told of a world outside their own over barbarians, marauders, vile creatures, and more. All was the enemy, while the Meto Civilization was the grand power of a ruined world. Slaves said to be war criminals were really men and women taken from their families. Great catastrophes were done in by the 'royals' themselves or simply normal phenomenon folded into a persuasive narrative. They controlled what they couldn't believe."

"However," Flint continued hesitantly, "despite removing all documentation, a Swoobat named Cobrars went against the laws of denying the royal family's history. He made numerous transgressions against the king at the time and dug into their real history. The royal family started from a family of outsiders who wanted power. By controlling their isolated history, they could sway their subjects to do their bidding, whether through promise of rewards or sacrifices to Yveltal.

"Cobrars escaped and searched the lands for new pieces of history to uncover his own. He was said to be one of the earliest historians to expose the truth. The royal family was removed from power, soon replaced by a competent general to assume the role."

"When you're the only one with answers, people are forced to take your word for it," Zaros finished smugly. "A mortal god of knowledge. Dear ol' Cobrars would eventually lose his life to the royal family, along with any others who dared peek into their history, but the damage was done. Even in death, he had the last laugh."

Flint glared. "What was the point of explaining that?"

"They say history keeps us from repeating its flaws." Zaros pressed his fist to his cheek. "If you can control what happens in history, you are essentially a king."

Flint blinked dumbfoundedly. "Wait, are you saying…?"

"I wish to follow in King Rullu's footsteps. I realized that if I knew the secrets of the world, I could have the power to rule over everyone. Eliminate all history and become the only source of it. A new generation would eventually spring up and my descendants would be the ones to oversee this world." He chuckled. "It sounds ambitions, maybe even outrageous."

"You want to rule the world?" Flint asked in shock.

Zaros chuckled. "Well, maybe just Mysto. King Rullu may be remembered as a horrible man from a manipulative family, but he held a legacy. Isn't that what we want in life? To be remembered in a legacy? What better legacy is there than the man who rewrote history? We can't say what didn't happen if there's documentation or written work to know the truth. Only I deserve to be the one who has that knowledge."

"But history is for the people!" Flint argued. "What you're suggesting is utter madness. A world that doesn't know its own history is asking for trouble. Some might say it's not a big deal, but it is. History is what allows us to evolve as a species. The past is the blueprint for the future. We take the successes and failing of before and learn from them as a community. Uncovering the secrets of the world gives us the power to grow. But to limit it to the knowledge of one man-"

"-means only his word matters over all other," Zaros finished. "That's exactly the legacy I wish to leave behind. Even if I am to meet the same fate as King Rullu's descendants, I will leave a legacy behind. The damage will be set and I will leave this world scrambling for its lost records. That's my dream. My ambition."

Flint bared his teeth. "You're mad. You're absolutely mad. What's even the point of your goal? The Shadow King's goals don't align with your own. He wants to cover the land in darkness and remove all life."

Zaros rolled his eyes. "I don't care what becomes of that mad king."

Flint's eyes widened. "What?"

Ambrosine's eyes widened as well. What? She narrowed her eyes, then leaned closer over the barrel.

"My loyalty is solely for Count Aeternus. He is the only one I will obey without question. If he says I must obey the Shadow King, so be it." Zaros smirked. "In actuality, I'll be glad when he does start to rid life. Pokémon survived a fifty-year war; they can survive this. Still, the damage will certainly be absolute. Many lives will be taken, much civilization will be razed, and all shall suffer. Soon enough, the Shadow King will lose to an ambitious Pokémon and his kingdom will once again fall."

"And you to pick up the pieces of his fall?"

"Exactly."

Flint glared. "You really are a fool. Any historian like Cobrars could easily uncover your ploy."

Zaros smirked. "Flint Ravenfield, may I ask you a question? You were once in the possession of a sacred jewel to a civilization said to the first to use magic. But the black market somehow found you and beat you to a pulp to get that jewel back."

Flint raised his brow. "Um…"

"Yet somehow, they found you. Now, how do you suppose they found you?"

Flint's eyes widened. "What…are you saying?"

"Flint Ravenfield, you asked me how I plan to control history when there are so many historians to undo my plans." He pressed his fist to his cheek. "I am a self-made assassin who has made a living removing people from the world. My specialty, however, is exterminating historians and archeologists. I am known as the Ancient's Assassin."

"Ancient's Assassin?" Flint narrowed his eyes. "I…I've heard of that name before. There were reports of archeologists mysteriously dying, said to be killed by an unknown assassin. He earned the nickname of the Ancient's Assassin because of his preferred targets. Does…Does that mean…?"

"I was in the market for that very jewel you sought, Flint Ravenfield. You were but an amateur archeologist, so I had no point of seeking you out myself. I only wanted the jewel. So, I managed to track you down and tipped off the black-market dealers. It was business, after all."

Flint stumbled back. "Y-You sent them to k-kill me?"

"You shouldn't be flattered. You were but a face I had to get rid of. I've killed several others. I barely remembered your name." He smirked. "I wasn't surprised you survived. Don't leave hired help to get the job done right. Still, I lost interest in you since you were but an amateur. That's how it was and how it should've been.

"But now, your mere exist has me interested. The Shadow King sees something in you and your family. The evidence only lines up. His behavior tells me something about your ancestors has left the spirit frazzled beyond belief." He grinned devilishly. "You're a walking part of history."

Flint stumbled back. "I-I-"

"Looking into your family history will be an interesting topic. And what better legacy than immortalizing myself as the one who ended the older Ravenfield?" Zaros clenched his fist. "Oh yes, I see my future clear as day." He pointed at the Flareon. "Flint Ravenfield, my destiny has crossed paths with yours. Only one path is allowed to continue onward."

Flint held his paws up. "H-Hold on, isn't this a little excessive-?!"

"Geo Link." Flint gasped as his paws started melding into the ground. His eyes widened as Zaros lunged at the hapless Flareon. "Time to meet your end, Ravenfield."

"Shit!" Flint's Guardian sprung out and rapidly punched the ground. Flint's paws came free right before Zaros' Guardian swung a punch. Flint narrowly rolled out of the way and put some distance between him and Zaros.

Zaros narrowed his eyes. "Your self-preservation is to be admired. I'll have to work extra hard to remove you."

Flint clenched his teeth. "You're absolutely insane. If the Shadow King finds out what you're plotting-"

"It's only you and me here, Ravenfield. Not like you have any chance of telling him yourself, alive or dead." Zaros shoved his hands inside his pockets. "I'm not being treacherous. I'll just turn the other cheek if a valiant Pokémon gets the drop on him. A simple matter for my grand goal." His Guardian flew out of him and thrusted a punch at Flint.

Flint manifested his Guardian's arms and blocked the punch, which sent him flying off his feet. The legs formed and kicked off the wall behind him, rocketing the Flareon into the air. Flint bared his teeth at the smug Watchog.

"Your selfish desires just to become a legend over everyone? What kind of historian are you?"

Zaros smirked. "What sane person doesn't want to have their achievements immortalized?"

"The kind who don't associate themselves with terrorists! Magnification Ring x4!" His Guardian snapped its fingers and summoned the four rings. Flint reeled his head back and spat a stream of fire through the rings, magnifying their size and power tremendously.

Zaros overlapped his Guardian's legs over his own and kicked away from the flames. Regular fire so I can't dispel it. Clever, but hardly a threat. "Vento Nero!" He fired off the pressurized dark winds from his palm.

"Blockade Reflector!" Flint summoned the crystal shield as he fell, bouncing the winds in different directions. He landed and raced off down the street.

Zaros narrowed his eyes. "Tempus Point."

Flint didn't get far before Zaros suddenly appeared in front of him. The Watchog's Guardian swung its fist into Flint's face, seemingly doing serious damage. However, the Flareon's form vanished, with the severed hand of his Guardian clutching down on Zaros' Guardian.

Zaros glared. "An illusion?"

The Guardian materialized in full and rammed its fist into its evil counterpart's. In response, the purple Guardian slammed its knee into the orange humanoid, knocking it back.

Zaros sensed something approach his side and turned fast enough to duck under the metal pipe that was aimed for his face. He glared at the Flareon, who held the pipe in his teeth. "Playing dirty?" Zaros grabbed the pipe and yanked it from Flint. "That's my specialty." He swung the pipe across Flint's face.

"AGH!" Flint slammed into the wall and collapsed to the ground. Blood spurted from his jaw. He panted heavily and pushed himself against the wall, struggling to stand. The fighting from yesterday, while minimal, hasn't given him much time to fully recover.

Zaros threw the pipe away and recalled his Guardian, who swung with a barrage of punches. Flint immediately casted a Blockade Reflector against the fists. He clenched his teeth as he watched the fists slowly breaking through his shield.

"You could try and stop time, for what little that'll do you," Zaros advised mockingly. "The second you do, however, I will smear your face across this wall before you have a chance to slip away. You can't escape me in frozen time, and I certainly won't be falling for anymore illusions."

Flint growled under his breath. "I have a few other tricks up my sleeve." He rolled back and kicked under the shield, barely managing to hit Zaros' stomach.

Zaros moved back enough to where it was nothing more than a tap. "My, you have me quivering in my-"

"Entrapment!"

An orange magic circle blazed over his front and shot out orange chains. They wrapped around the Watchog's arms and legs and instantly pulled him to the ground. The chains shot into his Guardian as well and shackled its fists and legs down. Flint immediately got up and backed away from them.

Zaros flailed and struggled against the chains, which only tightened with his resistance. "So, you could use this as well?" He extended his index finger and waggled it rhythmically, casting a dispel to remove the chains. "But they won't hold me forever."

"They aren't to stop you. They're there to stall you."

Zaros lifted his head just before Flint's Guardian lunged at him. He fully expected a rapidly flurry of punches, but it threw out one single punch into the ground right next to Zaros' head. He caught the crackling magic passing through its fist and into the ground.

Flint glared. "I may not be a fan of using offensive magic, but it does come in handy! Crystallo Growth!"

The ground broken open with huge, serrated crystals popping out. Zaros quickly got his chains dispelled and backflipped from the crystals. They managed to nick his cheek, a thin slice going across it. He landed safely and observed the huge mound of crystals rising from the ground, reaching the height of the buildings around them.

Zaros touched his cheek and wiped the blood away. "You create crystal on anything your Guardian strikes with its fists?"

Flint glared. "I don't know what happens when I strike a person, but don't tempt me to try it out on you." His Guardian struck its fists together. "Just call this off now and I won't have to hurt you."

Zaros smirked. "I'm afraid the time for pleasantries has come and gone. Everto!" He fired a dark purple beam from the tip of his finger. It crackled explosively.

Flint narrowed dodged the beam, with the heat of it burning his own cheek. "Agh…" He touched the sensitive skin and winced.

"Everto!" Zaros fired again, this time in rapid succession. It wasn't on the same pace as Tony's Lotus Bullet, but it was certainly fast.

Flint was too frozen with fear to move, but his Guardian came to his aim and deflected each of the shots with its arms. The beams flew across the street and scorched the walls, windows, doors, and all manner of items in the way. Ambrosine squeaked and covered her head as some struck the barrels she was hiding behind.

Zaros stopped and snapped his fingers. "Tempus Point!"

"Time Halt!" Flint quickly shouted.

Both time-stops went off at the same time, taking the two in the frozen time. Zaros and his Guardian jumped into the air and fired down Everto together. Flint's Guardian deflected the shots once again, but with greater difficultly now. "Blockade Reflector!" The Guardian summoned the shield and deflected the shots across the monochromatic space.

"Vento Nero: Dark Storm!" With his palm lined up with his Guardian's, Zaros fired widespread blast of dark winds. They slammed down with the force of a giant and pushed the orange Guardian into the ground, yet still valiantly trying to keep Flint safe. The ground was crushed up instantly, though the damage would surely be worse once time resumed.

Flint growled against the rushing winds before slamming his paws on the asphalt. "Crystallo Growth!" The ground crackled with his magic, then orange crystal sprung up from under his back. A pillar of solid crystal pushed and lifted Flint through the winds, still protected by his Blockade Reflector. His Guardian tore off a chunk and tossed it straight at Zaros.

Zaros flicked the crystal away with his free wrist. "Is that all-?"

"Verto!"

Zaros, seeing the Flareon's form flicker, immediately canceled his Vento Nero and commanded his Guardian to block the barrage of punches flying down on him. One shot through his defenses and struck Zaros in the face, throwing him against the crystal pillar.

Flint glared as he descended. "Now time will flow as normal."

Time resumed and the road exploded outward from the built-up stress of the Vento Nero. The pillar rocked unsteadily, then broke at the base and toppled over. Zaros jumped off the collapsing crystal and safely clung to the side of the buildings.

"Everto!" He fired the dark purple beam at the falling Flareon.

"HA!" Flint's Guardian punched into the beam and diverted its path away from him, shooting it into the sky. He landed just as the crystal pillar hit the ground. He glared up at the Watchog.

Zaros narrowed his eyes, seeming satisfied with their exchange. "I was right to assume you as a worthy rival, Flint Ravenfield. A shame our paths must end like this. If only you weren't so adamant about uncovering the world's history. With our minds combined, you would've been my own suitable apprentice."

Flint bared his teeth. "Get real! You're a lunatic with an absurd vision!"

Zaros dropped from the walls and landed in front of him. He rose, hands neatly inside his pockets. "Does calling me a lunatic make my vision any less plausible? Honestly, that's the first action you plebeians resort to. You're the smart one, Ravenfield, so surely you can see we are equals in intelligence."

Flint blew smoke from his nostrils. "I cannot possibly agree with something as outlandish as withholding the world's secrets so that you can be the next Immensus Library. And yet, that doesn't disgust me nearly as much as your murders. You've killed numerous archeologists that you saw as a threat."

Zaros closed his eyes. "How can one control history if there are others so driven to uncover it themselves?"

"I'm not just a simple archeologist," Flint spat before summoning his Guardian and having it punch the ground. A wave of crystal sprung up and shot towards Zaros.

Zaros didn't move as his Guardian's arms flung out from behind and drilled through the orange wave. Shards of crystal harmlessly flew past his face. He narrowed his eyes and walked forward, carving a tunnel through the crystal with each step.

He felt the wave of crystals come to a halt. He glared, then instinctively spun around and blocked a punch, noting the stopped time around them. Time resumed briefly after as Flint jumped back from Zaros. Flint was panting heavily with blood stains in his clothes and fur. He wiped the dribble of blood off his lips and flicked it on the ground.

Zaros smirked. "In terms of strategy, we seem evenly matched. Perhaps we should compare an exchange of attack rushes?"

Flint sneered, summoning his Guardian to his side. "You'll regret it."

They approached each other with their Guardians cracking their knuckles. They stepped into each other's range and went for the attack. Both Guardians locked gazes, flying at each other in what felt like slowed time. Both their right fists smashed into each other, throwing out crackling sparks of their magic.

After this brief exchange, they went into a flurry of punches, striking and blocking simultaneously. The arms were nothing but orange and purple blurs flailing into each other, with Flint and Zaros in the center of the chaos, completely unfazed by the wave of fists surrounding them. Flint bared his teeth into a snarl while Zaros kept his cool, smirking with his usual smugness.

Ambrosine was taken aback by the flurry of blows, stumbling over her feet. "W-W-Whoa!" Their Guardians…they're stupidly fast!

The attack rush ended with one final collision of fists. Flint's Guardian blocked the speedy jabs of Zaros', then swung a kick into its side. It pushed back against the kick and punched into the orange humanoid's chest. Flint felt the impact through his own chest, softened by the Guardian's natural born armor.

In retaliation, Flint's Guardian caught a second punch and yanked the purple humanoid closer to strike it in the leg. Zaros felt his aura rippled from the impact, but he didn't appear bother.

In one final exchange, both Guardians reeled their fists back and delivered a solid right hook across their faces, whipping their heads back from the impact. Flint and Zaros grunted with the impact rippling over their own faces. The Guardians retreated back to their users, with Zaros jumping back to put some space between them.

Zaros panted light as he massaged his cheek. It was sore, but he didn't receive the same level of damage his Guardian endured. He grinned. "It seems we're evenly matched. For someone who doesn't fight regularly, you are truly gifted in using the power of the Guardian. You have my respect for that."

Flint's pants were much heavier than Zaros'. His legs trembled with exhaustion. He sat for a moment and patted his cheeks, waking himself up. He took a deep breath, then glared at the Watchog. "That's enough. I don't want to fight you anymore."

Zaros held his hip. "Do you take this as a sparring match? Flint Ravenfield, you truly underestimate the situation you are in. Where it stands, we both cancel each other out. Our minds and strategies correlate in a way to where we can predict the others movements. You are talented. Why run so early in the fight?"

Flint stamped his paw down. "This isn't some game! By the time my friends find out something is wrong, we'll have beaten each other into submission!" He relaxed, but continued to glare angrily at the Watchog. "You aren't beating me, Zaros."

Zaros narrowed his eyes, unimpressed with Flint's attitude. "And here I thought we would've settled this, like gentlemen." He shrugged. "Still, I can't falter from my objective. Shadow King or not, I have my orders to eliminate you and I will follow them without question."

An orange glow shined through Flint's mane, only briefly. It waved like flame in that brief moment. He didn't notice it. "Our Guardians are evenly matched. The Desert Beasts aren't here. I don't sense a single shadow hiding and waiting to pounce on me." He glared. "You can't beat me and walk away unscathed."

Zaros smirked, eyes now twinkling with devious delight. "Flint Ravenfield, do you know the greatest power of a Guardian? The power to evolve to a point of even greater state?"

Flint's eyes widened. "What…?"

Zaros summoned his Guardian. "While it's true we are equals, I stand above you in experience. Unless you've been holding out on your true power, your Guardian is still inexperienced. I believe it first matured when you were in…Ghost Cove Town, yes? Quite a time ago, but nowhere to me experience level."

Flint stepped back nervously. "Don't tell me you…"

Zaros raised his arms and laughed. "Let it be known, Ravenfield, that I came here seeking a fair fight under the assumption you were inferior to me. Now that I see you are indeed strong, I cannot allow myself to hold back on the punches. I have a schedule to keep and lives to take."

Fear welled up within Flint's chest. "Y-You can actually…?"

Zaros pressed his palms together and activated his aura. His Guardian rose to full height and channeled the same aura around its body. "The time for games is over. Experience a truly matured Guardian, one that has awakened its full potential. Meet my Awakened Guardian…Woden!"

The armor of the purple humanoid splintered and cracked open, starting from the chest and working itself to the head and limbs. A lighter purple glow pierced through the cracks in solid beams. Chips of the armor flaked off and orbited around the Guardian in rings. An immense pressure flooded the air, felt by Flint and Ambrosine.

The armor reached its limit and shattered off the glowing body like glass. The shattered pieces orbited around the Guardian as it floated above Zaros. The pieces then flew back into the Guardian, making a new appearance for it. Crystal bracers formed around the arms and legs with spikes protruding from the front. A chest plate formed over the torso with prominent shoulder spikes.

Pieces flew into the head and formed crystal-like hair and beard, resembling that of an old man in a way. Both were long and flowing. The final addiction to the transformation was a crystal bow forming in the right hand, with a thin crystal string shimmering with a prominent aura.

The Guardian ceased glowing and gently landed on its feet. The dark purple, smooth and featureless form of the Guardian was shown, save for its red eyes. It pulled back on the bow and aimed at Flint, displaying itself intimidatingly.

Flint stumbled back, gaping in horror. "An Awakened Guardian…"

Zaros smirked. "Good, you have done your homework. Is it not marvelous? Woden is the embodiment of my desire to hunt down all who stand in the way of my dream. Once it sets its sights on a target, they can never escape."

Flint gritted his teeth. The only thing I know for certain is, now that it no longer has its armor, the damage reflection will go back to him in full. If I can land just one punch-

"Don't bother." Flint's eyes widened as Zaros interrupted. "I know what you're thinking. If you hit me before I can attack, one solid punch should do me in. That's the risk if a Guardian is awakened without armor. Their defenses won't be as reliable." He smirked. "But I have no intention of fighting you up close. Woden's main method of attack is long range."

Flint gritted his teeth. I can't stop time, either. I may have to use a shield.

Zaros snapped his fingers. "Woden, show him your true power. End his life."

Woden pulled back on the string. An arrow of pure magic formed into the bow. With barely a second passing, it fired. Flint's eyes widened, feeling the arrow whiz past his cheek and strike the ground. He stood stunned for a second, wondering if it missed, when a cut exploded open from his cheek with blood gushing out.

"AAAAHHH!" Flint cried, grabbing his face and flailing onto his back. His magic aura flickered weakly as it tried to self-repair itself. Flint was in shock. It cut through my aura like it was nothing! I must be reaching my limit!

Zaros smirked. "My Guardian's arrows are quite special, but I won't bother with the explanations. You'll be dead soon enough." He pointed and shouted, "Now Woden, kill him!"

Woden pulled back and, with one flick of the string, sent a volley of fast arrows right for Flint. The sheer number of them petrified the Flareon, unable to move his legs.

His Guardian acted on its own and punched wildly into the arrows, faster than it ever moved before. A small space where Flint sat was safe from the arrows, but all Flint could see was a curtain of purple before him. Woden kept fire arrow storms with each firing, gradually increasing its firing speed after every few shots.

Zaros laughed out loud. "Isn't it wonderful, Ravenfield? This is the power I will used to assassinate my opposition! Once my Guardian has you in its sights, escape is futile! You won't be able to escape these arrows unscathed!"

Flint ignored him and kept willing his Guardian to keep going, while also trying to formulate and escape route. If he stopped time before Zaros could, he had a brief window to slip out and escape. However, the risk was too high. One miscalculation and he'll be stepping through those arrows himself. The Blockade Reflector was reliable, but could it withstand this much?

The Dark Mirror would've been useful, except he gave that back to Wes the other day. He didn't have it on him anymore.

Flint narrowed his eyes. If I can throw something marked with Verto, I might be able to switch places with it. He looked up, seeing nothing but the arrows that flew around his Guardian. But there's no way I can throw something through this intact. He pressed his paws to his face. Ugh, what am I going to-?!

He froze, feeling something warm dripping down his face. He pulled his paws back, stared at them blankly, then screamed as blood gushed out from them. He whipped his head back to his Guardian, now noticing the arrows were lacerating its hands.

What? There's no way those arrows are doing that much damage! My Guardian has been hit with worse! Why are they chipping away at its armor?! Is this that special ability Zaros mentioned?!

Zaros smirked. "I told you, you can't keep this up forever." He snapped his fingers.

Woden stopped and fired a single arrow, catching Flint off guard. The arrow pierced through Flint's Guardian's shoulder and ripped it off. Flint flinched as his foreleg jolted with pain. Woden resumed the arrow storm, with Flint's Guardian trying to hold it off with one fist.

The arrows took their toll and riddled the last arm to pieces. It tried kicked with its feet, but the arrows continued to shred through it. And with each limb taken out, Flint felt his aura growing weaker and more brittle. Cracks formed over both the Guardian and Flint's aura.

Zaros raised his finger and aimed directly for the Guardian's chest. "Everto."

Flint gasped in pain as the beam obliterated his Guardian instantly. It collapsed and broke into pieces before his eyes. Simultaneously, Flint's aura shattered to pieces, knocking him to the ground. His hat rolled off his head, smeared with his blood.

Ambrosine screamed internally. Flint!

Flint groaned weakly and tried to push himself up. He pulled himself with all his might and tried to crawl away, weakly gasping for air. He trembled pitifully. Got to…call…for help. His vision blurred. Someone…please…help me.

A foot stomped down on his back, shoving him through the crumbled road. Flint screamed as the air flew from his lungs. A hand pulled him up by the mane and lifted him to eye level with Zaros. His Guardian reverted back to its normal form, with its other fist curled tightly.

Flint whimpered weakly, tears flowing from his eyes. "P-P-Please…d-d-don't kill me…"

Zaros narrowed his eyes and smiled darkly. "Oh, dear sweet Ravenfield, we both know I can't take that request." He snapped his fingers.

All Flint could see after was a purple fist in his vision and a whole lot of blood.

"Mmm! These are delicious," Ebony cheered, licking her popsicle.

Team Shatter Star, having been released from the medical ward yesterday, were taking their defeat in strides. Krystal felt the team deserved a treat for their hard work, so they got popsicles.

Hugo narrowed his eye at his popsicle, which was held between his two fingers. "This is so small."

Ebony snickered. "Guess they don't have the big ones in stock."

Saffiro shook his head. "Well, either way, this was a great idea, Krystal."

Krystal smiled. "No need to thank me. You all worked so hard." She spun around and grinned brightly at them. "I'm so proud of you, team. Despite our failure, we gave the audience a show they'll never forget-ow!" Krystal winced after pumping her wing. She clutched it tightly.

Cybil narrowed her eyes sympathetically. "Cool it, Krissy. You're still recovering."

Krystal snickered sheepishly. "Sorry." She stuffed her popsicle in her beak and pulled it off the stick. She chewed loudly, much to her girlfriend's annoyance, but she didn't say anything.

Oswald finished off his popsicle before asking, "So, what do you think Team Ravenfield's chances of beating the Shadow Bringers are?"

"They've got one available guy," Ebony pointed out. "He's toast, even if they had a substitute." She tapped her chin. "Actually, do they have substitutes?"

Hugo sighed. "Best to worry about it tomorrow. This is a time to relax."

"True, true."

Focused on her popsicle, Cybil didn't notice Krystal stop suddenly, running into her. "Oof." Cybil shook her head, then narrowed her eyes at the Delibird. "What up, Krystal?"

Krystal stared blankly to her right, completely distant from her team. Cybil blinked, then looked at her with concern. She waved her hand in front of her face, not getting a reaction.

"Krissy?"

"Krystal, what's wrong?" Saffiro asked.

Krystal's face twitched with her teeth clenched together. "I heard…something."

"Something?"

A worried scowl fell upon her face. "Something feels off. Really off." Without another word, she threw her popsicle stick down and suddenly bolted through an alleyway.

"Wait, Krystal!" Oswald called out.

"Where are you going?" Cybil cried.

"After her!" Ebony ordered. The team chased after her, though they couldn't keep up with Krystal. She was injured and pushing herself. That set off warning lights in her team's heads.

If anyone were nearby, they would've heard the faint sounds of a Flareon being dragged through Hell. Time seemed to last forever in Flint's mind, unable to distinguish what was going on or how much time had passed. He was stuck in an endless cycle.

All he could tell was that everything hurts.

One blow to the right cheek, then one to the left cheek, then a flurry of punches beating into his defenseless body. Flint couldn't work up the strength to scream. He felt each individual punch rippling throughout his entire body. After what he assumed was a single minute, he reached his limit on pain recognition. He was numb from the adrenaline trying to keep him sane from the pain.

A hand grabbed him by the face and slammed it into the wall he was being punched against. The same hand then swung him face-first into the concrete road. He could feel something breaking in his face, possibly his skull. His vision was too blinded in red to see what was happening.

Standing above him, relishing his domination over the Flareon, Zaros smirked at the brutalized Flareon. His body was covered in his blood, with bruises and swollen injuries overtaking his face and torso. The blood dripped down his face, mixed with his sweat.

That was the exterior damage, though. Bones were broken, namely his legs. Flint wouldn't be able to escape now, even if he could stop Zaros for a moment. His skull had fractures across the front, nearly caving in. A few ribs were broken, with one puncturing his lung. Flint was struggling to breathe.

Zaros' Guardian lifted Flint, whose eyes were covered by his hair. Bloody tears trickled down his face. His jaw hung open limply. "Got nothing to say?" He chuckled. "Oh right, sorry, you have a punctured lung. I can get my target, but I sure as hell can't do it cleanly." He punched Flint across the face, knocking him to the ground.

A desperate wheeze escaped Flint's gaping mouth. He tried to move his leg, but Zaros stomped on his side, pushing on his damaged ribs. Flint breathed a silent scream. Zaros crouched down and lifted the Flareon's ear.

"It's funny, isn't it?" Zaros mumbled into his ear. "People like you go into danger looking for glory, forgetting we're all still mortal. No one lives forever. We all forget we can die. You and your friends have had a streak of luck surviving absolute destruction, but this is where that streak comes to die. After that, you're dust in the wind.

"You'll be tomorrow's news, just another life taken by a killer. Who wants to be remembered for that? Why not be remembered for a legacy? Even if someone were to kill me, I will have left a legacy. I won't be forgotten. That's what I want, to rewrite history and be remembered as the man who rewrote it all. Live or die, no one will forget me. Dictators are remembered and feared for their actions. Achievements are never forgotten."

With the strength he could muster, Flint glared through his hair. He couldn't speak, move, or breathe, but he wouldn't give into Zaros' mockery.

Zaros noted the glare. "Tch. To be honest, I'm surprised you're still alive. You should've died from your injuries by now. Why is that?" His eyes widened as he saw the orange glow going through the Flareon's hair and mane. It channeled through Flint's body. It wasn't healing him, that was for sure, but he wasn't dying either. "What…?"

"Zaros, stop!" Zaros stood up as Ambrosine ran out from cover. "That's enough! Haven't you tortured him enough?"

Zaros glared. "He was set to die a long time ago. Don't be surprised."

"No one deserves this! J-J-Just snap his neck or something! Stop torturing him like this!"

Zaros pushed her to the ground. "Silence."

Ambrosine groaned and held her head. She looked at the beaten Flareon and gasped at the orange aura cascaded over his body. What…is that?

Zaros overlapped his Guardian's fist over his own. "I don't know how you're clinging onto life, Flint Ravenfield, but I won't allow it any longer." He pulled back his fist. "Once an assassin has committed to a job, the deed is already done-!"

The Watchog became blindsided by three explosives striking his side. He grunted, knocked off his feet for a moment, and blinded by the resulting cloud of smoke. He waved his hand through it before narrowly dodging a balled-up wing that nearly struck his face.

"You BASTARD!" Zaros gasped as a second fist managed to strike his stomach. He felt magic light up and blow him backwards. The smoke cleared, with a pissed off Delibird scowling down at him. "Who do you think you are?!" She lunged onto Zaros and punched relentlessly at his face.

Zaros took three punches before blocking with his arms. His Guardian appeared and swatted Krystal in the side, aggravating her injuries. She flew into the walls, but landed on her feet, albeit unsteadily. Zaros lifted himself and wiped the blood dripping from his face.

"Krystal Frostwood of Team Shatter Star." He glared. "Tch. Just my luck."

Krystal panted lightly, then looked down at Flint. Her eyes filled with horror at the state he was in. She could see his aura flickering weakly, like a candle reaching the near end of its light. "F-Flint…" She bared her teeth, then snarled at the Watchog. "I won't ask again. Who the hell do you think you-?!"

Krystal spat out blood as his Guardian rammed its fist into her stomach. Her eyes briefly glazed over, trembling against the blow. Zaros adjusted his jacket and scoffed at her. "Don't you dare shout at me, you inferior whelp. I'll be sure to deal with you swiftly once I'm done with-"

Krystal cut him off with an explosion to the face. Zaros staggered backwards and immediately tried to retaliate with Everto, but Krystal blasted into him with Magno Chain, forcing him to recall his Guardian and block the explosives. Krystal stumbled in front of Flint and extended her arms out protectively.

"Be it me or someone else, I will not allow you to harm my comrade any further!" she shouted furiously. "Dare take a step forward and I won't hesitate to kill you!"

Zaros' throat rumbled with a deep growl. He stood up straight and adjusted his tie. "The very Delibird who defied defeat against Edwin. I'm starting to understand why he felt so lost fighting you." He glared. "You're the type who won't fall unless she's beaten dead. Are you prepared to suffer the same injuries as your friend, especially in your current state?"

Krystal bared her teeth. "I will not move from this spot! Not an inch! I won't let you hurt him!"

"Your funeral."

Krystal's eyes widened. In a blur, the Guardian swung its fist, moving faster than the Delibird could track. Its fist came in at a wide arc, curving into her face. She couldn't move in time, much less react to its approach. Zaros smirked gleefully as the fist made contact with her cheek. A moment after, she would be sent flying across the street and instantly taken out, perhaps even killed. All in the span of a split second.

Right as the impact began to register, a yellow light flew into the scene and cut straight through the Guardian's wrist. Zaros' and his Guardian's eyes widened as a bullet completely severed the hand and crumbled it to dust, saving Krystal of the attack. Zaros' eyes twitched in the direction of the shot, where a livid Furret was glaring blood murder at him.

"Keep your hands off my girl!"

The bullet bounced off a Ricochet Mirror and shot repeatedly through the Guardian, riddling it with holes. Zaros flinched as his body took half damage from the shots. "Tempus Point!" He quickly stopped time and recalled his Guardian. He jumped away from the shot and resumed time, unable to hold it for long due to reflexively activating it. "What on earth was-?"

"Impact Star/Barra Incantata!" Zaros looked up and rolled out of the way of a power strike and a flaming sword nearly crashing down on him. Oswald and Saffiro, however, glared right at the Watchog and redirected their attacks through the ground. The shock and heat of the attacks reached him and blew him backwards.

Zaros used his Guardian's arms to sponge the damage. Shit! They're all here?

A bandage cloth caught him by the neck and whipped him over to Ebony. She caught him by the windpipe and clutched down hard. She smirked evilly at him, but her eyes reflected pure rage. "Hey asshole, I heard you like beating people up!" She smashed his face into the ground and whipped him in the air. "That's my favorite pastime!"

Zaros growled. "Tempus Poi-!" Ebony struck him in the face, then punched furiously into him.

"Ra-Tatatatatatatatatatatatatatatata! Ra-Tatatatatatatatatatatatatatatata! RA-TA!" Ebony spiked him across the ground.

Zaros bounced off his back and caught himself on his hands and knees. His glass were broken, dangling off his face. His three assailants lunged at him with their weapons and fists ready. "Everto!" He fired three times and pierced through the three of them.

"AGH!" Saffiro, Oswald, and Ebony flew back and hit the ground.

Zaros panted heavily, then charged up an even more powerful Everto. "I won't have any more interference. Ambrosine! Heal me at once!"

Ambrosine quickly ran over to him. "We need to get out here! You can't take them all at once!"

"I can handle these ingrates just fine! You just worry about healing-!" A blinding glow shined from behind them. Ambrosine felt an intense heat against her body while Zaros became consumed in yellow flames. "What-?"

"Those who stray from the path of Arceus and commit such unforgiveable sins…" They looked up to the Trevenant glaring down them, channeling a powerful holy light through his staff. "-shall be judged in his presence!"

Zaros bared his teeth. The priest. Sh-Shit, I can barely move.

Krystal, after collecting herself, formed the Magno Chain and aimed it right at him. "You're completely surrounded. Surrender or we'll make sure you pay for what you did to our comrade ourselves."

Zaros bared his teeth. He wouldn't have a problem dealing with all of them at once, but it was Hugo that complicated things. If there was one type of magic Count Aeternus has told him to always avoid, it was holy magic.

Hugo knew this as well. "You will be judged for your sins!" He summoned a blazing sun in the palm of his hand, easily dwarfing the Watchog. The heat magnified the intense holy magic beating down on Zaros. "Heavenly Sun!" He chucked the flaming sphere at the two.

Zaros immediately grabbed Ambrosine and threw her out of the way. "Dark Escape!" A portal of darkness opened up in space.

"WAAAH-!" Ambrosine screamed, instantly swallowed inside.

Zaros summoned his Guardian and had it push against the flaming sphere. His Guardian's arms instantly caught fire and crumbled against the intense magic, but it had just enough time to kick it out of his range. Zaros panted, then tried to race for the portal.

"Friction Theft!"

Zaros felt the ground loose its traction and he slipped onto his face. He slid towards the portal, but Ebony caught him with her scarf and pulled him away without resistance.

"Hugo, lock him up!" Krystal ordered. "We won't let him get away with this!"

Hugo lifted his arms and scattered golden talismans from his leaves. "Barrier!" The scattered papers flew towards Zaros and started to form a barrier of light around him.

Zaros growled. This'll weaken me until I'm unable to cast a spell. He clenched his fist. But I am not one so easy to hold down! "My Guardian, throw me into the portal!"

His Guardian grabbed hold of his arm and, right as the barrier started to seal him inside, threw him out in time and into the inky portal.

"No!" Krystal shouted, trying to chase after him.

"Everto!" A dark purple beam stopped her in her tracks.

Cybil growled. "Bastard…"

Zaros poked him head out of the portal, glaring at the team. "Team Shatter Star, you've proven to be more trouble than I credited you for." He bared his teeth. "You have made yourselves official enemies of the Tribe of Shadows. Know your place, because you are now above sparing. You will die among our numbers."

"Quit the bullshit and fight like a man, you wussy!" Ebony roared, lunging at the portal. However, by the time Zaros dipped back in, it disappeared.

Hugo canceled the holy light and immediately raced over to Flint. He started to cast healing magic over him, but grumbled worriedly at what he saw. "His injuries aren't immediately fatal, but they will be if we leave him like this."

"Well, heal him, you idiot!" Ebony shouted.

"My magic is meant to treat and repair, but this is far beyond what I can do. There's no doubt one of his lungs has been punctured."

Krystal limped over to him. "We've got to get him to a doctor immediately."

"We may worsen his condition. The arena is too far away from here."

Saffiro narrowed his eyes for a moment, then gasped. "Morgan!"

"Huh?!"

"The Hypno guy! He's a doctor, maybe a surgeon! The caravan he's staying in is by the hotel! That's not far from here!"

Hugo nodded. "We have no other choice." He handed his staff to Oswald and picked Flint up. "I'm going to use my magic to keep him stable. Ebony, find Team Ravenfield and get them over to the hotel! Now!"

Ebony saluted. "I won't be long!" She sped off, disappearing around the corner.

"Hurry, we don't have much time!" Krystal ordered. Her team quickly, but carefully raced to the hotel. Krystal staggered from her new injuries, but Cybil got her wing around her neck and helped her walk. "Thanks." Krystal bit her beak fearfully. "…What if he-?"

"That won't happen," Cybil assured. "Come on, standing and worrying won't save him." Krystal nodded, then the two limped after their team, praying for the Flareon's life.