Chapter 9|The Chosen
Li and Richard tried everything they could to pull Hix out of the beam of light. Whatever was happening to him… it wasn't good.
"You may harm him if you pull him out!" warned Remus.
"They're sacrificing him!" grunted Richard, forcing his injured body into the glowing beam emanating from the center of the ritual. "He'll be dead if we don't get him out!"
Li was crying.
"Brother, Hix, please!" she sobbed, tugging on the beam.
Richard wasn't going to give up.
"The blood!" exclaimed Remus, pointing to the eight circles around the circle. Five out of eight of them were lit up brighter than the others. Richard immideately realized what it was: a countdown.
Saphira ran down the stairs all beat up, while Richard fell to the ground.
"I beat Misty, boing!" she announced before looking at the scene. Her face fell slack. "What's happening?"
"They've still got Hix!" exclaimed Richard, going back into the beam of light and grabbing onto Hix's wing. He wouldn't budge, and his fingers felt like they were getting ripped off. He pulled his hand out quickly.
"I got him!" exclaimed Saphira, quickly dashing towards the beam of light. "Rollout!"
Her body bounced right off the beam, making Richard realize something.
"Only fighting types can enter that thing!" he exclaimed, looking at the beam. A whooshing sound emitted from the beam now, and there were only two more blood spots left.
"What were those blood things?" asked Richard.
"They took some from each of us," said Remus. "Us fighting types."
"I get it," said Richard, rearing back. He backed up to the edge of the room, giving him ample running space. He didn't even think about the consequences. He would've given his last words if he ended up dying from it, but he didn't want anyone to interfere. He ran full speed towards the beam of light, putting his remaining energy into one Dynamic Impact.
"What are you doing?!" exclaimed Remus.
"Stop, you'll hurt him!" exclaimed Li. Richard knew he could take it.
He leapt into the beam, his face and fist burning as he entered it. He found his mark on Hix's chest, knocking him straight out of the beam of light, but Richard didn't have enough momentum to escape, and no energy to move. His body, mind, and soul were burning up. He let out a scream in a voice that wasn't his own, slowly being drowned out by the deafening whirring of the energy.
Clef pulled himself and Thames back up through the window on the side of the wall to see a confusing and terrifying scene. Hix was crumpled at the base of the staircase, Li knelt beside him and cried. Remus was calling into the light beam, which meant someone was still in there. Around it, there were eight brown glowing spots on the ground.
"It is complete," muttered Thames, still wrapped inside Clef's vines. The light became blinding as Richard's screams resonated from the center of the ritual.
"Richard!" shouted Clef, dropping Thames to rush in and try to get him out. His vines couldn't even touch the beam without burning.
"Not the ideal subject," said Thames. "But this will do."
"What have you done to him?" demanded Saphira.
"He shall be reborn," answered Thames as the light filled the entire room, making everyone shut their eyes. Saphira cried out as well, matching Richard's screams.
Then, silence.
The light receded, and Richard was standing in the middle of the ritual circle, looking perfectly fine. The Machop observed his hands and feet for any changes.
"Richard!" exclaimed Saphira happily, running towards him. Richard turned towards her and punched her hard with his bruised fist.
"What are you doing, Richard?" screamed Clef, torn between helping Saphira and confronting his friend.
"Ah, so my host's name was Richard," said Richard, making Clef's heart sink. He shook his bruised hand. "Ouch, I thought you guys would give me a healthy one."
"We ran into problems," mumbled Thames.
"Oh, you got beat up," said the soul in Richard's body. "Well, good job on getting me here, at least."
"Who are you, and what did you do to Richard?" demanded Clef, clutching Saphira in his arms. Saphira was too stunned to speak, from the punch and the news.
"I'm just in his body," said the possessor. "Who knows where his soul went?!" The guy laughed. "My name is Tako, but I have no need to explain more."
"He'll be here to collect you soon," said Thames. "You're the third one."
"That's good, that's good," said Tako/Richard, punching the air. "At least I'm in a familiar body. Now what should we do about these guys?"
"Show them your power, but there is no need to kill them," said Thames, standing up weakly. The birds were cowering in the cell when Tako did a few jumping jacks.
"Alright, I think this is what I can do," said Tako, his tongue dangling out his mouth. He dashed over to Clef with blinding speed, his fist raised.
Before he could react, his knuckles were dug into Clef's chest. The fist drained all remaining energy from Clef, immediately sending the world into darkness. The Servine crumpled to the ground.
"Ah, that hurt," said Tako, shaking his hand out. Everyone gasped, Saphira standing up against him.
"Give him back!" shrieked Saphira, "I know he's still in there!"
"Sorry, girl, but he's gone," said Tako, inspecting his knuckles.
"NO!" exclaimed Saphira, running in for an attack.
"Don't do it!" exclaimed Remus, running out to stop her from attacking. Saphira tugged against the Lucario, but his strength overwhelmed her's.
Tako chuckled, "Good choice." He paced the room, looking over towards Thames. Over Saphira's screams, Thames said,
"He's gonna be here soon."
"Who? Is it this Dravus I've heard about?" asked Tako with a grin.
"Ah, speak of Giritina," said Thames, looking out the hole in the wall. Saphira had to squint to see it, her eyes still filled with tears. A dark silhouette loomed over the sun, which was about to disappear behind the mountains in the distance. It was flying, and it was getting closer.
Saphira gasped, going silent and halting the struggle. The figure had two jagged wings, a wide maw, two giant claws, and a long thrashing tail. Its yellow eyes glowed as it approached and hovered right outside the window.
The Druddigon spoke in a harsh, booming voice. It was all too familiar to her. The memories returned: a village in flames, bodies littering the ground. A large figure stomping around as she was helpless to do anything. Pure evil. It was the Druddigon that killed her village. Ever since then, she had told herself that she would stand up to Dragons if she ever saw them. But now, she felt fear. Who was she kidding? She didn't have the will to fight that thing!
"I see it has been completed. Good work, Thames," rasped Dravus, the Druddigon.
"I wish I could fly," pouted Tako, jogging over to the dragon and hopping on.
"What shall we do about the others?" asked Thames.
"Leave 'em," said Dravus. "They've been through a lot." The dragon grinned at everyone cowering in the cell. "They'll be part of the new world."
Thames breathed a sigh of relief. Killing the victor of the battle would dishonor him. But they will win the war.
"Oh, a Fairy?" sneered the Druddigon, spotting Saphira in Remus' arms. "From Grayhaven, I presume?"
After what she'd been through, a small bit of courage surfaced from somewhere inside Saphira.
"You're a monster!" exclaimed Saphira. "You've taken everything from me!"
"Except your life," said Dravus. "War isn't personal."
"That's a lie!" exclaimed Saphira. "You don't know what it's like to care for people!" The Druddigon scoffed.
"Everyone cares for someone, fairy. Sometimes it's just themselves," said Dravus. "Where's Misty?"
"I defeated her," said Saphira, gathering every bit of confidence in her body. "I'll defeat you, too!"
She charged at the Druddigon. Dravus bellowed out flames, licking every inch of Saphira's body. She didn't stand a chance.
Remus rushed to help Saphira, who wanted to get up and keep fighting. She just couldn't do it. She was worthless. She couldn't avenge her village.
She couldn't protect her friends.
"Later!" exclaimed Tako as the three zoomed off into the sky as the sun finally disappeared behind Zhando. Saphira, the last member of their team standing, finally collapsed in utter defeat.
Saphira woke to a view of a thatched roof, wooden beams supporting the building. Her memory was fuzzy, and her entire body ached. She felt depressed, even though everything hadn't come into focus yet.
"You're finally awake," mumbled a solemn voice from nearby. It was the voice of Riley, who was unconscious through the entire fight.
"What, where's that Druddigon, I'm gonna beat that thing up for taking Richard?!" exclaimed Saphira, thrashing in her bed.
"There's nothing we can do," sighed Riley. "But Hix is all right at least."
"Why are you taking this so lightly?" exclaimed Saphira. "Richard's gone! We have to get them back."
Riley pointed at her deadpan face. "This is how I deal with trauma." Saphira didn't know how Riley felt inside. She wanted to kill herself for not being there. If her stupid self weren't unconscious… Richard and Hix could've both gotten out of this.
"But… but…," said Saphira, sitting up and letting her eyes go out of focus.
"We're gonna get him back," said Riley, with a small smile, looking around the empty house. They were back in Baino, where the doctor had left them overnight. Hix and Li were sleeping in the back of the room. "He's still in there, we'll save him."
"You're right, we will!" exclaimed Saphira. Riley cocked her head sideways.
"Something's different about you…" muttered Riley.
"What do you mean, boing?" asked Saphira. Riley laughed.
"There it is," she chuckled.
"Stop making fun of it!" chided Saphira. "I don't mean to say it, boing!"
"Nevermind, nevermind," said Riley, looking out the window to a bright Baino Village. There were young flying and fighting types running around, and the village was much more lively than their hazy visit yesterday. Hix, Li, and the others were now saved. Richard sacrificed himself for this, and he'd probably say it was worth it.
"Where's Clef?" asked Saphira.
"He's outside," replied Riley. "He isn't taking it very well."
"Oh," said Saphira. "I'll talk to him."
"Just… mind what you say, alright?" asked Riley. Saphira nodded and exited the building. The sun seemed to be mocking her. It was shining joyously, but everything was not okay. Richard had his body stolen, and she couldn't stand up to that fiend Dravus. But she wouldn't show that to everyone else, since they were all happy.
Clef was sitting on the hill, just above the cave where they fought and saved Corvus.
"Hey, Clef!" called Saphira. Clef gave her a melancholic wave as he looked up towards the sky. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it, boing?"
Clef sighed as Saphira sat down beside him.
"We're going to get him back," said Saphira. "He did it for Hix."
"I know, it's just…" said Clef. "I'm scared, you know? Remus told me about that Druddigon. If we're going to get him back, what are we up against? Like, what are we getting ourselves into? Someone just possessed Richard and absolutely demolished me!"
"You won a fight against Thames, that's worth something, boing!" exclaimed Saphira. "Like I won my fight against Misty."
"I had a type advantage," said Clef.
"That's why you fought against him, wasn't it, boing?" asked Saphira, thinking about Richard. What Riley said stuck with her. The time for mourning wasn't now. Richard was still alive, and he definitely wouldn't've wanted them to sulk around and do nothing. "Richard would want us to celebrate our victory."
Clef smiled at her, "You're right. I'm gonna get stronger for him, and for the rest of the world."
"Something's going on," began Saphira, looking at all the happy faces in the crowd. Riley had exited with Hix and Li, "but we can only prepare for the future, right? One day, we'll be strong enough to defeat dragons."
"Yeah. Uh, thanks, Saphira," said Clef, getting up. Saphira, Clef, and Riley celebrated the return of the kidnapped Baino villagers for a few hours. Remus had gone straight home. Corvus approached us, looking considerably less dark than normal. There was a glint in his beady eyes.
"Charizard, lose some weight," he laughed. "I could barely carry ya."
"You were the one that carried us here?" asked Riley, remembering Richard's teasing.
"I owe ya for freeing my pathetic self," said Corvus. "But that fight was a fluke. If you wanna fight me, I'm ready for ya any time!"
"We'll pass," said Riley with a small chuckle.
"Good luck out there!" he called as they headed to Robin's place.
"You too, Corvus! Keep Baino safe!" called Saphira. Baino was much nicer and peaceful now that the fog was gone. The dirt streets were visible, and the curved and narrow roads between the humble cottages. It gave the village a quirky and quaint vibe to it, rather than a ramshackled one. Everyone liked it here.
Robin's place was as homely as ever. Although they'd only visited once, it felt nostalgic to be in there again.
Saphira was engulfed in feathers as Robin hugged her, tears in her eyes.
"I don't know what to say but thank you, explorers!" she sobbed. "You brought them both back!"
Saphira smiled, feeling a lot better about Richard. She couldn't imagine what it would be like if they returned without Hix. She would've done what Richard did.
"Where's your Machop friend, Richard?" asked Robin. "I didn't see him come to the village?"
Everyone was silent, but Riley said a bold statement.
"He went straight to the Guild, with that Lucario," lied Riley. No one would deny it. That would put a dent in the happy vibes.
"That's too bad," said Robin. Hix and Li exchanged worried looks.
"Well, we have to head back to the Guild. Riley has to go clear her name for a crime she didn't commit," said Clef, feeling increasingly sad.
"Oh dear," said Robin nonchalantly.
"It's been a pleasure helping your village," said Clef respectively.
"See ya, guys!" exclaimed Riley.
"We'll visit often!" exclaimed Saphira. Suddenly, Hix dashed up to them. He had a determined look in his eye, the one they saw when he decided to join them.
"Let me join your Guild," said Hix. "Please."
Clef definitely didn't know what to say, and Riley was unfortunately at a loss of words as well.
"You are not. One adventure is enough for you right now. Maybe when you are older," said Robin. "You can't leave us again!"
Saphira agreed with Robin for this one. Joining the guild was a big commitment, so doing so meant he'd have to leave Baino.
"I've proved myself!" exclaimed Hix.
"You have, but who's going to protect your family? Corvus can't protect the village himself!" said Saphira. "The Guild will always be waiting, but your village is your family for now. You're still young, boing!"
"See us when you're fifteen!" exclaimed Riley. Hix looked at Robin and at Li, and finally nodded.
"We'll see you some other time, boing!" saluted Saphira, leaving the house. Riley sighed.
"Four days into my life, and all of this happens."
"That's life in a guild, for you," laughed Clef. "We're going to do some bigger things."
"You got that right, boing!" exclaimed Saphira, kicking a loose pebble on the road. Every bird that they passed waved them off as they approached the bridge and crooked sign that still read: BAINO VILLAGE.
They all exhaled at the same time as the sound of wings approached them from the back.
Hix and Li had went to give them a final goodbye.
"Will Richard be alright? I… I owe him my life," said Hix sadly. Saphira crouched and put her stubby paw on his shoulder.
"Richard knew what he was doing," she smiled despite herself. "With us on the case, Richard'll be back in no time, boing!"
"Thank you for everything," said Hix, even though those four words couldn't express half of his feelings. He still didn't cry.
Saphira had beads dripping from her eyes, Clef and Riley donning warm smiles.
"So, goodbye, guys!" exclaimed Saphira as the three departed. Hix and Li shouted,
"THANK YOU!" and "BYE!", waving until the three disappeared into the mountains. Hix would never forget them.
Back at the guild, Remus had already informed the rest of the guild about what happened, tending to his son who was now in the process of recovery. The final approach to the looming guild hall was especially depressing for the three. They received varied looks from the Pokemon there. Some were glad to see them, some relieved. Others scowled and looked shocked, shaking their heads. Kenjo luckily, was part of the former.
They bowed as Sensei Kenjo approached them. He bowed back. "I am sorry for assuming. Thank you for getting Professor Remus back."
"That's fine. It was all understandable," said Riley simply, crossing her arms.
"We couldn't save Richard, though," said Saphira, clenching her paws. Kenjo put his hand on her shoulder.
"You've saved many lives. Richard knew the risks," said Kenjo. "I regret telling you to go, yet I do not. You have done an incredible job."
"We're not done yet," said Saphira. "We're going to get Richard back."
Kenjo frowned.
"Remus told me you were going to say that. I am afraid we must wait," said Kenjo.
"We can't wait!" exclaimed Clef. "Who knows what they'll do to him?!"
"He was possessed, so they will not abuse his body. You have already uncovered something big," said Kenjo. "You can return to the Guild."
Saphira looked like she was about to say something, but Clef bowed.
"Thank you, Sensei," he said. "Now, how about I join your exploration team, huh?" Saphira couldn't help but feel excited about that. Riley felt uncomfortable about sharing a room with a guy, but she didn't show it. She too was excited.
"Our team name makes a lot more sense now, doesn't it?" said Riley. "For Richard?"
"I intended it to be named for the ones who died in Grayhaven, boing… but that only makes it more fitting!" exclaimed Saphira determinedly.
"Damn right it does," said Clef.
"Just wait for us, Richard!" exclaimed Saphira.
End of Part 1
Thanks for sticking with this story if you made it this far. This was written a while ago, and even though I polished it up a bit, the writing is a bit shaky I feel. However, the plot points are here and the story's just getting started! I would appreciate constructive reviews, both negative and positive or a bit of both, but reading this far is enough for me considering I never intended on making this public. If you're still interested, stick around for a completely separate but parallel story in the next Part of this Prologue Book: Exordium, A Dragon's Blood.