Chapter 7|Family Matters
The team ducked into the next room, which turned out to be the kitchen. A crude sink and stove lay in the corner behind an island. A stray boomburst nearly hit Eko in the back of the head, instead ricocheting off of a cabinet. Unlike most boombursts, Nevan honed his to the point where it bounced off of objects, getting weaker with each hit. This was something called a Signature, something Eko still didn't have. The clump of deadly sound waves knocked cabinet doors loose, Zoran sidestepping just in time to avoid being hit by one. Archer closed her eyes as the boomburst came straight at her, opening them to reveal Eko's wing. Eko scratched it off and crouched behind the cabinet to catch his breath. Zoran followed in suite, although they didn't have much time.
"Quit hiding, Eko," said Nevan, "You're only making this harder on yourself. Though I won't lie, I'll enjoy beating all of that sarcasm out of you."
"You got a plan, Eko?" asked Zoran, still clutching the rune tightly.
"I'm trying to think of one, we'll need to stall," he said. "Save your energy for when we get cornered." Nokori let out an ear splitting screech, stunning the three for a moment. This gave Nevan enough time to leap onto the island. Eko saw him charge up a flamethrower, Nevan shaking his head suddenly. Eko led Zoran and Archer into the next room. Nevan couldn't bring himself to destroy the mansion, so that could work to their advantage. Eko knew that he could use Flamethrower, Boomburst, Wing Attack, and Bite, so staying behind cover and getting out the way was crucial. His dad was getting old, so he was much slower. But, if he got his claws on them, they'd be as good as dead. Eko had an idea. As they dashed into the training room, Eko heard a commotion from upstairs, which was probably Inigo, Olivia, and Niko. Their only chance to escape was back through the cellar. Eko didn't want to fight, heck, he didn't even think he could stand a chance. His only goal was to get them out of there alive. The large room was filled with training dummies, some immolated, scratched, and even bitten. This was where Eko was taught to fight.
"Where are we going?" he asked as they weaved between the dummies and targets. "Isn't this a dead end?"
"Yeah," said Eko, staring down the stone floor towards a gong at the end of the room used to summon the family to train. "Head straight towards that, and get ready to duck."
"W- why?" asked Zoran.
"Just do it, I don't know if this'll work," said Eko. Archer chirped suddenly as Eko heard a disturbance behind them. 'This is going to hurt,' thought Eko. Zoran looked behind him to see a soundwave hurtling towards him. On instinct, he and Eko ducked, the Boomburst struck the gong at an insane velocity, ricocheting backwards and sending a thunderous boom through the air. Eko was going to use Nevan's strength against him. He attempted to cover his ears as tightly as he could as he dove to the ground, the painful sound still penetrating his large earlobes. Even Zoran's eardrums were in pain from the noise. Archer tweeted loudly in distress as well, Eko covering her with his wing. All three were lucky compared to Nevan. The blaring gong stunned him as he gave chase to the team, his much keener ears taking more damage than Eko's. Immediately after that, he was struck by his own richochetting Boomburst. Nevan fell to the ground, barely conscious.
"We did it!" exclaimed Zoran.
"Not yet," said Eko, his ears still ringing. He walked up to his downed brother. "He's just stunned for a moment."
"What are you going to do to him?" asked Zoran.
"Nothing, he's almost out and probably can't hear us. He'll be like this for a couple of minutes. Let's get out before my dad gets us." Eko, Zoran, and Archer hugged the side wall on the way back to the kitchen, Eko's dad nowhere in sight.
"Wasn't he behind Nevan?" asked Zoran.
"I think so," said Eko. "There's two rooms that lead out of the kitchen, so he could've gotten mixed up." They rushed back into the foyer, still no sign of Eko's dad. He looked around as Zoran went to open the door. The place gave him bad memories, and he felt great to finally be moving on. Although he already did this once, this time, he had come and made things right with Archer and got revenge on Nevan. Eko turned to see Zoran's frantic face.
'It's locked," he said, jiggling the door handle.
"Crap, we need to find another way out," said Eko. He turned around and scanned the foyer. They could escape out the window, although it was reinforced, enough damage could break it. He turned around again to see Zoran getting sent flying through the window, the rune slipping out of his grasp and onto the wood floor. Eko's melancholy mood was sent plummeting into fear, how could he have been so careless? Eko's dad stood menacingly in the doorway to the kitchen. Eko was speechless, his fear keeping him from escaping out the broken window.
"That's one taken care of," he said gravely.
"Y- you're insane," stuttered Eko, backing into the wall, memories of his abusive dad clouding the rest of his mind. Every good memory of him had vaporized.
"You break into my home and expect welcome?!" roared Nokori. Archer flew up into the air. "After I'm done with you, I'm killing your little bird friend and using that Sceptile." Eko crossed his wings to defend himself, barely blocking a Dragon Pulse that stung like hell. He fell to the ground from the impact, staring straight into his father's blood red eyes. Eko knew that Boomburst and Dragon Pulse couldn't kill, so he had to defend from Bite and Dragon Claw. Eko unsheathed his own to attempt to block the oncoming attacks. "That won't work."
The onslaught began, Dragon Claw after Dragon Claw, Eko barely being able to keep up with the frenzy. One pierced his defenses, drawing blood. Two… three. Eko's Dragon Claw was getting weaker by the second. Archer flew in and began pecking, harder than Eko had ever seen before, at his dad's ears, one drawing blood as well. He could've sworn she chirped, "Stop!"
"No! Get out of here, Archer!" exclaimed Eko, coughing up blood. He had never been a fast healer like the rest of the Pokemon out there. With his dad distracted for a moment, Eko crawled backwards as a survival instinct. Eko knew what was going to happen, and he couldn't stop it. His dad slammed Archer out of the air with his wings, and as the Fletchling let out a terrified chirp, he slashed her across her chest. Eko would never forget her terrified, dark eyes staring hopefully at him as she slammed against the ground. Rage filled him, memories of his time with Archer overtaking the thoughts of torture. She couldn't be dead… She couldn't… Eko looked at her non-moving body. This was not his dad, it was a monster.
"What happened to you? What would mom think?" asked Eko, letting out all his spite in desperation. "Why do you hate me? Just because mom loved me more?" Nokori Noivern froze angrily, kicking Archer's body to the wall. The rest of his family ran downstairs. He could hear Inigo whispering to Olivia.
"Is he actually going to do it?" he asked, his tone completely different. Radar was speechless.
"NONSENSE!" roared his dad, "If only you knew why she loved you. Could I even call it love? It was an obsession! Oh, I swear to Arceus if you knew... " From the looks of the rest of his family, they had no idea what he was talking about. "You weak coward!" Eko felt like he was on the edge of insanity, and for the first time, he spoke everything on his mind.
"Maybe I am!" declared Eko, determined to avenge Archer. "I've been out there. I know what friendship is, I know what wonder is, I know what it's like to feel free. I know what sacrifice is as well... fear. But no, dragons value power over everything, even love. This is exactly why the Paragon Alliance was right in killing dragons like you."
There was a tense feeling in the air.
"Did you actually just say that!?" exclaimed Inigo.
Violet added, "That brat has some guts."
Radar whispered, "I'm sorry, Eko."
"You… you no not of what you speak, son. You will regret those words," said his dad, Eko grinned, spitting blood on the ground.
"Of course I won't," said Eko, hoping that Zoran would come to. "We'll see how much of a coward I am."
Eko used the last of his ability to charge up his Dragon Claw. He had decided on it now, he would create his Signature, right here and then. He would be brave, and take initiative like he did for the first time back in the fight with Ivan. Instead of extending his claws with purple energy, he formed something else with it. He clutched it with his claws instead, not needing to grip it tightly. The hilt formed, then a massive purple blade emerged from his claw. A symbol of protecting, of bravery, and of initiative, Eko unleashed his Signature: Dragon Blade.
Everyone still watching from the stairs went silent. Eko couldn't hold this for long, his wounds still bleeding and his cuts from yesterday opening again.
Eko's dad stared in silence for a moment, before scowling.
"It's about time," was all he said. Eko seethed in rage.
Everything his dad said was about how much of a disappointment he was. From the time he couldn't kill that wild Deerling to him even only preparing a meal.
It was always, "I expect more from you, Eko."
And now, he didn't even believe that Eko should even deserve to be alive. Eko held out his sword towards his father, if he could even call him that.
Still, his grip wavered not just from his exhaustion, but from his fear and regret as well. Even as he looked into his eyes, he just wanted his dad to care and be proud of him.
Just like when his mom was still alive.
Eko's dad stepped back and unfurled his wing to the side. In his claw, Eko stood in horror and awe alike as he formed a curved, purple blade in his claw. A katana: a powerful, agile weapon used in the war.
"I do respect your choice," he said with a growl, swinging it at his son. "But no mere sword can overpower this blade that claimed many during the war. Show me what you're capable of."
Eko's siblings watched in horror, and he saw that Olivia took a small pace forwards but stopped herself. No, this was his fight.
Nokori swung his sword at Eko, who blocked. Eko clenched his teeth as his dad pressed their interlocked blades with immense power.
Eko's confidence faded as he realized just how different their strength was. Still, he maintained a determined facade as he attempted in vain to dispel the attack.
Nokori roared as he threw Eko's blade wide, knocking and pinning his son to the ground with his talons.
As Eko's vision began to go blurry, he saw his dad raise his sword to slice down on him. Eko's body wouldn't move, but he could hear the strained breathing of his dad. As their eyes locked for seemingly the final time, Eko saw something rare in his dad's yellow eyes: hesitation.
They were no longer bloodshot and crazed, but somewhat glossy.
"I used to actually care about you," croaked Eko in a last attempt to taunt his father. "What happened?" His chest swelled with fought-back tears. The entire household went silent.
His dad paused, chest heaving like a bellows.
"DO IT!" roared Eko with his remaining breath, closing his eyes in anticipation of the end.
Nokori swung his katana down.
And it stopped halfway as the Noivern's eyes shut in frustration and grief. He kicked Eko away and dispelled his katana, turning around and pushing himself past his family as he stormed up the stairs, mumbling,
"I can't do it, Rei. If only he knew..."
His mom. Eko's heart began racing as his dad disappeared from view. His thoughts were in shambles about what just happened. His dad spared him. He had a signature. The rune. Archer…
Inigo shrieked, pouncing towards Eko on the ground.
"Can't let you leave without a good-bye gift, Quinny," he rasped, licking his lips. Suddenly, a channeled soundwave smacked him on the back and launched him into the wall.
In the doorway to the kitchen, a Noivern with a floppy left ear leaned against the wall, glaring at his maniacal brother.
"Shut the hell up for once, Inigo," said Nevan. "Here's the deal, Eko. If you leave the rune here, we'll let you and that Sceptile run free and do whatever the hell you want. We'll find someone else."
Eko was dumbfounded but took the offer immediately as his feelings caught up to him. Nevan nodded at Olivia, who went over to take back the rune.
Even though his vision was blurry, he could tell that she hesitated as she walked over. Suddenly, she wrapped her wings around him tightly, pressing the rune hard against his chest. He winced, but deeply appreciated everything she's done… but Archer- he couldn't stop thinking about her.
Olivia pulled back with the rune, but not before clutching his amulet in her hands. She spoke softly and gravely.
"Don't lose it," she whispered, barely audible enough for him to hear. "Unite them. Love ya, Quinny. Stay cool."
Olivia retreated back to his family, who weren't questioning their exchange at all. Her words had already faded from his awareness, as Nevan took the rune.
Nevan kicked back Archer's motionless body and turned around, speaking over his shoulder. "You've got good friends, Eko. That Fletchling may not be dead yet." Eko took her in his claws and looked at her hopefully. There was still a pulse, but a mighty gash. She wouldn't last long. Eko wiped the tears away. There was still hope for her.
"And hey, bro," he said, tapping his shoulder with his claw. "Badmouthing dad like that takes some guts." Eko swore he saw a smirk form on his mouth.
"Now get the hell out of here," bellowed his brother with a proud but playful tone, nudging him slightly. "I don't ever want to see your face again! And for the record, that fight was pure luck!"
Eko took a final look at his siblings, Radar nodding, Inigo, Violet, and Niko with blank looks, and Nevan climbing up the stairs. He kicked off and painfully flew out the window to begin searching for Zoran. The journey home was going to suck.
The Audino taking care of Archer and Zoran at Leafre told Eko that both of them were in bad shape, but that they would both make it. Eko actually thought he'd lose them. Archer was surprisingly resilient for a feral Pokemon. Luckily, both were being healed at the hospital that lay near the west gate, so they could head back to Mysteria to tell the Guildmaster. Although, Archer would have a scar on her chest for the rest of her life. Eko was relieved, and looking back at his stupid little speech made him cringe after he realized Archer was still alive. Eko took the time to reflect on himself. What his dad said stuck with him. Was he even a dragon? He brought himself back down to earth, telling himself that there were both good and bad Pokemon of every type. Despite the heavy injuries they obtained and the fact that they failed to return the rune, Eko felt hopeful, twirling his pendant with his claws. They had important information to report.
Archer let out a happy but weak chirp after seeing Eko again, several hours later. Zoran rubbed his head. Eko literally had to carry Zoran in his talons and Archer in his mouth to get them back to Leafre. Although it was painful, it was worth seeing them okay. The Chansey at the hospital told him that he shouldn't fly for a couple of weeks to let his wings heal up.
"For some reason, you and that Sceptile don't seem to be healing like everyone else does," noticed the Audino. Eko nodded, and answered,
"I have a condition, and I think the Sceptile was hurt badly. We'll manage."
Zoran still looked beat up, but his wounds looked a lot better. Archer was bandaged up, so she was still in bad condition. Eko, on the other hand, looked like he was shot, slashed, and blown up, and even with the treatment, still hurt in some places.
"What happened back there?" asked Zoran. Eko sighed,
"I'll tell you on the way back."
It was a brutal walk back to Mysteria, all three of them looking banged up and getting looked at by passing Pokemon.
"So… what happened back there?" asked Zoran.
"My dad almost killed me… but he held back," said Eko after describing the details.
"Maybe he does have a bit of good in him after all."
"If refraining from killing you is what makes him good, you've got some serious moral issues," half-joked Zoran with wide eyes. Archer definitely agreed, exchanging a mutual understanding as she looked at Zoran.
"I- I just wanted him to be that good father again," said Eko, recalling his fond memories with his much more positive dad. "But yeah, he shouldn't take out his anger on us because mom died."
Zoran was quiet for a moment, an ocean breeze gently lapping against their bodies as they walked. "I- if you don't mind, how did your mom die?"
"A sickness. I don't know which one. I didn't even get to see- see…. See her body as dad buried her," recalled Eko.
"I'm sorry for bringing that up," said Zoran. "Sorry."
Eko felt bad for killing Zoran's vibe, so he decided to bring up something else. He chuckled. "Well, one good thing is that I created my Signature."
"REALLY?" exclaimed Zoran excitedly. "What is it- no! Don't tell me. Show me."
"Get ready for this," grinned Eko, holding out his wing and claw. Like before, a long purple blade and hilt formed in his claws.
"Bro, that is SICK! This only makes our story more epic now. A dragon… wielding a sword!" marvelled Zoran. Archer agreed by tweeting in praise. "I can't wait to get mine."
"Yeah… you got any ideas?" asked Eko.
"Not yet…" said Zoran, deep in thought.
As they approached Mysteria, Zoran brought up a burning question.
"So… do you want me to call you Quinn or Eko?" asked Zoran. Eko really wanted to answer with the former, as it was what his mom preferred. Yet, it's been so long that Zoran calling him Eko was normal.
"Just keep calling me Eko," he answered, satisfied with that name.
Back at the guild, they tried to avoid any contact with anyone else. Zoran never got the time to come up with a cover story, not being able to tell anyone that they failed. They only planned on telling the Guildmaster. Once they knocked on her door, she quickly opened it, as if she was expecting it.
"Thank Arceus you're okay. You two were gone for a while!" said Alice relievedly. "Would you please tell me what happened?" Eko and Zoran told her everything except for the location of the house.
"It's too late, the rune will be destroyed by the time we return. We got our asses kicked by Eko's dad," said Zoran.
"This is terrible, very terrible. I'll alert the other guilds about this, but I'll keep the urgency to a minimum," said Alice. "I don't have anything for you except a huge thank you."
"That's all we need," said Eko.
"Get some dinner and some rest, don't worry about this yet," said Alice, who looked like she was already worrying.
"Yes, guildmaster," said Eko, exhausted and wanting to sleep.
"These runes… what could they be?" she muttered as the two left the room.
Eko needed a break after that one. Thoughts swam in his head, about the secret runes and power they held. They assumed that he knew what their goal was, but he didn't! The power in those runes scared him. Could they destroy the world? Was he involved in it? What did they want to use Zoran for?
"I'm heading to bed," said Zoran.
"It's eight in the evening, and you spent like two hours knocked out, though," reasoned Eko.
"I'm tired," shrugged Zoran. "It's been a long day."
"Yeah, you can say that again," said Eko. "I'll be outside if you need me."
"G'night," yawned Zoran, heading off towards their dorm. Eko headed out towards the exit, passing excited voices in the halls. He had to hand it to this guild, they were treating him pretty well. The younger guild members loved him for some reason, while the older ones tolerated him. Maybe Justin could introduce him to the rest of the guild. It was supposed to feel like family after all. He could only hope as he bit his lip, exiting the commotion of the hall and into the cool night.
He looked up at the watchtower, where he used to spend most of his day. That seemed so long ago, his time at home feeling like a dream. His dream was coming true, and Eko was undoubtedly excited and anxious. He didn't want Team Endeavor to become the strongest team per say, that would garner him too much attention, and Eko didn't want fame.
Archer chirped from her perch on Eko's shoulder, nestled right next to his fluffy mane.
"It is really nice outside, Archer," said Eko, making his way around to the side of the hill. In reality, Eko wanted some alone time, where he didn't have to worry about anything. 'Nothing felt better than the evening air', he thought, which may have been due to his nocturnal instincts.
The side of the guild had a few rows of hedges that ran down the hill towards the forest. Their mangled branches may have once yielded fruit and berries. The thought of fruit tantalized him, but he wasn't hungry. Visions and whispers of his childhood forced their way into his mind. His mom and dad teaching him to fly. Him and his brothers playing tag in the forest. Archer tweeting alongside him by the lake as he whistled a tune.
He let his mind drift into fantasy. Visions of him and Zoran fighting a giant Golem, performing badass attacks to defeat it. He envisioned his Signature, and how versatile he had made it. He had so many different weapons to try out with it, like spears and axes. Maybe he could even dual wield.
He thought about the runes, and fantasized Team Endeavor saving the world through daring feats and dangerous battles, protecting the land from the Dragons. He'd go down as a legend in the story books: the Divergent Dragon.
"Hey," a feminine voice piercing through the evening air. Archer tweeted in alarm. Eko shot his neck around in alarm, looking up towards the source of the voice. It came from a Weavile, perched atop the guild roof. She sat with her arms wrapping her knees, like a toddler.
"W- what, why how did you get…," sputtered Eko frantically. He blushed embarrassedly. "Hey, Winter."
Eko was worried that she was going to haze him or something, but her voice sounded playful and gentle. For a Dark type, she was pretty cheerful.
"Where's Zoran?" she asked.
"Uh. He went to bed early," replied Eko, sighing audibly.
"Job didn't go too well?" she asked. Eko paused.
"It was okay," he replied simply.
"Nobody gave you trouble, did they?" asked Winter, inching closer to the edge of the roof.
"Nah, but I- I don't really mind," said Eko awkwardly. Eko wanted to leave the conversation, but didn't see how he could do it without being disrespectful. Did she even count as a friend? Well, if she wanted to see him, then she tolerated him. He started up some uncomfortable small talk. "So… what's been going on at the guild?"
"Nothing much. Except the kids want to start going on dangerous missions, all thanks to you," she laughed.
"I'm not even that good of a fighter," sighed Eko.
"From what I've heard, you're tenacious," said Winter. Archer chirped in agreement. "I bet you and Zoran will become Frontier Explorers in no time."
"Thanks," said Eko, not knowing what else to say.
"So why are you out here?" asked Winter, getting to the point. "A fierce Dragon like you shouldn't be sulking on his own."
Eko knew it was a joke, but it still hit deep. He didn't feel mad at her, just disappointed in himself.
"I'm just chilling out here," said Eko, staring off into the stars which glistened in the sky. A nice breeze blew by as Archer nuzzled closer towards Eko's neck. Eko turned to find that Winter was sitting right next to her… Surely, she didn't like him like that, right? Eko's anxiety flared. No. Probably not.
"I know how you feel," she sighed. "Us Dark types don't get a good rep either. At least you Dragons get a rep for being smart and powerful. We're just seen as evil low-lifes."
"Pokemon shouldn't judge Dark types. Unlike my kind, they did nothing wrong. My ancestors made bad decisions… and now we're facing the consequences," said Eko. "I don't blame you if you hate me."
Winter pulled Eko's head to face her.
"Why would I hate you, silly?" said Winter. "You've done nothing wrong too. Meanwhile I've… some things I'd rather leave behind."
"Same," said Eko, the conversation tiring his social battery extremely quickly. "There's nothing wrong with dark types either. I just think of you as… what's the word… mischievous."
Winter cackled. "That's a perfect word for us!"
Eko cracked a smile.
"I don't think I've ever seen a Dragon smile," said Winter. "Well, one that's not a sneer or something like that."
"Well, now you have," said Eko.
"How ironic is it that you're one of the nicest Pokemon I've met, aside from my Team of course?" said Winter.
Eko blushed. A small "really?" croaked out of his mouth.
"Yah," said Winter, stretching. "Well, I'm calling it a night. Maybe we can do a job tomorrow together. Two teams on a small adventure!"
"Maybe," said Eko, partially relieved to be left alone again. She punched him gently in the shoulder.
"G'night," yawned Winter, walking to the front of the Guild hall.
"Hold on," said Eko, mustering up the courage to say something. It would definitely be the first time a Dragon had said these words.
"Yeah?" asked Winter, turning around.
"I- it's been nice talking to you," said Eko, grinning at her. Archer chirped quietly.
"You too," said Winter, returning the smile.
Eko proceeded to then take about fifteen minutes to review and pick apart everything he said to her. Did she like him? Did the guildmaster tell her to do this? Was it an act? Did he sound like a stuttering idiot? Did he make sense?
In the end, the atmosphere calmed him down, and he decided to head back to the room. He was sort of nervous about the idea of joining Team Ace, a powerful team, on a job, but also looking forward to it if it happened. He tried clearing his thoughts as he drifted to sleep, not knowing what the next day would bring.
Zoran had dreams that night… nah, he'd call them visions. They were flashes of unfamiliar scenes that he couldn't control or move around in. One depicted a dark chamber-like area, black stones forming a maze of hallways. He was running from something, but he didn't know what… It was a low buzzing noise, but it was chasing him. He sprinted around a corner as his view shifted to the inside of a cell, lit by what seemed to be sunlight. There was no one inside.
Then, a beam of light. It was brownish orange. His view circled around it as eight smaller pillars of light joined it, the blinding lights consuming his entire view.. The awe didn't register until his visions dropped him in a blank white room.
"Huh, where am I?" he thought, standing up. He was still a Sceptile, but he could move around at least. Upon walking one way a bit, he discovered that it wasn't a white room, but a vast void. Thinking about being stuck here drove him insane.
"Hold on, hold on, hold on," said Zoran out loud. He smiled. "This is a dream, ain't it?" He wasn't expecting a response, but he got none. Feeling foolish, he decided to try to summon something: a giant castle.
To his disappointment, nothing happened.
As if a joke by fate itself, something did happen. Sand began to flood the void, forming a vast desert. Zoran gasped in awe as a giant sandstone castle rose out of the sand with many spires that slowly escalated like a pyramid. Then, everything disappeared… except for the tallest spire. The tower disappeared, and the point slowly morphed into another pyramidal rune. Even though there was nothing left except for it, Zoran could still feel a breeze as his vision faded. A soft desert wind whisked him away into a deep slumber. And in the morning, his memories of the vision faded with the rising of the sun.