Author's Note: And finally, Chapter 2.9 is up and running. Sorry it took a while to come out.

I'm feeling in a better state now, so I'm hoping this chapter will make up for the last one. Plenty of action this time, and there are some significant details which should upend alot of conceptions about what is happening in GoB. Or at least, get folks thinking.

Hope you enjoy it!


EPISODE II - DARK, WONDEROUS PAST

CHAPTER IX - THE DARK POWER

Kaliani groaned with a wheeze, slowly slipping back into consciousness. As her mind sharpened back into focus, she quietly begged for it all to be just a dream. Every bad thing that had happened so far had to have been part of a nightmare. She was still on her bed, trying to recover from the pirate attack.

That hope was dashed the moment the feeling of her legs tied together faded back into existence, her wing dragging along the smooth stone.

Oh Arceus… what happened? Zeke was so friendly and… and…

The memory of Zeke tearing apart the nurse… those teams… she had barely held onto consciousness. But she was awake enough to see all of that death.

It hadn't been the first time she had come across it, but nothing like that…

W-Where are we now?

On cue, the pressure around her legs vanished and weakly, the Trumbeak opened her eyes.

A grey sky formed above her head, shrouding her surroundings in a faint cloak, not enough to make everything to be wrapped in shadow, but enough to blur out a few details. A tall grey wall appeared before her, its surface visibly smooth and engraved.

That was before she saw Zeke. The Electrike had his back turned to her as he inspected the wall. A dark green energy flowed lazily around him. The same green energy that had killed those Pokémon. Her heart began to race as Kaliani tried to pick herself up, but her stupid legs again failed her. A jab of pain shot up them as she crumpled back into a heap.

She couldn't hold the cry.

The Electrike's head snapped around, a glowing green eye-locking onto her.

"God god!" Kaliani squawked in a panic, trying and failing to shove herself backwards.

Zeke – no – that thing revealed a cold, bemused smile. "Ah. Ye ave awokn. Idel tymeing. Bes not kepe thy waiten."

The language he spoke might as well have been gibberish, and it didn't help her increasingly rapid breathing and heart rate. "W-What do you want from me!?" she cried out, "What did we ever do to you?!"

The creature chuckled as he turned and approached, a green tendril beginning to scrape the stone ground behind him. "I wole nee thine ichon."

Vainly, Kaliani tried to retreat again, and once more, couldn't slip away. The tendril slipped forward, rising above her as the tip sharpened into a point.

"No! No!" Kaliani screamed, "Don-"

The tendril shot forward.

And pricked her shoulder, retreating just as quickly as it came, the tip coated in a thin layer of blood. Hissing, the Trumbeak fell onto her back, a wing instinctively reaching for the wound as the entity turned away, inspecting the blood. "My ichon wole be expelled. Thou lyfefor shal suffien."

He approached the wall, stroking the tendril across the stone surface with a simple movement. Kaliani's heart started to slow, if only while trying to process what was happening. He… he just needs a little of my blood?

It was in that moment, the sky suddenly brightened. Wincing, she shielded her eyes as she tried to look up. The clouds had evaporated away, leaving the bright form of the sun shining above her head.

Her captor didn't seem to physically react. "Thou poor succeonor cometh. It mattos not."

Faint glowing lines began to form across the wall, a near-silent ping ringing out as the entity took a couple of steps back, the tendril withdrawing and the energy tightening around him.

This is insane! I… I've gotta get out of here!

Finally, her legs gained the strength to lift her upright. She quivered, a twitch in her wings confirming that she was in no state to fly.

That left no alternative.

She turned and ran, heart racing as she struggled to hold her balance, desperately looking for an exit.

The entity didn't care about it's captive fleeing, instead, it continued to inspect the wall, it's glowing lines spreading and starting to form new shapes. "Zaiell… I shal se what hepen…"


Team Audacity moved at a steady pace, making their way around the crater rim for the tower. As they reached the foot of the stairs, Alice reached into her satchel and pulled out the yellow disc that Rex had given her. "We better use these first, might not get another chance to learn a move."

Sam couldn't deny she had a point. Slowing down, the Scorbunny pulled out the grey TM from his bag. However, a lump swiftly formed in his throat. He had no idea how to use the disc.

Alice isn't going to give me that answer so easily.

He did flick his gaze her way, noticing the Buneary staring at her yellow disc, as if mesmerized by it. With a frown, Sam looked back towards the TM in his hands, focusing his gaze on the shiny surface. He tried to spy little details there, blemishes, scratches, circular lines… stuff that was becoming more obvious.

Before his eyes, a pattern began to form. Covered in circles, arcs, lines and other shapes, he started to see bright white colours appear too. Getting brighter every second.

He only tore his gaze away when the disc itself flashed him, but it was too late, that mysterious pattern imprinted into his vision before fading away. A cold tickle ran at the base of his skull, and Sam quietly moaned as the image faded away. "Looks like we're all set." Alice said, putting her TM away.

"That was it?" Sam questioned with a groan, moving to do the same.

"Weird pattern flashing in your eyes? Yeah."

Shaking his head once more, Sam started to jog up the rocky stairs. "I'll take your word for it. Come on."

Each step wasn't that tall, making it pretty easy for the two small rabbits to pick up speed. But each step was massive, as if they were not only easy for small Pokémon to climb, but had plenty of room for bigger ones too. But Sam couldn't think about the universal nature of these steps. Zeke and Kaliani had to be ahead, he was sure of it.

Soon, the tower itself appeared before them. It was more than fifty metres tall, and was surrounded by a grey stone wall of around twelve metres, itself made of brick. Three arches offered a gateway into the complex.

Sam's frown deepened as they slowed, scanning the plain wall and the tower itself, which now he was closer looked more like a blunt obelisk than a castle tower. But that wasn't why he was frowning. This feels… familiar… almost like I've…

The image of a burning castle flashed across mind's eye, the Scorbunny nearly went as still as a statue. A dream! This looks the castle in my dreams!

It had been one of the dreams he was plagued with. A castle under siege, a giant battle being waged. Two powerful Pokémon clashing against each other…

This place looks so similar!

But this isn't a castle… it doesn't look as well fortified. Especially with that obelisk… what is this place? It's too open to be an outpost, and too far out of the way for trade I guess…

The answer suddenly became obvious.

A Temple…

Alice had crept ahead of him, and jerking back to attention, Sam widened his stride to keep pace.

But as they reached the last few steps, a black and white bird stumbled out from one of the arches, a surprised cry echoing from her orange beak as she tripped, and started to tumble down a step.

Gasping, Sam leapt forward, throwing his body weight at the Trumbeak and holding the bird up from hitting the ground. "Got you!" he exclaimed.

The Trumbeak let out a yelp as her feet settled underneath her. "W-Who-hell!?"

"Calm down!" Alice barked, clamping a paw onto the bird's shoulder. "Kaliani right? We're Rescuers!"

Kaliani blinked rapidly, gulping in fresh air as she worked to calm herself down. With a ruffle of her body, she shakingly stepped clear of Sam's arms, "About damn time…" she panted.

Sam raised a brow, Damn, she recovered quick.

"Are you hurt?" He asked, leaning from side to side as he checked her over.

"Nani, just a bit… shaky." She replied, her legs quivering for a moment. "W-We need to get out of here though!"

Feeling himself relax at the words, Sam let out a quiet sigh. Against the odds, Kaliani was in one peace. He was glad for that.

That was one half of the mission covered. As for the other half…

Narrowing his eyes, Sam peered past Kaliani towards the arches. "What about Zeke? Is he after you?"

"Zeke?! He just got some blood off me and started staring at that tower thing! I don't think he even cares now!"

Wincing, the orange-beaked avian lifted her wing, revealing a tiny patch of blood on her shoulder. Alice's brow furrowed, "That's it? He just wanted some blood and let you go?"

"I-I don't know!" Kaliani barked, "He's speaking some nonsense! And he has this green aura all around him! I saw him kill other Rescuers!" She narrowed her eyes, "We can't stay here!"

She took a shaky step forward, only to crumple again into Sam's arms as her legs gave out. "Kanapapiki!" she cursed.

"You're in no shape to move!" Alice growled, reaching into her bag and pulling out an oran berry. "It's not much, but this should help."

Staring at it for a second, Kaliani swiftly gobbled up the berry as the Buneary faced Sam. "We can get back to the dungeon, get her out of here."

Sam glared back at the arches, the deaths of the Pokémon back in Robinswood slipping back into his mind. They knew that whatever was up here was powerful. Dangerous. If they turned back now, got Kaliani through the exit and backtracked, Zeke could have been well out of reach.

Ready to cause more death and destruction.

No. I can't allow that.

He pulled one of the brewed Super Potions from his bag and handed it over to Kaliani. "Drink this too, then start making your way back along the rim towards a cave entrance. Head through there, and you'll end up at the bottom of the mountain. Others will be waiting there."

Sam turned his eyes towards the arches and began to march up towards the entrance. "What the hell are you doing?" Kaliani hissed in surprise and confusion, "You can't fight that thing! You'll get ripped apart!"

"He's being a thickhead again." Alice growled, "Come on Sam, let's try and get some H-"

Baring his teeth, Sam snapped his head back round, "I can't let him get away. If you think I'm that hopeless, take Kaliani and leave. I'm going up there either way."

He climbed the last step and moved through the arches, fists clenched. He heard a brief curse, followed by an order and finally, the beat of Alice's hops as she moved after him.

On the other side, a shallow pit greeted them, with a handful of steps placed inside the surrounding wall. The pit itself was only fifteen metres in length, but at the very centre was the obelisk. Now he was up close, its features became more apparent. A good chunk of it appeared to be made out of darker stone bricks, save for the side closest to them. That was made of smooth stone, and even from here, Sam could tell that it was covered in symbols, icons and carvings.

Sam and Alice held up at the top of the steps leading into the pit, eyes moving towards the base of the obelisk. Zeke was at it's base, inspecting the wall.

And with the same green aura flowing around him.

Feeling a faint shiver, Sam noticed a handful of pebbles on the floor and scooped them up. "We need to focus on evasion." He said, "Make every shot count and don't let him hit either of us."

"For once, we agree." Alice replied coldly, her eyes fixed on the dark Electrike.

Silently, the two descended into the pit and moved towards the obelisk. Sam's heart began to beat harder, the air feeling heavier around the Scorbunny. Zeke's back was turned to them, but they couldn't take any chances.

Then came the voice. Deeper, and more gruttal than the tone Zeke had before. Kaliani wasn't kidding either, almost every word that left his mouth came across as gibberish.

Alright, just get close… then we can try and surpr-

The canine's ears casually flicked back. "Gretel… hae ye cometh sla me? Rescuers…"

Zeke's eye flashed green as he turned to face them, Alice silently cursing off to Sam's side. He narrowed his gaze on the electric-type. Some of the words seemed… somewhat familiar again. But he couldn't put his finger on them. Save for Rescuers.

Must have learnt it from someone else.

Snarling, Sam dropped a pebble and placed his foot on it, feeling it warm up beneath him. "Zeke." Sam started, making his voice firm and strong-sounding. "Whatever you are. You're wanted for murder, give it up now."

Despite his efforts, the electric-type laughed. Coldly and quietly at his words. "Na."

Alice's clenched ear twitched, "I don't think he's going to listen."

As 'Zeke' started speaking again, as if about to start a monologue. But as he spoke, Sam noticed his voice… his words were starting to shift. Frowning, Sam's ears tilted slightly as he focused on the words.

"Ye ar currech. Ye ave no chan against me. D ave any idea wha kind of power that I possess? You don't even know the significance of this place."

Sam's eyes widened, suddenly feeling cold. W-What? He's speaking English? Or… am I understanding him? Like the words…

"Significance? What are you talking about?" he questioned.

Zeke narrowed an eye, "We stand in the remains of a temple. One created by my old enemies. They may have been obsessed with the balance their lord desired, but they did try and record every part of their disgusting history. Fate seems to have led to most of that history being lost. A blessing… if inconvenient for my purposes."

So this place is a temple… but…

"Enemies?" Sam questioned.

There was only one thing he could think of. That symbol he had been coming across, time and time again. "You're talking about the Guardians aren't you? You hated them?"

Alice's neck clicked as her head spun towards him, "What are you talking about?"

Blinking again, Sam glanced over at the baffled Buneary. "W-what? Can't you understand him?"

"No!" Alice snapped.

It's… just me?

Zeke's eye brightened, "Curious… You… understand me Scorbunny. How convenient."

Sam focused back on him again, "Guardians. That's who you're talking about?"

"Yes." The entity purred, "I knew them well. So narrow-minded, so secure in their self-righteousness. But even I will admit, your kind are a pale imitation of what they were."

Resisting the urge to shout, he instead threw out another question. "…who are you?"

"I'm not this 'Zeke'. I am merely… borrowing him. Call me… a missionary."

So Esper was right… something else is controlling him…

"And what exactly are you doing? Why the hell did you kill those Pokémon?"

"They were… merely in my way." The missionary chuckled.

Sam's nostrils flared. "So you just killed them for no reason at all? Just because they happened to be on your way out?"

"The strong are those that survive." He replied with a relaxed tone. "And after being dormant for so long… I needed to see what has happened since my… demise."

He raised his chin, motioning towards the obelisk and the murals on its surface. "Even with the Guardians long being gone, this Oracle has still been recording the events of this world. These disasters… new nations. The old continent being shattered."

Resisting the urge to bite his lip, Sam gazed up at the obelisk, confounded at what exactly he was meaning. "What… this thing is recording history all the time?"

"In a way… yes…"

A red-tipped tendril drifted away from the missionary and scraped along the wall. Green lines flared into life around the murals, and the two rabbits could only gasp as the shapes began to change and reform before their eyes. Sam shivered as the light faded away, revealing a new set of images on the wall.

"Hmm. Volcanion has reawakened it seems." The missionary stated, a tendril hovering over the very familiar, if crude shape of Volcanion erupting from the ground. "He never abandoned the ruins after all. Another fool to deal with in time."

Growling, Sam took a step forward, he wanted to put an end to this. But this thing was the best means he had to finding answers now.

"I'm guessing you found out what's been happening… so that means…"

A weight suddenly lifted off his shoulders, We could find out what is causing the disasters! If this Oracle thing records events, then maybe-

"Yes. And now I have what I need, I can start planning for the future."

The missionary's words dragged Sam's mind back, "For the future? What kind of plans?"

"Sam…" Alice started quietly, "What's going on!?"

He barely registered her as the entity chuckled, "That is simple. To spread the truth. To show what power the people of this world can tap into. And to destroy the fools who would deny it."

Sam felt all the warmth in his body escape. What truth? Is it the power he has? The same one he used to kill those Rescuers… no… I can't allow him to do that!

Snarling, Sam swiped his foot back, feeling sparks briefly ignite underneath it. "I'm not letting that happen. Let Zeke go!"

The missionary's eye flashed, "How very familiar… no matter. If you do not at least want to hear the truth I preach. Then you must be dealt with."

The green aura surrounding the missionary started expanding, tendrils… no… whips forming with it. "Get ready Alice!" Sam barked.

"Obviously!" Alice snapped.

"I shall give you one small blessing." The missionary stated, "You may know my name."

What happened next nearly stopped Sam's heart, and made Alice gasp in fear.

The aura concentrated into a clear shape above Zeke. That of a Pokémon. A dark simian towered over the gasping Electrike, vines wrapped around their arms and wicked eyes fixed on the rabbits.

"I… am Kain. I bring the truth of the past. I am the architect of the future. And now…"

Kain's eyes glowed. "You die."

With that, twin whips formed from the spectre's arms and snapped towards the two rabbits.

Instinct took over as Sam dove to the side, shoving Alice out of the way of one whip as it cracked through the air, they once stood in. "Watch out for the whips!"

"I know!"

The two were barely on their feet as another whip came flying down at them, the two bouncing apart to avoid it. Sam skidded across the ground, only to spring up to avoid the third whip sweeping across the floor.

So far so good! Not dead yet!

Kain had the element of surprise before. Now, Sam and Alice knew what to expect. But they couldn't take any chances. They needed to hit back…

Kain's controlling Zeke… but if we're not careful we might hurt Zeke more than Kain!

There was only one way to test the theory.

"Alice! Zeke's being controlled! I'm going to try something!" Sam shouted, ducking under another whip attack.

The spectre's eyes drifted towards Alice, the Buneary rolling underneath another whip. Got an opening!

With a pebble ready, Sam sent an Ember flying, aiming for the simian hanging above Zeke-

The fireball sailed through Kain's form with nought but a ripple across the aura. The ape's teeth flashed as a smile formed, "Pathetic!"

With a whirl of his wrist, one of the green whips spun above Kain's head, rapidly turning black.

"Shit!" Alice screamed, "Brutal Swing! Watch out!"

"Bru-"

The dark tendril flung round towards them, crackling with energy.

Sam wasn't ready to dodge it. A cry escaped his lips, hands up in futile defence. "Crap-"

The air shimmered blue in front of his hands just before the swing hit him, a boom ringing out as the whip struck the bright blue shield. Sam cried out as he felt air whump into his chest, shoving him aside. He stumbled, struggling to hold himself upright. The fuck!? I'm not dead!?

His heart soared, Protect! I did learn it!

"Look out!"

Sam looked up in time to see a spectral boulder fly towards him. Yelping, he threw himself aside as the rock crashed into the ground by him. Kain raised a clawed hand, a new boulder forming before he tossed it towards Alice.

Alice was ready, yellow sparks flashing around her ear as she jumped forwards. The Thunder Punch slammed into the boulder with a powerful crack, the latter disintegrating in seconds.

"Looks like Rock Throw!" Sam shouted with a flicker of realisation.

"He still uses moves, that gives us a chance!" Alice barked back.

The Buneary leapt forward, electricity replaced with ice as the Ice Punch snapped out at the spectre, only for Alice to sail through him with a look of pure alarm on her face.

"You think me to be a mere ghost?" Kain laughed as a new whip formed, "I'm much more than that!"

The whip snapped at the Buneary, and Alice sprung at it, ear crackling with electric power.

Punch and Whip connected with flash of light bright enough for the Scorbunny to flinch.

He barely heard Alice's cry as he caught a glimpse of her being tossed back effortlessly, the Buneary skidding across the ground to a halt. Groaning, Alice started pushing herself up.

Those attacks hit hard! And how can we even hurt this guy!? Our attacks just phase through him! Unless…

As Sam ducked another whip, he eyed the twitching form of Zeke, eyes glowing green and mouth agape. Shit… if you're still in there Zeke, I'm sorry about this!

Rolling away from another tendril, he readied another Ember, aimed for the Electrike, and fired it off.

Zeke didn't even attempt to dodge, the fireball striking his side with a flicker of flame. Zeke cried out, voice shrill as he stumbled. Kain himself winced, his projection flickering. That seemed to work!

"Alice! We've got to target Zeke!"

"Are you sure!?" Alice questioned, on one knee and ready to attack.

Sam clenched his fist, "We've not got much choice!"

Kain's teeth flashed, his eyes snapping between the two before snapping an arm up towards the Scorbunny, another boulder forming.

Alice sprung forward, snapping two feet out as she did. Zeke stumbled aside as the Double Kick struck him, and Kain's image once more flickered whilst Alice backed off.

"Useless vessel!" Kain cursed, "Move damn you!"

As Sam flung another Ember, Zeke stiffened and leapt aside, the fireball flying harmlessly by. "Keep the pressure up!"

"On it!" Alice replied, their arguments now gone in the face of survival. She lunged forward again with another Ice Punch. And once more, Zeke's body moved to evade. But Sam was faster, leading his next shot. As Zeke touched down, the Ember hit his side once more. Zeke cried out in pain, and Sam willed himself to shoot forward, triggering the Quick Attack and booting the Electrike in the same spot.

The Electrike skidded towards the obelisk, mouth frothing as he shakily rose to his feet. Kain's form flickered rapidly, eyes flashing as he focused his attention on the two rabbits. I hate doing this, but it's disrupting Kain!

Sam ignited another fireball, holding it at the ready with his foot. In the corner of his eye, ice formed around Alice's ear. This was going easier than planned, if they could just knock Zeke out, they might be able to cancel out Kain.

"It's time to finish this." Alice snarled.

"Aye." Sam replied, "It is."

With that, the two rabbits charged at their opponent.

Kain's eyes flashed a vicious black.

"ENOUGH!"

Green aura turned black and purple, resembling a ball of obsidian smoke as it concentrated itself around Kain's claws.

As Sam and Alice leapt into the air, Kain threw the energy, a pair of shadowy waves, towards them.

Sam gasped, snapping his arms forward and begging for the Protect to form. A ripple of blue energy formed before him just as-

The blue shield shattered, the shadow wave blowing through it with a snap.

"FU-"

The wave slammed into Sam's chest like a train, cutting off his scream. The world blurred before his body crashed into the ground, his back burning as rock seared his skin.

When he finally slid to a halt, his entire body prickled as if he was being stabbed by a dozen daggers. Vision swimming, Sam pushed himself up just enough to see Alice and Kain. The former moaned as she tried to push herself onto her knees, only for her to quiver and slump to the floor.

"Alice!" Sam cried out, wincing as he pushed himself up and stumbled towards the Buneary.

She was still breathing.

Damn! That was close! What the flying fuck was that!?

He looked up to find Zeke's body spasming, with even his pupilless green eyes wide in pain. Kain smirked, his ghostly claws surrounded by that black energy. "Ah… it has been too long since I used this divine power. Far beyond your feeble 'moves'."

He knew the best he could do was try and revive her. He knew Alice had always carried at least one Tiny Reviver Seed in her satchel, and quickly reaching in, he pulled the tiny, plain seed out, placed it in her mouth and manually crunched it in her jaw. It wasn't ideal, as it wasn't an instantly activating seed like most, but it'd have to do.

Sam shakily rose back to his feet, Protect wasn't going to be worth much now.

"I must admit." Kain murmured, "I'm impressed. Even with this weak vessel, you're still standing."

Growling, Sam scooped another pebble, igniting it beneath his foot as one hand reached into his satchel for one of the Potions. At the very least, he could keep himself going long enough for Alice to get back into the fight. "I'm pretty tough to kill." He managed to reply, fingers grasping one glass bottle, not sure what fluid it contained.

Kain laughed, and as he did, Sam took his chance, yanked the container out and with a faint pop, poured the contents into his mouth. A sudden surge of strength rushed through the Scorbunny, as he felt that little bit more stable. It'd do for now.

"Very familiar again. Very well. Let us test that theory."

With a flick of his wrist, another green whip snapped around. Sam Quick Attacked aside, avoiding the attack and countering with Ember. A green blade formed from Kain's wrist, neatly slicing the fireball in two before finding it found the mark.

Sam Quick Attacked again, dashing past Kain and reaching into his satchel.

As Kain turned to track him, Sam threw the weapons and dashed away again.

The ghost swatted his whip around again, the iron spikes effortlessly pinging away.

Sam reappeared behind the Electrike, pouncing forward for another Double Kick.

Another green blade flashed above the Scorbunny, and with a flutter of pure panic, Sam ducked mid-attack, the whistle of the blade scratching at his ears. He rolled away, readying another Ember.

His eyes widened as the black energy formed in Kain's hand and shot at him again, the shadowy wave rushing towards him.

FUCK!

Screaming, Sam threw himself aside, the attack skimming past his leg as he did. It went deathly cold, as if all the warmth from it was sucked out. He skidded to a halt, in time to hear Zeke scream.

The Electrike was spasming again, black energy pouring in and out of him to concentrate in Kain's outstretched claws. Sam panted, his chest tightening at the sight. G-God… what's he doing?

Within the shadow, dark yellow energy crackled.

The dark thunderbolt hit fast enough that Sam couldn't even blink. It slammed him hard in the chest, and somehow, he could just about scream.

He barrelled head over heels, his entire body twitching in agony.

That was when the tendril wrapped around his neck, and squeezed.

Sam's eyes widened, desperately gasping for air. He was almost begging for his mind to flash an image of Greg trying to crush his neck.

Instead, with a crack of the tendril, he felt himself float up towards Kain's face, the simian's teeth bared. "Definitely familiar… you remind me of an old acquaintance. But he has been dead for centuries."

The Scorbunny could only choke and squirm as Kain raised a green blade of energy that erupted from his wrist. "Time to send your soul to rest."

Even with his lungs screaming, Sam could only glare. Damn… damn monster!

As the blade raised to strike, the simian's form flickered briefly as a single spike sailed through him. Blinking, Kain turned his attention towards the source. Sam struggled to follow it.

Standing towards the entrance of the temple was Kaliani, the Trumbeak wide-eyed as she quivered at the bottom of the stairs. Another iron spike was held in her beak as she tried to step back, only for her foot to catch the first step and send her tumbling over.

W-what is s-she thinking!?

"Ah. I was wondering where she went." Kain mused.

The vice loosed its grip, and enough air slipped through for Sam to cough up the one word he could say.

"R-RUN!"

The whip tightened around his neck but for a moment, his head snapping forward as the tendril finally slipped free altogether.

Sam grunted as the back of his head struck the floor, his vision blurring. His head pounding, he managed to sit up. Across the way, Kain had moved closer to Kaliani, directing Zeke to take a few steps. "You had every opportunity to flee… and here you are. I have to admire that."

"I-I heard everything." Kaliani shouted, shaking off a layer of fear. "Let Zeke go!"

Kain flashed a nasty smirk, "Oh, I think not."

Grinding his teeth, the Scorbunny punched the ground, ignoring the jolt that ran through his fingers as he stood up. Shit… I'll be out of Potions before I can stop him. Ember doesn't cut it. All-Hit Orb? Still gotta hit Zeke, and that could kill him. Electro-Ball is useless. What can I do?

Then he remembered the gym. The charred floor, the flash of light. Rex's panic…

…Pyro Ball.

It was insane. He still had to hit the mark, and it could kill Zeke. But against Kain… with that level of power?

It might be our only chance.

He let the fire within him grow. He recalled Aidan's lesson in learning how to use his powers. He concentrated his anger, his fear, his rage. He willed it into the fire that burnt his chest. He could feel it grow, his body getting hotter and hotter. Hissing, Sam's foot connected with another pebble, and on instinct, he began to juggle it with his feet.

The ghost stiffened, having crept closer towards the Trumbeak. As if sensing what was happening, his spectre turned. "Interesting…" he purred, "Are you that desperate?"

Sam tried to ignore the words, the pebble now aflame and becoming hotter every kick.

"Is that… you can't be serious." Kain uttered, more out of disbelief than fear. "Even if you pull it off, you'll kill this vessel." He waved a hand to the tremoring Zeke below him.

"I've… gotta… stop you…" Sam hissed, his vision darkening as he started sweating, his kicks running almost automatically. His heart pounded against his rips, as if trying to break out.

One eye flashed red, "What is driving you? Why do you care so much-"

"Sam! Stop!"

He barely felt his ear twitch, Alice… she woke up…

Alice stumbled into the corner of his eye, ears drooping, but her eyes wide with alarm. "Oh yes." Kain mused, "Listen to your partner. She clearly has her head on straight."

"I don't know what the fuck you're saying but shut up!" Alice snapped, clutching her side. "Sam, you know what Rex said! You'll kill yourself!"

"I don't care!" Sam roared, anger surging through him, "I need to stop him! I have to do this!"

"Can you stop trying to be a hero for one second and be my fucking partner!"

Sam sharply jerked, nearly dropping the pebble. "That's what we need right now!" Alice screamed, "A Rescuer! Not a bloody martyr!"

The words hit him hard. The Scorbunny feeling shaky on his leg. He couldn't let Kain get away… not hurt anyone else…

And yet, Alice's words had found their mark. The memory of his friends was doing the same. Of the Guild…

The fire subtly began to die down, and the burning pebble fell off his raised foot and sizzled on the floor.

People… people need me…

Kain's cold laugh pierced Sam's confused thoughts. "And so, your will fails you!"

As the Scorbunny's vision cleared, Kain's form became clear, hands resting on his hips. "You aren't willing to lay down your life in the face of adversity. You are certainly no hero. Just a disappointment. A waste of a soul."

In that moment, rage surged through the Scorbunny. Igniting at the very centre of Sam's being.

But it wasn't the feeling of fire rising within him. Instead, it was a pulse, a flare of raw, undiluted power.

Dark power…


…Zech vo. Tenari Ulay.

I sense an awakening.

It has been nearly a millenium… nay, more than that.

Since I have felt the presence of one who can tap into my power.

My own energy.

…very well.

Empower this being I must.

Awaken… young fighter.

Unleash the power that coursed through my veins.

Banish this unnatural mockery. This Shadow.

And show your foe…

Show them the power of true darkness!


In that instant, Sam roared. Feeling that power rush through him, burning harder and faster than any fire could hope to match.

His eyes flashed red, and in that moment, a dark, reddish aura blinked into existence around the Scorbunny. His ears lengthened, and the rabbit seemed to increase in size by a couple of centimetres. But that aura clung to him like a cloak.

It wasn't smoky, or cloudy like the power Kain had wielded.

This was like the darkness around Sam had started outright glowing.

Alice was stunned.

Kaliani's beak dropped open.

Even Kain recoiled, shielding his eyes.

"The Dark Power?! How?!"

And his eyes went wide.

You tried to bring yourself close, tried to see what Kain could see. But you knew you wouldn't have a chance. All you could see was that crimson aura.

"N-No…" Kain uttered, "No! It can't be! You should have been obliterated!"

Kain's head snapped upwards to the heavens, "Damn you! Damn you Samiel! Not again!"

Sam's dark eyes locked onto the entity, and he slowly began to walk towards his target. Alice took a step towards him, arm outstretched, "S-Sam?"

He brushed her arm aside without a word.

With a horrific snarl, Kain snapped both hands towards the Scorbunny, "I will annihilate you apostate!"

Two shadowy waves shot forward, rushing towards Sam.

A thick, bright blue barrier formed before the Scorbunny, the shadow attacks bouncing helplessly off the shield. Kain could only growl, summoning another shadow.

Sam dashed into the air, fist glowing with red flame as he raced towards the monster's image. Too fast for even Kain to follow.

The flaming fist slammed across his face with a colossal crack, loud enough that Alice swore she could see the shockwave.

Kain roared, clutching his jaw as Sam slid to a halt behind him.

"I-Impossible!" Kain bellowed, "I was assured this wouldn't happen!"

The Scorbunny turned to face the enraged spectre, electricity crackling in his palms.

Alice screamed as the darkened thunderbolt shot at him. Sam blinked out of existence, the electric attack slamming into the ground where he once stood. Sam reappeared, only to dash out of the way of another attack. Again and again, getting closer before with another leap, he shot towards the threat.

Kain tried to swing another green blade, only for Sam's fist to smash across his temple. As the ghost recoiled, Sam came back at him. Again and again, each impact sending another powerful crack through the air. Alice winced, clutching her ears as each blow clawed at them.

After the twelfth blow, Kain's form was twitching and spasming, struggling to hold himself together. "B-B-B-y m-y -l-ord-…"

Touching down for just a second, Sam sprung up into the air. A red fire ignited near his foot.

Kain's form stabilised just enough for his eyes to widen, "NO NO N-!"

Eyes burning, Sam booted the dark fireball at his target.

The fireball punched through Kain's chest in a flash of red and green light.

For a moment, all sound seemed to fade away.

Then came the almighty boom that shunted Alice and Kaliani back, the Buneary crying out as she tried to cover her ears again.

The ghost glitched wildly out of control, particles flipping away from him. "N-NO! I-I-I AM ETERNAL! I W-WI-LL N-O-T AL-LOW MY-SE-LF T-O F-A-D-E A-W-"

With a final spasm, the ghost of Kain vanished from view.

As Sam touched down, Zeke's eyes squeezed shut, body twitching once more before with a final howl, his head snapped towards the sky. Green and black energy burst out of his eyes and mouth, air crackling with thunder, the light bright enough for Alice and Kaliani to desperately shield their eyes.

With a final boom, the energy dissipated altogether, and Zeke slumped to the floor.

Only then did the dark aura around Sam finally fade away. With a soft groan, Sam dropped to his knees, panting as his entire body shook, his muscles turning to jelly.

Kaliani scrambled to her feet, "Zeke!" she cried out, hurrying over to his side.

Alice growled as she moved for Sam, "Kaliani! Stay away from him! He could still be dangerous!"

"I don't give a toss!" Kaliani squawked back, checking over the softly breathing form of the electric type.

Alice reached Sam's side, resting a hand on his shoulder. "S-Sam? Are you alright?" she asked him softly.

Sam shook her hand loose with a hiss, "I'm fine."

The Buneary scowled at him, "No chance, did you see what you just did?"

"I don't care." Sam snapped, "Kain's gone now and we saved the others. That's what counts."

As Sam shakily rosed to his feet and walked away, Alice was about to curse at him again, but she resisted the urge to do so. She knew he wasn't in the best state to listen.

Instead, she hopped towards the Electrike and Trumbeak, pulling out one of the potions from her satchel. Much like Sam, she knew there wasn't much of a point in questioning why Kaliani was here still. Instead, she focused her attention on the injured Electrike. "Can you hold his mouth open?" she asked.

"I-I can." Kaliani replied, "Had to treat a few injuries on ships."

Somehow, Kaliani managed to use one of her wings to gently prop open Zeke's mouth, whilst with one hand, Alice held his head still and used the other to pour the fluid in.

Moments later, Zeke coughed, his eyes fluttering open. "Zeke!" the Trumbeak exclaimed, "A-are you ok-"

The Electrike's normal eyes stretched wide. "GET AWAY FROM ME!"

Alice and Kaliani both recoiled enough for the Electrike to half run, half drag himself away from the pair in alarm. His body hit the steps, and unable to ascend, he curled up into a ball, tears streaking down his face.

The Buneary softly sighed, Sam had pulled it off. Zeke was safe. But Alice could tell that he hadn't been buried deep enough to not know what had happened.

He had to live through every action that Kain committed.

Kaliani looked sullen as she took a step towards him, but Alice didn't hesitate in putting her hand on her shoulder. "No… give him a moment…"

The Trumbeak's face was puffed up, "B-But…"

"Trust me. I get how he's feeling." Alice interrupted.

There was a point when Alice felt responsible for her parent's deaths. A cold chill settling around her heart only hinted that she still subtly felt somewhat that way.

It wasn't hard to grasp what Zeke was feeling.

Kaliani bowed her head, unable to even look at the Electrike.

"No… no!"

At the foot of the obelisk, Sam was patting the rocky surface… a surface where the mural was fading away. "No! I need answers! Come on!"

The last images faded away, and Sam screamed as he kicked the wall. "Fucking damn it!"

Crying out, Sam hopped away briefly before smacking his fist against it.

But the obelisk didn't respond and defeated, Sam could only rest his head against the wall.

Alice could only stare at his back. A part of her wanted to try and beat some sense in him.

She sighed as she looked away, but she knew there was little point.

Sam's thoughts meanwhile, were a jumbled mess.

It… it can't be over like that… who am I? What am I meant to do… I…

I need to know…