Kricketot were chirping and making melodies as the antennae on their heads were moving back and forth, like metronomes as Butterfree and Vivillon flapped in the higher levels of the trees in the nighttime air. The melodic chirping was getting to Kevin as he turned on the ground. Unable to fully get comfortable, he opened his eyes and sat up. He looked around irritably as he heard the Kricketot and nighttime jungle Pokémon making noise.
'How the hell am I supposed to sleep with all this racket?' He looked over at Joey and Dereece, who seemed unaffected by the noise. They were sound asleep, unlike him. 'Lucky them. I wonder how Ella's faring with…' He looked over to where Ella was, only for his eyes to shoot wide with a gasp. She wasn't there.
"Ella?" He hastily moved and removed the comforter. "Ella?" He looked all around, but the few embers of the fire they had going had long gone out. His panic rose higher than before. "Oh man, this bad. This is bad! Where the heck did she go now?!"
As his mind raced to unprecedented outcomes, he turned towards the others. "Guys! Wake up!" he yelled. "Ella's missing!"
Dereece snorted awake. "Gng-h-huh? What?" He looked around, blinking at Kevin's fretting. He turned towards his sleeping Captain. "Captain Joey. Wake up! We have an emergency!"
However, Joey rolled over to his other side, a content smile on his face. "N-no…I get the spoon for the pudding…you…" He lulled in his sleep, sheepishly giggling.
"This isn't the time for the pudding dream again! Up and at'em!"
The louder turn snapped him awake. "What? Dereece?" he yawned in his face. "Oh man, I just had the freakiest dream. We were at a waterpark and the water was actually chocolate pudding, it was good. I tasted it. We were going down a slide and you were wearing a pair of women shoes and I was wearing a toga as these bite-sized Vanillite were dropping from the sky and-!"
"I know! You had that dream about two-hundred times! Ella is missing!" Dereece cut him off.
Hearing this stopped Joey completely. "Wait…what?!" He stood up, looking shocked. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"
"Guys! Help me find her!" Kevin pleaded. "Where the heck is she?!"
Dereece and Joey stammered upwards, the former trying to take the initiative. "N-now, don't panic. I'm sure she's around here somewhere. Let's just calm down, and-!"
He was cut off when Kevin snapped at him. "Buddy, this isn't the time for calm! That's a little girl out there! And it's nighttime! Do you know what happens when it's dark out?!"
"Probably things you'd watch I take it?" Dereece groaned.
"Shut it, dude! Just help me find her!" He started looking around frantically. "No, not there. No…no…" As he shuffled the shrubs and looked around trees, Joey looked confusedly while Dereece conversed with him.
"I've never seen him so worked up before." Dereece whispered to Joey. "Captain, I keep telling you guys something's really messed up around here. First the place is changing on us, now this. We gotta get this over with, and quick!"
"Okay, okay! I get it, guys!" Joey voiced loudly, walking between the two. "Everyone calm down, there's no need to start chopping down woods." He looked towards Kevin. "Yo, Mister P. You sure she isn't where you last out her?"
Kevin calmed down and nodded. "Yeah. I looked all around."
"Okay, well…she couldn't have gotten far. I mean she isn't that stupid to just blindly walk in the middle of the night without protection." He looked towards her campsite. He didn't see any fingerprints nor footprints. There wasn't even signs of a scuffle. It was like she up and left. 'Nothing picked her up, right?'
A rustle was heard, alerting them.
"Who's there?!" Kevin squealed, only for more rustling to be heard.
Dereece gulped, taking a wary step back. Joey's brow furrowed as he spread his legs. "Okay pal, come out." He pulled out Magikarp's Poke Ball, bringing him out and holding him by the fin tail. "Whoever you are, I have a fish, and I know how to use it!"
The rustling got louder by the second, bringing everyone on edge. But just as Joey was ready to wallop someone with Magikarp, Ella emerged from the shrubs, completely unharmed.
"Oh…Uncle Joey." Ella looked around, seeing everyone up. "Good evening, everyone."
"Ella!" Rushing towards the kid, Kevin kneeled and rested his hands on her shoulders. "Hey, you okay? You didn't get bit or hurt, did you?"
Ella, surprised by this person's outburst, calmly shook her head. "I am alright, Papa. I am well."
"What have I told you about running off on your own like that? You know I told you not to!" he scolded.
"I'm sorry, Papa." She pulled out a few Oran Berries she had in her hands. "But, while I was out, I was able to find some nourishment along the way. I figured that maybe, it could help serve as a snack for when we wake up in the morning."
Kevin, knowing she was safe regardless, sighed. "…it's okay." He looked at her, smiling warmly. "Just…don't scare Papa like that again. Okay?"
Ella nodded. "I understand."
The stress finally gone, Dereece plopped to his but. "Well that was an unwanted scare." He sighed.
"Yeah." Joey pouted, looking towards Magikarp. "Sorry buddy, we'll get the next one. Return." He returned the fish, who seemed rather lackluster – possibly from no water. He sweatdropped as he turned around to scratch his head. "Man, that kinda gave me the creeps too."
"I know." Dereece observed the direction where Ella came from. "Where did you think she went to?"
"Beats me." Joey looked over his shoulder at Ella. Even if he wasn't the wisest of them all, he was aware of the problem Dereece brought up earlier. 'It is off though. If this island's changing on us like before, where could she possibly run off to? Just to get berries…'
His vision narrowed, but for now he kept quiet as Kevin pressed the questions.
"Ella, why did you wander away?"
The little girl looked down at her bare feet, seemingly contemplating for a moment before drawing to a conclusion. "Well…Papa." She started. "Do you recall that 'voice' I heard before?"
"Yeah?" He vaguely remembered the conversation they had before they went to bed. His eyes widened. "Wait, that's what you've been following?"
Ella nodded. "Yes. As I tried to sleep, that voice was much louder than normal. The next thing I knew, that same voice beckoned me somewhere."
"Where, exactly?"
Hearing the seriousness in his tone, Ella could tell his curiosity was asleep unlike them. "I believe…" she turned around, looking towards the dark trail she came from. "That it lead me to there."
They all looked at the dark, beguiling forest. The Kricketot and Butterfree singing earlier had gone dry as a creepy wind flowed through them. Even with a nice, warm coat Joey still felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Well…we're up anyways. Might as well before we're spooked again." Joey announced.
Dereece groaned. "Guess we've got no choice then, do we?"
"Ella, whatever it is, I promise we'll solve it…together." Kevin declared. "It's you. Me. And your crazy uncles. So let's get to the bottom of this for all of us…you ready?"
Ella smiled and widely. "Sure thing, Papa. Let's continue the adventure!"
The gang packed up their supplies and readied for the road ahead. They didn't wanna spend another second with their eyes shut in a place like this. As they embarked, Dereece looked back one more time, staring at their campsite longingly until he turned to leave.
From the shrubs watching, a silhouette of a sinister smirk could stun anyone watching.
Nic, Greninja, Erik, and Yukino had stunned figures as they looked at the gargantuan beast before them. The closed chamber was filled with hissing, from Arbok and Ekans' rattling tail. But the biggest hiss was coming from the gargantuan hard-plated serpent that impeded their point of entry and ways in. As of right now, no one could make a single shuffle…because if they did, who knows which of the serpents would break first.
"O-Ophiuchus…" the words escaped Yukino's mouth breathlessly.
Nic and Erik looked at the giant serpent spirit with silent calm in their eyes, but even they couldn't fully mask their shock from the problem at hand. But in their minds, something clicked.
"Erik, you don't think that…"
"Yeah, I know. There's no doubt about it now." He paused, his one eye watching his Ekans' tail rattle. "Figures that voice would have some venom to it."
Greninja took to Nic's front. Nic pivoted a little to be ready to turn in any direction. Both stayed as calm as possible as they never took their eyes off Ophiuchus.
The titan snake slowly lowered her massive head, glaring at the party before her. She hissed, her longue tongue rattling visibly. Ekans responded with a similar rattle from her tail. Ophiuchus did the same with Arbok, but all she got was a snobbish hiss of resentment.
Scoffing, the snake turned towards their Trainers. "It would seem…that my little entourage has arrived." The snake's tone was definitely feminine, though vaguely deep.
Yukino's eyes widened. "You can talk?" Now she was even more confused. Not once did Ophiuchus verbally respond to her. Was this her withdrawing from her own master?
"Alright, I'll bite." Erik sighed. "The hell kinda spirit are you?"
Ophiuchus hissed offensively. "Sharp tongue you have, venomous human." She wretched. "I am known as Ophiuchus, the Snake Charmer." She raised her head snobbishly. "The Thirteenth Zodiac."
"Thirteenth?" Nic vaguely remembered Ophiuchus from the Grand Magic Games. Even then, he never saw her in the Celestial World when he and the crew went to liberate it. Something wasn't right here.
Ophiuchus snorted. "Must I repeat myself to you humans?" Ophiuchus scoffed. "No matter. It's not like it matters anyway."
Everyone was on pins and needles as Ophiuchus was engaging them so spitefully. They'd assume she was cooperating with Melchior, but something about her seemed ridiculously off. There wasn't an odd glow in her red irises. If anything they looked as territorial as Arbok's species. And to Nic that says a lot.
He took one look at Arbok, seeing him hiss in defense. 'Gate of the Snake Charmer…now it makes sense.' He realized. 'That explains Arbok and Ekans being drawn to her at the entrance.'
"Okay, so let me get this straight." Erik chimed. "So you're the one behind this whole cave, right?"
Ophiuchus hissed defensively at Erik. "And if I am?"
"Uh, Ophiuchus…?" Yukino remained wary as she approached the snake. But she didn't get too close when he noticed Arbok and Ekans hissing in territorial dispute. She took a step back. "Listen, are you really…Ophiuchus?"
She scoffed, raising her head. "Do I look like anything else to you?"
"Well, no. But…"
'She's as snobbish as Arbok alright.' Nic and Greninja thought. Together they opposed the massive snake.
"Excuse me, Ophiuchus." Nic interrupted. "Is there any reason why you dragged us all the way down here? Because if it's just to pull legs, it's not funny."
Ophiuchus hissed, her tongue picking up the whiff of Nic's power. There was definitely celestial remnants coming from him and his frog acting like a ninja. The snake's disposition only hardened. "I have my reasons."
"Is one of them because of something we did?" Yukino fret.
"Hmph. Is it so wrong to allow one's master the distinct honor of knowing where her fellow spirits like to stay?" Ophiuchus facetiously asked. "Sounds pretty irresponsible if you didn't know better."
Yukino's own patience was starting to deter. She stayed focused.
"And to you." She turned towards Nic. "Why you when you're not my master? Well, I believe you have these two to thank for that reason." She looked down at Ekans and Arbok, both Pokémon glaring up at the serpentine titan.
"I get it. It's because you're a snake charmer, that right?" Erik surmised. With his Dragon Slayer hypersensitive hearing, it felt pretty obvious. But he chose to play along.
If Ophiuchus could smirk, she would.
"And yet Greninja isn't a snake." Nic pointed out. His eyes narrowed. "So what's the real deal here?"
Ophiuchus raised her head, flicking her tongue at them, specifically Greninja. "Well…I've been wondering why snakes would eat frogs in the wild. Is curiosity reason enough?"
By the looks on their faces that answer didn't sit well in their cores. She was messing with them, and that was driving their patience. What did she really want?
Nic kept his glare on Ophiuchus, but his posture shifted towards Erik. "What is she really saying, Erik?"
The Poison Dragon Slayer vaguely smirked. I could tell ya, but a lot of it isn't very nice language."
Yukino stepped up. "Ophiuchus. What is this place? And why are you here really?"
The snake looked down and slowly got to her elevation. Her nostrils were over Yukino's head as she got her guard up. She could smell the tension even from here.
"You really wanna know that badly, do you? Well then, guess since you're my master, I can make an exception." She lifted her head some, overlooking everyone there. "Listen well…the 12 Zodiacs were created from their constellations in the outlines of space and lightyears between their distances. As ages went by, these lightyears became visible to Earthland. These primary constellations are known as the Zodiac. The constellations and starlight seen after them started to follow. Soon enough, stars resonated from lightyears connecting with Earthland. As the lightyears refract from Earthland back to the stars, the animals they also refract on also are symbolized. It's a fable that is known as The Creation."
Yukino looked stunned. "You're saying…that all Celestial Spirits were born from stars?" She never really understood how spirits came around to begin with, not even old celestial books she once read held this sort of information. "So Libra, Pisces…even the king were born from their constellations. I didn't think that was possible."
"The primitive magic in the atmosphere of this world refracted back, giving the stars their own magical qualities. That was said to be the creation of the Celestial World you humans are so curious about. The 12 Zodiac were the first to set foot and make the rules of that world. However…" The subtle tone she had before was showing venom. "Even from the scraps of the great, one can still thrive. That's how I was born."
Everyone retained their silence. Nic and Greninja wanted to ask, but knew the answer would come to them.
"As the millennia passed and this planet's magical pressure arose, the concentration of starlight immersed around Astral. That energy drafted, picking up fragments of the celestial energy around Scorpio and Sagittarius' constellations are in the midst of their shifts. It all build up here…my world."
Erik's one eye opened wide. "You serious?"
"Celestial Spirits that aren't born in their own world…" Greninja fathomed about it. He'd be a hypocrite if he said it wasn't possible. But then again, he went to other worlds himself with Nic.
'So that's it.' Nic realized. 'So right from the start, she was outcasted by her fellow spirts.' He got a vague déjà vu about Giratina, his old foe. Somehow there was an uncanny resemblance to their reasoning.
Yukino furrowed her brow. "So then…you're saying that you were born here, instead of the Celestial World. But I thought you guys can't stay here very long, or else you'll die."
Ophiuchus scoffed lightly. "Look who's slow to learn. That's not my fault those few guys were unlucky."
Yukino frowned.
"This cave is my home. It may feel like the Celestial World, but it's not. But that illusion is enough to fool even the willful of minds. I was born here, and I soon came to be this very lair. Yes, you heard me. Just as the king can barely leave his world, so can I with my own atmosphere. I, too, would suffocate from the changes if I were to be in their world."
They all watched as the serpent lowered her head, her red eyes beginning to brim some.
"They're worshipped…like gods. And I am forgotten. So, if not one can acknowledge what I am, then none are worthy of my powers." The cave walls began to shudder as her rage grew. "I AM OPHIUCHUS! THE 13TH ZODIAC! SHE WHO WAS FORGOTTEN AND NEVER GIVEN THE CHANCE!"
'Woah! She's pissed!' Erik stammered.
…
The shuddering of the caverns went all the way from the dark pits to brighter scenery above. As one of Canes' hounds as sniffing around, there was a vague magical scent in the air. The hound sniffed the ground nose-deep and picked up on a whiff of something. The hound barked and went straight back the direction it came from.
…
As the quakes receded, Ophiuchus calmed down. "Hmph! Seems I've gotten a little carried away there. My bad." She huffed. "Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk, as you humans would say."
"So she can manipulate this whole cave, like it's her own world
"Between Scorpio and Sagittarius' constellations…" Yukino backtracked to that thought. 'Those constellations are right next to each other. So she was in the middle of them…wait.' She realized something, turning towards Nic. "Excuse me, Nic."
Nic glanced at her. "Yeah, what is it?"
"When is your birthday?"
"December 11th. Why?"
Yukino glared up at Ophiuchus. "So it's like that. I was born November 30th. And if Erik's here…" her eyes narrowed. "Then that can only mean we were all born around the same time Ophiuchus' constellation is visible. And that's November 29th to December 18th."
Ophiuchus cackled loud, her large fangs showing their sharp ends. "Well now. Guess I need to take back what I said earlier about you. You do know something about me."
"So that explains it. That's why we're down here." Nic realized.
"We're Ophiuchuses, huh?" Erik couldn't help but smirk. "You know, I heard a thing or two about what these signs represent at some point when Angel was still one. Apparently Ophiuchuses take defense rather than offense. They also hate rules and regulations of any kind, not very open, and are very selective with what partners they want. Likes sunsets and is attracted to water. And get bored with routine." he smirked at Nic. "Sounds about right?"
Greninja looked towards Nic, seeing his composure broken by that descriptively accurate saying. There was a wonder why Nic like the color purple so much…guess that explains a little. A lot actually. Nic sweatdropped. "S-shut up." He quipped.
"Ophiuchus, listen to me!" Yukino pleaded. "The Celestial World is in danger! If we don't do something to help stop King Melchior's plans, this world is going to be overrun by controlled spirits! We need your help!"
Ophiuchus snorted, lifting her head. "Hmph. Didn't you hear me before? I'm not one of them. So why should I feel obligated?"
"Because that's your fellow spirits. If you have any connections and are a Zodiac, then you should help!"
Ophiuchus' tongue slicked across her face. "Is there a rule here saying that I should? I fail to see how I'm affected by this."
"Ophiuchus…"
The snake hissed defensively at everyone beneath her. She decided to play a game. "If you really want me to care, then you'll have to do more than just talk me into whatever you want." She took a very defensive, striking position. "Prove to me that you are worthy of being my master. Do that, and I just might consider."
"What?" Yukino gasped. "Are you serious, Ophiuchus?!"
"My cave, my rules." Her red eyes glowed. "Unless you think you can do it by yourself."
Nic inwardly sighed. He new this wasn't going to be easy, given the stubborn, snobbish natures that she shared with Arbok, and particularly himself. Any right-minded person could tell this was a bad time to scuffle, but being a Pokémon Trainer, Nic had to be prepared to fight anyone at any given time. And now was one of those times.
"Yukino." He walked pass her. "I'm sorry, but we don't have many options right now. Besides…" he looked into the snake's eyes, seeing a fire in them. "You heard what she said, we Ophiuchuses don't play by anyone's rules but our own. So if she wants a fight…" he cracked his knuckles. "Then so be it."
Yukino swallowed a lump. It was going to be hard to accept, but she knew fighting was the only way. "…okay." She nodded.
Nic faced forward. 'There's only one Pokémon I know can prove our point.' He looked dead ahead. "Arbok!"
"Asss you wish." Arbok dutifully obeyed his Trainer for battle.
"Well this should be a hoot." Erik glanced at Ekans. "So girl, what do you say?"
Ekans hissed in response. It sounded like a yes. She glared at Ophiuchus as a blue aura encased her body, her Intimidate Ability lowering the spirit's offenses a little.
Yukino pulled out a Poke Ball. "Minior, we need your assistance!" She tossed the capsule, bringing out her levitating space rock that was healed from the earlier scuffle.
Ophiuchus glared at her foes, and objecting stare fixated like an iron wall.
"Ophiuchus." Yukino started confidently. "I may not be able to help you the way I want to, but if this is what you really want, then we'll give it everything we've got."
"I expect nothing less of people worthy of entering my world." Ophiuchus challenged. "Now…learn the true might of the Snake Charmer, Ophiuchus!"
"Here she comes!" Nic warned.
Everyone braced for battle.
Ophiuchus wasted no time breaking into a breakneck lunge with lightning-fast reflexes. Nic stood in front and created a large turquoise shield that took Opiuchus' mouth head-on. The Protect stopped her attack, but the force of her lunge made the ground around the snake splinter to shreds. With the quake around them, they almost lost balance. Greninja used Nic's back as a springboard and shot skywards atop Ophiuchus.
"Greninja, Return!" Nic commanded.
Greninja's left leg glowed bright purple as he brought it up. Ophiuchus glanced up and saw a spiraling purple axe kick that bolted down onto her nose. A harsh shockwave caused the serpent to cringe upon impact; the same waves exploded throughout the chasm, breaking into the ground beneath Ophiuchus to cause her to fall back with a pained hiss.
"Arbok, to Greninja!" Nic ordered.
"Asss you wish!" Lurching back to build up springing, Arbok opened his maw and shot up at the frog.
Greninja descended and saw Arbok heading his way. The frog twisted his body and Arbok kept going. He unfolded his longue, pink tongue and wrapped it around Arbok's scarred waist. He twisted, dragging him around and flung the serpent at Ophiuchus.
The Celestial snake shook her head and noticed Arbok head her way. She bared her fangs and lunged full-speed ahead.
"Helping Hand!" Nic reached up, a golden aura enveloping his body as his palm was out. The same aura enveloped Arbok briefly, the golden glow empowering him. "Arbok, Ice Fang!" The cobra's fangs bared again, and this time glowed bright blue. An intense wave of frost and mist expelled when they turned solid ice, with icy aura fangs emitting as well. With help of Helping Hand, they were much bigger.
The frosted, fanged blitz and the titan snake met in the center, creating a massive blue flash that shook the entire chamber. Frost expelled everywhere as the two battled for dominance. Seconds later, a ceasefire in the airwaves happened. The two backed off, their attacks cancelling out.
'She's strong.' Nic evaluated. 'Stronger than the other spirits we've fought before.'
Arbok landed on the ground in coiled fashion. Ophiuchus looked down with defensive hissing.
'We don't have much time. Think Nic! Remember your training…' He started thinking back to the past week on his status and strategy training. Power won't cut it all the time. This was one of those times. "Erik! Yukino! While she's distracted!"
Erik smirked. "Yeah, we hear ya."
Yukino nodded. "Right."
Ophiuchus lurched her body and went into a deep zigzag to ground level. She zipped across the ground towards all her adversaries.
With his Dragon Slayer hearing, Erik could hear what Ophiuchus was planning. "She's gonna make a curve at the last second to attack us. Watch for that." He relayed.
Ophiuchus went after Arbok, Ekans, and Minior, going at a fast rate. However, Erik was right. At the last second, she arched pass them, getting around them and behind the humans and Greninja. She slunk another coil to separate their Pokémon's fields of vision of their trainers. Once severed, she was atop with fangs wide open.
"Minior, quick! Reflect!" Yukino ordered.
Minior confirmed and its body glowed rainbow energy waves. Ophiuchus went shooting down onto them, hoping to finish them in one blow. However, a dense rainbow forcefield impeded her path, blocking the blunt of the impact. It slowed her down enough for Erik to make his move.
"Hey Nic, got a little distraction on ya?" he smirked.
"Okay." Nic complied. "Double Team!"
Minior's move wore off, allowing for Ophiuchus to continue diving. She crashed into the dirt, making a large shockwave dispel around her. When she lifted, she saw in the crater, there was Nic, only for him to vanish.
"Hm?" She looked around, seeing illusions of him everywhere around her. Everywhere she looked, she saw illusions of Nic running and jumping in the air. "How are there so many of you?" she scoffed. Behind her, she wasn't aware that Ekans was glaring at her.
"Glare!"
Acting accordingly, Ekans' yellow eyes glowed bright red. Ophiuchus notably went stiff as yellow static burnt around her. "What…is this?!" she stammered.
With her distracted, her underside was exposed, allowing for Erik to look up for her chin. Using his poison, he jettisoned off the ground in one hop. The poison gathered in his legs as he spiraled skywards.
"Poison Dragon's Spiral Jaw!"
He rotated upside down and delivered a kick to the chin. However, the serpent was notably agile. Even slow, she was able to dodge Erik's attack in midair, leaving him wide-eyed.
"Above you!" Ekans warned.
Erik looked up as Ophiuchus' tail came down with a hard blow. At the last second, Minior's Reflect activated again, taking half of the blow for him. But it was still enough to shoot Erik towards the ground. He backflipped and trailed along the earth, his hand gripping the ground.
As he trailed back, Greninja and Arbok sped alongside one another after Ophiuchus. The serpent's eyes were locked onto everyone and she swung her tail all around. It was a slow wrecking ball that completely leveled the ground, taking out almost all the illusionary clones of Nic in puffs of smoke. Greninja and Arbok jumped on at the last second and climbed along her long body towards her top.
"Don't think that you can get away from me!" Ophiuchus' insignias all over her body started glowing.
Greninja glanced down. "What's this-?!"
"Get out of there! She's using her venom blast!" Yukino warned.
The massive snake opened wide and a spiraling surge of bright purple-like energy was forming. From the long distance, they saw the dense beam of energy venom head their way.
"Mirror Coat!"
Nic suddenly appeared in front of his Pokémon, clad in a cross of his Mind Form and Toxic Form for Psychic/Poison. He crossed his arms and took the brunt of the venomous blast as his body had a mirror-like substance around it.
The venom burnt, but he toughed it out. He snarled and furrowed his brow. The venomous light wave was refracted off of Nic's body, beaming up along Ophiuchus' body to make purple explosions until they erupted along her face. The serpent cried out while Arbok and Greninja got airborne.
As dust stirred, Nic used Teleport and ended up on a knee. He looked up at the air to see Ophiuchus slowly falling back from the force of her attacked returned at double the power, and now she was open.
'Let's try this now!' He looked up at Ophiuchus, an anger in her eyes as she saw Nic glare at her.
'What is gonna-!'
"Purify!" Nic faced the falling Ophiuchus with his hands glowing bright purple. He emitted a vague purple energy wave that went up Ophiuchus' body. The snake's static around her body was slowly vanishing, leaving her restored and movements back to normal.
This action stunned Ophiuchus some. She looked puzzled at Nic as she was gathering her bearing. "What the…why would you?"
"We're not here to hurt you like you think." A green energy wave emitted around Nic's body, recuperating what health he had lost from Ophiuchus' attack. "Besides…"
Ophiuchus was caught completely off guard. All around, the Pokémon were around her face, leaving her stunned.
"We're still here to win this! Greninja, Scald! Arbok, Gunk Shot!"
"Acid, Ekans!" Erik roared.
"Minior, Ancient Power!" Yukino called out.
Greninja took a deep breath and unleashed a monstrous breath of broiling, steaming water. Arbok unleashed a silver orb that turned into a black dumpster bag that bolted at intense, meteor-like speeds. Ekans brought her head back and unleashed a stream of purple acid. Minior's body glowed and generated an afterimage, swirling into an orb that it spun and fired into Ophiuchus.
All the attacks made instant impact with Ophiuchus, creating a massive shockwave that went off like a time bomb. Nic and everyone retained their footing as dust and rock spewed pass them. Nearby stalactites and stalagmites blew apart, shaking up the atmosphere all around them and made way up to the surface.
The mouth of the cavern shuddered thunderously. Everyone standing at the entrance was feeling the ground shift beneath them.
"Woah! What's going on?!" Happy shouted.
"Is it an earthquake perhaps?" Carla gasped.
Volans was shifting on his heels. The lying fish-man was feeling an incredible surge of pressure. "No, this is different. This is battle pressure being expelled underground. Someone's engaged right beneath us."
Erza's eyes widened. At her core, she knew something had to go wrong. 'Nic, what have you gotten yourself into now?'
Barking was heard from the mouth of the cave. Lupus turned around and saw one of Canes run up to him, barking. The hound barked to Lupus, communicating with him.
"What's it saying?" Natsu asked.
Gray shrugged. "Beats me, I don't speak dog."
With one more bark, the wolf turned around to face his allies. "We've got a scent. There's a weak trail, but we can trace it."
"Alright! And that's where Nic and Greninja are!" Corvus smirked, until Sorano pushed him down comically to get to the front.
"AAHH! TAKE ME TO MY YUKINO ALREADY!" the white-haired maiden pouted.
"Right. Lupus, lead the way." Volans nodded. The humanoid wolf nodded and ran on all fours back into the caverns. "Everyone, follow one more time!"
Natsu cracked his knuckles. "Alright…" he darted into the caverns. "Let's get going!"
"Aye, sir!" Happy agreed.
Erza whistled and Houndoom pounced to her side. She mounted him and followed him inside, tailing the wolf ahead of them. In her eyes there were resolution. 'Whatever Nic is going, I can tell he's doing everything he can. I have to do the same. This menace must be put to rest at once!'
The quakes started calming as the last remnants of debris fell from the ceiling. Some stalactites were reduced to churned rubble that scattered to dust that fell into debris mounds around the cavern. Arbok, Greninja, Ekans and Minior were all staring ahead, as did their Trainers.
Yukino looked ahead worriedly. "Did that do it…?" She looked towards the others, seeing their skeptical expressions.
Nic and Erik glared ahead with heavy frowns. They had a feeling of what was happening, as unbelievable as it was to boot. But Nic knew better than to underestimate his chances. He and Erik remained calm, the two feeling something coming.
In the still silence, there was a light tremor that was picking up. It gradually grew, and debris was starting to shift around them.
"Greninja! Arbok!"
Moving as per experience, Greninja seized Minior while Arbok hooked Ekans onto him. Just as the ground shattered beneath, they lunged of to the sides as Ophiuchus emerged with groundbreaking force.
"NICE TRY!" the angry serpent screeched.
"She survived all that!" Yukino gasped.
Erik heard something through his ears. "Ekans, move it!"
Ekans was still latched to Arbok when she noticed something swinging over them. A tail. Ophiuchus' long end came slamming down, but just as Ekans was bracing for impact, Arbok was completely calm. In a split second, the two vanished, with Nic taking their place, via Ally Switch. What was even more intense was that he already created a Spiky Shield, crossing his arms to make a green forcefield of green, jagged needles that Ophiuchus' tail slammed into. The shock went through her and she recoiled while Nic used Teleport and landed beside Greninja, who released Minior.
"Thanks for the warning." Nic thanked Erik.
"Don't mention it." Erik begrudgingly responded.
Ophiuchus stirred in front of them, the damage seen clear from Nic's defensive counter. As she stirred, they were all watching something peculiar about her. As her tail swayed from side-to side, Nic was being observant as he saw the scrapes on the scales slowly regenerate.
His brow furrowed as he came to an assumption. 'Instant regeneration…'
Ophiuchus ceased her pained cries and her tail looked good as new. She glared down at everyone, seeing them all on thin threads. "Tch, you're pesky prey." She lowered her head snobbishly. "Did you really think you could hit me that hard and expect me to stay down, in my domain?"
"No damage." Yukino realized, her knowledge coming forth. "Wait, if this cave is similar to the Celestial World, then that means…she can heal herself continuously."
Erik scoffed. "Figures as much. This just became a pain in the ass." He looked at Nic. "Hey, Nic, too slow to think? All I'm hearing in you are mumbles right now."
Arbok glanced over at Erik, impeding his path of thinking. "Who do you think you're talking to you pointy-eared megaphone? You looking to end up six scales under?"
Ekans hissed at Arbok. "I can sssay the sssame to you."
Arbok snorted, scoffing at the smaller snake's words. "Let'sss sssee about that." He turned towards Ophiuchus, awaiting his Trainer's commands. He couldn't wait to tear into either snake…only by Nic's discretion of course.
'The damage she takes instantly heals.' Nic figured. 'It's like Arbok's Shed Skin, but with Leftovers with it…' That's when an idea came to him. 'Wait…health. We can use that!'
Ophiuchus opened her maw, unleashing another bright venomous blast across the ground into her foe. Nobody moved as the earth shuddered from the corroding blast of venom heading their way.
"Erik, you got all that?" Nic questioned.
Erik shifted in front of everyone, smirking. "Yeah, yeah. I hear ya." The attack closed in, but Erik stood his whole ground with a twisted smirk. His maw opened wide as he took in a deep breath, conducting all the poison in Ophiuchus' blast into a slurping sound.
Ophiuchus looked mildly stunned. 'He's ingesting my celestial venom?'
With a window of opportunity, Nic reached out ahead of him. 'Gotta handle that healing mechanism first!' His fingers started glowing, magenta ripples expelling. "Heal Block!"
As Ophiuchus continued producing venom that her foe kept ingesting, she felt her whole world suddenly pulsate. A heartbeat. Black and gray momentarily filled her conscience as her body was stunned from an unknown force. But otherwise it didn't hurt.
"Arbok, go!" Nic ordered. Immediately, Arbok hissed and slipped passed all of them in jettison fashion.
"You heard him, Ekans, get moving." Erik told her. Likewise, the smaller snake went slithering off, much slower than Arbok's muscular training.
Ophiuchus saw the two snakes incoming her way and lunged again. She arched down at speeds that could break the sound barrier.
"Up, Arbok! Help Ekans!"
With reflexes to aid, Arbok lurched and snaked his tail around Ekans. Ophiuchus closed the distance, but Arbok lunged over. Time drastically slowed down as Arbok was doing a cartwheel over the forehead and flicked Ekans onto the back of Ophiuchus' neck.
"Acid!" Erik shouted.
Ekans reeled her head back and expelled purple acid down onto Ophiuchus' neck. The sizzling steam etched its way through her scaly armor, causing an unfavorable itch and sting that made the massive wild ride of a snake redirect her ongoing charge. The huge snake lurched upwards, positioning herself for a slope that Ekans slithered down from. She met Arbok at the base and the two slithered in different directions.
Ophiuchus turned and saw the two snakes. She was pissed. With an annoyed scowl, she moved her tail to swing at Arbok, but the cobra got low to avoid the blow. Ekans and Arbok went around Ophiuchus and met up, slithering away as Ophiuchus turned around to lunge back at them.
Nic's eyes glowed green as he clasped his hands together. "Grass Knot!"
Arbok turned around with Ekans as Ophiuchus headed their way. They watched as the snake closed in. But when she was so close, the ground cracked open, two twirling, glowing green roots twisted around one another around Ophiuchus' neck. With her being so heavy, the attack completely grounded her head, creating a intense depression that diced apart rock.
The uprooted rock was perfect platform for Arbok.
"Arbok, Ice Fang!"
"Ekans, Bite!"
Both snakes complied, with Ekans slithering dead ahead while Arbok used the suspended rocks to ricochet into Ophiuchus, his fangs glowing the same icy aura. The two snakes aimed for the red eyes, their biting attacks creating eruptions of ice and frost over one, and a small burst of smoke on the other. Ophiuchus screeched out as her head was still anchored by the twirled roots. Her whole body, however, writhed and moved like a roller coaster, crashing along the chamber walls to make landslides of rock fall around them.
As Arbok and Ekans were in midair, the latter coiled around so she wouldn't fall, the cobra looked up and saw a large rock falling onto him.
Just as he was going to react, a blast of poisonous scales shredded through the falling rock, dicing it into pieces.
The source belonged to Erik, whose hand was drenched in poison and scoffing amusingly. "There, that even enough for ya?"
Arbok and Ekans reconvened with their Trainers, the two watching Ophiuchus cringe and try to break herself free of the binds. From the way she was struggling, it won't be long. This was the perfect time to try and fully incapacitate her.
"That Heal Block won't last too long." Nic observed. For added measure, he took in a deep breath. "Sorry if we're gonna have to get rough a bit, Yukino."
Yukino clutched her fist to her chest. She understood what Nic meant, but even so, this was her spirit.
Nic took aim where Ophiuchus was pinned and spat a seed. "Leech Seed!" He shot a seed directly at her base. Once down, the seed sprouted into roots that started growing along Ophiuchus' body. They crawled up her immobilized frame and started draining some energy.
"That'll slow her down some." Nic said, glowing and turning to his Stone Form. He glanced at Erik. "Think Ekans can keep up?"
Erik moved his head with a fanged smirk. "How's about minding your own Pokémon for once?"
Nic took that as a yes. "Sure." He faced forward. "Alright Arbok, no more nice guy. Ready?"
"Yesss, Nic." Arbok glared ahead.
"Hey, Ekans." Erik quipped. "You really gonna just follow that cobra's lead the whole way? I think we can do better. Wanna show?"
"Absssolutely." She glared at Ophiuchus' figure, focusing hard on her target. Being a small snake was a pain, but so far she's been taking orders. It was time to mark her own territory.
As her eyes gleamed over, she gave an intimidating hiss, and not just because of her Ability. Something else. Her body was glowing, encompassed in a bright aura.
"Hm?" Arbok looked over at the glow.
"My goodness." Yukino gasped.
Nic looked over at the evolution with Greninja, the two realizing what was going on. As they were watching the glow envelop the snake, for some reason, they were feeling case of nostalgia develop. He felt too familiar with this feeling.
Nic smirked as he looked ahead at Arbok. 'Déjà vu.'
The light started morphing, showing Ekans' body growing longer and thicker. Her upper-half was transforming into a hood as to where her maw started bearing sharp teeth. As the evolutionary light faded, a pair of sharp, dark eyes opened.
A shockwave was unleashed upon the evolution, with Erik's own Arbok expelling a loud, monstrous hiss that shook the air around.
"It evolved?!" Yukino gasped. Minior looked just as surprised.
"Showoff, much?" Nic argued calmly.
Erik stepped pass him. "Don't be like that. Figured you'd be flattered." He insisted. "And besides, now we both have giant snakes again. Happy now?"
Nic blinked, eyerolling away and looking passive. Though he did reminisce on the couple weeks of having an Ekans of his own before evolving to Arbok. "Nostalgia aside, we need to keep her incapacitated."
"Whatever you say."
The binds to the Grass Knot finally snapped. Ophiuchus turned around, showing her damaged eyes and a massive hiss of anger. One eye was wincing, and the other was completely frosted over with sharp, jagged ice. Her hiss sent shockwaves throughout the area.
"That's one hellish squeal she has." Erik sneered. "I can really do without that in my ears. Alright Arbok…" He reeled his head back. "On my mark."
Erik's Arbok nodded and waited for the signal.
Ophiuchus' one eye glared down at the two. Her vision was blurry, and she could've sworn there were two Arbok. It didn't seem right, even to her. 'Where did that other snake traitor go?' She flicked her tongue in the air, catching the same whiff. 'Her smell means she's still here…did she transform into a duplicate?' Her glare hardened. 'No matter...I'll decay them all!'
She opened wide, spiraling venom erupting inside. That was the signal.
'NOW!' Erik reared his head around and opened wide. "Poison Dragon's…ROAR!"
He unleashed a monstrous blast of roaring poison that beamed into the snake. Arbok reared her own head back and expelled Acid. The two blasts of poisonous material went spinning and expanding as Ophiuchus unleashed a torrent of venom. The attacks met in the center, making decaying airwaves that flickered every few seconds. Both sides battled for dominance, but it was clear neither was gonna give in.
With this opportunity, Nic took it. 'Now.' He looked towards Arbok. "Arbok, Coil!"
Arbok hissed as he coiled himself up. His muscles tensed as a red aura increased his Attack, Defense, and Accuracy.
"Yukino! Aim for the ceiling!" Nic shouted.
Yukino nodded. "Right, okay!" She didn't know what Nic intended, but she had to trust him. "Minior, Swift above Ophiuchus!"
Minior complied and manifested golden stars. It spun around, shooting the stars towards the ceiling of the chamber above Ophiuchus. They made impact, making a harsh rupture that broke several rocks off that fell onto Ophiuchus.
The spirit's one good iris glanced up to notice the falling rocks. She was forced to stop her attack to shift to her right. The falling rocks took her place as Erik and his Arbok's combined attack broke through, rotting them away.
'Are they trying to keep me from getting a clear shot or something?' She didn't know what was happening, but the pain from Leech Seed was sapping at her energy some more. She cringed. 'And my health isn't going back to normal. Why?' she gasped. 'Wait…' She started flashing back to that sensation when Nic used that odd attack on her. 'Is that why I can't heal…this human…he used my strengths against me!'
She locked eyes with Nic, seeing his calm disposition fixated on her. He had her right where he wanted her. A momentary sense of anger for the mastermind of wearing her down took over, and all the accents on her body began glowing out of rage.
"YOU WILL NOT DEFEAT ME!" She slipped after Nic, her massive frame barreling with full might.
Nic stood by Greninja, the two waiting for the right time. "Arbok, one more Coil." Nic stated. Arbok did just that. He tightened himself further, his red aura indicating an even bigger increase in his stats.
Ophiuchus' maw opened wide. She screamed louder than before.
Nic swiped his arm with Greninja, the two going together in this.
"Rock Slide!"
"Water Shuriken!"
Greninja swiped his arms, throwing sharp, shredding stars of water that were like blue bullets. Thanks to the Mystic Water as well, it soared with aquatic rays as well. They disappeared into the ceiling as time slowed down. Right over all their heads, there were hundreds of blue flashes. The ceiling completely diced into pieces with sprays of water, catching everyone by surprise, even Ophiuchus.
The snake gasped. She looked up, seeing not only rocks falling, but as Nic grunted and swung down, distorted ripples showed falling gray rocks mixed in to completely baffle her. Her assaulted stopped completely with her guard down.
Erik smirked maniacally. 'There it is.' He fiendishly smirked. "Alright, sick her!"
Erik's Arbok obeyed and lunged for Ophiuchus. The snake's guard was completely off as she looked back down to see a flying cobra heading her way. 'No time to move! Damnit!'
Erik's Arbok's fangs glowed bright white, her roaring hiss loud for all to hear.
"CRUNCH!"
She snapped down hard on Ophiuchus' snout, making a white gleam before it exploded. Arbok recoiled backwards as Ophiuchus winced and veered away, hissing in crying agony. The rocks closed in, and Ophiuchus was in freefall and her left eye shooting wide open. It was covered by shadows for a second before thousands of rocks swallowed those shadows.
The chamber quaked as the shockwaves of the Rock Slide and Water Shuriken splices rained down, bombarding Ophiuchus. Nic and everyone held calm as dust blew pass them. Nic's blue gaze didn't go anywhere but forward as he reached forward.
He snapped his fingers, his index finger pointing directly into the smoke and dust. His Arbok's purple gleam blitzed passed him into the shockwaves.
Within the realm of mounds of rocks, Ophiuchus' head was writhing. Her cries went hoarse as rocks kept falling, bombarding her. She was flinching, and what's worse, she lost even more health.
A slithering purple zipline ricocheted up the mounds of rocks falling, getting to the top where there was a pitch-black hole that lead to the surface. A closer examination revealed it to be Nic's Arbok, his fangs bared and ready. Ophiuchus looked up, her shock overwhelming her too greatly as time slowed down for the umpteenth time.
In a bright background, all went silent. Ophiuchus was standstill as she was looking up at the falling Arbok. At this point, in the depths of shock…it was clear who the snake ruler was.
With a simple clutch of the fist, Nic gave the word. "Arbok…Earthquake!"
The air was still silent, but Arbok wasn't. With a roaring hiss, the cobra's tail came down on Ophiuchus' head…
From the distance of the mountains and valleys, a distorted ripple blew for miles at the base of the hillside. Seconds later, rock formations and valleys split into fissures and exploded rock skywards from underground. The forests and nearby crags had shockwaves run up from underground, blowing into uncontrolled tectonic rage that ran to bases of other mountains. Slabs broke apart, and some areas depressed…especially where the epicenter was.
Everyone inside the cave covered up as the ceiling was cracking apart. Rocks were coming down on them hard, causing them to veer and move sporadically.
"Wah! What the-?! GAH!" Sorano squealed as she backtracked from a rock that almost crushed her.
"The whole place is shaking up like crazy." Gray covered up.
"Is this a battle taking place?" Juvia asked.
Through the earthquakes and rumbles, Sophie's Memory-Make was making her sense something familiar. A very venomous, powerful magical pressure. 'This celestial energy, it feels like…' She noticed a glow coming from Cana's card. The radiant shine surprised all of them. "Cana, your card."
Looking down, Cana looked at the Celestial Crew Card and pulled it out. She looked at the glowing symbol. 'It's reacting to something…' She looked down the shaking tunnel, her brow furrowing. 'Then that means…'
Lupus' nose twitched. He looked back at everyone, giving a snarl. "We got a real trail now! I'm smelling them alright!"
"Is it Nic and the others?" Happy asked.
Natsu sniffed the air. Like Lupus, he was now getting some vague smell. It was faint, but he could tell there was a trail of people here earlier. "Yeah, the dog ain't lying. I know Nic's smell when it's there."
"Yes, I'm sensing it as well." With her aura, Vanessa was getting faint flickers of Nic's Arbok's aura. It was strong, and she could guess why it was that. "They shouldn't be that farther now. Their signatures are layered beneath us."
"So they're underground?" Wendy inquired.
Erza stayed resolute ahead. "Lead the way, Lupus. We'll reach them faster if we pick up the pace." The humanoid wolf howled in compliance. He turned tail and darted into the caverns. "Everyone, move!" She ordered.
The falling rocks were reduced to dust that scattered in the atmosphere. As the dust brewed about, one wave cleared away, revealing a series of hot pink hexagonal shields overlapping everyone. Nic's Wide Guard cleared away once he was sure the fissures and magnitudes settled. Everyone was safe and sound as they looked ahead.
Arbok stood at the base of depressed earth. The entire chamber completely leveled about several feet down. It was clear by the fresh rock groves embedded in the walls. The rock on Ophiuchus was completely reduced to loose gravel, leaving her in a mound of small stone while her whole body was sprawled. The Leech Seed from earlier vanished to thin air.
Arbok raised his head, giving a victorious hiss of triumph.
Nic glowed into his default form. He looked at Ophiuchus' body, seeing he went extreme with the measures taken. "…sorry." He quietly apologized.
Yukino looked completely stunned. Her brown eyes were shrunk in disbelief, in more ways than one. 'Amazing…they actually beat Ophiuchus at her full strength. She was stronger than the rest of the Zodiacs.'
"Well that was annoying." Erik huffed. "Hey Nic, could you have been a little less tactful with all that? It'd save us a lot of grief in the long run."
Yukino flinched. She turned towards Nic.
"I know." Nic strained. "Figured I wanna try out a couple of things I'm still working on." His mindset flashed back towards his battle with Emmanuel, skipping towards his training he's been doing to help integrate more status moves. 'Guess I need to work more on all that.' He glanced over at Erik. "Besides, didn't you say that an Ophiuchus is more defensive than offensive? Sounds hypocritical coming from you."
Erik saw the irony in Nic's backlash and smirked. "Fair enough." He turned towards his newly evolved Arbok. "Looks like you've gotten bigger, huh girl?" He scratched the bottom of her chin, causing her to hiss in glee.
The fallen spirit was trying to stand once more. Due to the effects of the celestial magic energy, all her physical wounds were recuperating at a quick rate. In no time she was stirring back up and glared down at her foes.
Nic stepped beside his own Arbok, looking fixated with a flare in his eyes. "You wanna go some more?"
A long silence passed as Ophiuchus glared them down. She looked at Erik's Arbok, who hissed defensively. Then at Nic's Arbok, whose glare was enough to make her submit. She knew she was bested, and wasn't afraid to show it.
"Tch…you're a very persistent bunch, you know that?" she scoffed. "It pisses me off."
The group knew Ophiuchus was being spiteful given the circumstances, but for the sake of the mission and their own fortunes they chose to take it as a compliment.
"You're a Celestial Spirit, just like the Zodiac…and that means you know a thing or two about keeping promises." Nic voiced. "So you know wanna fill us in on what else you know?"
"I don't know what you hope to gain from this…" Ophiuchus irritably hissed. She had to pay up her end of the bargain, even though it riled her to no end. "But fine, if you insist."
They all regrouped and looked in anticipation of what the serpent had to say.
"I am the one who is able to control the wavelengths of the celestial energy within this cave. Because of that, I am free to keep in and out anyone of my accord…provided they have my constellation representing them."
"Does this have to do with Melchior, I take it?" Nic inquired.
Ophiuchus scoffed, trying to ignore the human's inquiry. "Anyways, it happened one night, maybe some months ago in your human life. I saw a human walk to the base of my cave…"
Under the cover of night, outside the caverns with fangs, there were several silhouettes that approached the mouth. The one before them stopped, with the other following suite. He turned around, possibly conversing with them.
"I couldn't tell what they were talking about, but one of them chose to walk into my caverns alone. It was foolish, but I failed to see why I should be affected."
The human walked into the depths of the cave, his feet churning gravel. He looked around, seeing no sight of anything…or possibly anyone. He kept going, but at a slower, more alarming rate. He walked into Ophiuchus' chamber, where he stopped in the dead center.
"I was going to approach him for him to acknowledge my presence…" her voice trailed to uncertainty. "This human, he had some kind of aura around him. I was just amazed he was able to get this far, so I thought I'd see where it goes."
The human looked suspiciously around one more time, a vague grin seen on his face. In silence, and masked by a hood, the human passed by, walking to the other exit on the other side of the cave.
"After that, he just disappeared. Didn't see him come back out." She finished.
"Another human was here before us…" Yukino pondered. "And he was able to make it this far as well?" In her contemplation, she realized something. "Wait. Do you guys think it could've been the king?"
"Sounds about right if you ask me." Erik voiced. "Only those with Ophiuchus as their constellation would be able to get through this point."
"…or if they were a master of Celestial Magic." Nic surmised. "So you're saying the king slipped through here, and you didn't stop him? Why's that?"
Ophiuchus snorted through her nostrils. "It wasn't any of my business. Besides, like I said, there was something abnormal about this human. A very strong celestial energy."
"But I don't understand." Yukino worried. "Why would his majesty wander through here of all places? What's beyond here?"
Nic and Greninja looked pass their point of view dead ahead. There was another opening from the other side, but it was hard to tell. And yet, somehow, they had a feeling that's what Melchior was after. Their glares fastened back on Ophiuchus.
"Ophiuchus…where does this cave connect to?" Nic inquired. By his tone, he sounded dead serious.
The snake hissed again. "You really wanna know? Beyond this point is a small tunnel that leads to the surface. It can take you to the base of the mountain slopes. There lies a narrow pathway that leads to Wyscan Hill."
"Wyscan Hill?" Yukino inquired. "Wait. Rufus did some readings of ancient languages. Wyscan translates to the modern terms for 'wish', right?"
"There is a presumed legend that is as old as the first Celestials themselves. It was rumored that Tetrabiblos, when he watched from the stars. He had blessed a hill with a spirit guide to grant wishes of those who are deemed worthy by the hands of this god."
Erik raise a brow. "So that's it, huh? This king went and made himself a wish. That explains why I've been hearing these things."
"What do you imagine he'd wish for?" Greninja asked his trainer. He had a feeling something as big as what happened couldn't have come without a price.
Nic furrowed his brow. There could've been a number of things he could've asked for. He could've wished for Lucy's key to be restored for one. But there could've been the drawback of having two of the same key upsetting balance. The king was smarter than that, and even he had to have followed some form of law of celestials to have his magic still. There's also the crown he had, but Jellal explained it was stolen from the museum…then again, it wasn't explained how it was stolen. What did he wish for that it mattered so much?
"You only get one wish, that's what I heard." Ophiuchus said dryly. "Now, I think that I've done my part. If you're done here, I'd like my peace again, thank you." She turned away. "I'm done with guests for a while. Be seeing you."
As she was going to disappear, Yukino stepped up. "Wait, Ophiuchus!"
The snake stopped at the behest of her master. "What do you want?"
"I want to talk to you about something. In the meantime, please, keep the passage open. We want to investigate everything possible about stopping Melchior."
Nic looked mildly surprised. "Yukino."
"It's okay, Nic…she won't do anything. We beat her fair and square." She looked over her shoulder at him, her brown eyes showing seriousness. "Minior and I will be okay, trust me."
Nic and Greninja looked at each other, then towards Arbok. The cobra was obediently silent, so his input wasn't essential. They mutually agreed on a decision, and Nic faced her.
"Okay then…but take this." He whipped out something that Yukino caught. She seized the long rope, looking at its hardened fibers. "Use that Escape Rope to get to the mouth of the cave. If anything goes wrong, use that, got it?"
Yukino gripped the Escape Rope and nodded. "Understood. Ophiuchus?"
The snake scoffed. "Hmph. Yeah, yeah. I won't do anything…just make sure whatever you're doing is quick. I won't hold the gateway open very long, you know."
Nic glanced at Erik. "You coming?"
Erik mounted his newly evolved Arbok, riding his back and hood. "Yeah, sure. Let's just hurry. I can hear the others clearly now."
Nic nodded. "Arbok, Greninja! Let's go!" At his command, he leaped and Arbok slipped beneath. He rode on his back and hood, and Greninja followed beside as the snakes carried their masters off back to where they came from.
With them gone, Yukino sighed in relief. Minior closed in on her to see if she was okay. "I'm okay Minior, thanks." She turned back towards Ophiuchus, a gleam in her eyes. 'Ophiuchus…'
The snake laid off to the side, disinterested by the looks of anything, even Yukino. This was going to be tough.
Lupus pounced along the ground, with Houndoom not far behind. Together the two dogs and Canes stopped in their tracks, their noses having reached the ends of a trail in the middle of the area.
"They're close, I can smell them!" the wolf spirit announced. He looked towards the leading Canes hound. "This where the trail lead to?"
Canes barked. It sounded like a yes.
Wendy looked around, a very odd sense around her. "Is anyone else getting a weird feeling about this place?"
"Yes. So I'm not the only one then." Carla deduced.
"We're in the deepest parts of the caverns." Volans explained. "That earlier fissure must've created an opening to dispel whatever illusion was pushing us back to the surface." He looked towards the nearest wall to prove his point. "These formations and the spacing are more spread out than back where we came from."
"Could that have been from the earthquake?" Wendy nervously sweatdropped.
Corvus descended above Wendy's head. "Hey, give the guy a break. We live in the Celestial World. Not exactly much land to shake us around when it's a lot of stardust…" he raised a brow. "Unless you count the new land Nic made before."
"Yes, I remember that." Sophie chuckled.
Cana looked down at the glowing card in her hand, the shine far brighter to where it was almost blinding. "We got something alright! Everyone heads up!"
Erza looked ahead, seeing something heading their way. 'Bodies.' She summoned a sword for a high guard. 'An enemy?' She looked towards her sister-in-law. "Vanessa, can you tell?"
The Aura Mage used her magic to dictate what was being sensed. She felt the same auras as before, this time stronger. She knew who they were, and that made a sense of comfort wash over her. "It's okay, Erza…it's them."
"Nic!" Lucy gasped.
They all saw the figments draw closer. Once they were within eyesight, many completely dropped their guards when it was shown Greninja dashed and stopped before them. Beside him, Nic and Erik's Arbok stopped.
"See that? Told you I could hear their paddling around." Erik chimed.
"Yeah." Nic jumped off of Arbok, petting him along the cheek. "Nice work, Arbok. You deserve a rest." He pulled up his Poke Ball. "Return."
"Yesss, Nic." Arbok obediently went back into his Poke Ball, which Nic put away.
"Nic!" Nic turned around, hearing the voice of Erza and the others close in on them.
"Hey, Erza." Nic smiled. He was caught surprised when Erza suddenly seized him. Her iron grip almost crushing the air out of his lungs. "H-hey! Easy!"
"You idiot. You had me worried sick." She said over his shoulder. "You should know better than to leave my side."
While he could handle himself, Nic took his wife's words to consideration. He smiled, leaning the side of his head into her long, silky red hair. "Yeah, I know. Sorry about that."
Everyone else gathered around. Erza pulled away but remained close.
"Thank goodness we found you." Juvia stated. "We were starting to worry something happened to you."
"Cut us some slack too, would ya?" Gray chimed. "We almost got crushed because of an earthquake in here."
Nic blinked once, then twice. Realizing what happened, he scratched his head, sighing. "Sorry about that." He groaned. 'Right. Should've figured they'd look for us.'
"We're so relieved to see you're all alright." Lucy lost her smile. "But, what happened? Why did you suddenly vanish on us?"
"Erik." Sorano approached Erik and his Arbok. "Have you seen Yukino?" she started to comically whine. "Because if you say you didn't, I swear I'm gonna scream until you go deaf!"
Erik gritted his teeth. He could definitely hear the desperation within her. 'Geez she's really gonna blow her top on me.'
"Nic." Greninja warned.
Nic nodded. "Yeah, I know." He looked at everyone present, Greninja beside him ready to explain. "Everyone, listen. There's something we need to tell you…"
For the next five minutes, Nic and Greninja went ahead and explained in the shortest details of how they met Ophiuchus, along with how she was in here instead of the Celestial World. Their battle, and how she explained Melchior went through to the hill to grant some wish. By the end everyone had mixed reactions.
"You're kidding!" Natsu yelled. "You mean you guys fought that big snake spirit?!"
"You fought Ophiuchus?! The Ophiuchus!" Lucy recalled seeing her in the Grand Magic Games. She heard rumors about her power, and she wasn't really enticed with how anticlimactic Kagura finished her.
"That would definitely explain a number of things happening around here." Carla furrowed her brow.
"O-Ophiuchus?!" Corvus fret. "W-wait…you mean the Ophiuchus that's said to have been more powerful than the rest of the Zodiac…! AND YOU'RE SAYING YOU BEAT HER?!" his eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets in his perilous shock.
"There are only rumors and speculations about this lost spirit." Volans said, his gruff tone very serious. "There's but a few archives in the Celestial library about this maiden serpent who has been disclosed from our world. That would explain why she wasn't around when Lysandre immersed his claim on our world."
"And why I've been smelling all this poison." Lupus smelled the air, only to snort and covered his nostrils with his claws. "Blegh! Yup, definitely poison!"
"So where's Yukino?" Sorano asked again.
Nic turned towards her. "She's still back with Ophiuchus. Don't worry, the snake promised not to put up a fight."
"But she's still my sweet little sister!" Sorano argued comically, her fists balling. "Oh, that is it! Hang on, Yukino! I'm coming for you~!" She took off pass Nic and Erik, racing at breakneck speeds while everyone watched with nervous beads of sweat on their heads.
"KEYS!" An energetic Klefki raced for Sorano as well, hoping to reach Yukino, or rather more accurately, what she possessed. Her efforts were thwarted when Lucy's hand gripped her keytop firmly.
"No."
The firm tone made Klefki groan in defeat.
"Uh…should we stop her?" Lucy wondered.
"Honestly…" Bellona groaned.
"Sorano is a tough nut to handle, but she can handle herself just fine." Jellal mused. He looked towards Nic. "So, Nic, Greninja." The two looked at their ally. "Tell us more about this hill. You said that the king visited this place to make a wish. Was there anything else you found out?"
Nic shook his head. "No. We never went that far. Supposedly that's all Ophiuchus explained." He looked down at the ground in further contemplation. "But I think that whatever the reason he went up there, whatever he wished for, it came true…"
They all turned towards the other, getting a low sense of dread that washed up around them.
"Something that has to do with Celestial Spirits…and these constellations. Ophiuchus explained that the spirits were born from stars aligned with celestial energy from the cosmos…I didn't think about it until recently, but I'm getting why Melchior is doing this."
"Nic." Erza sympathized, but stayed quiet for her husband to make sense.
"But that doesn't make the actions he's doing for his motives any less worth it. He's controlling the Zodiacs and remaking an army to overtake regions, all just so Celestial Spirits and their magic won't die out. If there's any way we can stop him before it's too late, we don't have much options."
"So then…what do we do?" Corvus nervously asked.
"We'll sitting around here isn't gonna be a good start." Cana quipped. "That king's on the move with Lucy's spirits. We stand around we won't get any good results."
"Cana's right. This is no time to fall back on the impossibilities." Erza declared. "Everyone, listen up. If what Ophiuchus says is true, then there are two ways we can go about this. If we can find out more about this hill and its wish-granting, we'll be able to use that as an advantage." She turned towards Sophie. "Sophie."
"Yes, Erza?"
"Are there any archives you're carrying right now relating to Wyscan Hill?"
The mage looked towards her Kadabra, who used Confusion to help spread out the stack. Sophie reached and pulled out a few archives, showing them to everyone. "These were the only two I was able to bookmark." She answered.
"Very well. We'll need to be ready in the events that the hill will not be enough. If I recall correctly, his majesty should be amongst the Celestial World. And one day in there is equal to three months in our time."
Natsu smirked. "Then that means we've got plenty of time to prepare for a big fight. We can douse them in one swift sweep once everyone's stronger."
"Maybe not." Lucy interjected.
"Huh? What are you saying, Lucy?" Natsu questioned. "Isn't that how spirits work?"
Lucy bit her thumbnail. "This may sound hard to believe, but isn't Astral's atmosphere similar to the Celestial World's atmosphere? Melchior also controlled the stars now…" her eyes narrowed. "So that means space and time must've been distorted between these two worlds."
"Okay, now I'm really confused?" Happy pointed out.
"Basically she's saying that the flow of time is completely off track thanks to that king. For all we know, time may actually be faster or the same in Earthland means."
This news completely surprised Happy. "So you're saying he might have all the spirits under his control already?!"
"This isn't good. There's no telling when he'll be ready to strike." Gray deduced. "We need to hurry up, and find out when he'll be here."
Juvia nodded in agreement.
"We'll need to split up at this point." Jellal suggested. "Our priorities are in two places at once. We'll be able to cover more ground if we go our separate ways."
"That's perhaps our best course of action." Erza agreed. "If the sea is connected to the Celestial World, then we'll have to stop him there. We'll need everyone at full strength to make it through to morning."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Some of them were aching for a second round against the king's men - Natsu especially for Charmeleon's sake. With so few possibilities of the links, this was the only way.
Sophie stepped forward. "If it's alright, I think we should go investigate the hill as well." She offered.
"Sophie?" Vanessa questioned. "Are you sure about this?"
The blonde gave her a smirk. "What's the matter? You afraid? I'll be just fine, Vanessa…just trust me on this."
The Pularis girl didn't have a good feeling about this, but she knew better than to misplace her trust on her best friend. She sighed. "…okay. Just be careful."
"Aren't you one to talk?" she teased.
"Greninja, you ready?" Nic asked.
The frog nodded. "Yeah." He looked towards Corvus, Lupus, and Volans. The spirits nodded in agreement, all their determination afoot to stop Melchior and free their allies. Sophie and Cana felt the same way. Lucy looked at Klefki with nods exchanged as well. This was one battle they could not afford to lose. They needed every angle covered to get the Zodiacs free of control, for them, and the spirit mages.
"Nic." Vanessa had a passionate aura with her as well; she was just good at keeping a relaxed disposition.
Nic nodded at his sister. "I know, Vanessa. We're ready." He looked at Erza. "Erza, you in?"
The redhead smirked. "Would I ever not be?"
Smirking at his wife beside him, he faced forward. "Alright then…let's go."
Everyone who was energetic raised their fists and yelled out in battlecries. Erza raised her sword high as her Houndoom and Lupus howled in unison. As they lead the pep cry, Duncan was in the back, keeping quiet and clutching his makeshift weapon tight. He looked up to see Sophie making eye contact with him over her shoulder. Once again, the two found themselves in a small deadlock, and Sophie was once again seemingly drilling not him.
Duncan scoffed, turning away. But he was ready to battle on his own terms. "Tch."
"Raticate, Hyper Fang!" Kevin shouted.
The overhyper rodent opened his bucked teeth wide and started cackling. The fangs elongated, and he we darting ahead. "SO CWAZY!" He lunged into the air, meeting the opposing wild Vivillon in midflight. With a sharp snap of the jaws, a white shockwave enveloped the air. Raticate jumped down with a soft landing, but the Vivillon wasn't as lucky.
It smacked into a nearby tree, the force being from the critical hit factor of the move ultimately defeating the Bug-type.
"That'll leave a mark." Dereece flinched, the snap feeling painful on the skin.
"Yeah, ouch." Joey grinned. "But it works. Way to stick it, Mister P!"
Ella smiled. "Congratulations, Papa."
Kevin thanked them and turned towards Raticate. "Alright, good job there Raticate. Good reaction time."
Raticate shuddered with glee and looked like he was ready to burst. "Haha…HAHAHA!"
The group sweatdropped behind the mentally unconstitutional rodent as he was laughing. His laughter wasn't exactly affectionate like Joey's party fever, that's for sure.
Kevin inwardly sighed. '…note to self: Make sure Raticate gets his sleep.' He held up his Poke Ball. "Well…return." He recalled Raticate without any problems. Once he was put away, he turned towards the group. "Okay, that should do it. Wanna keep moving?"
"Sure thing." Joey grinned, turning towards Dereece. "Though, you know, I'm still so~ sore from using my magic yesterday. Wouldn't it help to have, oh say, more pairs of legs to help my body get ahead…just saying."
Dereece gave his Captain a dry stare. "It's too early in the morning for this."
"Thank you for clearing the way for us, Papa." Ella smiled. "We very much appreciate the efforts of you and your Raticate."
"It's all good." He replied. "Though I'm sorry if Raticate does…you know…scare you, sweetie."
"I am not scared, Papa." Ella nonchalantly said. "I believe ADHD is a very common occurrence in such species capable of interpreting."
Once again, Kevin found himself stumped at her overzealous insight. 'Wait…so all this time, Raticate's condition was ADHD. I figured he had a lot of impulsive energy, but…' He turned back towards Ella.
"Hm? What's wrong, Papa? Was it something I said?"
Kevin was getting a little suspicious of how smart exactly Ella was. She was definitely smart enough to figure his perverted behavior without thoroughly knowing it. But looking at her, he can't bring himself to accuse Ella of something she isn't. He softly smiled. "Nothing, Ella. Just Papa thinking is all." He walked onwards. "Alright, care to lead us?"
"Okay…" Ella proceeded but slowed down at Kevin's behest. "Um…I don't suppose that's another 'That's what she said' quotes…yes?"
"Maybe." Kevin winked.
As they walked close behind, Dereece was rubbing the back of his head. "We've been walking for about an hour now. It's gotta be around daybreak soon, right?"
"Beats me. I ain't a morning person, bud." Joey shrugged.
"You mean you used to be." Dereece corrected.
Joey sighed. "Yeah." He couldn't believe it himself. He'd be dancing late and waking up near 9 or 10 in the morning, but after the hardships of losing Broly and Camilla, and adopting some serious habits, it was like his whole world reflected on a mirror. He never knew waking up at 6 in the morning could make him this different.
"Captain." Dereece's tine turned serious. "Do you think the island might have…you know…"
"Hmmm…" Joey raised a brow as he knew what Dereece about yesterday. But before he thought too far ahead, the sound of a rumble was echoing around them.
They all stopped as the vibrations were starting to grow.
"Is anyone else hearing that?" Joey asked. He knows he's hearing alright. He checked his hearing aids.
"Hearing what?" Kevin looked down at his feet, seeing a growing magnitude. The seismic waves growing were causing pebbles to shake and stir beneath. His brow furrowed. "…Ella, stay back."
Ella looked up the slope they were coming by. She looked completely transfixed as she and everyone looked towards the source of the erupting shockwaves. All at once their eyes shrunk.
Joey nervously pointed at the incoming threat. "Uh, am I tripping, or is that, eh…?"
"RUN!" Dereece screeched.
The vibrations turned into a full-blown rupture that almost knocked them off their feet. Kevin pulled Ella away just as a large wave of land collapsed from overhead. The landslide sent waves of mud and trees barreling in their direction. Joey lagged behind and swiped his arms.
"Barrier-Make: Barrier!"
Creating a large clear shield, the seismic landslide was sliding into it like a tidal wave. Joey gritted his teeth as he was doing everything he could to hold the barrier up and project the landslide pass them.
Everyone behind him gained a safe distance from the sliding formation thanks to Joey. They looked back, watching the unbeatable shield do his thing.
Moments later, dust and bark completely settled. The landscape soon settled into the mass that left them all stunned. There was a deep indent where land was supposed to be, and tree bark and rocks ingrained from below was uprooted.
Joey slowly backpedaled into a trip onto his butt. His barrier dispelled, but the shock was still fresh on his mind.
"Captain!" Dereece and the others ran up to Joey, kneeling beside him. "You okay?!"
Joey flinched as he was coming around. He shook his head, trying to come around. Dereece and Kevin helped him up to his feet.
"Ugh, thank guys." He straightened himself and looked around. "Everyone okay?"
"We're just fine." Dereece assured.
Kevin looked back at Ella. "Ella, you good too?"
The child nodded. "Yes. I am without injury, Papa."
Dereece sighed in deep relief. He looked back ahead, seeing a long stretch of land before them completely gone. "Well that could've been a lot worse. But now what?"
Joey looked ahead, seeing the problem with a raised brow. "Yeah, that happened so quick. All that land just…woosh! Like it had somewhere to be."
He and Dereece exchanged awkward looks. The point he brought up earlier about possible terraforming crossed their minds. But no matter how they saw it, this still didn't feel right to them.
Kevin knew that with his Search Magic he could tell where to go, but it was still down. He looked towards Ella as their guide, a serious look on his face. "Ella, can you still hear that voice?"
Ella scrunched up her face as she tried focusing. There was a short silence that followed before she could face her father. "Yes, I believe that it's still audible. It's telling me…" She meekly turned her head to the woods beside them. "That it's in there."
The three guys faced the deeper layers of the forest. It didn't seem so bad at first glance, but it was eerily quiet. No Kricketot nor Kricketune were playing tunes to make them feel better, which wouldn't have helped.
"Guess we don't have much choice." Dereece said. "Captain, got anymore Repel on ya?"
Joey shook his head. "Sorry Dereece, I only had 10 on me. We used them all." He affirmed. "I'll put Trubbish in front. That should lower the chances."
There was one more silence as they all faced forward.
"So…you guys ready?"
Kevin and Dereece nodded.
"This way, Papa!" Ella skipped into the dawning woods, with Kevin close by and the others tailing. Much like earlier, Dereece took one more look back at the spot where the landslide happened. Something abnormal was going on here. He had this strange feeling something was looming, but he couldn't place it. It's been bugging him for a while now. But as much as he wanted to fret he had to keep up. He caught up with the others, making a break for the woods.
The area was silent as they were all gone. On the higher altitudes of the landslide ravine, it went all the way to some wet rocks. With nighttime still, they were all still oblivious to the dark clouds that dissipated over an eroded cliff. Over it something looked down to watch them embark into the woods. With a sharp turn, the figure backed out of sight, the two others turning to follow.
The Celestial World had a mass of twinkling lights that could've been mistaken with reams. Anyone who entered this world would automatically be raptured with these cosmic assortments, so much they may not be able to breathe – if they weren't wearing the right clothes. Special fabric created in the Celestial World was needed to breathe here. This place was sacred after all. High quality and purity are what it's all about. At least, that's what it was. After the chaos of Lysandre out of killing time to bide for Nic, the repairs to the purity of the world have been underway. As of now, the streams and celestial currents were clear again, the blood of posthumous celestial finally washed away. What was evident about the changes made reflected on the newly established earth that Nic made.
One day in the Celestial World meant three months for Earthland. It took some time, but the remaining spirits were used to the space they have now. As many were frolicking and playing with what's left of their brethren, they noticed something heading their way. An army.
Melchior's army followed in neat rows behind their leader. He and his advisors were guarded by the Zodiacs as they lead them along the trail towards the Celestial King. Along the way, Auriol was raptured by the twinkling lights around her, a soft smile on her face.
"Huh?" Curious, Vita looked at Auriol's dreamy expression. "Huh, she okay?"
"It is fine, young one." Caius stoically said. "Our lord has seen Lady Auriol's dream. As king, he made it reality…as it is his own." He looked at his majesty as he walked, his illustrious cape flowing with him.
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense." Vita heavily sighed. "But what about my wish? Don't I get one?"
"And what might that be?" Caius wasn't generally interested in anything but loyalty towards his king, but for the sake of his allies he could strain to show a little curiosity.
"Well…" Vita beamed with a bright smile. Her bodily pattern turned outright girly. "I really just want a Celestial Spirit! They're so cute and cuddly! And they're so much fun to play with, especially the small ones! I just wish I could sleep so peacefully with one as a pillow!" She was lulled into a dreamy sigh. "I just hope we see some soon."
Caius raised a brow. "I see."
"Ahhh…that's what'll get me to sleep a lot faster." Her expression sulked to a saddened pout. "But, they always have to go back. Would it kill to just have one spirit that I could have around all the time to play with?"
"And you will, Vita." Melchior promised. "Why, would you like one right now?"
Vita perked up at her uncle. "You would really do that for me, Uncle?!"
"Of course. I wouldn't be worthy of being called a king if I didn't fulfill the desires of my pupils. You all deserve that much at least."
He stopped when he saw a bunch of Nikora together. They all turned around to look at the unfamiliar humans nearby with the Zodiacs afoot.
One of the spirits tilted his head, his beady eyes fixated with genuine curiosity. "Puuuuun!" it cooed.
Vita immediately gasped as her eyes were glistening with sparkles. "It's so cute!" she squealed.
"Would you like that one?" Melchior questioned.
Vita vigorously nodded. "Yes, please, Uncle!"
He chuckled. "Alright, but play nice."
"I will!" Vita skipped up towards one of the Nikola, the plain white one that she had her eyes on. She bent down, getting eye level with it. "Hi there, cutie!"
"Puuuuun." It responded.
"My name is Vita, and starting today, I wanna be your new friend! What do they call you?"
"Puuun…"
Vita tilted her head. "Plue? Well isn't that just adorable. Come here." She grabbed the white spirit and sniggled him close to her face. "Oh this is so great. We're gonna be best friends, I can tell."
"Puuun…" Plue, being extremely uncomfortable with how forward she's being, tried to get away. However, he was much too small and weak to act. He struggled, only for it to be in vain. "Puuun…"
Melchior watched his niece fiddle contently with a spirit; Bion approached his side with a soft smile. "Milord, we are truly humbled by your kindness. You've given us all that we have now asked for. And yet you ask for not."
Melchior continued to watch as Vita nuzzled Plue, who was helpless in the chokehold. "Please, Bion, now are just flattering your majesty." He insisted. "I am merely following the path that will take all of us to our dreams. Not one person's ambitions is considered selfish. In essence, humans all are selfish…but if that's the case, to be selfish for another, would that also be selfless?"
Auriol firmly shook her head. "Of course not, Milord. Our goals are yours. What you seek for our sake is but yours first. We apologize."
"It's fine, Auriol." He smiled to his mistress. "Thank you."
"Milord." Oberon stated, getting his attention. "We should stay on task. True to form as you fulfill these wishes, there's business before only so much pleasure."
"Suppose you're right, come, everyone!" Melchior continued his trail, his army continuing the trek. As he passed along, the crown glowed, and the Nikola that were around Vita and Plue had glowing red eyes. They joined the army in a zombie-like fashion. "Vita, you coming?"
"Coming~!" She chimed. "Let's go, Plue!"
"Puuuun."
As they went along their way, there was a red, twinkling star that glimmered in the distance. It wasn't noticeable by human eye, but its bright glow was hiding in plain sight.
"Puuun…?" Plue looked up at the red star, watching it follow them. The red star started blinking, and Plue stared blankly. "Pun pun…" He saw that in closer range, the star's glow receded meekly, revealing Staryu.
The starfish swam through the celestial water. It was locked onto Plue, who was being taken by his own will – not that Vita noticed of course. She was too glee to realize Plue's little moans up to the star for help. "Hm? What's that Plue?" She looked up, but only saw a red star. But with how there were so many, she thought little of it. "Huh…that one's bright. How lovely."
"Puuun…" Plue gave one more look at Staryu and fell silent. He was taken along quietly. Staryu silently followed, drifting quietly as his core's light help block him as a fellow red star.
"Are we there yet?" Joey sleepily asked. He seemed more tired the more they walked. He let out a loud yawn. "I feel like a Rhyhorn just used Stomp on me."
"We've been following her for a while now, Kevin." Dereece pointed out. "Are you sure this is the right way?"
Kevin looked at Ella as she looked at him briefly. She silently nodded before turning back. "Do not worry, Uncle Dereece. I can hear it clearly." She insisted. "We're near, I promise."
Dereece's discomfort didn't falter for a second. He wanted to use Yanma again to get another perimeter check, but with it being night still it would make things that much harder to see. He sighed.
"Well, as long as we don't run into anymore trouble. We've had enough of that since we've gotten here."
"We should be there soon." Kevin said.
They all continued the walk towards their unknown destination. Ella walked beneath a branch calmly, while Kevin and Joey tried to catch up. They both moved the branch as they passed along, only for it to smack into Dereece's face and ground him. Ella's pace continued escalating as she hopped over a very small stream. They all followed, with Dereece almost slipping.
"Ella, slow down!" Kevin yelled, but she was almost out of earshot.
"Man, for an 8-year-old, she's can move." Joey admired. "Where she get that energy?"
"I don't know." Dereece nearly tripped as they went uphill. "But last I checked, 8-year-olds also don't have this kind of intelligence or sense of direction."
"Well Tranquill did when he evolved from Pidove, remember?"
Dereece cocked a brow, trying to wrap his head around Joey's counter. 'That isn't the same thing.' He sighed. 'Oh well…hey, is it getting brighter?'
For a brief moment, up ahead, Ella stopped at the top of a small clearing in the hill. Her curious gaze fell towards eastwards. She was transfixed on the first signs of light coming up from the distance. She watched as some of the nighttime creatures like Volbeat and Illumise begin to fly off towards places to sleep for a few hours. Though it'd still be a while, something about the vast colors kept her mesmerized.
She's never seen anything like it. When dusk fell, the colors were such a dark hue. The rays had orange and red sandwiched with blue and yellow. The nighttime was so crisp with black, and strangely red stars that glittered. Daytime was also something she experienced, bright sun and blue skies that warmed her skin. Now…it was daybreak. And for the first time, she was witnessing the rise from a cold sea.
As strange as of a feeling it was…it made her feel something. It felt warm.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Ella looked up, seeing Kevin beside her. He watched daybreak with her.
"You know, kid. I'll be honest. I hardly ever see these things. It's too early for my liking."
"Possibly because you are prominent to nighttime activities to appease your fetishes that you cannot fully express in daylight hours." Ella surmised.
Kevin meekly chuckled. He patted Ella's shoulder. "But you know, seeing these sometimes…it makes me feel happy. Not so much because I have nothing to do…but it's that kind of first glimmer. You know when you're in a slump and can't get out of it…" he realized what he said and sweatdropped. "Sorry, forgot you didn't know. But, what I'm saying is…even if you don't have memories before, you can always look ahead for new ones. Okay, they're not all that good, but that's part of life." He smiled softly. "And I think there's hope for you."
Ella took a long silence. She wasn't sensing anything perverted about Kevin. No, far from it. This felt like genuine care. Believe it or not, that little warmth she had made her break a very small, weak grin towards him.
"And as for me, well…" he smirked proudly. "That just means another day and another chance with the ladies. Night's young, but so am I!"
The soft tone they had was brought to an end. The little girl turned towards the direction they were supposed to go in.
"…that voice. It's calling louder." She said flatly, turning towards Kevin. "Papa…you wanna come?"
"That's what she said." Kevin teased.
Ella smiled softly at Kevin, who returned it. She lead the way, and behind Kevin followed.
"Giddy up ya slow Skiddo! Hiya!" Joey, having found himself on Dereece for a piggyback, directed him ahead. Dereece wheezed as he hauled him.
They continued their ways until they made it pass a trail that went beyond a waterfall. The crashes continued pounding rocks and flowing through streams beneath ravines that Joey went over thanks to his Barrier-Make. They continued following Ella pass the falls, but even then, as they observed the falls, Dereece's brow furrowed.
He started thinking back to when he and Joey were atop the cliffs. He recounted seeing waterfalls, but his suspicions about that weren't fully satisfied. 'Was this waterfall here before?' He looked ahead, a worried look on his face. 'This island…where are we?'
"Over here!"
Everyone went up to Ella was she stood at the edge of a grotto. They all gathered around and watched her pull away some leaves and shrubs. Kevin supported her. She walked a few paces, overlooking the destination. She slowly pointed ahead.
"There…"
Everyone looked up, their faces falling at the sight.
Beyond the small grotto, they saw an open dirt field secluded by trees. Vines and overgrowth mounted on the wall of the mountainside around a pitch-black opening. A cave. Even from the closing distance, everyone could feel an eerie silence befall them as they stared into the cavern. Joey took this very seriously. Even he knew something about this was up.
They all watched Ella saunter forward, with them lagging behind.
"I don't like the looks of this." Dereece shook his head.
"Yeah, neither do I." Joey said. Even he wasn't that dumb to know suspicion when he feels it. "Did we see a cave when we were walking around before?"
"No."
Kevin turned to his daughter. "Ella, is this where you think you hear the voice from?"
Ella looked back. "Yes, Papa. My hypothesis is that this place is unlikely exploited, let alone tangible. If memory serves, this would be where the missing people are, correct?"
Kevin furrowed his brow. They checked all over the island, and they rather not go in the rivers to check for bodies. "…if you say so. Let's just be careful."
Ella nodded. "Understood." She turned back around, starting for the caverns. This allowed Kevin to talk with his allies.
"Guys, you feeling something?" he asked.
Joey nodded. "Yeah, big time."
"This isn't a good idea." Dereece proposed. "Are we sure about this?"
Joey gave him a skeptical look. "Honestly bud, it beats me…" He looked ahead. "But you know, there might be Pokémon that lives in the caves and underground."
"Yeah, I guess so." He relented. "But we better watch our backs…no telling what can pop up and gobble us out of nowhere."
Ella continued walking until she made it to the center of the field. As she looked into the caverns, they were all unaware of her stare. It had Kevin's eyes, but around her head, her veins were shining bright blue, something flowing within them. Her eyes dulled some, the light in them fading. Something wasn't right.
"Ella…what's the matter girl?" Kevin fret. Suddenly he watched her turn around, running back towards them. "Ella, what's wrong?!"
"Papa! I feel something!" she yelled.
"What is it?!"
"From below! Look out!"
In the midst of the confusion, a massive rupture caught everyone by surprise. Arise of dirt and dust made Joey and Dereece gasp. They looked skywards, while Kevin looked ahead at the dust cloud. He saw Ella racing for her life at them, something massive quaking behind her.
Reaching into his back, Kevin quickly threw his lacrima kite. "Ella, catch!"
As she ran, the lacrima plopped close by, transforming into the lacrima kite. She pounced on all fours onto its back and glided away before something massive slammed into the ground. She ascended to avoid the shockwave and drew towards Kevin.
"Ella!" Kevin watched as Ella circled around from above and dropped beside him. He caught her, while the lacrima kite reverted to ball form. He put her on the ground and stayed in front of her. "Stay close."
Ella nodded worriedly as Joey and Dereece stepped beside Kevin to face this new foe.
The dust cloud stirred, the rumblings still massive.
"What do you think it is?" Kevin asked.
"Something tells me we're about to find out." Dereece glared.
It was still dark out, but they could see the dust wave beginning to swing away from something inside. A long tail with a hard end swung up, with a long silhouette arching into the air.
Looking skywards, Joey's eyes shrunk with shock. "Aw…snap."
The sound of iron was grating against their ears as the long body arched up. Inside the dust cloud, red glares were seen seething into them. Dereece backed up with Kevin as the figure's head arose out, revealing its form.
The creature was primarily a massive serpentine structure with body segments of massive iron rock-like ore. On some segments there were spikes hanging out that went up to an iron tail end like a stalagmite. The had was round, but very rough in several places. It had two massive fangs of iron jutting up, indicating it's male. His red eyes were full of power and ferocity.
The massive iron snake was in full glory as the dust dispelled, allowing him to expel a loud roar that showed his many rows of flat teeth that could eat through solid rock.
"You've gotta be kidding me." Kevin gasped.
"Are you serious?! A Steelix?!" Dereece exasperated. "C'MON, MAN! IT'S TOO EARLY FOR THIS!"
Joey reached back and pulled out his PokeDex. He held it up and began analyzing the new obstacle.
"Steelix, the Iron Snake Pokémon. It chews its way through boulders with its sturdy jaws. Its eyes can see in the darkness underground."
Gathering the data, Joey looked up at their foe, feeling more than disturbed. "A Steelix, here of all places?" he frowned. "Just when we were so close…"
Massive iron snake let out ear-splitting roars that shook the earth beneath it. Its wake was so massive that it made everyone cover their ears. The Steelix looked around, checking about the surface. It noticed the four humans that were in front of it, glaring them down. His red eyes curiously inspecting them.
"Uh…why is he looking at us like that?" Dereece quipped between his chattering teeth.
"Humans…" The Steelix's deep, grizzly voice was low. He looked at all of them, his eyes cascading to all three men and widening. "GRROOOOAAAH!" He unleashed another shriek that shook the air.
"Oh crud, he's mad!" Joey realized.
"You think?!" Kevin backlashed.
"Depart at once!" he demanded rudely. "Beyond this you go no further! Leave!"
"Wait, what?!" Dereece gasped. "Is this his territory?"
"We better think fast, he doesn't look too happy to see us right now." Kevin fret.
Steelix's hostile gaze drifted from the three men towards the little girl behind Kevin. He looked deeply into her, as she did to him. As if by some level of instinct, his eyes narrowed and he expelled a vile roar again.
"Ella, look out!" Kevin warned.
Ella remained still as Steelix opened his maw at her.
The creature gathered golden and brown energy between its teeth, aiming carefully at the little girl. Once ready he whirled his head and launched the orb at Ella, shooting straight across the ground.
The attack was a massive globe that stayed on its path. Kevin moved in front to shield with his back. As he held onto her for the worst-case scenario, Joey stepped in front and created a barrier to take the attack. A rupture of bright gold and smoke erupted, quickly dissipating and Joey lifted the barrier.
"That was Smack Down." Joey grunted.
"Ella, are you okay?" Kevin concerned.
Ella looked to him and nodded. "Yes, Papa." She turned towards Joey. "Thank you, Uncle Joey."
"No sweat, kid." He stood tall against the snarling Steelix, Dereece and Kevin by his sides. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm not liking this guy. Really, c'mon, picking on little girls? So not cool." He held up two Poke Balls in ready. "I say, we teach this guy some manners!"
Dereece picked up a Poke Ball of his own. "Right behind ya!"
"Same here!" Kevin nodded, putting out a Net Ball.
Steelix could see these three Trainers weren't going to spread thin on his watch. His teeth gritted as his anger was put on them. "If you won't leave on my behest…" his eyes widened. "Then I'll make you!"
"Alright, Magikarp! Quilladin! Get out here!"
"Heracross, go!"
"We need you Sewaddle, on the double!"
Coming out from the Poke Ball, Quilladin stood on his two feet while Magikarp flopped beside him. The Grass-type faced forward with a dead serious look on his face. "Alright, it's showtime!"
Magikarp appeared beside him, flopping like…well, a fish. Quilladin looked over, raising a brow.
"Uh…okay."
In midair, Heracross popped out of his Poke Ball, crashing onto the ground with a small wave of dust. "Let's go!" He straightened his posture, poised to strike.
Last to come out was Sewaddle, the Sewing Pokémon eyeing the massive hard Steelix that was to be his opponent. It snarled at them. "Oh my~." He cooed. "I always like it when they're hard. This must be a dream come true…well that or I could still be physically dreaming."
Steelix's eyes widened as he behold his new adversaries. "So that's the way you wish for it to be. Dare I say it then…" He bared his fangs, glowering down menacingly. "Shall not leave, then you leave me no choice! Come!"
'Oh, yeah, now I know I'm dreaming.' Sewaddle internally cooed. 'I hope this dream don't end anytime soon. I wanna see where this is going for little ole' me.'
Kevin acted first, reaching his arm out. "Sewaddle, Razor Leaf!" Sewaddle complied with his equally perverted Trainer, summoning glowing green leaves and creating a funnel that they traveled in at Steelix.
The Iron Snake Pokémon saw the leaves heading his way, but chose not to dodge. Instead, he straightened up and his massive spikes segmented on his body started churning. They glowed blue, and Sewaddle's attack struck them. However, the momentum was staggering to where the leaves were unable to break through.
"That's Gyro Ball!" Dereece exclaimed.
"That's pretty strong." Heracross agreed.
Steelix ceased the spinning and adjusted his frame. He lurched forward, grunting as rings of silver orbs transformed into gray rocks, via Rock Tomb. The creature snarled as the spinning rocks went hurling at the opponents.
"Quick, Magikarp! Splash!" Joey commanded.
Magikarp wheezed as he saw the rocks heading his way. He flopped in midair with a loud shriek, before he started flopping higher. The bounce was enough to keep him from getting struck as one went directly beneath him.
"Yeah, that's the way!" Joey cheered.
Heracross moved to Sewaddle's side to cover him. "Hang on!" He grabbed Sewaddle to shield him, Hunching over, the large beetle turned around and had the rocks strike his back, creating large smoke burst as he writhed in pain. Quilladin used his dance moves from Joey to evade and dodge the rocks, leaving the residue to cover up the Trainers as they were pelted by granites of gray stone.
Steelix craned his head back and roared out to them, shaking up the air around him.
Joey opened an eye in the smoke and dust. "Aw man, this guy's serious." He put on a serious face of his own, pointing forward. "Then return fire! Quilladin, use Pin Missile! Aim at the base of him!"
"Roger that!" Quilladin nodded. He spread his legs apart and began firing glowing green streams with white orbs in them. The projectiles were streaming missiles that shot in zigzags skywards before tilting down around Steelix. The attack struck the rough dirt around the iron snake, making large bursts of dirt that erupted around him.
Joey turned towards Dereece. "Okay, Dereece, it's your turn."
"I got it." He aimed forward. "Heracross, quick! Use Counter!"
A white glint was seen inside the smoke and dust, before a blue blur shot straight through, revealing Heracross in a mad wake. A blue aura engulfed him, indicating slowed Speed. Even so, he had his horn down as he close in on Steelix.
"HRAAAH!"
His horn made impact with Steelix's underside, creating several glints of shockwaves that caused him to cringe. Steelix's eyes shut as he reeled back, emitting a pained roar from the undisclosed attack.
"Bull's eye!" Joey cheered.
Dereece clutched a fist in satisfaction. "Yeah." As he observed Heracross recuperating and the dust dissipating, he began to mentally stir up some thoughts. 'It's bad that Heracross doesn't know any actual Fighting-type moves yet. But at least this way, we can still deal some damage. I just hope we last long enough.'
Steelix recovered from the earlier blow and glanced down at the culprit. Seeing Heracross at his base, he opened his maw wide, charging up another golden-brown hemisphere for Smack Down.
"Uh oh." Dereece gasped. "Heracross, look out!"
"Sewaddle! Use String Shot! Pull Heracross back!" Kevin commanded.
Sewaddle whirled his head around and opened his mandibles. He spat out a long strand of silky thread at Heracross' back. The bigger insect looked up in horror as he was slowed down to where he could barely evade. Suddenly he felt something sticky latch to his behind, yanking him back before the blast of granite energy struck. It left a dent in the dirt where Heracross stood.
The Single Horn Pokémon found his footing when he stopped beside Sewaddle. The thread on his backside faded, but a harsh blue aura encased him, lowering his Speed again. He looked towards Sewaddle. "Thanks for the save."
Sewaddle winked. "Anytime."
"That was a close one. Thanks." Dereece thanked Kevin.
The Blue Pegasus Trainer nodded. "Don't mention it." He looked ahead, analyzing what's happening. "But your Heracross' Speed is cut in half completely, sorry about that."
"Don't be. We'll work this out."
Ella pointed ahead. "Here he comes!"
Everyone looked forward, seeing Steelix raising his head once more, emitting another gruff snarl. Gray rocks formed from silver orbs around his head as he threw them, showing another Rock Tomb.
"Sewaddle, use Razor Leaf!" Kevin shouted. Sewaddle created another wave of glowing, spinning leaves that he shot head. The Grass-type attack's range was just like Rock Tomb. Both attacks met in a shower of gray boulders and sharp leaves that sliced through them. The diced segments of rocks scattered all around the battlefield, some heading wayward.
One big lump in particular was heading towards Magikarp. The fish saw how fast it was moving and couldn't dodge. He flopped in shock.
"Batter up!" Joey chimed. "Quilladin, use Needle Arm!"
At the last second, Quilladin got in front of Magikarp. "Not to worry! I got this!"
The rocks drew closer as Quilladin reeled his glowing green arm back. Magikarp watched with surprise as Quilladin's arm showed energy needles. With all his might, Quilladin swung his arms, batting the debris back at Steelix.
"Heracross, use Horn Attack!" Heracross mimicked Quilladin's motion and his horn glowed bright white. Once ready, he used the angled edge of his horn and thrust forward. Rocks heading his way were instantly repulsed by sheer force.
All the rocks the two swatted and pushed back were thrown in Steelix' direction. The giant saw the incoming rocks and sneered. "Futile!" The appendages glowed, rotating swiftly for Gyro Ball. The rocks made contact with him, but were immediately reduce the granite and pebbles when they grinded against Steelix's gyrating frame.
"He blocked it again." Quilladin realized, his brow furrowing. "He's good."
"Yeah…very good." Joey observed with his Quilladin, even he was picking up on something. 'This guy's got a lot of experience. If he's using attacks to block and cancel out ours, does this mean…he's at a higher level than we thought?'
Kevin watched as Steelix kept spinning, with Ella beside him. "Papa, wouldn't it be best to stop him from moving?" she asked him.
Kevin realized the logic swiftly in his daughter's words. "Yeah, good point." He readied the command. "Okay Sewaddle, String Shot!"
"Okey, dokey~!" Reeling his head back, the little bug spat out silky thread at Steelix, who was still spinning.
The thread twisted and churned as it closed in on Steelix. The end was caught against the flat end of the spike, allowing the rest to get snared in the rotation. Like seaweed to a boat rudder, Steelix was slowly coming to a halt, thread paralyzing his spiraling ligaments.
The iron snake looked down, realizing there was thread snaring him. "What?" He tried breaking free against the silky strong holds, but his rotations kept a firm hold on the threads. "You little…!" A harsh blue aura engulfed his body, lowering his Speed.
"Joey, you're up!" Kevin shouted.
"Thanks, Mister P!" Joey pointed forward. "Quilladin, use Needle Arm!"
Quilladin rushed ahead with a cry. He jumped into the air, an energy needle-like arm reeled back. Steelix slowly shook his head to rid of the strings, but a green projectile caught his attention. Looking up, he was too slow as Quilladin came somersaulting down, bashing Steelix square on the head with the attack. An airwave shot all around and caused a harsh pain in Steelix. He recoiled in agony, while Quilladin backtracked to the ground.
Joey observed Steelix to make for another opening. He saw Steelix wincing, no doubt from the attack. 'Yes, a flinch! This is our chance!' He balled a fist as he looked towards Magikarp. "Alright buddy, time to show him what you're made of. Magikarp, use Tackle!"
Magikarp huffed and started flopping ahead. He hustled pass Quilladin and skipped meters of grass as he gained momentum after Steelix. With the iron snake flinching, this was his chance.
'I can do this…I can do this…' With a harsh flop, he shot into the air, twirling and aiming down for Steelix's head. He descended like a rock. 'This time, I can do this!'
With gusto, Steelix felt something very small, but somewhat annoying, hit his head. He sneered as Magikarp's attack landed smack dab on the forehead.
"Yeah, nice one, Magikarp!" Jory cheered. "You got a hit in!"
"I…I did, didn't I?" The fish couldn't believe his luck. He was almost dumbfounded. "I did! HA! Look at me now! How do you like-!" He felt a stir beneath him as he was flopping. All the glee he had came to a grinding halt. "Uhh…?"
Steelix opened his eyes and looked up. He saw a small orange fish flopping on his forehead; which to him, explained a lot of why something light dropped on him, like a poke to the head. "Grrrr…"
Magikarp paled and sweated bullets. "Why me…?"
"…get off…YOU MISPLACED SEAFOOD!" With an enraged roar, Steelix hurled his head around, sending Magikarp flying high. The flying fish screeched in agony and dizziness as he felt like a lobbing stone that was thrown too high instead of skipped across the water.
"Hang on, buddy!" Joey watched Magikarp plummet onto them. He activated a spell.
"Barrier-Make: Bowl!"
Over all their heads, Joey created a large turquoise barrier in the shape of a fishbowl. Magikarp fell down and smacked on one side of the bowl, ricocheting to the other end, leaving him dazed as he fell to the concaved bottom.
"Magikarp!" Joey dispelled the barrier, making Magikarp fall right into his hands. The fish groaned at the unpleasant experience he's suffered. He looked like he was about to throw up.
"This su-u-u-uuucks…" the miserable fish groaned. He couldn't believe he got a big head again.
Steelix grunted as he was stirring his appendages around. Once he gathered enough prowess, he lurched with another grunt, ripping the threads around him to bits.
"We've gotta slow him down some more!" Kevin barked. "Sewaddle, String Shot!" Sewaddle complied, opening his mouth to generate silky thread that he shot at Steelix.
Steelix opened his maw and conjured up Smack Down again. He fired the orb at the thread blast. The thread, being thread, was unable to push the attack back. However, because of Steelix's earlier Speed decreases, the attack's speed was also slow. It was easy enough for Sewaddle to dodge as it exploded where he was.
"Quilladin, Leech Seed!" Joey shouted.
Quilladin took a deep breath and spat green seeds at Steelix. Steelix saw the small attack, and, as if knowing what does, made a counter. Activating Gyro Ball again, he split the seeds to shrapnel.
"He blocked it again." Joey grimaced. "It's like he knows how to attack and defend at the same time."
"I know what you mean." Kevin agreed. "It's smart."
Ella watched intently as the battle progressed.
Steelix looked around to notice his opponents and their positions. He saw Magikarp was in a human's arms, while Quilladin and Sewaddle were beside another. He heard a buzzing, and his instincts drove him up. He saw Heracross in the air, ready to attack. He snarled.
"Just because we're slower doesn't mean we can't surprise ya." Dereece punched forward. "Chip Away!"
Heracross' eyes gleaned over in the daybreak skies. He came down in a blitz, as if his Speed wasn't affected at all. He collided with Steelix's hard head, making another airwave. The two were horn to head as they tried to overpower the other.
Quilladin saw Heracross keep Steelix at bay. With the time they had, he turned towards Sewaddle. "Let's hurry, while he's still distracted."
Sewaddle nodded. "I'll follow the lead." Quilladin grabbed Sewaddle and put him atop his head. Together they charged…though Sewaddle was looking to be enjoying it a little too much. "Oh there, slow down there…you're gonna make me sweat." He teased.
The two made it to Steelix's base. With Heracross still holding him off this was their small window.
"Sewaddle, Razor Leaf!"
"Quilladin, Pin Missile!"
Both Pokémon cried out as they unleashed their respective attacks. Green missiles with white orbs and glowing green leaves shot into Steelix's base and gradually climbed to the chin. Along the way, explosions rattled the iron snake as he felt an intense pain. Heracross backed away from the smoke cloud to a safe altitude, leaving nothing but Steelix's pained cries to echo through dust.
A long silence fell as they were shrouded by a large scale of dust. Neither person nor Pokémon could tell what to expect now; if Steelix was still active, or ran off.
"Did we get him?" Joey leered. Magikarp looked intently.
As dust surrounded them, Quilladin looked all around with Sewaddle on his head. They heard a shift behind, sharply turning to see nothing. Behind their backs, Sewaddle barely noticed a tail that shifted. Quilladin followed. They looked all around, they felt some kind of heat.
Sewaddle looked up, gasping. "Uh oh~."
"What?" Quilladin looked up, only for his eyes to shrink in shock. The dust dissipated, revealing their foe: Steelix. He was pissed off, but that wasn't what spooked them.
In his maw, there was fire. And he was so close to them as the fangs were wide open for his flaming attack.
"Fire Fang?!" Dereece shrieked.
Joey grunted. "Guys, look out!"
Quilladin stepped back as the monstrosity was coming down onto them. Even if Steelix was slower, he was still much too close. Quilladin couldn't get away, but he knew he had to act fast. "Sewaddle!" He grabbed him atop his head.
"Huh?!"
The insect was caught by surprise when Quilladin threw him skywards. He screamed as he ascended, but he was safe as Quilladin faced Steelix's impending blazing fangs. He covered up as Fire Fang snapped down on him, creating a burst of flames that covered the area.
"Oh, no~!" Sewaddle despaired, watching Quilladin take the attack for him.
"Sewaddle, heads up!" Kevin warned.
Sewaddle gasped. He barely caught on as Steelix was in his line of fire, his mouth still ablaze.
"Aim for Heracross! String Shot!" Sewaddle looked up as Heracross swooped around for the assist. Sewaddle had no choice but to aim more thread that connected with his arm. Heracross was enveloped in a blue aura as his Speed sharply decreased further. He yanked his arm up and pulled Sewaddle to safety, barely missing the flaming fangs.
Sewaddle was seized in midair by Heracross, the two flying above Steelix. However, he wasn't nearly as fast since his Speed was down five whole stages. He was so slow that he could've been mistaken for hovering.
Steelix turned and saw them trying to fly to safety. He saw how slow Heracross was and narrowed his red eyes. With a growl, he readied his attack.
"Look out!" Dereece warned.
Heracross saw Steelix's mouth charging up another Smack Down. He raced to get away as just as Steelix fired the attack. The two bugs ascended higher, but the attack was just a little faster than them. Sewaddle looked down in gasps, while Heracross cried for mercy. Both Pokémon were helpless as they were engulfed in a golden and brown explosion in the skies.
From the explosions, Heracross plummeted with Sewaddle. They spiraled like helicopters out of control until Heracross crash landed on his side, sliding away several feet. Sewaddle tumbled away, he, too, badly wounded from the super-effective move.
From the residual dust along the ground, Quilladin shakily got up. He was also deeply bruised, feeling the heat still as he kneeled and panted.
"This is bad." Dereece grimaced. "They're all wiping out."
"I know, Dereece." Joey said. "But I'm still stuck on something. How does that thing know Fire Fang?"
"I don't know. But one more hit like that…and they're done."
Joey gritted his teeth. In his grasps, Magikarp was watching in awe of the arduous battle they were all suffering. He could feel a whole lot of things stir as everyone was working so hard. He was staring without much wheezing, too enraptured in the heat of battle.
Steelix unleashed another Rock Tomb that went flying through the air, only for another Razor Leaf and Pin Missile to simultaneously to cancel it out. As smoke and dust stirred, a large, slow projectile fell through, revealing Steelix lunging through with his mouth wide open in flames.
Heracross tensed up and braced for the blow, knowing he won't be agile enough to evade. Steelix's head was so close to impact, before suddenly, a rolling Quilladin barreled from the side, smashing into the left check. The Rollout packed just enough force to deter him enough as allow Heracross space. Steelix turned towards the rolling Quilladin, only for Sewaddle to latch onto his face.
"Guess we're about to see just how hard you really are!" He opened his mouth, his fangs glowing for Bug Bite. He started nipping into the iron head, the small fangs jutting repeatedly.
Steelix's eyes widened as an irritating nipping caused him great discomfort. He reeled back and cried out, with Quilladin rolling in circles around him.
"Keep him pinned just like that!" Joey encouraged. "Stay on him!"
As Steelix swayed and cried out, the scene was leaving Magikarp in shock. The frail fish could only watch as other Pokémon were trying to suppress the rampaging iron monster that was their foe. What's more, they were in the struggle of their lives, and he was still whimpering in Joey's arms.
He couldn't explain it, but as he looked up to see what Joey was doing, Magikarp saw a serious look in his gaze. It scared him. He hasn't been with Joey for that long, and really what he's done for him left him worried and scared for his own well-being for obvious reasons, but seeing someone so goofy being this serious really scared him.
His attention adverted towards the other Pokémon, seeing their battle. He was seeing all the looks on their faces to find even Sewaddle was dead serious, no matter how erotic his nipping was for pleasure. They were all trying their best and facing the creature head on. In his mind, he was flashing back to his recent battles on the island. To the Ledian and being whirled around by Joey, to the battle on the river and splashing and dodging Seaking. And throughout all those, the fish was helpless and whined a lot, while his friends did the heavy fighting.
His whiny, scared expression on his face steeled. 'No. No. More. Whining.' He suddenly flopped out of Joey's grasp, much to his surprise.
"Magikarp?"
Steelix was whirling his head around, trying to shake off Sewaddle, but the insect was just too stubborn to let go. Eventually having enough, Steelix's glare scrunched up. "You…" he seethed. "Get…OFF!" With a violent whip of his head skywards, the lash finally flicked off Sewaddle, sending him airborne.
"Sewaddle!" Kevin screamed.
Sewaddle opened his eyes and looked down. To his horror, Steelix opened his maw wide as flames engulfed the teeth. The insect realized Heracross was too slow now to catch him, leaving him open.
For once as he was falling into a bed of fire, his life flashed before his eyes as he was unable to do anything.
"NOOOOO~!"
As Sewaddle plummeted into the flaming coffin, Magikarp splashed out of nowhere into his side, pushing the insect away.
"Magikarp?!" Joey shrieked.
Sewaddle fell out of the air and spun around. He looked back and much ti his horror, saw Magikarp in midair taking his place. The bug's eyes were wide with shock as Magikarp didn't look anywhere near afraid.
Their gazes met with a blank when Steelix snapped his jaws on the fish, engulfing him in an explosive flame blast that took up the air around him.
"Magikarp!" Joey cried out.
Heracross and Quilladin both gasped in horror at their comrade's heroic actions, much to their horror.
Sewaddle landed behind Steelix and looked up in horror. As the flames died down, time was gradually slowing down as Magikarp was seen falling from the embers, his scales heavily damaged. The perverted larva was feeling anything but joy as the injured fish's limp form was reflecting in his eyes.
In another flash, Sewaddle was recalling how earlier Heracross shielded him, taking the damage instead of him. And then Quilladin with saving him from flames…now it was Magikarp – someone even more useless than him – who took the fall for him.
As the really sunk in, Sewaddle's normally flamboyant nature was beginning to fade away from his face. He was looking more pissed by the second. "…oh, you just made me mad." He seethed. "It's bad enough those tough-skinned bad boys went the hard way for my sake, but now dragging poor little him into this? This ain't no dream no more…It is on!"
From Kevin's pocket, the stone that he was carrying with the crystal began shining again. He reached and pulled it out, him and everyone in shock. 'The stone and crystal…it's just like before!' He stared in awe as he recalled seeing this vague light and force from when Dereece used it. 'It was just like that time…'
Everyone stared in disbelief at the stone. "Kevin, the stone…!" Joey gasped.
Ella stared at the object for a little while longer. Her eyes were transfixed on the light. For the briefest time, a blue wave went around her eyes.
"Sewaddle…" Kevin looked at Sewaddle, who nodded. He nodded back. "…okay then! Let's get'em!"
As Magikarp was plummeting, Quilladin rolled around with his Rollout to where he was falling. "I gotcha!" He opened up briefly to catch and tumble across the ground. He slid to a stop, holding the damaged Magikarp in his claws. "Magikarp? Magikarp?! You okay, man?!" he worried.
Magikarp groaned as he heard Quilladin's voice ringing in his head. He looked up, seeing the Grass-type. "Uuuh…did I…do good…?" he grimaced.
Quilladin softly smiled. "Yeah, you did." He looked up, seeing Steelix shaking his head and recollecting himself. "Can you still go on?"
Magikarp was bruised and damaged heavily. If measured by the video games Joey and Dereece played as kids he'd have health in red bars. He weakly nodded. "Yeah…look out!"
Quilladin gasped and turned around. Steelix was slowly dropping onto him, his segments spinning in Gyro Ball. With his Speed so slow, it was the chance for Quilladin to curl up with Magikarp and roll away, dodging the attack.
Steelix continued grinding against the ground, churning dust and dirt to where it was almost impossible to see. Steelix knew he'd hit something, but it wasn't Quilladin or Magikarp.
Beneath him and hid grinding weight, sparks clashed against Heracross' body. The bug was grunting up a storm as he was using his forearms to block the Steel-type attack. Steelix gasped, seeing Heracross withstanding his assault.
"How?!" he outraged.
"Gyro Ball is an attack with power depending on the differences of Speed." Dereece realized. "The slower Steelix is than his opponent, the more damage it does…but Heracross is a lot slower now. Which means it's not doing much!"
Heracross continued pushing, digging his heels in. He grunted harshly with each second. "Gnnngh…Dereece!"
He nodded in understanding. "Don't worry, you can take it! Use Counter!"
The heels dug even deeper as Heracross lurched, his frame glowing a mirror-like rainbow color. He let out a strong cry as he flexed his entire frame, unleashing a massive shockwave that exploded around him. The force was so strong that it was enough to completely overturn Steelix, sending him falling backwards. The ground vibrated harshly from his harsh sunder.
Heracross brought a claw to the ground, trying to support himself. "Guys, go!" he strained.
With Steelix flipped over and dazed, Quilladin used Rollout and barreled into the iron snake. The foe turned and saw him, charging up another Smack Down. He open fired directly at him, but Quilladin jumped at the last second, evading the explosive blast.
In midair, Quilladin uncurled to reveal something. Much to Steelix's own shock, he was seeing Quilladin holding Magikarp by the whiskers. Vaguely enough, he was seeing Quilladin whirl him around like a chain.
Joey cheekily smirked. "Yeah, that's the way. Quilladin…throw Magikarp!"
Quilladin brought his arm back, whirling his fishy friend. "It's all you!" He hurled him at Steelix, the fish having a serious disposition around him.
"Magikarp…Splash!"
Magikarp let out a cry as he barreled at Steelix. Upon touch, he immediately started flopping madly. His fishy tail and head clanged against the iron body repeatedly, bouncing all over the beast.
"Yeah Magikarp, just like that!" Joey encouraged. "Make him mad!"
"What is Joey doing? That move isn't gonna do anything." Kevin stated.
Dereece cocked a brow. "Trust me, believe it or not, the Captain knows what he's doing." He looked at Joey's greedy-looking face. "Annoying people's his specialty. Just watch what happens."
Magikarp continued flopping all around Steelix's body, jumping from one point to another. When he tried shaking him off, the fish would flop to another spot. He wouldn't sit still, and it was aggravating Steelix.
"You annoying little…SEAFOOD!" His maw opened wide, readying another Fire Fang.
Magikarp flopped as he saw Steelix arching for him.
'Perfect!' Joey inwardly squealed. "Now Magikarp, Splash high!"
Magikarp raised his tail end and slammed it on the iron body. He shot high into the air, gasping like any fish would do for air. Steelix snapped his flaming jaws on hos midsection where the fish jumped from, creating a massive flaming wake that caused an intense, burning pain through him. The Steelix's entire body was encased in flames, his cries of pain far greater than they've ever been before.
Magikarp landed on his side, splashing and flopping in front of Joey and Quilladin. "Hot dog! Well done, buddy!" He looked at Steelix, seeing him struggle in flames. "A super effective move on himself and a burn! That makes it better!"
Dereece glanced at Kevin. "See? Told ya."
Kevin whistled. "Damn…now I can see why he's your Captain." He looked down at the crystal and stone, seeing the shine still there. This was his chance. "Sewaddle, let's finish this!"
Sewaddle nodded. "Oh yeah…it's payback time, y'all!"
Steelix cried out as the flames diminished more of his health. Coupled with all the damage he's taken throughout the battle, he could barely keep himself up. The flames buffered him, causing him to lurch low to the dirt.
Kevin clutched the stone, feeling a bright surge flow through him. 'This power…it's incredibly strong! I can feel it…' A similar energy was in Sewaddle, the two almost practically in sync. 'Alright, let's do this together! Sewaddle!'
As if understanding him, Sewaddle's body was surging in a bright aura.
"Alright Sewaddle…CHARGE!"
"AWWW YEAH!" Suddenly an intricate emblem appeared in front of him. His shine exploded into an intense yellow force that created a heavy pressure around his atmosphere. With gusto, the larva suddenly took off in breakneck speeds, speeding across the ground on a yellow comet that churned dirt and rock through his path. He cried out as he closed in on Steelix, who barely noticed at the last second. His eyes widened in horror as a yellow comet with the figment of Sewaddle inside was the last thing he saw before his whole world went white. A harsh shockwave of dust and dirt exploded, so much that the guys all had to cover up. Ella stayed behind Kevin to be fully shielded from the blast.
Once the rumbling was settling, Sewaddle jumped back from the dust, covered from head to toe in scrapes and bruises. Despite his condition, he watched the dust fade, revealing Steelix.
The two were in a small stare down, not even wind passing them. Beady eyes clashed with red eyes as they could see into the other. In Sewaddle's eyes, Steelix's large frame towered, but he wasn't afraid.
Slowly, Steelix faltered to the side, coming down gradually. 'I'm…sorry…' A flash of someone was in his eyes. It was unclear what it was, but it looked human. 'Forgive me.'
With a thunderous crash, everyone watched in awe as Steelix fell over. Their eyes were wide as they witnessed the fall of the Pokémon, disbelief mounting them.
Steelix's eyes were swirls. The battle was over.
"It's over…finally." Dereece huffed. He slumped back, as did Heracross.
"Yeah…looks like it." Joey sighed in relief. He broke into a smile. "But that was hell. That Steelix was no laughing matter." He turned towards Quilladin and Magikarp. "You guys, you did amazing out there. Thanks for all that you've done!" He said. "Especially you, Magikarp. You should be proud."
Quilladin beamed happy. "Just doing our best."
Magikarp, for once, flopped happily. He looked so thrilled that he wasn't useless for once.
"You did it, Papa. Congratulations." Ella complimented.
Kevin smiled at his daughter. "Thanks."
"You've used that Z-Move almost perfectly. It's very impressive."
"'Z-Move'?" Kevin questioned. He turned towards Joey and Dereece, but they shrugged in confusion just like her. He raised a brow. "So, uh…why'd you call it that, sweetie?"
Ella tried to make an excuse. "Oh…it's just something that I thought would sound…cool, as you would put it. Does it not fit?"
Joey raised a brow. "Actually…Z-Move has a nice ring to it." He grinned. "I like it!"
"Well, I guess we should call that something I suppose." Dereece said. Despite all speculations of how she figured such a saying, he wasn't entirely convinced it was made up. He looked at Ella suspiciously, his brow furrowing. 'She said it like she knew about it. Does she actually know about this thing?'
Kevin turned towards Sewaddle. "Sewaddle…thank you." He praised lightly. "You did good. Very good."
Sewaddle looked back, smiling sheepishly at his Trainer. "Tee-hee…aw stop, you're gonna flatter me…" Suddenly, out of a blue light, his body began to be engulfed in a strange aura.
Kevin gasped. "Sewaddle!"
Everyone turned in shock at the strange light. The Pokémon looked shocked as they were bearing witness to this enigmatic energy around them.
"Dereece, is he…?"
He nodded. "Yeah, no doubt about it…he's evolving."
They all watched as Sewaddle's glowing form began taking a slightly different shape. His leafy-like cloak around his head was molding over his entire frame, taking a more dome-like shape to it. There were two small, leaf-like antennae atop, and at the base of it all were two leafy ends growing.
Watching this spectacle, Ella was wide-eyed as she witnessed the evolution. She had never seen anything like it before.
When the light finally faded, taking Sewaddle's place was a small insectoid Pokémon with a leafy, round cloak, a size comparably the same as his previous form. It had a yellow head that was draped in the hood with a frame that had dark green wrapping around the hood frame. The beak and fangs were gone, and instead was a mouth in the form of an upside-down 'V'. At the bottom of the light green leaf cloak were two dark green flops, presumably for balance.
"He's evolved into Swadloon!" Joey gasped. He pulled out his PokeDex, analyzing the new specimen.
"Swadloon, the Leaf-Wrapped Pokémon. It protects itself from the cold by wrapping up in leaves. It stays on the move, eating leaves in forests."
"Swadloon…" Kevin looked at his Swadloon, smirking. "Not bad. You're just full of surprises for us, aren't you."
Ella looked at Swadloon, smiling. "So then, your form has changed…a pleasure to meet you, Swadloon."
Swadloon looked all around, seeing the many smiles and praises he was receiving. He blushed further. "Aw, c'mon now. Y'alls are really gonna make me blush…oh, this leaf wrap is actually cozy. And the color is so bright to compliment my face! Oh la la! Anyone wanna feel?"
Everyone sweatdropped.
"Okay…let's heal up and get out of here." Joey said. "I don't wanna be around to see Steelix again."
"I'm with you there, Captain." Dereece followed.
They all used Super Potions and Oran Berries to heal up the injured. Magikarp and Heracross needed them especially. Once they were all back up to full health, they were thanked one more time before recalled to their capsues.
"Ella, you coming?" Kevin asked. Behind, Ella assumed the position and walked in tow.
As they all left for the cave entrance and worked around Steelix, Joey stopped and looked back at their fallen foe. He couldn't explain why, but something felt off about that. It looked like he was being very defensive about something. The case of Fire Fang still run clear in his mind. 'I've played the games before. I know Steelix don't learn the fang attacks upon leveling up. So was this one…trained?' He thought about the way it fought, too. The way it defended so accurately was uncanny. But for now, he had to press on.
Laying in the dirt, Steelix's gaze was hazy. He wasn't going to be getting up anytime soon. Subconsciously, there was a grim look on his face. He felt sorry.
…
Ella stared quietly as she was in front of everyone at the cavernous entrance. She's been silent for some time. They figured she was hearing the enigmatic voice, some could say she was building up some suspense. But in any case that went on, it was time to act.
"Ella, you sure this is where the voice is?" Kevin asked.
Ella nodded. "Yes, I am sure of it now." She closed her eyes, concentrating. "I can hear it clearly…it's speaking to me. It feels…" her face scrunched up. "It feels like…" As if by some epiphany, her eyes opened wide. "That voice, I know who it is now!"
"You do?"
Ella nodded. "Yes. This voice…it's my Mama."
Everyone's shock once again rose to staggering levels.
"Wait…your Mom?!"
"How is that possible? Some kind of telepathy?" Dereece questioned. "Maybe she's using Ella as a way to find help…or at least I hope so."
"Hey, don't look at me. I don't think my mom can do that…right?" He turned towards Kevin, who shrugged.
"Maybe it has to do with why she doesn't remember anything." Dereece suggested despondently. "But…are you sure it's your mom?" he looked at Ella, who seemed to be pouting.
"I know what I hear, Uncle Dereece. You big meanie." She puffed her cheeks.
"Yeah Dereece, have some consideration." Joey added.
Dereece eyerolled and groaned.
'Her mom, huh?' Kevin's mind started flooding with the past images of the time he's spent with Ella. Oddly enough, it all ended to the faint smile she had atop the hill they were at a short while ago. 'If she really has parents, and one of them is alive…then that means she can go home.' A grim smile crossed his face. 'But…no. It's for the best. Besides, this place is too dangerous. If we find her mom at least, she would know how to care for her.'
Ella turned towards Kevin, sensing what he's feeling. "Papa, are you upset?" She smiled. "It's okay; everything will…once we find my Mama."
Kevin smiled. "Sure, kid. Whatever you say."
As she walked along, Joey turned towards Kevin. "Well, Mister P, looks like you're gonna have to owe us an explanation again." He teased.
Kevin's eyebrow twitched. "I didn't. I'm still a…" he groaned, knowing he wouldn't win this argument. "Let's just follow the brat."
Joey faced forward. "You're right. There's only one way to be about all this. Alright, let's go."
They all went into the caverns, leaving just as daybreak was brimming with even more light into the world.
As the steps were taken, so were the numbers gathered. As the Celestial World was glistening, its starry wake was slowly turning pink. The white glossy stars would be overturned with the red shine of his crowned gem. As his followers trekked behind him, so did the many spirits that he's controlled along the way.
As he continued his path beside the Zodiac, he was coming across Canes. The hounds that had just returned from the human world picked up on the smell of humans and came running along. By the looks in their eyes they weren't too pleased with their guests.
"Milord." Oberon calmly said.
Melchior continued his path, unfazed by the many dogs that surrounded him.
The biggest of Canes let out a bark to signal the attack. The 15 other dogs pounced all at once onto Melchior. Suddenly, a wave of water splashed into the hounds, making them whimper as they fell before Melchior.
Melchior looked over towards Aquarius, her jug still dripping with water. She backed off by his controlled demands, allowing him to proceed.
Auriol raised her head as she walked pass the many fallen Canes, her frown making it clear she found them distasteful. "Wet dogs. How ironic. Such filthy Celestial Spirits."
"Puuuun." Plue, taking slight offense to the claim, moaned.
As Melchior continue his goal, the red gem shined. Simultaneously, all of Canes' ears perked up, their eyes glowing red. He trudged along, with the wet dogs shaking off their wet coats and walking with the army of men and spirits.
"With smell of thy majesty, may the heavens be amongst us." Oberon remarked. "Thy do wonder…if even Celestials sit on thrones?"
Melchior smirked at the comment, watching as the hounds were sniffing the celestial air, guiding them along their ways towards the Celestial King afar. Admittedly, what Oberon said was something he's been curious of. It left him to question that himself.
After some short, considerate thought, he came to a conclusion. 'A king without a throne…'
As the army and spirits were pressing along, one of the hounds was trudging passively. Still controlled, it wasn't aware fully, but a glowing red star was drifting in the air above. The one hound stopped for a moment, looking suspiciously around. In the currents it picked up a very feint smell. Something otherworldly. As much as it wanted to find out what it was, it was still too far. It looked ahead, trekking with its pack.
Above, the red star simmered into the cosmos, following above like a beacon. On its red core that shined, it watched Melchior make way, to which it drifted onwards to see where it would go.
…
The deeper dwellings of the world were more glitters and sparkles. It was so much that it was almost blinding. All around, especially above, there were vast planets that glistened with the same blinding effects. Many of these lights were white, but slowly, they were turning pink – some cases full red.
At the base of a gargantuan planetary sphere floating directly above, the hounds snuffed out the scent, coming to a stop and barked. Everyone behind gradually came to a halt.
The rest that followed came to a stop when Bion stretched his arm out. The lacrima embedded in the joints were all shimmering like little gems.
"Milord, this is where…he is?" Auriol questioned.
"It would appear so." He looked towards Auriol, then Oberon, before facing forward. "Auriol. Oberon. Stay here."
"Yes, milord." Auriol nodded. She was worried about him, but she could never question his faith in her. This was one of those times.
"As you wish." Oberon bowed.
The two straightened their postures and took a step back. Melchior took several paces forward until he was directly under the large planet with stardust gathered like rings around them. He took one more look around, sensing if there were any other lingering Celestial Spirits that would cross him.
When he found the coast was clear, he made his move.
"O' great Celestial King! Ruler of this realm! Created by the great Tetrabiblos himself! We seek your audience!" he announced. "Upon thy decree, I, Melchior Seraph, descendant of Achilles Seraph, wishes to seek your appeal! Come forth!"
High above the celestial comets, there was a bright twinkle that flashed. The star suddenly beamed down in a ray of light in front of Melchior, generating a bright flash that nearly blinded all those who looked directly at it.
The only one who wasn't affected was Melchior. He stood calmly as he looked at the fading light with anticipation.
As the light twinkled away. The visage of glowing red eyes gave an intimidating measure. The eyes stared down at the uninvited guests.
The army clad in celestial armor immediately held up their spears and magical weapons in defense. Oberon and Auriol looked back to them, glaring them down. As if by understanding, they submitted – though their own hearts raced.
Melchior looked up, grinning calmly at his new guest. "…Your Majesty." He started.
In a swift sweep of his cape, the Celestial King revealed himself in full glory. A glimmering aura of stardust surrounded him as he crossed his arms, his head high as he stared at Melchior.
"So that's him." Caius murmured stoically.
Bion's eyes widened slightly as he was left dumbfounded.
"He's the king?" Vita gasped, her eyes entranced by his bright aura. "He's so sparkly…"
There was a strong silence that fell amongst everyone. Their initial shock of defense had fallen to one of sheer awe. They were bearing witness to the Celestial King, in full glory at that. They knew they'd meet him possibly, but seeing him like this, even they could sense the raw power he had.
The king glowered at Melchior, his disposition stern as steel. "Hello there, friend." His greet was half-hearted, especially on the last part. "I welcome you to my world."
Melchior bowed his head, getting to a knee. "Please, by all means…the pleasure is all ours."
The king's glare was astute. "I never said that I had the pleasure."
"Believe me. From one king to another. Consider it a stroke of good will." Melchior arose from a knee to face the fellow king. "And to us humans, good will knows no bounds."
The Celestial King didn't seem too amused again. "So it would seem." He looked at Melchior quizzically, silently sensing him. "This level of power you have…this force…I can vaguely feel the powers of my old friend."
"It's as I have said. I am Achilles' descendant. Would you like for me to prove it to you?"
"There is no need for such factors. I can see into the stars. They call to me, confirming what you are. You are in fact my old friend's successor." He took a pause. "However, though you do possess his latent powers, I can see that there is anything but that, that makes you anything but him."
Melchior humbly chuckled. "Yes, it is true. I am not my ancestors. But I am still a Celestial Mage. And like all others, it is to my understanding that we mages and spirits are bound by our codes to cooperate…isn't that right?"
"What are asking of is in fact a law. We Celestial Spirits have dubbed this decree when we have created our keys to transcend ourselves to the human world. That, is but our way of cooperation." He looked at his controlled Zodiacs, seeing all their red eyes. "But this…what you are doing, I cannot help but pity."
Auriol's irritation was growing annoyed. The Celestial King was talking back to him, but he had no idea who he was. She wanted to pull out her Clefable and put him in his place. But despite her better judgement, she knew she had to relent.
Oberon watched with equal calm, smirking blankly at the conversation.
"As to where one looks in his own reflection. You may pity my actions as such, but can you see the justification behind what one's actions does mean?" Melchior countered. "I'm sure that being king, you are wise enough to hear both sides of an argument. Would it not be fair to see why else?"
"Please do." The king demanded. "Humor me, if you believe you can."
Melchior grinned. "If you insist." He turned his head around, observing the stars dazzling in broad space. "Look around you, tell me what you see?"
The Celestial King, deciding to play along, looked up. He saw his world twinkling red.
"I see a world, a place where it is beyond our reach. All my life, I have envied and admired the dedication that Celestial Spirits have given to mankind. In hopes of one day repaying that kindness, I could find the way to unite us as one." He frowned. "After the genocide of Lysandre, I am sure that even the likes of you are saddened with this fact."
The Celestial King looked deeper at the other spirits that were around them. He could see Nikola gathered in so few numbers besides Canes. There were so many of them, hundreds in fact. Such a shame that so many were purged.
"Celestial Magic has been one of the first magics that has been addressed to mankind. My ancestors created the first Celestial Mages. Now, our world and yours are both in unbalance harmony. The line of which draws our fates is but within sight. It will not be long now, until our kind loses our kindship with you. You would forever be lost…lost in a world that is empty. And without anyone to turn to for help."
His followers held their tongues. They seemed to be empathizing quietly. In Vita's arms, Plue shuddered.
"I wish to help my fellow spirits with their place. They are not tools, they are benefactors. They deserve to have a place in our world! Our world, it is populated with people, people that will use violence and power to get to their true goals.
After a minute of silence, the king took in everything this predecessor had said. It was a lot. But he understood what it all meant. And to him, it only added onto more shame.
"As to where you see opportunity, I see not one, but two worlds that would soon collapse." He countered. "As you've said, we spirits are very few left. I can sympathize greatly with your claim. But, to make it sound like we owe you our lives in favor, that is but bias."
"You owe us nothing, that is the point." Melchior claimed. "I wish to give back to you spirits the rights and power that you've had all along."
"Just as there is no bounds to good will, so is there to greed. You have selfishly taken my spirits in order to fulfill your ruthless goals. What justification do you have for that?"
"To help preserve the Celestial Mage legacy. To do that, I want to unite man and spirits, so that we can show the world your importance. Please, help me. And in return, you shall have the power to bring back your kind's glory."
"Your ambitions. I can see them in your eyes. The way in which you speak of, is a lot like my old friend's successor. Achilles was innocent and pure, but his son, was anything but. I have permanently broken my key for a good reason, and I will not let this world nor yours be ruined by the likes of you."
"So you say."
"I will give you this one warning." The king slowly reached for his blade. "Return my old friends to once they were…or the stars shall rectify you."
Despite the claim, Melchior didn't look at all afraid. He stayed calm. "It would appear that humans have had too much affect on you. Really, Celestial Spirits to enact violence." Melchior pitied. "Violence, violence, and violence. Why must this be the answer to man? I have been searching the answer to this claim for a long time…" he closed his eyes. "And that's when I came up with the answer. The answer…is that you cannot. Violence will only create more violence. This cycle is what will keep humans in infinite loop. One cannot deny that to live, they must survive. Spirits must also survive. They have to adapt, and learn from others and mistakes. Just like humans have. Like I have. The first ever Celestial Spirit, he set the grounds for his son. He learned from his mistakes; as to him, to me. I do not intend the same dominance. I wish to spread not my power, but yours. Humans can learn to trust, and learn what happens when one does not keep promises! The good and pure nature of man…can rise again. But only…through you."
Once again, a very awkward silence fell amongst everyone. Some soldiers raised their spears again for defense of what could come. Some were getting so antsy they could barely sit still.
The Celestial King's cape flourished and whipped around…like a wind was stirring up a storm inside. "…you are right. The ways that man does violence is not our way. But…" He slowly unsheathed his blade, the very long, star-like tip coming around. "For the sake of what our friends mean, we must do what we mustn't, and make the choices we swear by."
Melchior held a straight face.
"For the sake of the stars, and for my friends…" he pointed the blade at Melchior. "I SHALL FREE THEM FROM YOUR TWISTED CLUTCHES!"
Oberon scoffed.
Melchior raised his head, sighing heavily. "As you wish. If violence is now your answer as well…then at least, we can agree on something. Gemini!"
"Piri-Piri!" The twin spirits obeyed their master's call, rising around him.
Melchior looked back towards the king. "If you truly mean by what you said, and do things you mustn't, then will you punish your fellow Celestial Spirits if one turned on you?"
The king's red eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't."
"I'm sorry, your majesty…" Melchior snapped his fingers. Gemini turned into a puff of smoke, transforming into an exact copy of the Celestial King himself. The king tensed as Gemini raised his mighty sword without folly. "But comes choices comes consequences. I control the stars now, and will guide everyone to the future!"
In a flash step, Gemini disappeared from sight, reappearing in front of the king. Their swords crossed, colliding with force so strong that stardust around them blew away in a powerful vacuum.
"If you do not wish to look, then by the will of Tetrabiblos and I, we shall make you understand!"
Gemini's force pushed against the king's sword. Silver and yellow sparks generated against the swords grinding against the other's sharp blade. The king took a step back to gain ground, but it was no use. His foe was packing incredible power.
'So much power…this magical level…' He gritted his teeth and started pushing against the faker, fully pushing him off. He looked into Gemini's eyes, seeing the eerie red glow.
In those eyes, he could see so much jailed emotions. As his celestial senses were looking into the transformed Gemini, he saw and felt the glare of pure hate from a familiar set of eyes.
'This magic…Tiberius'-!'
Gemini closed the gap and swung, only for the king to parry. He stood firmly as he held his own ground, but he still couldn't proceed forward.
"Old…friend!" he strained. "It is me! You…should not…do this!" He tried pushing even more, creating enough force to turn momentum against Gemini. "It is me! Do you not know your place?!"
The red eyes glinted brightly. For a second, the king gasped as he felt a harsh flux. He was suddenly held back as Gemini's force exponentially increased. He found it harder to keep himself up. He saw Melchior's crown glowing, seeing it dazzle with the same ominous red shine through Gemini's eyes.
His mind pieced the puzzle together. "So…that's how it is." He leered. "I knew I felt the hate of Tiberius. Now, it is a part of you."
"So you do remember." Melchior said, mildly impressed. "
"But…how?"
Melchior's passive look didn't waver. "How about focusing on the problem you must face at hand."
"I…will not harm…an old friend!" he grunted.
He sighed. "I see." He opened his eyes wider, the crown's jewel shining. "Then that weakness, shall be your downfall!"
SHING!
By command, swift blades ran through the king's legs. Passing both appendages were Taurus with his axe, and Cancer with his scissors. A few seconds passed before the shock ran up to the king.
"GAH!" With a pained cry, he fell to his cut knees, leaving Gemini to tower over him.
"You'd be wise to kneel while you still can." Auriol insisted. "Milord has control over all of the Zodiac, your very own. How do you intend to response correspondently if you cannot oppress your own?"
"Auriol, let's observe and see what he does first." Oberon insisted.
The Celestial King looked up to see his faker with red eyes, ready to deal the downward blow. He couldn't bring himself to kill Gemini; there was already enough spiritual lives taken from them. No! There had to be another way. He looked towards Melchior, seeing his crown shining. That was his key chance.
"One way or another…" He crouched and shot pass Gemini, barely dodging the sword that cut into the smooth celestial stone. He brought his blade back as he closed the distance. "We shall be free from you!"
"Aries." Melchior ordered. Before him, Aries jumped in front of his way.
The Celestial King brought his blade around, but Aries summoned a wall of pink, fluffy wool that he clashed into. The soft cushion-like substance absorbed his attack, making his sword wedged deep in the expanding wool.
"What?" He tried pulling his sword out, but to his shock, it wasn't budging. It was stuck.
"Leo. Scorpio."
Suddenly dropping from out of the blue, Loke landed on the flat end of the sword.
"Leo the Lion…!" the king gasped.
Loke's red eyes glowed as his body shined a bright flare. The intense light was so burning, the king couldn't bear to look. He was suddenly blown back by a large sand funnel that pushed him backwards, courtesy of Scorpio. With his knees being cut earlier by Taurus and Cancer, he couldn't jump or move properly. He stammered back, using his cape as a shield until the sand dissipated.
The Zodiacs all gathered in front of their new master, their red eyes glowing in unison dread. The way they all seemed emotionless and unfazed the whole way through made it easy to tell they were far from free.
"What a cowardly way to fight." The Celestial King scoffed.
Melchior was unfazed as he eyed the king. With him distracted, there was a sword being risen – which he remained oblivious of.
"Not cowardly." He corrected. "Just smart. Gemini, Meteor Blade!"
The Celestial King slowly turned around, but all he saw was a short flash of dazzling blue energy before an intense blast wave enveloped him. The impact from the downward blade strike stretched far in a straight line, cleaving energy clean through the massive planet atop of them. The roar of the attack shook the atmosphere like an actual earthquake.
Melchior stepped forward, a straightforward expression plastered on his face. "It would appear that after all these years, that your own fighting skills have dulled…Your Majesty."
The shockwaves soon vanished, and the energy reduced to magical particles that dazzled in the red stars that were glowing brighter by the second. At the base of a debris mound from the planet that was cleaved, there was an indent. The dent was filled by the Celestial King. He struggled to stand as he brushed off the debris on his lower-half.
Gemini reverted to being twins again by command. With a red flash, Virgo was up.
Suddenly chains sprouted from out of nowhere, grounding the king's ankles. The armored gauntlets were wrapped tightly by iron made from Virgo's magic.
"I believe that is enough, everyone." Melchior stated. The spirits around him lowered their guards and backed away. Melchior walked up towards his captive, staring him down solemnly. "Now then, I believe that the point has been made. One can only do so much on their own. You may be the Celestial King…but you are still but one individual. What king can be a king if none are by his side?"
"What you describe…is yourself." He strained. "A tyrant!"
Melchior's eyelids half shut on their own. "That is also true. King. Tyrant. Ruler. At the end of the day, someone must sit on a throne for others to look up to. Which brings me, to another point…"
"Thy do wonder…if even Celestials sit on thrones?"
"What exactly is a king without a throne? What are you without a throne? You, sir, are nothing more than a meager man. And that the only those destined to be kings, are to be created by Tetrabiblos' judgment." He raised his arm. "But…" He slowly levered it to face the king. "If he is your king, and he doesn't do anything for you, the subject, would that make you in the wrong?"
Amongst the many infected stars. One in particular was moving at an alarming rate. It shredded across the stardust downwards. The earlier smell Canes had picked up. This time they could all smell and growled at.
Plue looked up, seeing the same star as before. "Pun Puuun."
"It seems to me that you were just handpicked by someone who could not handle the responsibilities and powers himself. So…let me help you."
The red shine of his crown brightened. The king looked tensed as he braced for whatever fate was to come.
A jet of blue bubbles beamed from the side, darting in Melchior's way. The man glanced up, seeing the attack incoming.
"Milord!" Auriol sped in front, swiping her arm to create a golden shield that deflected the bubbles into various directions.
"What was that?" Caius questioned.
"An attack?" Bion gasped.
"Puuuun!" Plue started reaching up, much to Vita's confusion.
"Huh, what is it, little guy?" the teenager cooed. "Huh?" She looked up, seeing an illuminating projectile jet through the air. She squinted. "Huh? Is that a shooting star?"
Everyone was suddenly attack by a flurry of bright yellow and golden stars that shot all around them. The army was caught off guard when the right flank was finding its members peppered with stars. Fortunately the armor protecting them was reducing damage, but it was still hurting.
Melchior's eyes narrowed. "Aquarius."
The Celestial Spirit raised her jug, spouting out a wave of water that blocked the stars heading for Melchior's way. The water dissipated, revealing his advisors gathered all around him.
"Stay close, your majesty." Auriol stated defensively.
Oberon looked up, seeing the shooting star drift around them. "It would appear that we have a guest with us." He chimed. "Surprising."
The Celestial King looked in shock at who was stalling for him.
In a red glide, Staryu was jetting through the celestial air, much like water. The starfish's red core blinked repeatedly, beeping with some kind of warning or battle cry. The Water-type sailed around the advisors. It circled around, keeping them all in place.
"What is that supposed to be?" Bion questioned.
"A Celestial Spirit?" Vita inquired.
"I wasn't aware that there are spirits that look familiar to their origins." Caius noted, watching Staryu carefully. "Even so…"
BEEP-BEEP BEEP BEEP!
Staryu swam around, jetting into the advisors and Melchior. From the red core, a multicolored energy was forming into an orb. Once ready, it released a Psywave, projecting the multiple colors at Melchior.
"Scorpio." He ordered, making Scorpio slide in front. He slammed his hands down, creating a large sand barrier that stopped Staryu's attack. "Pisces."
The two giant fishes swam in arched on either side, cornering Staryu. The starfish beeped as it could see the massive fish ramming on either side. With quick thinking, it suddenly shrunk down, leaving a red aura to increase its evasiveness. With it shrunk to where it was almost gone, the two fishes rammed their heads into each other, flailing into the army below.
Many men fell over from their crushing weight, and many others were injured. The flailing fishes were making a mess, and it was riling up the others up front as well.
"Pull it together, everyone." Auriol irritably scolded. "Stay on your guards at all times!"
Melchior heard the sound of shifting when he turned forward. He saw Staryu return to normal size and reveal itself before both kings.
"So, you intend to mislead my direction as well?" Melchior questioned. He watched as Staryu beeped and his core blinked, but he was sure that was a yes.
"Sir, I believe it speaks in Morse Code." Oberon examined.
Melchior watched Staryu blink constantly, giving some kind of message. He couldn't understand what it was saying, but he figured they were onto them. Through all this, the man knew he had to get it to be quiet. He activated his crown, attempting to control it.
However, he was surprised it had no effect. 'Is it not a Celestial Spirit?'
Staryu let out a beep before it spun its body, unleashing another Bubble Beam across Melchior and everyone's way. A layer of smoke erupted in front of them to shield their view. Using this to its advantage, Staryu turned around towards the king.
BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP! BEEP!
"I see…so you are an ally." The king realized.
BEEP! Staryu nodded.
The Celestial King looked down at the smoke layer, seeing a beacon of light shine through it. It suddenly dissipated, revealing Loke using his Regulus Magic to create light. He watched in silence as he had to act fast.
"New friend, listen." He said quietly. "You must leave while you can. Take to the human world, and hurry towards your kind."
BEEP? Staryu didn't seemed to understand.
"I thank you for your assistance, but as king, I must make it my obligation to be there for my friends." He started prying on the chains, using his raw strength to pull Virgo's chains off. "If you don't go now, then all is lost." He fully pulled them off, tearing them off to the side. "What this man speaks of, I hate to say it, but there are points that he's made that I can't deny. What am I without my friends? What am I without the stars to guide me?" He swiped his arm, using his powers to make a glowing beacon in the distance. "Follow the star home. May they guide you far."
Staryu didn't want to argue, but seeing the king's serious face made it clear it was in no place or position to say. With a quick beep, Staryu nodded in understanding.
"Good." The king looked forward. "Here they come!"
Sagittarius raised his bow and arrows and aimed for Staryu. He let go, shooting arrows at the shooting star. Staryu spun in place, using Swift to create a barricade and projectiles to block the arrows. The arrows and stardust exploded, creating an explosion that was used for cover. Sweeping through the smoke, the starfish was but a faint red light that quickly sped through the other side, surprising the army.
"Puuun!" Plue called out, reaching for it.
Staryu blinked and beeped at the same time consecutively. It sped down at Plue, suddenly seizing the small spirit from Vita's clutches.
"What the-?!" she looked horrified. "HEY! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA!"
"Puuuun!" Plue raised a paw, thanking Staryu.
"Noooo~! Not my Celestial Spirit!" Vita whined. She looked towards her king, pointing accusingly at the fading star. "Uncle, do something!"
Oberon reached forward. "Men! Stop that star!"
The men that weren't crushed by Pisces gathered their bearings and looked over their heads. They unleashed spears and threw polearms into the sky. However, there was a problem they didn't realize. With Staryu's core being so bright, its Illuminate was making it blend with the red glowing stars all around. Some barely caught glimpse of it before it flew over their heads. Those who caught it shot magical blasts from weapons and magic seals. A variety of attacks were shooting at Staryu, but it was evading thanks to the earlier shrinkage. It got even higher for distance ad safety, much to Plue's joy.
"Aw no~!" Vita whined. "Why?!"
"Calm yourself, Vita." Auriol said. "They have retreated for now."
Vita sniffled. "Yeah, but they have my new pet…" she whimpered.
"Let it have its fun." Caius sneered. "For soon, it shall learn that its actions will cost dearly."
Melchior watched Staryu and Plue drift off, becoming a flying red star that blended in their surroundings. As he watched them go, something about Staryu not being affected surprised him. 'Not a Celestial Spirit, yet it can breathe here…unless…' His eyes widened slightly from the idea. He slowly smirked, chuckling low. 'I see. That's what it was.' He looked towards the king. 'His majesty must have fortune if the stars are beside him still.'
The Celestial King balled his fists, his sword out of reach. A magical concentration of aura engulfed him, making his cape flare in cosmic flares. "I wish for my power so bad?! COME AND TAKE IT!" he announced.
Melchior obliged with satisfaction. "As you wish." The red glow on his crown shined, reflecting in the Celestial King's eyes.
His glare was all red before everything around him blurred into red…nothing but red.
"Pun puuuun." The spirit said.
Staryu beeped in acceptance.
"Puuun!" Plue pointed forward towards the star, Staryu picking speed towards the exit to their world.
Lupus was sniffing the sandy shores of the sea off of Astral. His nose was picking up on a variety of human smells, but especially Celestials. The wolf's ears perked as he raised his head.
"Well, anything?" Lucy questioned.
Lupus walked on his two feet, facing the sea. "Yeah, I'm picking up on scents around here." He answered, sniffing around some more. "Definitely Aquarius. No doubt about it, this was where they went into the Spirit World."
"Are you sure about that?" Gray questioned.
Houndoom turned towards him. "Listen, pal. If there's one thing you gotta learn about dogs, is that once our nozzles pick up on something, there ain't no getting rid of it." He looked ahead. "Just ask him."
Gray and the others looked towards the sand, seeing not just Lupus, but Natsu also smelling the ground. He was getting strong smells of humans, while Lupus was getting spirits. Not as many were as freaked out about this as one would normally been. To them, this was probably the most common matters were gonna get.
"Yeah, the dog's right." Natsu said. "Trail's gone into the water."
"He's a wolf, Natsu." Happy corrected. His body suddenly began shivering nervously as he hid behind his shoulder. "A-A really big…snarling…deadly…cat-eating dogs! NATSU SAVE ME!" he cried.
"Huh? But I thought we were chill with him?" Natsu wondered,
Carla huffed. "Honestly…"
"Yeah, it is getting a little old." Wendy nervously said.
"This is our best trail in knowing if we can get a lead on Melchior's tail." Erza stated. "If time is warped as Lucy said, then it's only been 5 hours."
Lucy and Vanessa were seen frowning side by side. The two have been desolate in their minds for some time. Not because of the Celestial Spirit problem, but of something more possessive than them. Lucy was still worried about Staryu; its been gone for a long time and she didn't know where it was. Vanessa, on the other hand, was worrying about Sophie. The latter was just having better luck at keeping a blank face, unlike the full blonde.
Vanessa shook the bad feelings out of her. Even from here, she could sense Sophie's aura. She was fine. 'Right. She has her Pokémon and Duncan with her. We'll be just fine.'
Greninja hopped over the hill ledge with Cana in his arms, landing in the dirt with Nic, the latter clad in a Psychic/Flying combo. He had the Sky Form's wings and edging, but the Mind Form's primary coloring.
The colored reverted to their original forms and they walked up to their allies. Juvia turned towards them. "Were you three successful in evacuating the city?" she asked.
Cana held up a stack of cards in her hands. It was a very large deck, so big that it was amazing she balanced it in one hand. "This good enough for you?" She showed them the deck, showing that on them were all the citizens and Pokémon in the city.
"You were able to fit that many?" Gray asked completely surprised.
"Hey, I've done some training too, ya know." Cana winked. "I ain't sitting at the bar chugging down booze as much as you do strip."
Gray looked down at what Juvia meant. He raised a brow as he was shirtless. Just recently he was without pants, which were lying off to the side. Coincidentally, Juvia's top was also off, revealing her green girdle beneath. The two looked at each other, blinking. Cana groaned in annoyance.
"Never mind."
Erza walked up to Nic. "So you were able to do it?"
Nic nodded. "Yeah, they'll be just fine. I used my Mind Form to just temporarily put their minds in a transfixed state. They won't remember a thing once Cana lets them out of the cards."
She nodded. "And the traps?"
"All set."
"Good." Erza grinned warmly. "I expect no less from my husband." She leaned into Nic's cheek, giving him a kiss.
Nic meekly snockered, looking away with light pink on the face. "Yeah, well…"
Greninja suddenly turned towards the sea. "Something's coming."
As if a switch went off, Nic's bashfulness shut off. He glared with Greninja at the starry sea as daybreak light was beginning to shine, reflecting on the water. With the light of their world, everyone could see the minerals and the red starlight of the Celestial World beneath the water. Many were left amazed, others were in shock. So much red instead of white; to the Celestial Crew it was reminding them of bittersweet times.
"So pretty…" Happy marveled.
"So that's the Celestial World?" Natsu questioned. He didn't remember it being like this, not even he was that dumb…at least not anymore.
"Those red particles are because of Melchior's powers." Volans stated. "Make no mistake, if the world's stars are that red, then we might be too late."
"No…" Lucy gasped.
"Keys are in trouble?" Klefki questioned. She looked down to her keys, jingling them. Nothing.
"Hm?" Corvus put his hand over his eyelids, blinking. "Am I seeing things, or is something heading our way?"
Vanessa turned towards the sea, her Aura Magic immediately picking up two anxious signatures. Surprisingly, one of the auras she's sensed, they weren't celestial nor human. Her curiosity heightened. 'An inorganic lifeform?' she pondered. 'So like Magnezone…then that means…'
"Everyone step back!" Erza ordered, taking a defensive stance. Houndoom pounced to her side.
They all did as told and watched as they saw a fast-moving, red blue zoom through the water towards them. It had a bright red glow that it almost looked like a comet. As Natsu was readying to inhale fire to roast it, the projectile reached shore, jumping out.
"Puuuun!"
In drastic fashion, Plue finally surfaced with Staryu. Minerals sprayed everywhere, but that didn't draw any less shock from the people. Especially one from a certain Celestial Mage.
"Staryu?! Plue?!" Lucy yelled.
"Wait a sec…Plue?!" Natsu gasped.
Happy's eyes widened. "Woah! Where'd they come from?!"
Staryu landed on its tips while Plue gently assisted himself off. He turned towards Staryu and raised a paw. "Pun Puuun." He said, nodding.
Staryu beeped.
"Staryu! Plue!" The two turned towards the blonde that was running up to them. Sliding to her knees, Lucy went to their aid. Klefki was close behind. "You guys okay?!"
"Puuuun!" Plue suddenly pounced into her arms, much to the Celestial Mage's joy.
She hugged him tight. "Plue." She cooed. "It's so good to see you're okay. You had no idea how worried sick I was for you."
"Pun."
Everyone started to calm down as Lucy was catching up with the little castaways. Wendy sighed heavily in relief. "Thank goodness." She breathed. "I was worried there for a moment."
"Heh, I wasn't worried." Corvus beamed pridefully.
Volans and Lupus looked at his confident smirk, but could see that his stick, like clawed feet were still shaking. They glanced at each other and sighed.
"Lucy's Staryu?" Cana raised a brow. "Sure didn't see that one coming."
"And one of her spirits as well." Erza added. "Nic, what do you think?" She turned towards Nic, who stared ahead with uncertainty. Greninja looked just as questionable. Erza furrowed her brow and looked back at Lucy embracing the two.
Lucy finally let go of the two and backed away. "I'm so glad that you're both safe." She turned towards Staryu. "Staryu, where have you been?"
The starfish was beeping and blinking, trying to explain its adventures. However, since many don't know Morse Code, it was a sort-will guessing game.
"Wait…" Lucy connected the dots quickly, her shock surmounting. "Were in the Celestial World this whole time?"
It beeped twice. It sounded like a yes.
"Wait, hold on." Gray argued. "I thought people needed clothes or else they can't breathe in their world." He raised a brow at Cana. "Isn't that what happened to you guys?"
Cana shrugged. "Beats me. I don't know how clothes work. Not that you would either."
"Real funny."
"Because Staryu are inorganic sea dwellers." Vanessa explained, getting their attention. Her tone was strictly serious. "Inorganic Pokémon don't have to rely on the use of oxygen like humans and other living creatures. That would explain why it was able to go underwater and cross over without special clothing."
Staryu was blinking and beeping nonstop, trying its best to explain the details of what was happening. Neither Lucy nor Klefki could make them out. However, unlike them, Plue was explaining it…but even that wasn't working.
Natsu gasped sharply.
"What is it, Natsu?" Happy worried.
"Can he actually understand him?" Juvia blinked. "How is that possible?"
"You tell me, how come we talk here and not in our world?" Houndoom backlashed. He looked at Natsu, who was still stuck in shock. "So buddy, what's the problem?"
Staryu kept blinking, and Plue kept translating. Natsu was the only one at the moment who was understanding what it meant, and his eyes showed genuine horror. From his mouth, a few words escaped.
"They got the king."
Everyone's shock went up exponentially, Plue nodding in approval of the translation. The ladies gasped, with Wendy and Lucy covering their mouths, and Erza and Vanessa having slightly widened eyes, as did Nic and Greninja. The Celestial Spirts gathered had a look of remorse, with those who had fists were able to clutch did so with regret. They couldn't believe this. None of them could.
"Are you serious?" Cana gasped horrified. "That can't be, it's only been a couple hours."
"He must've had special insight on directions through the world before heading out." Lupus huffed. His mind trekked to his hounds he sent back. If he got the king, odds were them too. The wolf bared his fangs in frustration. "Damnit."
"So then…that makes us the only sane ones left?" Corvus looked towards his crew, each of them sharing looks of remorse. The situation weighed on then ten-fold. The crow's composition was beginning to harden as he turned towards the sea. "That bastard…!"
"This is bad." Gray grimaced.
"I know, darling. First with the Zodiac, but now His Majesty." Juvia listed. "What do we do?"
Lucy looked saddened as she held Plue tight. Klefki and Staryu were by her side. Watching over her grief, Natsu had to empathize. He looked down at the Poke Ball he had in hand containing Charmeleon. That battle he suffered was replaying over and over. He was in a no-win situation. It frustrated him greatly, but he knew he had to keep his calm.
"Nic. Lucy."
The two looked at Natsu, seeing him turn towards them. He had a dead serious fire in his eyes as he was gleaming them down.
"We're gonna stop them. Right?"
Lucy swallowed, pulling herself together. "Yeah…" She stood up. "You're tight. As a Celestial Mage, it's my duty to look after my spirits. Even not my own." Her attention went towards Volans and the others. "That goes for you guys as well. We'll free the king and the Zodiacs all over again!"
Volans nodded, grinning. "I expect no less from a trusted friend of Nic and Greninja." He approached her. "Very well, we will unite as one once more."
"Count me in!" Corvus cheered. "Lupus?"
The wolf smirked. "Heh, this should be good."
Vanessa looked towards Cana. "Cana."
"Yeah?" the brunette asked.
"Can you use your Fortunetelling to predict where and when they'll strike?"
The brunette raised a brow, uncertain after last time. "Well, we'll see what happens, won't we?" She looked at her cards for the spell to work. "Only one way to find out."
Vanessa nodded in understanding. 'I don't sense that same aura overcasting her. It must've been one of his advisors who had that magic.' She was certain now, this time they had the advantage. She turned towards Erza, nodding.
"Nic." The mentioned looked towards his wife, seeing her smile confidently with everyone. In her eyes lied a sympathetic passion. She knew he held a good level of respect for Celestial Spirits, especially with what he's been through. "I'm with you, all the way."
Nic nodded in agreement. "Thanks." He looked towards Greninja, who had the same harsh look of determination as he did. He faced the sparkling sea, the soon-to-be-dawn lights revealing what was supposed to be blue calm was but a red-flake sea of rage. With that same quelled level of rage, Nic was ready.
"Alright, let's go!"
"YEAH!" they all cheered.
Water droplets plopped on the cold stone. It echoes of each individual drop was like a rhythm that went on for miles on end. Lord knows how far down it went, but Joey, Dereece, and Kevin aimed to find out.
They were all close, closer than they've ever been. They had to keep themselves from getting lost in the sea of darkness that lied ahead of them. The echoes of cavern water was the only means to help tell how far they have to walk in. It wasn't their first time being stuck in a cave…but they don't want it to be the last either.
"Papa…this way." Ella quietly guided them through the tunnel, walking further than what they could pace.
"Ella. Ella." Kevin hissed quietly, so his voice didn't echo. "Slow down, sweetie. We can't see too well."
"Oh. Sorry." Ella slowed down a little, but only a little. Unlike the others, it was like she could see in the dark just fine. Another thing that disturbed them.
"How is it that she can see?" Dereece questioned, furrowing his brow. "First walking alone in the night, now this."
Joey looked back at him. "Maybe she just has really good night vision."
"Captain."
Joey eyerolled with a groan. "Yeah, Dereece. I get it. Why don't you put sticky notes on yourself again so that you remind yourself that every ten minutes."
Dereece looked offended by that remark. "I grew out of that habit in 1st grade!"
"Maybe for you." Joey cheekily smiled. "But that's how I got through those 2nd grade exams. See? You do look out for me!" His expression turned serious. "But yeah, this whole place is creeping me out. You can't even see. I really wish we had someone that knew Flash."
"You did remember to pack some Escape Rope, too, right?" Dereece pondered.
"Don't worry, got that covered too." Joey answered. "Duncan's not the only one who has some tricks in the items department, too."
Kevin made sure to keep his eyes forward. He wasn't going to lose sight of her again this time. After all that's happened, he had to ensure she would be within his line of sight at all times.
He couldn't explain it, but that cringy feeling of attachment was beginning to ache in his body somewhere. Not where his "national treasures" were, as he would call them. It wasn't the gut, he wasn't hungry after eating some berries along the way. So, where was this feeling? Well his heart was racing, so it had to be that. Even if it was that specific organ, it still felt so weird for him to feel like this. He's never been too kid friendly, and he's had some issues growing up. He could still remember the day he woke up after having a dream he never knew he could have…perhaps that's where his little "problem" started. Since then, he's never paid attention to the immature. Now, he was seeing a glimpse of what caring for people younger than him felt like. And if he was honest, it wasn't that bad.
As he watched Ella walk, he watched her back contently. That same feeling when he was walking yesterday with her popped back into his head.
Ella suddenly stopped, bringing everyone to a standstill. As she stood still, her eyes shrunk as a looming silence fell onto her.
"Ella?" Kevin asked. "What is it?"
"We hit a dead-end or something?" Joey questioned.
"Papa…"
Her voice…it was so quiet. They could all feel an uncertain chill as they watched Ella slowly turn around, showing her straight face. In her eyes, they looked like they were peering into their hearts, like a ghost.
"…this way…"
The three men shuddered as Ella's monotone voice was proceeded with her very slowly walking to her right. As she paced, she was looking noticeably possessed…and the ways her eyes looked duller than before didn't bring any less discomfort to them.
Taking a pause, they all decided to follow further. "Ella…uh, kid…?" Kevin said. "I know you said that voice you heard is here, right? But let's talk about your…" He turned the corner, only to froze upon seeing nothing there. It was but an empty chasm, one that was too bleak to see over. "Oh my…"
Joey and Dereece turned the corner as well. Like Kevin, they were stumped as he was.
"Am I seeing things, or does this look like a big hole with a slopy bottom?"
"Ella? Did she…?"
Kevin clutched his fists, frustration on the rise. "Gnnngh…" His frustration was growing, but he had no choice. "C'mon, let's go find her!"
"Okay, okay." Joey said.
"Ella!" Kevin called out. Vaguely enough, he was hearing echoes reverberate to him. "Ella?!" Louder this time, and louder the echoes were through pitch-black. His face scrunched in frustration. "I don't like this at all, guys."
"Me neither." Dereece said. "Joey, let's hurry and get Ella, this is getting too risky now."
Taking responsibility, Joey nodded. "Yeah, you're right, Dereece. I don't think there's any Pokémon in here any…!" His eyes widened, seeing something dark shift far below them. "Wait a sec." He narrowed his eyes, leaning into the pit below. "You guys see that?"
"See what?" Dereece asked.
"Out there, see?"
Dereece and Kevin looked out farther, deeper into the dark chasm opening. Their eyes were squinting through the darkness that lurked – Kevin's sunglasses weren't helping, but strangely enough it didn't bother his field of vision. In fact, he was seeing something shift as well.
"Yeah, I saw something." Kevin said.
Dereece shuddered. "Are we really doing to investigate this?" he shakily pointed ahead.
"We don't have much choice, Dereece. C'mon." Joey went down first, making another stairway with his magic, with Dereece swallowing a lump before using his Elemental Walk Magic to walk out in midair, and slowly, Kevin took Joey's lead and walked down the barrier staircase until it reached something solid.
Once at the base, it was noticeably much darker, almost pitch-black, And something very, very foul entered their nostrils.
"Ugh, well we're here." Dereece commented. "And it smells bad, too. Joey, is that Trubbish out?"
"Nope. Sorry. She's in her Poke Ball still."
"Well it's still smelling nasty. It's almost sick…!" Dereece stepped somewhere, which felt hard and round. "Gyah!" He flinched away.
"Dereece, you okay?!"
"I touched something!"
"First of all, that's what she said." Kevin said. "Secondly, where? I can't see?"
"Flashlight, flashlight…" Joey mumbled to himself for a few minutes, trying to find the best solution. Suddenly it came to him. "Oh, wait! Guys! Our PokeDexes!"
"What about them?" Kevin asked.
"They have camera or light functions when they are seeing Pokémon in dark places, right? Let's use those."
Everyone got out their PokeDexes from their compartments, activating each one individually. They turned the flashlight functions on; Joey activating in Dereece's face. He flinched away.
"Don't be a big baby, Dereece, sheesh." Joey huffed. "Alright, let's see what we…" he turned the lights ahead of him, his voice trailing of. "W-w-what we…we…"
He couldn't finish. No one could. All three men stood petrified as the lights were showing figures that were beneath them. The horrors on all their faces grew to something that could give even thrillers shame. Joey and Dereece's eyes were wide, but their pupils were like small dots.
Kevin stood like a statue. His eyes were still enclosed by his translucent sunglasses, but his skin turned as white as a ghost. He looked like he was about to be sick.
"Oh…my…" Dereece dreaded.
"…good Arceus." Joey muttered, choking on a lump. But the horrors before him made that lump the least of his worries.
In full view of the light shining in their way was the pits of the caverns they walked into. Of course, maybe a cavern would be a stretch. It was more like a ravine; an abyss. An abyss in which the world had hidden from the mainland and everybody else and hid the unfortunate. They expected Pokémon, or Ella…but no. It was bodies. Human bodies. Dozens. Maybe a hundred. The gorge of corpses ran for almost a hundred meters with some people spread in between. On each and every one, their heads of hair were thin straws of white. Their skin was still there, but it looked like they were all dried up…like the fluids were sucked out of them. With days, month, maybe even years, some were even skeletons. But even though they were all dried up, they were all still wearing clothes. But that didn't give them any kinds of comfort.
At least now they knew where that atrocious smell was from.
Joey's left eye twitched as he looked like he was about to breakdown. He fell to his knees, looking horrified at what lied ahead. "D-Dereece…?" he quivered. "Are you having the same dream I'm having…?"
"You mean the dream where we wake up in the middle of the night, follow a little girl to a cave and wake up to dead corpses?" he phrased, quite specifically with a foul horror in his tone.
"Huh…so I'm not the only one. G-good to know…"
Kevin tried his keep himself in check. It was taking all his willpower not to pass out or panic. He knew something was wrong about this place, but he didn't think it'd be anything like this.
"All these people…all these lives…" Dereece despaired. He looked down, seeing what he almost stepped on earlier. A dead man's dried-up arm. "GYAH!" He shrieked, scooting away. "THIS IS AL SORTS OF WRONG! WHAT KIND OF A PLACE IS THIS?!" he cried out.
"All these bodies…all these people…damn."
Kevin looked around, seeing the dried corpses. He looked puzzled as he stepped forward. 'This is so messed up. What are all these guys doing here…?' He looked around, seeing how many of them had clothing on, though most of it were ragged from possibly being on the island or by aging. 'They don't look like they were slaughtered or anything. They're all dressed…it's like they were dehydrated.' He looked at a nearby corpse, one that looked recently worn out. It wasn't as decayed as the other. Holding his breath and remaining as calm as possible, he kneeled to inspect it.
"Kevin?" Dereece questioned. "What are you doing?"
Unknowingly, within the darkness that was around them, something slimy was moving towards them. It stayed slow, slithering towards Kevin's feet.
For a brief moment, Kevin was having an epiphany. He looked at the man's attire, more specifically, the nametag. It read "Frederick Mine." "Now wait a minute." He activated his Search Magic off to the side. The panels he started up were showing saved files of people he was assigned to look for. He scrolled down until he saw the same name. He looked back at the body, his gaze more than certain now.
"This guys…he's one of the missing people." He realized, much to Dereece and Joey's shock.
"Wait, what?" Dereece gasped.
"If that's one of them, then that means…" He looked at the many corpses lying around, realization sinking in. "…oh…yeesh…"
"They're all here. Every single one of them…they're all here." Kevin gazed at the surroundings. There were several other skeletons and corpses off to the side that added to the numbers. He was assigned to over a dozen people, but the numbers here made it clear before that were others. "All these people…what the hell happened to them…?"
"Captain, this is dead serious! We need to get our Escape Ropes now!" Dereece insisted.
Joey nodded. "You're right, Dereece." He started reaching for his belongings. "C'mon, let's get Ella and get out while we still-GAAAHH!" Suddenly, he was pulled away by something.
"CAPTAIN!" Dereece screamed. Something grabbed his ankle and pulled him back as well. "Wait! Nononononono~!"
Kevin looked around, confused. "Joey? Dereece? Dudes?!" His face scrunched up. He stepped back, completely frightened. "Aw man…"
Sure enough, something grabbed his ankle next. He was dragged off into the darkness next, everything for them turning black.
It felt likes minutes of dragging and sinking, but Dereece was the first to come around. "Guuugh…what happened?" his eyes widened, turning towards Kevin and Joey. "Guys! You okay?!"
Kevin stirred up. "Yeah, I think so."
Joey out a hand on his head. "Ugh…I haven't that hung up since prom." He blinked. "Wait…now where are we?"
"I don't know, but I think we were dragged deeper than before."
Coming around, they found that the place they were in had much better lighting than the previous hellhole. There were blue neon orbs along the walls, showing the height being a large chamber. Nearby, there was a flowing stream of seawater that connected to large basins and underground passageways.
"Where the hell are we now?" Kevin questioned.
"We must be in the very core of the island." Dereece deduced. "We're so far down that this must be saltwater running in those rivers."
"How did we get dragged here?" Joey raised a brow. "We were dragged, and everything felt…"
ZIIIIIiiing…ZIIIIiing…
Everyone froze up when they felt a very eerie presence. Their eyes widened when they looked around, seeing the neon orbs around them flourish. They were all seen with very awkward blue auras inside of them, each of the hundreds around them having something squirming around in them.
"Uh, guys…?" Dereece quivered.
"Yeah?"
"I, uh…I don't think that we're alone."
"Gnnnngh…"
They al heard a low, bloody growl behind them. They could al feel a very ominous power churning around them; one stronger than usual. Joey especially was getting a very strong magical pressure. He slowly looked over his shoulder, seeing something that caused his insides to die.
'What the…?'
The others turned around as well. Like him, they paled upon sight.
Looming over them, there was a large, blue entity. It looked amorphous sort of speak, with a primary body structure like a Grimer or Muk. It had dark blue patches on the body with bright pink spots scattered all across the surface in cluttered areas. Its height was roughly the same as that Steelix they fought, but what was unmistakable was how ominous it glowed.
Everyone immediately backed up in fear.
"What the hell?! What is that thing?!" Kevin shrieked.
"I've seen gross stuff, but now this is just taking things too far!" Joey panicked. "What is going on here?!"
Dereece was a shuddering mess. He couldn't begin to comprehend what was happening.
The amorphous being was remaining completely still as its one cyclopean eye opened, startling them. The iris was purple, and the eye opened sideways. They all froze up as the eye spectated them, moving side to side with less than pleasing sounds in mind.
"W-what do you think it's doing…?" Joey worried.
The amorphous blinked, before it expelled a loud, gurgling roar. The caverns shuddered as they all cringed at this thing's massive wake.
"This is so messed up. What does it want?" Dereece quivered.
Kevin was in question as well until he noticed something approaching them. "Huh?" He watched the figment draw near. Revealing itself to the light of the neon illumination around them. The vague, bright glow revealed it to be Ella.
"Ella!"
"Ella?" Joey turned towards the little girl, disbelief mounting. "How did she get here?"
Ella calmly walked up to the creature, standing right besides it. The beast glared down at Ella, its one pupil dilating as it focused in on the little girl before it.
"Ella, sweetie?" Kevin nervously called. "I don't mean to alarm you, but…GET AWAY FROM THAT THING!"
Despite the protests, Ella calmly turned around, grinning. "It is okay, Papa." She insisted. "Everything is just fine."
"What do you mean?"
Ella turned towards the beast again, looking up to it. What she said next was something that was leaving all the men completely spineless. When she faced them, her eyes were devoid of even emotions themselves.
"This is who wanted to meet you all along…this is Mama."
The sun was rising steadily until it was just over the seawater. The full rays of dawn has brought forth a new day. And to many, a new era. As the sea fell quiet, the stars in the sky were gone, and yet the sea was still dazzling with red.
A curious Binacle got close to the water, looking at it suspiciously. It saw the water and thought about going in, but she noticed something strange coming her way.
Out of fear, the Binacle sued its two heads to claw away, scuttling away as a large mass was approaching the shorelines. That mass arose in a plumage of water, spouting water everywhere. The figure that was the culprit shot into the air, levitating with the sun behind its back.
With great pride, it was the Celestial King. However, unlike what many would expect, his eyes were a bright red. He had a hostile expression on his face as he eyed the beach of Astral. He suddenly came crashing down in the sands, kneeling before he arose on his two feet.
On his shoulder, Melchior watched with a proud smile. He felt so proud of himself. This was his time now.
As he looked back, he watched as his army slowly walked out of the sea, their conquest cleared. They all were fine, save for the few banged up from getting in the Celestial Spirits' ways. Following them were the many Celestial Spirits that he had taken control of. All of them that he could find. The numbers were still low to him, but this was plenty, especially with the Zodiacs following.
He took one more look out at the sunrise, his smile ever so confident. 'It is dawn.' He said. 'And dawn stands for a new beginning.'
He looked down at his peers, all of them kneeling before his majesty.
"My friends! My followers! I have an announcement to make! Today, my warriors, those sworn to the light of the stars! May we be guided not by the sun nor the stars anymore! Today, we shall guide them! No more shall my fellow Celestial Spirits suffer, nor worry for their future. I promise you this: The future shall be nothing but a star. A guiding light that we shall be for this new era that we will guide on. We shall recreate your kind! We shall prove to the world, that Celestial Spirits do have the power, beyond any and all other magics! To honor the dead and their legacy, we must pave a new way for them to watch over!" He faced towards the mountains directing to Fiore, reaching his arm out. "Now! Let us usher our golden age! Forward!"
The army cheered with great motivation. The men followed their king's orders and began their conquest. The Celestial King began moving, taking slow strides through Astral's hills and paved parks. Melchior smiled brightly as he looked back, seeing Oberon smirking at him.
'At last…we can finally end this suffering…'
BOOM!
Melchior's eyes widened when small explosions were going off beneath the king's feet. Much to his surprise he was seeing the Celestial King stagger backwards. He stayed on, keeping his balance.
"Milord!" Auriol stepped forward, but her feet was caught in small bursts that caused her to flinch.
All around, Vita, Oberon, and the rest were tensing up as the ground was littered in small explosions. The pavements was still there, but the pain in their feet was causing many to trip. Some fell on their bottoms, causing even harsher explosions that made them cry out.
"What's happening?!"
"I don't know!"
"An ambush?!"
The smoke beneath them was fading, showing the Celestial King and Zodiacs all kneeling. That really hurt, but from their emotionless faces it was hard to make out. Melchior frowned, his earlier shock turning to expectant glares.
A cheesy smirk was seen on a certain brunette's face. "See? Told you they'd start on this way."
"Good work, Cana."
The army and everyone saw through the smoke, seeing a small group of people ahead that blocked their path.
"What the-?!" Altair looked up, seeing a large, web-like net around them. The massive net of silky thread was a huge dome that covered all of Astral, much to their horrors.
"That'll keep'em boxed in." Gray smirked. "Guess Spikes and Spider Web go well after all."
Juvia smiled. "They won't be going anywhere."
Melchior looked down, seeing the culprits that impede their paths. Immediately, he took notice of someone with a familiar, annoying face. His face fell to emotionless glares.
"So, we meet again…Nic Pularis."
Standing in the morning breeze, Nic was in his normal self, a serious yet relaxed disposition about him as he stood with Greninja and Erza to impede the path of the king. Not just them, but the rest of the group was standing close together, and the Celestial Spirits were all around Lucy, Staryu, and Klefki.
A strong wind was picking up around them, their glares meeting with distaste. Not one person was looking to be scared nor concerned.
Melchior looked down at the ground, then up at the sky. He faced Nic with a calm glare. "So I take it this was all your doing, right?"
Nic gave no response. He and Greninja shot glares. That was all he needed.
"I see." He grinned. "Seems that I haven't given you the credit that you deserve. Seems that I have underestimated you and your friends' tenacity. Do you truly believe that you are fit now to heed my call upon the Celestial Spirits?
Nic's glare wasn't impeding. He looked like he was ready for battle rather than talk. The same with Erza as she mounted Houndoom with a sword.
"Apologies, Milord." Oberon said. "But it would seem that at the moment, they are incapable of understanding the position they are in." he observe the defiant looks on their faces. "Their eyes speak volumes. They see only wrong in their gazes."
"Erza Pularis." Auriol eyes Erza down, her glare steel cold on the female knight.
"Auriol." Her brown eyes showed anything but rivalry. Houndoom snarled beneath.
"You." Natsu glared down Caius, the latter crossing his arms stoically.
Vanessa looked at Bion, seeing his face with more confidence than before. Even from her position, she could feel something was different about him. 'This Magic Power…'
"Huh?!" Vita saw Lucy holding Plue, her eyes widening in shock. "Hey! Uncle, look! That's my new pet!"
"Puuuun…" Plue buried himself into Lucy's chest, the blonde keeping him firm.
"Hey, c'mon now! What about me?!" Vita squealed. "Give him back!"
"In your dreams, little princess!" Lucy backlashed.
Melchior looked towards Oberon, the two sharing an understanding. They looked at their foes expectantly, waiting for what's to happen.
"Are you going to stand there making speeches, or are we gonna have to come to you?" Nic questioned.
Melchior accepted Nic's challenge with a smirk. "So be it. My friends; me celestial comrades…" He swiped his arm, his cape flaring with the sun's rays basking it in a cosmic assortment of colors. "Bring them judgement!"
The army roared as they raised their weapons and charged. Getting over their initial damage, they charged for the Fiorian Mages that opposed them and their destiny.
"Let's GO~!" Natsu charged with flaming fists, everyone else close behind.
The battle in the spider web dome over Astral had begun.
The mountains overlooking Astral ran viciously far and deep. Borges ripped open from Arbok's attack were still fresh that changed the landscape. But even so, the way out was still open. Upon a steep climb from the pits that Ophiuchus kept open, Crime Sorciere – or at least Jellal, Bellona, and Erik – accompanied Sophie and Duncan on the quest for the hill.
"So then, the path leads to up here I take it?" Bellona questioned.
"That's what Ophiuchus said." Erik chimed. "She was certain about it, that's for sure."
Sophie closed the recent book she had finished skimming along the way. She sighed, allowing her Kadabra to use Confusion and levitate the book over himself. "Nothing but myths and legends that I've read about. Nothing keen as far as we aren't aware of."
Duncan eyerolled. "Then just keep looking. You wanna save them so bad, just work for it."
Sophie shot him a deadpan expression. "What do you think I'm doing?" Duncan huffed at her, only making her sigh. "But still…thank you for coming along. I hope you're not too bothered with this."
"Don't mention it. If this king really did go this way…" he looked at the massive trail that lead far up. "Then we can expect he wouldn't want anyone else in his path. And that means opponents."
"Good, then we'll be certain to rely on you when we need it." The blonde mischievously smirked. "Just don't freeze up again."
The Trainer frowned heavily. He offered no verbal response to what she said.
"There's no time for second guessing. The others are counting on us." Jellal asserted. "If there is any doubt, it would befall our task. We can only press forward from here on."
"Well said." Bellona chimed. "Now then, shall we get set?"
Sophie nodded. "Ken (Yes)."
At the top of a large mountainous hill, there lie a cliff, with two gargantuan pillars of raw stone that looked to have been shaved and molded to be flat on top. Overlooking this massive view, there was Tophet. The tattered, bearded man gave a straight, serious face as he looked down at the battle that was to unfold. "I doth wonder, Tetrabiblos…what power in your judgement can it reach?"
Took forever to write, but I sure hope it was worth it!
I wanted to dwell a little with Ophiuchus' background some more, and get into more of the Celestial mythology. With Ophiuchus being a 13th Zodiac, I felt she deserved some chance, unlike what poor decisions were made in the Grand Magic Games. This would give us more of a shine on the outcasted Zodiac.
Surprised with what I had for Staryu? It took some thinking, but I figured that with Staryu's case, this was the best possible way to bring out some of its star-like quality.
For The Freaks, enough said. Kevin especially is gonna have a little more characterizing coming up, especially with this sudden reveal of what Ella is. Oh well, at least Magikarp proved he's not totally useless, and Sewaddle used Breakneck Blitz before evolving! Points for me!
Also, guys, really important! I've been getting into a Fire Emblem mood lately, so I've made a poll to see what you guys would think. For the most part people sound like they want what I have planned to happen, so I'll get to planning. But first, I wanna finish this arc, so I'm gonna power through these last 3 chapters that I wanna make happen. So for those wanting an update for From Depths We Rise, don't expect one for a while. Sorry for the inconvenience.
The next chapter won't be for a little while still, maybe 1-2 weeks. My chapters are long, but now I'm helping Ultimate10 create a wikia for his fanfiction. If you guys have wikia accounts, we can use your help plugging in information, because we're doing all the heavy lifting until we catch up.
Please review and support my fanfics! Thanks guys, and I hope you all are loving this arc!
