Chapter 12 : Cold Confrontation

Mount Serenity, Trallanea Nation, 2 May Year 1468

Edgar and his students were back home from their journey. After saying goodbyes to the Okano clan they knew that their time was up. They traveled through the snowy mountains of the Trallanea region. Ray and Reid had a small argument. Reina had to break them apart.

Edgar laughed at his students. The trio were shocked as they rarely saw their sensei smile.

"Sensei, You should smile more often when you look." Reina smiled.

Edgar became serious. "I will when you three get along nicely."

"I really miss home and can't wait to get back with all the villagers." Reina said.

Their conversation was interrupted by loud noise. The four of them rushed towards the direction from where the noise came from. They found out that a battle between two groups of Pokemon was taking place. One group was led by a Snorlax followed by a group of Ice-type Pokemon. The other was a Crawdaunt led by a mixed group of Pokemon.

The Snorlax effortlessly subdued his enemy. Edgar recognized the Snorlax.

"What's the matter? You know him?" Ray asked.

"Yeah." Edgar sighed. "That's Erik, the bodyguard of Trallanea's representative. What's he doing here?"

Erik spotted Edgar. He waved and ran towards him.

He was happy to see Edgar. "Captain Edgar, It's good to see you. What brings you here?" He asked.

"Stop calling me captain!" Edgar shouted.

Suddenly chilling air started blowing. A Frosslass materialized. That Frosslass was Elin representative of the Trallanea region.

"Greetings, Edgar." She said in a melodic tone.

Reid screamed at the sudden appearance of Elin.

"My apologies young Machop. I didn't mean to frighten you." Elin felt guilty.

"Never thought I would see you outside of the capital." Edgar scoffed.

"We were on a mission. Then these bandits ambushed us. Most Importantly we found the location of another soul shard."

Edgar scoffed after hearing the word 'soul shard.' He has been used and manipulated for gathering the soul shard and he had enough of it. He turned around not wanting to see or hear anything from Elin.

"I understand why you are upset but believe me. I tried to stop them. I really did but I was outvoted." Elin tried to reason

Edgar sighed. "I had enough of you three and the soul. I want you to stay away from me and my student."

"Please Edgar, I can't do this alone. The New World order is also here and they are also on their way towards the soul shard. This time there are not only two but all of them are here and I don't think I can fight all of them." Elin begged.

"Just let them have it. They can't do anything with only two or three shards. Focus on defending the one you have." Edgar turned around and walked away. The trio followed behind him.

Mount Serenity, Trallanea Nation, 2 May Year 1468

Edgar continued on his way back home. His students followed by. Their journey was silent until Ray spoke.

"If the members of the new world order are really here, do you think Elin can stop them from getting the soul shard?" Ray questioned.

"They just have to let them have it. They already have five shards. These fools have kept two in the same place." Edgar sighed. "But no matter what, they won't be able to find the one that we have."

Edgar stopped in his way sensing something ominous.

"Sensei, is something wrong?" Reina asked.

"You three stay behind me." Edgar ordered.

Two Pokemon stood in Edgar's way. Infernape and Gardevoir.

The Infernape looked at Edgar and his students. "Edgar!" He said to himself.

"I've been eager to meet you. I'm Draven, leader of The New World Order." He introduced himself.

"I'm Elysia." The Gardevoir introduced.

"You have gotten in my way not once but twice. If it wasn't for you we would already have two more soul shards." Draven pointed his finger at Edgar. "I had enough from you. Today you die." Draven declared.

Elysia recognized the trio from their last encounter. The trio also recognized her. Reina walked towards Elysia and so did she.

Draven was losing his patience. He inhaled deeply and fired a Flamethrower at Edgar. Edgar quickly conjured a bone and defended himself by spinning it quickly.

Draven charged with Mach Punch. Edgar did the same with his Force Palm. The two clashed. The clash caused a shockwave causing everyone to stumble. Ray and Reid steadied themselves. Unknowing to both Edgar and Draven. Reina and Elysia were pushed down the cliff.

Draven fires another Flamethrower. Edgar answers it by using Aura Sphere. The clash of two moves causes a small blast. Edgar humps through it and lands a Force Palm on Draven. Sending him flying back.

Draven recovered and charged with Flare Blitz. Edgar Fired Aura Sphere. It made a direct hit with Draven but it only slowed down Draven a bit. The Flare Blitz made a direct hit with Edgar.

Edgar was down and was vulnerable to Draven's next Flamethrower attack.

In the nick of time, Erik stepped in and tanked Draven's Flamethrower.

"What?" Draven was confused by the sudden appearance of Snorlax. Erick wasted no time. He closed his paw and landed a powerful Mega Punch. The impact sent Draven tumbling back.

Draven got up frustrated. Just then Elin appeared behind him and froze him using Ice Beam. She then backed away to Edgar's side. Draven was now frozen solid in ice.

Erick extended his paw for Edgar. Edgar accepted it and got up. He then looked at Elin.

"You were following us?" Edgar asked.

Elin nodded. "Don't take this the wrong way. I just wanted to make sure we're out of Tralanea safely. That's the least I could do after all the trouble we caused for you."

Edgar gave a dismissing look. "I don't need your help."

Ray looked around and noticed that Reina was missing. "Sensei." He tried to get Edgar's attention.

Just then everyone heard cracking noises. Draven was trying to break free. After struggling he finally broke free. He was shivering. He flashed his own fire on his body to warm up.

Edgar was ready to fight him. Erik stood ahead of Elin to protect her. Some Beatrice from before joined with Erik.

Draven chuckled. "I know my limits. I'm no fool to fight all of you alone. I'll make sure that I take down at least one of you before I make my escape." He looked around and pointed his finger at Edgar. "It will be you."

Draven charged his Flare Blitz and rushed towards Edgar. Edgar was ready to dodge it. Suddenly Draven changed his trajectory and rushed towards Elin. The Flare Blitz made a direct hit with Elin. The attack wounded Elin very badly. Ever rushed towards Elin. Draven took his chance and ran away. Elin was unconscious. Erik tried to wake her up.

"It's no use she is not responding." Erik was concerned.

"You should take her for treatment as soon as you can." Edgar suggested.

"Sensei!" Reid yelled to grab Edgar's attention. "Reina is missing."

"She probably fell from the cliff when the shockwave occurred." Ray suggested.

"How foolish of me to not realize this earlier. You two follow me, we are going down in the direction she fell." Edgar ordered.

"Wait!" Erik interrupted. "Take some of my soldiers with you."

Edgar shakes his head. "You should get Elin treated first." Edgar then went downhill to search for her. Ray and Reid followed by.

Mount Serenity, Trallanea Nation, 2 May Year 1468

Meanwhile, Reina and Elysia were in freefall. Reina screamed in terror as she saw the ground below. Elysia was calm and composed. She thought of ways to save her. She focused on her psychic powers. She used her Psychic move on herself. And slowed her fall.

Reina closed her eyes accepting her fate but to her surprise she found herself floating above the ground. Elysia was using her Psychic power on Reina. Reina was confused as to why Elysia saved her. She was torn between thanking her or being angry that she had to be saved by an enemy.

"Why? Why did you save me?" Reina asked. "Did you save me just so that you could enjoy killing me with your own hands?"

Elysia was shocked by that accusation. "I saved you because you weren't my enemy when we both fell. Just so you know I wouldn't have saved you if you tried to attack me mid-air."

"Back at the Mystery dungeon you were really trying to kill us weren't you?" Reina questioned.

"Back then if I wanted to kill you we wouldn't be having this conversation now." She sighs. "I just wanted to check your bag if you had a soul shard or not. I would have left you alive regardless if you had a soul shard or not."

Reina wasn't believing any of this. "I don't believe you. I don't believe this."

"What I'm saying is true. It's up to you if you want to believe it or not."

What about your companion? They murdered an innocent just because they could. Don't know how many else they have killed?'

"I admit that they have committed many crimes and I won't deny it. My dream was to gather all souls peacefully without any violence. I suppose that can't be achieved now."

"I could have saved myself." Reina said.

"Really?" She looks around for something. "This Rock seems to be the same weight as you. How about you prove me by lifting that rock for ten seconds using your psychic power only? If you succeeded I'll agree that you could have saved yourself.

"Ok." Reina accepted her challenge. She focused and used Confusion on the rock. She slowly lifted it up. Unfortunately, she was unable to hold it for more than ten seconds.

"I failed." Reina was disheartened. "I admit that I wouldn't be able to save myself back there. Thank you for saving me."

"That Lucario. I mean Edgar teaches you correct.?" She asked. Reina nodded to that. "That is why your Psychic power is less developed.

"You put too much stress on your mind. Think of psychic power as an extension of your own body. Instead of thinking if you will fail, think as if you are powerful. Think like you are lifting it yourself. Now why don't you give it a try by doing what I said." Elysia gestured towards the rock.

Reina did as per Elysia's instructions. It took a few tries but eventually, she succeeded.

"I did it!" Reina smiled.

Elysia gave a few more pointers to using psychic powers.

"Come, I'll take you back to Edgar safely." Elysia said.

"No, Sensei and the others will come looking for me here. I know they will. If we move it only makes it difficult for him to find me." Reina refused to move.

"We can't stay here too long. There is a mystery dungeon nearby. Feral Pokemon could attack us." Elysia said.

"I appreciate your help but I can take care of myself."

"I know you will but I'm also worried about whether my companion will spot you. Not all of them are as merciful as me."

"Ok, fine I'll come with you." Reina agreed.

Mount Serenity, Trallanea Nation, 2 May Year 1468

Edgar and his students descended the mountain as fast as they could in search of Reina.

"Reina she couldn't have… No, no, no. It can't be" Negative thought came into Ray's head.

"Reina will be fine. I know it. She can take care of herself." Reid was optimistic.

"Reina is fine. I can sense her." Edgar assured. "But there is something more I'm worried about. If what Elin said is true and our encounter with Draven. It means that other members of the new world order are also here.

On the lower side of the mountain. Other members of The New World order were also searching for the soul shard.

Meanwhile, other members of The New World order were also searching. Kane along with an Electrivire. The Electrivire was armed with an odd sword

"I hate coming to this region." The Electravire groaned.

"We didn't have a choice, Victor. Draven deployed everyone." Kane said.

"We wouldn't have been here if you did your job at Grim Island." Victor blamed.

"Oh yeah? Why don't you also blame Heinrik for his failure." Kane said.

"Relax, I was just messing with you." Victor laughed. "I would never blame you. It's just that we underestimated our enemy many times."

The two of them spotted three figures running down the hill.

"Did you see that?" Victor asked.

"Yeah. That's none other than Edgar. The one who humiliated me at Grim Island. It's perfect. The opportunity is coming to me directly. The opportunity to take my revenge." Kane sprints in the direction of Edgar.

"Hey wait for me." Victor follows him.

Edgar and his students were intercepted by Kane and Victor. Edgar recognized Kane.

"Long time no see. Today is my lucky day. I get my revenge and eventually, I will be the one to find the soul shard as well." Kane prepared his leaf blade.

"Hey don't forget about me. I'm Victor. You humiliated my friend. For that, I will kill you." Victor unsheathes his odd sword. Purple liquid dripping from the edges.

"Sensei, that sword it couldn't be." Ray thinks that the sword isfamiliar to him.

Edgar nodded. "Yeah, there is no doubt that it is one of the legendary swords. The poison sword

"Back off he's mine. Do not interfere." Kane warned Victor.

Victor clicked his tongue. "Fine but those kids don't pose me any challenge."

"Listen to me, kids. I'm going to make an opening for you. Take that chance and run past them." Edgar whispered.

"We can help you." Ray insisted.

"I know you will but the most important thing right now is to find Reina."

"I understand. Reina's safety comes first before everything." Remind agreed.

Edgar steps ahead. "You two stay back. Let me handle this."

Edgar conjured a bone from his aura power. He pointed it toward his enemy and Threw it in the air. The two get distracted by the bone. Edgar uses the chance and conjures another bone and rushes towards Victor.

"It's just a distraction." Kane warned. But it was too late.

Edgar relentlessly attacked Victor with Bone Rush. Corner him towards the edge. Edgar jumps away and fires Aura Sphere at Victor's feet. The ground beneath Victor lessons from the impact. Victor slides down the mountain.

Ray and Reid took the opportunity and spirited. Kane tried to attack the two with Leaf Blade. Edgar deflected the attack at the last moment. Ray and Reid ran past Kane.

Kane smirked. "It doesn't matter. Now there won't be anyone between you and me."

"Look, I know we have our differences. Let's just pretend that we never met and go out of our way. I have more important things to do." Edgar tried to reason.

"No can't do." Kane was charged with Leaf Blade.

Edgar blocked with Bone Rush and then countered with Force Palm. The hit sends Kane flying back.

Kane disappeared and sneaked behind Edgar and attacked with a Feint Attack. He followed it with Razor Leaf. Edgar uses Bone Rush to block some of it but some of it misses and Edgar gets a few cuts on his body.

Edgar winches in pain clutching his wounds. Kane did not wait and attacked with Rock Smash. Edgar took a direct hit knocking him down.

Edgar wanted to finish this as quickly as he could. With Reina in trouble, he couldn't afford to drag this battle any longer. Edgar got up and took a deep breath.

Kane laughed. "Giving up already?"

Edgar exhaled and rushed with bone rush making every hit count. Kane was unable to block or avoid any attack. Stunned by multiple hits in a short span of time Kane was stunned. Edgar charges a powerful Aura Sphere and fires at Kane. The Impact sent Kane flying down the cliff.

Edgar was unsure if the battle was over. He went towards the ledge. To his surprise, Kane was barely hanging to the ledge.

Edgar was uncertain what to do next. Whether to help him or to leave him there.

"It doesn't have to be this way. I help you on one condition that we agree to a cease-fire." Edgar tried to reason.

"Fine!" Kane agreed.

Edgar extended his paw towards Kane. Kane accepted.

Kane smiled with malicious intent. Instead of accepting Edgar's help, he tried to pull him down. "I realized that I can't beat you in a fight. So, I'm taking you down with me." Kane grabbed Edgar's paw with both of his hands. Edgar, unable to support both of their weight gets dragged down.

In mid-air, Kane tried to attack with Leaf Blade. Edgar Blocked it with Bone Rush. Kane followed it with Razor Leaf. Edgar countered with Aura Sphere which went through a leaf blade and finally hit Kane.

Edgar landed on a snow patch. He was fine but he had a broken hand.

Unfortunately, fate was not kind to Kane. He landed head-first into a rock. Cracking his skull and ending his life there and there.

Edgar examined his body hoping he was still alive.

"I was offering you help. You could have lived but instead, you chose death." Edgar turns away with a defeated sigh.

Mount Serenity, Trallanea Nation, 2 May Year 1468

Ray and Reid reached the site where Reina fell from the cliff. They both examined the scene.

"You see those footsteps of Reina and that means she is alive." Ray pointed out.

"See I told you that she can take care of herself." Reid was relieved knowing Reina was safe.

"But I don't understand. Why did she go the same direction as Elysia? Did she go there together? If not, did she go with her willingly?" Ray thought.

Reid sighed. "You think too much. Let's follow the trial and find out for ourselves."

Both heard a rustling in the bushes. They got ready to deal with the ambush.

Edgar comes out of the bushes.

Reid breathed a sigh of relief. "You almost scared me."

"Sorry about that. Have you found out about Reina?" Edgar asked.

"Yeah she went this way." Ray pointed out the direction where footsteps were going. "She went the same direction Elysia went."

"All the more reason to hurry. Come on."

Edgar and the students started following the trial.

Mount Serenity, Trallanea Nation, 2 May Year 1468

A Honchcrow was circling around Kane's dead body. Draven along with other members of the New World were gathered around Kane's body.

The Honchcrow landed on Drapion.

"Hey, cut it out." The Drapion was clearly annoyed.

The Honchcrow landed beside the Drapion.

Draven was in a rage, losing one of his members. "What happened here? Victor, explain."

"Edgar." Victor said. He was also in sorrow and rage after losing his friend.

Hearing the name Edgar triggered Draven even more. "Edgar, Edgar, Edgar." Draven was frustrated. "Why is it whenever he is around our plan is foiled."

"I tried to help Kane but he refused my help. I underestimated this Edgar. He made a smart move by separating me and Kane."

Wymer scoffed. "Kane died because he was weak."

"Wymer!" Heinrik was shocked by his comment.

Victor clenched his fist. "You take back what you said."

"Did it hurt you because I said the truth?"

Victor draws his sword. Wymer also gets ready to attack.

The Drapion laughed. " This is going to be fun."

"Silence!" Draven ordered. On his command, there was silence among the group.

"Wymer, take back what you said." Draven ordered.

"Really, do you really want me to do that?" Wymer tried to refuse.

"Now!"

"Ok fine. I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that." Wyemer said reluctantly.

"I want everyone to abandon their search for soul shards. Gaius!"

"Yes!" The Honchcrow said.

"You are up in the sky. When you spot Edgar let everyone know.

"Luciou."

The Drapion nodded.

"You search the ground. Wymer and Heinrik you are together. Block of the path to Fepusa. Make sure Edgar doesn't leave Tralanea. Victor, you are with me. Any idea where he could have gone?

"He was going down the mountain." Victor replied.

"That's weird, the path towards Fepusa was the other way. Who was with him?" Draven asked.

"A Machop and Riolu." Victor answered.

Draven realized something. "The Meditite must have fallen down during our clash above. That's where he must be headed."

"Where is Elysia?" Gaius asked.

"We got separated during my clash with Edgar. Don't worry she can take care of herself." Draven assured. Everyone, hunt for Edgar, Go!"

The group scattered in different directions looking for Edgar.

AN: Characters

Edgar, Male Lucario, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Bone Rush, Heal Pulse, Aura Sphere, Force Palm.

Ray, Male Riolu, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Force Palm, Quick Attack, Double Team, ? ?

Reid, Male Machop, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Low Sweep, Karate Chop, ? ?, ? ?

Reina, Female Medittite, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Confusion, Bide, Brick Break, ? ?

Erik, Male Snorlax, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Mega Punch, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?

Elin, Female Froslass, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Ice Beam, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?

Draven, Male Infernape, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Flamethrower, Mach Punch, Flare Blitz, ? ?

Elysia, Female Gardevoir, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Psychic, Double Team, Light Screen, Psychock

Kane, Male Shiftry, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Razor Leaf, Rock Smash, Feint Attack, Leaf Blade

Victor, Male Electrivire, Ability: ? ?

Move set: ? ?, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?

Gaius, Male Honchkrow, Ability: ? ?

Move set: ? ?, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?

Lucius, Male Electrivire, Ability: ? ?

Move set: ? ?, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?

Wymer, Male Garchomp, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Slash, Dragon Claw, Fire Fang, Dragon Rush

Heinrik, Male Feraligator, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Cruch, Water Pulse, Ice Fang, Hydro Pump