Chapter 9: Price of Love

(Hopefully you all enjoyed last chapter's juicy roller coaster. No, I have no idea what I'm talking about. Lol. Seriously though, I hope everyone sees Aura as the perfect mate because she really is. Easily my favorite character.)

{Rui's Point of View}

- Next Day -

I came to the hideout as Cayden asked during our call yesterday. I felt a lot calmer. I forced Aura to the back of my mind just trying to keep myself together. That shattered a lot faster than I ever thought possible. As I met with them, Zraak is looking at his phone and seemed concerned. Cayden looked concerned as well. I asked, "What's going on?" Zraak glanced at me before focusing on his phone, "So... you said before you know Aura, right?" I nodded, "Yeah, why?" Zraak snickered, "Turns out she's on your side. Have you met her mate yet?" I kept a straight face, "No." Zraak swiped on his phone a bit, "Well, the data has been looked at and it turns out they hired an Inteleon to snipe her during a concert in a few days." I exploded, "WHAT!?" Zraak glanced at Cayden. Cayden looked annoyed for a second, "Yeah... So tell me Rui. Is she your friend or something more? The lines between friend and traitor are starting to get a little blurry." I felt my heartbeat start to pound as panic set in, "I'm loyal Zraak." Zraak snickered, "Are you now?" He got up and walked to a window, "Say I get someone to kill their assassin. Would that make you happy?" I thought of Aura getting sniped while singing. Her lifeless body slumping to the ground, "Could... Could I go and take him down?" Zraak glanced at Cayden, "Cayden. What do you think?" Cayden bit his lip, unable to keep eye contact with me, "I say he should go." Zraak nodded, "You're right. He's the only one who'll make sure she lives through this. Her opinion is capable of swaying many to abandon the cruel rules of our world. It'd make the end goal a lot easier. Do you agree, Rui?" I nodded, "Yes... I'm... sorry." Cayden looked slightly surprised but turned away from me, "It's okay Rui. I just pray she's worth it." I looked at Cayden, pleading with him, "Cayden, don't be like that man. You can trust me." He shook his head, "I don't know Rui... You've known her for so long. How do I know you haven't already betrayed us." I gasped in shock, "Cayden, I've been here longer than most, how can you even think that!?" Cayden nodded and looked at me, "You're right. I'm sorry..."

I looked down, thinking to myself, 'No... he doesn't trust me anymore...' Zraak said, "You have a flight to catch. As for living arrangements, I'm sure your lover could help you." Hearing Zraak mock me pissed me off, "She's not my-" I stopped the moment I saw a photo of me and her kissing in my home, "Where the fuck did you get that?" Zraak put his phone down, "It was in the files you retrieved for me. They were debating whether to kill you or not. They decided to kill the real threat in their mind." I tried to remain calm, but that became a daunting task. I asked, "Is that why you don't trust me Cayden? Did you already know?" Cayden didn't say anything, he just nodded sadly. Zraak got my attention, "Rui, unlike you, I killed my love. You know that. I'm wearing her right now. It was for the greater good. If one life is needed to be sacrificed to save many, then it must be made." Those words made me speechless. I just stared at him in shock. My dad, Margrev and now Zraak said it...

Unable to continue, I ducked away for a breather. He allowed it, not doing anything as I left into a hallway and punched a brick wall. I collapsed to my knees, gripping the brick wall and started sobbing uncontrollably. All these years and nothing has changed. I'm still being forced to make the same sacrifice again and again. This time being the one person I love on this disgusting ball of dirt! As I cried, I heard footsteps and felt a hand pat my back. It's Cayden and he wore a look of pity, "Hey... it's okay dude." I shook my head, crying, "It's not okay! I can't do that Cayden! I'm keeping everything a secret, she'll never know. I can't just kill her if she finds out. She might help u-" Cayden grabbed my shoulders and yelled, "She's a Pokémon Rui!" I stopped crying, looking at him, "Aura might help or she might get us all killed! That's a risk we can't take! Look, when we found out, I debated whether or not to tell you and decided it was the right thing to do. I trust you. I trust your judgment. I don't trust her. I gave you a chance. If she finds out, you will have to kill her if it turns south." I declined his solution, "No. I won't kill her. She'll help us. I swear." Cayden looked taken aback, "Do you love her that much?" I didn't want to think about love... but with what happened recently I answered honestly, "Yes..." Cayden sighed, looking slightly disappointed, "You know... out of everyone. I thought you'd be the last person to make the same mistake twice." I gasped, feeling ablaze of anger as I yelled, "The hell do you mean by that Cayden!?" Cayden and I stared each other down until he conceded, "Alright, my bad. I guess I'm already contradicting myself by saying I trust you and then question what your choice is. If you truly believe she loves you and wants to help when it is revealed, then go for it." I decided to forgive him, but I felt guilty for changing so easily. Aura hasn't influenced me at all. I would know... Everything about us is real and I think that's the worst part. Still, I need to get ready. I will not let some water lizard murder the love of my life.

When we re-entered the room to speak to Zraak, he looked at me with a smile, "I thought for a moment you ran off." He chuckled, "Don't get mad, just a little joke. So, you ready for this?" I asked, "What else is there than this? There's no way this is my sole mission." Zraak nodded, "That can be handled after this. I can tell you are very eager to save her. Just remember, you are there to stop the Inteleon; not to listen to her singing. Once he's dead, you head back. They'll look for you if you are not careful." I said, "Is this really all there is to it? If I stop this guy, won't they send more?" Zraak nodded, "I can handle the rest. Once you take him out, they'll be alerted to Venge's involvement. If we play our cards right, they'll leave Aura be." I felt satisfied with that answer. Not wanting to waste time, I left to pack for my trip.

- Several Hours Later -

After a very quick and expensive flight, I landed at the airport near the city. I got a ring on my phone and saw a text from Zraak. He paid for a hotel in the city, noting that I'd really like it. The city is called New Zen City. Skyscrapers everywhere, night clubs, cuisine from all over the planet... it sounded like a place Aura promised to take me. It wasn't until I reached the hotel when I realized what he meant because Aura walked out of an elevator as I waltz in the front of the hotel. Shocked was an understatement. I literally froze once we saw each other, and I didn't move for a full minute. She walked up to me, "Uh... what the hell are you doing here?" I needed time to think of a way to tell her what I'm doing without giving too much away. I regained my composure and whispered in her ear, "We'll talk in my hotel room. Trust me." She nodded and held my hand. I hesitantly pulled my hand free, "I'll lose the blessing. Not now." She looked sad but agreed. After getting my room settled and going to it, I brought her to the bathroom, locked the door and checked for any Psi-Sights. With the room clean I whispered to her, "A hybrid and Zoroark came to me after you left. They said an Inteleon is going to assassinate you during your concert. So, I came here to try and save you..." She gave me a weird look, "You save me?" She giggled, "I can't believe you'd hear this from two strangers and spend your entire life savings just to save me." I then said, "I'd do anything to save your life..." She blushed, kissing me a deep kiss, "Well, if you do stop this Inteleon... come up to my hotel room. I'm not sore anymore." She whispered in my ear, "Let's change that~" I felt a shiver, grinning as the blessing waned and whispered, "You got it." She pulled back, smiling, "I should get my life threatened more often if it means you come running to save me." I scoffed, "Hell no. I want you to be safe." She smiled blissfully, "I know~" I calmed myself down and allowed her to leave. On her way out she winked at me, "We'll go on a date after the fun. Okay?" she asked me. I answered with a blush, "Sure." I know I'm going against orders... I know that... but I just... want to spend time with her. I got a text from Zraak.

Shield, snips might be nearby. There's only 1 one of these in the entire city. You see one, you know what to do.

I ran into fairy... it got the drop.

You're a fucking moron.

I'm sorry man.

It doesn't matter. Fairy knows?

Yes

Shit, that might make things complicated. Take care of it sooner if you can. Afterwards the birds will fly back home.

Alright, thanks.

Good luck Shield.

I didn't reply to his last message. If there's only 1 Inteleon in the entire city, then he would stick out like a sore thumb. If anything, he'll be wearing clothes to conceal his head and body. I started to take out my equipment and noticed my gun. I still haven't used it yet... I've shot it a few times to get a feel for it though during my training. If they Pokémon is a sniper, I'm going to need it. Something tells me a knife won't get the job done. Her concert is tomorrow night. I'll just go see if I can get that lizard before he even tries to take her out.

- The Next Day -

I tried searching for the Inteleon last night but couldn't see him. There's a lot of Pokémon in the city though. It's pretty intimidating. I'm pretty sure while in the crowds or buses some of the perverted bastards grabbed me. Bunch of sick fucks. With how large the population is, there's no wonder why it is so difficult to spot an Inteleon, despite being the only blue entity in the entire town. The lack of water types also struck me as odd. It seems the water and air quality of the city might have been too hostile here... If that's the case maybe he is hiding out somewhere better for him? Either way, my lack of knowledge is only going to make things worse. Instead, I secretly met Aura to ask for a secret entrance into her concert. She gave it to me no questions asked. She also didn't tease me at all, even though I know she wanted to. She seemed very serious about this, and I wonder why she isn't cancelling her concert. Is she worried it'd be seen as weakness? As the bus approached the concert venue, I noticed how crowded it is. Lines of cars stretching for miles and the event doesn't start for at least six hours. Once the bus parked, after two hours of waiting, I quickly and quietly snuck to the back of the venue. The venue is enormous, easily larger than most of its dome kin. The dome itself is currently closed and the back entrance is guarded by several Pokémon. I talked to one of them and they allowed me inside when I gave them Aura's password. I walked around for a bit, trying to think of where the assassin would hide. The crowd would be a no-go. Pokémon around him would take him down faster than he could blink, especially when they are rabid fans. Not only that; all the physical activity around him could throw off his aim. He'd have to be somewhere that he can hide and not be seen. Somewhere he'll get the drop on Aura, and she'd never expect. This narrows it down to somewhere she won't directly be looking, dimly to not lit and has a direct view of her. That leaves the stage itself. He can hide on the sides, behind or... above it. The sides may be hidden from Aura to a point, but other security would stop him. Overhead has to be the choice. The problem is, how do I get up there without causing a bit of trouble? Worse off, I don't want to be up there, and it turns out the Inteleon isn't even there yet. There's an hour left before she starts the concert.

I decided to check up on Aura and noticed she's heavily guard. I asked to see her, and they said no. I gave them her password and they still said no. I'm not angry they're rejecting me because I want to see my mate. I'm mad that I'm trying to make sure she's okay. I debated calling out her name but decided that'd just bring attention to me. I chose to explore instead, looking to an easy way to access the area above the stage. During my exploration I then found something unsettling. There's one spot with a ladder and no guard nearby. With an hour left before her concert start, I started wondering if the guard is missing because he left, there was never a guard stationed, or the guard was moved forcefully. I checked the area around the ladder, noting there is no sign of a struggle, no blood and no collateral damage to the environment. If a guard was moved forcefully, there isn't any evidence here. After internally debating it within myself, I decided to take my backpack off and put my gear on. It's best to conceal my body and face for this standoff. With the armor, bandana and hood on, I got up the ladder as quietly as I could. I kept thinking about Aura but quickly realized how that'd negatively affect my current job. I need the immunities to prevent being spotted by potential Psi-Sights. The area over the stage is relatively dark, only the overhead lights lit the area but only in small immediate pockets. I saw movement near one of the lights, a figure wearing a trench coat and a brown fedora. The figure loomed over a whole giving him direct view of where Aura would sing. I checked the time; Ten minutes before she goes on stage. The figure picked its head up a bit as the crowd started to cheer. His blue skin visible as I finally saw the Inteleon. It looked as though he has no idea I'm there. He looked around, trying to spot any intruders. I hid behind some props, using a mirror to check around the corner. Suddenly he gets a call. The Inteleon picked up the phone, "Yes? ... ... ... ... Alright. ... ... ... ... I'm already in position. One the dome is loud enough; I'll blow her head off better than her lovers. ... ... ... That's fine. Just make sure the money is in there by the time I get back." The Inteleon hung up and stretched his hand. He pointed at a box and shot water clean through it. The thought of that happening to Aura enraged me, but I kept my cool. I wanted to observe how he uses his powers before I engaged. If he can shoot water through objects, I wonder how many people one shot would penetrate through...

Once I heard Aura greet the crowd, I got out from my hiding spot and approached him from behind. The sound of the crowd drowned out my noise and once I was close enough, I tried to stab him in the throat. A loud metal cling rang, and my knife was stopped dead in its tracks. He looked angry and shocked, turning around to face me with a tail swipe. I jumped over the tail swipe and grabbed his wrist, keeping myself out of its way. I kicked his knee forcing him to crouch before kneeing his face. His Fedora fell off as he recoiled back and immediately retreated. He stood a couple feet away from me, rubbing his nose. He glared and, in the light, I noticed what had stopped my knife. Around his neck and torso is Black Steel. Military Grade metal armor. It allows immunity to Psychic attacks and is extremely resilient. My knife is a Bisharp grade Steel and that didn't do anything to the armor around his neck. I put the knife away, equipping myself with my gun instead. Surprise flashed in his eyes as he stared intently at my gun. He knew what it is and smirked. He quickly pointed at me, and I put one of my arms as a shield. The force of his snipe shot threw my arm up over my head as the water collided and deflected downwards. I quickly glanced down to see the hole extended into the stage. I looked at him, pointing the gun. He quickly slipped into the darkness. I did the same, looking for him in the darkness. I made sure to keep track of the holes in the floor. A snipe shot pierced the wall near me. I got out from cover and shot my gun. The singing appeared to be loud enough to drown out my gunshots. I felt panic rise in me as I willed myself forward. I charged his position, finding him not there and looked around. I ducked as another Snipe Shot aimed for me. I ran towards him and kept trying to find him. A blade erupted from the darkness. I dodged it as it cut my cheek. He tried to run but I stomped on his tail. The music and singing started to get louder. The Inteleon forced his tail free and swiped with the knife. As I dodged the knife, he sucker punched me in the stomach. I held my stomach, falling to my knees. He ran to the opening he waited at initially. I saw him looking for Aura and I ran towards him. He shot at me, forcing me to deflect with my left arm. My left is thrust into me as the shot pierced the ceiling. I couldn't love fast enough as it threw the dagger into my left leg. I collapsed in pain, raising my gun towards him. I shot at him four times, and one ended up piercing his wrist. He held onto it in pian and sat in a way to prevent me from shooting due to the Black Steel. My leg is bleeding really badly. I crawled forward and when he tried to use his other hand, I shot his wrist the moment he exposed his good arm. He grunted in pain, and I shot his leg. When he turned, his leg was barely exposed but after all the shooting, my gun is officially empty. Both of us laid on the floor, breathing heavily. I crawled towards him, he nudged back but with only his elbows and one good leg he's got low maneuverability.

I looked at Aura through the hole, seeing her sing and looking so happy. The fans cheering her on. Her beautiful voice ringing in my ears. I glared at the Inteleon, forcing myself on my back and tried to stand up. He continued nudging himself away. The dagger still present in my leg and blood stained the floor. I reloaded my gun, looking at the Inteleon to make sure he doesn't get out of my sight. I hopped over to him and stood over him. He looked up at me, a mixture of anger, fear and acceptance on his face. I pointed the gun at him and shot him in the head several times. I told myself it was to make sure they can't extract info from his mind... but it was for Aura. He's a hired gun... someone who probably had no malice for Aura... but how fucking dare he try to kill my mate. I fell onto my back and panted, looking at the ceiling. Aura's singing started to calm me, and I wanted to see her. I can't be taken by Pokémon... but I want to see her. If I bleed out, I want it to be while staring at her beauty... She shouldn't have to stop the concert for me. I noticed a shadow loom over me and looked to see Cayden.

Cayden knelt down, "I'm impressed. You love her this much?" I nodded, "More than anything. As you can see by me bleeding out willingly, I'm even willing to die for her." Cayden sighed, shaking his head, "Can you just tell me why a Gardevian of all people? You even complained about your ex enough to talk someone to death." I looked at Aura, "I..." I thought back to our times together as children and teens, "I've always seen her as human... I guess that makes me an idiot..." Cayden pat my back, "No, it means you're human. We love because of feelings, not logic." I asked him, "Do you have a heal pulse?" He laughed, "No, but it wouldn't work on you anyways." I nodded, listening to her sing, "Cayden... I'm sorry I'm fucking up..." Cayden sat next to me, "It's okay. She has a beautiful voice." I sighed happily, "Yeah... she does... Why are you here?" Cayden shrugged, "Just wanted to make sure you lived." I rolled my eyes, "Of course." Cayden got up, "I'll tell her you're up here. She'll be on break soon." I started feeling the pain more, "Yeah... I hope that's soon."

- Later That Night -

Aura pushed me onto her bed, "I can't believe you really did that." I blushed a bit, "Yeah. Doesn't that make me romantic?" Aura looked mad, but I could tell she's worried. She sat on my lap, kissing me deeply, "Rui..." I blushed, "Yeah?" She looked at me seriously, her eyes reflecting hope, "Is there anything you want to tell me?" I bit my lip, looking into her eyes, "I..." She leaned to my neck and nibbled on it. It tickled and she kissed my cheek before whispering, "I know you trust me, so this has to mean something. I won't be mad. I swear." I groaned angrily and sighed, "Fuck... Aura... I'm a part of Venge..." Aura pulled back, cupping my cheeks, "Really?" I nodded. She sighed and hugged me tightly, "Arceus damn it..." She held onto me, "I was praying you weren't a part of them..." I felt bad, "I'm... sorry babe..." She pulled back and took a deep breath, "No, don't apologize. I'm proud of you for wanting to change things for our kind." I looked into her eyes, "You mean that? Ours?" She nodded, kissing me with tongue and pushing me onto the bed, "Now, enough serious talk." She took her top off, "You saved me from the evil lizard. Claim your prize~" I squeezed her ass and smirked, "With pleasure."

(That's the end of this chapter and finally he told her the truth! Maybe next chapter will start with their date, if not then there'll be a time skip. I hope you all are enjoying the story so far! Please Favorite, follow and review to support the story!)