Chapter 30: The Lake of Purity.

The Aquatic War Arc.

Roan smacks his fist against the palm of his hand, eyeing the Zorua beside him. "So if I can get this recap straight: You woke up in a facility with no clue as to why you're there, wandered outside only to be attacked by this Lucario named Travis, who also assumed that you were the cause of the said facility going into ruins?"

Ramon nods. "Yeah. Sounds about right."

Roan stares in mortification. "My goodness, that doesn't sound pleasant at all!"

"Far from it." The fox sighs, lowering his ears. "I wished he'd believe me about not causing the incident because of amnesia. Instead, he'd accuse me of lying because of...what I am, apparently."

"Honestly fam, I'm getting tired of his ass." Justin cracks his fist, smirking with aggression. "When Ada and I see him again, we'll double whoop his ass." He looks at the girl. "Right, Ada?"

"No doubt about it." The girl nods, cracking her fist as well. "No one messes with our friends and gets away with it!"

"HELL YEAH!"

Roan smiles at the two. "Quite supportive, aren't ya?"

"Yeah...They are." Ramon stares off, smiling meekly.

"Supportive friends are the best! That's why I always honor my mentor because he's more than just that: He's an amazing, helpful friend. Always willing to aid me during my downfalls, and thus I do the same for him, too!" Nods.

"We both rarely show any selfishness and when we do, it's usually over self-care. Harmless ones like showering, to be exact." The Axew chuckles before turning towards the Zorua, raising his arms. "In short: I love him."

"I see."

The Axew then frowns, his hands sitting on his hips. "Although, I can't say much positive things about this Travis guy, especially with that speciest mindset of his."

"Hmm?" Ramon tilts his head.

"He has no right to treat you like dirt just because your species can be deceiving. Hmph!" He closes his eyes, shaking his head. "That's such a childish way of thinking, and I'm a child myself!"

Ramon quirks his brow. "Zoruas can be deceiving?"

"From what my mentor told me, the Zorua line can deceive others by various means. But this alone doesn't mean they can't become a good, honorable person, you know?" Roan smiles.

Ramon stares off to the side for a moment before smiling back at the Axew. "I suppose so."

Mesmeren strokes her arm, her ears lower. I-I don't believe that, after seeing what my kind can do… She grips her arm. I deserve the hate, honestly…

Ramon looks ahead, the group inching close to the Lake of Purity. "So you said a hurricane incident caused you and your mentor to separate from each other, Roan?"

Roan sighs. "Indeed. Again, I tag along in hopes of finding him some day."

"I see." Ramon sighs softly. Good to know that humans weren't the cause of it, he thinks, the sky slowly descending into dark clouds. A...nice change, for once.

I wouldn't be so cocky about that, Nomar states. Just because humans didn't cause the incident, doesn't mean it resolves their wickedness. The incident may even be connected to human's interference. Wouldn't surprise me.

Ramon lowers his ears, gazing down. Understood…

Mesmeren stares at the Zorua, her hands against her chest. He's been looking down more and more lately...I'm worried for him, she thinks. The Drowzee is about to reach her hand out until she bumps into Ada. "Eek! Sorry!"

"Hmm? Oh, it's...fine." The teen folds her arms, eyeing the lake.

Mesmeren tilts her head before staring ahead along with everyone else: All except for Ramon becoming uneasy.

"H-Huh…?"

The dark blues swish side to side, the clouds reflecting from it. The lake is expansive, ranging from the far left to the far right. Trees and bushes spread throughout, leaves falling and surfing. Debrises, broken canoes—all scatter around the lake, becoming a hopeless wasteland every step of the way.

The middle leads to the other side up north, a path trailing towards the exit. Besides the group is a brown cabin tucked in the corner, trees casting over.

Everyone keeps their gaze, slowly moving forward and looking around. "This lake...looks so barren," Roan comments, glaring at the torn canoe paddles ahead. "Reminds me of the hurricane at Windmill Forest." His head shakes. "Something huge happened here."

"No kidding: The sky looked more dark the moment we got here, and then the lake itself...ain't looking too pure despite its name, no cap," Justin says, eyeing around with suspicion.

"I was told that this here lake was supposed to be peaceful." Courtney's hand nudges her chin, raising her brow. "This is far from it."

Ada glances around. "Mhm. I suggest we find a way out of here quickly." She eyes the other side, tapping on her elbows. "Let's traverse across."

Ramon looks at the other side, blinking. "But how?"

The teen caresses her chin before seeing another canoe near the lake: It's in good shape compared to the others, with two paddles inside. "We could use this," she answers, pointing at the canoe. "It's the only canoe here that hasn't been broken, it seems."

Everyone eyes the canoe. "I see." The group walks toward it, keeping their awareness checked. "If I remember correctly, we travel across this lake and make our way to Glory Pride City?" Ramon asks.

"I'm pretty sure," Courtney answers. "I believe Forest's intentions are good, especially after helping Sylock and I during the Gloomy Woods situation."

"I see. I hope you're right about that…"

Everyone reaches the canoe, Justin and Ada grabbing the paddles inside as Ramon, Mesmeren, and Roan hop aboard: Ramon sits in the front, staring off into melancholy; Mesmeren sits beside him, holding her hands together before looking away; and Roan sits in the middle, holding onto the edges as he stares into the bleak blues.

The others push the canoe, grunting. Ramon's ears twitch to the grass rustling, being the only part of him affected. Having hope in a human, huh? His eyes half close. ...Wish I was you, Courtney.

Roan stares at his reflection, blinking in disbelief. "Huh. Can barely see myself, thanks to the clouds," he comments, his hand against his chin.

"The sky hates it when people want to admire themselves," Justin says, snorting.

Ada shakes her head while Roan chuckles in a hearty manner. "Good one, Justin sir."

After the canoe surfs into the lake, the four hop aboard in time, Justin and Ada readying their paddles. The teens look at each other, scratching the side of their heads.

"Uh, you know how to work this thing?" the boy asks.

Ada shakes her head. "Nope." She snaps her fingers. "Knew I should've gone on that Canoe Contest trip with Merlin and his family. I would've learned a thing or two from it."

Courtney laughs. "Y'all don't know how to use a canoe?" The teens look at her, nodding while blushing. "Heh, it's a good thang Sylock and I tag along with ya. Hand them paddles over and watch how we use em'." Sylock shrugs, leaving his hand open.

Justin and Ada give them the paddles, the Intellicates jabbing the lake: Justin watches Courtney, Ada watches Sylock. The Intellicates move the paddles forward and push them back, accelerating the canoe.

"Oh…" Ada turns to Courtney. "It's this simple?"

"Yep. All ya gotta do is move em' forward and back. Forward and back." Courtney soon hums, smiling.

"Hah...I guessed we overthink that," Justin admits.

Ada sighs. "Agreed."

Mesmeren's ears flicker before something lands on her face, the Drowzee jumping. "Hmm!?" She eyes up, raindrops falling down. The downpour increases at the rate they go, soaking everyone. Sylock shivers, his fur trembling from the droplets. He groans.

Courtney turns to the Blaziken. "Something's wrong?"

Sylock looks back. "The rain. That's what's wrong," he signs.

"Ah, makes sense."

"Yo, what did he say?" Justin asks.

Courtney keeps rowing. "He ain't a fan of rain."

"Oh really? Well then…" Justin smiles with glee and is about to say something else until Sylock glares at him, the chicken's blue eyes radiating in judgement. The boy faces Courtney's paddle again, his smile fades. "Nevermind."

Ada looks at the sky, her hair soaking. "I think my clothes are going to get completely wet by the time we reach the other side." She sighs, touching her jacket: The cold, drenched texture chills her fingers, the girl squinting and tugging her sleeves. "I hope not."

"Didn't your clothes get wet by X before?"

Ada glances at the boy, folding her arms. "I mean, fair point. But also I think having your clothes soaked by a Water type is different from naturally getting it wet."

"Enlighten me." Justin folds his arms as well, smirking.

"I'm saying that your clothes can dry faster when a Water type dampens it compared to the rain, for instance."

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Dude: Wet is still wet."

Ada shakes her head, sighing. "I don't know how else to put it to you, then."

As the canoe reaches the middle, Roan lowers his lips, his reflection distorting. "This is awful," he states. "The lake looks so messy and littered and...hopeless." The Axew whimpers. "Even if I'm with my mentor, it wouldn't be enough to clean this mess."

Mesmeren shakes, twirling her fingers around. "Th-The debrises and dark clouds here make the lake look eerie." Winces. "I-It's m-making me feel uncomfortable…"

Roan looks at the Drowzee, nodding. "Yeah. The environment...doesn't feel right at all."

Mesmeren nudges close to the fox, looking down. "...Ramon?"

The downpour increases further, landing more and more. Ramon is unphased by the speed, his gaze remaining on the path ahead. His bangs soak themselves enough to partially expose his left eye, prolonging his desolate stare. His blue eyes are empty, not a single trace of blinking is made.

"You know deep down that humans are vile, ruthless beings waiting to shred your heart into pieces."

That very phrase spirals inside of his skull, the fox drowning in the sea of void. A void containing nothing but those words...Everything around him doesn't exist: Just him and the words. Time itself even feels slowed down, the fox zoning out the muffles of his friends.

Mesmeren reaches her hand out shakily. "R-Ramon? Are you...okay?"

Soon, the canoe starts to shake, snapping Ramon out of his gaze.

"Hmm?" he says, looking around. Everyone looks around as well, curious about the canoe's movement.

"Strange. We've never had problems with the canoe's weight earlier," Courtney mentions, glancing down.

Justin smacks his hand against his forehead. "Damn: Didn't think those sandwiches Clinton gave us were going to come back with a vengeance!"

Ada glares at him. "Justin, I don't believe those sandwiches had any effects on the canoe. Not to mention: We're still at our normal weight!"

"Clinton?" Roan asks, tilting his head.

Without much warning, the canoe leaps off the lake, tipping everyone over.

"AAAH!" all except Sylock scream, the latter gritting his teeth in panic.

They crash into the water, deep within. Ada, Justin, Courtney, and Roan are the first to swim from underneath, gasping for air. They look around with perplexion, frantic panics sinking in.

"What the hell was that!?" Courtney exclaims before gazing ahead, eyes widening. "Oh...My...Arceus."

Everyone gazes: A blue serpentine colliding its head against a large blue fish, both exhibiting loud roars that push the group back. The Gyarados and Wishiwashi School slam back into the lake, a huge wave rising up and pushing everyone back further. The group groans and yelps, flailing all over.

"We got to swim back! NOW!" Ada shouts, immediately turning around and charging her arms forward. Roan and Justin nod, following after the teen.

Roan leaps on top of Justin's back. "Hope you don't mind, Justin sir."

Justin moves his arms forward, frantic. "Fam: I'm too busy trying to save myself. So climb on!"

The Axew clings onto the boy's shirt, nodding. "Understood."

Courtney is about to do the same until she spots Sylock gasping in the distance, the Blaziken going in and out of the water. He moves erratically, eyes gaping. Courtney frowns before rushing forward, kicking her legs and swinging her arms. "I'm coming, Sy!" She pants, moving as quickly as possible. She surrounds herself in Quick Attack's white auras, speeding ahead.

The Lopunny reaches Sylock, clutching his hand. She sets him on her back, grunting due to his weight. "Calm down and hang on tight!" she says. Sylock pants nonstop, looking down before nodding. He seeks his claws into her shoulders, the rabbit wailing. Sylock widens his eyes, gazing with concern.

"No no, it's fine." Blood seeps down the Lopunny's shoulders like a waterfall. "All that matters right now is gettin' ya out of this lake. Ngh…" She pants, following Ada and the others.

. . .

Ramon tugs Mesmeren's hand, bubbles ushering out of their mouths. They gasp underwater, eyes trembling. The more Ramon pulls, the further they go down. Can't...lift her up, he thinks, gnashing his teeth. Not while under this form!

Mesmeren gazes at the struggling Zorua, the fox doing everything in his power to pull her. Why is he still trying? I'm just...slowing him down, she thinks, turning her attention to the depths. He's...better off without me. Him and the others. She slowly closes her eyes, her heart slowing its beats. Drowzees don't deserve to be saved, after all…

Ramon clings further down, the Drowzee's grip weakening. What is she doing!? He keeps tugging, his paws straining. Come on! Keep hanging on, Mesmeren! What are you doing!? He looks up at the surface, the light fading gradually. The fox trembles, eyes quaking. I...I-I need to evolve into a Zoroark! Please let me, Transvolution! He closes his eyes.

Brother? Nomar speaks. Ramon glows white again, extending his size and shape. The red-haired fox finishes evolving, bringing Mesmeren onto his back and swims up. BROTHER, NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?

Mesmeren opens her eyes, her face stuffed by the fox's bushy hair. H-Huh!? she thinks, gazing at the Zoroark.

Ramon, please change back right now! I beg of you! Nomar pleads, but the Zoroark continues swimming. He claws forward, gritting his teeth. Ramon!?

The surface's light slowly returns from its fade, the Zoroark reaching ever so closely to it. Just a couple more swims...Please.

. . .

The others make it back to land, panting and coughing the water entering their pipes. They scoot away from the lake, not interacting with its blues further. Ada's hair is covering her view, soaked with dripping water. She lifts the front of her hair.

"Is everyone alright?" the girl asks.

Roan touches himself, grasping his face. "...Yes, I'm fine it seems." Nods. "What about you?"

Ada looks up at her wet hair, blinking in rapid sessions. "I've…been better, I suppose."

Justin gives the Axew a thumbs up. "Me too, fam."

Courtney grunts, Sylock letting go of her shoulders as his arms wrap around her. "M-Me three…" Courtney pants heavily, blood painting the ground beneath her. She crawls on her knees, lips quivering the effort to smile. "I-I'm...fine." She falls face down, Sylock gasping. He taps on her constantly, trembling with anxiety.

Everyone rushes to the two, Roan clinging on Justin tightly.

"Courtney!" Ada shouts, her and Justin's hands glowing blue. The two look at the bleeding shoulders, readying their hands until Sylock shields the rabbit, glaring at them. "What the—Sylock, we don't have time for this: Your friend is bleeding badly! She needs our help!"

The Blaziken looks down, hugging the rabbit. Some of the red gets on his fur, which he pays zero mind to.

Justin raises his brow. "My guy, we just healed your wounds not too long ago. No harm was done, either." He frowns. "So if we can heal ya without any trouble, then we can do the same for your friend, too. Hell, she even approves of us healing you! Just trust us on this, man." The boy grunts. "It'll be fine." Sylock squints at him, caressing the rabbit's arm.

"I-It's...alright," Courtney says with raspiness, Sylock eyeing her. She stares off at the crazy raindrops, the tree branches flailing their leaves to the side. "Like I've said: Th-They haven't been hurting ya for some time now. Ne-Neither of us, act-actually." Courtney pants. "You can trust them." Sylock gazes, his eyes sprawling into melancholy. He then sighs and gets off, laying beside Courtney. The Lopunny smiles, her eyes gazing into his'. "Thanks, Sylock."

Justin sighs. "Yeah. Thanks, man."

Ada looks at the boy. "You heal her right, I'll heal her left." The teens nod, going to their respective sides. The two lay their hands on the Lopunny's shoulders as she whimpers.

Sylock quickly holds Courtney's hand, concerning thoughts circulating. Courtney flinches at the surprise handhold, giggling. "How generous of ya. Thanks."

Roan pokes his chin. "...Wait, aren't we missing someone?" His head cocks. "Two, in fact?"

Justin and Ada gasp. "SHIT! RAMON AND MESMEREN AREN'T WITH US!" the two exclaim, Roan rolling off of Justin's back due to the screams. The Axew yelps and falls on his back, his head shaking from side to side.

"Jeez, I think I'm seeing Pidgeys!" Roan says before snapping out of his dizziness.

"They must still be underwater." Ada turns to the wide lake. "Let's go save them after healing Courtney."

"Sounds like a goo—"

SPLASH!

Two individuals spring out of the lake and roll around, landing behind the group. Ramon lies on his back, staring at the chaotic sky and panting with intensity. He coughs, stroking the back of Mesmeren's head. Everyone looks at the two, eyes widening.

"Nevermind," Justin says, the teens being done with Courtney's wounds: Scar marks left intact.

Mesmeren pants and cough out water on the grass, clinging to the Zoroark's mane. She trembles and shakes, whimpering. Tears sliding down her cheeks alongside some of the raindrops, the Drowzee shrouding her eyes in darkness. H-He evolved just to save me...B-But why? Clenching her teeth, she strokes the Zoroark's fur more. Wh-Why didn't he save himself!? Why did he save me!?

Ramon gazes at the Drowzee, caressing her head. "It's...fine. You're safe now," he says in a soft, lower tone. Mesmeren hugs the Zoroark, sniffling. Ramon hugs back, closing his eyes. Thank goodness we've made it out...

"Hey!" Justin says, the Zoroark twitching his ears towards the boy's voice. Ramon opens his eyes: Justin, Ada, and Roan standing in front of him. The teens eye him with perplexion. "Yo...Are you alright?"

"Yeah...I'm fine," Ramon replies, lifting himself up, holding Mesmeren close.

"Good to know," Ada says before she and Justin get on their knees.

"Hey man, you look different, too. Like…waaay different." The boy scratches the side of his head. "Did you evolve?"

Mesmeren looks at the group, Sylock catching up with the others while aiding Courtney. "He—"

"I did so that I could get Mesmeren out of the lake," Ramon says. Mesmeren gazes up at him with confusion as the fox looks away from everyone. He drenches in guilt, his bangs dripping down raindrops over and over.

I'm sorry for suddenly evolving, Nomar, Ramon thinks. I couldn't do anything to bring Mesmeren out of the water as a Zorua. I—

It's okay.

Ramon raises his left brow. Huh?

Just remain in your evolved form. They still believe that you're an Intellicate, and as far as I know: Intellicates can't change back into their unevolved stage. Nomar sighs. You should be fine. Just play along and tell Mesmeren about this as soon as possible. Alright?

Ramon stares at the soaked grass. ...Alright.

Mesmeren gazes at him for a brief moment, uncertainty painting her. She then keeps hugging, planting her face into his fur. Tears slide down her cheeks, the tapir closing her eyes once more.

Justin turns towards the lake, the water rippling rapidly. "Man, what the hell was that about!?" he exclaims.

Ada shakes her head, staring at the lake as well. "No clue."

"All we know is that our transportation across the lake is now impossible, thanks to that Gyarados and Wishiwashi." Roan smacks his fist against the palm of his hand. "Now how am I going to find my mentor!?"

"H-How about we...walk around?" Courtney suggests, groaning from her recovery. Sylock looks at her and caresses her head, comforting the Lopunny.

The gang looks at the length of the lake from left to right: Both directions extend beyond their reach. Ada blinks for a moment, shaking her head.

"Nope. This lake is so wide, it'll take us ages to get around it. And I don't want to risk another Gloomy Woods shenanigans to get across."

Courtney sighs. "Fair enough."

SWOOSH!

Everyone flinches and stares at the middle: Eyes widening, lips gaping.

"Oh my ARCEUS!" Courtney shouts, clinging to the Blaziken.

Multiple Gyarados and Wishiwashis attack one another: Some in the air coat their tails in aquatic auras while others swim in the water headbutting each other. One of the Schools charges a large, liquefied orb in the air before firing a stream of water at one of the Gyarados, knocking it back into the lake.

Mesmeren stares at the conflict, quaking. "S-So many of them…" She whimpers, further clinging to the Zoroark as he naturally keeps her close. Ramon frowns, perplexion rising within.

Why is this lake called Lake of Purity when fights like this are happening? the fox thinks.

"Come with me, ye landlubbers," a voice says in a soft, urgent tone.

Justin raises his brow. "Who the…"

Everyone turns around to see two Pokémon: One's an insect creature with large clearish eyes and parts of his skin being yellow while the other is a weasel with mainly orange skin and cream colored paws. The Blipbug and Floatzel rush towards the group, concerns spreading across.

"I will explain everythin' to ye. Right now, we best to head insi'e the cabin away from all this ruckus," the Blipbug advices, adjusting his brown strap-on that has a sheath attached.

"Who are you two? And what's going on here?" Ramon asks.

"I'm Coleo and this me matey, Lycus," the Blipbug, Coleo, quickly answers.

"As for what's going on, we can explain that in the cabin over yonder." Lycus sighs, folding his arms as he points at the cabin behind him. The group looks at the cabin before looking back at the two, uncertainty rising within.

"I know this is blimey, but it—"

"LOOK OUT!" Lycus shouts before shrouding himself in water, zipping around the group.

Everyone looks at their increasingly large shadows before looking up: Three Gyarados flail towards them, the group screaming. Lycus pushes everyone with Aqua Jet, landing them close to the cabin.

After the Gyarados land, they've gotten themselves up to fling right back into the lake. Everyone is on the ground, stunned: Courtney keeps her grasp on Sylock, Ramon and Mesmeren keep clinging to each other, Coleo is on top of Ada's head as she lies against a tree, and Roan wraps around Justin's head as the boy lies against the cabin. The Axew shakes, whimpering.

"...Yee. It is too dangerous ta be out here, as I was going ta say." Coleo sighs. Justin points at the Blipbug, muffling through Roan's arms. "...What?"

Roan stops shaking and gasps. "Oh! Sorry, Justin sir!" The Axew hops off the boy, brushing himself off. "I got scared for a moment because of that large crash...Even though I wasn't supposed to be scared." Roan sighs, looking down.

"Eh, it happens, fam." Justin sighs as well. "Anyways, I was trying to say that you're right."

"Ah, got ye." Coleo then looks at the Floatzel. "Thank ye for saving us."

Lycus gives the bug a thumbs up, smiling. "No problem, pal."

Ramon glances at the lake, the two groups of Pokémon persisting their brawlings and thrashings and tails slappings. "...If you truly have an explanation for all of this then—" he eyes the Blipbug. "I'll follow you to the cabin."

The gang looks at each other for a moment before nodding, Coleo holding his balance on Ada's head. "Same here, fam," Justin follows.

The insect nods at the group, pointing at the cabin's door with his rear end. "Then let us head inside."