Chapter 52: I, For No One Else

Marie, Falt, Topaz, and Crisis all hurried through the forest. They jumped over roots, plowed through bushes, and swatted away branches that flew in their face.

“Is this urgency really necessary?!” asked Crisis as they ran.

“C’mon! Aren't you excited to see this too?” said Falt.

“The stakes are SO much higher than what I would describe as exciting!”

“Stop being a party pooper and hurry up already!” said Topaz.

Marie jumped out from a bush and slid to a stop. She then held her arm out, stopping Topaz in her tracks. “Watch out, there’s a cliff here!”

“By Arceus! Thanks Marie!” said Topaz, holding onto Marie’s arm.

“What’cha all waiting for, want me to get there first?” said Falt, running by the two. Topaz reached and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. “OW! Why?!”

“You were about to run off a cliff dingus!” shouted Topaz.

Falt peered down at the darkness just ahead of his feet. “Oh…”

“A thanks would be nice. Geez, what would you ever do without me?”

“Plenty of things, I’m sure. Even more now that I think about it.” Topaz then pinched the back of Falt’s neck. “OOOW!” he shouted, slapping her hand away. The two went into a quick slap fight before Crisis arrived and forcefully shoved the two’s head apart from each other.

“I would rather have our experience not be interrupted by your ongoing conflict.” said Crisis. “So we are going to employ an idea of mine.” He grabbed Falt by the shoulders and moved him on the other side of Marie. “You two will be separated on either side of Marie and me so as to reduce your interactions with each other.”

Topaz crossed her arms. “Ugh whatever. At least it gets him away from me.” Falt then stuck his tongue out at her when Crisis, to which she did the same.

Marie kicked a pebble over the edge of the dark cliff. She waited a few seconds before hearing it crash on the bottom. “Well we can’t go this way. Should we go around?”

“No, it is tough to say if we are even heading in the right direction. It is pitch black out here.” said Crisis. Marie looked ahead over the horizon. The only thing she could make out was the dark outline of the trees and the slightly brighter sky lit up by the moon.

“How are we gonna find them like this?” asked Marie.

“I may have a solution.” Crisis pulled something out of his pocket and cocked it. He pointed it up to the sky and shot a flare up into the sky. Once it reached the apex of its arc, it sparked up a bright yellow light, drenching the area under it with light.

Falt looked at Crisis with amazed eyes. “Cool! You have a flare gun?”

“I do. I have kept one on my person ever since the incident involving you two and the mudslide. Should any of us wander off into the night and not come back, this tool will be vital.” Crisis then put it back in his pocket.

Marie then pointed with a hand shading her eyes. “Look there! I see them!” Everyone looked. There they were. Ceailean and Christianson across from each other in a clearing.

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() “Your friends aren’t exactly subtle, are they?” said Christianson. He reached into his pocket and popped a cigarette out of its box and put it in his mouth. Ceailean remained silent. “Not much to say, hm?” He lit a match and lit his cigarette. “Can’t say that I blame you. After all, you threw yourself into a match you couldn’t possibly win.”

Ceailean grew cross. “Don’t count me out yet. Me and my Pokémon are gonna give it our all!” Raboot, Noibat, and Solosis all flashed their respective energy colors.

“I bet. But despite that, it ain’t gonna be enough.”

“You keep doubting me.”

“And you still don’t realize what you’ve done.” Ceailean growled in anger. “Whatever. As far as I’m concerned, that’s not my problem.” He then looked back. “You ready, Rhyperior?” Rhyperior stepped up and smashed its fists together with a deep growl. “Take as much time as you need. As soon as this starts, your Pokémon better be ready for anything.”

Ceailean then gestured to all his Pokémon to huddle up. “Okay guys, we all saw Rhyperior battle before. It's big and slow, but get hit even once, and you’ll be pretty much done.” All the Pokémon nodded. “Noibat, you’re the biggest powerhouse here, so I think I’m gonna save you for last. So Solosis, I think I’m gonna have you up first.” Solosis looked back at Rhyperior, who was staring right into its soul, huffing steam out of its nostrils. It asked if it absolutely had to go first, shaking slightly. “Don’t worry, Solosis. You’re able to float around freely, so you’ll be very hard for it to hit.” Solosis hesitantly agreed. “And Raboot, that means you’re going second. With your overwhelming speed, I doubt they’ll even see what’s coming.” Raboot pumped its fist, agreeing with the plan. “With all that, we should be able to just get over the finish line. Get ready guys.” The three of them nodded and turned to Rhyperior.

Raboot and Noibat backed up behind Ceailean while Solosis remained up front. It turned around and teased Noibat, saying it would defeat Rhyperior single handedly. Noibat only gave it a glance before looking back at Rhyperior. In the awkward silence, Solosis gulped and faced its opponent.

“That Pokémon is quivering in its boots!” shouted Christianson. “You sure it's battle material?”

“We’re about to find out. Ready, Solosis?” asked Ceailean. Solosis took a deep breath and calmed down. It shot forward closer to the center of the clearing, saying it was ready. The flare in the sky dimmed until it hit the ground, once again drowning the forest in darkness. “Go! Use reflect!”

Solosis immediately set up a yellow shield around itself.

“Use megahorn!” said Christianson. Rhyperior's horn whirred up like a drill and became enveloped in green swirling energy. It charged full speed ahead to Solosis, who’s teeth became chattering in fear.

“That’s new!” shouted Ceailean. “G-Get behind it!” Solosis shook off its fear as best it could and swept under its feet, floating behind its back. “Now use confusion! Solosis glowed red and launched a red sparkling energy ball right at Rhyperior’s back, but it didn’t even flinch.

“Superpower!” said Christianson. Rhyperior swung around and chased after Solosis.

“Get away!” Solosis ran for the forest, Rhyperior close behind. Despite how big it was, Rhyperior easily ran twice Solosis’s flying speed, almost like an approaching freight train. Solosis took a quick glance back to see Rhyperior take a swing at it. It ducked just in time, squishing its body in every direction it dodged. Then it found itself with its back towards a tree. Rhyperior swung straight at Solosis, to which it rolled its own body against the tree to get away. Rhyperior's fist immediately snapped the tree like a twig. Solosis was mortified.

“Keep going!” shouted Ceailean. Rhyperior charged in again. Solosis darted between the trees. Each swing of Rhyperior’s mighty fists snapped another tree in half. “Shoot back with confusion!” Solosis nodded and began taking pot shots between each tree in dove between.

“Block them and keep going!” said Christianson. Rhyperior blocked what attacks it could while it kept swinging, mainly protecting its face. Splinters flew and red sparks flashed all across the forest.

“This isn’t working. Solosis, fly straight up!” Solosis looked up and dove headfirst through the thick tree tops. Rhyperior snapped one last tree before looking up at Solosis. Solosis spat out a few twigs before childishly teasing Rhyperior, saying it couldn’t reach it without flying.

“Toss the trees at it!” Rhyperior picked a tree and threw it at Solosis like a javelin. Solosis’s eyes widened in surprise as it dove out of the way, only to see another tree being hurled at it. Tree after tree were hurled through the air, Solosis barely dodging each one. It was so on its toes that it didn’t have time to catch a breath and fumbled, causing it to gasp for a second. It was enough time for the tree branches to clip Solosis right on the face, making it disappear from view.

“Solosis!” shouted Ceailean.

“Blast that tree out of the sky with rock wrecker!” said Christianson. Rhyperior dug out a boulder from the ground and threw it at the tree Solosis was stuck on. The two collided and they both spun together until it fell to the ground with a huge crash.

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() “No way…” said Topaz.

“Does he even stand a chance?” asked Falt.

“Events are repeating themselves. This couldn’t have been the extent of Ceailean’s plan.” said Crisis.

“Solosis isn’t done yet.” said Marie.

“Huh? How are you sure?” asked Topaz.

“I just have a hunch.”

“Either that or false hope.” said Crisis, “For now, we will have to see what remains.” Just then, Decidueye flew down next to them. “Decidueye, have you found civilization?” Decidueye nodded. “Good. Falt, it is time.”

“R-Right!” Falt took out a pokeball. “Please be okay.” He handed it to Crisis.

“Do not worry, I will bring it to a Pokémon center as soon as possible.”

“Please do.” said Falt, his voice cracking a bit. Crisis nodded and climbed on Decidueye’s back, flying off to the nearest town. Falt turned back around and took a deep breath before focusing on the battle again.

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() “Solosis!” called out Ceailean. “Are you alright?!”

“Let’s call it, Ceailean. I ain’t got all day.” said Christianson.

“No way! I have to see first!”

“Then by all means, search the entire forest for a tiny little ball. Rhyperior, come back.” Rhyperior grunted and began to walk back, only to see Solosis floating there in front of it with a cheeky smile, covered in scuffs and dirt. Rhyperior was a bit stunned, but it tried to swat it away. That's when Solosis jerked back and flashed the area in a bright blinding white light. Rhyperior stumbled back, covering its eyes from the light.

“Ha ha ha! You see that!” said Ceailean, hopping up and down in excitement. Both Raboot and Noibat were just as surprised. “Use psywave!” Solosis flipped back and shot a purple zig zagging beam, impacting Rhyperior hard. The attack left a purple explosion that made it turn its head away. “Get behind it and do it again.” Solosis twirled around behind Rhyperior ready to shoot another psywave.

“Grab it! Negative 123 26!” shouted Christianson. Confusing Ceailean and his Pokémon. With its eyes closed, Rhyperior reached out and grabbed Solosis by the top of its head, startling it. “Hmph. Now bring it back here, I want to make a demonstration.” Rhyperior then walked back toward the clearing. Solosis struggled to get free, shifting around all it could, but it felt like it was stuck in a mechanical vice.

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() “He just spat out a bunch of numbers!” said Topaz. “How did Rhyperior know where Solosis was?”

“Those were angles of direction.” said Marie. “Negative 123 degrees, 26 degrees in elevation. Only the most calculating trainers are able to train themselves and their Pokémon to such degrees of accuracy.”

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() “What are you doing with Solosis?” asked Ceailean, staring daggers at Rhyperior.

“With that gaze, I’m sure you already know.” said Christianson. “Rhyperior, use super power.” Rhyperior’s arm glowed orange and its grip tightened on Solosis’s many times over. Solosis wailed in pain. It tried desperately to free itself from Rhyperior’s grip, but the pain only grew as it struggled.

“What the hell are you doing!” said Ceailean, almost running up to stop Rhyperior himself.

“I told you to be ready for anything, did I not?” Christianson crossed his arms. “Someone has to teach you that there are consequences to your actions, boy.” Rhyperior tightened even more. Solosis’s voice became so high that it started to slip straight through its vocal cords into silence.

Noibat and Raboot both grit their teeth at the sight. Solosis’s will faded before their eyes. Noibat had enough. It immediately burst into dragon rush and charged ahead. But an orange flash shot out beside it. Raboot got there first and used blaze kick to kick Solosis out of Rhyperior’s grip. Noibat flew back down and skidded to a halt. Solosis tumbled in the grass and came to a stop. Rhyperior didn’t even have time to react before Raboot blasted off towards Solosis. It slid to a halt on its knees and shook Solosis, asking if it was okay. Solosis was passed out, but still was somewhat incoherently mumbling words. Raboot was shaken. It picked up Solosis and rubbed the top of its head to comfort it. But it could feel an imprint of Rhyperior’s hand molded along Solosis’s head. A burning well of rage flared up from within. Raboot boosted over to Noibat, gave it Solosis to hold, then boosted back with its paws up, ready to throw down.

“Speedy, that one.” said Christianson. Rhyperior nodded in agreement.

“That was cruel, you know that?” said Ceailean with a slight growl in his voice. “You wanna talk about consequences? I’ll show you some.”

“By all means, show me what you can do.” Rhyperior and Raboot both began to circle opposite of each other.

“You must know, don’t you?” said Ceailean.

“I know a lot of things, you’re gonna have to be specific.” said Christianson, rubbing his chin.

“Bringing Marie back home is wrong. Things will only get worse from there.”

“Bargaining now? Ceailean, I thought you were better than this?”

“And I thought you actually respected Marie’s father.” Christianson became irritated and his arms fell to his sides. “You know Marie just as much as I do. Even if you were involved indirectly, she will hate the both of you.”

“Being a model father, are we?”

“A model friend. I care about Marie and her family, which is why I have to stop you here. So that we can approach this problem properly.”

Christianson paused for a moment and raised his eyebrow. “Use superpower.” Rhyperior charged in with orange glowing arms.

“What the-! Get back!” shouted Ceailean. Raboot jumped far back, way out of reach of Rhyperior. “I wasn’t done talking!”

“Rock wrecker.” Rhyperior dug up a boulder from the ground and chucked it at Raboot.

“Bounce!” Raboot shot high up in the air, did a front flip, then came back down with a dive kick.

“Block that!” Rhyperior used one arm to cover its face. Raboot landed the attack on the arm and leapt off with a corkscrew kick. “Megahorn!”

“Hop over it then quick attack!” Raboot did a strafing jump flip just as a giant green drill tore a trench in the ground. Upon landing, Raboot was enveloped in a dim white energy and it charged ahead. Raboot closed the distance fast, kicking Rhyperior’s knee then its side. But Rhyperior remained unfazed, swinging its head back again. Raboot used its stationary kick to push itself away from the attack using Rhyperior's body. Then it flipped back to its feet and charged in with a full speed kick straight to the middle of Rhyperior’s stomach, making it cough in pain slightly. “We have to try more, Raboot! Hit it harder!” screamed Ceailean while pumping his fist. Raboot’s eyes dilated as it let out a ferocious battle cry. It stepped up Rhyperior’s body and delivered a devastating uppercut kick right on its jaw, forcing it head upwards.

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() A crack echoed through the forest, making Marie and the twins slightly startled.

“Was that Raboot?!” asked Topaz.

“It must be really motivated.” said Marie.

“Come on, Raboot! Show ‘em what for!” shouted Falt, jumping excitedly with his hands in the air.

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() Rhyperior glared down through its own transparent attack, gritting its teeth in anger. Raboot glared back, unfazed and fueled by unwavering determination. Rhyperior swung one last time straight down. Raboot shoved itself back right and Rhyperior headbutted the ground, causing it to break apart.

“Flame charge!” said Ceailean. Raboot run ahead, but had to jump over a couple of gaps before boosting forward.

Christianson took note of this. “Superpower!” Rhyperior’s arms glowed orange and as it swung downwards.

“Slide under!” Raboot fell on its back and slid right under Rhyperior's attack, feeling a few hairs of fur make contact. Raboot flew straight under Rhyperior’s legs and slid to a stop behind it.

“180 -45!” shouted Christianson.

“Jump back and flame charge!” Raboot somersaulted back. Rhyperior’s attack collided with the ground, shaking the earth all around it. Some much so that Raboot stumbled on its landing. But Raboot recovered quickly and boosted straight up Rhyperior's arm and round housed it straight in the face. Rhyperior recoiled back while Raboot landed away from it.

“Speedy little guy, aren’t ya?” said Christianson as he crossed his arms. “I have an idea. Use stone edge! Everywhere and don’t stop!” Rhyperior began punching the ground relentlessly. Each hit bored a hole deeper and deeper into the ground. All the sudden, huge stalagmites jutted out from the ground all over the battlefield. Raboot watched in awe, but none in particular went towards it. The stalagmites kept sprouting all over the battlefield. “Do it now!” Rhyperior shot one last punch into the ground. Stalagmites appeared right behind Raboot and shot straight towards it.

“Get away with flame charge!” said Ceailean. Raboot boosted away, but stalagmites appeared right in front of, making it turn away. This happened again and again. Ceailean gasped. “Augh! Why didn’t I see it sooner! Raboot stop! It’s a trap!” Raboot skidded to a halt and looked around. All around were tall stalagmites forming a wall, caging Raboot in. “Clever! But we have an out! Use bounce!” Raboot squatted down, ready to jump.

“Stop it with superpower!” shouted Christianson. Rhyperior immediately blasted apart one of the stalagmites, sending rock shrapnel straight at Raboot like a shotgun. The blast knocked Raboot against the wall hard, making it bounce with a crack and fall flat on the ground. Raboot held itself up with one arm to see Rhyperior approaching.

“Raboot!” called Ceailean from outside. “I can’t see in there! You need to find a way out and fast!” Raboot nodded to itself and took off running through the hole in the wall Rhyperior made.

“Chase it with megahorn!” said Christianson. Rhyperior punched its palm and charged straight through the stalagmites with megahorn. Bashing and breaking everything in its path. Raboot desperately ran through the stalagmite maze looking for an exit. But with each step it seemed like another turn showed up. Raboot grew impatient and boosted ahead with flame charge. But upon making a sharp turn, Raboot couldn’t stop in time before it bonked its head on a low hanging stalagmite. It curled up and rolled around while massaging its head. It didn’t have time to soothe the pain as the walls around it began to shake and rumble. Rhyperior was coming through.

Raboot picked itself back up and ran away just before Rhyperior crashed through the wall. Rhyperior now seeing Raboot made a beeline straight towards it. Raboot ran as fast as it reasonably could through the tight stalagmite halls. Rhyperior tore through these walls with ease, even flinging bits of it at Raboot to try and stop it in its tracks. It its rampage, Rhyperior caused a huge crack to creep across the whole wall ahead of Raboot, making the walls in front of it start to fall apart. Rocks and rubble fell all in Raboot's path, forcing it to make split second decisions on the fly. Hop of this, duck under that, slip through this. Through all the chaos, Raboot missed a pebble at its feet that made it trip. Rhyperior reached out as far as it could, but Raboot made a desperate scamper back up to its feet and ran away again.

The place was really falling apart now. Whole walls were coming down like collapsing buildings. Raboot saw this as an opportunity. Using the huge, slower falling rocks, it was able to use them as platforms and jump from each one higher above the chaos. Rhyperior tried to stop this by catching a falling boulder and chucking it at Raboot. The boulder fell apart into pieces on the way up, sending many tiny rocks towards it. Raboot saw this and covered its face with its arms before being hit with all these rocks, beating into it senselessly. The force was enough to knock it above the walls.

“Raboot! Spread your limbs out! Slow your fall!” said Ceailean from below. Raboot opened its eyes and saw the ground below. It spread its body out to slow its fall. It then grinded its feet against the outside of the stalagmite wall before falling flat on the ground. “Raboot! You okay?!” Raboot groaned as it struggled to get back up on its feet. Once back on its feet, it held its chest and began to hyperventilate. It thought it would never get out of that. “Raboot breath. I know it's getting intense, but I think we’re through the worst of it now. No way he’ll get us with something like this again.” Raboot took a deep breath and tried to slow its breathing.

“You saw what I saw, right Rhyperior?” said Christianson. Rhyperior remained silent. “Then let's finish this. Superpower.”

“Here it comes Raboot, get ready with quick attack.” Raboot faced the wall with its paws up, shrouding itself in white energy. The walls rumbled, rocks fell from the top of the stalagmites. Both Ceailean and Raboot kept waiting as their anticipation raised. More rumbling, more shaking, but still nothing. “Come on, what’s taking so long?” Ceailean said to himself. Then something caught his eye. To the left was an odd shaped shadow. It was moving slightly in the moonlight. Ceailean looked up and gasped. “Raboot get out of there with flame charge, now!” Raboot looked back confused. “Just do it! Hurry!” Raboot got ready to run, but just as its body was enveloped in flames, Rhyperior came rocketing down from above.

When it landed, the ground shook violently. Ceailean was knocked to his knees and even Marie and the Twins had to regain their balance. However, Raboot was launched straight up into the air. Time seemed to slow down as Raboot rose to Rhyperior’s eye level. It flailed its arms everywhere, trying to get away. But Rhyperior took one good swing of superpower straight into its face. Raboot blacked out instantly as its body was flung into the stalagmite wall like a plush doll. It crashed through several layers of stalagmites. Each one it punched through created a huge boom and an exploding of dust. Until finally Raboot was flattened on a wall, creating a crater on impact.

The walls of the stalagmite wall crumbled all around until the whole thing fell apart before Ceailean’s eyes. On his knees, he was speechless. Raboot lay motionless in the center, the rocks falling around it making it lay upwards. Noibat cried out for Raboot and flew over. It landed and cradled its head in its wing, calling for it again. Raboot gagged for breath and grasped Noibat. It pulled in close and apologized for losing. Noibat grit its teeth and looked at Rhyperior, who was looking back stoically.

Suddenly, Raboot glowed with red energy and was pulled away from Noibat's wings. Ceailean returned it to its pokeball. He remained silent. The moonlight obscured his eyes behind his glasses. “Noibat, let's finish this.” Noibat drew out a quick breath before standing up. Its anger grew. It couldn’t believe how it thought of the situation before, knowing that it was wrong now. Marie was about to be taken away for good and its friends were being beaten to a pulp for doing what was right. It wasn’t fair. Marie deserved to live her life as she saw fit. Noibat had to win, no matter what.

Noibat crouched down and pumped its wings, yelling. Ceailean looked in awe. “Noibat…”

Christianson scratched the back of his head. “Come on now, is it throwing a temper tantrum-” Noibat exploded into dragon rush, cutting Christianson off. He was forced to shade his eyes from the intense purple light. “What's with the light show?” he said to himself. He looked to his side and was surprised that the trees were all blowing away intensely. Noibat’s voice echoed through the forest and the light shined brightly as it continued to power up.

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() Marie and Topaz’s hair blew slightly from the wind even at the distance they were at. “You two look like witches!” said Falt.

“Falt, shut up and focus on the fight before I cast a spell on you!” said Topaz.

As the two argued again, Marie looked down on the little purple flame below her. “Noibat, you’re his last chance. I believe in you!”

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() Noibat’s body was fully enveloped in dragon rush energy. Then the dragon rush energy burst, sending a huge pulse of energy throughout the forest. The wave was so large it got the twins to stop arguing as its light passed through them. There stood Noibat in the center of the rocky rubble, with its dazzling purple aura.

Christianson leaned towards it, trying to get a better view. “That’s new.”

“Do you see now, Christianson?” said Ceailean, “If this is how far we are willing to fight, think about how Marie will act.”

“I’ll be there to quell any trouble.” said Christianson, adjusting his suit cuffs.

“Oh yeah? Who will give up first? You or Marie?”

“Neither of us, Ceailean.”

“Huh?”

“It will be you. Use rock wrecker!” Rhyperior tore a boulder out from the ground and threw it at Noibat.

“Use air cutter!” Noibat curled its wing back, letting it charge for a second before the attack chimed, then launched it at the boulder. The boulder crashed right behind Noibat, completely split in half. “Not so tough now huh?”

“We’ll see. Use stone edge!” Rhyperior punched the ground and sent a line of jutting stalagmites towards Noibat.

“Fly up and then dragon rush!” Noibat flew out of range of the stalagmites and dived down, exploding into dragon rush.

“Block that with super power.” Rhyperior put its arms up in a cross guard just as Noibat made impact. Rhyperior’s feet sunk into the ground a little. Rhyperior then tried to grab it, but the dragon rush energy grinded against its hand like sandpaper, forcing it to stumble back. Noibat then landed on the ground.

“Supersonic!” Noibat took a deep breath and let out a burst of unrelenting sound waves. Rhyperior covered its ears in pain. “Now dragon rush!” Noibat flew straight ahead low to the ground, stopped at Rhyperior’s feet, then bounced up with a multi hit dragon rush spiral. Then it somersaulted in midair and stomped Rhyperior’s face in.

“Uppercut superpower!” Rhyperior balled its hands together and uppercutted Noibat like serving a volleyball. Both its dragon rush and reflect shield both shattered like glass as it flew straight up in the air.

“Air cutter!” Noibat stabilized itself and swung both of its wings at once, sending a wave of razor sharp wind. Rhyperior blocked the attack as best it could as the wind sliced all over. “Dragon rush!” Noibat flew down, bursting into dragon rush.

“Megahorn!” Rhyperior’s horn exploded with green energy.

“Tumble out then use tackle!” Noibat folded its wings and somersaulted to the ground just as Rhyperior thrusted with its attack. Noibat then bounced up with a tackle straight to Rhyperior’s face, the impact creating a slight purple flash. The flash made Rhyperior flinch, dissipating its megahorn. Noibat then straddled onto the back of Rhyperior’s head and rode it like a mechanical Tauros. Rhyperior tried to reach for it, but Noibat did its best to dodge its hands.

“Let’s try it, Noibat! Use 100% dragon rush!” Noibat yelled at the top of its lungs as it burst into a dragon rush that was almost as big as Rhyperior itself. Rhyperior could feel the strain as the monumental weight was making it sink into the ground. “Come on! Fall over!”

“You underestimate Rhyperior’s physical strength,” said Christianson. “Bend down then use stone edge!” Rhyperior bent down then punched the ground. Before Noibat could react, it was bashed away by a sharp stalagmite that jutted out from the ground just above of Rhyperior’s head. Noibat was thrown back in an arcing tailspin, crashing through a tree before landing on the ground. “Now use rock wrecker and close in!” Rhyperior tore a boulder out of the ground and charged towards Noibat, using it like a battering ram.

“Air cutter! Rapid fire!” Noibat stood back up and shot multiple air blades. Each blade bashed against the boulder Rhyperior is carrying, chipping away bits of it. By the time Rhyperior got within swinging distance, the boulder was nothing but a large rock that fit in Rhyperior’s palm. It threw it right at Noibat, but Noibat hopped out of the way with a yelp. Rhyperior’s tail then glowed orange and it swung around, hitting Noibat back out of the forest. It slid to a halt in the middle of the clearing, coughing in pain. Its purple dazzling aura was starting to flicker.

“Let’s finish this!” said Christianson. “Stone edge!”

“You gotta get up Noibat!” shouted Ceailean. Noibat’s eyes flew open as it felt the ground shake. It dove out of the way right as a stalagmite jutted out from the ground. It then kept running, trying to get back up in the air. But before it could, another stalagmite threw it up into the air instead. Rhyperior came out of the forest, rushing towards Noibat. “Air cutter!” Noibat grit its teeth and shot a charged up air blade at Rhyperior.

“Superpower!” shouted Christianson. Rhyperior deflected the air blade, making it explode far behind it. It then thrust its arm forward, catching Noibat by the face. “You know what comes next, crush it!” Rhyperior tightened its grip.

“Get out of there with dragon rush!” shouted Ceailean. Noibat exploded into its purple aura, making Rhyperior struggle to crush it. Try as it might, the dense energy was enough to prevent it from directly touching Noibat. But Noibat was struggling as well, barely able to keep the energy up. As Rhyperior crushed harder, Noibat aura whirred and warbled under the pressure. “Come on come on come on!”

“Forget it.” said Christianson. Ceailean and Rhyperior looked at him, confused. Christianson looked to the side. “That cliff. Toss it, full force!” Rhyperior looked to the cliff. It then spun around twice before launching Noibat straight at the cliff. Noibat rocketed across the sky like a purple meteor.

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() Marie gasped. “Get back!” She shoved Falt and Topaz away from the cliff's edge right as Noibat made impact. Rocks shot up from the edge, ones that would’ve hit the three if they hadn’t stepped back. Noibat then broke out of the ground behind them and crashed on a tree, caving in the trunk before falling on the ground.

“Noibat!” shouted Topaz. The three moved over to it. “Is it okay?” Noibat struggled to get back in. It grit its teeth and strained itself to just stand back up. But then its wings buckled and it fell back down on the ground. Its dazzling purple aura flickered then dissipated. The pain from battle seemed to have all come back at once. It writhed on the ground, breathing fast as its body cramped up, trying to endure the pain.

Falt ran back over to the edge of the cliff and waved his arms, trying to get Ceailean’s attention. “Ceailean! Something is happening to Noibat!” Ceailean looked up to them. His lip quivered and his heartbeat raised. His body shook so much that he couldn’t feel his arms anymore. It was a surprise that he realized that he was feeling this way now. “I-I think-!” Suddenly, the ground rumbled and Falt lost his balance. He swung his arms back trying not to fall over the edge.

“Falt! Don’t stand so close to the edge you dingus!” said Topaz.

“I wasn’t!” said Falt. “The ground shook and-!” The ground rumbled again, physically sinking this time. Topaz and Falt looked at each worriedly. A crack started to form. Curling its way around the three of them in a semi circle. Once it reached the edges of the cliff, a whole chunk of the cliff began to fall.

“Run!” shouted Topaz. Falt immediately booked it for safe ground. However, Marie didn’t realize that the crack had split right between her legs. As the ground moved, her legs split apart with it. This caused her bad leg to flare up in pain, making her yelp in pain. “Marie!” Cried out Topaz.

Falt noticed this and immediately ran to help her. “Come on, we don’t have time! Get up!” Falt reached out his arm. Marie fought through the pain and quickly grasped his forearm, pulling herself up.

Topaz knelt over the edge. “Grab my hand guys!”

Falt jumped up as high as he could, but Topaz’s hand was just out of reach. “I can’t reach!”

“Then let’s try this!” said Marie. She knelt down and cupped her hands. “Step here and I’ll launch you up.”

“What? Did you copy that from a video game?! Is that even gonna work!?”

“Not the time, Falt! Now hurry up!” Falt nodded and stepped back a bit before running full speed at Marie. He stepped on Marie’s hands and she threw him upward, enough to get him to grasp Topaz’s arm.

“Don’t let go!” shouted Falt desperately.

“I’m not! I got you!” said Topaz in a strained voice. “B-But what about Marie?” Falt looked down at his dangling legs. Marie was eyeing them up to jump towards.

“You’re gonna have to carry two people, Topaz.” said Falt.

“What! I-I can’t do that!” said Topaz.

“You’re gonna have to try! Come on, Marie! Jump, before it's too late!”

“By Arceus!” said Topaz, bracing for probably the hardest thing she will ever do. Then, Dewpider and Cottonee popped out of their pokéballs on their own and immediately grabbed Topaz, prepared to help. “Guys!” Topaz said with relief filling her body.

Marie prepared to jump. The pain flared in her bad leg, but she didn’t care. In this moment, it was either life or death. She bent down and jumped as high as she could. But just as she did, the ground beneath her broke away. Her hand reached out as far as it could, only to just fall short of Falt’s foot. A singular gasp escaped Marie’s mouth as she plummeted to the earth below.

“Marie!” shouted Ceailean and Christianson.

“Marie!!!” cried the twins, both reaching out for her. Falt lost a little grip and slipped a bit. The both of them grasped each other with both hands again and desperately tried to hang on. Dewpider and Cottonee pulled with all their might as well. Suddenly, a black shadow swooped past Topaz’s head, making her gasp.

Noibat zipped down the cliff's edge, closing its wings to fall as fast as possible. Marie screamed as she tumbled through the air. Noibat flew down and perched on Marie’s shoulders and opened its wings. “Noibat?!” asked Marie, surprised. Try as it might, however, Noibat just didn’t have the wingspan to carry Marie. It strained and flapped its wings as fast as it could. But their fall barely slowed down. Noibat’s wings ached, its head pounded, and its body was just on the verge of giving out.

Was this it? Of all scenarios, Marie wasn’t even going to be around anymore. If anything, this was the most unfair scenario. It fought so hard to get Marie back, but in the end, their battle would result in nobody getting Marie. Why? Marie didn’t deserve this. Noibat wasn’t strong enough. It couldn’t protect the friends it made. With the ground fast approaching, Noibat grit its teeth. No, it had to be stronger! It had to be bigger! It had to save Marie!

Noibat yelled as loud as it could, trying to pull Marie as hard as it could. It flapped harder and harder. Until, Noibat was engulfed in a blinding blue light. Marie looked in awe as she felt Noibat’s feet getting bigger. Its legs became longer and jagged, its torso stretched, its fur grew, its wings broadened, and its head became bigger and angular. The blue energy burst away from Noibat’s body, revealing something entirely new. Marie gasped at the sight. Noibat spread its wings and Marie could feel them slowing down. But they were already too close to the ground.

Noibat refocused and instead flew forward. It bobbed and weaved between the trees, snapping occasional branches in the way. Marie gasped and pointed ahead. “Look out!” she shouted. A giant hill was in their way, fastly approaching. Noibat quickly turned up, exploding its upper torso into dragon rush. They plowed through the trees in their way, splintering them like twigs. Noibat flew higher and higher until its spread its wings in front of the half moon, dissipating its dragon into a bunch of purple particles with a flash.

“Wait, did Noibat-?” said Ceailean, in awe of the sight. Christianson took a big sigh of relief. Noibat threw Marie in the air, making her scream. But then she landed on Noibat’s back. The two of them gilded back down towards Ceailean.

On their way, Marie felt the fur she was sitting on. It was silky smooth and warm. “Noibat?” Noibat looked back at her. She saw a sharp looking yellow eye, one full of determination. She nodded and looked on ahead. Noibat flew right over Ceailean’s head, making him duck. It then slid to a halt on the ground and Marie jumped off. But as she landed, she winced and fell over. Noibat was quick to catch her and helped bring her back up to her feet.

“Marie!” said Ceailean running over. He then grabbed her hands, making her blush slightly. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah. I just hurt my leg again. But overall, I’m still kickin. Metaphorically, of course.”

“Thank Arceus.” Ceailean said softly. Marie then noticed that Ceailean’s hands were shaking. Ceailean then nervously pulled away, looking off to the side. But Marie moved back close.

“Ceailean, it’s okay.” she said. Ceailean looked back at her. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me. And for what you’re doing for me now. It’s… inspiring.”

“Thanks Marie. But I don’t know if we’ll be able to do it. I can’t beat him, nor do I think I can talk him out of it. It’s starting to seem hopeless. I don’t… want you to leave. I don't want to disappoint you.”

“You’ve impressed me beyond all belief, Ceailean. More than you even realize. But I won’t think any less of you, win or lose. I’ll be okay.” She then looked over to Christianson. “What I want you to focus on is to battle the best you can.”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Ceailean sighed. “Do my best, huh?”

Marie smiled. “Do you know why I enjoy battling? The blood pumping through my veins, the adrenaline that makes me feel like I could run forever, figuring out people through the way they battle. It’s so exciting, fulfilling. And in a way, our Pokémon will feel the same way. You and your Pokémon's feelings resonate and become the mindset for the battle. You’re tense and beat yourself up for every little mistake you make. Almost like you’re battling in the end of the world. That feeling rubs off on your Pokémon too.”

“So… what do you want me to do?”

“Relax. Have fun. Learn who your opponent is, but at the same time, learn who you are and who your Pokémon are. Ask yourself, is the way you’re battling really the best way for Noibat to battle too?”

“N-No.” Ceailean then peered over to Noibat, getting a proper look at his new body. He walked past Marie and came up to it. He reached out his hand and Noibat nuzzled it affectionately. “What do I call you?”

“Noivern.” said Marie behind him.

“Noivern, huh?” said Ceailean, walking around it while admiring its new look. “Cool name.” Ceailean then smiled. He looked over to Christianson, who threw his cigarette on the ground and stamped it out with his foot. “Ready to keep going?” Noivern nodded. Ceailean stepped forward, Noivern following close behind.

“You think an evolution changes anything?” asked Christianson.

Ceailean ignored him and took a deep breath. He exhaled slowly and began to stretch. Noivern joined his routine shortly after. He stretched his arm to the left then the right. He squatted down and began to stretch his legs. Then he hopped in place, loosening his joints as much as possible.

“It’s a bit late for a warm up.” said Christianson.

Ceailean stared him down. “It all ends here.”

Christianson adjusted his sleeves. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Ceailean pointed at Rhyperior. “Use dragon rush!”

Christianson crossed his arms. “Use super power!” Rhyperior’s arms burst with orange energy and it charged in. Noivern however, did nothing.

Ceailean started to get worried as Rhyperior got closer. “Noivern? Uh, what are you doing?” Noivern continued to wait. Rhyperior got closer and closer until it got no more than 10 feet in front of it. Noivern opened its mouth and purple flames poured out of it. Ceailean gasped just as Noivern threw its head forward, shooting a purple flaming beam from its mouth. Rhyperior’s eyes widened right as the attack made impact, creating a huge purple fiery explosion. Christianson shaded his eyes with his arm and stood against the explosions wind.

“Whoa-ho-ho! What was that, Noivern?!” said Ceailean, jumping up and down excitedly.

“That was dragon pulse!” said Marie.

“A new move? You’re just full of surprises today, aren't you?” Noivern held its head high proudly.

“Guys!” shouted a voice. “Noibat evolved?!” Marie and Ceailean looked to see Falt and Topaz running up to them.

“By Arceus! I completely forgot about you two. Are you okay?” said Marie.

“Well, we’re running aren’t we?” said Falt.

“And it’s all thanks to him!” said Topaz, gesturing over to Crisis, walking up behind them.

“Seriously, I am going to have an existential crisis every time I even consider ever leaving you guys alone again.” said Crisis, rubbing his forehead.

“Well nice to see you too, Crisis.” said Topaz.

“Way to live up to the name though.” said Falt. Crisis turned away and grunted annoyingly.

Suddenly, the group heard thumping footsteps. Rhyperior emerged from the fire. It looked at its arm, slightly ablaze. It patted it down, but winced slightly. There was a black scuff on its arm. An actual wound. Rhyperior growled and swung its arm to the side, blowing the tiny fires out.

Noivern smirked at the sight. It took a deep breath roared into the sky, a roar resembling that of a giant monster. But everyone else covered their ears at the loudness.

“Ow! But why though?” asked Marie.

“Was that King Gyaradorah’s roar?” asked Falt. Noivern nodded, glad he was able to recognize it.

“Talk can only get you so far, Noivern.” said Christianson, beckoning it. “Come on, bring it on.” Noivern screeched his way and opened its wings in an intimidating display.

“Noivern!” shouted Ceailean, getting in a battle stance. For some reason, an inexplicable confidence was filling him from within. “Go!” Noivern screeched one more time to initiate the start of the final battle.

“Use megahorn!” shouted Christianson. Rhyperior’s horn burst with green spiraling energy and it charged forward.

“Use dragon rush!” shouted Ceailean. Noivern flapped its wings once and flew high up in the air, somersaulted, then came back down straight at Rhyperior while bursting into dragon rush. Noivern was much faster than Christianson or Rhyperior expected as it’s foot almost immediately collided with Rhyperior’s face, knocking it straight down to the ground and plowing across it.

“Rhyperior got knocked down so fast!” said Marie.

“Do not count them out yet,” said Crisis. “They simply underestimated Noivern. They will be more serious moving forward.” Falt and Topaz gulped and focused on the battle.

Rhyperior gave a strained growl as it continued to get plowed through the ground. Noivern’s eyes were dilated and fierce as it continued to pour every ounce of power it had into its dragon rush. “Get it off with Superpower!” said Christianson. Rhyperior’s arm glowed orange and it grabbed Noivern’s foot. Noivern gasped as it found itself flung off of Rhyperior right into the ground next to it. Rhyperior stood up and smashed Noivern into the ground like a ragdoll a few more times, each hit leaving a small crater.

“Super sonic!” said Ceailean. Noivern screeched at Rhyperior’s face mid flip, making it stop. But it didn’t let go, instead Rhyperior tried to endure it. Noivern saw this and screeched twice as loud, having Rhyperior cave in by throwing Noivern through a tree and covering its ears. “Air cutter!” said Ceailean. All the trees on the edge of the forest were immediately cut in half as a giant air blade rushed through the air.

“Block that with super power!” said Christianson. Rhyperior blocked the attack, sending it sliding back on its feet. Noivern hopped out of the forest and roared once more. “Rock wrecker!” Rhyperior tore a boulder out of the ground and threw it at Noivern.

“Jump out of the way and use dragon pulse!” said Ceailean. Noivern jumped out of the way, twirling just as the boulder made impact. Then as it twirled to face Rhyperior, it shot dragon pulse like a laser, carving a line in the ground just in front of Rhyperior.

“No! He missed!” said Falt. But just as he said that, the line glowed a bright purple and detonated into a trail of purple fiery explosions, engulfing Rhyperior in their flames.

“You were saying?” asked Topaz.

“Megahorn!” said Christianson. Rhyperior drilled straight through the fire and charged in, catching Noivern off guard as the attack landed dead center on its chest. Rhyperior plowed Noivern through many trees and boulders, eventually coming back out into the clearing.

“Use 100% dragon rush to get out of there!” said Ceailean, pumping his fist. Noivern immediately burst into a dragon rush much bigger and brighter than it ever has. Everyone tried to see what was going on, but everything was too bright now. Rhyperior was flung back.

“Keep at it with superpower!” Rhyperior quickly recovered and threw a superpowered punch. Noivern was ready and blocked it with its dragon rush imbued wing with the sound of splashing energy and a deep rumble. Noivern then slammed that wing into the ground, creating three plumes of purple energy in front of it, each shooting up at Rhyperior, knocking it back.

“What was that?!” asked Ceailean.

“That must've been a parry!” said Marie.

Rhyperior rubbed its face groggily, catching its breath. “I have a plan.” said Christianson. “Be ready with super power.” Rhyperior nodded and took a defensive stance, both of its arms glowing orange.

Noivern and Rhyperior paced around each other for a moment. Each waiting for the other to make the first move. Ceailean decided to make the decision for them. “Use dragon pulse!” Noivern prepared to fire its attack.

“Stone edge right in front of it!” said Christianson. Rhyperior punched the ground and a stalagmite appeared right in front of Noivern right as it fired, making dragon pulse explode right in its face. Noivern stumbled back as it waved the smoke away. “Now super power that stalagmite!” Rhyperior ran up and punched the top of the stalagmite, launching right into Noivern’s face, shattering on impact. Noivern fell flat on the ground. “Crush it with rock wrecker!” Rhyperior opted to form the boulder out of its palm holes and lifted it high over its head. Noivern gasped at the sight.

“Use dragon pulse to propel yourself away!” said Ceailean. Noivern looked to the side and shot a dragon pulse, letting its body get shot away by the recoil just as Rhyperior smashed the area it was just in with the boulder. “Now hurry! Get back up.” Noivern scrambled to its feet as fast as it could.

“Use that boulder! Bash it!” Rhyperior picked the boulder back and swung it at Noivern.

“Duck and use dragon rush!” Noivern ducked its head, barely avoiding the boulder. Then it got an idea. Noivern’s tail burst with dragon rush energy and it whipped Rhyperior right in the face as it was recovering. Its barbed tail caused sparks to fly, but Rhyperior toughed it out and swung again. Noivern hopped back then flew back with a dragon rush wing bash. Rhyperior didn’t budge and swung again. Noivern flew straight up then came down with a dragon rush headbutt right on Rhyperior’s head. Noivern landed in front of it, waiting for its next move. Rhyperior fell to one knee, but pushed its limits to swing one more time. Noivern expected this and prepared to parry, but Rhyperior gave its all and swung so hard that Noivern’s guard broke. Then using the momentum, swung around again and bashed Noivern several feet away in a tailspin. Noivern slid to a halt on the ground.

“Now drop the boulder and trap it with stone edge!” said Christianson. Rhyperior tossed the boulder aside and punched the ground.

“Noivern get out of there!” said Ceailean. But before Noivern could even get up, it was getting surrounded by stalagmites.

“Now get in there and finish this with superpower!” Rhyperior ran inside the stalagmite wall just before it closed and made a big swing at Noivern. Finding itself backed into a wall, Noivern dove out of the way right as Rhyperior punched a hole in the wall. Rhyperior tore its arm out of the wall and continued the pursuit.

“No, no no no no no no no! Not again!” Ceailean ran up to the stalagmite walls, looking through the hole Rhyperior made.

“Ceailean! What are you doing? That's dangerous!” said Marie.

“I concur!” said Crisis.

Ceailean ignored them for the time being. Looking through, it saw Noivern dodge another superpower, scrambling to gain any distance. He then looked up and saw that the stalagmites didn’t cover the roof. “Noivern! The roof is open! Fly out of there!” Noivern dodged one last attack and flew straight up. But Rhyperior acted fast and grabbed Noivern by the tail, tossing against the wall. As Noivern fell to the ground Rhyperior charged at it with superpower.

“Use supersonic, then try to fly again!” Noivern screeched right at Rhyperior, making it cover its ears. The sound also bounced off the walls, strengthening its potency. Noivern took this opportunity to fly up. Ceailean smiled. “Yes! Yes! You’re gonna make it!”

“Use stone edge!” said Christianson. Rhyperior slammed the side of its fist against the wall and a stalagmite jutted out from the tip of another, bashing Noivern right back down to the ground.

“No!” shouted Ceailean.

Christianson waved to fingers at Ceailean. “Thanks for the tip, Ceailean. You’re right, it is hard to see in there. Now use megahorn!”

“Damn it! Noivern, defend yourself with dragon rush!” said Ceailean. Rhyperior lunged at Noivern, but Noivern caught both of its hands in its wings and pushed it back to the center. Noivern burst into dragon rush while Rhyperior’s drill burst with green spiraling energy. Rhyperior slowly closed in while Noivern desperately tried to push it away. The megahorn was colliding with Noivern's head, covered in dragon rush. But its stamina was draining fast and it wouldn't be able to shield itself for very long.

Ceailean walked away from the hole and tried to think. He shriveled his hair with his hands trying to think of a solution. “Come on, come on! There has to be a way out of this!” Noivern’s dragon rush started to fade, starting down at its feet and slowly creeping up its body. “Air cutter? No, there’s no room. Supersonic won’t work again. Dragon pulse will hurt Noivern also from that close! Come on, something!” Noivern’s dragon rush faded more, now creeping down its wings and upper torso. Noivern took quick breaths to try and remain in the game. “All I have is dragon rush! Could we go 100%? But it’d be too heavy to fly out with. And we can’t break our way out without speed, and the thing is too small to gain any speed in.” Noivern’s body was all drained of dragon rush, with it only flowing out of its most vital areas. Its head and red claws on each wingtip. “But it might be heavier than Rhyperior, could we knock it over again? But it's also bigger than Noivern still, even though they’re relatively the same height now. Bigger, heavier, fall. Wait, that reminds me of a saying. The bigger they are, the harder-” Ceailean gasped and looked back through the hole and saw Noivern’s feet starting to plow through the ground as Rhyperior took a step forward. “...they fall I got it!”

Marie the grabbed him by the shoulders. “Come on, C! We shouldn’t be this close!”

Crisis ran up behind her. “Yes, come before you hurt yourself.”

“I know! Run!” said Ceailean. He escaped Marie’s grasp and ran full sprint away from the wall.

“Wait what?!” asked Marie.

As he ran Ceailean cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted into the air. “Noivern, if you could hear me, use dragon pulse on the ground. Blow the whole thing up!”

“By Arceus!” exclaimed Marie.

“Go go go!” shouted Crisis as the both ran full sprint away from the wall.

Megahorn was just about the dragon rush energy on Noivern’s head. But it heard Ceailean’s order. It pointed its mouth straight down and launched a dragon pulse, engulfing the both of them in a purple fiery explosion. Just as Ceailean, Marie, and Crisis met back up with Falt and Topaz, the entire stalagmite trap exploded, shattering the whole thing to pieces. Purple flames roared up into the sky as the rocks fell to rubble.

“What was that?!” asked Falt. “You know Noivern was in that explosion too, right?”

“Hold on, I got it. Watch.” said Ceailean, shooing him away. He cupped his hands over his mouth again and shouted, “Noivern! I have one last plan! Fly up if you're okay!” The group waited for a moment. “Noivern?” Ceailean called again. Shortly after, Noivern flew up from the flames and hovered just above them. It was gasping for breath and all of its muscles ached with fatigue. “Yes! You’re still okay!”

“Yes, but it looks like it won’t last much longer.” said Crisis.

“You’re gonna have to end this fast, C.” said Marie.

“That's the plan. We’ll end it in one shot.”

“What? How?” asked Marie.

Ceailean looked back at her with a confident smile. He looked back at Noivern and said, “Noivern! I want you to fly up as high as you can! As high as your wings will take you!” Noivern looked at him, giving a confused grunt. “Trust me!” After a bit of hesitation, Noivern nodded and flew straight up as fast as it could. Noivern became a tiny dot in the sky until it disappeared past the clouds.

“Just what are you planning, Crimis?” asked Christianson of himself. “Rhyperior! I know you’re not done. You’d never want to miss the best part of the show.” After a moment, the rubble began to shake. A green drill burst out and the rocks fell, revealing Rhyperior. It broke out of its rock prison by kicking its feet free, breaking everything under its waist. It then looked up in the sky, sensing that Noivern was planning something big.

Noivern popped out of the tops of the clouds, leaving slight vapor trails behind its wings. It hovered there for a bit, watching the cloud under it move like a slow moving river. The moonlight reflecting off of it was almost too bright to look at directly. The view was cool and all, but Noivern couldn’t see Rhyperior anymore past the clouds.

“Noivern!” called Ceailean, cupping his hands over his mouth. “Can you hear me?!” Ceailean waited a moment before hearing a screech from Noivern. “Okay! This attack has to be everything you’ve got! For everything! For Marie! Use 100% dragon rush!” Noivern gave a small gasp, then smirked. Of course, why didn’t they think of this sooner. Noivern yelled as loud as it could, using its real voice. It burst into dragon rush, covering the clouds in purple light.

The group could see the clouds turning purple. “That’s Noivern?!” asked Falt.

“So much light!” said Topaz.

Noivern felt its power building. Its body strained and the aura grew bigger. Until finally with one big wave of its wings, a huge pulse of purple energy parted the clouds. The pulse washed over the entire terrain. When it washed over the group, they all got goosebumps.

“Whoa, that felt… electrifying.” said Marie. She then looked at Ceailean. “Are you ready for this?”

Ceailean smirked. “Yeah! Let’s do this!” He looked up Noivern. It was raring straight up into the sky. Huge dragon rush wings emanated from Noivern's wings, its energy running wild. Noivern itself was covered in a familiar dazzling aura. It then looked down on Rhyperior, who looked unfazed by the display. Ceailean held his index finger above his head. “Noivern!” He then pointed it right at Rhyperior. “Gooo!”

Noivern roared and sent itself rocketing down to Rhyperior. A huge trial of sparkling dragon rush energy followed Noivern on its descent.

“Rock wrecker!” said Christianson. Rhyperior formed a boulder from its palm holes and shot it right at Noivern. The attack collided head on, but Noivern went straight through no problem, breaking the boulder to pebbles. “How ‘bout that?” Christianson said with an impressed smile. “Stop it with superpower!” Rhyperior roared and held its fists at its sides, both flushing with orange energy. It ran full speed ahead to meet Noivern head on. As the two closed in, they both began yelling until they both collided with each other.

The ground caved in around them, the wind ripped through the air, the light was almost too bright to look at. Ceailean and the gang were struggling to stand up straight as the ground rumbled underneath them. Noivern and Rhyperior struggled against each other, hands and claws locked against each other. Their energies mixed, creating small white lightning around them. Rhyperior growled as it gritted its teeth. Its feet were starting to sink into the ground. Noivern saw this and used the opportunity to go all out. It yelled furiously, using its dragon rush energy to propel itself like a rocket. Rhyperior also began yelling, using all its strength to hold Noivern back. Their energies began to whirr in the air, eventually causing them both to collapse and explode.

The explosion was so large that the group barely had any time to react before the pressure wave ripped through them. They all struggled to stand against the wind. “I think… you may have gone… a little overboard!” shouted Topaz.

“Whaaaaat?!” said Falt, unable to hear anything over the wind.

“C!” called Marie, hoping to reach him. Suddenly, the impact exploded again, sending a wave of white of white light towards them. Ceailean’s eyes widened as he saw the light come towards him. Before it got to them, Marie grabbed him by the shoulders and threw him to the ground along with herself. Falt and Topaz quickly embraced each other, squeezing their eyes shut as the light engulfed them. The ground rumbled and cracked as a huge plume of dust rose into the air. The explosion echoed throughout the forest several times as hundreds of bird Pokémon flew to the skies in fear.

Finally, the world stopped shaking. The light dimmed and the dust began to settle. Marie opened her eyes slowly. She was laying on the ground next to Ceailean, both dirty from the dust. But then she realized that her hand was on his chest, to which she quickly pulled it away, blushing slightly.

“Augh… did we live?” asked Ceailean.

“Um…” Marie looked around to see all the grass flattened out and nearby trees bent out of shape. “Well enough, I guess.”

“Good. Then what about everyone else?” said Ceailean, getting up to his feet. Marie got up with him and looked around. They both saw Decidueye standing a few feet from them, holding its wing out like a shield. Steam was emanating off some parts of it.

“Look, I get the good gesture and all, but please be aware that it would be much better that you avoid the explosion rather than bracing for it.” Falt and Topaz slowly opened their eyes to see Crisis using his body to shield them, with Decidueye shielding him. “Any marks, Decidueye?” Decidueye waved its wing away, flicking the steam off and saying it wasn’t too bad.

“Looks like they’re okay.” said Marie.

“Then let’s go check on Noivern.” said Ceailean, immediately running off towards the crater.

“W-Wait up!” said Marie, chasing after him. Crisis and the twins following shortly after.

Ceailean got to the edge of the crater. “Noivern!” he called. “You good?” The dust was still pretty thick, but a shadow rose up from the ground. “Noivern?”

“You don’t that’s Rhyperior, do you?” asked Marie.

“Is it?” Ceailean waited anxiously. The shadowy figure raised its arms and took a deep breath. Then in a swift flash of purple, Noivern blew away the nearby dust with dragon rush. But after doing so, it immediately collapsed to its knees. “Noivern!” Ceailean ran over and put its wing over his shoulder. Noivern thanked him and looked over in the distance. Rhyperior was half buried under rubble.

Christianson walked up behind it. He tilted his head curiously. “You’re smiling?” Rhyperior weakly nodded, looking up at the half moon. “It’s been a while since you had fun like that. You satisfied?” Rhyperior nodded again, closing its eyes and slowly exhaling as it laid to rest. “Yeah, me too.” Christianson then returned Rhyperior to its pokeball, Rhyperior giving one last satisfied sigh.

Ceailean’s mouth dropped. “We did it.” He then jumped up and down excitedly. “We actually did it!” Noivern tried to jump excitedly with him, but then its body ached, forcing it to stop. “By Arceus. Noivern, it’s alright.” said Ceailean calmly slowing down.

“Did you guys do it?” called Falt from behind them.

Marie turned around and waved. “Yeah! We did!”

“Yeees!” said both the twins, cheering with their fists in the air. Crisis silently smiled down upon them.

“So Marie, does that mean you’ll be able to come with us again?” asked Ceailean. Marie smiled. But before she could say a word, Christianson spoke out.

“Not so fast, Ceailean.” he said, approaching them with a hand in his pocket. “I don’t think you’ve won anything yet.”

“What?!” said Ceailean in disbelief. “Did you not see Rhyperior knocked out?!”

“That I did. Smiling from the glorious battle it had.”

“Then what else is there to say?”

“Well, that all pertains to the deal you made.”

Marie figured it out immediately. “Uh oh…”

“Uh oh? What do you mean ‘uh oh’?”. asked Ceailean.

“What was the deal again? Could you remind me?” said Christianson.

“I defeat you in battle. If I lose, I’ll give up everything. If you lose, you have to give up trying to get Marie to go home.”

“C!?” shouted Marie, shoving him.

“What did I say?! Was that not the deal?!”

Christianson chuckled and clapped. “Oh man, you still don’t get it, do you? You see, you got the deal correct. The thing is that you still haven’t realized what terms you set. I mean really, even Marie was careful enough to specify it in her battle.”

“What? What is it, Christianson!” shouted Ceailean.

“You said you would defeat… me. Not Rhyperior, me!”

“But isn’t Rhyperior-”

“HA! I am a 10 time league finalist, Ceailean. Extremely bold of you to only think I only have 1 pokemon on me!” Ceailean’s eyes widened and Christianson threw out five more pokeballs. Armarouge, Huntail, Galarian Slowbro, Breloom, and Annihilape and stood before Ceailean, Marie, and Noivern.

“No!” Ceailean yelled, slapping his forehead. “By Arceus, I’m such an idiot!”

“Well come on now, Ceailean!” taunted Christianson, “Where did all the vigor go? Don’t tell me you’re ready to give up. Tell you what, I let you face whoever you want first. Take your pick.”

“But I-” Ceailean was utterly defeated. But Noivern raised its wing off of Ceailean, walked forward a few steps, and burst into dragon rush. Its dazzling aura returned, but was flickering. It loudly screeched at all the Pokémon, saying it would gladly take all of them all at once. All of the Pokémon looked at each other, clearly unamused at Noivern’s claim.

“Noivern.” Ceailean said, his voice almost not coming out. “You want to keep going?” Noivern nodded, breathing heavily. It told him that it was willing to go on until the very end. Ceailean was amazed. Noivern’s nature was more than just the anime heroes it mimicked. This was truly who it was as an individual. Ceailean smiled, “Let’s keep going!”

“You really won’t give up huh?” asked Christianson.

Ceailean pumped his fist. “I won’t ever stop fighting for Marie. It doesn’t matter if I lose here, I’ll find another way to fight until she finally lives the life she’s allowed to have!” Noivern screeched at the Pokémon, agreeing with the sentiment.

Marie was in awe of Ceailean’s conviction. To think, someone would fight so hard just for her. No Pokémon to save, no magical artifacts to keep away, this was all just for her. She heard footsteps approaching, Crisis and the twins both were approaching from behind. It was time. No more being complacent, it was time to take control of her life no matter how many times she loses.

Noivern was about ready to start charging in when suddenly, flashes of light appeared beside it. Scolipede, Fennekin, and Fomantis emerged.

Christianson scoffed. “Just what do you think you’re doing, Marie?”

Marie took off her beanie and plopped Snom beside her feet. “I can’t accept this anymore! My friends shouldn’t have to fight for me themselves anymore! I’ll keep fighting for my place in this journey as well!”

“Do not escalate this into a full on war, Marie!” said Christianson, “Faun he’s… he’s just worried sick. Look, after Desci passed, I’m sure he couldn’t stand losing you too. And after all the stuff I’ve heard you've been involved in, he was right to be worried.”

Marie softened her stance a little. “I know. I lost mom too. He has every right to be worried. But this isn’t the answer to that problem! I want to live out my dreams, and I can’t do that if I stay at home, sheltered from every single little thing. I’m ready, and so should he. If you take me home, I’ll battle for my way out everyday until that place is nothing but rubble!”

“You’re just a kid, Marie.” Christianson snapped his fingers, all his Pokémon getting into battle stances. “Allow me to show you how ready you really are.” All of the Pokémon lined up, each ready to take on each other.

“Don’t count us out!” shouted Topaz, throwing out her own Pokémon.

“By Arceus, I guess we’re really doing this.” said Falt throwing out his own Pokémon.

Crisis also threw out his Pokémon. “This is our resolve!”

Gurdurr, Farfetch’d, Decidueye, Swirlix, Elgyem, Dewpider, and Cottonee all joined the battle. Christianson’s Pokémon each stepped back, now facing a horde of 12 to 5.

“Don’t you see, Christianson?” asked Topaz. “Whatever problem comes our way, we’ll handle it together!”

“Marie isn’t by herself, she has us now. Her friends!” said Falt.

“Our greatest strength is our unity.” said Crisis, “As long as we’re together, nothing will ever threaten us.”

“And we’ll be there to protect each other,” said Ceailean, “Always!”

Christianson looked at the five of them. His eyes slowly droned from one person to the next. With one last tsk, Christianson sighed while scratching the back of his head. “Dammit, Faun. Your daughter has become a real handful.”

“Huh?” said Marie.

“You really are a lot like your mother, you know that?” said Christianson. “To think you’d inspire so many people to walk by your side in just a short amount of time. I swear, it's almost scary. Like she reincarnated as you.”

“You knew her personally?” asked Marie.

“She’s the reason I knew Faun to begin with. She was the glue that held our 4 person party together when we went on our Journey.”

“Dad was his own Pokémon trainer?!”

“He used to be. He was pretty good too. Not as much as me, of course. But capable enough to catch you off guard sometimes.”

“I had no idea…”

“Well, he left it all behind when you were born. Double so when he had to take over Desci’s business. He was determined and he learned fast. But he is also prideful and paranoid. I’m sure he’ll resort to more drastic measures before approaching this problem personally.” Christianson then threw a pokeball at Marie, to which she quickly caught.

“Wait a minute, this is Snom’s pokeball!” said Marie.

“Does that mean you’ll let her go?” asked Ceailean.

“Ugh, it still sounds like losing when you put it like that. Let’s just say I decided to look the other way.”

“Heh! Whatever’s enough to fill that big ego of yours.”

Christianson waved him off. “Yeah yeah, whatever.”

Marie smiled. She then opened Snom’s pokeball, noticing something inside. She held it out. It was a black and gold card. “Uh Christianson, I think you-”

“I can buy you another month at most. Everything on that card will be labeled as business expenses. So accommodation shouldn’t be an issue. Don’t go crazy though, it’ll be on me if the company loses money.”

“Oh thank Arceus.” said Ceailean, “I only had about 4,400 pokedollars left.”

“What? When did you spend so much, C?” asked Marie.

“Stuff is more expensive than I thought, okay! And I was nervous to ask Crisis if he could start buying everything for us.”

“I have a salary you know…” said Crisis.

“After the expenses report hits his desk, he’ll know that you’ll have that card and that you got it from me.” said Christianson, “After that, I won’t be able to stall any longer. I hope you’ll be ready to face whatever he throws your way.”

“Yes,” said Marie, holding out her arms to the rest of her friends. “We all will be.”

Christianson smiled. “Very well then.” He recalled all of his Pokémon and sighed. “Make the most of this journey, Marie. I hope to see you fly one day.”

“Thanks Christianson.” said Marie. Christianson put his hands in his pockets and began walking back to the café. As he did so, Noivern’s body finally gave out and it collapsed on the ground, its dazzling aura dissipating.

“Whoa, Noivern!” said Ceailean, running to its side. “You did so well today, get some rest.” Noivern weakly nodded and laid on the ground. Fomantis hopped over to Noivern, asking if it was the Noibat it knew earlier. Noivern half-laughed and gave Fomantis a cheesy smile, greeting it. Fomantis’s eyes beamed as it bounced all around Noivern, gushing about how cool it looks now. But Noivern was quickly enveloped in red light, being recalled to its pokeball. “Sorry Fomantis, you’ll have a chance to talk to Noivern once it's fully recovered.”

“Guys, I just realized, how are we gonna get back to Cyllage City?” asked Falt. The group stared at him.

“Uh oh.” Marie said.

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() The gang all came running back to the parking lot, all of their minds wondering what to do next.

“I mean, we left all our stuff in the rooms!” said Falt in a slightly panicked voice. “Do you think if we don’t make it back in time, they’ll get rid of it all?”

“I don’t know, Falt!” said Topaz. “I didn’t know 2 minutes ago, and I still don’t know now! Why don’t you stop worrying about it and think of ways to fix it!”

As they came up to the café door, they saw Miss Crimis coming out, thanking the staff for the food.

“Mom?!” said Ceailean, astonished.

“Oh! Ceailean! Did you manage to talk it out with Christianson?”

“Um… in a way. But more importantly, where were you? I completely forgot that you came with us!”

“I got hungry. I haven’t eaten all day and I saw the café so I went to have some food.”

“So that’s where C got that singe-track mind.” said Marie.

“Hey, wow!” said Ceailean, making Marie giggle.

“By the way, I’ll be heading home from here,” said Miss Crimis. “The job hunt never stops.”

“Really?” asked Ceailean. “But there are no trains or rental cars around here.”

“She’s agreed to let me take her home.” said Christianson, walking out of the café behind her.

“Okay…” said Ceailean, unsure of what to think. “I guess you just couldn’t help yourself to bring somebody home.”

“I’m just an upstanding citizen. Can’t I just be nice to people?”

“I guess…”

“That reminds me, how did you guys catch up to us in the first place?”

Falt eagerly perked up. “Oh! Elgyem knew the move teleport, but it wasn’t strong enough. So we flooded it with psychic energy from other Pokémon. And that let us teleport all the way here.”

“By Arceus, you know that was reckless, right?”

“But it was for Marie, so…”

“You do not suppose we could use the same method to transport ourselves back?” asked Crisis.

“Unless you have a helicopter you can call upon.” said Marie.

“I cannot. We have very few and one of them was recently destroyed in… an accident. Because of that incident, they are being conservative with them for the time being” Christianson looked at Crisis suspiciously.

“But I don’t want to strain Elgyem any more than I have to.” said Falt. “One teleport was scary enough, but two in one day, I couldn’t ask more of that from it.” Suddenly, Elgyem popped out of its pokeball. It told him that it could do it again. “Really? There’s no way you could be okay so quickly.” Elgyem nodded, saying that it was perfectly fine. But at the end of its sentence, it gave a very hoarse cough, making Falt more doubtful. Elgyem tried to play this off by rubbing its nose, saying it was just allergies.

Christianson put his hand on Falt’s shoulder. “It’s trying for you… uh, I don’t believe I’ve ever got your name.”

“It’s Falt. Falt Dauglin. And that’s my twin sister, Topaz Daughlin.”

“Ah, nice to meet you both. I hope we did not get off on the wrong foot.”

“You took Marie, dude.” said Topaz.

“That’s all in the past.”

“That was this morning.”

“Regardless, Falt can’t you see? Elgyem wants to keep trying. It wants to prove itself, so why not let it?”

Falt sighed. “Just because it wants to doesn’t mean it should. It could get hurt and I’d feel horrible. It’d all be my fault.”

“Elgyem knows its own limits more than everyone. If it feels that it isn’t possible, then it will stop the teleport itself.”

Falt felt something grab his hand. Elgyem floated over and grabbed it endearingly, turning back and forth slightly in hopes that Falt would let it. Falt then caved with another sigh. “Fine. But as soon as it starts to hurt, I want you to back out immediately, okay?” Elgyem cheered and saluted Falt.

“But where are we going to get the extra psychic energy from?” asked Crisis.

“Leave that to me.” said Christianson. He tossed out a pokeball and brought out Galarian Slowbro. “Slowbro’s psychic power should be enough.”

“Actually helping us for once?” asked Topaz, “Maybe you are a better person than I took you for.”

Christianson smiled. “Nah, I just want to get rid of you all.”

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() Elgyem floated in the center of the gang, closing its eyes as it focused. It emanated red psychic energy. Slowbro approached and pointed its Shellder gun at Elgyem, shooting an orb of psychic energy into it, shifting its psychic energy color to pink.

“That should be enough.” said Christianson.

Ceailean gave one last hug to his mom. “Are you sure you didn’t forget anything back in Cyllage?”

“No, I just came the day before with nothing but my wallet, phone, and the clothes on my back.” said Miss Crimis.

“Okay, well, I’ll see you around.” Ceailean turned around to walk away, but Miss Crimis grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him back around.

“Nuh uh! After hearing the stories you told me, I want to make one thing clear! You see anyone, and I mean ANYONE, that you think is a danger to you or any of your friends. You either get them out of there or you call the police. You got it, young man? No more playing hero!”

“Okay okay, Mom. I promise!”

“Good!” Miss Crimis then gave him a peck on the cheek. “I love you, Ceailean. Be safe.”

“I love you too, Mom.” said Ceailean with a warm smile.

“Oooooh!” said Falt and Topaz in a teasing way.

“Hey, I love my mom. Ain’t nothin’ to be embarrassed about.” said Ceailean confidently.

Miss Crimis smirked, looking similar to Ceailean's smirk. “Then why did it take you more than a month to find out I was blocked? You didn’t even try to call me, did you?”

“OOOOOOOOH!” shouted the twins.

“MOM! You’re embarrassing me in front of my friends!” said Ceailean.

“I know, and it’s funny!” said Miss Crimis. Ceailean sighed and moved back inside the teleport circle. “Don’t forget to call every once in a while, okay!” she said, waving goodbye.

“I’ll make sure!” said Ceailean.

“Take care of Marie, Ceailean.” said Christianson.

Ceailean gave him a determined nod. “We all will. You have my word.”

“Good, now there’s just one last thing.” Christianson grabbed him by the arms aggressively and shook him a little. “Don’t you ever threaten to break into my car ever again, you understand!” he said in an aggressive voice.

“W-What?! It isn’t just like the company car?!” asked Ceailean.

“C!” said Marie.

“How do you think a car like that is a company car?” asked Topaz. “That thing has to be over 50 million pokedollars.”

“I’m not a car guy, okay! You guys aren’t helping!” said Ceailean in an aggressive whisper.

“Do you understand!” said Christianson again.

“Yes! I do!”

Christianson smiled. “Good, now get out of here.” He shoved Ceailean back into the teleport circle. Before Ceailean could say anything, the gang all teleported. The same disorientating warp tunnel replaced the world around them until they were all dropped right in the middle of the battlefield of the Pokémon center they were all staying at. The dark night sky rematerialized along with the golden lights of the city below.

Ceailean got up from the floor and looked around. “We’re back!”

“Then stay away from Falt.” said Topaz, pointing a thumb at him. “He might hurl on you.”

“I think I’m good.” said Falt, bending over and retching immediately after. “W-Wait, Elgyem! Are you okay?!” He ran over to it, holding his hand under to catch it. But Elgyem tried hard to keep its eyes open. It floated up and down, moaning weakly, all until it finally collapsed onto Falt’s hands. “It’s okay, we’ll get you healed up real quick. Let’s go!” Everyone followed Falt inside the pokecenter.

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() *20 minutes later*

A chime rang throughout the pokecenter. “Falt Daughlin, your Pokémon have been healed. Please pick them up at your earliest convenience.” said Nurse Joy over the intercom.

Falt approached the table and picked up his pokéballs. “Thank you.”

“We are sorry for the inconvenience. Your friend's Pokémon had pretty extensive battle damage.”

“It’s fine. They all tried really hard. Thanks again anyway.” Falt walked away and sat in a booth across from Topaz. “Huh? Where did Ceailean and Marie go?”

“They went upstairs to their room to hang out there.” said Topaz, resting her head on her hand.

“Okay.” The two sat in silence for several moments.

“Today was really tiring, wasn’t it?” said Topaz, somewhat down. “We lost to Grant, then did some… 'interdinner' travel or whatever Crisis called it, then we also almost died by falling off a cliff.”

“Yeah, all in one day no less.” said Falt.

“Yeah.” Topaz sighed. “It got me thinking. What would’ve been the last thing we said to each other if we fell?”

“I’m sure ‘don’t let go’ would’ve been part of it.”

“I'm serious! The last thing I remember is arguing. And the worst part is that I don’t even remember what for.” Falt remained silent. “Do you think Ceailean was right?”

The two went silent again, pondering the question. Falt then closed his eyes and sighed. “Then… Topaz.” Topaz looked up at him. “T-Thank you for helping me… not die. I don’t know if I’d be here without you.”

Topaz was taken aback. It was so foreign for her to get a compliment from Falt that she didn’t know how to react. “Oh uh… you’re welcome?” Another moment of awkward silence. “Uh… let’s go check of Ceailean and Marie? We should see what we’re gonna do tomorrow.”

“Y-Yeah. Let’s go see.”

The two went upstairs to their room. Topaz knocked on the door softly. “Ceailean? Marie? It’s us.” They waited for a moment. Topaz knocked again. “Guys?” Still no answer. Falt then took initiative and turned the doorknob.

“Oh, its open.” said Falt.

Topaz blocked him from going inside. “Stop! What if they’re changing or something?!”

“Then they would take turns changing in the bathroom then.” said Falt, letting himself. Topaz hesitated before walking in herself. The room was dark, but it was clear what was going on. On the beds laid Ceailean and Marie, both in a deep sleep and surrounded by their Pokémon sleeping with them. Noivern itself took up much of the bed space and used Ceailean as a pillow.

“Oh, they’re sleeping.” said Topaz in a hushed voice.

“Best to let them rest then.” said Crisis, suddenly appearing behind them. They both jumped and backed away from him.

“Jeez! Don’t scare us like that man!” said Falt.

“I do apologize. But I had simply come to check on them before I head off to bed myself. They seem to be exhausted. So let us leave them be.”

“Yeah, let’s go.” said Topaz. The three quickly made their way out. As the twins exited the room, Crisis gave one last look inside. Something outside the window moved. Crisis quickly moved to the window and opened the veil. Outside was nothing but the empty battlefield. Crisis thought he must’ve just been seeing things and closed the shades, exiting the room afterwards.

----------------------------------------

() “You do not think he spotted us, did he?”

“It does not seem so. We should be in the clear.”

Out from the shadows of the trees, both Red and Blue came out in their 10% formes. “Greninja, is the Dreamwalker here?” Greninja peeked from behind a tree. It saw something strange. The red veins of negative energy were missing around the entire area. What was weirder is that Ceailean also had no negative energy. Greninja had been working on the assumption that he was absorbing the negative energy into his body. Greninja confirmed to the cores that the Dreamwalker was definitely here.

“Then what shall be our first course of action, Brother?” asked Blue.

“We watch, we observe, and we shall see if this Dreamwalker really affects the world in the way that I think he does.” said Red.

“You cannot be serious. We have come all this way and yet you want to stop right at the finish line?”

“You still do not understand the humans like I do, Brother. Much has happened in their short time here. If we were to burden them with our presence, they may reach a breaking point.”

“I disagree. With such a large call to action, who would deny saving Kalos, if not the world?”

Greninja interjected, agreeing with Red. This power and threat are both things Ceailean is unaware of. At least to their knowledge. Even if they were to approach him calmly and take their time explaining, Ceailean could reject the call.

“Ugh, I hate waiting around. More smaller hate wells may be sprouting up around the region and we’re going to be here, twiddling our thumbs until he does… what exactly?”

“Greninja will observe how the Dreamwalker affects the world. Once we know more, we can make a much more informed decision. So for now, lay low.” Blue reluctantly agreed.

----------------------------------------

() Inside Ceailean and Marie’s room, Ceailean turned over in his sleep. He cuddled Noivern’s head like a Teddi Bear. Both slipping away into the dreams of the night