Chapter Text
The flight to Alfornada was both quiet and serious, given the situation. Florian still couldn’t help but be amazed that Koraidon could now fly high in the air, when it could only glide for a short period of time before.
But thanks to those flying supplements Amarys gave Koraidon, the red dragon could now fly effortlessly, albeit only for a few hours. Florian chuckled after remembering how much Koraidon pouted with envy after Amarys told them Juliana’s Miraidon could permanently fly after consuming a whole bunch of those supplements one day. Prompting Florian to comfort it with the promise of delicious sandwiches after their job was done. Seems like it and Miraidon had developed a bit of a rivalry alongside their friendship.
He turned back to Arven and Nemona, who were behind him, casually talking about one thing or another. Lacey and Crispin were there too, but they were having their own separate conversation while Amarys was flying on her Skarmory.
It still felt weird that he was alongside people who were both friends and strangers to him due to these timeline shenanigans. Because even though he wanted to know more about them, they weren’t the ones he had grown to know and love.
Still, he might as well determine what similarities and differences they had with the versions from his world. Considering Kieran, Carmine, and the others being here, he assumed a large amount of time had passed in their world compared to his. Getting more information on their experiences would be good to know when he returned to his world.
If he could get back, anyway.
“So…I was wondering what your experience was like in Area Zero. My friends and I had a lot of challenges making it through and the shocking revelations that followed. Was it the same with you guys?”
“It was a lot to take in when you find out your dad was actually dead while an AI pretended to be him.” Arven bluntly replied. “It’s…still hard to process even now, but I’m getting though it thanks to my little buddy and the others being by my side. I’m betting your Arven felt the same about his mom, right?”
Florian solemnly nodded. “Yeah. It was a lot for him to take in too when we reached the Zero Lab and had to battle the professor. I think deep down, he knew this would have happened eventually, but he tried to put on a brave face as we kept exploring. For us…and for himself.”
“Heh. That sounds like me, all right.” He wryly chuckled.
“Honestly, it was already a crazefest when we saw the Paradox Pokemon there. And then when Professor Sada turned out to be an AI and was forced to turn against us…scared isn’t enough to describe how I felt during those harrowing moments. But I kept being optimistic because everyone was counting on me to lead us to success, so we wouldn’t lose heart and support each other as friends. I just wanted to be someone reliable to them after everything that happened between us.”
“I bet they’d be proud of you no matter what happened.” Arven grinned. “Juliana helped us with our problems too and we’re really thankful for everything she’s done. I’m sure your Arven, Nemona, and Penny feel the same.”
“I totally get what you mean about Area Zero, though. It was creepy the more we deeper we went. But I thought the Paradox Pokemon were really something!” Nemona said as her eyes sparkled. “They were really tough and gave my Pokemon a real challenge. Ahh, if only I could battle as many of them as I wanted, that’d be the dream! But I know La Primera probably wouldn’t approve. Though, I’m sure Juliana and I could handle them as fellow Champions!”
Florian giggled. “You’re definitely the same as my Nemona with how much you love battling and growing stronger.”
“Ooh! I wonder if we’ll get the chance to battle each other someday. I always wanted to find out what it would be like to battle myself. Just imagining what strategies we’d have to come up with to one-up each other’s making my blood boil with excitement!”
“Geez. Keep your cool until we get to Alfornada. You’ll have plenty of time to satisfy your battle lust against those prehistoric Paradox Pokemon from Florian’s world.”
Nemona glanced at Arven mischievously. “Don’t tell me you aren’t excited too. I’ve seen you more fired up during Pokemon battles ever since you started taking the gym challenge.”
“Wait. Arven’s doing the gym challenge too? When did that happen?” Florian inquired.
“After we went to Kitakami and the whole Mochi Madness thing. Oh wait, you wouldn’t know about that, my bad. Anyways, old Arven here wanted a new goal for himself, so I suggested he do the gym challenge. Turns out he’s a lot better than he thought he’d be, not that I was surprised with how much I was coaching him.” Nemona proudly declared.
“You don’t have to be so smug about that. And you don’t need to tell Florian about this kind of stuff. It’s no big deal.”
“As your mentor, I have to show off my disciple’s accomplishments! You’ve been on a roll getting 4 badges already after doing the gym challenge a few weeks ago. And don’t think I didn’t notice that spark in your eyes whenever you’re battling these days.”
“Only because you insist on watching all of my gym battles.” Arven sighed. “But I guess it has been fun journeying around Paldea and getting stronger with my Pokemon. If I want to get as strong as my little buddy, then I need to keep doing my best.”
“That sounds like a fine goal to have, Arven.” Florian replied. “Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll make it through in the end.”
Arven felt his face flush a bit but tried to play it cool. “Well, thanks. I don’t know why, but when I heard you say that my heart felt more relaxed. It’s a similar feeling I get when Juliana encourages me. Similar… yet different too.”
“Guess you two really are more alike.” Nemona added. “I’m betting your friends in your world would be proud to have an amazing friend like you just like Juliana is to us!”
Florian started to feel flushed. But it was one of joy and pride. “I’m really glad to have met you guys. And…I hope you can all meet the friends I’ve gotten to treasure deep in my heart.”
They all shared a few more laughs before chatting up a storm to get to know each other more. Meanwhile, Lacey and Crispin were trying their best not to overhear their conversation, despite it being very difficult when they were sitting only a few meters behind them.
“Is it right to be hearing this? I’m trying not to, but…” Crispin whispered to Lacey.
“Well, I’d prefer not to since all this talk seems personal. But we can’t exactly move away when we’re all so close to each other.” Lacey pondered. “Why don’t we keep talking to distract ourselves from their conversation. How’s your culinary skills training been going?”
“Oh, it’s going great! I’ve been trying to make even spicier dishes that’ll leave you burning for more! I’ve had Drayton and Kieran test them once, but they always shy away from any future taste tests for some reason.”
Lacey snickered a little. “Well, everyone has their own acquired tastes. Still, I’m happy you’re very passionate and enthusiastic over this. It’s one of reasons why I like talking with you.”
“L-Like?! Uhh…I-I like talking with you too, Lacey. Y’know, with how kind and nice you are and how you’re willing to listen to me share my interests. ‘Cause it shows how much you care about me…I mean how much you care about what I think.”
His heart kept beating faster like a jackhammer as he continued sputtering praises towards his fellow Elite Four member and friend. Even though he wanted them to be more than friends one day once he was able to pull himself together and confess like he always wanted.
Maybe he’d get the courage to confess during their time in Paldea. Though, they’d have to deal with these Tera Portals and Team Tera first. But for Lacey, he’d do anything for her. Even lay down his life if needed.
Their flight to Alfornada ended once they reached the ancient, rustic city. The large Terestal portal was clear as day to Florian and the others, alongside the swarm of Paradox Pokemon currently roaming the city. Floods of citizens scrambled for safety to avoid getting in their path, seeking shelter or doing their best to evade their sight.
And at the center of it all, two masked individuals stood alongside a strange device. Their gazes shifted towards their group once they landed, interest and curiosity apparent in their faces.
“Seems like the gang’s all here.” The taller masked individual called out. “Why don’t we introduce ourselves. I’m Malwyrm and the one beside me is Azure, two of Team Tera’s mighty commanders!”
The other masked commander stared at Florian intensely. “It really is you. I’ve… We’ve been waiting so long for you to come back.”
“Hey, do you know them?” Nemona asked Florian. “They sure seem to know you.”
“I don’t think so. But something about this person seems familiar.”
A wave of nostalgia suddenly hit Florian, but he had no idea why. He was sure he’d never met any of Team Tera’s commanders before. Yet seeing her made his heart suddenly felt full.
He couldn’t get distracted now. They were responsible for these portals or at least had valuable information about them. They couldn’t let this chance slip them by.
“Why are you in this world?” He asked. “And why are you letting all these Paradox Pokemon run amok and terrorizing the city?”
Even without seeing his face, he knew the commander was sneering in disdain over his question. “They just happened to be lured by the portal’s Terestal energy, so who cares. We didn’t cause these portals to appear, and it’s not like this city’s our problem. We’re just here to collect the rich Terestal energy flowing within this land, nothing more. If you want to help these people, then knock yourself out dealing with those ancient freaks.”
His partner moved to argue back but stopped short. She merely stood doing nothing with what Florian could describe as melancholy on her face.
“Do you have little care for other people and Pokemon’s lives?!” Arven angrily commented. “Those Pokemon came from your world and you’re just going to let them rampage ours without feeling any guilt?”
Malwyrm shrugged. “Guilt? Like I said, it’s none of our business. This isn’t my home and we’re only here for our mission. But you’re free to stop them yourself instead of wasting time lecturing me, y’know. Because you’re neither important nor relevant for me to listen to.”
Arven looked like he was about to throttle this guy, and Florian couldn’t deny feeling the same. His self-righteous attitude was seriously pissing him off. And if they’re just going to do whatever they want in this world without a care for others, then they had to be stopped.
Florian raised his Pokeball ready to battle, leading both Tera commanders to stare with interest.
“You’re seriously going to stand against us? Pretty brave and foolish of you when you’re up against one of Team Tera’s best commanders. Though, I thought you’d be more focused on saving these people from the Paradox Pokemon before thinkin’ of challenging me.”
“He won’t need to because we’ll stop them ourselves while he teaches you a lesson in manners.”
Lacey stepped in front of Florian; a determined expression filled with disdain towards the haughty commander. “Crispin, Amarys, and I will handle the Paradox Pokemon while you, Nemona, and Arven deal with them. Exploiting this situation for their own ends without any concern for innocent lives is just not right!”
“Are you sure about this? They’re really tough.”
Crispin happily nodded. “Don’t worry, man. We’re plenty tough ourselves! We’ll show these berserk Pokemon what the BB Elite Four can do!”
“Indeed. And this way, you three can focus all your attention towards defeating these foes and stopping their plans.” Amarys added.
“You should just let them go.” Malwyrm interjected. “They’re the bunch that’ll act on they think is right without a second thought…at least that how they look to me.”
Despite his hesitation, the Elite Four members stood firm before Florian gave them a confident nod signalling them to fight with all they had.
He would believe that they would be okay.
“Whatever plan you have involving the Terestal energy here, we’re going to put a stop to it!” Florian declared.
“You talk big, but do you have the skills to back it up? Or is everything Noir said about you a bunch of lies? Guess we’ll find out once I crush you.”
Malwyrm took out a small sphere from his pocket, then immediately threw it towards the sky. A wave of energy surrounded the commanders and Florian’s group before solidifying into a barrier filled with various colours.
Escape was no longer possible, not that Florian would run away now.
“Love the field I set up? It’s chalk full of Terestal energy that not only traps whoever’s inside until a Pokemon battle ends but disables all Pokeballs other than the one holding your oldest Pokemon. That way, you can’t use numbers to try defeating us. It’ll be a one-on-one fight all the way until you either defeat us or our machine collects enough Terestal energy.”
The commander’s words rang true as Florian and his teammates couldn’t send out most of their Pokemon no matter what they tried. But at least he still had his most faithful companion who stood by him his entire journey, and it was time to unleash its strength.
“Then, we’ll stop you before that happens! We’ll win this battle together, Koraidon!”
“Yeah! Let’s get this battle underway! Time to battle Pawmot!”
“Try not to overdo it for our sakes, okay. I’m counting on you, Mabostiff old buddy!”
Florian, Nemona, and Arven’s ace Pokemon appeared in a flash ready to battle, making Azure start gesturing erratically with great vigour.
“I’ve been waiting so long to finally battle you again. My heart is beating with the thrill to win, the one trainer I want to defeat! Let’s get ourselves a good fight, Raging Bolt!”
“Heh. Someone’s finally all pumped up. Let’s see if you and that draconic Pokemon are as special as you think. Destroy anyone who gets in our way, Gouging Fire.”
Both Tera commanders released their Paradox Pokemon, a pair of prehistoric looking creatures that Florian had never seen before. But he knew from one glance that they were incredibly powerful, a league far above the other Paradox Pokemon he had faced before. The sunlight shined brightly thanks to Koraidon’s ability, causing all three Paradox Pokemon present to radiate a golden aura that increased their offensive capabilities.
Florian knew that this would happen when he sent Koraidon to battle, but an extra power-up from their opponents wouldn’t be enough to stop them. He had faith his new allies would be able to handle themselves.
“Ooh! Those Pokemon look really strong!” Nemona cheerfully shouted. “I can definitely go full power if they’re our opponents. Arven, make sure you go all out too and show them what my battle disciple can do!”
Arven’s cheeks flared slightly red. “Ugh! I never said I was your disciple, you know. But these guys need to be stopped, so I’ll give it all I got to stop them and help Florian out.”
“Aww, how sweet. Your sappy bonding moment is gonna make me cry hehe. Let’s dry those tears by burning you all to the ground. Lava Plume!”
The fiery Paradox Pokemon unleashed a wave of molten rock in the air, crashing down with great speed. But thanks to their quick timing, Koraidon and the others were able to avoid its assault, prompting Malwyrm letting out an impressed whistle.
“Strike back with Collision Course!” Florian declared; his friends following behind with their own attacks right after.
“Thunderpunch the flaming lizard, Pawmot!”
“We’re not falling behind, Mabosstiff. Bite ‘em down with your Jaw Lock!”
Azure didn’t waste time striking back while Florian and the others were distracted. “Fill the field with electricity by unleashing your Discharge, Raging Bolt.”
The yellow Paradox Pokemon unleashed a wave of electricity that radiated the battlefield, zapping its opponents without trouble.
Azure glared at Florian with great interest before glancing at her partner. “I’ll focus on battling Florian, while you handle the other two.”
“Hey now, when did I ever say you could be the boss of me. I’ll do as I damn please, thank you very much.” He said in a dismissive tone.
But she continued to stare at Malwyrm with growing venom towards him, causing him to sigh before acquiescing to her request.
“Fine. Have it your way. But don’t let your feelings for him get in the way of our goal here.” He coldly reminded her.
“We’ll handle Mister Jerkface, Florian.” Nemona told him. “You just focus your hardest on fighting that Azure commander. She’s looking to be a really tough one.”
Florian hesitated a little. “You guys going to be okay facing against an unknown Paradox Pokemon?”
Arven just responded with a confident smile as he launched his next attack against Gouging Fire. “We managed to handle ourselves fine down in Area Zero. I’ll bet your Arven and Nemona did the same in your world. Trust that we’ll be able to do the same.”
Florian chuckled slightly, knowing that Arven was right. If he believed in his friends back then, then he had no right to doubt his new friends in handling themselves too. Though, he failed to notice Azure’s intrigue towards the two, a feeling of longing and regret laced on her expression before turning back towards the boy she wanted to battle the most.
He stared back with greater determination than ever. “Sorry to keep you waiting. You wanted to battle me one-on-one. Then, I’ll give you a battle you won’t soon forget!”
“Fine with me! I’ve been waiting so long for the chance to battle you again after everything that happened. I’ll savour it to the last!”
Blood boiled from within them both, a desire for victory and a satisfactory performance fueling their fire as they called out their next attack.
“Dragon Claw/Dragon Hammer!” They both ordered, sending their partners to hack and slash their foe with vicious claws and neck movements that only intensified with every strike, dealing immense damage to both Pokemon in the process.
But neither would back down, adrenaline coursing in their veins with excitement and nostalgia as they kept going.
“Collision Course!”
“Strike first with Thunderclap!”
Raging Bolt moved with inhuman speeds to get the jump on Koraidon, blasting it with a bolt of lightning that slowed it down. But Koraidon immediately struck back by slamming heavily towards the ground with its body, causing Raging Bolt to stumble and lose balance.
“Why are you and the other Team Tera commanders fighting so hard for this plan of yours? Why come here of all places to achieve it?!” Florian asked.
Azure expression filled with lament. “To fix our world. Your world. And to do that, we need all the Terestal energy from this world to do so. I don’t want anyone to get hurt from our actions, especially you. So, please stand down once this battle is over.”
“That’s not happening!” Florian angrily decreed. “Unleashing a wave of Paradox Pokemon doesn’t justify whatever method to save our world! We won’t allow you sacrifice this Paldea to do so! We’ll strike you down and make sure your plan doesn’t come to light.”
She glared with even more fervor and excitement. “I figured you’d say that. That’s how you’ve always been. Then fight like your life depends on it. Because for us, it always has been. Now Raging Bolt, Terastallize with newfound stellar might to sate our hunger for battle!”
Florian grabbed his Tera Orb with equal fervor. “Don’t talk like you know me when I can’t even see your face! Time for use to Terastallize with draconic energy guiding us Koraidon!”
Both Pokemon became encased in glowing crystal light, before roaring loudly with their crowns on full display.
Malwyrm stared with intrigue towards the two, smiling maliciously all the while. “Why we join the Terastallizing party too? You guys can see how out of your league you are against my skills even when you’re tag-teaming against me. “Strike with immense fire, Gouging Fire!”
“Sounds like a challenge to me!” Nemona excitedly remarked. “Me and Arven are gonna blow you away with all our master-disciple teamwork!”
“Still not gonna accept the disciple title. But I’ll make sure to pull my weight. For you, Florian, and my little buddy fighting her hardest on the other side!”
Nemona and Arven took out their Tera Orbs too as they gathered as much Terestal energy from the surrounding area, infusing them with electric and dark energy respectively.
This was their final attack.
Time to go all-out!
“Tera Blast!”
“Dragon Pulse!”
“Double Shock!”
“Raging Fury!”
“Jaw Lock!”
A barrage of attacks swept through the area; the shockwaves generated as they all collided with one another powerful enough to shake the city with immense tremors.
But in the final moments, Koraidon’s power managed to win out against Raging Bolt’s draconic burst, slamming it back towards the barrier trapping them in, its body unable to even move as it fainted from its injuries. From the other side, Pawmot, Mabosstiff, and Gouging Fire lay on the ground from dealing with each other’s assault, their battle concluded as well.
The Terestal barrier surrounding them slowly faded, its energy dissipating until they became small, radiant shards.
While Malwyrm just shrugged in nonchalance over the result. Azure appeared disappointed before forming a slight smile. “That was incredible. You haven’t lost your touch after all this time. I’m…so happy.”
Florian breathed a huge sigh of relief knowing that they had finally won, yet those lingering feelings toward her defeated foe remained. It was time to get some answers. About her and what their intentions were coming here.
The female commander returned the electric dragon back into its ball, saddened that she had lost yet overjoyed that she had the chance to battle someone dear to hear once more. Her hand gripped tightly over the continued exhilaration she was feeling from this wonderful battle.
“That was a lot of fun. You definitely haven’t lost your edge after so long. I hope one day we’ll get to battle as many times as possible to satiate my thirst. Because even though we’re on opposite sides, you are the trainer that’s given me the most excitement in my life.”
Florian felt another wave of nostalgia flowing through him from her words, even though he was sure this was the first time they met. So why did it feel like he was talking to an old friend after listening to her words.
“Save your energy for later, Azure. We got all the Terestal energy we need, so there’s no need to stay here any longer. It sure was lucky we had such a huge portal open to gather all that energy in one spot, giving us this huge haul. I can’t wait to see Noir’s face once I lord over how we got the chance to fight his little friend too. Alright, I’m done talking. Let’s head back to our world and report back to the others.”
“Wait! We’re not finished yet! We’ve still got questions for you!”
Florian yelled to stop them from leaving, but Malwyrm ignored his pleas before finally turning to say a few last words.
“Heh. I’ll tell you what. Since you put on a good show for us, I’ll let in on a little something as a reward. The Tera portals can be closed if you fired a large enough blast of Terestal energy. I figure you’d want to keep any more Paradox Pokemon from getting into the city, so be grateful for my kindness. And don’t even think about chasing after us. The air on the other side is enough to do major damage to you if you’re stupid enough to try. Later.”
Without saying any more, he lazily walked through the portal without a care in the world. Azure starting headed through the portal as well, facing Florian once more with a look he could only describe as sorrow and joy.
“When we battle again, I’ll make sure to become strong enough to surpass your full might. Strong enough that you won’t have to become involved in our mission and see the tragedy that happened in our world.” She declared, turning to Nemona and Arven next. “Keep him safe and treasure your time with him like I did.”
Both commanders finally left, leaving them staring only at the large portal. Despite Malwyrm words, Florian tried racing towards the portal on Koraidon, immediate feeling nauseous before Nemona and Arven called for him to head back in worry.
He hated that the smug jerk wasn’t lying.
But if that was the case, then the portal could be closed if enough energy was blasted into it.
Florian and the others readied their ace Pokemon to unleash their most powerful Tera Blast while they were still Terastallized, combining their energy to create a superpowered wave that caused the portal to slowly shrink before disappearing completely.
No more Paradox Pokemon to run berserk in this Paldea.
Even so, Florian still couldn’t keep those waves of nostalgia out of his mind when looking at the commander that called herself Azure. Just who was he to her? And…who was she to him?
Nemona and Arven put their hand on his shoulder, probably to help cheer him up. While those feelings remained, he appreciated that they were there by his side.
“Are you okay?” Arven asked him with concern.
He deeply sighed. “Not really. I keep thinking about who that Azure person is to me. Because throughout our battle, she felt so familiar with the way she battled and the aura around her.”
Nemona nodded in agreement. “I get what you mean. When I saw her battle, it felt like I was facing against someone who constantly wanted a challenge, like me. Maybe this person is someone you’ve battled a lot in your world.”
“Maybe? But until she reveals her identity, I can’t be sure just yet. I’ll just have to make sure to sort out those feelings the next time we battle. Because whatever plans they have with gathering Terestal energy that risks innocent lives, we need to put a stop to it.”
“We’ll be there for you every step of the way.” Arven grinned. “Not just us, but Juliana and the others too. We’ve got your back.”
Florian let out an appreciative smile. “Thanks, you two.”
“Don’t forget about us as well. We’ll also do our part to stand up against Team Tera.”
Lacey, Crispin, and Amarys walked towards Florian and the others, their faces indicating that their goal in stopping the rampaging Paradox Pokemon was a success.
“I’m glad you guys are safe. Hope they didn’t cause you too much trouble.”
“Nah! We burned so brightly with our Pokemon that they didn’t stand a chance!” Crispin happily declared, prompting Lacey to advise him not to shout so loud.
“We did have to use our full team to handle so many Pokemon attacking us, but we were able to knock them out before they did any more lasting damage to the city. Especially with no extra Paradox Pokemon crossing through now that you all closed the portal.” Amarys added.
“I’d say we scored a pretty big win. We should report what happened to La Primera so she can figure out what to do next.” Nemona suggested, Florian and the others immediately agreeing it to be the best course of action for now.
Despite not being able to stop Team Tera from seizing the Terestal energy they had gathered, they could take satisfaction in preventing Alfornada from being further invaded by those berserk Pokemon for now.
Still, Florian had a bad feeling that whatever that group was planning may lead to even greater damage to this world than what was already happening.
He really hoped he was wrong.
Crossing Terestal portals was always tricky as one wrong move could send to another part of the world entirely. Luckily, Malwyrm had plenty of experience using them to fulfill their missions, just like the one they just finished a few moments ago.
He had to admit that Florian was a tough trainer given his battle experience and success in defeating one of their most powerful Paradox Pokemon.
Still, if that was all he could do, then there was no way he could defeat him if he fully unleashed his strength.
He turned his head towards his current partner, who continued to walk in silence after saying her last words towards the trainer she knew. He never knew the guy, but he couldn’t help but feel pity towards Azure for her current predicament. Finally seeing someone she cared about after a long time and now having to treat him as an enemy.
It was honestly sad that she was letting herself get held back by trivial feelings and bonds, when they had the freedom to do whatever they wanted now.
Oh well, her problems were none of his concern. Things were starting to get interesting with Florian and his friends joining the fray, and he would continue to act however he liked in this hellscape of a world he called home.
They reached the crystalline tree that stood as their current base of operations, seeing another portal appear with two familiar faces crossing from the other side.
Just the snot-nosed brat he was expecting to see.
“You two came back sooner than I expected. I hope your mission was a success. Because ours sure was!” He happily decreed before taking a mocking tone towards his younger co-worker. “I wouldn’t want you to whine and wail because of how much better I am compared to you for the umpteenth time hehe.”
“Shut it! If it wasn’t for that girl Juliana and the little annoyance, they would’ve been crushed beneath my heel!” Noir angrily retorted, leaving Rose to sigh at her partner’s attitude.
“Please give it a rest while you’re still recovering from our battle…”
Malwyrm snickered at the boy. “Heh. Sounds like you’re just bein’ a sore loser. Even if you had the chance to battle your little boyfriend like we did, you’d still be defeated I bet. Even Azure had a rough time battling against him, being able to overpower her Paradox in the end.”
Rose gasped in surprise. “He was in Paldea?! Then, Thorn’s report really was true. But how did he get sent to that world in the first place? And why did he disappear for so long?”
“Maybe you can ask him the next chance you meet.” He shrugged. “With the way he was acting, there’s no way he’s going to sit back. He’s going to oppose us no matter what.”
He turned towards Azure with a huge smirk. “How do you feel about that, hmmmm? I know how much you care about the guy.”
She flashed a look of disgust at his insensitivity before answering. “If he does, I’ll stop him no matter the cost. He doesn’t need to get involved. He shouldn’t get involved. He doesn’t deserve to experience everything we’ve been through.”
“You say that, but I know you want him to be by your side. The heart can’t lie, especially one as pitiful as yours hehe.”
“You’re one to talk. You’ve got people you care about too, just like us. Or do you pretend that your heart’s as icy as a Kyurem’s to make yourself feel better?” Rose remarked with derision.
“Heh. This is just who I am now, changed from the hell and loss we’ve been dealt. Only I make the most out of this opportunity by being as free as a Dragonite, unlike some people who keep grudges on a formerly missing someone.” He chuckled, glancing at Noir’s growing expression of rage from his taunting.
Whatever. The little edgelord could act as mad as he liked. Messing with him was always fun for him these days. Serves him right after everything he put them through back then.
“Spice and Andromeda are taking their sweet time.” He casually remarked, to Azure’s displeasure over mentioning their names.
“They’re probably speaking with the boss about their mission. I’d imagine Spice is taking his time talking with him. Let’s just keep waiting for a bit until they show.”
“Figures they get preferential treatment from you.” He scoffed, prompting Rose to slam her elbow at him to shut up.
Now all they had to do was wait for the other commanders to show up and report their findings, with news of the boy who disappeared from Paldea suddenly showing up ready to stand as their enemy.
Because it was his fault too that they even gotten into this mess that changed their world upside-down in the first place. And he would never forgive him for that.
Noir, on the other hand, was tuned out by the idiotic banter his fellow commanders were engaged in. All he could think about was the boy who took everything from him. Along with the girl who bested him before his partner stopped him from going all out.
Stupid body not being able to handle, making him feel like a weakling again.
But next time will be different.
Next time, he would completely crush them both and prove to Florian once and for all that he had changed for the better like he dreamt of for so long.