Bestia: an ancient energy that allows Pokémon to use their powers. Lucca Aska is a plucky Brionne raised as a hero in a world devoid of Bestia, where Pokémon must use weapons and armour to survive. Destiny has chosen Lucca and five other outcasts to...
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Lucca had never felt so anxious before. He grit his fangs and focused as he swam into the depths of the sea, only diverting his eyes for brief instances. As he passed schools of Remoraid and other water types, or odd rock formations that could hide predators, his chest swelled with worry. His concerns were unfounded, as nothing attacked them.
"Lucca!" Azu's panicked shout got his attention, making him flinch and flip around to her.. "Air? Hurry up give everyone air!"
"Ah, I—" he shuddered. Now that they stopped, he realised what he had really done. They group had followed him deep into the sea, and he had only lead them across the seafloor for a few minutes. Mimia's cheeks were red and looked to burst, while Esther was clutching his back so tightly it actually hurt.
"Esther, let go of me!" he ordered, twisting back to try and get the Pikachu to let go. Her eyes widened and she shook her head, clenching even tighter if that was possible. "Gack- I can't help you if you don't- c'mon, just let me- Azu, help?"
Azu was even more anxious than he was, and after a bit more fiddling and fighting, managed to yank Esther off his back by pulling from behind. The moment Esther came free, the Pikachu let out a gurgled breath and started to choke, but Lucca was right there for her. He put his nose to her face and blew an air bubble over her, making sure it was a little bigger than her head before pulling away.
He didn't wait for her to get over her gasping fit, he went straight to Mimia and gave him an air bubble, and then did the same for Ruby, who was oddly calm and unbothered. The Cyndaquil was clearly holding her breath, but equally nowhere near any peril like Mimia and Esther.
"What, what? What the heck is- aahhh it feels funny get it off me!" Esther squealed.
"Stop fidgeting or it'll pop! Do you want to drown?" Azu warned. That shut the Pikachu up, but she was still breathing anxiously. "Whoa, are you okay?"
"Okay? Am I okay? Gods, how can I be okay?" Esther squeaked. She twisted and hugged Azu as tightly as she did Lucca. "I'm at the bottom of the ocean. Oh my gods I'm at the bottom of the ocean! With bad guys who tried to kill me!"
"We didn't try to kill you, the knights did," Ruby objected. "And pull yourself together!"
"No no no you don't understand- I can't- I'm gonna die!" Esther cried.
"You're not going to die. None of us are going to die here!" Lucca shouted above her, silencing her. "I'm not going to let any of you drown. I'm sorry that took so long. I just wanted to make sure we were well out of range."
"I could've gone a few miles, to be fair," Ruby bragged.
"Well you're not normal," Crystal remarked. "Mr Mimia, Miss Esther, are you okay?"
"No!" Esther squealed and hugged Azu even tighter. Mimia barked at her, happily paddling up to Lucca.
"Wait a minute... Esther, can you swim?" Azu asked.
