Love in the Time of Trepidation

Chapter 9: A Rejuvenation

I don't have much to say this time to be honest. Let's go Chapter 9!

Chapter 9

A Rejuvenation

The rain didn't stop. Not immediately.

As if she had torn the heavens with her actions, it poured unceasing upon the already waterlogged lands. There was no doubt many eyes turned in that direction, wondering what had caused it all, but even those present had no answer. What Akari had managed was nothing short of incredible, even if she hardly realized what she had done, herself.

She only knew she had succeeded in stopping the force threatening to destroy people and Pokémon alike without care. To that, she knew she could sleep, the heat in her hand fading away and leaving nothing but a cold trinket in her grasp. Akari fell backwards.

"Cynda!" She didn't quite hit the ground, her body stopped by the form of Cyndaquil, now much smaller than his own friend, but no less tenacious. He held her in place as she took her shallow breaths, pushing her until she could at least sit up. When she had, Akari patted Cyndaquil on the head and looked over to the still disturbed waters of Lake Valor.

Now that the flush of battle was quickly fading from her, she felt guilt arise. In the heat of the attack, she had forgotten that they needed Lilligant. Although, there was a case to be made that Lilligant had been no help in its frenzied state. That was enough to convince her she was right, and she began to fall backwards again.

"Akari!" A hand was on her back, holding her up, though not forcing herself to sit. "Akari, are you okay?"

"She's clearly not," Calaba said, clucking her tongue at Arezu's question. "Girl must have strained herself, showing such frightening power..."

"I didn't do that much," Akari chuckled out. She wanted to close her eyes and just rest, already done with conversation or any aftermath of the battle. Only the thought of the Galaxy Team waiting for her to find those flowers made her keep awake, beating at her side to keep herself at attention.

"There are some who have taken on the Nobles, but very few live to tell the tale. The number of bandits who think themselves clever, only to fall at the hands of those they would try to harm is uncountable, indeed." Calaba was shaking her head, and after a moment, looked to the same spot of the lake. "And yet, in the peak of your rage, you managed to quell the Lady Lilligant."

"Oh, goodness, Lady Lilligant!" Arezu's cry was split, unsure whether to keep supporting Akari or go to help the one that was her ward. Akari reached up, patting the girl's shoulder.

"You should...help her. We still need her."

"R-right. Um..." Arezu gently let Akari lay down, though she felt immediately uncomfortable about doing so. The redhead stood, wincing at her foot being tested. With a single step, she staggered to the side, only for her body to be caught, this time by Ursaluna. Akari grimaced, but said nothing, especially on seeing the nasty bruise across his form. Still, he wished to support Arezu.

"Bibarel, search the lake for Lady Lilligant. Perhaps she'll answer the call of Miss Arezu's voice. She is her ward after all."

"Bi." Moving at the same pace as Warden and Noble, Bibarel padded along to the banks of Lake Valor. Dewott, meanwhile, came from the other end, dragging his whole body with a lethargy that Akari understood all too well. Still, she attempted to sit up again and flinched when she felt something dig into the skin of her hand.

Now letting curiosity take over the exhaustion, she opened her hand to splay it out, revealing a claw within, glistening red. The shuffling of steps next to her said that Calaba saw it as well, but she said nothing, her lips pursed in observation. At last, the rain began to taper to an inoffensive trickle.