Beast Speaker, Monster Tamer

78: This is the Chapter Where They Finish

When Elise reached the camp, exhausted and cramping, she arrived to rapid evacuation efforts underway. A hero saw her and came to help. Crouching down to let the boy slide off her back, she turned to address him.

"We're here now. More heroes can help you as we move along, alright?"

"We'll find my parents?" he asked quietly as the other hero reached them.

"We'll try," Elise said. "Don't stop hoping."

"Thank you." The boy nodded shyly. "You didn't do too bad for your first time. You need to work on controlling your reactions more, though. You got swept away and were a little too rough. A h-hero must keep a strong, calm front and be mindful of their strength when transporting civilians. Even if you're scared you must project an air of security for people. You're their defense, after all."

Nodding, Elise got up, pushing back her body's warning signs and forcing her body back into action.

Before she could exchange spots with the other examinee waiting on them, the boy stepped closer. "I advise you to seek some support for yourself. For the things you've faced."

The words brought heat to her face, an aching emotion that she refused to address.

(What sort of hero was so spooked by some pitiful memories that she couldn't keep her head on during a pretend event?)

"I-I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

That was the dismissal for her and she resumed the task of evacuation. Exchanging quiet words with the other hero allowed him to pick up the boy before moving away. Snatching a tiny moment of peace, Elise took that time to work out her tense muscles, fingers digging into knots in her shoulders. An experimental flex of her bad arm made her wince as tingling that flared down to her fingers.

Digging in her pouches, Elise withdrew a piece of candied ginger and popped it in her mouth, chewing it to combat her nausea despite it aggravating her sensitive throat. I don't know how much longer I can hold up.

Just a little bit more. C'mon!

A distant rumble drew her attention and she turned her head back at the way she came, seeing smoke billowing up much closer to the camp than she liked. The camp, though rapidly moving, still had much too many civilians left. Now it was even harder as cries of fear began to break through the focused efforts.

Fuck. A vague check of her bonds showed Braviary away from the fray. She gently pulled at the bond, not activating it to pull the bird back but enough for it to feel her wish for it to return. Sighing, Elise redirected her focus.

Two Pokéballs flew up into the air, flashing open. "Arcanine, Luxray, come out!"

Catching another hero's attention, she motioned to her two Pokémons.

"Arcanine and Luxray can help transport civilians out. They're strong enough to carry a few at a time."

Her eyes flickered to the two large creatures and then to Elise. "I-Uh-okay!"

"Go. I'm going to keep an eye out for the villains." She turned, giving a nod to her Pokémons before leaving. Approaching the edge of the camp, Elise took stock of the area, seeing the exposed pathways that led straight to the camp without resistance. Many alleys fed straight into the area, routes all directed back at where the villains were.

I need blockades... It'll help slow them down.

"Garchomp, Onix, come out please!"

Two more Pokémons arrived to the fray, waiting for her directions. A bit of blood trickled down her nose and Elise had to breathe deeply to not throw up.