Secrets

Chapter 38 : Unfinished business

Quinn's P.O.V

I stared at the one-eyed Jolteon; fear prickled through me. Cora had a hollow expression, her purple eye intense as she glared at me. Hydro stood beside her, as he always seemed to do whenever I saw her. Cora stalked closer, and I backed up, but Milo moved nearer to me. I could see other Pokémon surrounding us now—Cora's followers. 'I'm dead, I'm as good as dead,' I thought, panic starting to rise within me. Suddenly, Erica stood in front of me; I saw her fur freeze with hostility as she met Cora's single eye. "Cora, wait—" "Shut up. You can't keep her from me, Erica. Quinn, she betrayed me, and I won't rest until she's paid the price." Cora cut her off, her voice cold, her muzzle twitching into a snarl. Erica didn't move; she held her ground, though I could see her legs trembling. I just opened my eyes. She's scared of Cora... perhaps I was wrong about her. Maybe Nova was right to trust Erica," I thought to myself.

Nova looked terrified for Erica as Cora's hackles raised, and Hydro stepped forward. His toxic green eyes lit up with that same sickening excitement; the Vaporeon was itching for violence. I took a shaky breath, then let my fur ruffle as I prepared myself. I wasn't going to let Nova and Erica fight my battles. I then shoved past Erica, who seemed to jump with surprise. My red eyes met that cruel, dangerous glare of Cora's dark purple eye. I snarled, narrowing my eyes at her. "Cora, leave them alone! This is between us, isn't it?" I challenged her, refusing to show fear now. In the past, I'd tried to reason with her; I kept thinking Cora was the same Jolteon I grew up with. Every time, I was proven wrong. Now I had to face her for what she is—a cold-blooded murderer.

Hydro looked annoyed. "We have her surrounded, Cora; no need to drag this on," he growled through his teeth. I pinned my ears back; Hydro was the voice of hate. I've always seen that, but I knew Cora couldn't. I knew I stood no chance, but I had to try—at least to distract long enough for Milo and Nova to get away. Erica, however, I did worry for her, but something told me she was safe from Cora's rage. Milo, however, looked ready to defend me. I flicked my tail as I looked over at him, giving him a stern warning look. I was trying to tell him to be ready to get out of here. He caught my eyes, but his expression was unreadable. Then, with a hiss, I faced Cora once again. "What? You need Hydro to back you up?! Why don't you fight me, Cora?! Why not kill me yourself instead of hiding behind that stupid Vaporeon!" I shouted at her, letting my claws slide out and daring to lash at her face.

Blood sprayed across the grass, I heard shocked gasps from the others, and before I knew it, Cora's claws raked my pelt with fresh anger. She had leapt at me with fierce energy. Electricity ran through her fur. I wiped my head towards Nova and Eric for a brief moment before hollering for them to run. "Go! Now!" My voice was raw with panic as Cora harried her teeth into the back of my neck. I forced myself to focus on the fight rather than my friends. I rolled to the ground to force Cora to let go of my neck, and as I rolled back to face her, I shot a shadow ball at her with all my strength. I wasn't gonna go easy on her now; this was life or death, and I wasn't sure how far Cora was willing to fight or how long before I have to worry about the Vaporeon. If I kill her quickly, maybe I can die knowing that Cora would never hurt another soul.

I found my footing on the grass, and I saw Cora charging at me with Wild Charge. She was too fast for me; I tried to dodge but failed. I let out a hiss of pain as she slammed into me, and the electric shocks burned painfully. I was knocked to the ground. My fur was staticky from the hit, and I whimpered in pain, but I had no time to dwell on it. With great effort, I pushed myself up and didn't waste time. I saw Cora already charging with another electric move; this time, I moved with swift speed. I felt my fur fizz as Thunderbolt just missed me by a hair.