[Blackness.]
...(Now... I think I find faith in Naught... Faith in the very same one I hated before all of this... And still... I walk the path he has created for me ever so silently... Until now... I have awakened Light foolishly... Now they'll be after me... They'll keep chasing me... With every step I take, it will get much more difficult... The inevitable... Fighting my friends... The Apocalypse... Maybe all of the weight of this is Naught's trial unto me... Which... which brings me to the question... What day on Earth is it...? It was the 27th when I left... A day went by, so that would be the 28th... If I sleep for very much longer... it will be the 29th... I don't have much time...
...
Time...
...
I understand now...
...
But... That Cree person was so against me traveling through time... what happens when I do...? Can't I hone my skills in way so nothing happens...?)
Naught: Child... My Advocate...
...(Naught... Have I...?)...
Naught: Indeed... You have completed the very genesis of this tribulation... though not quite the way I planned.
...(I have? ... That's good to know... But I left both Eclipses scarred, and I left the heroes of each world corrupted...)...
Naught: Precisely... That is what Darkness does... That is it's purpose... To dominate and corrupt... To Overcome and Achieve... And you have done well... I see the shade of gray within you has grown darker...
...(This will take some getting used to... But... My ability... Time Travel... How do I get better at it?)...
Naught: You must maintain the form you are currently in. Through that alone, you will accumulate skill... But for that to be, the state must be maximized... That is why you are no longer who you used to be...
...(That name... I always forget it... How will any Eclipses know who I am if I don't even know...?)...
Naught: They shall sense it... Darkness within you is growing, Celebi... But that does not at all mean the Eclipses will forget you...
...(...That's the most comforting thing I've ever heard you say...)...
Naught: Hmhmm... Do not get too comfortable, my Advocate... Far more challenging trials await you... As of now, you have served your purpose for the Pokemon World and Mobius... Leave them inside that cesspool of chaos...
...(Huh...? What's going on...? I feel like I'm waking up... Am I?)...
Naught: Indeed... I am allowing you into the Strayer Void... It is a passageway controlled by Darkness that utilizes abilities, and refreshes the impurity in all beings as they travel to another world...
...(I remember... You used it on me once to send me back to my world during the Ethereal Cross... But it didn't work for some reason...)...
Naught: Exactly. And it is because of that, I unveiled a new use for it, exclusively for you... It will serve as the portal to other worlds... However, free use is prohibited... You must earn it... And you have earned the right to use it, it seems...
...
ABSANCTUS PROMYVION
~~Strayer Void~~
~~Strayer Void~~
...
[The area is a void of swirling red space everywhere. It is a seemingly endless funnel of a crimson vortex. There is a single, floating rock path. Upon it lay Celebi... His appearance has changed slightly. His antennas have lowered, and the spike on the back of his head has curled a bit more. His color is also a darker green. The lighter green has turned the same color as the first dark green on his body, and that dark green as begun to show a dark turquoise.]
Celebi: [Stands up, not yet flying.] Whoa... I feel different... I look a little different also...
Naught: [Voice inside of Celebi's mind.] (That is the Darkness settling with you. It has affected your form...)
Celebi: ...Hmm... Naught... Where do I head from here...?
Naught: (Follow the path... It shall lead you to the next world...)
Celebi: Alright... [Begins forward.] ...The first ordeal... Two worlds collided... Will that happen again?
Naught: (Fate will answer that question... )
Celebi: Ok... And Naught...? I have two more questions... And then I will be ready.
Naught: (What might they be?)
Celebi: Do you know if Light knows... about what happened on Mobius?
Naught: (... Hmhmhmhmhmm... You shall see...)...
Celebi: Huh...? Urgh... That doesn't sound too good... ...Well it doesn't matter... I still have a goal here: find my past... My true self... And that makes me wonder how everyone is back home... If they are still there... It was Light who started this... Who brought me lies... It's unforgivable...
Naught: (Yes... Use that anger against Light, Celebi... Use it... Overcome... and Achieve)
Celebi: And my last question... This Cree fellow I fought on Mobius... Do you know his purpose here...?
Naught: Ah, my Advocate... If I am correct, he is but one of many. Their purpose is far more dangerous than Darkness'... to annihilate this dimension, or so I have heard.
Celebi: To annihilate a dimension... B-but why?! Why does that have to happen?
Naught: Even I, the Overlord of Misery... lack this knowledge. My Advocate, these "Ruinous" have been given a dose of the power of Darkness, and now they shall bring us destruction if we do not maintain sharp senses.
Celebi: Light's at least gotta know about them...
Naught: Correct. That Phaze Lord is knowledgeable... Advocate, you may very well face more of The Ruinous in your trial, and you shall have to combine your efforts with my Darkness to defeat them, should they stand in your path. If not, let the fools of Light confront them...
Celebi: (The Ruinous... They're not to be trifled with in any way, but... if it comes to that...) ...Okay. I understand... time to go then. [The area surrounding Celebi begins to intensify... The swirling crimson begins to speed up, and the entire area starts trembling...]
Naught: Yes... Go forth, my Advocate... Go forth and grow in Darkness...
...
...(Grow... in Darkness...)...
...
[On to the next world... Everything blackens at first... Then the sound of wind blowing through the grass can be heard... Celebi slowly opens his eyes, finding himself laying on a grassy safari... A village can be seen in the distance.]
S A F A
~~The Oathlands~~
~~The Oathlands~~
...
...
...
"Well... He's strong as hell. But that's not gonna cut it..."
...
"I knew Naught would take him from this world... A lot of things here just work too much like they do back home..."
...
Cruce: [Cruce now sits on the roof of one of the buildings in Central City, legs crossed over the edge.] (Now the only problems... Where did he go...? And how can I get there? I don't have any leads... ...Hm, actually... When I first came here, he was on Safa. But that was in the future... maybe even the past... More likely the future, because of everyone's reactions. It's the only lead I have, so I'll give it a swing.) [He stands, the sun beginning to rise.] (Chris and those Eclipses gave me a hell of a fight. I'd be screwed if I wasn't a shape shifter... I guess I'm only lucky... Still...) Still, I have a job to do here, and I won't get anywhere if I don't at least do a few crazy things... Just like this. [A second after he finishes speaking, a dark corridor shoots up round him, instantly taking him away to the first place he met Chris: Oathville...]
...
...
...
[Cruce appears in the center of Oathville, on the bench of the circular fountain. Nobody is around...]
...
Cruce: ...(Thank God nobody was here. That would've freaked them out... I'm gonna take a wild guess and say a human would also freak people out, especially one who looks Chris...) [He places both hands on his hips, looking up at the rising sun.] (It's getting bright... People are gonna be out soon, I'm thinkin'. Theres no Ecliptic Pull here, but... I might as well use my Safan form here.) [Going with that plan, Cruce hops from the fountain, getting to his hands and knees to ease into his next form. His body becomes pitch black once again, reforming into a Safan fox. He usually assumes this form whenever he sets foot on Safa from his dimension. His fair remains almost entirely the same. His fur is jet black, and he is about Safiri's size.]
...
...
...
[Meanwhile...]
...
[The morning air is crisp and cold... It is still dawn... The sun is barely rising... Celebi sits in the grass, watching the sun...]
Celebi: Safa... Sure is nice out here... (This place is different from The Pokémon World or Mobius... It's not as populated... This world is very nature-magical... Aside from the Eclipses, this world is also powered by other objects like the Time Gears and Chaos Emeralds, which Naught stole... The Ancient-Growths... Enormous trees that have been around since this planet began... Their roots are said to connect with the core of Safa... And they can be seen from space... A magical phenomenon...)
...
[The sun continues to rise...]
...
Celebi: I should get going... No time to waste. [Celebi hovers in midair, and begins toward the town downhill...]
...
~~Oathville...~~
[It is quiet... Celebi is floating just on the edge of the town. It is a small, circular village. On the outside, it's almost empty... But Safans prefer living underground...]
Celebi: [Almost empty meaning that there is but one black fox Safan near the fountain.](This whole place may seem desolate... But it's an underground city really... I can imagine that most of the townsfolk are just waking up... I wonder who this fox is... I haven't seen him before.) Hey there.
Cruce: [His ears flick up. He turns around, a bright expression showing on his face.] Ch-Chris!! (SWEET!! I was totally right! Unless I'm on the Pokémon World again and that's just some Celebi, but I doubt that because his voice sounds familiar.)
Celebi: And you know my, well... "other" name, because...?
Cruce: ...Hm, didn't think of that... I figured you wouldn't recognize me for two reasons...
...
[Suddenly, three Nightmares ascend from a puddle of shadows before Celebi could respond... They're aligned horizontally.]
Celebi: [Surprised, he flails back.] What the!? ...It seemed so peaceful.
[These Nightmares are much different... They are animal-like. One is shaped like a bear, another like a coyote, and the last like a chimp. They're eyes are shining with no color; white. It simply means that they can be defeated without the use of any elements, but Light is always effective.]
Cruce: Nightmares... [He runs to Celebi's side.]
Celebi: Safan Nightmares... The Shade, Daniel, used these... They're a bit harder than normal Nightmares, but luckily, no element is needed...
[The three charge Celebi and Cruce. They quickly jolt upward at the same time, avoiding all of them. From his aerial position, Celebi makes a move...]
Celebi: Razor Leaf! [A gust of wind blows serrated leaves around Celebi, and then toward the coyote Nightmare. They slice through it, and it disappears in the air...] (That's new... how did I do that...?)
Cruce: [Looking into the air at Celebi.] Razor Leaf, huh...?
[The chimp Nightmare leaps into the air and strikes Celebi down.]
Celebi: [Hits the ground roughly...] Ouch! Erf... [Recovers.] Not cool. ... Hmm... [The chimp charges.] !! [Jolts to the side, barely avoiding the blow. he doesn't realize that the bear Nightmare is right on top of him.] Phew... Huh...? [Turns around. The bear is towering over him. It swipes Celebi, sending him through the air until he can recover using only his wings...] Urgh...
Cruce: [Turns to the chimp Nightmare while keeping track of the bear. It begins jumping around aggressively.] Spell time. [He closes his eyes, dark purple beams rising around him. The black magic spell casting ends in a few seconds.] Eat Thundaga! [He casts, stepping forward. A small burst of electricity explodes over the chimp, then erupts into a large series of blasts that continuously zap it and the nearby bear. The force of this tier 4 spell is enough to eradicate the Nightmares, which is especially surprising because all Thundagas generally deal less damage than single target Thunder...] Hah.
...
Celebi: [Still in the position... He drops it.] Wow... You're pretty tough... I wasn't expecting a Safan to cast Thundaga at that force... I don't think I'd forget someone like that. (But what are the Nightmares already doing here...? I wonder if everyone's alright.)
Cruce: ...Well, let's talk. I don't know if you'll recall...
Celebi: Worth a shot. [Shrugs, smirking.]
[Celebi and Cruce walk to the center of the town. Cruce sits on the ground in front of the fountain while Ceebi sits on its edge.]
Celebi: So, talk to me. How do you know what everyone calls me?
Cruce: ...Let's start with an introduction. My name is Cruce Ifai. Just call me Cruce. We met on the Pokémon World, just before you rescued Tails from Mewtwo.
Celebi: ...[Sits in a thinking position.] Hmm... I don't remember at all... But I do know what you're talking about, so there's something to it.
Cruce: Yeah, it was in the pit of the Beach Cave. Adam, Al, and Lucario were with us.
Celebi: That's really weird, I can't recall... But you knowing that should mean you're telling the truth.
Cruce: [Nods.] I promise, I am.
Celebi: But... I don't get it. How could I lose my memory of you and no one else? Does it relate to me losing the memory of "Chris"?
Cruce: ... [Sighs.] Umm... It kind of does, I think... It has to do with your time traveling ability...
Celebi: What about it, Cruce? How do you even know I can time travel?
Cruce: I've been with you while you do it. Honesty, I've tried to stop you from doing it...
Celebi: What...?! B-but why?! I need to learn how to use that ability.
Cruce: [Closes his eyes.] ...Tell me, what's time to you?
Celebi: Time... it's... it's a dimension, right...?
Cruce: Well, yes... Yeah, it's a dimension... have you heard anything about "dimensions"? Anything dangerous that has to do with... say, this dimension?
Celebi: (That's right... Naught told me about this in the Strayer Void...) I do... I was informed of this group known as The Ruinous.
Cruce: The Ruinous...
Celebi: I was told they have come to this dimension to eliminate it for no reason. I've fought one of them... and... he was one of the most powerful enemies I think I've ever faced...
Cruce: ...What was his name...?
Celebi: I think it was... Cree.
Cruce: Cree... The Ruinous...
Celebi: Cruce, do you know anything about them?
Cruce: (Looks like word of this is spreading in its own way... I'd better conceal myself as best as I can.) I'm not too sure. I think I'm from their dimension, but... I don't know what's going on... That's why I believe I've lost my memory of plenty of things, like you forgot your name and who I was.
Celebi: ...Hmmm... but what does that have to do with you stopping my time traveling?
Cruce: It's... it's my nature... I don't remember anything about what I came here for, but I remember that if one traveled through time... something nasty'd happen, because you have alternate dimensional beings here...
Celebi: ...I... guess I get it...
Cruce: Something's bugging me, though. I feel like there's another reason here.
Celebi: Well... [Crosses his arms.] If it's even more dangerous than what is about to happen to my world...
Cruce: Celebi, we can stop that. I don't know if you remember, but... we promised we'd stay together. I'd fight by your side to save your realm... but... [Looks to the ground.] The Ruinous, or what you call them at least, or crafty. They know me, and... They will do everything in their power to get me out of their way...
Celebi: And I've witnessed that power... Alright, Cruce... I'll believe you. You sound sincere. Whatever it takes, I'll try not to time travel. Being in this form is enough to get some experience for it anyways. [He looks up, noticing a bird approaching in the distance.] (Hey... it's 'K, coming for a morning dip as usual... It's been a while since I've seen him.)
[He appears to be a gray pigeon Safan. He has one strand of light brown hair sticking up. The tip of his wings are white. He lands on the fountain, curious of Celebi's presence... The two stare blankly at eachother.]
Kanen: 'Ey there, mates. I don't think I've seen you around here... Are you two new to these parts?
Cruce: I am. My name's Cruce.
Celebi: (Oh yeah... he doesn't recognize me... I don't think he'll be able to in any way... Might as well just introduce myself...) I just got here. My name's Celebi.
Kanen: Well met! I'm Kanen. Townsfolk just call me 'K. Sorry to bother, mates. I come by every morning and have myself a mornin' bath to enjoy. Hope ya don't mind.
Celebi: Not at all...
Cruce: Nope.
Kanen: [Before he gets in the water, he shivers...] Ur-hr-hr... Something... Some'in don't feel quite right... The atmosphere of the town's a bit different...
Celebi: (It's probably beause Darkness is here...) Oh... Yeah, something's been going on around here... Be on the lookout for any suspicious shady characters...
Kanen: [Turns to Celebi again.] Eh? Shady characters, you say? Hmm... Ya know, I've never ever seen a Safan like yourself... [Turns to Cruce.] Or such a dark colored fox...
Celebi: (Got him suspicious... ) That's because I'm not a Safan... I'd best not say anything else. (I don't want them to know that I have turned against Light... I'm closer to Safiri as a friend than Mew or Tails...As well as the villagers... This includes 'K...)
Cruce: And me? Wellllll... I guess shady characters was a bit too vague.
Kanen: That's a shocker, in truth. 'Ay, mates, it's not often Oathville here gets herself visitors.
Cruce: Well... we had a little problem a second ago.
Celebi: That's right. We dealt with a few Nightmares as we got here. There were only three. That's still enough to cause considerable trouble.
Kanen: Those devilish things soiled these grounds again?!
Celebi: N-not too much... (Ugh... I've been so tensed up lately, I'm just gonna blow who I am by accident...)
Kanen: ...Hrmm... Seems the whole town's at unease... Usually the kiddies are out to get some morning air by now... I bet everyone's been awfully scared because of them Nightmares. They can just smell it... Sheesh, 'last time they arrived, we had a whole bunch'a heroes backin' us up... There was a golden one in there too... I remember 'im... Chris, was it? Yup... Ah, listen to me, yappin' off again. Sorry mate.
Cruce: (So, Chris has been here before... I wonder who the other heroes were.)
Celebi: No, that's okay... I bet you guys felt much safer then... [Begins hovering again.] There aren't any more Nightmares at the moment... Do you know where the Proud Wanderers are?
Kanen: 'Tell the truth, not so much... How do you know 'bout them exactly?
Celebi: I uh... I've heard of them.
Kanen: 'That so?
Cruce: ...Who exactly are these Proud Wanderers?
Kanen: Only the most extravagant heroes in all of the Oathlands, mate! Quite the characters, if you ask me.
Cruce: 'That so...?
...
[The three of the hear a noise come from one of the houses. They turn... A young squirrel Safan is peeping from behind a small wooden door. He seems frightened. His fur is light brown, and his hair is a bit darker brown, messy style. His eyes are dark green.]
Kanen: Hmm? 'That Ray over there?
Ray: Oh... It's you, 'K! Phew... [Opens the door all the way.]
Celebi: (Ray... One of Safiri's good friends.)
Cruce: (So, this is Ray... I don't think I saw him back in the future.)
[Ray approaches cautiously...]
Ray: I could've sworn, there were freaks out here earlier... [Notices Celebi and Cruce.] Huh...? Um... Hi.
Celebi: Hey there. Don't worry, those Nightmares are gone.
Cruce: They shouldn't bother the village with us around.
Ray: Oh, you two drove them away? That's rad! I can't handle those guys by myself! Not much can, I would think.
Celebi: (Already, he knows we got rid of them...)
Ray: Anyway, I'm Ray. Welcome to Oathville.
Celebi: Thanks, I'm Celebi.
Cruce: I'm Cruce. [Smiles.]
[Something's watching...]
...
Kanen: Ray, don't this place seem a little freaky still?
Ray: Without a doubt...
...
Celebi: (...That presence... I've felt it before... Oh no... It's... There's no mistaking it, the only one who could...)
Kanen: Feels kinda feminine, 'eh mates?
Ray: ...Y...You know what, you're right...
Cruce: Who radiates femaleness...? That's a hard concept to grasp.
Celebi: Lea!?!? Oop--[Immediately covers his mouth.]
Ray & Kanen: What?
Cruce: Ohhh, good point.
Lea: [From nowhere...] Hehehe! You know I'm here, do you Celebi? Well well! How conveniant! I don't have to hide anymore! [Using her sorcery, she literally appears in a flash right in front of Celebi.] Hello boys!
[Ray, Celebi, and Kanen jolt back. Cruce simply stands, watching her.]
Cruce: (Lea again, huh? ...Funny, she seemed so much more afraid of Celebi in the future.)
Celebi: L-L-Lea!!? What the heck are you doing here?!
Lea: Aw, look at you! How adorable! Oh, and I can't just tell you why I'm here, dearie!
Celebi: Wh...Why!?
Lea: Well that would ruin the games! Remember, there's no way out! Hehe! The only way out is to die!
Celebi: Gulp... [Stunned.]
Lea: Oh, Lord Naught turned you into a cutie, yes he did! Ohh! I have an idea... Why not challenge you a little more? Let's make you even cuter! [Points her jeweled staff at Celebi.]
Celebi: Oh no... No no no no no no! [Backs up in midair.] Not that Lea! Please!! You've gotta be kidding!!
Cruce: Sweet... [Smirks.]
Celebi: Wh--Cruce!! Do you even know what that'll do to me?! [He continues backing up.]
Lea: [She is flying as well. Following Celebi.] Oh no you don't! [Giggles. She thrusts the staff a bit, and a pinkish beam of light is shot at Celebi.]
Celebi: [Quickly drops himself onto the ground, avoiding the blast.] Knock it off, Lea!!
Lea: Little evasive, hm? Not so much any more. [Points the staff at Celebi and begins charging up for a more powerful blast.]
Celebi: [Cowering a little.] (...Wait, what the heck am I doing? She may be a Shade, but she hasn't faced me in this form.) [Smirks.]
Lea: Hmm?
Celebi: (B-but wait... if I do that, then it'll be much worse than just... Cruce told me that's dangerou--) [Before he can finish the thought, a pink beam envelops him.] (CR-CRAP!!)
Lea: Hehehehe! How unlike you to freeze up like that, Dearie. [Still pointing her staff at Celebi...]
Celebi: [Fallen to the ground. Regains the ability to stand, but is still a little dizzy.] ...Erm... Whoa... [Voice seems much more feminine.] Wh-What the...?
Kanen: Great goodness, mate! Yer a sheila! I think.
Ray: [Shocked.] WHAAAT THE HEEECK!?
Celebi: Huh? Ahhhh!!! [Not much of her physical state actually shows this. There are some that do.]
Lea: It's been a bit Celebi! I've gotten stronger, so no playing around, Darling.
Celebi: [Frowning, looking ahead at Lea.] Whaaa...? That's no fun, Lea...
Lea: Hehe! Don't think about time traveling, because that can't save you from yourself! You're gonna have to get to me if you wanna turn back! I can guarantee that won't be easy!
Cruce: Hahahahah! Ohhh, that's good...
Celebi: Cr-Cruce! Are you with me or against me?!
Cruce: C'mon, you don't look hurt. I think she's just playing with you!
Celebi: Oh sure, she's just playing... Why don't you try being like this?!
Lea: Hehe, yes, Dear! Why don't you try it, if you're so quick to laugh at it? [She points the staff at Cruce. It begins to glow.]
Cruce: [Smirks wide, looking right at Lea.] Oh, yeah... Go on, do it. Neutralize me. I dare you.
Lea: Your manners are lacking! How about I teach you some, vixen? [She fires the same beam at Cruce. Only a few split seconds pass before it subsides.]
Cruce: [Now female, she gives a sexy look to Ray and Kanen.] How do I look, boys?
Ray & Kanen: [Dumbfounded...] ...
Cruce: [Laughs.] Hahahahah! Ahhh, this brings back memories...
Lea: ...[Blinks, pointing her staff at Cruce still. She gives a much more serious look.] ...Who are you, Dear?
Cruce: [Turns back to Lea.] My name is Cruce Ifai, Cruce for short.
Lea: You must lack common sense to not fear a Shade, Cruce.
Cruce: On the contrary... [His body becomes pitch black. He simply shifts his gender back to normal.] I'm not that stupid.
Lea: Wh-... A shape shifter... Hmhm, I should've known. They love provoking me... [A dark corridor appears behind her.] We'll see how strong the two of you, Celebi and Cruce, are against my wind... Farewell, Darlings. [She vanishes...]
Celebi: [Standing completely speechless...] Whaaat...? That's not fair...
Kanen: Aiiiee!! That's not a normal method of fighting!
Ray: ...C...Celebi? Who was that? You knew her?
Celebi: Ohh... I'm afraid so... That is... so unfair!!
Cruce: Well, maybe for you.
Celebi: I knew you would say that... (That makes this so much harder... Or at least so much more embarrassing... Agh! But what is Lea doing here? I wouldn't be surprised to see her on Soren, but on Safa...? And was she controlling the Safan Nightmares...? I'd think that's more of Daniel's position... Daniel! Shoot!! Naught's throwing two Shades at me!?... Wait... There could be others, like Mewtwo and Eggman weren't Shades, but they were Naught's minions... Maybe someone else...) Cruce, you're so cheap. You have an understanding of lightning magic and you can SHAPE SHIFT. Can you even die?
Cruce: Well... based on that old saying "If it bleeds, it dies." I guess I can... but does it have to be blood... cause... If it does, then I can't...
Celebi: ...[Shakes her head.] You're so janky...
Cruce: ...Janky?
[More townsfolk, feeling the weight of Lea's presence leave, appear, murmuring over the commotion.]
[A greenish snake rushes over to Ray. She isn't too long in length, about 4 foot. He hair is a bit curly and brown. Her eyes are darker brown.]
Slianna: Ray!! Are you okay?
Ray: I'm fine! Slianna, you missed it! This strange looking girl just came out of nowhere and...
Slianna: Hm? Is it her? [Refers to Celebi.]
Celebi: [Lowers her head.] Errr...
Cruce: Nah, it's not her.
[A black bunny Safan with short black hair and dark azure eyes joins the conversation.]
Jatenn: 'Sup dudes!? What's the haps?
Ray: Not sure... It happened too fast.
Jatenn: Too fast...? Seemed like that feelin' stood over town for a bit, didn't it?
[More murmurs of panic.]
...
[Now, Cruce feels obligated to return to his methods of simply watching the scene unfold before him.]
Celebi: ...(No... I sense another nearby... This one is much more hidden over the crowd... In fact... This one is in the crowd... Shoot... I knew it... Lea did leave one last trap behind... Whatever the case... Darkness is very nearby... Yes... If something isn't done, the townsfolk will be in danger... Time to act!) [Flies into the air.] Everyone!! There's still something wrong!!
[Silence...]
...
Town Safan Monkey: Huh? Who is she? Has she always been here?
Town Safan Pony: Maybe she knows what the problem is!
Celebi: That's right! I know what's going on! ...Someone in this very crowd... Is working... for Naught!!
[Everyone reacts on a shocked motion.]
???: ...[Hidden away in the crowd.] Heheh...Nice...
Celebi: I ask you all! Please rush to safety right now!!
[No one hesitates to do this. They all rush to their houses. Kanen and Ray follow Slianna. Instead of retreating into their houses, everyone observes, as one Safan remains, his head down. A wide grin can be seen on his face... He is a dark brown dingo Safan. With a low mohawk. Black stripes run down his back. He lifts his head...grinning.]
Pryme: Hahaha! So you found me out...
Ray & Slianna: PRYME!?
Kanen: How'd he get in our town!?!?
[The crowd gasps.]
Jatenn: Who let that sucker in our town!?
Town Safan: Yeah!! What's he doing here!? Let's kick 'im out!
[Murmurs of agreement.]
Pryme: You guys... Ah, it's great to be home... Hraah! [Two shadowy puddles appear beside him. From those puddles emerge Nightmares, both of Pryme's form: dingo.]
[More murmurs, except they are much more fearful now... No one expected this.]
Ray: Pryme can control Nightmares too!?...
Slianna: No way... That's impossible!
Pryme: Hahahaha!! Look at you! Looks like Lea tied you over nicely, Celebi!
Celebi: Shut up, Pryme! You remember the last time we fought! I drove you and your dingo heinie away!
Pryme: Hah! But the tables have turned! I'm prepared now! With Naught's power, I'll win the race to your realm, Reality!! There's no escaping it! You are in one heck of a challenge this time... Chris!! Ahahahahahaha!!!
Everyone: [Long gasps.]
Celebi: [Her eyes widen.] Y-you... You little...!
Pryme: [Laughing maniacally.] Ahaa!!--H...Huh!?
[Suddenly, a bright beam of light shoots through one of his Nightmares, dissipating it. The beam becomes a living being, landing on the fountain right beside Celebi. It is a Safan hawk with a variety of colored feathers: gray, brown, black, dark brown, and white. His hair is black, and short. Swiff.]
...
[A young black bear Safan, seemingly from nowhere, lands right in front of the other Nightmare. His fur is nearly pitch black, along with his hair, which is up due to a blue headband. His eyes are dark brown He performs a series of skilled close-combat swipes, ending with a leg flail. This eliminates the other Nightmare. He then leaps to the other side of Celebi, in a battle stance right on impact. Pumel.]
...
Pryme: Wh-wh-whaaat!?!?
Proud Voice: [From right in front of Celebi.] Nowhere to run now, Pryme... [A grown lion Safan appears from completely nowhere. His fur his of average lion color. His mane is very dark, like that of a pride leader's. There is a strange symbol on his back... His eyes are dark peridot. Apparently he has some sort of super power, allowing him to invisify, even out of solidity. He tackles Pryme, knocking him back almost to the crowd. Drilion.]
Town Safan: No way! Is it really them?
Town Safan: It is! Their timing is perfect!
Town Safan: Yes! The heroes have returned!
Ray: It's the Proud Wanderers! Swiff, Pumel, and Drilion!
Slianna: They're back!!
Swiff: No more games, Pryme... You and your new tricks are over...
Pumel: Give it up! Here and now!
Drilion: You stand no chance against us...
Pryme: Cr-crud... Naught told me not to abuse his dark power, 'else I'll get in trouble... But in a situation like this... It's best I RUN!!! [Another dark vortex appears. It is much smaller, and is anticipated not to lead very far. It swallows Pryme. He vanishes...]
...
Drilion: That foolhardy Pryme got away again, it seems...
Pumel: Good riddance. He can't do much on his own.
Celebi: On his own, no.. But with Naught's power... It's another story.
Drilion: Are you alright? You aren't hurt?
Celebi: I'm fine, thanks... I-I really should get going, in pursuit of Pryme... C'mon, Cruce.[Begins hovering away from the fountain with Cruce at her side. Every is silent as she and Cruce do this...]
...
Ray: Wait a sec! ...[Catches up to Celebi. Slianna and Jatenn follow behind.]
[Celebi stops, nervous. She refuses to turn around...]
Slianna: Yeah, hold on!
...
Ray: Um... I have to ask you something... When Pryme appeared... He talked about you being from Reality... And you being... Chris.
[Silence...]
Celebi: Yeah, I'm from Reality... But Chris? Sorry, that's not my name... [Tensing up, in emotional confusion.]
Cruce: [Notices her tension.] (Chris must not want them to know... God, that'll last a few seconds...)
Jatenn: Hold a sec! Chris was the only dude from Reality who could even come here! I remember that being said!
Slianna: Yes, exactly! And how else would you already know Pryme...?
Ray: And if it really is you... We missed you...
Celebi: [Closes her eyes... Trembling.]
...
[The townsfolk watch in silence...]
Celebi: Ray... Slianna... Jatenn... Everyone of Oathville... I've returned...
Slianna: [Gasps.]
Jatenn: !!
Ray: I... I knew it was you!!
[Everyone gathers around the scene, enlightened at this being said.]
Town Safan: The hero is back!
Town Safan: I knew it!
Town Safan: What a drastic change in appearance though...
Pumel: Wait... Chris was that really tough guy that fought with us?
Swiff: He told us he was human... It no longer looks like...
Drilion: Nonetheless, what a reunion!
[Everyone cheers in a clamor of excitement, but the out of the blue...]
Young, Timid Voice: Everyone!! We have trouble!!
[More murmurs. They are: "More trouble!?" "You must be kidding!" "That ruins the moment!" "Everyone, be quiet!! Shh!"]
...
[Once it is silent...]
...
[The boy who called this out is a small koala Safan. His hair is brown and somewhat combed, with one strand over his face. His fur is dark gray.]
Collon: S-sorry... I'm not the type to get in front of everyone like this, but... It's horrible!! I was on my way over, and I saw these dark, shady figures! They were holding someone... And that someone was... I-it was Safiri!!!
Everyone: WHAT!?!? SAFIRI!?
Ray: Safiri's in trouble!!!!
Slianna: The Nightmares have her!!
Jatenn: I was wondering where she was! We have to help her!
Collon: I tried to stop them... But I was too slow...
Drilion: Do not worry! The Proud Wanderers will aid Safiri! Her safety is crucial. She is the Eclipse, is she not?
Pumel: Yeah! We'll give those Nightmares a taste of pride! Our pride!
...
Celebi: No...
Everyone: Huh?!
Celebi: This is the burden I bear by my own appearance... It is because of me... that Naught's minions are here... Darkness is calling me, and I have answered... Whatever the case may be, Safiri won't be kidnapped! I'll be sure of this! No one messes with the Eclipses while I'm around!! [Bursts into the air at full speed, and then off in the direction that Collon had appeared. In this anger, she leaves Cruce behind.]
...
[Silence.]
...
Slianna: Did... did Chris say... What I think...?
Jatenn: W-wait a sec, dudes... That didn't mean...
Ray: Chris... Answered... to Darkness...?
...
Cruce: Wow... Chris got mad. (I understand. I got pissed when I thought Darkness killed Saf in my dimension.) Hm? [He turns around, noticing everyone now staring at him.] Hello everybody...?
Ray: You said your name was Cruce, right?
Cruce: Yes sir, that it would be.
Slianna: Do you know Chris well...?
Cruce: I've been workin' with him, or her as fate would have it, for only a short time. Either way, I should really catch up before she gets herself into trouble. [He starts in the direction Celebi had gone.]
Ray: [Steps forward.] Wait! [He reaches out.]
Cruce: [Stops, turning his head a little.] What's up?
Ray: Can I come with you...? I know Chris said no, but I really wann--
Cruce: You wanna rescue Safiri... and hey, Chris is your friend too. This goes for both of you, Ray and Slianna.
Slianna: Y-yes...It's true. [She nods.]
Cruce: Heheh, I'm not against it. Get over here, guys. We're not gonna let Chrissy get too crazy, 'kay?
Ray & Slianna: [They smile to each other before both nodding.] Right!
Jatenn: 'Ey, you gon' go after Chris?
Ray: [Turns to Jatenn.] We have to. I wanna know what's happening.
Slianna: Me too... Chris is our friend, and so is Safiri! We have to help them out.
Drilion: Hmm, the bonds of friendship are strong indeed.
Pumel: What do you say we stay here and look after the town?
Drilion: I agree. The Nightmares could come back at any time... Ray, Slianna. Stay safe and close to this one.
Slianna: Thank you, Drilion! We'll be careful.
Cruce: Hey, you guys be on the lookout here too. Good luck with everything.
Drilion: Thank you... ah...
Cruce: Cruce. [Smirks.]
Drilion: [Smiles back.] Thank you, Cruce.
[Cruce's smirk becomes a smile, then a frown as he turns away.]
Cruce: (...With every step I take, it just gets harder to consider doing what I came here for... But... I can't let their faces sway me from my goals... I have to be strong and just do what has to be done.) Let's roll! [He runs ahead quickly, followed by Ray and Slianna.]
...
--E N D I N G--
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Long part. ._.
