Team Lunar M8 pt 3 'Lost'

Ari went in separately after the small group of four entered, which included Chill and three other rescuers. Ari's senses became more alert as she made her way through the darkening cave. Her fur began to rise, feeling a sensation of danger lurking nearby. Just keep calm… She told herself, even though she felt her heartbeat increase in speed. Keep calm… She crouched down and slipped around rocks, trying to keep herself hidden, yet still staying cautious. She could see the group ahead of her just barely and every now and then she thought she had lost them, but she knew that she didn’t. She knew that they were nearby. She could sense them.

Her droopy ear things on the side of her head kept vibrating, sticking straight out instead of flopping downward. She was grateful for her ability, for it maked up for her lack of sight in this dark and murky cave. There was still a rising fear in her of something. She had the advantage from where she was and because of her natural ability, but she still felt… scared. Why? Ari very well knew why, but she tried not to dwell on it. She had pushed it out of her mind a long time ago, keeping that part out of her past, but now it seemed to be coming back to her.

She continued to move forward with the utmost care, careful not to disturb any pebbles from their place. She gripped her staff and scarlet orb tightly as she ventured further into the cave. Fear rose in her throat and she suddenly began to wonder if the choking feeling was from that or the lack of air in this cave? Thoughts began to swirl in her mind, but then someone nudged her. She nearly gasped out in shock, but then she realized that it was just Chex. He wrote something on his sign and held it up for Ari to see. THE CREATURE IS UP AHEAD. GET READY TO USE THE ORB WHEN CHILL GIVES THE SIGNAL. THEN RUN AND GET AWAY FROM THIS PLACE AS FAST AS YOU CAN. I DO NOT LIKE THE FEELING HERE.

Ari nodded her understanding and then watched the Cubone go back over to his group. She then continued onward, not too soon did she hear something echoing off of the cave walls.

“Oh yes! He will most definitely be happy with your skin! Even if it might not be that desirable, it is still a gift! Yes! A gift to Him!” She heard a bone chilling voice echo. She urged herself to keep moving; to ignore the voice. “Why do you try to resist? Give your skin to Him! I shall help you, you poor child.” The Riolu couldn’t quite see the creature, but she could definitely hear his voice. That voice… the air… the darkness… They all reminded her of the one day in which she dreaded. Even though she knew that the creature ahead of her was not who she had in mind, it sure sounded like him. She felt a shiver run up and down her spine.

Now she could see the creature in front of her. It was a Cofagrigus. Bandages hung all around the cave. She squinted to see Gunpowder wrapped among the hung bandages. He looked like a Caterpie trapped in an Ariados’ web. Except the web was made out of bandages and that this Cofagrigus was a much more dangerous foe. She spotted Chill and his group in the background as they made their way towards Gunpowder. Her eyes met Chill’s and they locked for a moment. Then, after a brief minute, Chill let out the signal.

“NOW!” He shouted. Ari knew that this was her que. She jumped out of her hiding place, but a sudden fear overcame her.  She suddenly couldn’t move, staring into the Cofagrigus’ intimidating bright red eyes. She knew that she should do something; her muscles were screaming to move, yet, she didn’t. Her feet were locked in place and her hands gripped her two items.

“NOW! DO IT NOW!!!” Chill shouted, urgency in his voice. Ari cringed. Her memories that she had pushed aside so long ago quickly flood into her mind. The dry, stale air choked her, the darkness overwhelmed her, this Pokémon frightened her. No! Get out of my mind! He’s not here anymore! He’s dead! Along with my parents! She yelled in her mind, her eyes wide with panic.

“What is this? An offering for Him? He’ll be glad to have your skin! Let me help you out of it!” She heard the familiar sickening voice again. It’s not him though! Snap out of it! She continually told herself. She heard laughter. Insane laughter. It drifted all around her. She then felt something climbing up her leg. Looking down, she saw a bandage that was beginning to wrap around her leg.

“NO!” She heard Chill shout just before he barged into her. His force knocked Ari to the ground, making the scarlet orb fly through the air. The Minccino quickly raced up and caught the orb before it fell. Then he gave the signal for everyone to close their eyes before he used to orb’s blinding flash. Ari quickly shut her eyes. “Everyone get out!” he ordered. The Riolu stumbled to her feet. Her mind was put back into reality and she ran for the exit. She heard the enraged shriek of the Cofagrigus as she charged towards the entrance of the cave. Then she burst out of the opening along with fellow rescuers. Chill and two others, along with Gunpowder, were out last. They ran until they reached Barty and then Ari collapsed to the ground.

“What the heck was that!?" She heard Chill’s voice. She got shakily to her feet to see the Minccino come over to her. He was clearly angry. “You could have gotten us all killed!”

Ari opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She was too tired to really do any talking, especially arguing. “…I’m sorry…” she muttered, looking down.

“Sorry isn’t going to cut it. What happened back there? Why did you hesitate!?” He asked, twitching his tail in frustration. The other rescuers were just blankly staring at the Riolu and the Minccino. Ari was silent. She didn’t really know how to explain. It had to do with a day from her past, but… would he even understand? Instead of saying anything, she said nothing. Chill let out a hiss of annoyance.

“Take your orb.” He said curtly, throwing it at her feet. “Let’s get back to Tao.” Everyone started to get on Barty, all quiet. Ari got on last after picking up her orb and stuffing it back in her scarf. Holding her bone staff tightly, she grabbed a hold of Barty and then watched as the Drifblim took off. The ground getting smaller and smaller beneath her. No one spoke a word. All was silent as the group flew back to Tao, except for Chex who squeaked a few times here and there while talking to Gunpowder. Ari couldn’t help but feel guilty. She had let her past get the better of her… She had risked her and her comrades’ lives. Her old memories that were stirred up inside her now had made her feel cold and scared, like a lost child. She let out a sigh. Where are you Coy? Come back soon…