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The powerful bolts of thunder strike the beach indeterminately, making no distinction between person or Pokemon or bare sand. Alarmed shouts ring out as several of the defending Pokemon fall and crates of supplies are destroyed. The air is blanketed by thick plumes of steam from the evaporated fires, and fills with the stench of fire and ozone.[break][break]

Luka herself is blasted back by a bolt that lands far too close, though the damage is thankfully mitigated by her sygna suit. Still, a blinding pain erupts in her side as she staggers to her feet. It feels as though she'd broken a rib. Her ears are ringing, her head pounds, and she can taste copper and salt on her tongue.[break][break]

Her Sylveon doesn't fare much better. Already battered and bruised, she lays limp on her side as lingering traces of electricy crackle around her. She appears to be completely paralyzed. Once again Luka is tempted to withdraw her and keep her safe, but she also knows that without the protection of her suit, another attack might just kill her.[break][break]

And above all the wreakage Zapdos continues to bear down on them, a harbinger of destruction wearing crimson as a mantle. Drops of blood mingle with the falling rain, staining the white sand red. Apparently undeterred by the barrage of destruction, it continues on the warpath with a frightening tenacity.[break][break]

As Luka stands below and stares up at the beast, one thing becomes very clear. This battle is no longer about victory. It's about survival, by whatever means.[break][break]

Other rangers are spearheading efforts to evacuate, but some are too injured by the blasts of thunder or disoriented by the lighting to move. Luka knows that she needs to abandon the beach along with the rest, but she can't bring herself to leave until the most critically injured have gotten away.[break][break]

She releases her Audino and Clefable; this calls for all hands on deck. While Audino's life dew showers the pitiful assortment of rangers with a healing rain, Luka asks her Clefable for a valiant sacrifice. Her lunar dance is hauntingly beautiful, a selfless act that revives Sugar completely. She faints while Sylveon rises again to her feet, glaring up at the Zapdos and attacking with a shadow ball.[break][break]

Luka knows that there's nothing she can do to stop the Zapdos from arriving at camp and destroying everything, but she makes a last ditch attempt to slow it down. Smashing a mysterious ore against a crackling rift produces a wall of blood-red crystal, tall spires that arc towards the sky like reaching fingertips. The wall of crystal blocks many of the retreating Rangers from further attacks, though Luka has no idea how sturdy they are. They might simply fall to another attack— but at least this can buy them some time.

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The sounds of battle echo throughout the pit, and Luka can only hope that Remiel is faring well. She's flooded with relief when lighting flashes and he returns with the injured cadet in tow— both because they both seem okay, and because it means that Remiel hadn't been lying to her.[break][break]

But there's no time to let hte feeling overwhelm her, for the rogue fungi are still quickly closing in on them. Luka glances between the prince's hand, the Noivern underneath them, and the barely conscious cadet. Her brow furrows as she comes to a rather obvious conclusion:[break][break]

"There's no way all three of us are going to fit. Just get him out of here— I'll be fine!"[break][break]

Her voice betrays her lack of confidence, but she refuses to take his hand. Instead, Luka turns back to the growing horde, shaking fingers pulling a few items out of her bag just as the solar beam is released.[break][break]

Helios dodges out of the way, but her Audino isn't as lucky. The healing bunny goes down hard, and Luka winces as she quickly recalls her back into a love ball. "Cover your ears!" she shouts, throwing out not another Pokemon, but a scatterbang that explodes in a cacophony of sound and light.[break][break]

There comes a screech from the attacking monsters, and the distraction provides a means of escape. Helios grabs his trainer, sweeping her up bridal style and sprinting through the path they'd come from, hoping to outrun the mushrooms towards the exit.

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"Eh? What you should care about is how people feel now. You're not going to make many friends by being cruel like this!"[break][break]

It's a wonder that anyone ever takes her seriously. She sounds like the protagonist in some cheesy shoujo manga.[break][break]

"Fighting like this...i-it always just leads to retaliation and hurt. You'll always be running from the consequences of your actions, you know! But kindness and love...those are free! A-and nothing bad will happen if that's what you choose to put into the world!"[break][break]

It's a horribly idealistic view of the world, but it's clear that Luka wholeheartedly believes in every sappy statement. And to her credit, it's something she's willing to fight for— to die for, should it come to that.[break][break]

She takes no pleasure in beating down on the other woman's Pokemon, though it's clear that they have no other choice. There's also no time to celebrate a successful attack, because the Gengar still stands and their opponents are quick to retaliate. The playing field is also becoming more even— but although the Scolipede is coming after them with clearly malicious intent, Luka and Ume ignore it for now, Bonbon's safety is a far more pressing issue.[break][break]

There's nowhere for her to run, and the hypnosis quickly puts her into a dreamlike trance. She blinks, then stumbles. Her eyes flutter closed and she starts to topple forwards, already in a daze. But as soon as Ume's heal bell chimes she blinks awake and rights herself, her hazy expression sharpening into a glare.[break][break]

The Gengar being so close had almost sealed her fate, but now it might seal his. Before he can escape again Bonbon rushes him with a flurry of punches and kicks, a play rough perfectly suited to a cute bruiser like her. However, her attacks are indescriminate. If Xenon doesn't get out of the way, she might find herself caught up in the fray.

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Ollie can say whatever he likes. Bra candy is hardly weirder than keeping apples in your pockets! Luka huffs in faux indignation— this just means she won't be sharing her little snacks with him.[break][break]

But even though he has bad opinions on bra candy, he can still come up with some pretty good ideas! Frankly, Luka is shocked she hadn't thought of it first. Sleep is one of her favorite tactics— a peaceful way to fight back.[break][break]

She nods and holds her hands over her ears, the rest of her Pokemon quickly following suit as best they're able. Their target becomes more agitated when Bubblegum starts to sing, squirming in place and responding with another scream of it's own, though this one seems to a more primal version of the sing attack.[break][break]

Who will fall asleep first? Though the paradox Pokemon is sing-screaming it's little heart out, it seems that Bubblegum has the upper hand. Angry golden eyes start to droop, then close as the sing takes effect.[break][break]

It slumps over, but the sticky glob on it's feet keep it in place. Once she's sure it's completely asleep Luka tosses her Love Ball again, and this time it hits without resistance. With a flash and a little flurry of cotton candy hearts, their weird Jigglypuff disappears inside!

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"Sometimes I keep candy in my bra, but that's not really the same thing..."[break][break]

It makes a real mess on a hot day too.[break][break]

"You think? Yeah, I don't think this little one is all that—" she extends a hand to try and pet it, but sharp teeth try to snap at her fingers instead. Luka flinches back and returns her hand quickly to her side, nervous laughter fluttering from her lips.[break][break]

"M-maybe we spoke too soon." Even though it's being placated by snacks, apparently that's not enough to dissolve the rage in it's tiny pink body. However, the creature soon looks at them expectantly, little arms wagging with impatience.[break][break]

"Uhm...do you have any more apples? And also, like...you said a Donphan? I wonder if they're all like this then...like, bizarro versions of Pokemon we already know. O-or something like that?"

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The promise of snacks seems to abate the Pokemon's anger, at least a little bit. It still glares at them even as it munches on the offered treats, but at least it's mouth is occupied and it isn't screaming anymore! Small victories.[break][break]

"Do you always carry fruit on you?" Luka asks, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I mean, like, that's super cute! And thank you for sharing."[break][break]

She digs around in her own bag again, but is wary about giving out too many supplies. The night is still young, and who knows if she and her Pokemon will need them? Still, she can part with a few more handfuls of trail mix, which are greedily gobbled up by their little pink hostage.[break][break]

"What do you think these are?" she asks, staring at it. "I keep hearing people warn about them over comms...but they keep describing different things. Do you think all the Pokemon in the dream zone are like..." She waves her hands vaguely. "This?"

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"W-woah, hey!"[break][break]

Luka stumbles back a few steps as she's roughly shoved to the side, but manages to remain upright. This girl is bold, she'll give her that. But she's not going to get away so easily![break][break]

"That wasn't very nice, you know!" It's a mild scold, and frankly Luka's more concerned about the girl's fall than getting pushed herself. "Are you okay? See, an uneven floor is the least of your worries down here! Come on, let me take you back!"[break][break]

There are probably several ways she could restrain someone with her Pokemon, but she doesn't want to resort to that yet. Instead, Luka reaches out and grabs the young lady by the arm. It's not enough to hurt, but she gives a tug and tries to pull her runaway back.[break][break]

"Please listen to me, okay? I know it's hard, and I know it's frustrating! You'd like to do anything you can to get your father back, right?" Green eyes are bright with sympathy, but she remains firm. "I understand that, I really do. But you won't be able to help anyone if you go and get yourself hurt, you know?"

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"Eh? But...b-but you're hurt!"[break][break]

But with Helios still grappling the bizarre looking Amoonguss, she has no room to argue. Most of her Pokemon have already been knocked out and even though she'd managed to revive a few, they're still exhausted. There are no troops left to assist the pair of them, so she has no choice but to let Remiel go off by himself while she tries to maintain an exit route for them.[break][break]

She glances at his retreating form, eyes narrowed slightly. Though she wants so badly to believe his motives are honest, she can't help but worry that he's leaving her here to face death by mushroom, or some other horrible rocket attack. But then again, it does sound like this cadet is in genuine danger. She shakes her head to try and dislodge the paranoia, and focues instead on the battle ahead.[break][break]

Helios manages to hold his own well against the fungus, his fiery attacks causing it to hiss and back away. The dangling foliage from it's mushroom cap appears singed at the edges. However, in this small space there's few places to run, and Helios is getting battered as well from each thrashing counterattack.[break][break]

They're lucky that Guavafang is here; the two Pokemon work surprisingly well together, even if Helios looks none too happy about it. They manage to beat the fungus back, only to realize that two more have started to emerge from deeper within the foliage and interdream zone.[break][break]

"H-hurry up, if you can!" Luka shouts in Remiel's direction. "I-I think I know a way to block them off, but we all need to be together!"[break][break]

In the meantime, she needs to make sure Helios stays healthy so they can escape. It makes her feel awful, but she summons her weakened Audino to use heal pulse on her father's Blaziken, ensuring that he can continue to fight against them.

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"That's a horrible thing to say. I don't want to hurt you at all! But I will make sure you can't harm anyone else!"[break][break]

Even someone as dense as Luka can understand that there's no getting through to this girl. In fact, they're almost eerily similar; so set in their own ways that no arguments will sway them. If only their views weren't so diametrically opposed, they might actually get along.[break][break]

The confidence she had felt when their first attack struck quickly starts to fade, however— Ume's hypnosis fails to land, and she's struck by a powerful shadow ball a moment later. The impact sends her falling backwards, though she manages to remain hovering a foot or so above the ground. However, she looks to be in terrible shape.[break][break]

"Ume! Are you okay? H-hang back for now!"[break][break]

She can't recall her tapir, but there's nothing stopping her from sending out reinforcements. This other woman doesn't seem the type to play fair, so why should she? It's just as she'd said— this is a war.[break][break]

Her Lopunny is relased with a flash of her love ball, the pink rabbit bounding out to take the field and protect her teammate. It seems an odd choice against Gengar, until the Lopunnite worn on a ribbon around her neck begins to shine.[break][break]

Now mega evolved, Bonbon takes a running start and leaps towards her opponent. She can't achive much height in a cave system like this, but her high jump kick instead turns vertical, giving her enough momentum to hopefully land a hit against the Gengar. Her scrappy ability means that even a ghost is vulnerable to her powerful kick.[break][break]

Behind the rabbit, Ume continues to act. Her frenzy plant is an unusual move for her species, but soon thick vines start to encircle the Gengar, trying to trap it in place to ensure that Bonbon's attack hits.

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Her heart bleeds sympathy for this poor girl. And she knows that if the roles were reversed, if there was even a chance she might see her father again, she'd do everything in her power to get down into the rifts too.[break][break]

But she still has a job to do. Teeth worry her bottom lip as for a moment, Luka considers letting the girl pass. But she knows she'd never be able to forgive herself if something happened. The rift is an unforgiving place, and Rocket even more so. And if the Interdream Zone has manifested there, there's even more risk. The visions that Luka has seen in that fog are enough to make her shiver, and she wouldn't wish them on anyone else.[break][break]

"I-I understand, I do! But please, this is what we're here for! A-a ranger's responsibility is to protect people as much as Pokemon, s-so I hope you understand why I can't let you down here. It's not just the rift...Team Rocket is just as dangerous. Maybe even more so! So please..."[break][break]

As the girl tries to brush past her, Luka moves as well and stands in her way. She's about as threatening as a rabbit, but there's a fierce determination in her eyes. Her Musharna's dream mist billows into the space behind her, making the path ahead appear blurred and difficult to navigate.[break][break]

"I'm sorry, but I really just want to help you!"

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"Eh, really? Oh no!"[break][break]
She believes the girl immediately, of course. Some might find her too gullible or naive so for easily believing such a story, but Luka doesn't detect a trace of falsehood in the young woman's explanation.[break][break]
"Who is it? Your family? Or a friend?" She understands the need to protect the ones you love, and the frustration at being unable to do so. Regardless, Luka's stance remains firm. She can't allow this nervous slip of a thing to get hurt on her watch, and a trek down into the rift promises nothing but hardship for even the most seasoned of battlers.[break][break]
"T-the thing is, though...it's really quite dangerous there. So I can't let you through, I'm sorry! But um...listen! I'm with the rangers, and if you can let us know who you're looking for, we'll search for you. Everything will be totally fine, I promise!"

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The last thing Remiel Calcifet had heard from Luka over the comms would be enough to put anyone on edge.[break][break]
Since then, her encounter with Lulu Flint had left her already weakened team in even worse shape. Unable to defend herself properly, she'd been easy pickings for the next threat that waltzed her way. Out of the frying pan and into the fire— she'd barely managed to escape Rocket's clutches before finding herself right back in them.[break][break]
Should her last message to Remiel alarm him enough, and should he try to find her, he'd come instead upon a ravaged battlefield. Her Sylveon and Lopunny lay prone, and Helios is nowhere to be found. Luka and her assailent are likewise missing— if Remiel wants to find her, he'd best hurry. The night is moving steadily on, and time is unforgiving.
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"Wh- Remiel?!"[break][break]

It's the first time she's uttered his name in ages, and it feels weird on her tongue. But the panic in his voice and the roar that follows is enough that she forgets her scruples towards the man.[break][break]

She follows the sound, pushing her way past alien foliage until she comes across the beast herself. There seems to be no shortage of strange Pokemon in the rift, but that doesn't mean she's any less surprised to see this one. However, her eyes are quickly torn from the creature and land on Remiel instead, lying prone in the moss.[break][break]

"A-are you okay? What ha-" She's cut off as the giant mushroom notices her, but Helios is already charging at the thing with a fiery flare blitz. He collides into the Pokemon in a clash of sparks and cinders, causing it to screech again in fury and pain.[break][break]

It gives Luka an opportunity to run to Remiel's side— and she would, had another shout of help me! not echoed around them. As she searches for the sound, she realizes there are more of the fungus creatures nearby, surrounding a young man and his Nidorino.

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