PMD M8 Present rescuers part 4

“Blight knows we want to escape. He’s trying to trap us!” growled a turtwig with a striped scarf standing beside the eevee defensively. Rika heard Chill growl as well. The wraiths and bandages were closing in on them, making it impossible for the rescuers to collectively focus their fire attacks on the doorway like they had before.

“Blast! Everymon, just keep fighting! Don’t give up!” Chill yelled out. All the rescuers were trying to get to the doorway, but not Rika. She was trying to fight her way further into the cave in the direction Blaze had gone. She was so worried about her friend and she HAD to get to her.

Then a dull glow came from deep within the cave. Rika froze as a voice resonated within her mind.

“My friend, heed my warning,” Rika gasped as she realized it was Blaze. But, something was off… While it was the vulpix’s voice, it sounded wiser and more mature. “I am about to give off a bright Flash to distract the Dark Cardinal and keep him from trapping all inside this crypt. Tell the rescuers to cover their eyes or else they will be blinded as well. Then everyone must run while Blight is unable to strike back. Hurry now!” As Blaze’s voice faded away, the glow in the cave got brighter. Without wasting a second, Rika made her way to Chill, bashing away at the shadows.

“Chill, we need everymon to duck down and cover their eyes. Blaze is about to blind Blight with a Flash. After that, we can escape!” The minccino was a little startled by the sudden information and it was obvious from his face that he wanted to ask questions, but he could hear the urgency in the cubone’s voice.

Just as Chill shouted out the order, a glaring hot light erupted from inside the cave. Blight’s screams could be heard as the light burned away the shadows. The cries of a few rescuers who had not protected their eyes in time could be heard as well. Rika didn’t dare open her eyes to see.

“It’s safe now,” she heard Blaze say, “Run while you can!” Slowly Rika squinted her eyes open. The cave was fully illuminated, not a shadow to be seen, and the bandages hung limply from the walls. Rika poked Chill to let him know it was alright now. He slowly opened his eyes then smiled victoriously at the exit that was no longer blocked.

“Come on, guildies! Let’s get out of here!” he called. All the rescuers began funneling out the tunnel. A shiny zorua with a blue bell collar was moaning on the floor with her paws over her eyes. She must have been one of the mons blinded by the Flash. She was quickly scooped up by Norman, a mankey in a black hat, and the two ran out. Rika was the last to leave, waiting to see Blaze come running out.

“Rika, get a move on!” she heard Chill yell. She sighed. She had no choice. The glow was beginning to dim and the bandages and wraiths were beginning to slither back to life. However, just as she was exiting the cave, something darted past her.

“Snow! Come back!” she heard Hana cry from farther ahead. Without thinking, Rika dashed back inside, searching for the poochyena. She could feel the shadows slowly growing stronger and knew it was only a matter of time before they were strong enough to attack. She tried to shake these thoughts from her mind as she desperately searched behind every rock. Then a small whimper reached her ears. She followed the sound and found the little dark type cowering between two rocks. The Flash must have spooked her. Not sure how to comfort her properly, Rika just scooped the pup up (not particularly easy considering Snow was nearly as big as she was) and ran for the door. It was getting darker by the moment and they had to get out. Soon the end of the tunnel was in sight and they stepped out into the sunshine. Rika quickly found Hana who was fretting over her lost teammate. The shiny ninetales eyes lit up as she saw the poochyena.

“Mama!” Snow cried jumping out of Rika’s arms and running to cuddle up next to Hana.
“Snow, you’re alright! I was so worried when you ran off,” the ninetales curled her tails protectively around Snow, “Thank you,” she said looking at Rika. The cubone nodded silently. Everyone had seemed to make it out without any grievous injuries and everyone looked relieved that ordeal was over. Chill was talking with Gunpowder about something Rika couldn’t hear.

“Hey, Rika!” Madeline bounced up beside her, “That was tons of fun wasn’t it?” she asked cheerfully. Rika nodded absentmindedly. She couldn’t help feel that something was missing. Then it dawned on her, not something, somemon! Immediately, her eyes began searching the crowd for the seven tailed fox. Panic rising within her, she rushed to Chill and Gunpowder.

“Did you see Blaze come out?” she asked urgently. Both guild leaders shook their heads.

“No…”

“Nay, lass”

Now Rika WAS panicking. “This is bad,” she mumbled, “After she had an episode with her tail last time, she fainted. What if she can’t get out?” Rika had only been voicing her fears, not actually talking to anymon, but Chill had heard her.

“Wait, are you saying your friend might not be able to get out?” Chill asked. Rika nodded. Without further discussion, Chill suddenly dashed back into the tunnel which was slowly being sealed shut by the bandages. “No mon follow me! We don’t need anymon else being hurt!” he yelled behind him. Rika made to follow him anyway, not wanting to abandon her friend, but Gunpowder held her back.

“Tis better if ‘ye stay here, lass,” the gabite said. Rika struggled briefly before giving in. All she could do now was wait and hope.