Next thing Koa knew, Echo screeched in pain and was knocked back, nursing his injured wing.
No no no- Koa froze. The attack had been meant for Cyrus why had Echo- Before he could react, Echo's powerful screech rang in his ears. He flinched, feeling some of his strength drain, but shook it off.
Monster. You hurt your own pokemon.
Simmering rage boiled through Koa.
Maybe I am a monster. This was all Cyrus doing this was
his fault.
It hurts so bad will it ever stop?
Yes. Now destroy him.
Koa's rage filled gaze turned on Cyrus. He felt the shadows, so easy to call on, so strong. He could destroy him right here.
Stop the pain inside him, prove himself. Then he saw red. The glowing, unnatural red of Echo's eyes. His anger wavered. This wasn't
right.
All he'd really wanted was to protect Echo. But instead he'd hurt him.
Like you always do. You can't help yourself, can you? You're just another monster.
More shadows flickered around his body as his his thoughts seemed to spiral deeper and deeper. They were right,
his father was right, he was becoming a monster and it was all he'd ever be-
And then a single memory shone through the shadows.
That's enough, kid. No more of that, now. Y'ain't a monster. You're hurtin'. Just like me. Just like the rest of us. It's okay.
The memory of the words stung, but almost in a relieving way. He'd hurt her, said terrible things to her but she hadn't once turned him away, had she? She'd never looked down on him, like he'd feared. Never doubted him, even through everything that had happened with Soda and his lies.
“Hey, Sir Koamaru. It is all right. Thou did what thou could with the limited time thou had at thy disposal. I wager that nobody faults thee for anything thou hast or hast not done — thou did thy best, and that is what matters most.” His smile returned as bright as a firmament, accompanied by a gentle voice. “And thou should give thyself some credit! Like, golly! Thou had to get used to a new body, thou had to master powers that are still largely unknown to thee, and then thou had to fend off chaotic forces? My, dost thou not see the progress thou have gotten so far?”
~~~
For this reason, I do not think any less of thee nor anyone else, Sir Koamaru. I believe that you all chose to do that out of good faith, and I cannot blame you for trying to do your best for the sake of the team.”
Icetales, through everything, accepted him anyway. Understood him. Encouraged him.
Save Echo. This isn't real, this isn't Cyrus. I have to save Echo.
"I gave a couple of examples jus' now, but another thing that helps is t'think of friends who need me t'keep my shit t'gether. Friends who wouldn't want me hurtlin' outta control. If it gets real bad, I focus on... Well. Times I've seen it go wrong."
Focus.
Koa took a long deep breath. He could still feel the pain, the lingering hurt, but he focused his thoughts on something else as well. Icetales, always ready with encouragement, the teams stalwart wall. Saltriv, always filled with compassion and empathy for everyone. Starr, abrasive yet deep down, caring and good. Cynthian, who'd showed him kindness. Dave, rough yet filled with caring in his own way.
And Brisa. Brisa, always earnest, strong and filled with hope.
He stared into Echo's eyes. His starter, his best friend, always upbeat, always optimistic, always believing the best in everyone, including him.
Be the person he sees you as. He needs you right now.
This time, he didn't suppress or push down the darkness. It faded with each thought of his friends and allies, slipping away, bringing with it clarity.
Koa took a step towards Echo, ignoring Cyrus and offering a paw of friendship to Echo.
