But, as a candle burning its brightest soon goes out, so did Shroomsworth tire. His anger couldn’t fuel him, it could only push his limits. After many solid punches connecting with Slasher’s face, they slowed in number until he practically collapsed over the Weavile. His body felt too exhausted and strained to move.

Yet, it did. A heavy push sent the Breloom rolling off onto his back once more. Though he had taken a beating and suffered broken claws, Slasher was still in better shape than his opponent, who had taken a terrible fall before all of this even happened. As Shroomsworth panted for breath, trying desperately to stay conscious, he could hardly make himself move, leaving him helpless as he watched the Weavile seemingly hover above his face. With how his vision seemed to be going blurry, that’s what it looked like, anyway.

“You’re gonna regret that...”

The voice just seemed to ring and echo. Shroomsworth couldn’t focus on it. He could only feel a cold, sharp point against the front of his neck, threatening to puncture it. Even though his fingers were broken, that didn’t stop Slasher from taking this opportunity to strike at Shroomsworth’s neck, a most vital point.

This was it. He’d leave them all behind. His family, the guild... and PK. As he slipped further toward unconsciousness, he was sure he wouldn’t be allowed to wake from it. Would they miss him? Certainly. He’d miss them too.

As Shroomsworth’s vision darkened, he expected his breathing to be interrupted, and eventually ceased by the claw poised to sink into his windpipe. His eyes closed, ready to accept his fate.

Instead, something else happened. The claw never sunk into his throat, and yet he heard the sound of something similar.

His eyes opened again. Though blurry, he could see Slasher being held still. A seemingly familiar creature had his neck held tight in its jaws. It had no restraint for him, ignoring his attempts to break free. Ignoring the signs that the teeth sunken into his neck were choking him.

And then, he stopped. Slasher ceased moving at all. The creature had taken his life. Not only that, he was tossed aside dismissively, landing in the mildly snow-covered grass that proceeded to stain with his blood.

Now finished with Slasher, the creature leaned its face in close to Shroomsworth’s. From this close, he was able to confirm his suspicions.

“Sandy...” he managed to whisper out. “Where is Miss PK..?”

“She’s not far behind... I ran ahead when I smelled blood. I didn’t want her to see you dead.”

The Deino was always very factual in her statements, but in this case, it was very welcome. Shroomsworth simply let his head lay back, no longer being in tense danger. “Yes, of course...”

As he drifted into cold unconsciousness, he could hear two pairs of feet quickly approaching, followed by his name being called. He would not die tonight, thanks to them.

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Final part of Ch3. There's an epilogue next! Also I have a lot of hatred for having worked on this piece. I did it all in a single layer and it was just frustrating as hell. Going to do it again I suppose.

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