The episode opens with the brawlers making their way through a dense forest, the air thick with tension. Kouchu, Shauna, and Sakuro lead the way, eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of Mouselette or Hunter Grai. Roaracryst, Ninecoat, Plantmore, and Mouselette’s absence is felt heavily. Despite their worry, they press forward, determined to rescue their friend.

  Shauna: nervously “We’ve been searching for hours. Where could she be?”

  Kouchu: looking around, concerned “I don’t know, but we’ll find her. We have to.”

  As they continue along the trail, the sound of leaves rustling reaches their ears. They stop in their tracks, senses heightened. The feeling of being watched grows stronger, a presence lurking just out of sight.

  Sakuro: serious, gripping his Crystal Ball “Something’s not right… I feel like we’re being followed.”

  The brawlers move cautiously, their steps more deliberate. Suddenly, a rustling sound comes from behind them, and before they can react, a shadow moves quickly, dodging between the trees. Kouchu spins around, but the figure is gone.

  Kouchu: shouting “Who’s there?!”

  Without warning, Hunter Grai emerges from the shadows, his cold smirk evident even from a distance. He steps into the clearing, eyes glinting with malicious intent.

  Hunter Grai: mocking “Did you really think you could escape from me? The Crystal Balls are mine, and I won’t stop until I have them all.”

  With a snap of his fingers, a dark cloud of energy swirls around Grai as he summons his Crystal Monster, Champfero, a large, fire-breathing creature with a muscular build and an intimidating presence. It roars, sending a wave of heat into the air.

  Shauna: growling “You really think you can stop us, Grai?!”

  Kouchu: readying his stance “Not without a fight!”

  Roaracryst steps forward, snarling at the enemy, and Ninecoat, Plantmore, and Mouselette’s absence leaves a hole in the team’s lineup. Despite this, they push forward with determination.

  Sakuro: sternly “We can’t let him win. We’ll fight, no matter what!”

  Roaracryst lunges at Grai, but Champfero easily sidesteps the attack, knocking Roaracryst back with a powerful tail swipe. Ninecoat’s attack is quickly dodged as well, with Grai using his agility to avoid the blows. Grai’s laughter echoes around them as he steps closer.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Hunter Grai: taunting “Is this really all you’ve got? How pathetic.”

  Grai gestures to Champfero, and the creature unleashes a stream of fiery breath toward the brawlers. The heat is intense, and the brawlers are forced to jump back to avoid being burned.

  Shauna: dodging “We need to think fast, Kouchu!”

  Kouchu: thinking quickly “Sakuro, get ready! Roaracryst, use your speed to distract Champfero—I’ve got an idea!”

  Roaracryst moves in swiftly, using his agility to avoid the flames and confuse Champfero. As the creature lurches toward him, Kouchu, with the help of Sakuro, begins to channel his Crystal Ball’s energy, preparing for a combined attack.

  Sakuro: gritting his teeth “Let’s show him what we’re made of!”

  As they launch their attacks in a well-timed combination, Grai reacts with quick reflexes, blocking and countering with Champfero’s fiery strikes. The battle rages on, but Grai’s relentless pursuit of the Crystal Balls seems to be taking its toll on the brawlers.

  Meanwhile, far away from the chaos, Mouselette finds herself in a secluded shelter deep within the woods. She’s sitting by a small fire with a young girl who has long, black hair and an air of mystery about her. This girl, Fiona, smiles warmly at Mouselette, offering her a plate of food. Mouselette looks at her, feeling a strange sense of comfort.

  Fiona: gently “You must be exhausted, Mouselette. I’ve been watching over you for a while now. You don’t need to worry anymore. I’ll keep you safe.”

  Mouselette looks up at Fiona, feeling an unexpected bond with her. The worries about the brawlers, especially Shauna, seem to fade for a moment.

  Mouselette: hesitantly “But… I miss Shauna. I miss the others.”

  Fiona: smiling reassuringly “I know you do, but maybe you don’t need them. You’ve been through a lot, and you deserve someone who really understands you. Someone who can be there for you, just like I will.”

  Fiona gently strokes Mouselette’s head, and for the first time, Mouselette feels the warmth of friendship in a way she hadn’t felt before.

  Fiona: softly “You don’t have to go back if you don’t want to. You can stay with me. I’ll always love you, Mouselette, just as you are.”

  Mouselette looks at Fiona, a mixture of doubt and comfort in her heart. Could it be true? Could Fiona be the one to truly understand her?

  The scene shifts back to the brawlers, who are still under relentless pursuit from Hunter Grai. The group struggles against the powerful fire attacks of Champfero, their energy waning with each passing second. Roaracryst and Sakuro push forward, but Grai’s attacks are taking their toll.

  Kouchu: panting “We can’t hold out much longer… we need to figure something out!”

  Just then, a voice calls out from the distance.

  Voice: echoing through the trees “You won’t get away with this, Grai!”

  The brawlers turn, and to their surprise, a familiar figure emerges from the shadows.

  Sakuro: shocked “It’s… Mouselette?!”

  But Mouselette is not the same as she once was. She stands tall, her eyes glowing with a new confidence. Beside her stands Fiona, watching the confrontation carefully. Mouselette’s heart races as she faces her friends again, unsure of how to react.

  Mouselette: quietly, to herself “Can I really go back? Or is this where I belong now?”

  ?

  End of Episode 47