PA100 Arc: Desperate Struggle

Junko laughed as Ashley continued to eat watermelon after watermelon. "Are you sure you're not finished yet?"

Ashley swallowed before responding, "Just one more and then I'll be done."

"But you said that ten watermelons ago," Junko mumbled.

"Don't judge me!"

"I'm not," Junko smiled awkwardly. His eyes then sharply traveled to the door.

"What is it?" The Water User asked picking up another piece of watermelon.

"I thought I heard something outside the door," Junko answered in a low voice.

"We're in an inn. Of course there are going to be people outside the door, idiot."

"Oh yeah, I guess you're right," Junko realized while rubbing the back of his head. "My bad."

"Anyway," Ashley began. "Since we're finally alone, I need you to do a favor for me, Junko."

"Sure," Junko immediately agreed. "What is it?"

Ashley grinned as if she expected Junko's quick agreement, "I want you to destroy the PA100."

"Got it!"

Ashley raised an eyebrow, "You're not even going to ask why? You'll be ruining our Quest by doing this, you know?"

"I know," Junko nodded. "But I don't know the person who issued the Quest. I know you so I have to help you more than I have to help them."

Ashley stared at Junko with suddenly hesitant eyes but then said, "Alright, just don't go back on your promise, okay?"

Junko got up from his seat, placed his hand on his hip, gave a thumbs up and beamed, "I double promise!"

Ashley blinked, "Double promise? Is that some kind of idiot speak you and Riley conjured up together?"

Junko shook his head, "No, a double promise means I can't go back on my word, no matter how hard I might try. I'm trapped in on both sides. There's no escape!"

"Okaaaay..."

And then suddenly the door to the inn was busted down. And a bald man with a pink beard walked in. He made his way up to the front desk, "Hey, mind giving me all your money?"

The inn keeper hadn't heard the news so he didn't know about the robber yet. As such he simply stood his ground and stared the bald man down, "Not a chance."

The robber laughed, "You don't who I am do you? I thought the word would have spread by now. He stroked his beard, "Well listen up, the name's Louis and I've become something of an overnight sensation. I've already robbed all of the other inns in this section!"

"I don't care who the hell you are," The inn keeper replied. "You can't have my money."

"Fine, I guess I'll just have to take it by force."

"Not if we have anything to say about it!" Junko shouted at Louis from where he was standing.

Ashley jolted up from her chair, "What do you mean by we?! I don't want any part in this!"

The bald man slowly walked up to Junko, "There's always someone who has a death wish, always someone. Kids, you better back out now while you still have the chance."

"I said I'm not a part of this!" Ashley repeated herself.

"Ashley, this guy seems pretty dangerous. So be on your guard," Junko warned her.

Ashley sighed, "I'm not saying it again."

Junko nodded, "Got it, I'll distract him while you build up your energy."

"Does that tiny brain of yours work at all?"

Junko launched off his feet, swinging his fist at Louis. Louis sidestepped out of the way and slammed Junko with the ax of his hand.

Junko choked after the strike and was kicked to the floor before he could recover. Louis ran towards Ashley, punching her in the gut.

Ashley held herself as she slumped to the floor, "You'll...pay for that..."

The robber cocked his eyebrow, "Oh, will I now? Go ahead and try your best, hahaha!" He whacked her in the head with his leg, sending her flying across the room.

"Hey," Junko slowly rose to his feet. "Leave her alone!" He ran up to Louis with his fist pulled back and shouted, "Shadow Punch!" His fist was instantly covered in dark matter as it shot forward.

Louis simply caught the attack in his hand. He closed in his fingers on Junko's fist as the shadows dissolved. Louis continued the squeeze the boy's fingers until they cracked.

Junko winced as he shot his free fist forward, "Shadow Punch!"

The bearded man quickly released him and dodged the strike. He followed up by pummeling Junko to the floor. He continued his rapid assault on Junko while he was still on the floor. "What's the matter kid? Not feeling so tough now, are ya?"

Junko flailed his fists around in a desperate attempt to get a punch in. Unfortunately Louis easily avoided all of the blows simply by moving his head in the opposite direction they came in. "I...won't...let you get away with hurting Ashley!" Junko shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Shut the hell up," The robber scowled before lodging his leg into Junko's neck.

Junko opened his mouth and tried to speak but no words came out. So he instead he glared at Louis before sending another punch his way only for it to be smacked away.

Ashley looked at Junko with worry in her eyes, "He can't talk anymore..." The worried girl turned her head away from the fight, "Hmph, I told that idiot not to get involved." Her eyes then traveled back to Junko against her will, "But still..."