Seventy-First Chapter: Dark Pretty Cure
The clear melody rang out from Tsuzumi as it echoed in the hands of the Girl, with Wuki even teasingly tapping on the shorts before her, then aimed the holy purification-infused Tsuzumi at the enemy.
“This isn’t good!”
Ash naturally understood that it was bad. In his previous battle with Pink and Blue, he almost got hit by their purification ultimate attacks. He always chose to use tactics for victory, striking them down before they could execute any skills. How could he have a chance against a 100% purification skill when his body held the Resonance of Darkness?
Now, it was obvious that he wouldn’t have the chance to intercept it. However, it was fortunate for him to still have a “good partner” present.
“Pretty Cure Gold Forte Burst!”
Facing the countless radiant flowers released from the Tsuzumi, Ash timely utilized Defense Descend to quickly hide behind the monstrous body, using it as a shield.
Lord Doon, you’re so capable that you can control from across the universe. Can you help block the girls’ ultimates?
The monster was immediately captured within the multitude of flowers. Its dark powers rapidly dispersed like fire sparks hitting water. Losing its ability to move, it was carried upwards into the sky by the huge Sunflower created by the gathering of Flowers. Golden petals scattered in the air, with Wuki’s clockwise bell-spinning making the monster smile contentedly during the purification.
Sharp spikes withered; the ridiculous spherical head shrunk; the Heart Flower rested upon the purified crystal. Mingtangyuan Gao lay there peacefully, only a peculiar stamp flickering with crackling sparks rolling aside.
“Brother!”
Seeing her brother finally freed, Wuki rushed over in concern. But when she lifted him and checked his condition, her face revealed shock.
Her brother’s physical strength was not that of a sick person at all; it seemed miraculous, calming his wounds and giving him health. This meant he no longer needed the surgery he feared.
Wuki couldn’t understand what was going on. Could she have achieved this herself? She shook her head. Although the Pretty Cure ultimate skills could theoretically avoid causing severe harm, miraculous healings were too extravagant. The only possible explanation is…
She promptly returned her brother to the wheelchair in hospital and assured that medical staff would soon find him. Returning, she just in time saw Ash looking at her.
“Timons?”
“Don’t ask. Consider it your first battle reward.”
Could the power of the stamp have enhanced Timons’ body while transforming him into a monster? Interesting, so…
When Wuki turned towards Ash, a high-speed gust of wind struck her directly. The wind from his passage even brushed past her nose. When she swiftly turned to look back, she saw Ash, standing on a sharkboard, picking up the stamp that still released residual darkness.
[Absorbing Dark Resonance…]
“Aaaaah.” Ash sighed pleasurably as he placed the stamp on his chest. Not only the stamp’s inherent dark energy but also the malevolence born from her anger while battling were gathered on it. Sensing these emotions felt as sweet as peeling off a candy wrapper; Ash couldn’t get enough of it.
Dark Resonance filled his body, transforming into energy that flowed through every part of him, partly restoring his degenerated functions and enhancing his power. This was the secret behind his consistent strength as the story advanced; he could be on par with the protagonist. If he simply overwhelmed them or was suppressed, he’d struggle to collect more darkness.
“This sure is interesting,” he mused, glancing at the completely burnt shell of the stamp he once thought would be destroyed under Wuki’s attack, yet had somehow survived.
Black lightning crackled over the stamp as pain shot through his muscles, but Ash instead smiled. His “genius” brain which seldom produced ideas sparked now.
According to Dr. Shabak, this stamp contained remnants from Doon’s former battles, thus explaining its immense power. In other words, genetic factors could be utilized!
This came at the perfect time indeed!
“Timons, is that your goal?”
This person’s single-mindedness about “new toys” made Wuki frown, knowing this stamp turned her brother into a monster, prompting her alertness.
“Wuki, the power of that stamp is simply… the very embodiment of the Desert Apostle’s greatest evil deeds!”
“I know,” Wuki nodded. If necessary, she would forcefully take it despite resisting.
“So what if we’re broken up?” She joined her hands, then spread them apart, mimicking the sound of a breakup with a “pop”. “Shame, we’ve already broken up. I should look for a new objective now.”
“Breakup! What nonsense!” Flustered by Ash’s comment, Wuki shook her head and reached for his hand. “No, we’re not like that! And Timons, hurry up and get rid of that dangerous thing—”
“Slap”
A hand suddenly clamped onto her wrist, pinning it firmly like a solid plier.
“None of your business here.”
“Who!”
What’s going on? This Pretty Cure couldn’t shake free!
“New Pretty Cure, is that you?”
Tsuzumi sweated and looked at those increasingly restraining hands, matching eyes with the grey one gleaming with anger.
“Dark Pretty Cure, release Wuki at once!”
Their recovery gradually complete, they shouted to reveal their identity, rushing here while clutching their stomachs.
“Lil Dark, you’ve finally arrived, phew. I almost got eliminated by the Pretty Cures! That was close.”
“It’s your turn to help.”
Withdrawing Wuki, Timons tossed her carelessly like trash towards her companion. The Dark Pretty Cure’s gaze slowly scanned over Ash before she softened the usually cold tone slightly.
“Are you hurt?”
“Yeah, right, well, I do make mistakes sometimes ha-ha.”
Crossing her arms triumphantly, he felt lighter after accomplishing some of his goals. His tone became flirtatious. “I’m no match for them, too strong. They might even send out a third one soon. I may not be able to beat the Pretty Cures anymore.”
“…You needn’t strain yourself,” she closed and then reopened her eye, letting the cold heart suppress other feelings. The black girl stood before Ash, wings outstretched blocking the sun. Seeing this, frustration deepened Wuki’s expression.
“It doesn’t matter if there are three Pretty Cures. My purpose is to defeat all of them.”
Dark Pretty Cure’s declaration set off a flurry of activity as the girls reacted more intensely.
“Talking big!”
“That’s perfect, let’s avenge Lily’s Moonlight Angel!”
“Don’t worry about us, Wuki. Let’s go together!”
Unity among the three Pretty Cures strengthened their stance against the steadily intensifying Dark Pretty Cure.