Years ago, back when I had been a kid, I used to live at an apartment complex. The placement wasn't the best, but my family and I planned to stay temporarily, so we made due.
During our stay, however, I never got to make a lot of friends. Most of the girls my age didn't like me because I wasn't girly enough to hang out with them. Any boys close to my age weren't interested because I was a girl or they were into things I wasn't.
I did manage to make one friend though. He was a boy I had met when we bumped into each other one day while playing outside with some toys. He was a couple years younger than I was, but he was friendly none the less. The two of us became fast friends despite others teasing us, him mostly.
What made our friendship really strong was our love for Pokémon. We played the games, roleplayed as our favorite Pokémon in fake battles using toys or ourselves playing as the Pokémon. We even watched the third film in a theater when it came out.
Around that time, Pokémon Gold and Silver had been released. I was so excited to play them that when I acquired them, I almost couldn't stop. Neither could my friend whenever we hung out to show our catches or talk about how we beat the gyms. We would even battle nonstop, our wins pretty even.
I remember when I learned about the Time Capsule when reaching Ecruteak City. The idea of bringing my Pokémon from the older games thrilled me, so I would occasionally transfer a handful of Pokémon from the older games into Silver or Gold, the former usually. It helped fill up the Pokédex, but I could never succeed as I would always be lacking certain Pokémon I couldn't get or never had the patience to find.
However, whenever I chose to restart my older games, I wouldn't transfer any of my Pokémon into the newer ones until I had beaten the game. It seems silly, but I wanted them to have more value to myself than filling up a Pokédex alone.
Things were good, or I thought they were good.
I can't recall everything that happened, but I remember playing Pokémon Blue. I had picked Squirtle than constantly picking Charmander or at random, Bulbasaur. I wanted a change of pace, though I can't recall if it was my choice or it had been suggested.
I named the little turtle Barbarossa, though I can't recall why or where I heard it. I likely read it somewhere or heard it from someone in school and looked it up for the spelling.
Barbarossa proved to be really tough. He held his own in quite a few battles, including ones where he had the disadvantage. Doesn't mean he always won, but he won enough to earn my respect and not regret picking him over another Charmander.
At one point, I had been training Barbarossa and some other Pokémon to take on Blaine and his gym trainers.
Barbarossa was a Blastoise by then and my strongest water type. I had the most faith in him not only sweeping Blaine but sweeping Giovanni when we reach his gym.
Being so giddy over this powerhouse of a turtle, I was already making plans to not only have him beat the Pokémon League in Blue but in Silver too. Part of me thought it would be hilarious to have him kick Lance's butt a second time, maybe more if I felt mischievous enough.
All those plans were put on hold when my best friend asked me if he could borrow my Blastoise for a couple of days so he could battle someone from his school.
He told me that this other kid had high leveled Pokémon and most of his Pokémon were okay, but he was missing a water type and didn't have time to train one. Thusly, Barbarossa was not only perfect, type-wise, but level wise as well. My friend even promised to train him as a thank you given traded Pokémon level faster.
I was hesitant about the trade, I didn't want to risk losing my Pokémon. However, my trust with my friend overcame my doubt and I agreed to the trade.
In a few minutes, he had my Blastoise and I got his Dragonair. I promised him I'd return it, even try to get it to evolve or close enough when we trade back. He smiled and told me he promised not to forget to give Barbarossa back.
That was the last time I ever saw my Pokémon and my ability to trust nearly crumbled.
Not long after the trade had happened, I found out my friend and his family were moving.
My naïveté clouded my mind, thinking he hadn't known about the move, thus explaining why he hadn't told me.
When I got to his place, I asked him if I could have my Blastoise back, my Gameboy and cable tight in my hands.
Instead of complying, he gave a shrug, saying he couldn't, his Gameboy and games were already packed up. Even if they weren't or could be pulled out, he told me he had taught Barbarossa Waterfall, thus couldn't be returned to Blue.
I told him that I didn't care, that I could run back and get Gold or Silver so we could trade, but he refused.
I don't know why I didn't talk to his parents, to ask them to make him return my Pokémon, but I think I had been in some sort of shock. I never dealt with that kind of betrayal before, silly as it might be since they are pixels, but I worked so hard on Barbarossa only to have him stolen.
All I really remember was breaking down and crying, his parents unaware of why thinking it's because they were moving. The most they did was walk me back home, my best friend waiting with a sad look masking his deceitful nature. His parents gave mine a copy of their address so I could call or possibly visit at some point.
Being heartbroken, I stopped playing Pokémon Blue, unable to look at it knowing the Pokémon that's inside, taking Barbarossa's place. I could have restarted, but I would still be reminded of what happened.
Still numbed by this, I hardly talked to other kids I called friends, unsure if they really were or were using me like he had.
My parents got worried due to how fast I became anti-social, unable to get me to act as I did when suggesting ideas to have fun or treats to cook they knew I loved. So they had me see a psychiatrist to ensure nothing was wrong.
The woman managed to get out of me of what started my depression as I learned I had, only to mock me for it. I never saw her again when I lost control and screamed at her. I don't remember what it was I said, but it was enough for my mom to run in and drag me out, finally learning what happened.
I'm sure my mom was a little annoyed over my reason for being so upset but understood given how it happened. She's had things taken from her by people she thought she could trust, and I was still very young.
She tried contacting the family, but it seems as if they moved again without warning or something happened where their number wasn't working. I don't know if she tried going to their house or not, it never came up. I suspect they moved, knowing she can be stubborn and want to set things right for me.
I know the whole thing sounds ridiculous. It is just a game, they're just pixels, but remember, I was a child at the time. I wasn't thinking straight and if I could, I would have gone back to change that outcome. I would have told my parents and my best friend's about what happened sooner so I could get Barbarossa back. Even if it still ended with me not getting him back, maybe I would have been doing better by getting the truth out.
Over the years, the memory of that event becoming a blur. While I still couldn't bring myself to play Pokémon Blue, I continued to play Red and Yellow enthusiastically as well as with Silver and Gold. I continued to play these games as well as the later generations that came out, getting new consoles and handhelds so I could continue playing them.
In a more present date, I was sitting home alone, playing SoulSilver with the TV on in the background. I was waiting for a favorite show to come on.
I hadn't been paying full attention to the TV despite knowing in a couple of minutes the show would start. I was busy training my team so I could beat Clair, annoyed with how tough her dragons are, her Kingdra especially.
In today's news, a tragic accident has left a family without a son. Earlier this morning, a sudden flood occurred, baffling weathermen and townsfolk alike. The flood had occurred in a rural neighborhood, barely giving people time to escape or take shelter on their roofs.
Everyone but this young man escaped unscathed. It is uncertain if this had been an act of suicide or there had been something else preventing him from leaving the safety of his home.
As of now, his name is not disclosed to us by the police. We will update you with any new information we receive.
Taken off guard by the news suddenly popping up, I pulled my eyes from my game.
Before switching to a different news segment, I got a glimpse of the flooded area. It was the same town I used to live years ago.
Normally I would feel sympathy, even a chill for those who died right where I had lived, but I only felt empty. It stirred something inside me, something that made my heart ache and my mind buzz.
Not wanting to hear more from the TV, I turned it off, no longer interested in my show. Instead, I poured my focus onto my DS, training my Pokémon some more before I felt confident enough to beat Clair.
Not even five minutes passed before I came out victorious, earning myself not only my last badge but an Extreme Speed Dratini!
I left the gym and quickly healed my Pokémon and bought a few items to restock after that headache of a battle.
Right after, I headed straight for the cave, my sprite hopping off the surf icon and ready to enter the Dragon's Den.
I blinked to take a double take, finding that the old man normally blocking the entrance was gone. I shook the strange feeling off, thinking it was either a coding error or I was remembering wrong. There are so many old men or whoever blocking various doors and entrances, it's hard to keep track who stays and who leaves.
Just as I got to the temple, I hardly took a step when Clair showed up with Lance by her side. Both had exclamation points appear over their heads as they ran in front of my sprite, blocking her from going in.
I know for certain this wasn't coded into the game.
Don't go in there! There's a vicious monster inside! Clair's text read, appearing very scared with the way her sprite seemed to shake.
She's…she's right. Even I couldn't tame this beast and I'm supposed to be a dragon master… Lance's text added. An icon appeared over his head, showing the same kind of distraught face that shows up when a Pokémon is poisoned or something.
A new text box popped up:
Go in?
[Yes/No]
I don't know why, but I clicked Yes, finding this whole thing strange. Immediately, I got reactions from the dragon trainers.
Are you INSANE? Clair was clearly agitated. That thing will rip you apart!
She's right. It won't settle until it's reunited with its master! Lance was shaking almost as bad as Clair has been.
Immediately there was a noise, almost a screech exploding from the DS, the sound startling all three sprites as they jumped. Hell, I nearly jumped as I fumbled to lower the volume, the sounding seemingly growing louder and louder.
I dropped the DS onto my lap, the device almost sliding to the floor as I covered my ears in a desperate attempt to block out the noise. My head started to hurt, feeling it pound in time with the screeching. I silently prayed that it would end, tears forming from my tightly shut eyes.
What felt like forever, the screeching had stopped, a ringing noise left as my hearing recovered from the onslaught.
Hesitantly, I dropped my hands, opening my eyes as I nervously picked up my DS.
I could see that Clair was already long gone, likely fleeing the scene not that I could blame her.
Lance, however, appeared to be trying to pull me away from the temple with all his might.
Please! Please, leave here! This thing is far worse than Mewtwo! Than Arceus! Please leave or you WILL die!
Reading that last part of the text, I felt a cold chill fill the room.
It was just a game, they're just pixels. They can't hurt me, hurt anyone.
But if that's the case, why is this happening? Why am I seeing this awful sequence?
I've never had problems before now. I've restarted this dumb game a dozen or so times, so it can't be bugged or hacked. I never loaned it out to anyone and never lost it either. It was pre-ordered even! So why is my game acting so messed up?
Oh no… It…it's sensed us! We have to leave NOW!
Before I could process what was happening, my sprite and Lance's spun, indicating he used an escape rope or had a Pokémon use Teleport.
Instead of landing outside the cave, we were in Ecruteak City.
A sense of dread filled me with how dark my favorite city looked, darker than even the nighttime setting.
The sight seemed to scare Lance further as he seemed to fly into a panic, something that seems so unlike him.
Game or not, the whole thing was freaking me out, frozen in my seat.
We have to talk to Bill! He might have an idea of what to do!
Feeling I had to follow, I tried moving my sprite but found I had no control over her. I could only sit and watch her frantically run after the frightened champion.
We reached Goldenrod City, finding it strange we didn't fly there, but that thought quickly left when seeing the darkness covering the city as well. A flash of light lit up the screen, pixels resembling wind and rain coming down onto the sprites, helplessly watching as they ran through the sudden storm.
Just as quickly as the storm started, Lance and my sprite got to their destination, entering Bill's house.
As the screen faded to black to do the scene transition, I swore I saw the silhouette of something flying overhead. It happened so fast, I couldn't tell what it could be if it could be identified at all.
With morbid curiosity, I tried to move my sprite and make her go outside, but I kept getting the same text.
I…I can't go out there. She'll kill me.
"She?" I said out loud as I read this.
Seeing I couldn't go out and look, I merely watched the interaction between Bill and Lance.
Bill! What's going on? Why is this monster HERE? I thought she was gone!
I don't understand it myself. Apparently, she came from a different time… Bill's text started before another screech erupted. Like back at the cave, the sprites jumped as did I.
Thankfully, it was shorter and more startling than headache inducing.
Apparently, there used to be time capsules and she somehow came through it. She has some sort of connection with YOU, though…
That same chill came back, almost tearing through me with the way Bill said it.
I couldn't help but start to think that this wasn't some stupid glitch or hack. But I couldn't help but wonder about the time capsules. Why would he mention them? And what kind of Pokémon would come after…
"Shit!"
I almost dropped my DS for the second time, trembling hands setting it down on the sofa as I ran to my room.
I tore through a box I kept that held my old games I didn't play with that much or stopped working. Part of me is glad I didn't get rid of this stuff but at the same time…
Searching through it, I felt a brief burst of triumph when I found what I was looking for.
I quickly grabbed my DSlite and charger, getting it together and popped the game.
With a couple of tries, I got it on and watched as the screen went to the opening animation, skipping through it as quickly as it allowed.
Besides surprised that the game worked, I was more surprised to see the old save file, my Red and Yellow's files having long since erasing themselves. Even my Johto games' internal batteries have long since died, rendering them mostly useless.
I clicked the file, letting it load, instantly regretting it when the scene loaded in.
I felt my mouth opening, a small whine escaping as my hands shook harder, falling to my knees at what I saw.
While the pixels were poor, it was obvious that there were body parts strewn about the ground. But I wasn't sure whose they were or what they were, if they were human or Pokémon, possibly both.
The pixel image of Lance came onto the scene, looking distraught as he ran around the area, seemingly examining the carnage.
THEY'RE ALL DEAD! SHE KILLED THEM ALL! Lance's text read, looking bigger, almost distorted. I wasn't sure if I wanted to know if it was because he was terrified or possibly crying at what he saw. I…I COULDN'T STOP HER RAMPAGE. I WASN'T STRONG ENOUGH…
The last bit of the text was harder to read, appearing partially garbled, fearing the game's age is catching up. I quickly realized he had to have been stuttering, possibly crying as an animation of his sprite fell to his knees, the sprite shaking.
A serpent-like figure slid its way onto the screen, Lance's sprite jumping back.
YOU! HOW COULD YOU MURDER YOUR FELLOW TEAMMATES? BETRAY YOUR TRAINER?
THEY'RE NOT MY TEAMMATES, THEY NEVER WERE. AND THAT GIRL WAS NEVER MY TRAINER. SHE NEVER RETURNED ME TO MY TRAINER AS SHE PROMISED SHE WOULD. I'M GOING TO MAKE HER PAY, PAY FOR THE HELL I WENT THROUGH BY BEING AWAY FROM MY TRAINER!
HOW DO YOU EVEN KNOW SHE BETRAYED YOU?
I HEARD HER SWEAR AN OATH TO MY TRAINER!
My blood ran cold reading this, the memory replaying as I realized what kind of Pokémon this was.
It was the Dragonair my ex-best friend traded so he could take my Blastoise.
It was like a nightmare. Somehow she got out of this game and gotten in my copy of SoulSilver so she could get revenge. But why now? After all these years, why now?
"The flood!" I gasped as the news came to mind.
Could it have something to do with Dragonair reawakening? Could the guy that had died be Him? Could his death have triggered some hellish event?
Looking at the game, finding the sprites' interaction was more like a recording, an old recording left for me to find. Or had I gotten rid of it sooner, been a nightmare for someone else to stumble upon.
Taking it with me, I returned to the living room, setting it down and picking the other device up. I saw the pixelated sprites of both Lance and Bill staring at my sprite, no staring straight at me.
You saw the video she left you? Lance's text read, his sprite making a motion to reveal it came from him.
A text box popped into view:
[Yes/No?]
Shakily, I clicked Yes.
So you understand?
"Yes, but I didn't break my promise, I swear! He broke it! He stole my Blastoise. He abandoned her without a second thought!"
If that's true… Wait a minute!
Bill had an exclamation mark appear over his head, his sprite shifting as if he was muttering something.
I had gotten a call not long ago about something weird going on with the Global Trade.
What is it?
I was told that there's a Pokémon that's refusing to be traded except to one person. Maybe it could help us if we talk to it?
Alright, which station's having the problem?
"I thought they were all the same," I mumbled to myself.
They are when used, but Pokémon awaiting a trade are stored in different stations to prevent an overload on the servers
Bill, is this really the best time to explain?
An annoyed sprite appeared over Lance's head as he appeared to cross his arms and tap his foot.
If things hadn't been so dire, I would have found that rather cute…
Sorry, but she asked and…
And?
And the station we need to go to is in Ecruteak…
That's a long run…
"Couldn't we fly?"
We'll be shot down before we're even off the ground.
"There has to be another way to get there," I muttered more to myself. I didn't care if they were pixels, I didn't want two of my favorite NPCs to die. I didn't want my Pokémon or theirs to die either.
We'll just have to make a run for it. You two will stay ahead. I'll hold the rear to make sure that beast doesn't follow you. I won't be able to hold her off for long, but I can at least buy you two some time to reach Ecruteak City.
Lance's sprite shook particularly hard.
I'm tired of being a coward towards that thing.
"What the hell, Lance? You can't do that, you'll get killed!" I practically shouted at the screen, my fear briefly replaced with concern. My cheeks became damp with tears as I started to cry as the sprites left the house and ran for the gate.
The moment the scene changed to Route 35, the storm grew worse, the three sprites continuing to run. I could feel my heart pound as I watched, knowing any moment Lance would stop following to face our pursuer.
I let out a scream when a crack of thunder exploded outside. The lights flickered as lightning flashed in time with the lightning in the game. The downpour outside seemed to match the beat of the pixelated raindrops.
If there was a chance this had been somehow coded in, it was thrown out the window the moment that freak storm started.
The whole route was empty of trainers, the doors leading to the park were closed. It wasn't even that long ago they were open for Lance and my sprite to cut through. With them closed now, the sprites were forced to run through the grass. Not a single wild Pokémon had shown, likely hiding from the raging storm.
With luck, I had a Pokémon that knew cut, hacking the tree down, allowing us access to Route 36, getting us closer to our destination.
A screech made the sprites down, my heart almost stopping when another screech echoed loudly, almost sounding as if it was actually outside.
GO NOW! BOTH OF YOU GO!
Lance's terrified form shook as the text nearly took up the whole speech box.
Another screech erupted, a flash of light consuming the screen. It was too bright to keep my eyes open, forcing them shut so not to go blind.
When I was able to open them again, I regretted it.
Behind the three sprites as they turned to look, shaking in utter fear.
Sitting right there, back turned to me was the very Pokémon we were trying to avoid.
While in smaller form, I could tell she was in an awful state. I didn't want to know what she actually looked like, not wanting to think how she looked to my sprite and the guys.
I finally found you… the text came up followed by thunder outside, sounding more like an ungodly roar.
You have to listen to reason! We KNOW what happened. She didn't break her oath, your TRAINER had! He ABANDONED you! He didn't care for you, he never did!
The text that had popped up I suspected belonged to Lance with the way his sprite moved in between his trembles.
Lance's sprite seemed to move closer, a small flash of light forming as his Pokémon called, trembling almost as badly as their trainer.
I was so focused watching the interaction, I almost missed seeing Bill's sprite shifting in front of mine, looking as if he was trying to protect her.
LIES! Dragonair roared once more as the text came up.
The letters were not only large, nearly consume the whole box, but an angry shade of red instead of black. The sight of it emphasized what she felt, feeling all her rage.
I can't decide whether a blessing or not, but the screen briefly went black, unsure if the battery died, but the sounds of flesh being torn filled my ears. In an instant, the scene returned, but worse.
Body parts of different dragons were strewn across the ground, red pixels resembling blood splattered about, some growing into puddles. The pixelated rain immediately began to wash it away, giving it an even gorier sight.
I felt sick, my hand covering my mouth as I shook.
Lance's sprite stood there, appearing dumbfounded by how quickly his dragons were slaughtered, slowly backing away.
"Run you, idiot!" I screamed, watching as Dragonair took a swing at him.
Lance barely dodged it, lying on the ground, landing on what looked like a piece of his Aerodactyl.
"I won't hesitate to kill you if you continue getting in my way."
The text showed, reading it, but I swore I heard her actually talking, a deep growl behind me, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck standing up.
I wanted to turn to verify but scared if I did, I'd be face to face with a monster. Or worse, I turn to find nothing, only to turn to find Lance and possibly Bill and my sprite ripped to pieces. I didn't know what would be worse.
Lance's sprite appeared to be twitching, unsure if he was hurt worse than I thought or he was too scared to move.
Stay away from her!
"Bill!"
I watched as he ran, literally ran straight for the dragon as if he planned to fight her head on, only to get swatted away with a flick of her tail.
I watched helplessly as he was thrown to the ground, hearing a thud, his form mostly still. Fearing he was dead when some red pixels formed around his head, I felt a wave of relief when he twitched a little, showing he was still breathing.
My relief was cut short when Dragonair made her way towards me, no longer having any obstacles in her way.
The screen flashed, indicating a battle was starting, meaning I was going to fight her.
I watched as my sprite came into view, looking absolutely terrified as dark streaks covered her face, resembling tears. Instead of staying still aside her throwing animation, she was shaking hard, pitying her. I know she's supposed to be me, but I felt distanced, that this girl wasn't me, but another innocent victim, another obstacle to Dragonair's twisted revenge.
Bile threatened to come up when Dragonair came onto the screen, the sight revolting.
The once beautiful dragon was horribly filthy. There were splatters of blood across different portions of her body, some darker and others brighter. I had my doubts that most of it belonged to her, recalling the massacre in that recording and mere moments ago.
The blue scales were dark and looked as if some fell off from lack of care, her white underbelly looking just about the same if not worse. The wing-like ears was a dark gray, ripped and torn.
Her eyes were hollow, sunken in, giving her a horrifying look. Her horn was longer, curling as if it hadn't been cared for or purposely grew to make her more dangerous. It was small, but I swore there were bits of blood and flesh hanging off it. The jewels under her chin and on her tail were pitch black, cracks visible when stared at enough.
Guilt began to consume me, seeing how childish I had acted by not accepting my loss and chose to take care of her, she might be like this. Maybe she wouldn't have been driven into insanity, have become so bloodthirsty from his cruel trick?
I didn't know what to do or what I could say to fix this as I watched as my first Pokémon was called out, my Lugia, Ryder.
It was only then I realized the entire time this had happened, since entering the temple, it's little sprite wasn't present. In buildings, I can understand, but he hadn't shown up at all when outside, likely having hidden in his pokéball.
I had to think of what to do to beat this thing fast.
I selected Fight and pressed Fly.
Before my Pokémon could use it, Dragonair made the first move.
Dragonair used Extreme Speed!
It was a critical hit!
Ryder has died…
"No!" I sobbed.
I watched as a gaping hole formed through my Pokémon's torso, seeing it go all the way through its back. As my Lugia fell from the screen, it let out a garbled cry, as if it was drowning in its own blood.
Send out next Pokémon?
[Yes/No]
I tried selecting No in hopes of getting to escape, but it failed.
You can't run from death.
I swallowed hard, cold sweat covering me as I tried to think of what else I could do.
I had to get a Pokémon that would be faster, looking at what I had left.
Meganium, Pidgeot, Persian, Ninetales, and Gengar.
I needed something fast, the only ones possibly having that speed being my Pidgeot and Gengar. Ninetales was fast, but not fast enough and if I recall, Dragonair knew Surf. Then again, if it knows Extreme Speed, it may know other moves…
Taking a deep breath, I made my choice, hoping it was the right one.
"Please help me, Nyu," I whimpered out as my Gengar came onto the screen.
I hoped that whatever else Dragonair had, it wouldn't hurt her too badly, allowing us time to counter.
While Ryder had looked terrified coming into this horrible battle, Nyu looked furious, vengeful even.
I immediately selected Hypnosis, letting out a desperate whine as the move missed.
Dragonair used Dragon Rage.
I breathed a small sigh of relief, watching as Nyu's health went down the way the attack is programmed. That meant Dragonair was still bound by some laws to this game.
When I went to click for a new attack, hoping one of them will hit if Hypnosis failed, I found nothing would select. I tapped Shadow Ball a couple times before trying Sludge Bomb, but nothing happened. I even tried Hypnosis again, but it wouldn't work either.
"What's going on?"
The screen faded to black, a small white circle forming, Nyu's body appearing.
Nyu has an idea.
Nyu obtained a Master Ball.
The Master Ball? But that's impossible, I haven't gotten it yet!
Nyu hands it to you.
Nyu wants you to use it on Dragonair.
Nyu knows she can't beat Dragonair.
Nyu says goodbye.
I let out a scream as I watched Dragonair attack again, using Fire Blast, watching as my poor ghost was burned until her sprite faded away.
Hesitantly, I called out my next Pokémon, my Ninetales, seeing the poor thing trembling, body hunkered down as if he's already accepted death.
"She won't get you," I reassured as I went into items.
I was surprised when only the Master Ball was present.
Use it?
[Yes/No]
I don't ever remember slamming my thumb down onto Yes as fast and as hard as I did.
NO! THIS ISN'T FAIR! THIS ISN'T FAIR!
The text shook as the ball bounced off of Dragonair's body, the capture animation taking place as she was swallowed up by the unbreakable sphere.
I watched, my body tense, afraid that this might be the one time it fails. After everything that's happened, I wouldn't be surprised.
A couple more violent shakes took place, more than what was normal, the ball stopped, a click heard to signify my capture.
Instead of the usual scene of registering a new Pokémon or having an option to name Dragonair, I was sent back to the overworld.
The storm had lessened, tentatively looking up to see the same was happening outside.
I wanted to be relieved, but when my eyes returned to the screen, tears formed when seeing Ryder's still body and a pile of what I suspected to be ash.
Ughh… Where…where's Dragonair?
I knew it was Bill who said this as his sprite got up, appearing dizzy with the way he walked slowly towards my sprite. Lance joined, his movements slow as well, almost limping.
You…you caught Dragonair? You actually caught her?
"But at what cost?" I said out loud, my body shaking as I thought to all of the dead Pokémon.
There's no way to undo it, I knew that deep down. If I dared to restart, I would either start this nightmare over again or return to where I am.
It's still not over, we should get to Ecruteak City.
That had to have been Lance, watching as Bill nod.
The sprites walked away, turning once to look at the carnage, my sprite and Lance appearing hesitant.
We can send for someone to have them buried properly Bill's text read, his sprite appearing to comfort the other two. His words seemed to add comfort not only to them but for me as well when they walked off screen, switching it to Ecruteak City finally.
I watched as the sprites made their way into the Pokémon Center, Bill going up the stairs while Lance and my sprite waited on the main floor.
Part of me wanted to destroy Dragonair, kill her the way she killed our Pokémon. But another part of me felt pity for her.
She only became like this because I was as stupid kid years ago, her trainer a manipulative jerk by abandoning her with me.
I knew there was no hope to ever using her or trying to talk to her.
She was beyond help. It would be suicide to try…
Bill's sprite came down, walking over to mine.
I found out what the problem was. Apparently, it wanted a particular Pokémon from one trainer. You.
"Me?"
Bill's sprite nodded.
Yes, come with me. Lance, you're welcome to come with us.
I rather not.
A fresh wave of tears came as I could practically hear his heart shattering with the heavy losses he's been dealt with.
I don't care if he's data, he became so much more after Dragonair's rampage. Not just him; Bill, my Pokémon, Lance's, everyone else had I interacted with them instead.
As much as I wanted to stay, I had no control as my sprite followed Bill up to where the Global Trades take place. My sprite went in first, Bill following right after.
Instead of landing where I normally would, I found my sprite in a new room. Bill landed next to my sprite, taking a few steps forward.
He's this way.
The sprites walked down the apparently longer room, stopping in front of a Blastoise that waited for them.
My heart skipped a beat at the sight.
"B-Barbarossa?" I heard myself stutter. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
It's been a long time…
"Please don't be angry with me! I never wanted to abandon you! I never…"
I know. I know he lied. I also know he planned to hurt you again.
"Hurt me again?"
Yes, I couldn't let that happen. I don't know what he planned, but I felt his intent. He grew twisted that day he took me from you and abandoned his own Pokémon.
I swallowed hard. I didn't want to think of what he might have been planning if he had found out where I was living.
I made him pay for what he did all those years ago, what he put me through. I made him send me here so I could find you.
"Did you start that flood?"
Yes, I lost control of my anger. I never forgot you and I couldn't bear you getting hurt again. It seems that my anger had awakened Dragonair, I'm sorry…
"Don't apologize. I…I…" I stopped, shaking my head. "It's my fault. I should have said something when it happened instead of freezing up. I should have told his parents or mine so I could get you back. I shouldn't have abandoned my game because I was being childish."
You WERE a child Barbarossa's text stated, almost filling the screen, yet it had a calming effect than inciting fear. Regardless, it's in the past.
Before I could ask what he meant, the screen changed.
I watched as a trading sequence began, Dragonair coming onto the screen, a new text appearing.
Dragonair is returning home.
Dragonair is pleased.
Dragonair can finally be at peace.
She was consumed into the ball, but instead of rising up and flying off to the sky, it fell to a red, glowing pit, making my stomach churn of what it signified.
Right after, a pokéball landed as the pit disappeared, bursting open to reveal my old Blastoise, text appearing.
Barbarossa has returned home.
Barbarossa knows he belongs here.
The screen changed again, showing the sprites back in the Pokémon Center's upper floor, no longer in the Global Trade Station. The sprites went down the stairs, rejoining Lance.
What happened?
"Dragonair's gone. She's returned to her trainer," I answered, a sad smile forming.
Behind my sprite was my Blastoise, looking at ease to be with me again.
New tears formed, realizing I had finally gotten him back. After all these years, he was home again.
The boy who broke my trust and stole him had been punished. His Dragonair was finally reunited with him. I immediately felt bad for her, knowing where she must be, wishing she could have been given a second chance.
Maybe in another life, she will?
If she does, I hope she finds a trainer who will love her like I should have.
I stumbled upon my old copy and felt the need to rewrite it.
So after almost six years, I finally got around to rewriting it and I think it came out a bit better. Not saying it's perfect but better than it was before.
Those unaware of the plot or unsure where this idea came from, it was a similar event that happened years ago.
I did actually own a Blastoise, but I hadn't named it. I don't even know if it had been on Blue or not.
I had traded him to a friend of mine so he could borrow it to get some eggs and use it for a battle against a friend of his in his grade. I don't remember if he actually gave me a Dragonair, but he might have given me something similar to match the trade's value.
And yes, he is younger than me as written, but he's not a manipulative little jerk. Far as I can remember, he was a good kid and I hope he still is.
However, he accidentally taught it Waterfall, or at least that's what he told me. I didn't get Gold or Silver yet at the time, he got the games sooner, mine didn't come into my possession until Christmas and my birthday respectfully. While I was mad, I got over it since Blastoise wasn't really my favorite, so it wasn't a huge loss other than the time I took raising it. Can't even recall if he was that good in battle or not.
Think you can see the trend here?
Either way, unlike the story, our friendship didn't break. However, I wouldn't trade with him a Pokémon I only had one of after that. At least not that late in the game.
Sadly, I haven't seen him since middle school and that was only once with no help from the guidance counselor. So I have no idea what's going on with him. No address and I never got his last name, or more I forgot.
Thus, I decided to use a bit of that experience and twist it into a nightmare.
Hopefully enjoyed and I would love to hear what you think of it.
I'm also open to helpful critique, but please keep it respectful.