Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. I do, however, own my OC, Livana!
"Hydreigon, do my bidding!" Ghetsis called as he threw a Pokeball. With a white flash, the Brutal Pokémon appeared. He levitated a few feet above the ground, baring his fangs, but something didn't appear right to Livana. Bruises—purple and red—decorated the hydra's body. He winced with every movement, as if even breathing hurt. Ghetsis, on the other hand, didn't look concerned. Either that or he hid his feelings well, but his scarlet eyes appeared devoid of any sentiment.
Livana hesitated as she took out a Pokeball. What was Ghetsis even thinking, sending an already injured Pokémon into battle? She watched as the man brought his cane down into the earth. Hydreigon tensed, as if waiting to be struck with it.
"Hurry up and send out your Pokémon, you insolent brat!" Livana paid no mind to his insults as she gazed into the dragon's eyes. Fear and pleading passed through the fuchsia optics so fast she thought she might've been imagining it. Eventually, she threw her Pokeball into the air.
"Zoroark, let's go!" The Illusion Fox Pokémon popped out of her Pokeball, letting out a battle cry. Her eyes narrowed as she met with Hydreigon.
"Use Dragon Pulse!" Ghetsis ordered. The hydra's main head fired a turquoise energy ball towards Zoroark.
"Dodge, then counter with Night Slash!" Livana called. Zoroark jumped to the left, and the energy ball exploded onto a nearby tree. She charged, claws glowing crimson as she slashed at Hydreigon. The dragon cried out, slightly lowering himself to the ground. A pang of guilt hit Livana as she realized how much more pain she brought onto Hydreigon. Ghetsis, however, didn't seem bothered as he issued his next order.
"Dragon Pulse again!" Hydreigon's main head fired another turquoise energy ball towards Zoroark, but it came frailer than the last, simply vanishing into thin air.
Ghetsis's eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you doing, Hydreigon?!" He crashed his cane again, earning another flinch from Hydreigon.
Livana clenched her fist. She'd have to end the battle… by defeating Hydreigon. That would prevent Ghetsis from forcing the dragon to battle in critical condition. She'd have to do it quickly.
"Zoroark, let's finish this with Night Daze!" Zoroark's eyes glowed light blue as a crimson aura surrounded her body. She raised her arms above her head, the aura growing stronger. It expanded into a crimson force field, enveloping the entire battle ground.
"Dodge it!" Ghetsis commanded, but it was too late. The shockwaves slammed full force into Hydreigon. Livana's world became still. The dragon finally fell. Blood oozed from a few cuts, while others were deepened. He lay on the ground, eyes screwed shut. She wanted to run to him, to comfort him, to apologize… She took a step, but her feet were glued to the floor and her legs refused to obey her.
She parted her lips to speak, but no sound came out. The green-haired man paid no mind as he glared daggers at Hydreigon.
"How pathetic. I raised you to be my strongest, but it seems all my efforts were in vain." Ghetsis chastised, his voice dark and sardonic. He brooded a moment, then turned, a strange glint lighting his eyes. He raised his arm, pulling the cane back.
Her world unfroze.
"Enough!" Livana forced her legs to function. Hydreigon slowly opened his eyes. The cane whipped through the air, and the girl threw herself in front of him.
A thin ripple of blood dripped from the smothering wound as Livana fell to the ground. Her vision became blurry through a mix of tears and crimson. Zoroark immediately rushed to her and shoved Ghetsis aside. The fox raised her arms, ready to attack. Hydreigon looked towards Livana. A few drops of blood fell to the ground from the wound on her face. She turned towards Zoroark and Ghetsis before turning back to Hydreigon. She offered him a gentle smile, uncertain to speak. He blinked before being surrounded in red light as Ghetsis recalled him inside his Pokeball.
Zoroark helped her trainer stand, still scowling at Ghetsis. The man stood silently, his venomous gaze unwavering.
"Do not interfere anymore, child." He spoke lowly, harshly. Livana stared in disbelief as he took a step forward.
"Wait! Aren't you going to take Hydreigon to a Pokémon Centre?!"
"Hydreigon needs to be punished." He strode away, not batting an eye.
Livana's normally calm demeanor slowly changed and her lower lip quivered. She had enough of this man's tactics. His way of training—hell, if one could even call it training—was completely absurd and detrimental. "..Ghetsis! Hydreigon's badly injured, and you're still going to punish him?! What the hell is wrong with you…?!"
Undeterred, Ghetsis continued walking. "How I train my Pokémon does not concern you."
"But—!" Ghetsis had already disappeared into the forest. Livana could only hope for Hydreigon's safety…
She looked up at Zoroark, thanking her. The fox's light blue eyes glazed over with concern for her trainer.
"I'll be okay, Zoroark. Don't worry." She patted her snout before returning her to her Pokeball. Livana took one last look at the direction Ghetsis headed in before turning on her heels.
There was one problem though.
Safety and Ghetsis did not fit well with each other.
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