Silence. A muffled one, dense like a storm cloud, were all that was head in the dark chamber. The strategically scattered torches around the small hemispheric hall inspired oxygen and breathed vivid flames, offering small portions of comforting yellowish light. Reunited around the elliptic table, the five members of the great council shared looks amongst themselves rhythmically, occasionally shooting quick glances towards the lonely armchair, empty, which was found to the extreme north of the large table. Despite that all the invitations had been anonymous; all five members of the council had already figured out their invitee through his very absence.
The question was: why? And why now? Some of the five members deduced that the motive might be related to the recent massacre on Allearth Forest. Despite generally being the most proactive when it came to humanitarianism, he didn't show the slightest intention of designating search and rescue groups. After inquired about his disinterest, his answer was nothing but a surprise for all: "What is the point in sending search and rescue groups to look for wounded? Whatever is left on those ruins is nothing but petrified remains." Although such lack of compassion is outright shocking, although the council members searched day and night for living proofs that his saying was nothing but apathetic and unfounded nonsense, the reports where trustworthy witnesses that Delta spoke the truth. Nothing had nor could have survived the devastating effect of the Dark Aura and the Oblivion Wing. But of course, none of the five members could afford to rust their public image, refusing to send any kind of help.
Although correct, Delta where the last person someone would ever expect to disregard any possibility of survivors. As a legitimate member of the Alakazam species, he was nothing but a born erudite and an experienced soldier. He had witnessed countless wars and survived all of them. These traits, plus the unparalleled efficiency of his telepathic regional monitoring system, made him owner of a conquered sympathy which, until today, was deemed flawless. But all these known facts only reinforced the mystery behind his inhuman attitude.
As the apprehension increased by the minute, the five presents traded looks with palpable nervousness, having less and less disposition to hide their emotionally unstable states. Also known for having unparalleled intelligence and tactical skills, as well as an impenetrable willpower and a un-fragmentable moral sense, Delta were never late without a good reason. However, when they were about to send messenger Pidgeys, something happened.
Something hammered against the heavy gates of the hall, shredding the iron stride and almost yanking the heavy granite plates out of its brass hinges. Once the room, reasonably insulated, became exposed to the effects of the inclement weather, the chaos spread like a wildfire. The ferocious air currents roared with deafening intensity, trashing violently along the hall. Whatever small object which weren't properly attached to a heavier one was promptly yanked out of its original position and added to the whirlwind like a scattered leaf. However, before anyone could seek cover underneath the large table made of solid oak, a powerful influence flowed through the hall. Powerful enough to leave the entire room absolutely static, the small objects ceased their flight choreography and were left unmoving in midair, under the effects of an insurmountable inertia. All that was heard now were the thundering sounds raining from the clouds above, accompanied by massive electrical discharges that shot to the earth below and leaving smoldering craters in its wake. And, of course, the hammering bangs that came in thousands from the precipitation of freezing water droplets. Caleb, and honored council member and imposing Honchkrow, wasn't at all impressed by the display of the fearsome storm. In fact, he was perfectly aware why the newly arrived even bothered opening the doors.
"Pure protocol." Thought him.
And he was right. Two meters ahead of the door, a luminous anomaly made itself known. The purple pulsating sphere didn't waste any time before scattering stunning light bursts though the spacious halls, illuminating every cubic centimeter with blazing ferocity. However, barely five seconds after the anomaly's appearance, another imposing figure emerged from within it as if walking out of a portal. After that, the blinding lights faded out silently. After recomposing themselves, the council made a careful analysis of the newly arrived.
Projecting itself threateningly from its skull, a symmetrical pair of horns coated in the same yellowish tone of its skin were noticeable, slicing smoothly through the heavy air. Descending down the side of its face in both sides, a smaller pair of opposing horns gave continuity to the bigger one's base, forming a pattern. Right under the protruding forehead, two eyes lurked cautiously, but without the slightest shadow of fear. His penetrating steel-like gaze was more than enough to break visual contact with any lesser observer. Both ocular globes were found slight above the small snout, decorated with a mustache of astonishing proportions that was supposedly a symbol of wisdom. The frontal region of his thorax was visible through an open gap in his black robe, which was perfectly contrasted by a golden button. Under those heavy clothes, it was noticeable that his thorax was covered in a natural exoskeleton of a brownish tone, with extended to two shoulder paths of the same material. From inside the carapace, two arms extended from opposing sides. Both were very skinny and armored with two large bracelets of the same exoskeleton, which covered entirely the also skinny forearms that ended in two three-fingered hands with close to useless sharpened nails. In his waist, the cloth hided that the outline of his bone bowl was nearly visible through the thin skin, seemingly absent of any sort of fat or muscle. Extending from its underside, the legs are basically a pair of very thin thighs connected to thick shins liked to large three-toed feet that were also provided with shard nails. Though his fringe appearance would make him seemingly harmless, he did not need his psychic powers to sustain his head and move his body, contrary to the rest of his species. He also seemed to lack the twin spoons that nearly every member of the Alakazam species held in both hands to increase their psychic proficiency, instead letting them hang from a thin iron chain wrapped around his also thin neck.
Entering the door right behind him, another creature with distinct vulpine traces walked briefly until standing by his side. This one had a natural bent over posture, even being gifted with similar vigor to the one by his side, and didn't have a trace of skin that was not coated in dark gray fur. Each of its long and furry arms had indistinct three-clawed hands, the claws being blood-like red and sharp like bone razors. Sprouting from the top of its head, an enormous and blood-red mane dotted with seemingly sharp tufts of jet-black fur with dark grayed tips had its end tied in a ponytail with reverse tones with a bright green cartilage ring and each of his pointed dark gray ears stood on both sides of it. He also had very curved and muscular legs coated in dark gray which ended in a pair of strong three-clawed feed with claws that mimicked the ones on his hands. His sharp snout had two sharp eyes outlined in red resting above it, with two shining blue orbs observing all from inside it. Finally, an eternal cruel smile with very pointed teeth and blood-red edges seemed to give a maniacal and bloodthirsty touch to his overall appearance. Not that Zoroarks were known for squandering sanity.
With a slight hand movement and a brief blue pulse from the Alakazam, the wide-open gates where readily coated in a sapphire blue aura, obeying the telekinetic's mental commands and closing on their own with an audible thud. Once finished with his entrance, he took quick and silent steps around the spectating council members, lastly taking the empty seat at the extreme north. Not caring to be as reserved, the Zoroark gave a ferocious leap, jumping the entirety of the table's length and landing softly and surprisingly silently by the Alakazam's side, before taking a few steps back and resuming a relaxed but not any less attentive posture.
The newly arrived spent a few minutes pondering heavily on his next worlds, like a diplomat who is about to end eons of wars in a single speech, in order to make his intentions clear like the purest diamond. Once done with the brief mental manuscript, he began:
-Dear council members. How most of you already noticed, I am the anonymous invitee who organized the small meeting. But I believe that some amongst you are still curious about the reason. Let me clarify.
Assuming, however, a somber countenance delineated by bitterness and even some hints of anger, he asked Zoroark, his loyal assistant and body-guard, that he started the reading of a report brought by him. Giving a small step ahead, the Zoroark carefully removed the manuscript from the leather bag wrapped around his shoulder, unrolling it and briefly clearing his throat. The, he started:
"10 of November of 1999, 'New Island', Kanto. Confirmed Mewtwo's status as the prompter of the heavy, and until now unseen, class 5 storms that struck along the coasts of Kanto. The effects of the powerful tempest reaped the lives of hundreds of humans presents in cruises along the region, as well as tents of Pokémon. By the coastal region, we received reports of vast residential and commercial complexes who fell victims of such destruction, disappeared humans and dead Pokémon."
Gasping in shock before the unexpected details of the great storms caused by Mewtwo, a failed military project from the Rocket Organization, the eyes of the council members widened in realization, finally comprehending Delta's intention behind the reading of such tragic reports. After observing intently the reactions of all five present members, he gave a slight nod in Zoroark's general direction, wordlessly signaling for him to continue.
"21 of July of 2000, 'Shamouti' Island Complex. The conflict originating of the egoistical and immature actions of the three legendary birds resulted in enormous climatic catastrophes which impacted in the whole Johto region. The large electrical storms, followed by powerful blizzards knocked airplanes from the skies and strikes hundreds of agricultural based societies, generating crisis all along the country and causing direct death of more hundreds of humans and Pokémon by the hands of the inhospitable weather."
Not bothering to wait for another consent to carry on his reading, Zoroark continued:
"6 of April of 2001, 'Greenfield' City, Johto. The unexpected crystal formations buried a great fraction of the nearby fields and forests. Some Pokémon were also found dead in labyrinths of the very same crystal. The heavy impact of the crystalline formations resulted in intense degradation and subsequent destruction of the local environment. Tents of Pokémon had to be reallocated to far away areas and there is reports of a human woman kidnapped by the great Fire Titan, Entei. The legendary Unown council was posteriorly identified as the prompter of the devastation."
"25 of October of 2002, 'Ilex' Forest, Johto. We received reports that the legendary Celebi, the Voice of the Forest, was captured by a man who called himself the Iron-Masked Marauder, whose true name is Vicious. As result, the legendary Suicune, the North Wind, was attacked and severely wounded. The deaths include tents of Pokémon, intense pollution of the local lake and destruction of a large section of the forest. Large masses were reallocated due to destruction of their homes and death of loved ones. Researches suggests that an unidentified boy suffered from bad side effects of a forced time travel without proper preparations."
"20 of January of 2004, 'Altomare' City, Johto. After a successful attempt of stealing the Soul Dew, one of the most valuable jewels of the entire planet, and the kidnapping of the legendary Latios, the responsible utilized the Altomare Defense Mechanism to seal the city and reanimate hundreds of fossils present on the city, which went rampaging afterwards. Once the dust settles, tents of innocents were found slaughtered. Many sub aquatic Pokémon were caught once the water reversed flows and converged into a huge tsunami right afterwards. A large psychic explosion, originated by the twin guardians of Altomare, saved the city and sealed the fate of all the Pokémon within the wave."
"1 of June of 2004, 'Forina' area, Hoenn. During the millennial week of observation of the Millennium Comet, the power of the mythical Jirachi, the Wish Maker, was channeled to form an synthetic and inferior version of Groudon, the Earth Titan. Thirsty for any source of bio energy, the creature devastated entire square kilometers of the region, destroying vegetable and conscious life indiscriminately. The destruction of the local vegetation resulted in massive locomotion by groups of homeless. Many Pokémon had their lives reaped by the monster. Imprisoned inside the creature and resistant to the psychic teleportation of Jirachi, many Dark-types such as Nuzleafs and Shiftrys were destroyed along with the fake Groudon by the Wish Maker's Doom Desire."
"22 of January of 2005, 'LaRousse' City, Hoen. After the unfortunate events involving the hacking of nearly the entire automaton city by the mythical Deoxys, her nano-technological clones forced a city-wide evacuation, damaging both homes and persons due to their low quality artificial intelligence. Afterwards, the force field generated by Deoxys neutralized the city's wind-based source of electricity, besides imprisoning both humans and Pokémon inside. Lastly, many of those who hadn't been evacuated were caught in the crossfire between Deoxys and Rayquaza, the Ski King. The fight damaged many buildings from multiple natures all over the city. Entire masses, of homeless or not, were reallocated by fear, loss of loved ones or destruction of their homes. Due to the strike in the city's work force plus the money spent on repairs sent the small city spiraling down on a monetary crisis."
"27 of September of 2008, 'Alamos' Town, Hoen. The space-time reverberations caused by the clash between Palkia, the Ruler of Space and Dialga, the Ruler of Time, acquired astronomic proportions. The spatial dissolution of the town caught hundreds of unsuspecting residents in their own houses, humans and Pokémon alike. The mythical Darkrai was nearly killed in the process while trying to save the town. "
However, as he was about to continue, Delta swiftly raised his hand, effectively stopping Zoroark to read any further. Observing the distinct reactions of the council for a few seconds, noticed with an internal smile that the effects were exactly the desired ones. Some expressed chock, others had hints of anger, others showed sadness and many showed two or more of them. Expect for Honchkrow. His Dark-typing made it easier for him both ignore the heavy realities exposed to him as well as mask his true emotions and intentions. Finishing his silent scanning, he proceeded, choosing carefully the next words:
-I suppose it's enough for now, Zoroark.
Upon noticing the implied command, Zoroark retreated to his original position, still paying dear attention to all five entities.
-When the reports started, I imagine that many or all of you had comprehended the true reason behind my invitation. We're not here to a routine report, or a political debate. I have come to make a proposition.
Despite that all of them had understood correctly his intention, none of them could bring themselves to break the unconscious stare all of them were giving him. Finally, he revealed:
-We are here, because there is a war about to start.
A war? Against who? You couldn't be suggesting that we…
-What? This is insanity! We can't deal with this kinda of power!
-You have to be under some attack of Spore, Hypnosis or something of the kind! This proposition is ridiculous and suicide!
Delta resided immobile, patiently awaiting the torrents of doubts and exclamations to end. Finally, noticing his wordless request for silence, the council brought themselves to stop their rambling. After the silence had gratefully reinstated itself, Delta spoke:
-Insanity. Ridiculousness. Suicide. Power. These are your arguments. Arguments unfounded, pathetic and based on nothing but emotions and internal doubts. You fear a war against the legendary, because you fear we cannot win. You hesitate in rebel against the indiscriminate and abusive use of power by them because you attach yourselves to the fact that they created and govern us. But I summoned you here because I disagree with these ideas. Let me recapitulate which are the three elements fundamental to win a war: Soldiers, Weapons and Strategy. Up until what I know, we have all three.
Upon this sudden declaration, a big part of the uneasiness expressed by the council quickly became a burning curiosity, but not without hints of sarcasm. Honchkrow, who absolutely no one remember to have ever supported any decision by Delta, spoke almost immediately:
-We have all three? You're ridiculous Delta. We don't have soldiers. I would love to see you wandering around, desperately asking for Pokémon that are willing to try to overthrow their own creators. We don't have any strategies. We don't have anything but your fallible plans girded with corruption – He pronounced this phrase spitting words coated in powerful venom – and, if we stop to think about it, not even power we have. Or do you think you're going to Psychic gods to death? You must be under some negative status condition, or plainly abandoned your residual traces of sanity. We would never support your nonsense ideas.
Looks of agreements were traded over the elliptic oak table in the center of the room, now darker than ever due to the torches almost running out of fuel. Coming to a decision, the council already had their verdict even before Delta cold propose the voting. Then, they resumed to wait for Delta to propose, so they could reject him. But what came caught all of them off guard.
And humming and intermittent sound echoed through the silent room, a strange sound that gained strength until it revealed itself to be a deep chuckle. But what surprised them the most is that the chuckle was actually coming from Delta. Behind him, Zoroark showed a snout-splitting grin which irradiated amusement, his own way of reflecting the absolute amount of humor both had found in the small speech. After a few seconds to interrupt his chuckling, Delta sketched a small smile while restoring his firm gaze. After clearing his throat, he responded:
-Well, dear council members. You didn't think I would expose my ideas to you without any base, right? You accuse me of starting a war unprepared, but you don't notice that each aspect of a grandiose plan is already stated and carefully embedded in the main plot. A war is nothing but a game, one which you can win if you have the proper pieces and know how to use them. Finally, I would like to warn you: when I brought the prevision of a war, I didn't bring it as a request, but as a fact.
Opening their ears to digest any information that could express itself on his next words, the eyes in the room widened slightly. Delta continued:
-I'm not asking the permission of this council to start this war. In fact, it has already started. I came here as a council member and, in a way, a friend, to bring all of you an invite. I ask you: join me! Together, we can make what any of you would ever deem possible.
A silence hovered in the air, while the council shared looks amongst themselves, dubious.
-But, in case you refuse, I warn you: stay out of my way.
Staring at him with visibly shock, the council frenetically searched for any trace of amusement or insanity in the face of the Alakazam, but found none. He was serious. The five heads of the council proceeded them to consider calmly the proposition, but spending most time to get over the fact that he wasn't joking. Predictably, Honchkrow was the first to speak:
-If you think that acting like a lunatic would be a good reason for me to join you, you just lost your time. I refuse this alliance!
And he wasn't the only one. Upon judging this decision as the right one, one by one they expressed their refusal about the idea of a war alliance. Upon the ending of the session, Delta was looking straight down, avoiding visual contact with anyone. Rising from his seat, he walked quickly to the front of the hall's twin gates, keeping his eyes fix on the path the whole way. Shortly after, Zoroark gave a slight jump and followed close behind, finally standing by his side. He waited while Delta pronounced these last words:
-You have all been warned. I say that again: once the war is over, you will have to fight for whatever you want as much as any other Pokémon, from the richest to the poorest, from the strongest to the weakest.
With that said, he thrust his hand forward in a pushing motion, despite standing more than five meters from the door. Promptly obeying his telekinesis, the doors opened once more. This time however, they didn't stand firmly in their hinges. Being yanked out of them with brutal force, the doors which were about four meters tall where send flying more than ten meters beyond the enormous door frame, landing loudly on a large tree. The small objects, static until then, resumed their fall towards the floor, waiting for the storm to re-initiate their choreography. Then, once more there were allowed the entrance of the raging storm.