Vanu's Evolution: Rising

The survival of the human race was dependent on the occupation of the new planet named Auraxis. With the clashing of ideals since the very terraforming of this planet, war quickly became the norm and almost never ending throughout the entire day. During the earlier days of terraforming, the planet was inhabited by unique fauna that were nicknamed Pokemon. Unlike the fauna on Earth, these possessed powers beyond reason. Every crater, disruption of the natural balance in the world was all due to these creatures' influence. Despite their god-like abilities, their ability to adapt went beyond the climate, but their kindness toward the aliens that invaded their own world. Quickly both humans and Pokemon formed a bond that would carry to their graves. With the slow but unavoidable rise of the first two major armies came alliances.

The New Conglomerate, freedom fighters who opposed the supposed dictatorship of the Terran Republic. They claimed to be maintaining the peace, but the New Conglomerate thought otherwise. Behind the scenes was the Vanu Sovereignty, originally normal scientists who saw the pointlessness of their war but was dragged into it for the advancement of humanity was hindered. Through the discovery then manipulation of alien artifacts left to them from a long gone civilization, they became the most advanced army on Auraxis. Equally match, they all resorted to letting the pokemon join their campaigns. They soon understood how little they knew of these creatures, showing off hostility so far from their normal moods it made them unsettling to watch during the early days of war. Seeing how adaptable these creatures could truly be, they refocused their preferences for leaders of squads. Looking for the human like egg-group, they looked for those who could share their ideals and wield weapons as effectively as their usage of strategy. They looked to the Ghost, Fairy, and the Dark then Psychic.

Through the eyes of an unknown being, a darkened vision caught glimpse of an armada of foot soldiers running forward through the tundra. Despite the cold, the being could barely make out its senses. Pain spread across its chest and left leg, but still attempted to crawl away from the rocks surrounding it. Its hands covered in snow, breathing became increasingly more difficult with each attempt to move forward, barely able to see the frozen air move out its mouth. Giant vehicules went by on the ground as well as air, the only thing it could recognize was the color purple that was common among the approaching army. Sudden energy lights came from all the soldiers and tanks, accompanied by animal-like beings it couldn't identify. Its plea was overshadowed by constant firing of their weapons. Upon getting away from the rocks, it noticed in the distance another group attempting to intercept the purple beings. Fear quickly spread its mind to the point of near consumption, it tried desperately to reach the purple beings. A few inches further caused it to roll into a ditch, making its body lose whatever energy it had left. All that was left to see from its hindered vision was the darkened sky lit slightly by waves of pure light, and flying vehicles going by without so much as stopping for its aid. A lone purple soldier approached the hole it was in before its will finally gave up, along with its vision.

Its will and body gave up its struggle, but the remaining conscious questioned why it had a will to begin with. It should have died according to it, but it still felt its slightly numb fingers as well as sense other lifeforms surrounding it. To dispel this confusion, it fought back the darkness with any energy it may have recovered. It struggled to slowly open its eyes, the darkened world still existed but it possessed an up close view of a purple soldier's helmet. It tried to reach up, being quickly reminded of the fight its body long surrendered for it refused its commands. It knew they were moving, for every now and then there were sudden bumps. The energy is recovered quickly got used up, it slipped back into its unconscious state. When it finally came once again, its will had slightly more fight in it than the last. The vibrations going through its body prompted it to find the source. Upon opening its eyes slowly. It was slightly blinded by the few rays of sunlight in the air. The sun began creeping its way up the hills, casting a deep orange haze throughout the sky. The world was moving, once again having the up close view of the same soldier carrying her from before. This being was unknown to it, any that would be comforting hid behind the mask. There was a sense of danger, it knew not where it was going. A counter argument however, when it should have died still now draws breath. It decided not to jump to conclusions, mostly because it had no fight left in it. Instead of needless resistance, it left its brittle life in the hands of this masked figure. It once again drifted off into the unconscious.

Alot of time had passed in the unconscious world, not like it would be able to distinguish time anyway. Its mind prepared itself for another go at the world of the living, the tundra's bitterness now done away with somehow. Its body was somewhat free of fatigue, a renewal of power coursing through its veins. The chest and leg remained sore, but not consumed in a painful sensation. The numbness disappeared throughout its entire body. With its strength returned, it easily opened its eyes to be met with a blue ceiling. Despite its renewed power, its head was aching. It held its head from the sides, trying to gather its scattered thoughts. Upon rising its upper body, it found itself in some sort of gray bed without covers. The other beds were hidden by white mobile shades. Shortly afterward, its sight went blurry from rising too quickly. Still able to navigate despite its hindered sight, it threw its legs over the bed's side. The floor was cold, but not lethal. Without support, its legs almost went underneath its weight but managed to control them. A lone mirror hanging beside a cabinet. It saw its own reflection, revealing its being. A rather tall figure it was, bearing pure white skin with a little bit of green. Lower down its body, it held a white slim gown look that partly covered its long slim legs. Possessing a big white head, green hair curling from behind between her two large red eyes. Spikes protruded from the face's side, reminiscent of some sort of mask. A red fin-like horn protruded from the chest and as it turned slightly around exposing another one, its arms completely green with three fingers. Upon the mind clearing up, it quickly remembered it was a female.

Although she was recovering her senses, the future remained unknown. Where she was previously was too dangerous, no other ideal place could come across her mind. Below the cabinet was a black desk below, she went over to it for any clues. A variety of tools remained in capsules, small capsules accompanied by some sort of harmless looking weapon. Her mind began acting up once more, the faint pulse of something nearby firmly put fear in her heart. She continued to look upon the desk, hoping for whatever the source to ignore her as it became slightly stronger. Afterward, a multitude of pulses went throughout her head prompting her heart to speed up. A high pitched feminine voice echoed throughout the room.

"So...you're finally awake."

She quickly turned over, nearly falling and having to support herself with the desk. The sight of three beings stood twelve feet away from her. They consisted of an alien-like nature, their bodies covered completely by gleaming black armor that would go into segments like scales. A strange symbol was imprinted on their chest as well as the front of their smooth helmets. She remained frozen, unable to get a word out. They remained a mystery, but now she saw there was nothing no other human attribute about them other than their figure. Their artificial voice added no comfort, she kept her distance in silence. The middle soldier slowly made its way toward her, it held its hands out to the other two who attempted to follow. They remained stationary as the being closed the distance. It held its hand out to her.

"You were gravely injured….we healed you…."

The being stopped to her wide eyes, it slowly lifted its hands toward its head," Ok….ok, I understand. You fear us….what you don't know. How about this...perhaps….something you're familiar with."

The being's fingers touched the upper neck, streams of air flowed out from beneath it. Upon taking it off as it fell to the floor, it revealed a human female. Olive skinned, possessing blue eyes and short black hair. The sight of a non-artificial being put her fear at ease, but didn't quench it. She managed to calm her breathing, but kept her hands firmly on the desk. The female soldier smiled, placing one hand on her chest.

"I'm Samara Hellfire, you're in the presence of the Vanu….Vanu Sovereignty."

One of the soldiers behind her spoke in a masculine voice," Can we be sure it even understands our language?"

Samara rolled her eyes," In due time, patience is key nowadays...or have you forgotten?"

"Apologizes, just expressing concern as all. Excellus is hoping for progress as soon as physically possible."

Samara laughed slightly, turning to the two soldiers," Tell me, is the pokemon awake?"

"Clearly."

"Then I say that is far better than her being unconscious now isn't it. You two go tell him we've made contact with her," She turned her attention back to her, smiling with warm eyes." Leave her to me, i'll tame her."

"With all due respect, humanoid or not she is still a wild animal."

"And if war taught me anything, one must always exercise caution."

"As you wish, c'mon Ryan."

One of the soldiers removed their weapon from their holster and sat it on one of the medical beds," Just in case, one can never be too cautious."

They both left the room, leaving the two alone in peace. The pokemon relaxed slightly, standing slightly more straight before her. Samara continued her attempt to calm her.

"I'm so sorry for them, they're afraid of the power you might wield. However, I never seen your kind before," She backed away from her, frantically searching the medical bed's desks for something." I need...I...you know what stay here, I need a medic to explain…"

Samara was heading away from her, the pokemon's heart sped up. She could feel herself about to cry, calling out to her without opening her mouth.

"Wait...don't leave me."

Samara stopped dead in her tracks, slowly turning with wide eyes. She slowly made her way back to her.

"You...you just...but I didn't hear you….wait," Samara face lit up with joy, quickly closing the distance. The pokemon slightly jumped to the radical change in pace, trying to put on a weak smile for her coming back." You spoke through my mind didn't you, you're a Psychic type."

The pokemon nodded, Samara cheerfully shook her head," C'mon now honey, I liked it when you spoke. Surely we could try and start somewhere...right?"

Despite sensing the purity in her words, she still felt hesitant. Blurry images of soldiers in red raced through her head, the world's snowy blanket tainted with the blood of those who opposed them brought aching pain. The unpleasant sensation grew, grabbing her head while slowly backing away from Samara. Moaning was the only sound she could produce, slowly descending to her knees as she screamed. Samara rushed over to the pokemon, bending down on one knee.

"What's wrong, did the medic miss something…" She grabbed the pokemon by the shoulders, shouting in distress." Please... talk to me, what is the matter."

"I….I….I remember, I remember everything. The….fighting….the ruin it brought….constant worries," Human faces became practically crystal clear, the marching of red soldiers going across the landscape through the ruins of the forces of blue. Tears began to run down the pokemon's eyes." I...could never….rest...so tired. I….hated….them….I hated them all. The blue….helped me cope….with the darkness inside. They marched….they came in full force...killing them all. A lost soul, traveling away from the red. Then….then….the blue…"

"The blue what!?"

"They...shot me….from a distance," Her slight whimpering twisted into a river of tears, covering her face from Samara." Why….they were pure...why would they turn against me?"

Samara wrapped her arms around the poor soul, stroking the hair of the creature while speaking in a critical tone," To hell with the Terrains….the Conglomerate...to hell with all of them. Continue to live...knowing we killed those bastards who shot you. Dammit...I said I stop cursing."

In due time, the pokemon stopped the flow of tears. Her breathing became controlled, focusing on Samara's comforting stroking of her hair. Samara spoke in a low calming tone.

"Have no fears now, i'll take care of you….we all will. Our efforts are to end the pointlessness of it all...to transcend all of this we've wrought to this world. I'll teach you the ways of the Vanu, we'll help erase the darkness eating your heart. I promise you power…the might needed to stamp out your nightmares...the corrupted Terrain Republic.

"Gardevoir...that's my name."

"Well...Gardevoir, you're safe with me."

"But….but what happens now?"

Well now, you'll have to come with me. You were supposed to stay here, but I won't allow that...not with your trama."

Samara aided Gardevoir too her feet, swinging her arm around her neck. Proceeding further down. The pain dissipated, Gardevoir was finally obtaining peace. With her power renewed, she denied the concept of hindering Samara. Gardevoir slowly unraveled her arm around her.

"Thank you for everything, but I can stand on my own."

"You sure, I really don't mind."

"Positive, i'll just follow you."

Leaving the medical beds behind, she found herself on the outside. Enclosed in an area behind tall thick walls of steel, an exhibit for the air pokemon to see. The abundance of man-made buildings occupied by the large number of Vanu soldiers running around like scattered Rattatas. A scattered collection of small or medium sized looked back at Samara , some of those who traveled around held more bulky armor while her figure remained smooth and slender. Gardevoir followed Samara throughout their large base. occasionally looking up at the Vanu soldiers sitting among the watchtowers. Her eyes widened to the fact she barely noticed the snow around, despite the fact she became used to it. The cold had little sensation, less than usually. Could have been from the fact that it was daytime, rays of light beamed down upon them. Samara occupied her time messing her arm, holograms popped up every now and then. Pokemon of different variety wore the signature armor of the Vanu, showcasing a similar close relationship like she witnessed with the blue. Despite the constant war, they too found the time to play with their pokemon, to smile once in a while.

Samara went up to a purple console displaying a holo screen of certain tanks, and other ground forces. She waited patiently for Samara to finish what she started, stopping her interaction to the sound of a masculine voice.

"I see number two hundred seventy one has come too."

Upon the two of them turning around, they were confronted by another Vanu soldier. The human held a similar blackish purple design as Samara, but broader around the shoulders. He possessed a hood going around his head, going further down into the form of a cape. Samara stepped toward.

"Excellus, you know of her?"

"Indeed, blood does not lie," He proceeded to close the distance between Samara with his arms behind his back." A Psychic and Fairy type pokemon, nicknamed the grace pokemon. Bipedal too, a useful posture to have during these tough times."

Off in the distance, animalistic sounds throughout the air. From the air came a shadow, flapping toward Excellus. He held an arm out, a black bird slowly descended on him. Taking the form of a crow, its yellow beak was slightly crooked. The hair sitting at its head was reminiscent of a hat. Possessing red eyes, and its bottom neck surrounded by feathers going up in spikes. The tail took the shape of a broom's end, four toes on its feet with three at the front with one at the back. She recalled it being a Murkrow. The chest was covered in a leather-like black armor with the Vanu symbol imprinted in the stroked the pokemon's side, seemingly the pokemon enjoyed the petting. He spoke to his companion.

"Echo, perfect timing. Is the Vanu's path clear, no hostile sunderers to be seen."

The pokemon nodded its head, giving off a cheerful squawk. Excellus budged his arm upward, Murkrow flew into the air. He turned his attention back to Samara.

"Having only three fingers can make firearms difficult, but as seen before nothing they can't adapt to. Once we clear out a Conglomerate infestation, she'll begin training there."

"With all due respect sir, that wouldn't be wise."

"Explain."

"As far as I see, she has crippling trauma from being around the Republic and betrayal from the Conglomerate."

"They're barbarians Samara, holding ideals that doomed our past. What did you expect to hear. We all suffer from this war, not just humans. Are you saying she is not fit to fight, speak now if that's the case."

"She…," Samara looked at Gardevoir before turning back." She seems fit to me, that's not the issue at hand. You know of the Republic's aggressive push for our territories of late, it's why you called for my team in the first place. Can you also recall our rule with these creatures, we wouldn't make a pokemon fight forcefully. The more interruptions from the Republic we get, the more likely she is to say no."

Excellous let out soft laughs, crossing his arms," An...and if I had to guess, you want her to be relocated is that right? Where exactly, the Republic is everywhere."

Samara positioned her hands on her hips, giving him narrowed eyes," Indar."

"Indar, really?"

"Last I checked, the Republic has severely weakened there since my days here. It's basically just a one front war now between the Conglomerate."

"But...you spoke of betrayal also, how will she fare among them?"

"The thought of the Republic was crippling, but I sense a love hate relationship with the NC."

"Hmm, I suppose I can trust your judgement. We are not in dire need of a pokemon that badly. I'll look into a team that can…"

"No need, I already know of one. All I ask is that I take her there myself."

"Intriguing this is, to grow such curiosity for a stray pokemon. Glad to see you're patience for these pure creatures keeps your vision clear of this accursed illusion, even if you never befriended one."

"Untrue, I had my fair share of pets during my days in Hossin. Plus it's my duty sir, I never took enjoyment from their deaths."

"Nevertheless, you have my permission. I'll give you one day with your….partner I presume. Once that expires, I bid you to come back. Our momentum is returning, but one can't be too careful. Upon regaining a strong leash on the Terrains, you may go see her as you see fit."

Samara straightened her hand, bringing it up to her forehead," Thank you sir."

Excellus nodded, walking away from the two. Samara's expression relaxed, turning her attention back to the console. She stood there with her arms crossed, not saying anything or attempting movement. Gardevoir broke the silence.

"I figured that was your intention...to take me in."

"I'm sorry, I should have told…"

"Don't be, I know you had no ill intent. Infact, you promised me the power needed to destroy the Republic. Sorry to say, that was a dead giveaway," She walked to Samara's side, grabbing onto her hand." I only just discovered your faction's existence, I have no quarrel with you nor the Vanu. If what the man says is true, i'll be in peril no matter how far I go. I'll gladly join your crusade, a thanks for giving me another chance at life."

"You do understand….you'll have to kill people and pokemon," She turned her head toward Gardevoir." You know that right?"

Gardevoir's head dipped toward the snow," I've...killed before."

"Really...I mean…"

"My first….a Terrain soldier, he thought me a Conglomerate spy. I hid behind a batch of tall rocks, as he came within my proximity I lifted him off the ground. I...then threw him in the path of one of those tanks they had. It's what I did, to relieve myself of the anger I built up."

Samara smiled, rubbing her on the head," Then you'll be just fine, just need to get you away from them...until you're adept at killing."

Samara retreated from the console, Gardevoir following closely after her. The thought of having to eventually fight didn't come as a surprise like she stated. Unfortunate enough to find herself on frontlines between the TR and NC before their encounter. Day after day went by where she had to hide herself, or end up like her friends who got too close to the Terrains during combat. She overheard their ideals of the creatures who inhabit this world, they too should want order. Pokemon were to be controlled, monitored for they had enough of rabid-like animals from whatever world they first inhabited. Within this war, they chose not to trust unsecured variables. Not knowing much of the Conglomerate at the time, she kept herself from either side. Food that could keep her content within the tundra became the first worry that drove her toward the dark reaches. No matter how far she went, she could never find untouched ground. Her mind ached once again, irritation grew on her face from what they put her through, intentional or not. She hated the sight of them, could barely stand the thought.

A glimmer of light did pass through her darkened mind, a group of people who favored her presence. Instead of a dangerous variable, they saw an injured creature. Added with the kindness of Samara, she held no fear of the Vanu. Whatever ideals they believed in seemed to favor the pokemon at the end. She had no hope against them solo, but this new branch of beings may give her the knowledge needed. A smile went across her face, the thought of dispensing all her rage against the source, to avenge some of those who she called friends felt frighteningly good to her.

Through big entrances within the wall, they made their way outside. The sight of a large platoon of tanks made her feel at ease. The odd thing that moved her emotions was they avoided contact with the ground. None of the other factions held this ability, always on the ground disregarding the flying machinery. The middle of the tank held a ovalish shape to it, the frontal portion being gray with the upper being purple consisting of a cannon that most tanks shared. The bottom portion held a slightly smaller gun, heard about a weapon that looked similar to it called the chain-gun. The sides were bulkier with a darker shade of purple, the Vanu symbol expectedly printed at the side's bottom portion. A truck like vehicle came around the corner height wise bigger than the tanks with a more straight forward rectangular build. A six wheeler possessing two turrets on the top consisting of purple and gray coloration. From the side doors came a Vanu trooper, coloration was the same but designed differently than Samara. Shoulders went up in a spike, the helmet held an opening allowing her to see his brownish skin. Samara ran to the man, waving to Gardevoir to come along. The man gave a smile to Samara approaching.

"You seem to be in the quite the hurry madam."

"Do I look like a madam to you, fall in line like the rest will you."

The two shared a laugh, the soldier continued,"Well anyway, you need something?"

"You mind taking Gardevoir and I to the warpgate."

"Well now, that's quite a ways away. However, I suppose I can do that one favor for you. Has to deal with the pokemon i'm guessing?"

"Correct, taking her to Indar. I'm hoping the Conglomerate remain still at the frontlines."

"Hey, that's your business. I'll open the back for you."

Upon the man going back in, the entire backside opened up. Samara grabbed her hand. leading her inside. A darkened room with a blueish glow inside, a multitude of seats lined up against the sides. Two metal pillars with a console strapped to the side of each went up to what seemed to be the turrets. They sat together on the first two seats, the hatch lifted itself back up. Several seconds passed, the vehicle started moving. Samara hummed a tone to herself to pass the time, messing with whatever device on her arm. Gardevoir leaned against the wall, lost in her own thoughts. Never once did she hear about the Vanu, the Terrain's strong hold on their territories must have kept her friends from talking. Time seemed to drag on forever, but eventually she felt the truck come to a halt. The back hatch opened, a blast of fresh air flowed past her. Off in the distance sat a rather bare base, surrounded by a towering green force field that reached for the skies with three massive spires emitting it to her understanding. Samara jogged off, Gardevoir running after her. Despite the war, silence was all there was to here. No signs of conflict, this must have been the heart of the Vanu's hold.

Samara tapped the vehicle's side, he drove off without so much as a word. Samara slightly nudged her before getting a head start.

"Race you to the warpgate."

She was surprised at her calm, unstressed expression. Running at a speed that would rival some pokemon, yet didn't seem remotely winded by her sudden burst. Gardevoir tried to run after her, every second only added more distance between the two. Sensing she was in a losing struggle, she bit down on her teeth before jumping sharply forward until her chest looked to collide with the ground. Her descension stopped, slowly levitating above the ground. Her speed drastically changed, gliding across the tundra as if an aircraft within its element. Despite Samara running at the same speed without missing beat in foot patterns, she quickly closed the distance before passing her with ease. Regardless of sensing her own disadvantage, Samara kept a smile on as she called out.

"Hey now, that's just plain cheating."

Feeling a sense of satisfaction, Gardevoir turned her body backwards. She crossed her arms wearing a smile, maintaining a speed that matched Samara. Although winning, she held a great respect for the human. Despite losing, she still never attempted to give in. Maintaining the same speed with steady breathing without slowing down. Upon turning around to see if her path was clear, the shield was closing in fast. She halted her body before colliding with it, upon landing took a few steps back. Samara caught up, wrapping her arm around her.

"Why you stop, you almost won?"

"isn't this your base...i'm an intruder….right?"

"Well...yes, nanites that don't belong to the Vanu can't pass through it...or none at all can't either. No worries though, to aid in your recovery they put a little bit of me inside you."

She turned to Samara with wide eyes,"I...I beg your pardon?"

"Some of my nanites are inside you, it'll recognize you as an ally."

"Nan….ites….what are nanites?"

"You'll see, they don't make it overcomplicated. Go on in, it won't bite you."

Samara dragged Gardevoir toward the field, slowly grasping her hand. Upon lifting it through the field, Gardevoir felt a growing burning sensation. Her heart rate rose, Samara kept the hand through despite her growing concern. The heat slowly dissipated into a soothing sensation. Gardevoir took a deep breath, letting out all the fears she had. Samara added to the comfort.

"What I tell you, it recognized you. I wouldn't force you to do something I wasn't sure of."

"I….I," Samara let go of her hand, she continued to hold it through."I'm sorry to have doubted your judgement."

"No worries honey, I was scared the first time too when they told me."

Samara went ahead, phasing through the field. Gardevoir follow through, the burning sensation returned thankfully. The purple building in the middle held a circular shaped with three large spikes protruding outward. Despite a lot of ground, airships and hover tanks remained around the area. A multitude of pokemon remained within the field too, most going into those trucks or airships. Three types she could easily identify. Walking on the edges of the main base were four legged felines consisting of almost pure white fur. The main body as expected consisted of a smooth black armor with the Vanu symbol on the side. It's blue face slightly covered by its curled white hair with one blue blade-like horn taking up a similar appearance to its tail. A decent sized weapon was attached to its upper side. She figured it was an Absol. Hovering over the grounded aircraft were shark-like creatures in the shape of a wide torpedo, their whole body consisted of the Vanu's purple armor. Their snouts held a dark purple star, their blood red eyes hid behind the gill slits in front of each. Two dorsal fins on the top and bottom, and two regular fins on the side. The shape of the creature was reminisant of a Sharkpedo. Peeking from behind consoles were these black spheres with a purple aura around them, holding large white eyes with fanged teeth. She knew them as Ghastly.

They continued up into the main base, going toward the interior. Squeezing past troopers who rushed out, she was met by a rather large room with plenty of consoles like from the other base. Samara interacted with one of them, upon finishing whatever she was doing she lead Gardevoir to another piece of machinery. Capsule like in design, a field going in between the two halves. Samara petted her before going into the same capsule on the other side of her. The outlines of the machine glowed a bright purple, looking down to see her own body glowing. She frantically looked toward the other side, Samara was gone. Few seconds later, her own vision dissipated along with her body. Upon her conscious returning, she stumbled out the tube onto her knees. Frantically trying to gather her breath. She looked up to the sight of Samara offering her hand, the other was occupied by some long weapon. Upon being lifted to her feet, they left the room to the outdoors. The warmth struck Gardevoir hard, perhaps a bit too hard. Slightly discomforting having been accustomed to the tundra, but nothing that was too difficult to adapt to.

Gardevoir touched down upon the soft sand of this heated desert, slightly jumping to the heat the sand produced. If it wasn't for the engines of aircraft accompanied by the roars of nearby pokemon, it held a quiet atmosphere to it like the other warpgate. Joy filled her heart to the sight of scattered batches of tall grassing beating the odds. She jogged to one batch, pulling out a decent number of them. She took several small bites before going about stuffing the rest in. Samara walked up beside her, smiling as she did.

"Welcome to Indar, not the most comfortable place to be but it'll suit our needs."

Gardevoir went about taking another hand full of tall grass, taking several bites off once more before consuming the rest while forming a smile," I don't mind, I like it here so far."