A/N: Next chapter up! I kinda messed up with the dates in the prologue. Phoenix is 11, Red is 12, Blue is 12, Green is 12 and Yellow is 9. Just clarifying before you keep reading.
Summary: Sticks and stones could break your bones but they can always be fixed. The power of words can build you up, fill you with joy or tear you down and dispose of all happiness. But once they've been said the damage, good or bad, has been done and nothing can reverse it or heal it completely. Sure it can repair itself mostly but those words will follow the target till the end of their days and will affect a choice they make in the future. So what happens when someone has complete and utter control over that power? Will they use it to maintain the balance or will they favour? This is the tale of a girl who did not follow the path that destiny had wanted when she was gifted with her talent. Not a true hero nor a true villain; meet Phoenix Rivera, the Antihero. (All credit for this idea goes to Michael Mind's Antiheroes)
Disclaimer: I do not own pokémon. I swear on my life but I wish I did. If I did Ash would be a girl and not an idiot but I suppose his stupidity is entertaining for kids.
The Phoenix Chapter
Episode 1: The Power of Manipulation
The sun's rays graced the cosy town of Pallet with their warm glow, highlighting the wood structures of the homes causing shadows to form around the edges of the clearing that the small town was situated in. These shadows provided perfect cover for a lithe 10 year old girl to conceal herself in. Unusually large orange eyes narrowed in concentration as she studied the pokémon lab in the distance. Strategies of how to proceed with her plan flowed through her brain swiftly as the tactical side of her mind pulled apart and connected ideas and suggestions together, formulating the way she would go about her task. Although she did have a back-up plan if she was caught which was a high possibility. Stealing wasn't her forte. Then again it wasn't really a plan seeing as her 'fail safe' option was winging it. Phoenix was much better at going with the flow and pulling off some insane stunt to get herself out of her situation but her plans were usually flawless. That is if they didn't involve stealing. Nick rose out of her crouch and stretched, cracking her shoulders and neck as she did so. She wore a white shirt and a black jacket zipped up to half way so her shirt was visible below the jacket and above the zipper. Custom made movable black pants that looked like jeans cladded her legs, her feet comfortable in a pair of non-lace, non-buckle black boots. It was time to kick her plan into action.
Adrenaline pumped through her veins as the thrill of the run bubbled within her. The freedom to choose what she wanted to do or be was intoxicating. The shadows grabbed at her, begging for her to play. Sadly she had to refuse but allowed them to swirl around her as she bounded through the trees. They deserved some attention. Fatigue was absent in her being as she leapt out of the tree line, sneaking through the shadows of the reserve. The pokémon failed to detect her as she slunk towards the building. Barely pausing, Phoenix climbed through the open window, immediately kicking herself to the ceiling. She wedged her right foot in the corner of the room, the left pressed against the top of the window frame. Pushing against the top of the wall with her right hand, Nick's left hand was in open space, keeping her balanced.* She kept her breathing silent and soft as the assistants rushed around in the room for some reason or another. Phoenix was more concerned on not drawing attention to herself as she searched carefully for what she came for. There it was, three pokéballs sitting on a bench 2 meters from her position with the elemental stickers for fire, water and grass. 'This is going to be interesting,' Nick thought as she shifted her right limbs down the wall, giving her left hand and foot a firmer grip. Carefully she inched her way across the room, subconsciously snickering at the researchers' obliviousness as they ran out of the room. When she was a foot above her targets she cleanly swiped the closest one before dropping to the floor. She could here footsteps headed in her direction and the position she'd previously been in was far too vulnerable and open to prevent her from being scene. An elderly man entered the room. He had white hair, chestnut brown eyes and a squared jaw. A white lab coat over the top of a light purple shirt clothed his upper body while dark trousers and black formal shoes encased his lower. This man was Professor Oak if her (now dead) sources were correct.
"Oh hello," he exclaimed surprised at her presence. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here…," he questioned, clearly asking for an answer to his first question and his second more subtle question. Nick's face had become an easy going façade as he'd entered the room.
"My name is Nick Heart, Professor Oak," she responded smoothly, her verbal charm working its magic. "The reason for my presence in your lab is simple; you invited me."
The caught his attention.
"Did I? I don't recall meeting you before Miss Heart," he replied a confused light in his eyes. Phoenix smiled fondly.
"Of course. Just last week actually," she answered gently. "Don't you remember? We had a rather nice conversation about the bonds of friendships between trainers and pokémon," she added concerned, the lie slipping from her mouth with a firm conviction. The professor's eyes widened slightly.
"That does sound right," he replied now uncertain. "But I just can't remember seeing you before Miss Heart."
Phoenix's expression dropped to that of a hurt child.
"I am wearing different clothes," she whispered, her voice carrying the distance between them. "But I thought you'd at least remember my face," he tone trembled as tears began to build in her eyes. The look in Oak's eyes changed to that of guilt and certainty.
"I apologise sincerely Miss Heart," he said, guiltily. "But I am sure that we must have met. How about in return you can have one of my starters?" he offered, desperate to make up for his forgetfulness of this child. Phoenix's face lit up like a Christmas tree.
"You really mean it?" she asked hopefully, her eyes shining. Oak smiled and nodded sincerely.
"Of course! You know what, I'll even add in a Pokedex for you if you'll complete it for me," the professor replied, happy to see the clearly kind hearted child filled with such joy.
"Thank you! I promise I'll complete it for you!" Nick exclaimed much too Oak's amusement. The aged professor strode over to the bench and fought two hide his horror. Only two were there! He desperately hopped she didn't want Bulbasaur having given the other to Red earlier along with his grandson taking the other Charmander.
"I know you will child which pokémon would you like?" he asked trying to hide his unease.
"Charmander please!" the excited girl replied enthusiastically to the professor's relief.
"Alright, here she is," he responded handing her the pokéball before retrieving a black and silver Pokedex from his desk. Unbeknown to him, Squirtle's pokéball popped open, the water type jumping from the desk and sneakily slipping out the door his pokéball in hand.
"And here it is," the professor finished with a flourish, Nick letting slip a child like giggle.
"Thank you so much," Nick told him sincerely, pocketing the device.
"It is the least I could do," he replied ushering her away gently. "I must return to my work but thank you for dropping by."
"Anytime professor!" she responded striding out the door. Oak smiled to himself fondly before turning away.
"She certainly is something and I trust her to complete the Pokedex," he murmured to himself as he turned back to the remaining one of that particular set of starters. Panic engulfed him as he saw the empty desk. He had been tricked! "STEVEN! BRING ME THE PHONE! I MUST CONTACT BLUE AND RED AT ONCE!"
Phoenix watched her family train with a careful eye from a top her dozing dragon's back.
Nike and Nya were having a free for all brawl on one side of the clearing neither side afraid of harming the other. They trusted that they'd move out of the way in time. Nya snapped her head around and unleashed a devastating flamethrower at her companion. Nike took it in stride, dodging nimbly before slamming into the arcanine with alarming speed. Nya wasn't bothered though as she sunk her teeth into the absol's shoulder, electricity crackling at her maw. Nike seemed unfazed, scoring a deep gash across the fire type's furry chest causing Nya to release her. Although bleeding slightly, Nya wasn't weakened almost instantly firing a flamethrower at Nike. Too bad the older pokémon avoided it.
Nick turned her attention to her newest additions who were running laps of the clearing as a form of endurance training and decided to scan them on her Pokedex.
Charmander the Flame Pokémon. Obviously prefers hot places. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail. This Charmander is female and has the ability Blaze. It has an adamant nature and rather strong willed. Her known moves are Scratch, Growl Ember and Smokescreen. The egg moves Dragon Dance and Dragon Pulse have yet to be unlocked.
Bulbasaur the Seed Pokémon. A strange seed was planted on its back at birth. The plant sprouts and grows with this Pokémon. This Bulbasaur is female and has the ability Overgrow and the hidden ability Chlorophyll. She has a serious nature and won't stand for any nonsense. Her known moves are Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed and Vine Whip. The egg moves Leaf Storm and Power Whip have yet to be unlocked.
Squirtle the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. It powerfully sprays foam from its mouth. This Squirtle is female and has the ability Torrent and the hidden ability Rain Dish. She is mischievous and loves pulling pranks. Her known moves are Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun and Withdraw. The egg moves Aura Sphere and Water Spout have yet to be unlocked.
Nick's face gained a true smile and she strode over to them. She was going to love having them around.
"Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur. What do you want to be known as?" she asked. Charmander cocked her head slightly.
"My mother's name was Hestia so I'd like my name to be similar to hers. I'll be called Hearth," the fire type replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. Phoenix grinned.
"Of course. That's a wonderful name. You'll be working with Nya to strengthen your fire power and control but be warned she won't be taking it easy on you," she told the flame pokémon smirked confidently.
"I wish to be named Ilex," Bulbasaur responded seriously. Squirtle rolled her eyes.
"Lighten up would you Ilex? Life is an adventure. Enjoy it don't ruin it. But anyways I'll go with Storm because I'll storm the battlefield!" the water type announced, scolding Ilex at first but finishing with an upbeat chirp. Phoenix smiled fondly. It was hard not to be happy around Storm.
"Beautiful names both of them. Ilex you'll be with Nike to work on speed and close range attacks. It will be a surprise in battle as no one will think about you being able to dodge attacks. Storm you're with Enyo. You'll work on water control and your defence," Nick ordered gently kneeling down in front of her new friends. Wrapping her arms around them she pulled them into a hug. "Welcome to the family."
A/N: Done! Like? Hate?
*: This is really difficult to do. Yes I have done it so I'll try to describe it a little better. Imagine being in a small 4 corner room. Now imagine being on the ceiling with your feet pressed into the bottom corners and your hands into the top corners to stop you from falling. Now imagine doing that with the top and left side wall missing meaning the only real secure place is the bottom right corner.
Phoenix's Team:
Absol (Nike): Female. Pressure. Justified.
M: Pursuit, Night Slash, Sucker Punch, Bite, Quick Attack, Slash, Razor Wind, Detect, Double Team, Attract, Future Sight, Iron Tail, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Hyper Beam
EM: Play Rough, Megahorn
Salamence (Enyo): Female. Intimidate. Moxie.
M: Dragon Claw, Dragon Pulse, Dragon Tail, Aerial Ace, Roost, Double Team, Attract, Protect, Hyper Beam, Earthquake, Fire Fang, Flamethrower, Steel Wing, Stone Edge, Brick Break
EM: Hydro Pump, Dragon Rush
Arcanine (Nya): Female. Flash Fire. Justified.
M: Thunder Fang, Extreme Speed, Fire Fang, Flamethrower, Crunch, Heat Wave, Flare Blitz, Agility, Overheat, Wild Charge, Double Team, Attract, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Giga Impact
EM: Iron Tail, Close Combat
Charmander (Hearth): Female. Blaze.
M: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Smokescreen
EM: Dragon Dance, Dragon Pulse
Bulbasaur (Ilex): Female. Overgrow. Chlorophyll.
M: Tackle, Leech Seed, Growl, Vine Whip
EM: Leaf Storm, Power Whip
Squirtle (Storm): Female. Torrent. Rain Dish.
M: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Withdraw
EM: Aura Sphere, Water Spout
She will be capturing/stealing from abusive trainers' 6-8 Kanto pokémon (not including the three stolen in this chapter). Please send me in pokémon you'd like her to catch with possible nicknames and genders. Please read and review and may the devil be with you;
Hell's Gates
