Part One: The Evolution incident
Chapter one:
Those who live in Rome…
A Pokémon Fan fiction
By Hoenn Master
"If I run it will be a Hell, if I stay it will be a Hell… So what choice do I have?" – Vegeta Dragon Ball Z movie: Fusion Reborn!
(John's Point of View)
Six years. Six long and tiring years I have been training to be an Aura Knight, guarding the town from the occasional Pokémon territory disputes, while simultaneously attempting to resolve the situation diplomatically. I also had to adventure out into the wilds occasionally and obtain objects for scholars to study and fawn over. Sparring with my partner Pokémon, Combusken, also is mandatory.
As I lie in my cot staring out of my window at the sunrise of the first day of my sixteenth year of life, I reflect upon my decisions so far, and how I can better myself in the future, along with how I will ask Sabrina whether or not she will consider me to become her beau… Of course I dismiss that thought immediately. It does no good to dream about what might be.
(Flashback: Six years ago.)
I was shaking like a leaf as I entered into the castle of the Aura Knights, and the more I beheld, the more I knew I had stepped into a great trial; the likes of which I may never know again. The Knight, departing for locations unknown, left us with one final message: "You are to wait here for your babysitter; I am not him."
"Hey, don't worry, we'll be fine," The scrawny brown-haired boy next to me, Joseph, I believe it was, said.
"Yeah, I'll be a Knight in no time!" Sabrina exclaimed, pumping her fist at the same time, sending her navy locks flying wildly.
"That is, if you can be calm and silent when we're learning," the green haired Ghetsis coldly stated.
"There is no need to be rude…" I stated coldly, folding my arms and edging away from him slightly.
"Whatever, you're one to talk though, seeing as you have been interrupting my concentration all this time," Ghetsis taunted.
"And exactly how have I been 'breaking your concentration' this whole time?" I asked, voice rising while unfolding my arms.
"How you ask? It is simple; you are shaking like a Snorunt. Now get out of my way." Ghetsis growled, shoving me aside.
"Just what, pray tell, is going on here?" Asked a deep voice.
Ghetsis turned and came face to face with none other than the imposing form of my brother, Gerik.
"Bullies like you disgust me to no end, Ghetsis, and I wish to inform you right now, if behavior such as this continues, you will be expelled from our fine castle, and you shall be in disgrace for many a year to come."
The pale green haired boy cringed.
Gerik continued, "It is now time to begin your training. As you may have noticed, almost every Aura Knight has with him or her, a partner Pokémon, with whom they bond and grow through interconnecting their minds using a manipulation of their energy: In layman's terms, an Aura connection. We shall begin your training with a two week excursion into the surrounding forest, in an attempt to locate a partner Pokémon for you, to test your survival, and other important skills…"
(John's P.O.V.: Present)
That was my first interaction with Ghetsis, and it was only a small taste of the foolhardy acts that would negatively reflect upon me, and the other Knights.
Rolling out of my cot, I assess Combusken's condition as I equip my uniform, consisting of a Cobalt blue tunic over a chainmail hauberk, and silver colored leggings with steel greaves attached. "I hope you get well soon, I need a training partner, and the practice field is lonely without my best friend," I comment to the resting Pokémon across the room via our Aura connection. The Fire/Fighting type Pokémon simply opened an exhausted eye, chuckled, and nodded his agreement.
Attaching my Vambraces whilst making my way out to the courtyard for assembly, I cannot help but hope that, on this occasion, Ghetsis would at least assemble with the other Knights. Though it really is none of my business, I get the feeling that something is wrong with Ghetsis' behavior as of late, because never used to miss it when we were children…
(Flashback: Four Years Ago)
"For two years, you have been training in basic combat, as well as survival, tool making, peace keeping, exploration, topography, Etiquette, gentlemanly or ladylike behavior as the case may be, and, of course, the proper ways to train and interact with your partner Pokémon. However, as of yet, you have been unable to utilize the most important trait of an Aura Knight: Aura," Gerik, taking a breath after his long winded speech, looked at his students fondly, eyes hardening slightly as he looked at Ghetsis and myself.
"Yes! Finally we get-" Sabrina began, getting cut off by Gerik.
"I was not finished speaking, Miss White, and you would do well to remember that, as a Knight, you are first and foremost a peacekeeper, not a delinquent whom seeks to solve all his problems with his or her abilities."
"I know the rules," Sabrina started rolling her eyes slightly, "and I don't intend to run amok, destroying everything in my path just for entertainment. I am excited, however, to finally be able to realize my dream of becoming an Aura Knight like my mother, and to protect ourselves and others, from those who wish our way of life to be annihilated."
"A good response, Sabrina, and, with that in mind, make sure to use the utmost caution when you practice, as even a small slip can cause serious damage, not only to others, but also to yourself, as Aura is the energy that living things give off, and to believe otherwise, is a very dangerous prospect indeed. That is exactly why Aura is absolute last resort; used only when the situation can be resolved no other way."…
(John's P.O.V.: Present)
I chuckle lightly to myself, recalling the look of shock upon Sabrina's face when she was cut off by Gerik. Speaking of which...
"Hi, Johnny!" Sabrina shouted while running to meet me, her partner Swellow squawking in protest, and lifting himself off of his partner.
"Hello, Sabrina, how are you this fine morning?" I question when she stops in front of me.
"I'm doing fine, I just had to get Lance here out for some air; he's been cooped up inside so long, I just couldn't leave him in the barracks." Sabrina said while stroking the Swellow's vibrant feathers.
"That's good to hear, because Combusken is still recovering from our sparring match yesterday; he is sore all over right now, but I think once he's had a Sitrus berry, he'll be good as new; maybe even better." I respond, watching Sabrina handle her avian companion.
Just then, our local leader, Captain Smith, called the Knights to the assembly platform located in the very center of the courtyard. Clearing his throat, Smith began his weekly announcements.
"As you have no doubt heard, we are upon the brink of a total civil war, the likes of which threaten the very core of our beliefs," started Captain Smith, speaking strongly, but with distaste and determination permeating his voice; "For some reason, the Evolutionist movement has grown once again. This time, however, they seem to have gained a large following. The reasons for this are completely uncertain. Why any logical person would attempt to destroy Christendom, we cannot be sure: However, that matters little now. The Evolutionists have begun a demonstration of their power, and are heading this way as we speak. Now, I must ask, are you willing to fight and die for the ideals of truth, justice, and freedom?" We cheered enthusiastically as Smith paused for dramatic effect, when the cheers had subsided, he then continued, "I truly trust each and every one of you to do the right thing if and when you end up fighting. Furthermore, I expect nothing less than the best you can do. Understand?"
"Yes sir!" we chorused dutifully.
"Outstanding. I don't believe you need it, but I will still remind you nonetheless, as these religious zealots are perverting our faith very subtly, and therefore you had best have a thorough knowledge about the beginning: As you very well know, in the beginning, was God, all else, was darkness: So God created the heavens, and the Earth; and on this Earth, He created life, in the form of Pokémon and mankind. God then placed a powerful Pokémon, by the name of Arceus, as His assistant, and as a physical representation of God to the Pokémon only. This is one of the most important things to remember, because Pope Alexander VI is the current leader of the human portion of religious society at this point. However, it has been observed that the Evolutionist movement have denounced both the reality of God, and the authority of the Pope, and have begun to worship Arceus!" there was a collective gasp of disgust and shock throughout the Knights.
"Those poor fools," I thought. "Why must men always seek to destroy that which is old, instead of improving it? Why must people rebel and create their own religions?" I asked Sabrina, who was standing next to me, Lance perched upon her right shoulder.
"I can't answer that, John. Your guess is as good as mine at this point." Came her reply.
Clearing his throat, so as to return order to the Knights, and bringing our focus back onto him, Captain Smith continued, "We must put down this heresy as soon as we have the ability to do so, as well as attempt to convince the followers of this new, for lack of a better word, religion to give up this diabolical practice, and to peacefully return to their homes," The Captain then called out, just as we were beginning to leave, "I also have assignments for each local Knight, so, I shall be handing out your formations, and your assigned troops shortly."
"Yes, Captain!" we cried with fervor, and then began to dissolve into various groups, discussing the recent turn of events.
I then turned to Sabrina, and asked, "So, how do you feel about this?"
"Hmm, I really don't know what to think, but Lance sure is eager to fight those people!"
"I am indeed. I would like to give those fools the punishment due to them." Lance said, clicking his beak menacingly.
"Well, I need to check up on Combusken, he's probably fuming over his confinement right now: I will see you later?" I asked over my shoulder as I began to walk toward the Barracks.
"Okay, John." Sabrina said, blushing slightly.
"Good. Take care!" I call as I wave my hand toward my friend.
On my way back to the barracks, I glanced over towards the West Battlements, and, eyes widening in horror, I began to bark out orders to everyone within hearing range, though I really didn't have the authority to do so, as black smoke and the dreadful feeling of evil and hatred came into focus. The Battle of Fortree had begun.
A.N.
This chapter was revised at the insistence of my new beta, Kira. (Sorry for not putting your full name; it was just too long. XD)
Signed: Hoenn Master, forever a patriot.