Once the Sky Pillar becomes visible, one more thought crosses his mind as he and Tundra accelerate towards it with renewed confidence. "Prepare yourself…your final hour will soon arrive…Cyrus!"
"You might be a king or little street sweeper, but sooner or later Cyrus…You'll dance with the reaper. And that reaper…will be ME!"
Pokémon: The Silver Savior
Chapter 7: Sky High Showdown
1:00 PM – Near the Sky Pillar, Hoenn
Tundra's speed increases as the Sky Pillar becomes visible. Within minutes of spotting the tower, they arrive at their destination.
"Tundra, time for you to take a well-deserved rest. Return!" Alex recalls Articuno to its ball before entering the Sky Pillar for the first time in his life. "Winona wasn't kidding. This place really is something else." Alex thinks to himself as he looks at the murals on the wall of the structure. He hears someone talking, and quickly hides in the shadows to avoid being spotted.
"Yeah Boss. I made it to the Sky Pillar without any problems at all. Unsure if the target is in the area. I'll radio in when I have an update. Viper out." The black-clad figure continues to scale the floors of the Sky Pillar, with Alex following behind in the shadows.
Alex studies the individual whenever he can do so safely. "Similar attire to the others I've met before. I can only think of one reason he or his brethren want to come near the Sky Pillar. They must be after Rayquaza as well. They won't be catching it if I can help it." Periodically, Viper looks backwards, forcing Alex to hide in the shadows to avoid being spotted. After a good hour of playing cat and mouse, Viper reaches the top of the building and starts cursing to himself. Alex remains in the shadows a little longer.
"Dammit…dammit…dammit! How hard is it to fucking find Rayquaza?! It is supposed to be HERE! Dammit…the boss is going to be pissed!" Viper yells out before attempting to radio back to his boss.
Alex decides at this moment, it is time to intervene. "If I was Rayquaza, I wouldn't appear before a scumbag trainer that wants to use me for malicious purposes either."
Viper is alerted immediately to Alex's presence. "Huh? Who said that?" He turns around to face Alex. "You! I recognize your face! You're the one who stopped two of my subordinates in Kanto and Johto, and likely helped to tip off the authorities too. Some of my informants told me what you looked like."
"Hmm…well, looks like we have a winner here. You even get a prize too…my Pokémon knocking you off the Sky Pillar, and plummeting to your death." Alex reaches for one of his Pokeballs.
"Dream on. If anyone will die here, it's going to be you. You're on!" Viper reaches for one of his Pokeballs, and unleashes the Pokémon within. "Aggron, crush him!" Aggron emerges with a mighty roar.
Alex calls out his Pokémon of choice. "Pyro, let's light him up!" Pyro emerges, ready for battle.
"Aggron, this shouldn't take too much effort. Rock Slide now!" A barrage of rocks pelts Pyro, causing significant damage right away. "Looks to me like your Charizard is a little beat up."
"Dream on. Pyro, counterattack with Fire Blast!" The Fire Blast connects, but Aggron seems unfazed by it.
Viper smirks at Alex. "Don't you know that Aggron can't be taken out by your Charizard so easily. Helps when it has been genetically altered too. Finish Charizard with another Rock Slide!" Aggron attacks again. The attack connects, knocking out Pyro. "How pathetic."
"Pyro, no!" Alex pulls out his ball. "Return Pyro. Pyro has been my ace Pokémon for 20 years. He and I have been through more struggles than you will ever know. Aggron might be tough, but it shouldn't be that powerful." A new Pokémon is selected. "Aurora…you're next!" Suicune (Aurora) emerges from its ball next.
"Ahhhh…one of Johto's legendary beasts that you managed to keep away from us in Cerulean. Once I take you out here, I'll take it and that black Charizard as trophies. Aggron…use Thunder Wave!"
Alex is caught off guard. "Aggron is a Steel and Rock type Pokémon. Wasn't aware that it could use Electric type moves as well. No matter…Aurora, use Water Gun." Aggron's Thunder Wave connects with Suicune, while Water Gun barely grazes it.
Viper grins maliciously. "Right on target. Aggron, finish it off with Thunder!" Thunder clouds appear in the sky as the attack is created. Aurora's body starts pulsating with a blue aura, much like Tundra's did.
"A blue aura? Does that mean Aurora can use that attack as well? Aurora…go for it! Get up close…and use Sheer Cold!" Suicune gets close enough to land Sheer Cold on Aggron, knocking it out on the spot. Unfortunately, the awaiting Thunder also lands on target at the same time. Aurora is brought down as well. "Aurora, thank you. You've fought bravely against this menace. Return!"
"You got lucky punk. This next Pokémon will see to your demise! Go Garchomp!" A mutated Garchomp emerges from the black ball. It resembles a standard Garchomp, but with an X shaped scar on its chest, as well as multiple scars and spiked protrusions coming from its back. "Like what you see? Years of scientific experimentation and genetic splicing have created this masterpiece."
Alex looks at it in disgust. "What kind of sick freaks would want to do that to an innocent Pokémon? That Garchomp should be put out of its misery instead of being a lab rat for your cause." Alex pulls out his third Pokémon. "Tundra…take flight!" Articuno emerges, ready to do battle. "Be careful, there's no telling what those experiments may have done. Take aim…with Mind Reader!" Articuno takes aim at the grotesque Pokémon.
Viper calls out his first attack. "Garchomp, use Giga Impact, then show them what a real Dragon Claw can do!" Garchomp's speed increase as it charges at Articuno before delivering a devastating high-speed Dragon Claw."
"What the hell? Something's not right about that Garchomp. There's more to it than its cosmetic appearance. Tundra…wrap it up with Sheer Cold!" Articuno's body glows blue as it executes the attack. Ice rapidly encases the mutant Pokémon, but doesn't knock it out.
"I had a feeling you would use that against me again. Good thing Garchomp came prepared for such a situation!" Garchomp breaks out of the ice encasing it without any damage. "It can withstand several hits from attacks like those. What a shame. Time to take out another legendary Pokémon. Garchomp, take aim…Lock-On!" Garchomp's left eye glows as it takes aim at Articuno. "Genetics can do so many amazing things. Garchomp knows moves it should never be able to learn in any capacity."
Alex clenches his fist in anger. "You guys are sick. What kind of freaks would ever do something like that?" He turns towards his Articuno. "Tundra…we have to do this again. Take aim with Mind Reader, then follow it up with another Sheer Cold!" Tundra prepares to attack again.
Viper laughs hysterically. "I can't believe you are trying that same trick again! Garchomp…" Viper's tone changes to something more sinister "time to torch that bird with Fire Blast!" Thanks to Lock-On, Alex could only watch on in horror as his second legendary Pokémon is defeated. He is now down to Empoleon and Diglett.
"Tundra…not you too…Return!" Alex is livid. "First you defile this sacred place with your presence, then you have the nerve to unleash THAT! Empoleon, come on out!" Empoleon emerges.
"My new Pokémon can do more tricks than what I've shown you! Watch this…use Thunder!" Viper commands his mutant to attack their new opponent.
Alex shakes his head. "How is that even possible? Whatever…Empoleon, use Brine!" Brine connects, causing extra damage due to Garchomp's weakened state. Thunder connects with Empoleon, inducing Paralysis. "Great…not this again. Empoleon, Aqua Jet!" Though paralyzed, Empoleon successfully connects with the mutant Pokémon and pushes it closer to the edge of the tower.
Viper senses what Alex is trying to do. Since his mutant Pokémon can't fly due to the backlash of the genetic splicing, sending it off the edge of the tower would surely kill it. "I know what you're trying to pull here. It's not going to work. Garchomp, use Thunder again to knock that Pokémon out!" Due to Empoleon being slower because of Paralysis, Thunder connects again. Empoleon is defeated, leaving Alex with only his Diglett.
"Son of a bitch. Empoleon…return!" Empoleon returns to its ball. "Dig Dig, your turn buddy!" The blue nosed Pokemon emerges, ready to battle.
Viper stares at Diglett. "You're down to your final Pokemon…and it has to be a pathetic little Diglett? BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Garchomp…Dragon Claw!" The mutant charges at Diglett, ready to finish it in one blow.
"Diglett!" Dig Dig ducks under the surface, narrowly dodging the attack. This goes on for a few minutes, with both Viper and his mutant Garchomp becoming increasingly angry.
"Looks like your little mutant is having trouble keeping up with Dig Dig. Keep it up Dig Dig. We have a long way to go." Diglett continues to dodge Garchomp for a few more minutes before showing signs of fatigue.
Viper spots his opportunity to finish the battle. "Garchomp…Giga Impact, then slay it with Dragon Claw!" The mutant Pokemon goes in for a lethal strike. Just as it rears back for the kill…
"Salamence…use Dragon Pulse!" A new Pokemon appears out of nowhere and fires a beam at the mutant Garchomp. Garchomp is caught off guard and knocked backwards… almost to the edge of the tower. Salamence's trainer can be seen on its back.
"Recall your Diglett…quickly! I'll continue the fight from here!" The trainer tells Alex. Alex recalls Dig Dig and watches on as Salamence continues to fight the mutant Pokémon. The trainer continues talking as the battle progresses. "I've been keeping an eye out on these guys for the past few months now. They're bad news. Even worse than Aqua and Magma could ever hope to be. Almost considered asking both Archie and Maxie to help with this menace. Sadly, I can't get them to agree on, well…anything." With the aid of a few more Pokémon, Salamence is barely able to overpower Garchomp, tossing the mutant off the edge of the tower and plummeting to its death on the rocks below. The now dead Garchomp can be seen with a look of both pain and content. Its suffering has finally come to an end.
"Look what you meddling idiots have done! Years of scientific research down the drain in mere moments!" Viper is angry at the loss of his group's "pet project."
The trainer recalls her Pokemon before speaking. "You guys should be ashamed. No Pokemon should ever have to go through those experiments. As far as you are concerned, you guys are finished here in Hoenn. Most of the legendary Pokemon of this region are safe from your clutches. Aqua and Magma are probably dealing with your goons that may have wandered onto their turf, if the authorities haven't beaten them to it."
"Kanto and Johto are also safe as far as I'm aware." Alex tells her.
"Good to know." The trainer gives him a thumb up in approval before returning her attention to Viper. "As for you…you're coming with me…one way or another."
Viper starts laughing. "HAHAHAHAHA! No matter. Even if we failed miserably here, we have a more desirable target already in mind. Let's see if you can stop us in Sinnoh! Besides…YOU'LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE!" With that, Viper jumps off the Sky Pillar and commits suicide to avoid capture. He has just enough time to inform his superiors that the Sky Pillar mission has failed.
"Dammit… Now I really have to go back Sinnoh." Alex grumbles in frustration.
The trainer turns here attention to Alex. "What is it that they want in Sinnoh of all places? Oh…where are my manners. The name's Zinnia. Nice to meet ya."
"Alex. Thanks for the save Zinnia. I would have been a goner if you hadn't shown up." Alex calms himself. "As far as Sinnoh…If their actions in Kanto and Johto are any indication of their intent, the Legendary Pokemon of Sinnoh are going to be in danger."
"A few weeks ago, I managed to get some info from one of the squads trying to excavate Regirock's lair. I can't exactly say if Regice or Registeel were spared from a similar fate. Anyhow, the squad leader said something about their group trying to get as many legendary Pokémon as possible, and info on the whereabouts of some ancient relic. I think he said it was called the Azure Flute. Does that sound like anything you might know about?" Zinnia looks Alex…his face is paling. "Are you alright?" Zinnia rushes over to Alex and catches him just in time. She helps him sit down near the stairs.
Alex takes a few breaths before speaking. "Oh…no. I know enough about Sinnoh lore to know why they want the Azure Flute so badly. If they do find that relic, it will be the end of the world as we know it."
Zinnia looks at him with concern. "How exactly can an ancient flute bring about the end of the world?"
"It's not the flute itself that's the problem. The flute is more like…a key, if you will. A key to something that can bring about the end of the world if it falls into the hands of that organization." Alex steels himself before speaking to her. "According to what I've read in books about Sinnoh mythology, a certain song with the Azure flute is supposed to be played at a very specific location in Sinnoh…supposedly on top of Mount Coronet by the famed Spear Pillar. From there, it is said to have the power to open the gateway to a mystical realm. It is stated further that the mythical Pokemon Arceus resides within that realm. If that group somehow gets their hands on Arceus…it's all over. Arceus is said to have created the entire universe. Just imagine what that kind of power could do in the wrong hands."
"That doesn't sound good at all. Hopefully you or whoever can prevent them from achieving their end goal." Zinnia pauses a moment. "I'm assuming you came here looking for Rayquaza correct? You're a little late on that one. It flew away a while ago. Better luck next time I suppose." Zinnia calls out Salamence again.
"Before I go…let me heal your Pokemon for you." Alex's Pokemon are fully healed in no time. "IF by some chance you do manage to catch Rayquaza in the future, let me know. I can teach it a useful technique. Until then, see you around." Zinnia takes off on Salamence, leaving Alex in his thoughts.
'Damn…so much for finding Rayquaza today. At least it's safe from those guys…I hope. Can only hope for the same thing for most of Johto and Kanto's legendary Pokemon too. I know Eusine will be watching out for that other Suicune. Look at the time…it's getting late. Might as well head back to Slateport City. Hopefully my house hasn't been ransacked while I was away. Maybe I'll try to see Winona and Wallace one more time before they leave on their honeymoon…and before I head back to Sinnoh." Alex hops on to Tundra's back and heads back to Slateport City. High above the tower in the darkening night sky, a flying Pokemon watches as Alex departs from the Sky Pillar. It stays still until Alex is no longer visible before it follows suit and leaves the area.
/
Once back in Slateport, Alex returns to his house on the outskirts of the city. Luckily, none of his belongings were taken while he was away. Another feeling of dread washes over Alex before he falls asleep, seeing as his inevitable return to Sinnoh is looming that much closer now. Meanwhile, a ship with a very familiar insignia begins to approach the city.
"Been a while since I've visited Slateport City. I hope my old pal is doing alright. Poor lad's been through some turbulent waters." The ship's captain says to a woman next to him.
The woman nods. "Only one way to find out…Archie."
…
Alright. That's a wrap for this chapter. Apologies if it seems weak compared to the other chapters so far. I had a plan in mind before life got in the way over the last few months. Some of those plans were lost over the last few months. Hopefully I will be able to get back on course after this. Just a couple more chapters to go before the Sinnoh arc begins.
