A/N: Where are all the other reviewers gone, eh? Please give some kind of an input if you're reading this fic: I'll try to improve it accordingly.
Notice the change in genre: It's now Sci-Fi/Friendship, reflecting the decision I've taken to change the way the story will proceed. Now, It's still going to have advanceshipping in it, but Dawn, Bliss and maybe Brock are going to be vital for the plot…find out how!
Chapter Ten: The Diverge
Evil. What exactly is Evil?
Can Evil be defined as the opposite of Good?
But then, what is Good - is it just the opposite of Evil?
Man, this is damn confusing…
Bliss shook her head. Now wasn't the time to dwell into these philosophies - she had to focus on the matter at hand: If Kyogre was allowed its way then Sinnoh would become an icicle – however unintentional it was on its part. As strong as the Legendary Heatran is, it cannot possibly win against the Lord of water pokemon, can it? The type disadvantage really strikes deep here; and they weren't about to let that happen: it was a circumstance caused by Humans who meddled with what they shouldn't have.
She turned back to the young coordinator in front of her, staring into her eyes as the two different shades of blue contacted (although the difference was one of intensity – the colors were identical); and their Aura interacted. Bliss had the expertise to sense that this Aura was undoubtedly one fueled by a catalyst - in this case it was Riolu. It was best if she avoided the topic of Aura right now - she understood it better than most people, but she was a specialist in Biotechnology and Pokemon Behavior: it's better to leave Aura to a Physicist.
'So, that's what the plan is?' May asked her contemporary quietly while the others were busy packing up camp. She could recognize it - although unconsciously - that the GC had an Aura pattern which was quite familiar ... yet so developed. She couldn't quite place it, however - and this wasn't the time to ask. In fact, she really wanted to query on something else that was itching her insides.
'That's what the plan is.' Bliss acknowledged. She could very well guess what was coming next, smiling, she asked, 'Anything else?'
'Um...' May began, slightly embarrassed. She could feel the heat rushing up her face as she collected the thought. A push of courage made her blurt out the words which were waiting at the tip of her tongue.
'D-Did you really mean that A-Ash and I would, you know...' she finished, flustering.
'It's only natural.' came the reply. Bliss took this as her cue and went over to help to others, leaving May alone with Manaphy in her arms - and her thoughts in her head.
Shrugging these thoughts aside for now, May went over to assist the packing procedure: only to find out that it was all finished and everyone was ready – except for Ash and Dawn that is.
'No, you're not walking – your leg's not good enough yet.' Ash told Dawn - his resolve adamant.
'I'm coming and there's nothing you can do stop me!' Dawn retorted angrily, getting up and balancing herself on her undamaged leg carefully – although she winced slightly, and Ash noticed that.
'See! You're in NO CONDITION to come!' Ash argued back. Even though he didn't want to admit it, he was thoroughly enjoying this "conversation" for some odd reason; perhaps it was his brotherly relationship with Dawn or that he was finally getting a chance to subdue her stubborn nature. In his heart, he really did appreciate Dawn's confidence and will to help them out – but it was only going to hinder them in this case and he didn't want that - not to mention that it wouldn't be good for the young Coordinator's recovery process.
'Aww, come on Ash – there's no need to worry!' Dawn said pleadingly, changing her tactics. No doubt she thought that her "irresistible cuteness" would easily convince anyone of anything: and it was kind of true really – it was just that Ash was immune to that kind of thing most of the times.
This was one of those times.
'Alright guys, hold it.' Brock intervened, interrupting the fight for a moment while the two individuals locked in the debate glared angrily at him – obviously infuriated over someone trying to calm them down. Brock subconsciously took a step backwards: those Electric blue and Amber eyes could be intimidating when they wanted to be.
'Dawn's injury isn't fully healed yet…' the Breeder chose his next few words very carefully, 'so I suggest that she should rest here for a little while and the others should move onto the Lakefront hotel. I'll stay with her until she can walk.'
Brock bit his tongue inside his mouth. Even though he was, by far, the oldest of the group – he needed to be really cautious with the youngest. She was usually cheerful and bubbly, but she did know how to make things ugly: especially considering her present argumentative relationship with Ash – even though both of them deeply cared for each other and they knew it.
Dawn was not beyond understanding. In fact, she seemed to have become really mature for age during the course of her travels: the initial contest losses, Ash and Brock's influence, as well as her determination to progress foreword – these were some of the many factors which had helped in that cause. Only in some situations, like the one she was facing now, did her stubborn side take over – but not for long, nor was it in in total control. When these fragments of her personality collided; she usually exhibited the easiest and most painless solution to the dilemma– silent indecisiveness.
Brock took this as a cue to continue.
'So, I guess Dawn agrees with that.' He judged, although there was a trace of caution in his voice.
Bliss and May were watching the whole fiasco with a slight knowing smirk on faces. The former, however, had something to add – probably something that would make Dawn happy. She took out a familiar Ultra Ball – the same one which May and Ash had seen earlier. Without a word, she tossed it in the air where it opened to reveal a flash of light.
This energy instantly converted into the large shape of the orange-cream dragon which she had ridden on earlier.
'Brock, Dawn.' She called, and the two looked at her, with a brief glance at the Dragonite. 'When you're feeling fit to travel Dawn, you can hop on my Dragonite with Brock. It'll find me, so don't worry about that.'
Brock nodded silently, while Dawn murmured a silent "Thanks". She was really grateful for this, but the proper emotion just didn't seem to come out right now. Bliss, however, seemed to understand (the others were oblivious to the reason for this: which was her ability to detect Aura and the subsequent changes in emotional patterns) and proceeded to have a word with Dragonite – which gave an optimistic grunt of approval.
'See you soon at the Lakefront Hotel guys!' Bliss exclaimed, as she motioned to Ash and May, who proceeded to follow her along with Pikachu and Manaphy, also waving a temporary goodbye.
The trio proceeded to walk down the long winded path leading to the Valor Lakefront hotel, not really all that far away now – maybe just a day away on foot.
But that reminded Ash of something – just three weeks were left until the Sinnoh League commenced, and he still had his last badge to win. He really needed to rush after this entire fiasco was over – but that was that. He didn't have the power to change the events that occurred to him: but he did have the ability to affect their outcomes which would lead to different roads; it was ironical how destiny worked sometimes.
Kyogre rose to the surface, his mammoth body heaving the waves of the sea apart as if they were nothing. The Legendary creator of the oceans gave a deep, infrasonic rumble – inaudible to the normal human ear but not to Pokemon.
The water-types in the vicinity of that area fled swiftly, away from the impending danger that was to come by Kyogre's power.
This time, he was fully awake, alert and conscious: not like that fight with his fifth column. There both he and his adversary had barely regained full consciousness from their eons-long slumber. Now he was going to attack in the apogee of his power: the culmination being earth-shattering - literally.
But…there was something holding him back. Memories of long disposed times: a voice of such power and majesty that all bowed down before the nameless….but that was another time, this is different.
This was instinct. The nemesis. The confrontation for superiority.
Instinct was Kyogre's Casus belli for now; he waited till his rival approached him, as water emptied from the sea, proceeding upwards to form the dark fluff we call storm clouds, as the hydrological cycle intensified.
1800 Hours,
5 Km from Valor Lakefront Hotel
'That was good.' Bliss commented. She had asked Ash to demonstrate his Pokemon's skills – Staravia was promptly asked by his trainer to find them a place to camp for the night. The Bird managed to do so with impressive speed: it pinpointed a suitable spot in only a few minutes.
'Thanks. I've trained it so…' Ash said proudly, his ego getting the better of it.
'Watch your Ego, mister.' May teased, decolorizing Ash due to embarrassment.
'Oh yeah? Watch this.' Ash retorted. He went over to Bliss who now was patiently gazing up at the dark sky – the sun wasn't visible at all, and she had decided to stop and camp for the night. Even though the Hotel was a stone's throw away, it was inadvisable to travel in an unpredictable weather condition. Certainly, her short six-hour journey with the two teens was memorable. She had learnt far more about the kind of person Ash was, and also about her younger contemporary, May. They were interesting characters, kind of reminding Bliss about herself when she was younger.
She could sense the bonds of Aura uniting them. It was really strong – made stronger by the Riolu catalyst for sure – and doubtless that would lead to interesting consequences in the future. For now, she sensed Ash approaching him, although she didn't react.
'Hey Bliss!' Ash called out cheerfully, yet confidently. Bliss responded by giving him an inquiring look.
'Wanna have a Pokemon Battle?' Bliss smiled. She knew this was coming, and she knew what she was going to say.
'I'd love to Ash but I've got only two Pokemon right now – I came here on short notice and Dragonite's with Brock and Dawn.' Bliss said, before moving on quickly, 'However….'
'Yes?' Ash asked impatiently.
'We could have a Tag Battle – you and May against me. Four Pokemon total – how does that sound?' Bliss finished. It would be interesting to see what came next.
'Let's start than. You have the honor guys!'
Our duo looked at each other, and then nodded. In perfect sync, now hard-wired into them by their first (embarrassing) Tag Battle experience, they called out their Pokemon: Ash brought forth his faithful bird Staravia – it was actually still outside, so it just came down by his side, assuming battle stance. Pikachu and Manaphy cheered along the sidelines.
'Smart.' Bliss thought. 'I don't know whether he knows what he's doing, but Staravia is boosted by the fact that it has had time to stretch its wings before battle.'
May contemplated her choices for a moment before launching her Blaziken. She knew that power would be required for this one – she could sense that Bliss wasn't going to take this as a contest battle with Ash – she would prefer Ash being in his own element. Nevertheless, she could expect spectacular moves from the GC – grace and beauty would be infused in her Pokemon by now, no matter what kind of battle they fight.
Bliss smiled at her opponents' choices. She took out the only two Ultraballs she had at the moment and flung them forwards;
'Ditto, Lucario: Let's Ride the Storm!'
Out popped a pinkish, shapeless blob which looked like it could change its shape – which, incidentally, it could.
Alongside it was a fox-like bipedal warrior of Aura: a force to be reckoned with as he was built for fighting. He seemed very wise by nature – and felt wholly different from the Lucario which Ash and May had seen back at Cameron Palace. For one, it was clearly an alternate color Pokemon – with red stripes and label where the blue should have been. It also seemed to have a glossier coat – but that was probably the result of excellent caretaking.
There was no lack of spirit or confidence in Lucario's eyes – even though he knew that he was at a disadvantage against both his opponent Pokemon. Reaching back into his mind, he activated in Aura sense, extending his ear-like projections on both sides of his head.
'I'm ready, Milady.' He communicated to his trainer telepathically, while his partner assumed battle stance.
RANGERNET, MAY 22 - 2050
#B-2050-L-02
Initialized…1700 Hours
Secure (Quantum Key) – Penumbra Access only
Name: Heatran (Prime)
Classification: Lava Dome Pokemon (Legendary; Form 3)
Definition:
It dwells in volcanic caves. It digs in with its cross-shaped feet to crawl on ceilings and walls.
Type: Fire/Steel
V.
Name: Kyogre (Prime)
Classification: Sea Basin Pokemon (Legendary; Form 2)
Definition:
It is said to have widened the seas by causing downpours. It had been asleep in a marine trench.
Type: Water
PC Presence:
Bliss M. Aurora – GC Class I, (Umbra Certified),
Goldenrod City,
Johto (F)
Brock Takeshi, (Unofficial) Class III General Breeder (Plus Crucial Certification),
Pewter City,
Kanto (M)
PLA Presence:
Ash Ketchum, (Unofficial) Class IV Trainer (Hyper Crucial Certification)
Pallet Town,
Kanto (M)
PCA Presence:
May Crestora, (Unofficial) Class IV Coordinator (Plus Crucial Certification),
Petalburg City,
Hoenn (F)
Dawn Kamiya, (Unofficial) Class V Coordinator (Super Crucial Certification),
Twinleaf Town,
Sinnoh (F)
Objective(s): Uncertain. Stop Kyogre…(?)
Status: In Progress.
Monitoring in progress. Awaiting Report…
A/N:
The Ranger Net seems pretty weird doesn't it? Rest assured, it's there for a purpose.
So this was mostly filler – though you get a gist of the Characters ranking and stuff…I'm not going into the details of that (yet), but I think you can get an idea.
BTW, Dawn's surname is sort-of like a tribute to Kari Kamiya and subsequently Digimon –they both share the same first name in the Japanese version.
And Yes - Dawn is classified as being more important than May.
I wonder why that is…