How did you like the last chapter? I thought that it cleared some things up a bit. Shout out to LigerHorse!
So last time on Light In My Darkness, the group get off the boat and headed towards Mount Silver. On the way, they meet Ash, an Aura Prince and his partner, Pikachu. They chat about a few things for a bit but in the end, they went their separate ways. Later, Ragna gets fed up with Ryker keeping secrets like his name and the like and demanded that Ryker tell them everything. They get into an argument that ended up with them finding out his family's slaughter and how his homeland got wiped out...by him. He leaves and Arceus soon appears and told them about his past. Aurora managed to get Ryker back with them and Ragna made up with him. At the end, Ryker has doubts about himself that were immediately pushed away by Aurora. Story time.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Chapter 9: A Glimpse At The Alpha
The group had woken up early that morning and they easily found the door to the Temple. Ragna felt uneasy and voiced his anxiety.
"Hey guys? I'm getting a VERY bad feeling about this place."
Saphira drew their attention by audibly chattering her teeth out of fear. Aurora was getting bad vibes as well. The only one who wasn't fazed at least visibly was Ryker.
"ALL of them are here." he stated.
"WHAAAAAT! But why?! Why gang up on us now?" Ragna exclaimed.
"We probably were underestimated by them and they most likely decided to get rid of us before we become too much of a threat." Ryker replied in monotone. They looked at him incredulously only to see that he was deadly serious. Ryker continued. "Look, there is absolutely no way we can prepare for this so it's understandable if any of you want to back out now. It's probably safer to do that, though, I won't be following you since I will be inside."
He turned to see Aurora giving him a determined look. He looked at Ragna who took a deep breath while he comforted Saphira.
"I'm a Knight. I can't back down from this. We all won't, we'll stick by you to the very end."
Agreed. Saphira added, finally calmed down.
Ryker gave them all a rare smile and turned serious as he opened the large set of double doors, instantly feeling the evil aura emanating from within. They stepped inside and immediately the doors closed behind them.
The whole room was pitch black until multiple sets of torches were lit along the wall, illuminating the large circular room. Suddenly, Aurora screamed as she was yanked away by a transparent purple chain.
"Aurora!" Ryker exclaimed.
Heeeeelp!
She was pulled to the other end of the room, revealing the culprit. Darugas was holding the other end of the chain and was surrounded by the rest of the possessed Knights. Ryker let out a low menacing snarl and Darugas had a sadistic grin on his face.
"Well look at who's here, my companions. It's the famous Alpha and his merry band of failures."
Saphira growled at the comment and Ragna stepped forward with a scowl.
"What are YOU doing here, Darugas! Only The Knight of Minerals is supposed to be here!"
"Surprised? I decided to get rid of all of you early. The four of you are too much of a thorn in my side." Darugas shifted his position to a sitting one. "I'm going to give you all a chance to surrender. If you accept, your deaths will be quick and painless. However, should you attack…"
Darugas looked at Aurora and smiled. She suddenly screamed in pain as barbed extensions from the whip sank into her sides. At that moment, something inside of Ryker lost control. making his aura spread throughout the area. Saphira and Ragna leaped back as a wall of black fire rose from the ground, cutting them off from Ryker and their enemies. Darugas turned to see what was the source of the sudden heat only to find nothing. He noticed Ragna and Saphira looking around as well, as if they were looking for something.
"Where is -" Darugas began but was cut off by the sound of his whip snapping. He quickly turned only to see that his captive was gone, her bonds broken beyond repair.
"Whoa!" Ragna exclaimed as Ryker and Aurora suddenly appeared in front of him.
Ryker set down Aurora on the floor gently, rage showing through his eyes. Saphira was all of the sudden afraid of him as well as Ragna.
"Take care of her." Ryker stated before disappearing and reappearing on the other side of the flame wall.
Aurora looked at Ryker whose back was turned, worry and concern as well as wonder coursed through her veins.
Ryker? What are yo-
Suddenly, Ryker summoned his armor and sword and blocked Darugas's battle-axe.
"I will make sure all of you feel endless pain! Knights, ATTACK THE ALPHA!" Darugas shouted.
All of the remaining possessed Knights leapt from their spots and drew their weapons and aimed them directly at Ryker who stood unmoving. His three friends gasped not a second later.
The Knights had hit their mark.
Ryker stood there, blood pouring from the numerous stab wounds and punctures on his sides and shoulders. He then spoke in his native language, everyone in the area somehow understood the words.
"I will show you no mercy."
A sudden blast of dark aura emitted from Ryker, cutting up the Knights into several pieces and incinerating their remains. Darugas stepped back in fear, scared out of his wits. Auroras and the others stepped back as well, sensing the murderous intent from Ryker.
This isn't like him. Saphira remarked.
Darugas regained his composure and put on a brave face.
"I didn't think you were that powerful. No matter, those Knights were small fry, pawns that failed to be of use to me. However, don't think I will be as weak!"
Darugas charged forward, swinging his large battle-axe at Ryker. Ryker didn't move and the others gasped as Darugas connected.
"Too slow, weakling." Darugas announced.
As soon as he said that, what seemed to be Ryker disappeared in a cloud of darkness.
"WHAT!" his foe bellowed.
He was cut off as Ryker suddenly reappeared and struck Darugas from behind. A splash of blood erupted from Darugas's neck, spraying the floor below.
"Aargh! Damn you!" the Knight exclaimed, leaping to the side as Ryker withdrew his armored hand.
Blood dripped off the claw-like gauntlet as Ryker slowly walked towards his enemy.
"Blood isn't enough, you must perish." Ryker announced, flicking the rest of the blood off his gauntlet with a twitch like movement.
"What language is he speaking?" Ragna inquired in a small voice.
It's probably his native language. By the sounds of it, it's like a mix of Greek and growling or snarls. I don't think the people of Zenith spoke this language. Aurora stated.
The armored Knight of Shadows and Flames readied his sword and at the sight, Darugas flinched.
"That sword has tasted much blood, it's nothing I have ever seen before." Darugas remarked.
At this, Ryker let out a humorless smile, one that sent chills down the backs of everyone present. He lifted his sword with its serrated edges facing to the sides. His expression darkened and his smiled disappeared.
"My fang has never failed to fell an enemy before. It burns with my will, slashes with the shadows of my soul, and represents as an extension of me." Ryker pointed his sword towards Darugas, said person shivered as he heard a snarl escape from Ryker. "Now, I will stop at nothing to kill you. Your fate was sealed the moment you laid hands on her." he gestured his free hand at Aurora who perked up at the mention of her.
Darugas sneered and suddenly charged at Ryker, screaming all the way.
"As if you can beat me, Fen-!" he began.
Darugas was cut off again as Ryker's hand found its way around the Gengar's throat. He pulled Darugas closer and tightened his grip.
"You think I will allow you to spill my secret?" he said in a low grabbed Ryker's arms, aiming to force him to release his grip. However, Darugas soon noticed that it was futile and tried to mentally attack Ryker in darkly laughed as Darugas tried over and over again. "I don't think so. Try as you will but my mental defenses far surpasses yours." Ryker stated.
He let go of Darugas and followed it with a punch to the gut which sent Darugas reeling in pain. Before Darugas can do anything, Ryker grabbed the Gengar by the head and kneed him in the nose, effectively breaking it. Aurora tried to make sense of the situation.
Why is he suddenly so brutal with his attacks? Is this the real Ryker?
Darugas, who was getting up after falling to the floor, readied his battle-axe with much difficulty.
It's a wonder that Ryker's last attack didn't drive the bone in Darugas's nose straight into the brain. Saphira noted to herself.
Darugas looked around, trying to find a way out of the situation. He spotted Aurora past the firewall and a plan materialised in his head.
"You shouldn't leave your weakness out in the open!" he bellowed, as he fired a single blood red beam towards Aurora, who tensed, knowing that she wouldn't be able to dodge fast enough. The pain didn't come however and she looked up, confused. Ryker was in front of her, a hole in his shoulder as he got up from his shielding position.
Ryker, I- I- she started.
Ryker simply raised a gentle hand at her, and let out another growl at his opponent.
"I was going to give you a quick and painless death, but after that stunt you pulled... I WILL MAKE YOU SUFFER." Ryker announced, pitch black flames erupted from his sword, shadows wrapping around it as well.
Aurora gasped as she saw Ryker's hair turn from silver to all the way black. Black tribal lines appeared on his face which ended in points that pointed towards the center of his face (so think two tattoo-like lines pointing towards the center of his face, one on each side). Her shock increased even further as a second sword materialised in Ryker's right hand, identical and radiating the same dark power as the sword in his left hand.
Ryker took a step forward, leaving black-flamed (his flames now all black) footsteps in his wake. The shadows in the room danced wildly as he did so.
"With both my left and my right Fangs, I shall make you non-existent." Ryker growled.
He suddenly reappeared behind Darugas and stabbed said person through the stomach with a sword. Darugas immediately screamed in pain as the flesh that is making contact with the sword burned and tore apart by the serrated edges and the shadows emitted. Ryker took his other sword and made a clean cleave through Darugas's left arm. The arm fell towards the floor and disappeared when Ryker's black flames and shadows devoured it.
Ryker's friends were not believing what they were seeing. There was so much bloodshed and Ryker remained emotionless the entire while. Darugas screamed as pain finally registered in his mind. He kicked away from Ryker and landed a few feet away, tending to what is now a stub that was spurting dark red blood everywhere behind him. Darugas did his best but failed to stop the bleeding. Suddenly, Ryker was directly in front of him, a hand was outstretched.
"Let me help you with that." Ryker stated.
Darugas screamed in agony as Ryker cauterized the wound with a grim smile. A few seconds later, Darugas looked up at Ryker and sneered at him.
"This may be painful but this is nothing compared to how I died before becoming a Gengar. Guess what? My intestines were pulled out of me one by one while I was conscious and that was the most painful experience ever! Don't think I'm fazed from this, bastard!"
Ryker stopped and suddenly let out a humorless laugh, one of which made the others shiver in fear. After his mirth returned, the smile on his face disappeared and his face darkened even further.
"Let me show you true pain. The pain of those who were murdered in your stead multiplied a hundred-fold! SUFFER!"
At first nothing happened, making the others question his sanity. But Ryker was staring directly into Darugas's, eyes. Ryker's pupils suddenly became darker than the black color they already were before. All of the sudden, Darugas howled in extreme sorrow and pain, his scream completely worse compared to his other painful screams. Black flames erupted from Darugas's eyes and his insides were suddenly visible to the others through his skin.
Darugas's POV
Darugas looked around, seeing nothing but a black void. He walked a further ways down. He suddenly felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Slowly, he turned around to face a woman. He instantly recognized her as someone he murdered many years before. But, her form was ethereal and she had no eyes. What he was looking at now was her soul.
The souls suddenly moaned in sorrow as it brandished a knife. Darugas was frozen, flushable to move for some inexplicable reason. The soul took the knife and slowly cut along Darugas's throat, from underneath the jaw to a bit above the collarbone. Darugas tried to scream but found that he couldn't. All he could do was to watch the soul do its work. The soul withdrew the knife and bit into his neck tearing away at the flesh.
To Darugas, the pain was indescribable but he couldn't even close his eyes. The worst thing was that everything was deathly silent. The soul continued to tear way at his neck and did everything in a slow painful matter. Suddenly, the soul vanished and Darugas's wounds were healed. However, he still felt the pain in his neck.
Another soul appeared in front of him handle it took the form of a little boy. The soul walked up to Darugas and sank his teeth into Darugas's stomach. He tore into it and plunged his hand into Darugas. The soul felt around in Darugas's stomach and seemed to find his target. He suddenly pulled out a kidney, threw it on the transparent floor and stepped on it. After a few moments, the soul of the little boy disappeared.
Another soul materialised. This one had the form of an old man and in his hand, was a crude fishing hook. The soul took the hook and raked it across Darugas left cheek and ended up taking off an ear. Then, the soul took the hook and hooked it into one of Darugas's eyes. The souls slowly pulled. Slowly, but surely, Darugas's left eye was pulled out and left hanging from its socket. The soul took the fishing in one swing, tore through the fibers that connected his eyes to his socket. The eye fell to the floor and the soul disappeared, the wounds inflicted on Darugas started to heal up.
In what seemed to be many years, thousands of souls had their way with Darugas. Each of them were killed by him in one way or another.
Back to the Others
Ryker dropped Darugas and let out a low growl. Darugas's eyes were now ashy-grey, little tongues of black flames danced in many dried cracks in his now coal-like eyes. The wall of flame Ryker had summoned died down and the others slowly made their way to Ryker. Aurora took one look at Darugas and gasped. She backed up and looked at Ryker.
What did you do to him? she asked.
Ryker gave her a dark look and spoke normally again.
"I made him experience the same exact pain and situation of all those he had killed in the past, their pain multiplied by at least a hundred. He cannot move a single muscle or use his vocal chords. For example, if he killed someone by stabbing them in the back, that soul of the victim has the choice to do the same exact thing to him. If not, the soul will disappear and another victim will take its place with the same choice until Darugas has gone through the souls of every single person he killed. To him, it will take years to go through all the souls of those he killed. To us, it will take a mere minute. Now, all of his organs and insides save for his bones are now burned away to less than ash. He will die and his soul will be burnt up by my power. He will neither go to hell nor heaven but, his existence will be forever be erased by me." he informed in a dark voice.
The others gasped at his words and looked at Darugas who was no longer breathing. Aurora took a step back as Ryker motioned them to. Ragna and Saphira immediately complied as well. They looked at Ryker whose eyes briefly showed intense anger as he held out his hand towards the corpse below him. Darugas's body and all the other dead again Knights lit up and were devoured by his flames. Eventually, there was nothing else in the room except Ryker and the others.
Darugas's words still lingered in Ryker's head. He tried to banish them but failed miserably.
Nothing but a monster...
Monster. That word plagued his mind like no other.
That's right. I am and will forever be a monster. Ryker to him, Aurora saw through his emotionless mask and saw pain in his eyes. She walked up to him and nudged his hand with her paw. Ryker barely registered her in his mind. That's right. I have to use these monstrous powers of mine to protect her. To protect Aurora, Jeanne, Ragna, and Saphira, Balto, and the others. he thought.
Aurora nudged him again, a little harder this time.
Ryker, we need to patch up your wounds. They're still bleeding profusely...Ryker!
Ryker broke away from his thoughts and looked at her. Aurora's eyes widened in shock as he gave her another rare genuine smile. He also gave Ragna and Saphira a thumbs up. The two gave him a smile and Aurora chuckled as she shook her head.
They began to walk towards the large set of double doors. Ryker took one last look at the chamber behind him and finally, closed the door.
Hall of Origins
Arceus stepped away from the scrying orb and began to walk, or float, down a corridor.
He nearly transformed in all that rage. If he did, the battle would be over immediately and the whole area would have been decimated. Though, it seems Darugas was right about one thing.
She turned a corner and came to a stop in a chamber full of statues of past heroes and legendaries. She smiled as she looked over them, remembering each and every one of them and their deeds. She closed her eyes and started to relax a bit.
If anything, Aurora is truly Ryker's weakness.
Back to the Others
It was night and the group was settled around the campfire. Ragna was chewing on a Pidgeot leg and Saphira was staring at the stars, one of her wings wrapped around Ragna. Ryker was leaning against a tree and was staring at the fire. Aurora was happily sleeping on his chest, her muzzle on the crook of his neck. Ryker directed his attention to her mane and started stroking it softly, careful as to prevent waking up Aurora.
I wonder what they think of me now. Do they still trust me? Do they fear me? Do they think I'm a monster?
His head shot up as another mind nudged his for permission to enter. He recognized it as Saphira's and lowered his mental barrier.
Do not worry Ryker. We still believe that you are the same caring and helpful person who'd go out of his way to help. Saphira remarked as she correctly guessed his thoughts.
Ryker gave her a thankful look and in return, she happily nodded. Soon though, she groaned in annoyance as she realized Ragna already finished eating and was currently resting on her warm scaled belly.
This man *sigh* is sooo childish sometimes. But I still love him immensely.
She wrapped her wing around Ragna's body like a blanket and curled her body around him. She gave Ryker a final look.
Sleep. You literally took care of all the Knights for us and prevented us from being hurt. Plus, you were pretty beat up earlier. Rest Ryker...
She finally nodded off to sleep and left Ryker to contemplate his own thoughts. He looked at himself. All of his wounds had already healed and the scent of blood no longer lingered on his hands. Ryker sighed and looked up at the sky. For a minute or so, he did nothing but note the many constellations in the sky. Finally, he felt himself getting tired and closed his eyes, a small smile found its way on his face.
Then next morning, Aurora woke to find that Ryker wasn't there. Instead, his jacket was folded and placed underneath her. She got up and stretched her muscles. She looked around the campsite and saw Ragna and Saphira sitting comfortably together, Ragna was happily polishing the white dragon's scales.
Ryker probably went off to train again like he does every morning. she thought. She looked at his jacket and gave a small smile. To get up, leave a jacket underneath me, and leave without waking me up or making me lose my comfortable position is impressive.
Deciding to go for a run, she trudged off to the forest. After a few moments, she sped into an all-out sprint, easily surpassing the speed of a bullet train. After a few minutes, she took to the skies, flying at a speed that would make fighter jets seem like turtles. She smiled to herself as she felt the wind under her wings and the sun on her back. Suddenly, her head snapped to the surface below her when she saw a black blur speed across the forest towards the campsite. Its speed easily surpassed hers! She tried to identify it by scent or mind and found that she couldn't. The blur was obviously blocking its presence to everything in the area masterfully. Concerned for the safety of her friends, she soared after it, giving chase.
Blur
She must have noticed me. Either she impressively sensed my presence or she merely saw me by accident. Most likely the latter. The blur looked ahead, seeing a large mass of trees and a path that was dimly lit. I'll lose her here.
Normal POV
Aurora tried to follow the blur but soon lost sight of it. She turned around and retraced her steps but found no evidence to where it could have gone.
I just hope it isn't a danger to us. Better, I hope I was imagining things. she thought to herself. She landed in the campsite and found that Ragna and Saphira already packed everything. Need help? she asked.
"No, we're fine. Have you seen Ryker?" Ragna replied.
I haven't since I woke up.
"He's probably coming back right n-"
The bushes to their left rustled and coincidently, Ryker emerged from the foliage. He was stretching his arms as he walked over to them.
"Morning." He simply stated.
Morning! Aurora told him with a hug.
Ryker chuckled as he hugged her back, giving Ragna a "I dare you to comment on my unusual behavior." look. Ragna nervously chuckled as he finished packing up the supplies. He thought to himself as he did so.
You know, he never laughs or smiles around us, let alone talk. But once Aurora talks to him or something along those lines, he brightens up. I guess she just really makes his day.
Ryker walked over and picked up his jacket and donned it in one motion. He then picked up his pack and faced Ragna and the others.
"Where to?"
Ragna shrugged his shoulders and Saphira gave a similar expression. Aurora walked up to Ryker and gestured to the sky.
I guess we should report to Lady Arceus at the Hall of Origins.
Ryker nodded and looked at the other two who nodded in agreement. He raised his left hand and suddenly, a black portal appeared directly in the spot where the campfire used to be. He walked in and the others soon followed.
The Hall of Origins
Thank you all for preventing the possible destruction of this world. I am also glad that you all made it back safely. Arceus stated.
Ragna, Saphira, and Aurora bowed but Ryker simply nodded. Ryker walked up to Arceus and gave her the signal for a private conversation. She noticed and soon, the others were blocked out.
What do you need, Fang?
Tomorrow, I plan to leave for a while to train by myself.
You mean that you're going to that island correct? The one abandoned by humans?
Correct.
For what purpose? Why now?
I allowed Lady Islingr Suicune to get hurt yesterday. I failed her and myself. I plan to get stronger and faster in order to protect not only her, but the others including you.
...
Milady?
And what about the others? Will they be fine with your decision?
Most likely not, it may take some major convincing. Either way, I'm leaving whether they like it or not.
How long do you think you will be gone?
Two months. Four at the most. I'll come right back afterwards to accompany them.
I don't think Lady Islingr Suicune would take this lightly. She could probably prevent me from allowing you to leave like that.
I know. I plan to have a long talk with her about this. I will have the rest of the day today to spend time with her before leaving tomorrow.
... You really love her, don't you?
Of course, Milady. Do you disapprove of it?
Heavens no! I actually think she's what best for you and vice versa.
I'm glad that you have no problems with this, Milady.
Of course not.
They turned back to the others who were wondering why they had been blocked out.
"What were you two talking about?" Ragna asked.
"Personal matters." Ryker replied.
Ragna nodded and gave a small yawn. He grabbed Saphira by her wing and made his way down a corridor.
"We'll be in our chambers to rest if you don't mind, Lady Arceus."
I have no problem of , I don't want you to get lazy on me.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
And with that, he and Saphira waved them goodbye and left the scene. Arceus returned her attention to our heroes and bowed.
I'm afraid have some important matters to attend to. I bid you two a good day and if you have the need to go on another quest, feel free to ask me.
Ryker and Aurora nodded and Arceus soon left as well, leaving the two off them alone. Deoxys soon appeared and sneered at Aurora.
Hello, mate-to-be, how is your day?
At this, Aurora growled, the temperature in the area soon dropped to below zero.
Leave me alone Deoxys. I do not have time to waste with you. Go play with meteors or something.
Feisty are we? I like that.
Deoxys chuckled and seemed to finally notice Ryker who placed his hand on Aurora's shoulder, immediately calming her. Deoxys's smile died as he felt Ryker's aura.
Who are you human? Another petty Knight?
Ryker didn't even look at Deoxys (which annoyed the legendary greatly) as he continued to calm Aurora.
"Look, Deoxys, I do not want to have a quarrel with you. All I ask is that you treat Lady Islingr Suicune with utmost respect like you would want for yourself." Ryker stated.
At this, Deoxys grew furious and stepped forward.
Don't you tell me what to do, human! And that's LORD Deoxys to you, by the way.
Ryker shrugged as if saying, "I don't care."
Not wanting the black haired person get to him, Deoxys calmed down and walked past Aurora. At the last moment, when he thought they weren't looking, he attempted to slap Aurora's rump.
Deoxys screamed.
His hand that was a tentacle was burning beyond belief. He looked up to see Ryker, who still trying to calm Aurora, with his hand on Deoxys's. Aurora turned around and widened her eyes at the sight.
Ryker finally turned around and gave Deoxys an intense stare.
"What were you attempting to do?"
N-n-nothing!
"Speak the truth or you will lose this disgusting thing of an arm!" Ryker warned.
F-f-fine! I was trying to slap her ass, alright? Can't blame me for being a guy! Besides, what do you care?
The air immediately dropped even more and Deoxys was shivering, unused to this temperature. He turned to Aurora who had a murderous look in her eyes. Without warning, she charged a mini Hyper Beam and blasted it at Deoxys. The attack hit its mark and Deoxys was immediately thrown back against the wall, a piece of his metallic face fell away.
Deoxys groaned and reached up to feel his face only to find that the bottom half completely missing. Aurora walked up to him, her fury subsiding a bit.
There, now you have a mouth. Now, I advise you to shut up and never treat me in that manner again or next time, I won't even look at or warn you. I'll just give you frostbite.
Deoxys was seething with anger and humiliation. He suddenly charged at Aurora who was completely unconcerned.
Deoxys screamed again.
Ryker grabbed Deoxys by the arm and threw him at a wall. Without losing pace, he walked over and punched Deoxys in the chest. Deoxys groaned and coughed up some blood as one of his ribs caved in and punctured his lung.
Ryker wasn't done.
He picked up Deoxys by the throat and with another hand, grabbed hold of Deoxys's arm. With a single tug, he tore Deoxys's arm away and threw the tentacles to the floor with disgust. Deoxys screamed in pain and immediately passed out. Ryker dropped him and walked over to Aurora who gave him a hug.
Thanks for standing up for me, love.
"No problem, dear. I'll always protect you." he replied.
Ryker summoned another portal and together, they walked into it. Unknown to them, a few legendaries had witnessed the entire scene.
Keldeo, Manaphy, and Xerneas all had incredulous looks upon their faces. Keldeo was the first one to speak.
Holy Shit!
Indeed. Xerneas added.
Should we help him? Manaphy asked.
She looked at the deer and the colt, both shook their heads in response to her question.
Too bad for him. she thought.
Jeanne's chambers
Jeanne flopped onto her bed and stretched her forelegs, exhausted from her meeting with the Aura Guardians. She perked up when her mate entered the room, chuckling quietly to himself.
What's so funny? she asked.
Darko lowered himself next to her and gently massaged her shoulder, earning a sigh of delight from his mate.
I heard from Lady Xerneas that Lord Deoxys is immobile at the moment.
Jeanne looked at Darko with a questioning look. Her mate didn't look that much different than her. His fur was black where it should have been white and the ring around his body was black as well. His eyes, however, were red with black irises. Apparently, when he was born, a Dread plate had somehow merged with his body and his type became permanently Dark.
Darko leaned his neck on her head with his head atop of hers.
What happened? she asked.
From what I heard, Lord Deoxys picked a fight with Lady Islingr Suicune and tried to sexually harass her. When he tried to do so, Fang intervened and ended up burning his wrist. Then, Lady Islingr Suicune fired a close range Hyper Beam and effectively made a mouth for Lord Deoxys to talk with. He tried to attack her back but Fang flipped him, lifted him from the floor, and tore off his arm, or arms. Oh, and Lady Islingr Suicune threatened to give frostbite to Lord Deoxys.
Jeanne sat there, looking at him incredulously, and gave a small chuckle.
He deserves more than that. He was going after her for years though never succeeded. How is he?
Darko nipped her ear lightly, earning a giggle from the female Arceus.
He'll survive but the legendaries who could heal are refusing to help him.
Port
Ryker gave the captain a slight nod before renting the boat with Aurora. He looked at his watch which read 8:50 a.m. and led Aurora to their room. Aurora immediately leapt on the bed and stretched. She gave a small smile but it quickly disappeared after seeing Ryker's expression.
Is there something wrong? she worried.
Ryker walked up to her and sat down, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close.
"I have to talk to you about something important." Ryker stated.
Before she got to say anything, Ryker continued on.
"Tomorrow, I'm leaving to go train. I'm going to be g-"
What! Why? You are already strong to me and I don't see why you have to go.
"Let me explain." he announced, raising a hand in defense. He went on.
"I'm going to be gone for two days. The reason why is that I need to improve on my mentality, not that I'm going crazy or anything, mind you, and work on expanding my range of sensing other presences."
... So you're going to be gone for two days?
"Well, to you, it's going to seem like two days."
Aurora gave him a look with a cocked eyebrow.
I don't understand. What do you mean by that?
Ryker sighed and lowered himself onto the bed, Aurora joining him soon after afterwards.
"I will be going to go to an abandoned island. One of which no human has ever been to or discovered for the last two centuries or so. On that island is a forest with a cave deep in the foliage. I plan to go to that cave and sleep. When I do, my mind will enter a dimension of my own that I created specifically for training. One day out here will be three months in there. I'm planning to stay in that dimension for half a year."
He looked at Aurora who was shocked beyond belief. He sensed her confusion and quickly answered her unasked question.
"I will not age, physically nor mentally, my body won't change whatsoever, but I will possibly get wiser and more aware than I already am."
Aurora thought to herself for a moment before returning to the conversation.
And you're going to come back the same Ryker?
Ryker frowned but gave a small smile.
"Nothing will change, promise. If anything, I will probably be more, uh, social."
Aurora chuckled and leaned her head against his stomach, nearly squealing out loud when she felt his abs.
I love you just the way you are, Ryker. Never forget that.
Ryker flinched, and got nervous. He had just remembered something else.
"Wait, I misinformed you. I'm actually to be gone for a month. After training in my special dimension will be actual physical training."
He quickly became even more nervous when he saw some cold mist enveloping the room. Aurora turned around and looked at him, clearly infuriated.
What?
Ryker held out both hands, hoping she wouldn't freeze him on the spot.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait. I'm planning to spend the rest of today with you! And I also changed our course so now we're heading to Cerulean City!"
Aurora calmed down in an instant and rested her head atop Ryker's chest.
You're. Lucky.
Ryker let out a sigh of relief and relaxed a bit.
Dodged a freezing bullet there. he thought.
An hour later, they reached Cerulean City and Ryker led Aurora to a resort where humans and pokemon alike hang out.
You know, Aurora began, I live in a hidden cave at Cerulean Cape.
Ryker paid the woman standing behind a counter and continued walking down the path with Aurora.
"Really?" he asked.
Uh huh. No one ever saw me there.
"Funny, our date is supposed to lead us there."
Aurora looked at him.
Date?
"This is my first so tell me if I'm doing anything wrong."
Aurora nodded with a giggle and looked ahead where the ocean awaited them. She thought to herself happily.
I really don't see how this is his first considering his looks.
They found the changing area and Ryker found an empty stall. Aurora nudged him on his way inside.
Don't worry, this is my first too. I'm certain our date will turn out perfectly.
"Your first date? And you're so beautiful...any male pokemon or legendary you know who think otherwise are truly idiots. I'm lucky that you're willing to give me a chance." he replied.
He shut the door and began to undress. Unknown to him, Aurora was blushing madly to his last comment. Though, at the same time, she was ecstatic that he actually admitted that out loud to her with full confidence and sincerity. A few moments later, he came out donned in a pair of swimming shorts. Without any warning, Aurora reared onto her hind legs, placed her fore legs on his shoulders, and gave him a kiss. Ryker, completely surprised, fell back and tripped onto the bench inside the changing room as Aurora landed on all fours.
Come on love, she said whilst giggling happily, the beach is waiting for us.
She walked off and Ryker followed her, shaking his head and gave a small smile.
A barrel of laughs. he thought.
They walked onto the beach and Ryker quickly found an unoccupied spot. He placed a brand-new large towel that he had bought and stretched. Aurora laid down on the towel and looked at Ryker. She immediately noticed the shine on his muscles and pecs and the sheen on his amazing eight pack. Then, she noticed that the black lines on his face actually trailed down the back of his neck in one large line to his shoulders. The line branched at the shoulders and one large line was on each of his pectoral pointing towards his lower chest. They trailed to his sides, branching off at every, well, pack and pointed towards the center of his body. They even trailed down to his legs, one line on each though branching slightly into two on each foot stopping right before the toes. The same could be said to the ones on his arms that also branched into two right before reaching his fingers. There was no lines on the undersides if his arms (meaning no lines on his palm and such) nor on the insides of his legs (no lines on the left side of his right leg and no lines on the right side of his left leg). All of the tribal lines were all connected into one large one that began at the base of the back of his neck and ended right before reaching his bottom. All of the lines ended in a sharp point. Aurora also noticed that his hair was black though his eyes remained the same.
What happened with your body? she asked.
Ryker understood what she meant and answered.
"In the heat of the battle, I guess my power increased so suddenly to the point where these markings and my true hair color became visible. I usually keep them hidden because of the attention it draws but now I don't really care anymore. People will most likely dismiss it as tattoos."
Aurora nodded and noticed that her lover began putting on sunscreen.
Need help with your back?
"Please?" Ryker replied.
Aurora used her powers of water and since sunscreen was liquid, she could manipulate it. She helped him spread it on his back and eventually, they finished.
"Thank you." Ryker said.
No problem, don't want you to get sunburn now, do we?
He smiled and sat down next to her.
"The sunscreen should be done in about half an hour. If you want, you can go in the water already without me and have fun while I wait." he told her.
No, I'll wait until you're ready as well. she replied.
By the way, she added, what are those lines for?
Ryker shifted, uncomfortable, though Aurora didn't notice it.
"Well, each person of my kind has their own specific pattern of lines. However, each family has their own color of lines. For example, the rest of my family had black lines like me. Though, their patterns differed. Also, there isn't a single incident where two different families had the same color. If two families were to join, the color can be either but in different shades depending on the color of the lines of the parents."
It finally ticked when Aurora realized that she made him bring up his family. Though, the look that Ryker gave her told her it was ok.
They waited for about a half hour and Ryker got up with a hand gestured towards the sea.
"Shall we go, my queen?" he asked whilst bowing.
Aurora giggled and lifted her head high, her waltz and expression regal.
We shall, my knight.