Ch.9- Last stand

All right, second to last chapter.

"Oh no…" Eureka said, shaking her head. "They're all down…"

"Now what?" Ai asked, as Jovi clung to Eureka.

It is decided! Mewtwo cried. I am the most powerful Pokemon there is! Everyone will bow before me!

"You're just a big bully!" Jovi blurted. "That's all you are, you jerk!"

Mewtwo glared at her, making her shrink closer to Eureka. …What did you say to me, human?

Jovi trembled against Eureka, scared.

Mewtwo slowly walked toward the group.

Umbreon stood in front protectively.

Be gone. Mewtwo shifted his left arm to the side.

Umbreon yelped as he was thrust toward a wall and slammed into it.

"Umbreon!" Jovi cried.

Lightning, Pluplu, Thunder, and Mimi quickly replaced Umbreon.

I thought we got rid of you rats. Mewtwo growled, narrowing his eyes.

"Pla!" Lightning said. "Pla! Pla pla! Pla pla! Pla pla pla!"

Don't tell me what to do. Mewtwo struck all four with a shadow psychic attack and they landed near Umbreon. Mewtwo looked down at Jovi. Now…

"Don't you hurt her!" Ai growled, quickly standing in front of Jovi and Eureka. Kellyn joined her.

Mewtwo snarled. Out of my way! He physically struck both of them with his hand, knocking both of them down.

"Ai!" Eureka said. "Kellyn!"

Mewtwo kicked Tora out of the way and grabbed Jovi's arm.

"Let her go!" Eureka cried.

No. Mewtwo struck Eureka with a shadow sphere.

"Eureka!" Jovi wailed as Mewtwo put his free hand around her throat. "Ai! Kellyn!"

Now what did you call me, human? Mewtwo's grip tightened as he lifted Jovi above him. Answer me!

"Tora! Tora, help me! He's hurting me!"

Someone's…hurting her…? Tora wondered hazily. What's going on? Why is everything dark? Why am I hurting?

"Tora!"

Jovi. I've got to protect her! I have to! I need to stand up! Please give me strength!

The blue gem in Tora's palm flashed.

Please give me strength, Jovi!

"Tora!"

The gem suddenly glowed brightly, blinding Mewtwo, who dropped Jovi and shielded his eyes.

What is that? He asked.

The glow soon faded.

Mewtwo shook his head and looked in Tora's direction. …What was that?

"…Tora?" Jovi asked.

Mewtwo looked at Jovi, growling. Human, I want you to answer me before you get hurt!

Tora's fingers twitched slightly.

Fine. Mewtwo growled, aiming his hand at Jovi. Then you shall die.

Mewtwo was about to fire a shadow cannon when a thunder attack shot between him and Jovi.

"If you ever try to lay a hand on my girl again…." Tora snarled, standing in front of Jovi. "I'll kill you."

"He's alive?" Ardos asked. "No! That power drain should have killed him!"

"Tora!" Jovi cried, hugging him tightly. "I thought you were dead!"

"…I think I was. But I'm not sure…how I came back. Here." Tora held out his right hand. "I want you to have this back."

Jovi looked at the crumbled sapphire gem.

"…Oh. It's broken. I'm sorry. I thought I protected it well enough."

"That gem wasn't actually a sapphire."

"It wasn't?"

Jovi shook her head. "Big brother sent it to me during his five year tour, but I never showed it to you. He said it was the tear of a Ho-oh."

"Hmm…this is what brought me back to life!"

Mewtwo growled, backing up.

Tora looked around. "What happened here?"

"A long story. But it's all Mewtwo's fault!"

Tora stared at Mewtwo, then looked at Jovi. "Jovi, stay here."

"Will you be alright?"

Tora nodded. "I'll try to be."

Jovi looked at the ground, then quickly kissed Tora.

"…What was that for?" Tora asked.

"We didn't get to last time. I just want to make sure."

Tora smiled, then kissed Jovi's forehead. "Stay out of the way, okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you."

"Love you, too."

"Oh, I just wanted to tell you, you know that pudding that mysteriously vanished one day?"

"Yeah?"

"I ate it."

"What? That was mine! You-"

Tora kissed Jovi. He smiled when he pulled back. "You're hilarious."

Jovi blushed in anger. I can't tell if he's being serious or romantic.

Tora faced Mewtwo as he stood up from his crouching position. "Let's do this, Mewtwo!"

I think it's time I got serious. Mewtwo said, activating shadow sword. Come at me, 1D0788.

"I am not 1D078! It's Tora!" Tora charged at Mewtwo using volt tackle. "Got it memorized, Mew-duh?"

Jovi looked as Eureka, Kellyn, and Ai slowly sat up. "You're okay!"

"What happ-" Eureka started, before looking ahead. "Is that Tora?"

"Yep!" Jovi smiled.

"I thought he died." Ai said and Kellyn nodded.

"The necklace I gave him apparently brought him back to life." Jovi explained.

Eureka watched as Tora and Mewtwo fought. Tora gracefully dodged Mewtwo's shadow sword attack and countered with flamethrower or iron tail while Mewtwo used his shadow sword to block. "It looks like they're…dancing. …Or something."

"It's kinda pretty." Ai agreed. "If it wasn't a matter of life and death."

Jovi nodded.

This is bad… Ardos thought. When Tora was out of the way, it was a piece o f cake. Now that he's back, he might ruin my plan!

Mewtwo's shadow sword clashed against Tora's iron tail. They both backed off and clashed again and then again. Tora backed off as he and Mewtwo prepared to clash again, but Mewtwo startled Tora by firing a shadow sphere at him. Tora shifted to his right, dodging the attack, then gasped when Mewtwo appeared in front of him. He had no time to defend as Mewtwo swiped his shadow sword, slashing the wires to the snag machine and deeply cutting Tora's left arm.

Tora backed off, holding his injured arm. He moved his left arm to make sure it was okay, then glanced down at it. Why wasn't his arm moving? What was wrong with it?

Mewtwo smiled and took his chance.

Tora looked ahead of him as he was struck by a powerful shadow psychic. He tumbled backward and stopped near the edge of the open wall. Panicking, Tora tried to pull himself up as he started to slip. He stopped slipping when he placed his feet against the side of the building, but was already more than halfway out.

This will finish it. Mewtwo raised his hand toward Tora.

"Mewtwo."

Mewtwo looked at Ardos.

"Enough."

But master…

"I said enough!"

…Yes master… Mewtwo lowered his hand as Ardos walked toward Tora.

"Now why does this look familiar…?" Ardos mused, stopping in front of Tora.

Tora looked up at him. He was totally vulnerable. Ardos could just push him and…

"Oh, now I remember." Ardos crouched down, smiling. "This is the way your parents looked before they died."

"…What…?"

"Oh, you don't know…? Don't you remember? That Nett kid said your parents died."

Tora looked at the floor, trying to remember.

"We found out that Tora's been with Ardos since he was three." Nett said.

"What about Tora's parents?" Dark asked. "Where are they?"

"Well…they had already died. No…they were murdered. For some unknown reason, they were killed and Ardos "Took" Tora in…"

Tora looked up at Ardos. "Are you saying that you…?"

"I am the one who killed your parents, Tora."

"…He was the one…?" Kellyn asked, confused. "The one who…"

At that moment, Tora didn't care about anything. He didn't care about the who, the what, the where, or the when. All he could ask was, "Why? …Why did you kill my parents? Why did they deserve to die?"

"They were both humans!" Ardos snapped. "There were two humans with a Pokema for a child! And yet they were happy! They seemed happy to have you, a Raichu Pokema, as a son! It made me sick! Humans and Pokema are not meant to be together! There aren't even supposed to be Pokema! They mess up the balance of the world! Pokema are outcasts!"

Dark and Mushra opened their eyes slowly.

"Half-breeds!"

Cou and Odd, as well as Umbreon and Dark's Umbreon, opened their eyes.

"Freaks!"

Yasashii and Ueki sat up, shaking their heads.

"And demons!"

Hiruko's eyes glowed as he opened them. Growling, he pushed the heavy block of broken floor off his body and hopped back into the room. He went down on his right knee as he held his left when he felt a sharp pain. He looked at his knee and that it was bleeding. His old scar had opened up.

"You think I took you in because I liked you? I hate Pokema! I only needed you for my plan! I never once like you! You were supposed to die! That's what was supposed to happen when you went into that machine. Your sacrifice was supposed to be the dawn of a new era where Mewtwo and I were going to rule side by side, Pokemon and human! That's all it should be! Pokemon and humans together! Pokema are diseases! Glitches! You're not one of us!"

Tora remembered now. He remembered that the Cipher minions had talked about him behind his back. They hated and despised him. They wanted him dead. But that was wrong.

"Pokema aren't diseases!" Tora cried. "They aren't glitches! You think Pokema like being hated? That's why we try to fit in! Pokema and humans can live together in peace! Just like humans and Pokemon can! Pokema have feelings, too! They feel pain, sadness…and love! You're totally wrong about Pokema! We're human just like you!"

Ardos bared his teeth. "No, you're not! And now you shall meet the same fate as your parents!" Ardos stood up.

I can't do anything! Dark thought, as Ardos slowly started to push Tora with his foot. I'm out of energy!

Ardos backed off when he was shocked by a thunder attack and glared at Hiruko.

"Leave him alone!" Hiruko growled, slowly standing up.

Ardos growled.

How can he… Ueki thought, watching as Hiruko took a step forward. …Still have enough energy to use an attack and get up?

Ardos smiled. "What are you going to do? Looks to me like you're-" Ardos stopped, looking at Hiruko's eyes. "He's unconscious and yet he's standing?"

"He barely knows what's happening…" Kellyn said. "…But he's fighting by instinct."

"Hiruko's amazing…" Eureka said.

"Yeah…he sure is." Kellyn agreed.

"Are you ready?" Hiruko asked.

"I am impressed…somewhat. I suggest you stay out of this. If you haven't noticed…"

Hiruko took another step toward Ardos and wobbled.

"…You can barely stand."

"Enough." Hiruko unexpectedly charged at Ardos, despite his injury.

Ardos backed up, dodging Hiruko's punches.

Now's my chance! Kellyn thought, quickly running over to Tora. "Grab my hand!"

Tora looked at Kellyn's outstretched hand as he held onto the edge with only his right hand. He looked down at his let arm, remembering that he couldn't move it. "…I can't."

"You can't? Sure you can. Here. I'll pull you up." Kellyn grabbed Tora's right wrist and started to try and drag him up. He managed to get Tora up halfway when a shadow sphere struck him, forcing him over the edge.

"Kellyn!" Eureka cried.

"Grab my left wrist!" Tora said without thinking.

Kellyn grabbed Tora's wrist and Tora gave a surprised yelp when he slid down, once again holding onto the edge of the building with his right hand.

"I can't hold on!" Kellyn said. "Grip my wrist!"

"I can't! My arm won't move! I don't know why!"

"What?"

Tora closed his eyes, trying to hold on as he started to slip.

I got you. Espeon said telepathically, using psychic to lift Tora and Kellyn up and put them on the floor.

Kellyn sighed, letting go of Tora's wrist. "Thanks."

No problem.

Hiruko attacked using iron tail, but Ardos dodged.

"I don't like head on fights." Ardos sighed.

Hiruko struck Ardos with iron tail and he slammed into the wall near Kellyn and Tora.

Tora and Kellyn looked at the fallen Ardos, then at Hiruko.

Hiruko took a step forward, growling, then collapsed.

Tora continued to watch Hiruko, before he looked around the room and looked at everyone else. They all fought… Tora thought. …So hard. I didn't do anything like that. I've got to somehow stop Mewtwo. But…how? Tora looked at the machine nearby. He smiled. That's it!

Tora stood up. "Yo! Mew-for-brains!"

Mewtwo snarled, glaring at Tora.

"Bet you can't catch me!"

Mewtwo narrowed his eyes as Tora made taunting noises.

Shadow sphere!

Tora dodged the attack and looked behind him as it hit a tree. "Aw, so close, peanut. So close."

"What are you doing?" Kellyn asked.

"Improvising. Just get everyone out of the way."

"…Okay." Kellyn said slowly, standing up.

Mewtwo looked in Kellyn's direction as Kellyn headed over to Hiruko.

"Hey!"

Mewtwo looked back at Tora when he was struck with a thunder attack.

"I'm over here, stupid!"

Growling, Mewtwo charged at Tora.

"What is he doing?" Dark asked, as Kellyn helped him up.

"Improvising is what he said." Kellyn answered as he helped Dark over to Eureka and the others.

"Then he must have a plan."

Tora dodged another shadow sphere and landed on the top of the broken cage as Kellyn helped Yasashii out. "Aw, you getting tired? What happened to all those shadow cannon and shadow blast attacks like before? I'm not impressed."

You insolent-! Mewtwo growled. Shadow cannon!

Tora jumped down, dodging the attack. "Wow, you're as pathetic as Mushra when he's battling against Dark."

Dark laughed.

"If I had the energy to hit you right now, I would." Mushra threatened.

Tora dodged another attack. "What was that? You throw all your attacks like a magikarp!"

Mewtwo snarled and raised his arms above his head.

Tora tauntingly skipped to Mewtwo's left, getting closer to the machine as Mewtwo powered up a shadow cannon attack. Mewtwo yelled, firing the strong attack.

"What's Tora doing?" Dark asked. "If he doesn't dodge-!"

Tora was struck by the attack and slammed into the side of the machine near the control panel.

Mewtwo powered up a shadow sword and charged at the defenseless Tora.

Please work. Tora touched the On button with his right hand. Come on! Power up!

Mewtwo stopped in front of Tora, raising the dark sword above his head.

Come on! Work! Work you stupid machine!

Mewtwo looked behind him when the claw opened up and the hand shot out and grabbed him.

What is this? Mewtwo asked as the hand drew him into the claw and the claw closed. Let me out this instant!

"This is…" Tora pushed the lever up. "Your retribution…"

"Tora!" Jovi cried, when Tora slid down the side of the machine. She ran to his side as the machine started to drain Mewtwo's shadow energy. "Tora?"

Tora opened his eyes and smiled. "I'm fine. Just a little dizzy."

Jovi sighed. "You scared me there for a minute."

"…I scared myself."

Ardos shook his head, sitting up, then looked at the machine and gasped. "No! My creation! What are you doing to my wonderful XD002?"

"55%."

"We're turning him back to his original state." Dark said.

Kellyn walked up to Ardos, having finished getting everyone to safety. "Ardos, you're under arrest."

"70%."

"Everyone okay….?" Cou asked, looking at everyone in the small group.

"The only ones with serious injuries are Hiruko and Tora." Ai said. "Everyone else just has minor cuts and bruises."

"And aching bodies." Yasashii put in.

"95%."

"Jovi…?"

"Yes…?" Jovi looked down at Tora.

"Can I sleep now?"

"As long as you don't die on me."

"Okay. I'll try."

"100%."

The machine shut down and Mewtwo landed on one of the rungs, then jumped down.

…What happened? He asked, looking around. Where am I?

Kellyn walked up, having already put Ardos in handcuffs.

"A long story. But we're just glad that you're back to normal, Mewtwo. You can leave now."

Mewtwo blinked, confused as to what was going on.

"You guys!" Jovi suddenly cried. "Something's wrong with Tora!"

Kellyn immediately went to Jovi's side and started to check Tora, trying to figure out what was wrong.

"He's going into shock." Cou said, slowly standing up. "Come on. Let's try and find a hospital or Pokemon center. I think it's his arm."

Cou finished checking over Hiruko.

"You're good. Just keep taking this medicine so you don't get infections and wrap the wound in clean bandages every day."

Hiruko nodded and stood up.

"Oh, and use the crutches I gave you. I don't want you walking on that leg."

Hiruko sighed, but nodded. He looked at Kellyn as he put the crutches under his arms and leaned on them. "You coming, Kell?"

"Sure, Hiru. My mission's over anyway. Dark." Kellyn looked at him.

"Yeah?" Dark glanced at Kellyn.

"Take care. And tell me how Tora is. Okay?"

"Sure."

Kellyn smiled and walked away with Hiruko by his side.

"Well…we might as well go, too." Cou sighed.

"What?" Dark asked. "Why?"

"We only came here to help you. That's all."

"Yeah." Ueki nodded. "I'd like to get back to Sinnoh."

"Oh…well, it was nice seeing you. Come back soon and visit."

"Sure." Cou said, as he walked away with Ueki, Yasashii, Ai, Odd, and Mushra following.

"Umbre."

"Umbre!" Ueki's Umbreon said.

"Esp." Espeon nodded.

"Bre." Dark's Umbreon smiled.

Ueki's Umbreon and Espeon ran off and caught up with the retreating group.

"Pla…" Lightning sighed.

"Mi…" Thunder agreed.

Lightning, Thunder, Pluplu, and Mimi sat beside Jovi, who was sitting beside Dark. They were all at a Pokemon center in Gateon port after dropping Ardos off at the police station in Pyrite town. Eureka had headed back to the HQ lab to tell everyone what happened.

"Big brother…?"

"Hmm?" Dark looked down at Jovi.

"What are they doing to Tora…?"

"Um…well…you see, they're trying to fix Tora's left arm."

"Why? What's wrong with it?"

"That's what they're trying to figure out. When they're done, they'll come out and tell us how it went. Tora will be fine. Don't worry about him, okay?"

Jovi nodded, still looking at the ground as she slowly swung her legs back and forth.

A male with light blue hair and silver-gray eyes walked up to the small group.

Dark stood up. "How'd it go, doctor?"

The doctor sighed and motioned for Dark to follow him.

Dark followed after the doctor, who led him to a nearby hallway.

"Well?" Dark prompted.

"The surgery went perfectly fine. He's going to be okay."

Dark sighed.

"It's his arm I'm worried about."

"…What's wrong with it?"

"Well…it's paralyzed. He can't move it. He'll have to go to therapy and other things. There's another doctor who will explain everything."

…Paralyzed? Dark thought. His left arm is paralyzed….for life?

Chahhh...yeah.