Chapter Fourteen: Fury
It had been a few days since the guild pupils had split up to investigate how they may awaken Houou. Team Legend had arrived back at the guild early, and they were all growing anxious from waiting. Jimen had become completely frustrated and spent most of his time pacing. Dosatsu spent most of her time in the library trying desperately to find something that might help. Honoo had wasted most of his days staring at the map of Johto on the first floor, alone with his thoughts.
It was the fifth day since they had begun their search, and Honoo was lying on his back beneath the map, gazing upon the many routes and forests of Johto. He was trying to keep his breathing steady, but the stress of the situation was getting to him and waiting only made it worse. Houou, he thought, Where could you possibly be? How am I supposed to find you in time? Can't you do anything to help me?
It was then that a strange feeling suddenly settled in Honoo's chest. It was as if something intangible had gone through him. The air in the room, which was usually dead and still, shifted slightly, as if the air itself was getting excited. Above him, a little piece of the map was suddenly ablaze in purple fire.
Honoo gasped and immediately reacted, jumping up and patting it out as fast as he could. When the fire was finally gone, he let himself relax. I wonder what that was all about. Then, a thought hit him. Houou? Was that you?
Feeling as if something was watching him, he looked nervously around the room like a rabbit that had just sensed the stalking fox. When he decided he was being silly, he looked back at the map. He looked closer at where the fire had lit, and realized the flames had left a black shape on the map, just above Ecruteak City. If he tiled his head slightly and squinted, the ash became the shape of a tower.
But Honoo didn't get the chance to think it over. At that moment, all the guild pupils rushed down the ladder, cheering excitedly about something. Interest piqued, Honoo got up and went over. The strange incident with the fire had been forgotten.
"Honoo!" The quilava turned when he heard Dosatsu's call. She and Jimen came up to him. "Team Tri and Team Venom are back from the Lake of Rage. We're having a meeting with Jonetsu in the mess hall."
A huge smile appeared on Honoo's face. "Excellent!" He ran with his friends to the mess hall where the guild pupils quickly got into their seats.
Jonetsu arrived in a hurry and grabbed his spot at the head of the table. Shinchona came in just behind him in a more relaxed manner. "Good to see we're all back!" Jonetsu said. "I'm sure we've all gathered some interesting information. We'll start with Team Chibi and Team Scorch. What did you guys find in Goldenrod?"
Moyasu stood up. "We found nothing very reliable. A bunch of drunks were saying they spotted legendary beasts on northern routes. Going by our information and the discovery of Suicune at the Lake of Rage, it would seem the legendary beasts are hanging around in northern Johto."
"Interesting," said Jonetsu. Moyasu took a seat. "How about Team Skyclaws? Find anything interesting in the Burnt Tower?"
Tsume stood. "We didn't find anything that could help us find the legendary beasts, but if we're optimistic, it seems like some big Pokémon have been there recently. We found what looked like the remains of a nest and some bones that have been picked clean. Unless there's a psycho murderer loose around Ecruteak, it's safe to assume one of the legendary beasts has visited recently."
"How would a Pokémon like a legendary beast take a nap in a public tourist spot?" Inu demanded.
"Don't ask me! I didn't even believe in legendaries until a few days ago. Maybe they're freaking invisible," Tsume retorted.
Jonetsu quickly jumped into the fray. "Alright, let's settle down. Thank you, Tsume. How about Team Tsunami?"
Toku got to his feet. "The situation in Kakou City is… strange. It seems like a lot of the city has been overrun by the Lugiists."
Many of the Pokémon gasped.
"Doesn't the military know?" Shinchona asked.
"Yeah. Captain Nami and a few navy troops are there, but they're not considering it a huge problem. I highly doubt Nami understands the full gravity of the situation. Much of the city has been evacuated, but the Pokémon on the Lugiist side are all trapped. We weren't able to infiltrate and look around on the Lugiist side, though. Sorry."
"Don't apologize. You did great. How is Nami doing?" Jonetsu said.
"Nami isn't giving the situation as much attention as she should be, but she does think something's up. She thinks you know something, Jonetsu. She tried to get us in for questioning, but we left before she could. But it's safe to say we should expect Yuki Tauros to come knocking sometime in the near future."
"Why does she always think I'm up to something?" Jonetsu pouted. "But it seems the Lugiists are bolder than I first thought. They're trying to take all the underwater and seaside cities for themselves. They might even try to takeover Olivine and Cianwood before the equinox."
"Do you think they'd really attempt that? It'd be pretty rash. Trying to take over one minor city is one thing, but if they marched on Olivine, they'd have to deal with full force of the garrison. They would be bringing more attention to themselves, and that's risky. I doubt that the Lugiists will try to pull anything else until they've awakened Lugia. Then, with the power of a legendary on their side, they could have any city they want," said Honoo.
"He makes a good point," said Kitsu.
"We'll just have to see," said Jonetsu. "And what about you, Legend and Volcano? Could the Kimono Dancers provide any useful information?"
As Toku sat down, Jimen stood up. "Very useful. The Kimono Dancers seem to know something about the ritual to awaken Houou. The ritual requires an item called the rainbow wing. They don't know exactly where it is, but they've narrowed it down to a few places in Johto and Kanto."
"Kanto, too? That's pretty far," said Toku.
"Why would it be in Kanto?" asked Banme.
Jonetsu answered. "An explorer or dancer could have taken it there for safekeeping or something. It's a definite possibility. So, what are these locations?"
Jimen pulled the list out of his bag and unfolded it. "For Johto, there's Mt. Silver, Mt. Mortar, and Tohjo Falls. For Kanto, there's Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Mt. Moon."
"Nothing too far from Johto, then. Good," said Jonetsu. "I think splitting up and investigating these different areas will prove the best method to find the rainbow wing. Those going to Kanto can take the magnet train there. It'll be difficult, but we don't have another choice."
Kibishii spoke up. "Amaiko and I volunteer to go to Kanto. I know the region well, so it'll be easier."
"Us, too," said Tsua. "Our whole team is from Kanto. We'll go there."
"Thank you," said Jonetsu. "We'll make arrangements soon. And how about Team Venom and Team Tri?"
Sanshouo stood up. "We did find Suicune at the Lake of Rage. We gave her the letter. She hasn't hopped on the save-the-world train yet, but she agreed to come here and discuss terms. She should be here soon."
"Suicune is coming here? A legendary Pokémon?" Ekisen gasped.
"Yeah. Is that all right, Jonetsu?" Sanshouo asked.
"That's perfectly fine. We'd better get some wacan wine, then. Can someone go to the kitchens and ask for a bottle?" Jonetsu requested. Sumato got up and scurried into the kitchens.
Bureina then asked, "Jonetsu, with all due respect, why are we trying to get an all-powerful legendary drunk?"
"We're not trying to get her drunk. In fact, it'd probably take a lake of wine to make a beast tipsy. Suicune just loves wacan wine. Delicacies like alcohol are hard to find for a legendary, so it's just a kindness."
"A kindness, or a bribe to get her help," muttered Tsuyo.
Ignoring the comment, Jonetsu continued, "We'll wait for Suicune to arrive. We need her expertise to find the rainbow wing and make a plan. In the meantime, Shinchona, will you kick the exploration teams out of the lounge and close the guild for the day? We don't need inquisitive explorers nosing around with a living legend in the building."
"Leave it to me!" Shinchona took flight and headed out, stirring up napkins in his wake.
It was a while before Shinchona came back looking exhausted. "Those explorers are rowdier than a herd of tauroses, but I finally got them to leave. Has Suicune come yet?"
"'Fraid not," said Jonetsu.
They waited for a while longer, and eventually the impatient pupils began to chat amongst themselves.
"Do you think Suicune would really come here?" Honoo wondered.
"She doesn't seem the type to come into civilization or keep her word," Dosatsu grumbled.
"Don't be so judging," Jimen said. "She may be a wild Pokémon, and she may…" He struggled to find a good way to put it. "… eat people, but she did save our tails."
"She said herself she only did it because she thinks Honoo could be useful, not because she's nice. She would have left us to rot," Dosatsu argued. "If Houou is anything like her and Lugia, we may not be able to count on him to help us."
Honoo was startled. "Don't say things like that. Houou is our only shot. I know Suicune probably isn't the most trustworthy Pokémon, but she is a useful ally. If she can help awaken Houou, then we have to put our faith into her."
Dosatsu looked down guiltily. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't say such pessimistic things."
It was then that Bureina ran into the room. "She's here!"
It seemed like every sound in the room halted abruptly. Every Pokémon's heart beat with anticipation as a large shadow appeared in the doorway and a figure stepped into the light.
Honoo recognized Suicune in a heartbeat. She was so unique it was impossible to question it. He could almost feel the emotions swirling through the room as the guild pupils stared at her in awe.
"Ah, Suicune! Welcome to the Explorer Guild." Jonetsu got up and went to greet her.
"I can't say it's a pleasure, but it's cute," Suicune muttered. She glanced uneasily at the pupils and shifted uncomfortably in their gaze. Honoo found himself surprised by this. It was here he realized truly that Suicune, despite being immortal and all-powerful, was also a Pokémon just like him.
Shinchona took notice of this. "All of you, quit staring." The pupils hastily tried to find something more interesting to look at than Suicune, but none of them could resist stealing glances at her.
Jonetsu led Suicune to the head of the table. Suicune sat down on the floor next to him but still easily towered over him.
"We're all glad you came here today. I know this must have been difficult," said Jonetsu. "Wacan wine?" He handed her the bottle of wine Sumato had brought.
Suicune immediately looked at ease. "You know me so well." She took the neck of the bottle in her mouth and pointed her muzzle to the sky, not taking a breath until the whole bottle was emptied. She set it down and sighed contentedly, and not for the rest of her visit did she seem uneasy.
Honoo had to physically keep his jaw from dropping.
"Let's get started, then. You're all trying to awaken Father?" Suicune asked, head slightly tilted.
Before anyone could answer, Amaiko piped up, "Uh, ma'am? Is it true that you're the real Suicune?"
The beast snarled slightly. "You question my honesty? I did not have to come here today. In fact, it was nothing but trouble."
"No, I'm sorry. I'm just surprised, is all. I never expected to meet a real legendary. It's an honor," Amaiko said hastily.
"Flattery will get you nowhere," said Suicune. "Now, on with it. Someone explain to me exactly what's going on."
"I'll explain," Jimen said. He stood up and puffed out his chest. "Well, Suicune, I know you're aware of who the Lugiists are and what they're trying to do."
"They wish to awaken Lugia and drown the land. Of course I'm aware," said Suicune.
"Well, we're trying to stop them. And the only way to do that is to awaken Houou. Of course, it's easier said than done. We've been investigating around Johto. We're now trying to find the rainbow wing, and we've been looking for you and the other legendary beasts to help."
Suicune scoffed. "And why should my brothers and I help you?"
It was Bureina who spoke. "What kind of a question is that? If the Lugiists win, you're creamed, too."
"Don't speak like you know everything, Nidorina," Suicune replied. Honoo was surprised she didn't leap over the table and rip Bureina's throat out for lunch. "But maybe I will provide some assistance. I am the kindest of my siblings, and it has been a long time since Father has flown these skies. What information do you seek?"
"We're looking for the rainbow wing," said Jonetsu.
"Ah, the rainbow wing. It is a special object of Father, along with the sacred ash he carries. Both Father and Lugia have them. For Father, it is the rainbow wing. For Lugia, it is the silver wing. Of course, the Lugiists have already found the silver wing," said Suicune.
"Really? Where'd they find it?" Ekisen asked, leaning forward slightly.
"The Whirl Islands, of course. Where else would the sacred object of Lugia be?" said Suicune.
"Does that mean you know where the rainbow wing is?" asked Inu.
Suicune looked slightly embarrassed. "I do not. I did a long time ago, but the Kimono Dancers took possession of it a few thousand years ago. It was lost just before the beginning of the Age of Beasts, and, to be honest, I have not been looking."
Jimen announced, "We have a list of places it could be." He read off the list. When he finished, he asked, "Do any of those places sound promising?"
Suicune thought it over for a moment. "They could all be. I don't like the idea of Father's wing being outside of Johto, but it is a definite possibility. Just before the Age of Beasts, somebody hid the rainbow wing and the silver wing for safekeeping. A certain event happened, and all who knew the location of the item perished. They all seem like logical places where the wing could be. Since the silver wing remained in Johto, it's more likely that the rainbow wing is in or on the border of Johto, but checking Kanto as well is worth it."
"Then we'll investigate all the places the Kimono Dancers gave us," said Jonetsu. "Do you know anything else that could help?"
"Well, if you need the instructions of the ritual to awaken Father and Lugia, look no further."
"You know how to do it?" gasped Sumato.
Suicune replied, "Of course. My brothers and I put them to sleep ourselves. It would be foolish to do something without knowing how to reverse it."
Juhi cleared her throat, directing the room's attention to her. "Maybe we don't even need to awaken Houou. That's risky, after all. If the Lugiists need the silver wing to wake Lugia, then all we have to do is steal it and destroy it. Problem solved!"
"Ha!" Suicune barked, causing the pupils to jump. "You think you can just take the silver wing? You're foolish and know nothing. The possessions of legendary Pokémon are not so easily obtained. Only those who have the legendary's favor can obtain them. I highly doubt Lugia would allow the silver wing to fall into the possession of her enemies. Your body would freeze upon contact with it."
"Okay, that plan's out," Juhi mumbled.
"But that's good news for us. It means the Lugiists can't get the rainbow wing to stop us," said Honoo.
"Yes, I suppose," Suicune muttered. She seemed unsure. "Anyways, if you're going to awaken Father, find the rainbow wing first. Investigate all those areas."
"What about Entei and Raikou? Will they come to our aid?" Shinchona asked.
Suicune laughed. "I highly doubt it. You're very lucky you got one beast to come waste her time helping you. But, they may be of some assistance. I can track them both. I will ask them if they know anything important. It will not take long."
"That's a good plan," said Jonetsu. "We ought to make assignments for which teams will check where. We'll do double teams for Kanto, of course.
"Team Volcano and Team Chibi, you'll go to Mt. Moon in Kanto. It's a mysterious mountain in the north, east of Cerulean City. Team Scorch and Team Tri, you'll all investigate Cinnabar Island. That's a small island with a volcano in the southwestern ocean. It's quite a bit of travelling, but the easiest way would be to travel south through Celadon City and take a ferry through Fuchsia City.
"Now for the Kanto-Johto border. Team Tsunami, you check Tohjo Falls. Those are a pair of waterfalls in a cave that mark the border between the regions. And Team Skyclaws, you'll be going to Indigo Plateau. It's a huge place, though. Think you can do it?"
"We're on it!" Tsuyo exclaimed.
"I knew I could count on you," said Jonetsu. "Team Venom, you check Mt. Silver. And Team Legend will check Mt. Mortar. Let's find that rainbow wing!"
But Dosatsu had stopped listening a while ago. Her stomach felt ready to send her breakfast back up her throat, and her head pounded. It was like what she had sensed at the Lake of Rage, only ten times worse. Something had infiltrated their guild. Something more powerful than even Suicune. Something unfriendly.
She knew she couldn't keep quiet about this. She groaned, "Guys, I thought I'd warn you that something's in our guild."
Everyone turned to her. "You're gonna have to be a little more specific," Bureina said.
Honoo noticed his friend's uneasiness. "Dosatsu, are you okay?"
She shook her head. "There's something in our guild, and it's big and unfriendly. We should…" Her voice halted when her pain grew worse. Her head felt like it was splitting in two.
Suicune stiffened. "She's right. I don't know how she sensed it before me, but someone dangerous has infiltrated this guild."
As the pupils grew more and more frightened, Honoo felt uneasy. What's going on? What does she mean something's in the guild?
Suddenly, Dosatsu keeled over with a yelp. She tumbled right off the bench and began to choke and writhe on the floor. "Dosatsu!" Honoo cried. He and Jimen raced down to her aid, but a gust of wind flung them back against the far wall.
Suicune got to her paws. "Everybody, get to the other side of the room if you don't want to die now!"
No one argued. All with hearts pounding, the pupils fled to the other side of the room and pressed themselves against the wall. Suicune, Jonetsu, and Shinchona stood in front of the pupils, and Suicune bared her teeth and let out a ferocious growl. The wind in the room picked up until Honoo had to crouch to avoid being picked up.
Then, Dosatsu stood up, her eyes glowing red. But it wasn't the usual, warm red that Honoo had grown to love. It was a dark, sinister crimson. Her mouth opened and a gaseous, black shape rose up until it had taken a form.
Honoo's eyes widened with terror. Lugia.
"Greetings, puny terrestrials." Lugia's voice caused Honoo to become infuriated and want to run and hide at the same time. It was not just Lugia's voice. It was the voice of Lugia welded with that of his beloved Dosatsu's. "How lucky for you. I, the Guardian of the Seas, have decided to grace you with my presence in this gruesome hole. I don't usually grant such kindness."
Suicune snarled, "Why have you come here, Lugia?"
The gaseous Lugia turned her head to Suicune. "Well, if it isn't one of Houou's pets. You've allied yourself with the terrestrials? How fitting. You will rise up against me once again in the name of your pathetic father. How cute." Lugia opened her mouth, and three spears of air shot at Suicune. The air cut through her, and Suicune howled in pain and crumpled.
"Don't you forget who is the more powerful of us, especially when you are alone without those other monstrosities," Lugia said.
Jonetsu stepped forward. "Enough showing off, Lugia. Why are you here?"
Lugia glanced at Jonetsu and, forgetting Suicune, lowered her long neck to face him. Their faces were only inches apart. "Well if it isn't the fabled Jonetsu. I have heard much about you and your travels. You are acquainted with many legendary Pokémon around the world, are you not? Many have noticed your sheer power. But I see what you really are: weak, tiny, afraid of becoming the frightened child you once were again."
Shinchona stepped forward. "You call yourself great, do you, Lugia? You are just playing on very basic fears and draining the life out of one of my pupils in the process. You've only embarrassed yourself, so tell us what you want and then leave while you still have a shred of dignity left."
Lugia threw her head up and laughed, and her shrill, eerie laughter seemed to cause earthquakes. "You try to rile me up? Me, the Bringer of Storms? Hilarious." She glared down at the pupils with her glowing red eyes. "I will tell you one thing, little explorers. Just one that might save your lives."
"And that is?" Shinchona demanded.
"Stand down."
Honoo found himself surprised. He had expected a gruesome threat, not just two words.
"I know what you're up to," Lugia continued, "and your quest is doomed. My grunts have worked for years to reach this point. My silver wing was not so easily found, and the pest Houou's rainbow wing will not be either. You cannot do in a month what I waited years for. By taking up this task, you have only made me your enemy, and I am not a Pokémon you want as your adversary."
Honoo found himself feeling angry. He felt angrier than he had ever felt before. He got to his feet and found himself taken over by a familiar sensation. He could do anything. He stepped forward past Jonetsu. Although the pupils called him back, his ears were deaf to their cries. "It's time to leave," he growled.
Lugia looked down at Honoo. "And you're going to force me, Houou? And why, to save this little vessel?"
Honoo glanced at Dosatsu. He knew she was failing. Her scales were pale and she seemed ready to collapse. This only infuriated him more.
Let her have it.
I will, Honoo replied. He glared up at Lugia. "Get OUT!" His voice came out as a roar on the last word, and his purple fire began to grow.
Jonetsu realized what was happening. "Everybody, out! Get out quickly!"
The explorers began to flee from the room. Jimen tried to hold his ground and stated, "I'm not leaving without my team!" but Suicune grabbed him in her jaws and carried him out.
Now Honoo was alone with Lugia, and he would give her hell.
His purple fire erupted in a great storm. The table was reduced to ash in seconds, and the daylight orbs on the ceiling were burnt up so the only light in the room was from the fire. As the fire burned Lugia, she screamed in agony and was quick to shrink back down and go. As soon as she was gone, Honoo found his energy gone, and he collapsed.
The room was still ablaze with fire, but it mattered not to Honoo. What mattered was Dosatsu, lying on her side where Lugia had left her. The sight of her reminded Honoo of how she looked in Goldenrod City all those days ago, nearly dead from starvation. He could hardly move a muscle, but he would die before he failed to get over to her. Even if he felt like he was slowly drifting away.
When the pupils reentered the room, they found Honoo and Dosatsu both fainted, but Honoo had achieved his goal. His long body was curled around hers, a circle of fire surrounding them that would keep all away.
Author's Note
Hello to all who've made it this far! Thank you so much for continuing to read, especially something that isn't my best. I appreciate all the views, reviews, follows, and favorites I've gotten, no matter how few. If you've kept reading and like it even a little, feel free to leave a review! Even just something small is good.
And in response to my guest reviewer: No problem! Hope you're enjoying the story.
Now, on to the climax!