DWA: So . . . guess what? The climax is here. WOOOOOOOOO *cough cough*. Anyways, this is going to be a jumpy chapter as well. So bear with me here.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. I own my OC's and plot. Blizz and Rina go to GSlayer, Jack goes to kyled91doc, and Chuck Kind goes to Pokemon Forever.
RockytheTyranitar: You probably should.
Pokemon Forever: That was epic and mind blowing? *Skims last chapter* Umm, maybe the dream and the last part. But that's it. Well, if you thought that was epic, you ain't seen nothing yet!
GSlayer: Hehehehe, I was waiting for someone to react like that. Just be happy I update frequently.
"Speech"
'Thought'
-Telepathy-
[Translated Pokespeech]
Chapter 21: Resonate
It was Mike. The person was Mike. He was leaning on a pillar with a smile, and there was a Latios hovering behind him.
"M-Mike?" I said. I was dumbfounded, why was he here?
"That's my name, don't wear it out." He said standing up straight. "So, how have you been?" He asked walking over, the Latios following him.
". . ." I had no idea what to say, why was he here, of all places?
"I see Taisetsu evolved. That's nice. So, do you know where we are?" He asked.
"A . . . Temple." I replied.
"Yes and no. This is a temple, but it's thousands of years old. And that Bow and arrow is the sole reason this place exists. It is a massive shrine to Latios and Latias. And that, is a weapon humans forged that hold the power of Latios and Latias." He said pointing to the bow. "It has a simple name, the Lati Bow." He said.
"The . . . Lati Bow?" I question looking at it. I started reaching for it again.
"Hold up now, taking that Bow comes with a great responsibility. You will have a weapon that man has not seen for thousands of years. That, and you'll be making an agreement." He said.
"What agreement?"
"Help me fight Engulfing Shadows. Be warned, this involves murder." He said.
"WH-WHAT!?" I shouted falling back.
-He-he kills!?- Taisetsu shouted.
"What? You think I carry a katana around for show?" He asked smiling.
[Those who make such an assumption are normally dimwitted Assassin. The Zenex boy may have overlooked it.] Latios said.
"Possibly." He said looking at the Latios. He then looked at me and extended a hand to me.
"Come on, get up." He said. I cautiously took his hand and he helped me up.
"Look, I am not going to hurt you, but right now. You have to make a choice. Help me, or leave." He said.
"What about my journey?" I asked.
"You can keep going. Just be wary of ES. If I need you, I'll tell you." He said. I looked down and started to think.
'I can finally do something about ES! But, what about Rina, Blizz, Taisetsu, and all my Pokémon? Will they get hurt? If Mike is fighting them, he must have a good reason.'
"Why are you fighting them?" I asked.
"They want to rule the world. What else? However, unlike the other Team's and organizations, these guys have a good chance." He said. I looked to Taisetsu.
"What do you think?" I asked.
-I think you'll get hurt badly if you do this. However, Engulfing Shadows is a real threat. Even I know that. You've been training to fight for yourself for a long time. I'm worried you'll get hurt, but, it's your choice. Just know that I support you no matter what.- She said. I looked to the Bow, and then to Mike.
"No going back?" I asked.
"Nope. No going back. Unless you have a Celebi." He said smiling.
"Will anything happen when I take the Bow?" I asked.
[There are no traps connected, so there is no physical affect. Anything else I am unsure of.] Latios said. I sighed.
"He said-" Mike started.
"I know, I have translators." I said.
"Oh, cool." Mike said. I ignored him and reached out for the Bow, my hand hovering over the handle.
'Here goes nothing!' I grabbed the bow and my vision went crazy. A tunnel of white, yellow, blue, and green sped by me, and soon, it stopped. I was now in a different place. The colors that I saw when going through that odd vision tunnel surrounded me. Then, it cut off to red, silver, white, and blue. There was a smoky outline of a man at the separation.
"Hello, Stanley Zenex." He said. It was the Voice!
"You! Where am I!?" I shouted.
"You are at the boundary of your soul, and the power of this Bow. The chest is behind you, and the key is present." He said. I turned and saw the chest, but no key.
"Where is the key?" I asked.
"It is you. You are the key. In a way. The secret to unlocking what is inside Soul Chests has been long lost. I too, am a key." He said.
"What? Wait, who are you?"
"I am an archer from thousands of years ago. My name . . . is Kenteria Zenex." He said. The last word, blew my mind.
"Z-Zenex? Like, as in my last name?" I asked. Kenteria nodded.
"You are my descendent Stanley. That is why you were drawn here. Because I am here." He said. "Do you know the history of our family?" He asked. I shook my head.
"Very well. I will convey. Thousands of years ago, there was a man by the name of Zyx. A man that was said to be Arceus' equal. Arceus took him in as her personal assassin, The Arceus Assassin. Arceus gave him jobs to kill those who would threaten the tranquility of the world. Zyx decided that he needed some help, so he made a Guild, and spread the word. Many joined, even whole families. We were one of them. The Zenex family, one of the most powerful assassin families in the world at that time, along with the Umbra family."
"Can I intervene?" I asked.
"Of course, any questions?" He asked.
"Yeah, how can I believe all of this!? Why are you telling me this?"
"Ah. The answer is in the story. Let me continue." He said. I nodded.
"The Umbra family was expelled for practicing the Shadow Arts. A form of magic and power that focused on Darkness and hatred. It was forbidden, and so they were expelled. We, on the other hand, had our own secret. Every member of the Zenex family is what is known as a Resonance Soul. With our souls, we can reach out to the hearts of Pokémon and human alike. We could easily befriend others, and bring out the best in our Pokémon partners by a simple friendship. Also, we are able to connect with these Legendary weapons, like the Lati Bow." He said. "Zyx saw our potential, and also saw it dangerous. However, he merely told us of his concern. When we realized how dangerous we really were, we locked away most of our power, and fled. We did not want to endanger any innocents."
"How does this tie to me!?" I asked.
"Because Stanley. You have the ability no Zenex has had in thousands of years, the ability to reawaken our families power. There is also the fact that The Arceus Assassin has awoken once more." Kenteria said.
"Wait, who is the Arceus Assassin?" I asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" He asked and I shook my head. "It's Mike. He is The Arceus Assassin, the descendent of Zyx." He said. My jaw may as well have fallen off after that. I was completely shocked. The Multi-Regional Champion is a murder, and not just any murderer, a murderer for God!
"Our Resonance Souls link us to The Arceus Assassin, we are compelled to help him, for he knows what is right, for Arceus decree's it. He is a murderous prophet in a way." Kenteria said.
"So . . . how do I unlock my powers?" I asked.
"You have to accept me. Accept my soul into your body. I will no longer exist afterwards, but I will unlock you Resonance Soul, pave the way to let you and the Bow become one, and give you some skill as well." He said.
"Wait, you'll die?" I asked.
"Yes. I am content with my life. No other Zenex would do this. They have families in the afterlife. I do not. I am perfectly content with vanishing from existence." He said. "Do not worry."
"Okay. How do I accept you?" I asked.
"I have no idea. Realization? Epiphany? Or maybe think of it. There is no sure fire way. It is different for each individual." Kenteria said. "Do not worry about time. An hour here, is a second out there."
I nodded and tried to see myself absorbing or accepting his soul. I imagined a key forming, and opening the lock, and I saw myself with Taisetsu, only she was a Gardevoir, and we were sitting on a hill holding hands. A flash brightened the world.
"That was quick." Kenteria said as the colors began to merge. Kenteria walked forward and went through me, I saw some of the smoke absorb into my body. I turned to see Kenteria at the chest. His form started going into the locks keyhole.
"I have lived a good life. I hope you make use of what I give to you." He said before his entire form went into the keyhole. The lock fell off, as did the chains. The chest burst open in a flash of light, and when it died down, I was back in the temple. The Bow was still in my left hand, and I felt the quiver on my back.
"I think it suits him." I heard Mike say. I turned to see him with a smile.
[Yes, it does seem so. Well Stanley Zenex, I am now your Guardian.] Latios said with a bow.
"Wait, what?" I asked. Mike threw me a blue and silver ball with a red triangle on it. I caught it and stared at it.
"Everyone I am "recruiting" for this war needs at least one Legendary Guardian. Since you took the Lati Bow, it is only fitting to have one of the Lati's. Don't worry about your team. I'll make it so you can hold more Pokémon at one time." He said.
"Wait, you gave my sister a Pokémon too, did you recruit her!?" I shouted angrily.
"In a way. She is a Resonance Soul. However, it is up to her to join. If she does not, I will not press the matter. I know you don't like it. She's only twelve. I honestly hope she doesn't unlock her powers until she's your age. But I needed to give her the same push I gave you." He said.
"So this was all planned from the start?" I asked.
"Yes. I hate manipulating someone like that, but I need help. I may be the Arceus Assassin, as Kenteria no doubt told you, but I'm not a God." He said.
[You bastard! You can't just control someone's life like that!] Taisetsu screamed at him.
"I already said I hated doing it! If I had another choice, I would have done that!" He shouted back.
[I swear I'll-]
[I hate to interrupt, but we have company.] Latios said. [And they're armed.] He said.
"ES . . . Stanley, we'll have our argument later. Rina is out there and there are guys with guns coming." He grabbed my shoulder and suddenly we were outside.
"What the fuck!?" Rina and Blizz shouted. Mike shoved us all down behind a fallen pillar and held one finger to his lip.
"Mike?" Rina whispered. "Wait, Stanley, what is that?" She said pointing to the Lati Bow. I looked at it, and back to her.
"It's a long story." I said. We heard footsteps and a voice.
"The entrance is still shut. We have to find a way in." A male voice said. I looked around and saw that Latios wasn't around. I wanted to question it, but I knew we needed to be quiet.
"Sure, we'll look. After we take care of the idiots behind that pillar." Another, younger male voice said.
"Ahh shit." Mike said. "Stay down, I'm going to do something that'll make you really hate me, but bear with me until this is done." He said and flicked a Luxury Ball off his belt. His Gallade appeared.
"Hey bro, wanna fuck shit up?" Mike asked. Gallade looked up with a smirk and unsheathed his elbow blades, and then, came another set of blades from inside his arm, and these were shining silver.
"What the fuck!?" Rina yelled out, but was still whispering. "Mike, no please don't tell me your Pokémon kill." Rina said.
[And what if we do?] His Gallade said.
"It's so wrong to be trained like that!" Blizz said.
[That's your opinion. I'm going to help Mike in any way I can. Ready bro?] He asked. Mike nodded and unsheathed his Katana.
"Ready."
(3rd Person POV. Battle time! There will be many POV changes here.)
Mike and Blade teleported behind the fifteen to twenty soldiers and whistled.
"Hey assholes!" Mike shouted. The soldiers turned and pointed their rifles at the two and opened fire, only for the bullets to be stopped by a psychic barrier.
[Fucking idiots.] Blade said as he teleported between two soldiers and sliced their heads off.
(Stanley)
"Holy shit!" Rina said as Blizz covered her mouth. Stanley stood in horror, until he saw one sneaking up behind the two girls. On instinct, he readied an arrow. It was like his movements were not his own.
"DUCK!" Stanley shouted. Rina and Blizz ducked thinking they were about to be shot. Stanley let the arrow fly and it hit the man in the head, causing him to die instantly. Stanley then realized what he did.
"Oh fuck. Oh FUCK!" He said dropping the bow and falling to his knees. "I-I . . . I just killed a man." He said. He looked to Taisetsu, and she had a horrified look and tears in her eyes.
(Mike)
Meanwhile, Mike was running while avoiding debris and dodging bullets. He threw a couple Shadow Balls and caused some of the men's guns to explode.
"Take that bitches!" He ran behind some cover and Blade teleported to him. The two smiled at each other.
"How you doin'?" Mike asked Blade.
[Alright I guess. You're shielding is failing.] He said.
"I'm worried about Stanley." Mike said. Then, a flash of light revealed Cassidy to be next to them.
"Boo!" She said with a smile.
"In a fight here Cass." Mike said.
"I'm here to help." She said readying a Ice Spike.
"Cool, don't forget to shield yourself, I have enough worries." Mike said before teleporting.
(Cassidy)
Cassidy ran around the pillar and fired Ice Spikes into two of the men, one dead, and the other wounded. She ran up to him and smirked.
"Say hi to Giritina!" She said cheerfully as she electrocuted him to death. She looked at three soldiers who had their guns aimed at her.
"This is too easy." She said readying a Fireball and Lightning Bolt.
(Rina)
Rina was seeing death on a new level, and it was horrifying. It didn't help that it was from the Champion either. Stanley had saved her and Blizz by shooting a guy in the head with his Bow, but the psychological impact must have been harsh, because he was staring at the ground. Suddenly, a person in an odd suit jumped onto the fallen pillar and swung at her.
"WHOA!" Rina shouted as she rolled backwards. The person was obviously a female from the suits curves. But who was under the helmet was a mystery. There was no way to identify her.
"Hand over the Bow." She said jumping down.
"Fuck you bitch! I've seen way too much in the last minute to take shit from anyone!" Rina shouted, covering her body in Aura. Blizz did the same.
"Your funeral." The suited person said and got into a fighting stance. Blizz charged forward and tried to punch the girl but she had very quick reflexes and dodged it. She then punched Blizz in the gut, sending her back.
"Blizz!" Rina shouted. Blizz got up coughing. She looked up and gasped, and jumped to the left as an Aura Sphere hit where she was.
"Fine, I'll kick your ass myself!" Rina shouted. The woman sighed and got ready to fight.
(Blizz)
'Shit shit shit!' Blizz thought as she evaded another Aura Sphere. The Lucario that was chasing her belonged to Danny, who was watching from afar.
"You're a little bitch, kid!" Blizz shouted at him as she ran past.
"Do not speak of my Master that way!" Lucario shouted as he fired a Dark Pulse. The attack hit and threw Blizz off course and into a piece of debris. Blizz got up only to be pushed down by Lucario as he held her throat.
'OH COME ON!' Blizz shouted in her mind. She was running out of air, and was shocked at the brutality of this Lucario. Suddenly, he was launched off and Mike's Gallade ran in front of her.
"Fuck off bitch, or I'll kill ya." He said readying his blades.
"I'll be back real soon." Lucario said as he wiped blood from his snout. The Gallade sheathed his lethal blades and turned to Blizz and extended his hand.
"You alright?" He asked. Blizz spat in his face.
"Murderer." She said as she shakily stood up. The Gallade wiped off the spit and chuckled.
"Whatever Blizz. The name's Blade. Look, I know you hate killing, I can see it in your eyes and mind. However, when you saved your trainer through murder, you see the lighter side of killing. Just fight, knock 'em out. We'll do the rest." Blade said unsheathing his hidden blades and teleporting. Blizz sighed and looked to the fight.
"Sure. Whatever." She said as she ran behind cover for a vantage point.
(Taisetsu)
'He-he killed a man . . . Arceus he really killed him!' Taisetsu thought in horror. It was something she couldn't get out of her head. She knew Stanley was suffering with that fact too. She watched him do it. It was like he was being controlled. She heard a click and looked to see a man holding a gun to Stanley.
"NO!" She launched a Shadow Ball at the man knocking him away. Unfortunately, his head hit a rock and split open, spilling blood everywhere.
". . . n-no." Now she had killed, though unintentionally, she still did it. She went over to Stanley, sat next to him and pulled her knees to her chest and put a psychic barrier around her and Stanley. She was in shock, and shedding tears.
(Mike)
While behind cover, Mike saw Taisetsu crack a man's head open, and cringed.
"Oooooh, that's nasty." Mike said. He spun around the corner and slammed the handle of his katana into a man's face, the force of the hit causing the man's neck to turn so fast it snapped. At this point, there were only a few left. Two or three. Mike decided to end it. He raised his right foot and slammed it into the ground, sending dark power through it to the last soldiers. Dark spikes shot up and skewered the last soldiers, and then disappeared, causing the bodies to fall to the ground.
Mike heard grunts and saw Blade knock out Danny's Lucario. He had ordered neither Danny, nor his team are to die . . . yet. He also saw Rina get flung by a girl in a suit. He teleported over and blocked another punch, but was stunned by the girls strength.
"Damn girl, that's one hell of a right hook." Mike said smiling. He then kneed the girl in the gut and sent a Dark Pulse at her, hitting her in the face and sending her back. She got up and her helmet was sparking, and somehow disassembled to reveal a young girl with white hair covering one of her eyes.
"Pah, fucking bastard." She spat.
"Ooh, feisty." Mike taunted. He looked to Rina, who was being tended to by Blizz.
"I'll give you one chance to leave. After that, well, you'll join these men." Mike said gesturing to a dead body. The girl stepped back a bit.
"Gah, Danny! We've lost!" She shouted. Mike looked to see Danny, and an Alakazam.
"I know! Mike, next time will be different." Danny said as the girl went to them.
"You're right. My blade will spill your blood too." Mike said sheathing his katana. Danny glared at him before the Alakazam teleported. Mike thanked Blade and returned him as Cassidy healed Blizz and Rina.
"Where's Stanley?" Rina asked. Mike walked over to the pillar, to see him and Taisetsu curled up, still awake, but very unaware. Mike broke the barrier and Taisetsu grasped her head.
"Easy there, you alright?" Mike asked kneeling and shaking Stanley lightly.
"I- I killed a man." Stanley muttered.
"And I've killed hundreds. You'll be fine." Mike said.
"I KILLED MIKE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE FUCK YOU DO THIS SHIT! HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT!?" Stanley screamed while grabbing Mike by the collar of his jacket.
"I'm used to it. Then again, my mind is shattered. Medically speaking, I'm insane." Mike said removing Stanley's hands.
"And why do your Pokémon kill?" He asked.
"Blade started that. The mutation he has make's him much more adept at killing. So, he helped me take on the teams. Eventually, it spread to all my Pokémon." Mike said.
"And you call yourself "good."" Rina said, glaring.
"Good men mean well. We just don't always end up doing well." Mike said with a sad smile. Latios flew down from the sky.
"What the hell, a Latios?" Rina shouted.
[There are no more ES soldiers in the area. I have destroyed their transports and any inside.] Latios said.
"That was smart. I didn't think of that." Mike said.
"Oh, now you have a Latios killing too!?" Blizz shouted.
[Mike is not my Master. He is an ally. My trainer is Stanley.] Latios said.
"Wh-what?" Rina said.
[That reminds me, do not use me until the League. A Legendary is sure to cause some commotion. Though I would like to participate in the training.] Latios said smiling.
"Obviously, Rina will need an explanation. But first, we need to make sure your minds are okay." Mike said. Cassidy walked over and placed her hands on Stanley and Taisetsu's heads. A light covered her hands for a second and she pulled back.
"They'll be fine. Their starting to accept it" She said.
"Good. Look, Stanley. It was going to come to this eventually. You need to keep that Bow with you, and keep your eyes out." Mike said.
"Mike . . . I'm not ready for this." Stanley said.
"You think I was? Hell no. My family got killed and I was forced out of town. I was almost killed in the first few hours. Hell, I was at Shoros Town, no, I caused Shoros Town!" Mike shouted. Rina, Blizz and Stanley's heads snapped up to Mike.
"I got . . . possessed, and the demon destroyed the town using my body. However, it was for the best. Now, I can help those who need it. I can, I can finally be a hero." Mike said. "But I don't deserve to be called a hero. A hero is admirable. Me? I'm a demon. Simple as that." Mike finished up.
"I . . . fuck." Stanley said. He realized how insignificant his petty kill was. He simply ended a life. He had no idea who he was of what life he had. He looked to Taisetsu and rubbed her back. Taisetsu looked at him.
"Tai, we have to help Mike." He said.
"WHAT!?" Rina screamed.
"We now know what kind of people ES are, and so, we have to fight them. Are you with me?" Stanley asked. Taisetsu sniffled and looked down.
[Stanley, we'll be killing, and ending precious life.] Stanley frowned. [But, like I said, I'm with you, no matter what.] Taisetsu said looking at him. Stanley smiled and scooped her up in a hug, which she gladly returned.
"Rina, I know you hate killing. Understand I do what I must. Stanley's family line is connected to mine. Actually, I think it'd be better if we talked elsewhere. I get us to Fortree." Mike said. And with that, the group vanished.
-(ooo)- Time: 2:43pm, Location: Fortree PKMN CNTR, POV: Stanley, 1st Person.
It had been a long time since we came into this room, and Mike and just finished telling us what he knew about what was going on, The Arceus Assassin, everything.
"My, Arceus." Rina said. I got a short explanation from Kenteria, but now I know so much more. Taisetsu had calmed down, and was talking to mine and Rina's teams, with Latios helping.
"It's a lot to take in I know. But, do you understand why I'm doing what I am doing now?" He asked. Rina deftly nodded.
"Yeah. I don't like it, but I get it." Rina said. Then something occurred to me.
"Rina, what happens to us?" I asked. Rina looked at me.
"What do you mean?" She asked. I held up the Lati Bow.
"I have this. I need to practice archery and stuff, I may have to kill more Es guys, are you leaving?" I asked.
"St-Stanley. " She said and looked down. I sighed.
"It's okay if you don't want to stay. I understand." I said putting the Bow back. Rina stood up and walked over to me, her platinum blond hair covering her eyes. She then hugged me.
"Stanley, are you that big of an idiot? I said we'd go together didn't I? Back when we agreed on this journey? I'm sticking through this, no matter what." She said. I was stunned, I was sure she'd want to leave. She pulled away and I saw her bloodshot crimson eyes.
"Come on ya big lug. We're practically brother and sister. We stick together. Even through shit like this." She said. She then went back to her seat. Taisetsu teleported to my lap.
-The others are uneasy about it, but are okay with it. Latios was a big help.- She said with a smile. I ruffled her hair with a smile.
"Thanks Taisetsu. What would I do without ya?"
-You'd screw up. A lot. - She replied. Cassidy entered the room.
"Mike, we gotta go. Xie wants to know what the status of this operation is." Cassidy said.
"Yeah sure. Well guys. I hated to do that, but now, we have a few more in the light. Stanley, if you put the Bow on with the string on your back, and the quiver too, and think of the Bow not being there, it will absorb into your body. Think of it in your hand when you want it back. See ya." Mike said. He then left.
"Umm." I stood up and did what he said. I put the Bow and quiver on and thought of it being somewhere else. It turned into a white light and that light went into my body.
"Whoa!" I exclaimed. I summoned the bow and reabsorbed it multiple times. "This is sick!" I said happily.
"So, after that, I need to relax. I'm taking a bath." Blizz said running into the bathroom.
"What about you Rina?" I asked. She sighed and stood up.
"I'm going for a walk. Later." She said putting her hands in her pockets and walking out the door. This left me and Taisetsu alone. The others were all talking, which I knew because it could be faintly heard through the door to the bed rooms. The Fortree Center was a little more glamorous then the rest.
"So are you really okay with this?" I asked Taisetsu.
-No. But I said I'd stick by you right? That won't change.- She said. I sighed.
"Yeah."
'I was thinking now would be a good time but . . . no, there's too much stress. Too much information to digest. I'll tell her another time.' I thought to myself.
"So. I guess our plan is to relax and straighten up. Then we take on the gym." I said.
-Sounds like a plan.- Taisetsu said cheerfully.
'Like Mike said, I can continue my journey, so I might as well do so.'
DWA: DONE! WHOOO!
Stanley: You good bro?
DWA: Huh? Oh yeah! I got this done in one day! Like. A. Boss.
Taisetsu: Riiiggghhhttt.
DWA: Oh shut up. So that was the climax guys. There are two more big events that I currently know will happen. The League, and something I can't talk about yet. It'll be revealed soon enough. Anyways guys, I hope you enjoyed tis chapter, and please don't forget to review. See ya next time!