Well, Summer is right around the corner. I figure for most of you that means the sun, the surf, the beach and things like that. For me though it means something completely different. For me the start of Summer means the start of Hurricane season. I absolutely HATE Hurricane season. I hate having to keep an eye on the weather just to know if a hurricane is heading my way. I hate having to worry about what will happen if one does. I still have bad memmories of the last time (Hurricane Rita). I never want to go through that again and I pray that none of you ever have to go through something like that.

Okay, that ends my little rant. On with the story.

Chapter 29: A Desperate Act

The situation for Neo and his friends was as bad as it could be at the moment. Bix and Ziggy had fallen into a pit trap, Sasha and Gem were being held prisoner and he was trapped inside a room with glass barriers in front of each opening. And what was even worse yet was the fact that the glass barriers were apparently shatter-proof, further proven to be true when Neo's repeated Iron Tail attacks did nothing more than make his tail sore.

Neo: Darn it! What do I have to do to get through this?!

On the other side of the glass barrier Sasha and Gem could only watch. Both desperately wanted to help Neo, but the claws that were holding them had no give. Gem was scared out of her mind and Sasha was concerned for both her mate and daughter.

Gem: Mommy, I'm scared.

Sasha: Don't worry, sweetie. Daddy will get us out of this. Come on, Neo… get us out of this…

By now Neo had gotten to the point where even charging up his Iron Tail caused pain to shoot through his tail. Still, he knew he couldn't give up now or he'd risk losing everything to Kirkland.

Neo: No matter what happens I cannot give in! I will NOT let Kirkland beat me!

Kirkland: Unfortunately you have no choice in the win-lose category.

Neo recognized Kirkland's voice booming over the speakers, indicating that wherever he was he could see them.

Neo: What's wrong, Kirkland?! Afraid to come out and face me?!

Kirkland: Afraid? Come now. You should know me better than that.

Neo: Then if you're not afraid come out and face me!

Kirkland: I would, but I have other pressing matters to attend to. But that doesn't mean I haven't prepared a little welcoming party for you.

A small hole opened in the floor in the middle of the room and a platform rose up. But what had Neo's attention was what was on the platform.

Neo: What Pokémon is that?!

Kirkland: You like him? It seems my Rhydon wasn't the only one who had an extra evolution, and just like him this one is much more powerful than his previous form.

Neo looked at the Pokémon Kirkland has sent to face him. He looked like something out of ancient Egypt, and unlike his previous form Dusclops this form had no legs. He instead floated around like a true Ghost Pokémon. And just like his Rhyperior this one was also a Shadow Pokémon.

Kirkland: Now, my Dusknoir… ATTACK!

The Dusknoir charged forward, swinging his fist at Neo. Right then Neo noticed a possible weakness the Pokémon had… he was quite slow. This was something Neo planned to take full advantage of.

Neo: It's going to be real hard for your Pokémon to defeat me if he can't even keep up! Actually, it won't matter after a few Thunderbolt attacks!

Kirkland: If that's what you believe then by all means fire away.

Neo: Gladly!

Neo's cheeks crackled as he powered up his Thunderbolt. He glared sat the Dusknoir for a moment.

Neo: Let's see that thing survive this!

With his attack fully charged Neo fired. As the massive bolt flew through the air towards the Dusknoir small openings appeared on the wall, each one revealing small sensors. Neo didn't notice this as he was too focused on his attack hitting its target. But just as the Thunderbolt was close to hitting the Dusknoir it was redirected to one of the sensors.

Neo: What the?!

Kirkland: I'm sorry. I must have forgotten to mention the little surprise I had installed in that room before your arrival. You see, those sensors on the wall will absorb any Electric attack that's used.

Neo wasn't phased by Kirkland's little modification.

Neo: You think that's going to stop me?! You forget that I have other attacks that aren't Electric, like this!

Even though it still caused him a bit of pain Neo managed to power up an Iron Tail. He then charged the Dusknoir, but Kirkland had one more surprise for him.

Kirkland: By the way, Neo. There was one more little thing I forgot to tell you.

Before he finished speaking the sensor that earlier absorbed Neo's Thunderbolt sparked to life. Seconds later it fired the absorbed Thunderbolt back at Neo, scoring a direct hit. He cried out as the attack coursed through his body.

Kirkland: You see, whatever Electric attack it absorbs is fired back at ten times its original power.

Neo: Like I said… I have… other attacks… that aren't Electric.

Kirkland: I am well aware of that, but you still will not defeat my Dusknoir.

Neo: I'd like to disagree with you on that one.

Kirkland: Of course you would. Now Dusknoir, use Charge Beam!

Neo was well aware of the attack Kirkland just called out. It was a powerful Electric-based attack, meaning his wall sensors would just absorb it and fire it back at ten times its original power. With that in mind Neo waited and watched as the Dusknoir gathered electrical power in his eye, focusing it into a small yellow orb.

Kirkland: Now FIRE!

Dusknoir obeyed, firing the condensed electricity in a small beam. Neo stood there, and just as he figured the beam curved and was absorbed into one of the sensors.

Neo: So much for your Dusknoir's attack. Now all I have to do is wait for the…

Neo never got to finish what he was saying, for seconds later the sensor fired the absorbed electricity at him, blasting him with the magnified Charge Beam energy.

Kirkland: Now Shadow Rush!

Before Neo could recover from the electric blast the Dusknoir slammed into him with Shadow Rush. He was slammed into the glass barrier, right in front of Sasha and Gem.

Sasha: No, Neo!

Gem: Daddy!

Neo slowly stood back up, trying to determine what had just happened.

Neo: But… I thought that…

Kirkland: I had a feeling you'd think that my device would target whoever fired the attack, but I've programmed it to target you regardless of who fired the attack. Face it, Neo. You have absolutely no chance of leaving here alive!

Now Neo knew he was in trouble. With his strongest attacks disabled it appeared as though this would indeed be Neo's final battle.


Bix: AH! I can't believe we let ourselves get trapped like this!

Bix punched the wall in frustration. She still hadn't forgiven herself for allowing her and Ziggy to get trapped like that.

Ziggy: Come on, Bix. There's no need to beat yourself up about it.

Bix: You're right, fizz ball… IT'S KIRKLAND THAT I NEED TO KICK THE SHIT OUT OF!

Ziggy: Okay… but first we need to find a way out of here.

Bix: Yeah, you're right.

Bix immediately started looking around for a way out. Ziggy started to get up to help look but the minute he moved he fell back and cried out in pain, holding his left paw. Bix looked back and saw him down in pain.

Bix: Oh no! You're injured!

Ziggy: My paw… I can't… feel it.

Bix was immediately by his side. She took a look at his paw as he held it.

Bix: Is it broken?

Ziggy: I'm… not sure.

Seeing Ziggy injured only further fueled Bix's anger.

Bix: That no-good… oh, he crossed the line this time! When I get my paws on him…

Ziggy: But… before that… we have to… get out of here.

Bix knew he was right and, trying her best to ignore her injured ally, she started looking for a way out. Unfortunately the area they were in didn't have any openings, or anywhere they could create one.

Bix: Damn! He really thought this one through. I don't see anyway we can get out of this.

Ziggy: What if we… climbed back up.

Bix: Climbed back up?

Ziggy: That's… the only option… I can see for us.

Bix looked up from where they fell. The area was almost completely black and it was hard to tell just how far they had fallen. On top of that she had Ziggy's injury to take into consideration.

Bix: I guess we could try that, but will you be able to make the climb with that injured paw of your?

Ziggy: I… have to try.

With a bit of difficulty Ziggy managed to stand up and make his way over to Bix. He reached out towards the wall, but immediately recoiled as the pain in his paw intensified. Bix gave him a worried glance.

Ziggy: It's… no good! You'll have to… go without me!

Bix: Like Hell I will! If I go, you go!

Ziggy: But I'm no good to you like this!

Bix: That doesn't matter!

Ziggy: But…

Bix: Listen to me! We came here together, and damnit we're leaving together!

Ziggy: But how? I can't climb up on my own with this busted paw. Unless you plan to carry me up there's no way we're both getting out of here.

Bix realized he was right. With his injury he couldn't climb up the side of the wall and make it to the top with her unless she did carry him. However…

Bix: Well, let's go.

Ziggy: Huh?

Bix: You said the only way we'd get out of here is if I carry you.

Ziggy: Hold on. You're not seriously going to carry me up to the top, are you?

Bix: If that's what it takes to get us out of here then yes I am.

Ziggy: But what if I'm too heavy for you?

Bix: Don't worry about that. I'm stronger than I look. I can carry you up no problem.

Ziggy: Okay, but what about me? I can't exactly hold on that tight with only one paw.

Bix: I'll be holding on to you with my tail. Now is there anything else you're concerned about? I want to get out of here and tear into Kirkland's ass as soon as possible.

Ziggy opened his mouth to say something, but one look into Bix's eyes made him close it. Instead he walked over to her and grabbed on to her using his one good paw.

Ziggy: Okay, I'm ready.

In response Bix wrapped her tail around him, holding tight to make sure he didn't fall when they began their climb.

Bix: Okay! Here we go!

Before climbing she used Metal Claw, making her claws as hard as possible. She then thrust them into the wall, her claws easily digging into the metal surface.

Bix: Going up!

With incredible ease Bix began to climb up the shaft, her claws easily gripping onto the walls despite having Ziggy on her back.

Bix: Hold on, Neo! We're on our way!


Up above things were looking worse and worse for Neo with each second that passed. With his electric attacks useless he found defeating Kirkland's Dusknoir nearly impossible. His body was battered and bruised while the Dusknoir didn't have a scratch on it.

Kirkland: Well Neo, are you ready to give in yet?

Neo: Not… on your… life…

Kirkland: And speaking of life it doesn't look like your life is going to continue for much longer.

Neo: That doesn't mean… I'm just going to… roll over… and… die!

Though every movement caused him pain Neo managed to break out in a run towards the Dusknoir. However the battle had taken a lot out of him and he was moving at a much slower pace than usual.

Kirkland: Still trying to fight back I see. Well, I'll soon put a stop to that. Dusknoir! Shadow Hold!

From beneath Dusknoir a group of black tentacles slithered along the ground towards Neo. He saw them coming and tried to judge the distance from them to him. Just when he was about to meet them head-on he jumped, trying to go over them to the Dusknoir. Just when it looked like Neo would get passed them the tentacles shot up and caught him in mid-air.

Kirkland: It's not going to be that easy, Neo!

Neo saw that this Shadow Hold attack was different than the one that was used back at Mt. Pyre. These tentacles didn't vanish like the other ones did. These held him in the air where he was left wide-open for whatever attack Kirkland's Dusknoir had planned.

Kirkland: Charge Beam!

Neo struggled to free himself as Dusknoir powered up his Charge Beam. Unfortunately the battle had worn Neo out so much that no amount of struggling would free him. After a few seconds Dusknoir fired his attack, the beam of electricity being absorbed into the sensors on the wall. Moments later his body was blasted with thousands of volts of electricity. The pain was so great he almost passed out.

Kirkland: Focus Punch!

Dusknoir's fist glowed white as he powered up his attack. Neo could barely lift his head and see the attack coming before it made contact. The brutal punch slammed into him, sending him crashing to the floor below.

Sasha: Neo!

Gem: Get up, Daddy!

With Sasha and Gem urging him on Neo stood back up, but he was very wobbly. His energy was almost gone, and he knew that Kirkland wouldn't give him much time to rest.

Neo: I… I can't… let him… defeat… me…

Despite his determination he knew it was an uphill battle he was fighting. With his energy so low and his opponent's energy nearly full Neo knew he had to do something to get himself energized. The only question was what that would be.

Neo: If only… there was… some… way… I could… absorb… the energy… from those… sensors…

As soon as he said that an idea popped into his head. It was risky but he had no other choice in the matter.

Kirkland: Ready to give in, Neo?

Neo: Not… yet… I'm not…

Neo dropped down on all fours and started charging up.

Neo: I hope this works…

He then fired a small Thundershock that was immediately absorbed into the wall sensors.

Kirkland: Did you forget about my sensors? Now that Thundershock is going to be sent back at ten times its original power.

Neo: And that's… exactly… what I'm… hoping for…

Using what little strength he had left Neo lifted his tail into the air and powered up his Iron Tail. Right at that moment the sensors fired the absorbed Thundershock, aiming right for Neo.

Neo: Please work…

Just as the amplified electric blast got to him it was redirected to his tail. The blast struck his tail and was absorbed into Neo's body. This was a twist Kirkland didn't see coming.

Neo: I don't… believe it. It actually worked.

Kirkland: So you found a way to use the reflected electricity to energize yourself. I suppose you think that alone is going to help you win.

Neo: Actually, I know it is.

Kirkland: I highly doubt that.

Neo: I thought you would. Now, how about I show you what comes next.

To everyone's surprise Neo used the Thundershock he absorbed to fire off an even more powerful Thunderbolt, this one also absorbed into the wall sensors.

Neo: Now pay attention.

Just before the sensors fired off the absorbed Thunderbolt Neo raised his tail into the air again and used Iron Tail. Seconds later the sensors fired, the Thunderbolt being absorbed back into Neo's body. However, it caused him a bit of pain this time due to the amount of electricity he was absorbing.

Kirkland: What in the Hell are you doing? If you store up too much electricity you'll overload your body.

Neo: I know… but ask yourself… this. Which… one… of us… is going… to… give out… first… me… or you… l-little… t-toy…

With that Neo fired another Thunderbolt. From his concealed location Kirkland's eyes grew big. He now knew what Neo had planned, and if he succeeded he and his allies would be free.


Ziggy was surprised to see just how strong Bix really was. Within a few minutes she had carried both of them up to the trapdoor they fell through earlier.

Bix: Well, we're here. Ready to but through and get back to our friends?

Ziggy: You bet!

Bix then removed one of her claws from the wall and charged up a Focus Punch. During that time Ziggy wanted nothing more than to get back to Neo and the others. But then he sensed something, something that filled him with fear.

Bix: One opening coming up!

Ziggy: Wait a minute, Bix!

Bix: What the?! Why the Hell should we wait?! I thought you wanted to go help Neo!

Ziggy: I do but…

Bix: But what?!

Ziggy: Don't you feel that?

Bix: Huh? Feel what?

Ziggy: On the other side of the trapdoor… can't you feel all that power?

Bix: Power?

Ziggy: Yeah. I don't know where, or who it's coming from, but it's making my fur stand on end.

Bix: Is it really that much.

Ziggy: I'm surprised you don't feel it too.

Bix thought Ziggy was being a bit over-cautious, but then she felt it too. What she felt sent shivers down her spine.

Bix: I… see what you mean. Who, or what is causing that?

Ziggy: I don't know, but for now I think we'd be better off not moving on until it passes.

Bix: Yeah.

Even though they wanted to get out and help Neo as quickly as possible they weren't about to head into a situation they knew nothing about. For now all they could do was wait.


With a loud cry Neo fired off his fourth Thunderbolt, watching as the wall sensors absorbed the attack. He then quickly readied Iron Tail. Seconds later the massive blast was sent back to him. He screamed in pain as his body tried to absorb it all back. After a few excruciating moments the Thunderbolt was absorbed. Neo collapsed to the ground, sparks dancing over his body. The sensors along the wall were also sparking, indicating that they didn't have much longer before they went.

Neo: I don't know… how much more of this… I can take…

At the same time Kirkland was worrying about the wall sensors. If Neo somehow managed to short them out he and his friends would be free, and that was something Kirkland didn't want to happen.

Kirkland: No matter what happens he has to die with this next attack! I will not let him walk away from this!

Everyone waited, wondering what would happen next. If Neo didn't get up Kirkland would surely have his Dusknoir finish him off.

Sasha: Come on, Neo! You have to get up!

Gem: You can do it, Daddy!

With his mate and daughter urging him on Neo managed to stand up. As he stood he looked up at the Dusknoir. He knew Kirkland was watching them as well and gave them both a small smirk.

Neo: This… is it…

The number of sparks on his body increased as he powered up what he knew would be the final attack of this battle. Whether he disabled the wall sensors or was killed trying was something he didn't know, but he knew there was no turning back now.

Neo: Moment… of truth!

With one final cry Neo unleashed all the stored up electric energy in one massive Thunder. The attack hit the sensors, but it wasn't getting absorbed as quickly as Kirkland had hoped. The amount of electricity was too much for them, and one by one the sensors were shorting out and exploding. But Neo had stored up much more electricity than was needed and he needed to discharge it all.

Neo: Let's see… if those things… can handle… all the power… I've got!

Neo intensified his attack, covering everything in a bright yellow glow. The wall sensors by now had reached their limit and were exploding left and right. The attack was also striking the Dusknoir, bombarding the Ghost type with thousands of volts of electricity. Unfortunately Neo couldn't stop his attack. Once the flow had begun he found it impossible to control.

Gem: What's happening, Mommy?!

Sasha: I don't know!

By now Neo had lost all control over the Thunder. The entire room was bathed in a yellow light that made it impossible to see what was going on. The attack had become so massive that it was beginning to break through the glass barriers on each side. A few cracks started appearing and Sasha knew it would only be a matter of time before the glass shattered.

Gem: Mommy…

Sasha could hear the fear in her daughter's voice, but with both of them restrained there was little she could to for her. She was about to say something to hopefully comfort her when the number of cracks in the glass quickly increased.

Sasha: Brace yourself, Gem!

She barely had enough time to warn Gem before the glass exploded, sending shards flying their way. They turned their heads to avoid getting hit directly in the face. However, the glass shards weren't the only thing that was flying their way. The Thunder attack blew through the opening in the glass barrier, striking the wall next to Sasha and Gem and destroying the claws that had grabbed them. The two of them jumped down to the ground and immediately found cover from the out-of-control electric attack. Explosions were occurring all around them from the attack, destroying anything and everything in sight.

Gem: What's happening, Mommy?! Is Daddy okay?!

Sasha: Don't worry, Gem! Daddy is going to keep us safe!

Even though she said that Sasha wasn't sure if she believed that herself. For now though she was more concerned with getting herself and Gem through the current chaos uninjured. As the Thunder continued out of control Sasha began to worry not only about herself and Gem but Neo as well. Then, minutes after the attack began, it died down. Slowly Sasha and Gem got up.

Gem: Is it over, Mommy?

Sasha: I… I think so.

The two Electric Pokémon looked at the damage caused. The room Neo was trapped in earlier was almost completely destroyed. The wall that contained the sensors had been blown down, rendering the electric-stealing devices useless. However, there was no sign of Kirkland's Dusknoir… or Neo.

Gem: W-Where's Daddy?

Sasha: I don't know.

The two of them looked around for Neo, hoping to spot him somewhere in the room. But there was no sign of him anywhere, almost as if he had vanished or…

Sasha: Mew no… Please don't let him be gone…

Gem: I don't see him, Mommy.

Sasha: Neo… Neo, where are you… Neo!

With each second that passed her fear grew. With the size and intensity of the Thunder she was afraid that his body couldn't take the strain. That thought alone scared her more than anything.

Sasha: NEO!


The battle has ended with Neo appearing to be the victor. Kirkland's Dusknoir is nowhere to be seen and Sasha and Gem are free. However, neither of them know where Neo is. Despite the fact that he lost the battle did Kirkland win the war? Is Neo really gone? Find out in the next chapter of Fighting The Shadows!

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