Hi everyone! Be very welcomed to the 36th chapter of this fic.
It has been almost 2 months since the last one, but I've been doing a lot of things and fanfiction has been the last thing in my mind sometimes... I'm sorry.
After this it's... TIME WITH REVIEWS!
Shimo no ko: I'm really sorry, bus sadly Ruby can't hear you. I can pass the messages if you want though XD. I'm glad you liked it and well let's say that Groudon little friendship with Kyogre so... you can guess what follows. Thanks for your review!
ElectroPhoenix: Well it's the way I writte Xd And well you'll see it in this chapter and the next. I hope it convinces you! Thank you for the reviews.
Groundzoiks: sorry, but I won't stop XD
GUEST: Well I'm really happy that you like this story that much, it really makes me proud. Yeah I plan on doing some when I finish this story. Thanks you a lot!
Comisure: No I wans't dead, I just took too long to update (like this time). Well if I were you I wouldn0't make assuptions XD but It's your choice. You'll know why after this and the enxt one. Thanks for the review!
Valerie: I really hopes it satisfies you. I'm sorry for taking so ong. Thanks for the review!
GUEST n2: thank you. I will!
QueenLlama: I'm glad that uyou find my story so good. I'm glad that I was able to amke the characters like the manga (besides Ruby and Sapphire who are not). I'm glad you fins it brilliant. Thanks a lot!
Now this is the end of TIME WITH REVIEWS! Thanks a lot to eveeryone who reviewed, they make my days when I receive them. Now before I allow you to start with the chapter LC has some updates about his life!
Hows it going, LC5 here, giving you an update on the situation that is my life. Many things happened since the previous chapter, I had recently started my new Youtube channel, "NintendoGauntletGaming". Currently, we have not made any content, but that should soon change. If you wanna regularly view Nintendo-based gaming videos, go on Youtube and Subscribe to NintendoGauntletGaming. The cast is myself and two of my friends, Marco and Chuck. Our goal is to play every Nintendo main series games, only doing spinoffs upon request. We are open to donations, though is not necessary, but we will express our gratitude when we play your games.
If you wanna see gameplay videos that ISN'T Nintendo-based, I am reforming my old channel into "LC5 Gaming" Where I will play a wide variety of games, ranging from RPG to FPS, PC to consoles.
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN POKEMON! Also, LC5 is an idiot.
READ and ENJOY!
Chapter 36: The lowest blow
Marchie's POV
"I am Gold, and in the name of the Dexholders, I hereby declare war on Marchie and his organization!"
-A war declaration… who would've thought?- I said aloud- Of all the things I expected to hear from them, that was the last one. I expected something from them, of course, I've kidnapped their friend in front of their noses, but not a war declaration. What I expected was someone sneaking here, or trying to, trying to retrieve her. What I didn't expect was that they made it public that a war was going to happen.
-But it just shows how confident they are- said Prof. Zager from the other side of the room.
-Confident?
-If they knew that they wouldn't be able to win, do you think that they'd announce it?- he reasoned.
-That might be true, it can have other meanings too… - I said doing some thinking- It's the best way to let the people living in town know that they're in danger and that they must escape.
-An interesting point of view…
-It doesn't matter, though- I said- they're alone. My brother has told me that 11 gym leaders already are at the Pokemon Association's headquarters. That means that the others will be going too. Not that it would matter.
-What do you mean?
-I mean that entire armies fell in front of the monster we have in our possession in the past- I said- What can a group of children do? What can a group of 25 strong trainers do? The answer is nothing…
-These group of children managed to defeat Team Rocket, and they had used some legendaries too- said Zager, a valid point I must add.
-Groudon and Kyogre are not the same kind of legendaries… Arceus had to create another monster to mediate their conflicts, but even he saw that this couldn't last forever- I explained my favorite story- that's why the controllers were created… Humans with the ability to control the creators of the seas and the earth. Sadly, I wasn't chosen to be one of it, but live gave another kind of power and another possibility. You, of course are part of this possibility- I sighed it had happened again- I'm sorry, I spoke too much again…
-This really fascinates you…- said Zager- just a simple question… Who would you choose, Groudon or Kyogre?
-I don't really know- I said truthfully- they are all fascinating. I wanted them both.
-I'd have chosen Kyogre- he said- water always wins against ground.
-In a way… yes- I said- but it's futile to think of that right now! When Ruby died, only Kyogre's option remained available.
The room became silent then, but it didn't last long. I soon saw 3 points in the aerial RADAR singling the arrival of our… enemies to be polite, they wouldn't be able to do much.
-They're here… what are you going to do?- he asked- You know that they'll probably win against most of the grunts we send at them.
-I've got a surprise for them- I said looking at the shelve, when that blue sphere was placed.
-You're going to use Kyogre?
-Not yet…
-Then what?
-As I said, I've got a big surprise for them- I said smirking.
Red's POV
-Red we're severely outnumbered!- said my brunette friend from my right.
-And surrounded- added Yellow commanding Chuchu to defend us from some attacks.
Our strategy to send the pokemon first had really worked like a charm, because when the second wave of attacks came, they weren't expecting all of us to come from just one side. That made them lose almost 15 minutes to regroup themselves in which we were able to create some damage. We tried to use the time we got trying to take out as many enemies as possible before they regrouped, but for two reasons we weren't able to take more than 5 or 6 people out. The first one is obvious, fighting from such a high position it was difficult to aim correctly, while the second was that Sapphire and Blue were still inside the submarine, so we couldn't afford to destroy it before they got out.
The problem came afterwards when they had regrouped completely. We were only three people, flying and with 6 pokemon each. Our foes were more than 30, some of them were flying, some were scattered in the sea below us and some where on the beach in order to cut our escape route. To say it simply we were in a really tight spot.
-Chuchu, Thunderbolt to deflect those attacks!- called Yellow who was looking behind me.
-Pika , Light screen in front of Aero and us!- I said while hanging from Aero's claws as my male Pikachu was positioned on its head. This attack should protect us from attacks for a while.
-Red, lookout! We're surrounded by flying types!- said Green at my right.
-Yellow and you take care of it!- I said and Green nodded- I'll take the ones on the water!
-There are a lot of them riding their pokemon!- was Yellow's yell.
-I've got a plan for them!- I said- I'll stall them until you finish with the flying ones!
-Let's do as he says Yellow!- he said letting out his Porygon 2 from his pokeball- Use Lock-on on the Pelliper!
It was a good method he had already used versus Team Rocket. His Porygon 2 strongest attack was Zap Cannon which is very strong, but not very accurate. With Lock-on he increased the chances of the attack to actually hit a lot. Ten flying types with their trainers where the ones that were surrounding us, so he wouldn't be able to take care of it alone. And the attacks that were coming from below had been getting more troublesome.
-Kitty spread some Stun Spore- I hear Yellow yell and I smirked, she was serious- Now Silver Wind!
-Pika use Charge! Twice!- I commanded Yellow's pokemon- Now Aero, while she's doing that… use Agility! We're going down!
15 minutes later
-Get the boy!- was what I heard coming from the official grunt that was in charge of the grunts that were riding their water pokemon on the sea.
As soon as she yelled that a barrage of attacks came towards where I was flying. I quickly commanded Aero to dodge it. I commanded then to use Agility again in order to maintain for a longer time the extraordinary speed that he was flying at. It had been more than 10 minutes since I got separated from Green and Yellow, and they still had to land an attack on me.
Coincidentally, I still had to land an attack on them, but seeing that they were 15 grunts while I was alone… It was a damn success. I had observed two things in the meantime, and I don't know if I liked the implications. The first was that we had no escape route. All the beach was plagued of grunts blocking the route. I had noticed it before, but the surprising thing was that they only stayed there, ready to enter the fight as soon as it was commanded to them.
Then the next thing that I got is that, it was becoming quite easy for me to dodge all of their attacks. The only thing I had to do was that, dodge, not deflecting or risky plans… just dodge. With their numbers, they could easily form a plan to put me into trouble.
-Call Rub- I said and after some beeping sound his voice echoed from my headphones.
-What's up Red?- he asked- how are things?
-Weird…- I said- Green and Yellow are fighting some flying grunts, while I'm taking care of stalling the ones that are riding their aquatic pokemon.
-How many are all of you fighting?
-About 15 or something like that in my side- I said- Yellow and Green have 9. That's why I'm just stalling them.
-How's Aero?
I was still concentrated on the task at hand even if I was calling him. I was directing Aero with my hands all the time. My ancient pokemon was performing admirably well with its great speed gained with all those special trainings. The only problem was that moving such a huge body so fast has a cost.
-He's okay for the moment, but he won't last forever- I sighed- for now I'm good, but when he starts to get tired, things will become way more complicated.
-Why not taking a different approach?- he said- land on the beach after attracting them… Their mobility in the sea will be worse than the one you'll have.
-The problem is that the beach is plagued by enemies- I said- I can't use it.
-That's something unfortunate- he said- do you have any plan?
-Not yet, but it's just a matter of time- I explained.
-Then try to stall them until Green and Yellow aid you- he said- I'm sure that the 3 of you'll be able to take them out.
-I'm sure of that- I said- Just one more thing… Are you sure that the organization is using all of their grunts towards us?
-No, in fact I know that they're using the 50% of their grunts here- he said surprising me- and maybe the ones here aren't the best they have either.
-Why?
-Because the others are currently attacking the Pokemon Association, trying to take control over it- he said- they'll be fighting all the gym leaders there, so I think that maybe they used their best ones in that other front.
-So Marchie thinks that with Kyogre alone, he will be able to beat us- I said.
-Most likely- he answered.
-Thanks for that- I said- and don't overexert yourself.
-What do you mean?
-Bye Rub.
This talk had clarified some things, like why those grunts seemed to be so weak, but I was still in problems. The fact that I was fighting against 15 times more grunts and pokemon didn't make the things easy too. I looked up and I saw that both Green and Yellow where having a hard time too against their opponents. I had expected them to finish quickly.
-Crap! - I gasped when I saw a Hyperbeam that flew just some centimeters from my ancient pokemon.
The dilemma I had in my hands couldn't be more difficult to solve. Attract their attention, done. But now what? I fight them seriously? If I start attacking the ones that are on the sea right now I could do some serious damage… but then what? What if the ones at the shore react and come to attack me right away? I could hold my own for a while in front of them, but against more than 30 people it would only be a matter of time until I fell. That is… if the ones in the sea are able to continue.
I looked at my Pokeballs and the pokemon I had outside… Aero and Pika, while inside my pokeballs are Gyara, Poli, Saur, and Lax. Two water types, an electric, a normal pokemon, a rock-flying one and my grass and Poison type. If I had to guess, of all the grunts that were in the beach, only some of them where there as a back-up. If they all came to attack me when if I defeated the ones that are attacking me right now, they would leave an open path for me to escape and come back with possible reinforcements. I looked again towards the Pokeballs in my hand… I had a plan.
Green's POV
-Charizard Flamethrower on that Skarmory!
-Chuchu use Thunder on that Fearow!
And with that I saw the first two pokemon fall. Red had just left us two minutes ago and we didn't want to lose any time. Red was the strongest, we all knew that, but even he had some limitations. That's why Yellow had become serious just as he left, using one of her best combinations. Yellow is a pacifist by nature, she tries to avoid battles if she can and always lends a hand to those pokemon and humans in need. She's such a good person that she would never even think of hurting someone for her selfish reasons, either physically or psychologically. She doesn't hate battling like Rub, she just prefers to avoid doing damage to anyone if she can avoid it.
The problem for her enemies come when she can't avoid it. She has a hidden side that very few people know of her. She's normally a shy and insecure girl, but if she feels that somebody that she cares deeply for needs her help, she changes. And if by any coincidence, this thing involves Red…
With two attacks she was able to make things much easier for us. The Stun spore wouldn't have done much damage alone, but the Silver wind was able to spread the spores all around us with the control over the attack that I've only seen in her Butterfree. With the ten pokemon paralyzed, and therefore, flying more slowly than before they we're an easy target.
-Zap Cannon Porygon 2! Fire Blast to stop that Hyperbeam!- I told my two pokemon, who were able to do their jobs.
For one my Charizard's and my enemy's Swellow attack cancelled each other while the Zap Cannon striked directly on him. It wasn't out cold yet, but it fell right after when Chuchu shot a Thunderbolt at him. Yellow was still flying on top of my Pidgeot, but it wasn't using it to attack. She was more in charge of the defense right now, not letting her pokemon receive any damage.
-Kitty, Psychic to make the Venomoth collide with that Ninjask!- was her yell, but while the attack was well aimed, the Ninjask was able to avoid it.
The attackers weren't just watching from the sidelines though, they were her e to fight and that was clear in their moves. As soon as Ninjask avoided the attack was asked to attack Yellow's Butterfree with Fury cutter while a Beedrill attacked it with Twin Needle and a floating Weezing tried Sludge towards it. I really wanted to help her, but I had my own share of attackers and incoming attacks, like a Hidropump by another Pelliper, a Dragonbreath by a Vibrava…
-Pidgeot use Gust! Kitty cover yourself in String Shot!- was Yellow's reaction to the incoming attacks.
-Charizard, dive under the Hydropump and use Flamethrower towards the Dragonbreath!
-We need another plan Green!- said Yellow- The Paralyzed pokemon are out, but there are still more of them and they keep coming one after another.
-I know, but we can't just use the same plan again- I said- and it's too early to use any ultimate attacks.
-Don't you have another pokemon that can fly Green?- asked Yellow- what about Scizor?
-Scizor, huh?- I thought then.
Sure, Scizor has wings, but being as Steel type his weight is more than what its thin wings can handle. Or I should say, that this is what happens with the usual Scizors. But one thing has to be clear. We, the Dexholders and our pokemon, are not normal.
-He can do it, Yellow- I said- but for a maximum time of 2 minutes. Any longer than that will be asking too much.
-That won't be enough we still have 7 pokemon surrounding us, plus the ones they're riding- she said- assuming that they won't have more.
So with that we both had to separate to avoid a couple of well directed Dragonbreath attacks that would've done much damage. Then it became very difficult for us to keep in touch verbally. Of course we could call each other with just a word, but we had agreed to avoid it since Red could call any second asking for help.
So we stayed just like that, attacking back and forth towards our enemies. When it seemed that one of us was gaining any type of advantage, they changed their methods and positions making us lose all the advantage obtained. Even that though, some pokemon still fainted. That Ninjask was the next one to fall with swirls in its eyes thanks to a Charizard's Flamethrower that impacted on him while Kitty's Psychic kept him unable to move. That Vibrava was the next thanks to a combination of Yellow's pokemon using Stun Spore and my Pidgeot's Mirror move that sent back a Dragonbreath attack effectively knocking it out.
With only Pidgeot, Charizard, Porygon 2, Chuchu, and Kitty outside we were still outnumbered and our situation could improve a lot. Charizard and Pidgeot were carrying one of us so their maneuverability was reduced, while the 10 of them were riding a one each while they had even more pokemon outside. Right now we were battling a Weezing , one Honchkrow, a Duskull, another Fearow and another Skarmory directly while they used their flying types from a safe distance using long ranged attacks like Air Cutter and Gust.
That caused us to receive some damage since our attacks would fail due to the winds they created while always trying to avoid the incoming attacks. They were a group of 9 grunts and we were dealing with 5 pokemon directly and 8 pokemon that were using their long ranged attacks.
Something is off right? Well it really isn't because one grunt wasn't commanding any attack towards his Aerodactyl, his only pokemon outside. He was commanding everything else though, every single one of the movements that every single grunt did was commanded by that black capped and hooded grunt. Their leader.
That presented some possibilities. The good one is that we found the main target to attack, the problem is that he had 8 good security guards to keep us in line. We had to take him out. I saw Yellow approach me then and I did the same. We dove at the same time to avoid some attacks before we could exchange some more words.
-The hooded one is the leader Green- said Yellow- we have to take him down.
-I know, but we'll have to surpass all those grunts first- I said- we've got to create an opening.
-And what will you do? You believe you can take him and that Aerodactyl out with a single attack?- she asked- It seems pretty strong.
-I know, but we have to make the leader fall. If we accomplish that all their strategy will fall apart. They are following every single order and that means that they'll be lost without him.
-Okay! Pidgeot Mirror Move! Chuchu Light screen!
-Charizard go right and fire some Fire blasts! Porygon 2 use Lock on and then Psybeam!
-Hydropump and Sludge!- shouted a grunt on top of his Pellipper commanding the Weezing.
-Silver Wind Kitty! Send that Sludge back!
We needed an opening to strike at him, just one, but it was almost impossible to go through that pokemon barrier that this guy had come up with. Like the director of an orchestra, he was moving everyone to defend or attack depending the situation. There wasn't an opening we could use attacking like we were doing it. But like Ruby said back in the day, there's no foolproof plan or strategy, so there must be something that can make this crumble.
"C'mon Green, think of something!"
-Porygon2 use Lock On on his Aerodatyl- I commanded- Charizard dive under them and attack with Flamethrower!
I didn't really expect Charizard's attack to do much damage, because his Pelliper quickly came to his aid and extinguished the flames with Hydropump. My goal was to instead strike at the mastermind behind this defensive formation.
-Now, Porygon2 use Zap Cannon!
I watched in silence how the attack was charged before being launched directly at the almighty prehistoric pokemon. I kinda expected the guy to command someone to take the attack for him, but he didn't. The closest pokemon to the attack was a Pelliper and it quickly avoided the attack that would've clearly KOed him. So instead, and making use of a great speed, it used Agility to avoid the incoming attack while commanding the line of pokemon to use Air Cutter on me.
-Chuchu use Thunder!- it was the attack that saved me when the flock of pokemon quickly dispersed to avoid the monstrous attack that was coming their way.
-You thought that this attack would finish me?- said the hooded grunt-You both can do better than that, Green, Yellow. C'mon attack again! Air Cutter, take them out for our master!
And a great barrage of attacks came then again towards us. I wanted to form a plan, to speak with Yellow, but whenever we tried to it became impossible. Our flying types' energy was wearing off little by little due to the constant movement, avoiding, defending… Charizard's movements weren't as fast as before, the same as the others. We had to thank Chuchu and Porygon2 for their work at supporting us either deflecting attacks or attacking the enemies.
-Green!- yelled Yellow and I turned to see her at the other side of the attacks.
As soon the attacks stopped we both went towards each other, she seemed confident for some reason. I saw her smirk when they all started to attack us like trying to keep us apart from each other. It was a combination of Chuchu's Light screen and Kitty's Gust that dispersed the attacks.
-I know the weak point of this plan!- she said- It's very simple!
-What is it?
-They're trying to make us always be separate so I believe that being… look out!- she yelled and I had to separate from her to avoid a torrent of water that came directly in my way.
It still struck Charizard though, who howled in pain when the water struck his midsection, just under the wings.
-Green listen to me… I'll be quick- said Yellow's voice that came from my earphone.
-They're always trying to keep us apart, so they believe that if we attack together, they won't be able to endure it- she said- like before, their pokemon are always trying to avoid our electric attacks, not ever trying to endure them.
-So what do you propose?- I asked.
-A very simple plan. Turn left a little and let Proygon 2 fall- she said- I'll use both Chuchu and him to create an opening for you and Charizard.
-Okay, we'll do that- I said smirking- Cut!
And just like that the call ended. I had to avoid right first, but then I turned left and made my move. As I made a turn I "forgot" to hold onto Porygon2 who fell head first away from me. I quickly saw a brown and blonde blur catch him and in a split second Yellow was flying with Porygon2 on top of Pidgeot's head while Chuchu jumped from Kitty to on top of her while clearly using Charge.
-I'll shield you Yellow- I said seeing that she was preparing to attack- Kitty use Silver wind! Charizard use a barrage of Fire blasts!
-Counter them!- was the hooded young man's voice, and surely a barrage of attacks flew towards us destroying the Fire blasts in the process, but deflected with Silver Wind.
-Move aside Green- said Yellow from behind when I saw the two Pokemon be fully prepared- Now Chuchu and Porygon2… Thunder and Zap Cannon!
With all the charging the pokmeon had been able to do two massive beams directed in a V pattern towards the horde of pokemon. The massive beams wasn't directly at any specific pokemon, but they were so large that some pokemon took damage from it, two even falling unconscious.
As this happened I didn't lose the opportunity though because when the pokemon scattered due to the attack I took my chance to charge forward at full speed towards the master behind the plan. The opening was so good and the timing so perfect that I was charging directly towards him and his pokemon alone. He just smirked, though, an smirk that would disappear soon.
-Steel wing!- I yelled as I got one of my pokeballs in my left hand.
-Like I would let you…- he said- Aerodactyl, stop him with Ancientpower!
-Cut through them!
-Don't let him!
THUD!
That was the sound of rock clashing towards my dragon like pokemon when a stone stopped its advances as two other boulders threw him back in agony due to the extremely effective attack that my pokemon had received.
THUD!
And that was the sound of Steel clashing against the rocky flesh of the Aerodactyl. A direct hit of a Steel wing directly towards its midsection that made the pokemon howl in pain dropping its payload.
-Make it faint Scizor! Use Steel wing again!- I commanded towards my bug-steel type, who charged again and repeatedly striked towards the ancient pokemon until I finally saw him fall unconscious towards the sea.
-Good one Green!- was Yellow's praise while I examined Charizard's condition and took out a Hyperpotion.
-Cover me for a second- I asked while I sprayed his wounds with the effective medicine- these grunts won't even be a challenge without their leader to command them, they're not even close to our level.
-That's right Green- said the voice of the dark hooded grunt again- It was a good thing to realize it. That's part of the reason that we weren't really attacking up-front even if we were better in numbers. They can't hold their own in front of you guys- he added.
I looked around for him, until I looked up towards the sky where I saw him riding a shiny Flygon.
-The plan was a very good one, but I kinda expected this to happen- he continued- To make a Scizor be able to fly, that's something impressive here Green, and the attacks Yellow pulled off… impressive too. Just like I expected from you guys. You've changed from back then, but you keep being the same kind of people- his voice turned cold then- no one knows what you can pull off.
It surprised me the calm in his cold and calculating voice. He talked about us like he knew us. It wasn't the first time that it had happened in this battle, but it was clearer now. But from where did we know this guy?
-Why are you talking towards us with so comfortably?- asked Yellow.
-Who are you?- was my question.
-You want to know who am I?- he asked grabbing his hood and cape with his right hand- then I'll show you.
And with a swift tug all his clothing and face was out for us to see. His clothes were just like those of a regular grunts, but he had those golden belts in his arms and legs, signaling that he was a golden-rank official of the organization. What was strange though, was that I couldn't recognize him. He had black hair that fell until just on his shoulders, a most likely disfigured face and bright red eyes. And it was also much younger that we figured him to be… no more than 16 years old for sure.
-Oh I see it now, you don't recognize me- said the boy now, still proudly on top of his Flygon- I must say that I'm hurt. I expected more of my friends.
-What do you mean? Stop playing with us!- I yelled, I was becoming confused and I didn't like that one bit.
-Seems that I'll have to give you some tips then… Black hair, red eyes, good strategist- he said with a smirk- doesn't it remind you of someone? Of someone better than all of you even if younger?
We paused at that. I looked towards Yellow as she did the same, with our eyes wide as plates.
-That's… no it can't be…- said Yellow, while similar thoughts entered my mind.
-I'll give you the final one then…- he said his smile disappearing and the seriousness in his voice rising- I'm the one that was left behind so you all could safely escape from that prison.
-But you can't be him!- said Yellow trembling- He's… he's…
-He's dead!- I shouted then.
-It seems like you're wrong again guys- he said a smile creeping towards his face- I'm that guy that's supposed to be dead… and now I'm your enemy…
-Ru-Ruby?- were Yellow's words while I stayed there almost paralyzed from the realization.
-Yes, that's right- he said cynically- I'm Ruby!
Gold's POV
-Change of plans Togetaro, land on that tall building- I commanded my flying type.
I had planned to land just on the beach, but when I saw the amount of people gathered there I dismissed the thought immediately. I made my way towards the border of the building that allowed me a complete view of the beach, bay and its surroundings and observed the situation, like Rub had asked me to do.
There were almost 30 grunts where there pokeball in hand. Some were looking in the direction of the buildings while the other were looking towards the sea, where the enormous base of the enemy had emerged. It was enormous and by what I would recall from the few times they've let us out when we were prisoners, it was the same base, only that now it was a submarine one.
Looking at the air I could see fights, two to be exact. I was quite far, but I could see that some grunts at the sea were attacking one of us that was flying. Almost 100 m upon this comrade though, was where the real battle was happening. I could clearly see a massive amount of attacks go back and forth. In less than 3 minutes I saw Flamethrowers, Zap Cannons, Sludges… and a lot of Air cutters. I knew that Green was one of the two Dexholders there, since he has the only Fire-flying type in the group in his Charizard.
With this solved I also knew who was the one fighting by his side, and the identity of the one that was fighting the ones on the water. There's no way that Red would allow Yellow to do such a thing alone so the one that was avoiding every single attack just about 15 meters from up the sea's surface was our Red eyed battling monster, while Yellow was the one paired up with our serious friend.
I really had an urge to go there and help them, but I though again and I stopped myself. Rub had ordered me to just stay here and inform him about the situation. Even if he hadn't said that I had no way of avoiding all 30 grunts in the beach, much less beat them, before reaching anywhere near of being useful to any of those groups. With that, I hid again and typed the first of the 6 messages that I had to send Rub before entering the fight.
-Are you sure that you saw something landing here?- was the voice that startled me.
When I turned, I saw a grunt get out of the door that led to the inside of the building. The grunt wasn't an official and had a handkerchief covering his mouth. He was talking with a walkie-talkie in his hand with what seemed to be his commander.
-Yes, I'm sure- said another voice coming from the device- I'll await your news.
-Ok. Over and out!
Seeing that he had his back towards me I sent my Sudowoodo out and I commanded him.
-Ataro use Fake Out- I whispered towards my pokemon.
It took just one well-directed attack to do the work since only seconds after that, I saw him fall limp to the ground. I had an smirk in my face when I approached the KOed man.
5 minutes later
Five minutes after that I was getting out of the building with the guy's attire upon my own and the handkerchief covering my mouth.
-This trick never gets old- I said for myself before stepping out of the building. I quickly looked towards the grunts displayed in the sand, just where a week ago had served as our playing ground. I quickly spotted a grunt with silver belts around his arms, talking with 3 bronze belt officials, all girls. I went over there.
-I suppose that no one was there?- was what one of the girls asked.
-That's right- I shook my head.
-Okay- said the commander- go towards your position until new orders.
-Yes sir!
I quickly dashed out of there. I didn't really know where I was supposed to go, but for the time being I went towards the background when no one should notice me. As I tied my shoelaces again, I opened Poltaro's and Utaro's pokeball and commanded them to dig around.
After that I tried to get away from the officials as much as I could, I looked around to see that one of the groups was solely focused in the aerial battles in front of them while the other was looking towards the city, while stealing glances at it. When I thought I was far enough from them I went towards the first lines and stood there in silence. I heard some grunts conversing between them, some even told some jokes.
They seemed awfully confident even if they were fighting against us. It irked me a little that these people underestimated us so much, but I had to say that it was understandable. They all knew that Kyogre was on their side, while they thought that we didn't know anything about it. Too bad that they couldn't predict that we did know and that we had our own methods to counter it. I had texted Rub 4 times, but I didn't know if I would be able to do it 6 times before I had to do something.
I turned to look at Green's and Yellow's battle after watching Red for some time. His was difficult and more since the grunts had finally started working together to bring him down. At first it seemed a kid's game, but now it was different. Red was having trouble countering and dodging every attack. He was able to do little damage when he flew down to attack a grunt directly, but a combination of good directed attacks made him retract to a higher altitude.
Green and Yellow's was totally different. No one was moving in that battle. Not Yellow, not Green and, surprisingly, not a single grunt. It was like they were talking or something. It was so weird that even the grunts seemed confused. Suddenly the grunts started moving again, encircling my friends and attacking at the same time. Green and Yellow were able to dodge, but barely. Things were getting intense when…
-Hey!- said a voice and I lifted my head to meet the face of one of the bronze belt officials I had met before- What are you doing here?
-Wh-what do you mean?
-You are assigned to be at the rear, protecting the beach from possible attack from the city- she said- This is the line of people that will enter the battle as soon as our opponents gain any advantage.
-I wasn't looking where I was going- I defended- I was just looking at the phone when…
-Oh, here you?- said another voice behind me, a male this time.
-I accept that this is quite the disguise, but it lacks something- said another voice, from the left and female this time.
-And what that might be?- I said sounding defeat.
-Height- said one of the girls- one does not simply lose half a foot of height in 10 minutes.
-I have to say that it makes sense- I conceded- but have you thought that I could've been using platforms to look taller because I have a trauma with being so short?
-No I really didn't- said the commander taking hold of my right arm-So why don't you get out of that disguise now so we can all see who has been captured… Gold?
I found myself very cornered there. All the eyes were on me and some pokemon were even sent out. It was then that chaos ensued. Suddenly an alarm like sound was heard coming from the submarine. It was so loud that I'm sure that it could be heard from the other side of the town. Just then I looked towards Red and the ones he was fighting to and I was amazed at what I saw.
It started like a massive whirlpool that engulfed each and every one of the grunts, and its pokemon, that were attacking him just seconds ago. Then it became a living hell for them. Massive sparks were seen coming from the center of the whirlpool, like Thunders falling in a tempestuous day. It was then that I decided to act.
-The back-up group! Enter the fight!- was the silver belt official shout- Bring Red down!
-No they won't- was what I told him when his face changed to one of surprise- they'll stay right here! Utaro, Sandstorm!
Yellow's POV
It can't be true, it really can't. Ruby, the friend we lost the fateful day of our escape, can't be alive. Yet a growing part of me wants it to be true.
-Ruby?- I asked then- Are you really him?
-Do I really have to repeat myself?- he said rolling his eyes- Yes, that's who I am.
-That's not true, Ruby is dead!- was Green's shout.
-That's what you believe or what you want to believe?- was his cheerful response.
-That's what we know- answered Green who was stunned- You fell from Pilo 600m above the ground without a way to stop your fall.
-And are you sure that's true?
-Sapphire told us what happened! She saw everything- I explained while my eyes started to well up- Ruby protected her from the Salamence and ultimately fell off Pilo.
-Yes, that part is true- he said- the part of not surviving is what's wrong.
-But there was no was no way…
-There was one- he said- The Salamence caught me. The next thing I remember is being stuck for 5 days in the bed I used in our room, with IV tubes in my arm and attached to the medical equipment that kept me alive.
I looked again at him, he really seemed to be our age or even less for the height. His face was disfigured and he had vivid red eyes. His jet black hair was kinda messy from being kept under the hood. I really tried to remember the factions of our lost friend, but while I could create a general view of him, the details were gone. Mostly because of the age, since he must've been suffering the growing phases of puberty, but also because the last time we were able to see him was, sadly, 5 years ago.
-Stop playing with us!- was Green's exalted voice- You're not Ruby. Ruby is not alive anymore, as much as we would want him to. There's no way you can be him.
-Still in denial?
-We're not in denial! You're just trying to impersonate someone that was so much better than a lowlife like you- said Green with the most enraged voice I've seen him speak.
-Yeah, my story… I was the 10 year old boy that morally and physically led a group of ten children with great abilities- he started- The one who defended them, mostly Sapphire since she was the weakest of them all.
-Stop talking about him like you knew him!
-He also encouraged them, again Sapphire was the most benefited one by that- he said sounding nostalgic-and finally he leaded them towards a thing called freedom. Too bad that fate is not always fair and the guy that made all of this possible was the only one to be left behind.
-Shut up! Ruby sacrificed himself for her to escape safely- I said- It wasn't fair, that he was the one to die, but…
-I know it wasn't, I was the only one that was really aware of all the dangers- he said surprisingly- The only one who knew what was happening, the only one to warn you… but all those warnings fell on deaf ears.
-What do you mean by that?- was Green's question.
-You thought I didn't know that all my constant warnings didn't reach you?- he asked with a smile- that I didn't know that all of you thought that I was exaggerating?
-But…
- There is absolutely no way to go out unnoticed, the furthest we can go without being noticed is outside the building- he said then, surprising both of us.
-How do you know that?- I inquired while Green was like paralyzed.
-What do you mean? I'm the one who said it- he said- or are you finally being convinced that I'm, indeed, the friend you left to die that fateful day?
-We didn't leave him to die!
-Did you come back for me?- he asked with some rage visible in his voice.
The next sound that was heard surprised me. It was a laugh, but it didn't come from our enemies. It was Green's. It seemed a little forced, but it held so more meaning that what it seemed.
-You had me fooled for a single moment there- he said- For a moment I really thought that you were him, but you failed. Ruby would never be sore with us for not going back for him. He was the one who said that would anyone be left behind, no one was going back for him or her. We had a hard time accepting it, but he told us his reasons.
-And what were those?
-Ruby explained, that it wouldn't really be a second chance for a escape. If our plan failed, we would be put under more surveillance than before so no one was allowed to get caught again- Green started to explain the conversation he had only with Red, Blue and myself- In the hypothetic case that one of us should be captured again, he said that it was useless to even try to rescue this person. 9 people wouldn't be enough to rescue him or her and that would only end in all of us caged again, this time, for live.
-That's true- I said- we were not happy about it, but it made sense. It was a hard decision for us to agree to, but at the end we all agreed to it.
-Well, it's true that we had this conversation…- he said- and I can't say that I didn't accept your decision when I finally realized that you hadn't come for me. I was the one to propose it and I knew that you had done the right thing.
-You're just contradicting yourself…
-Am I? Yeah it's true- he said sourly- I accepted that you all had done the right thing to do, and that thanks to me all 9 of you were able to escape safely. At first.
-At first?
-At first- he nodded- after some days I was able to get up again and wander around the cage again. Only this time it was empty, like before you all entered. It was then that I started to have conflicted feelings.
An awkward silence fell on us then. We waited for him to continue, but I found myself wondering why… Why were we believing him? Ruby is dead . It can't be true that he is our enemy now. I looked around to the grunts that were surrounding us. They weren't even trying to intimidate us, just flying atop their pokemon. Ru- the hooded grunt had been commanding every single one of their movements, but it was still strange that they would be so obedient.
-Those conflicted feelings came while I was convincing myself that you had done the right thing, thinking that I would've done the same- he said and stopped- but that wasn't true. I know what I said, but I also know that I wouldn't have done the same. I would've come.
-But you… Ruby fell- I said my eyes welling up- we would find only the dead body of our friend and be exposed again. That's not what Ruby would've wanted.
-DON'T GIVE ME THAT CRAP!- the red eyed man said- What do know? You weren't there alone. And when you were there I made all my efforts to be friends with all of you, to know all of you. I thought that I could trust you all, but then… BAM! When I really need you, you disappear.
-It wasn't like that…
-IT WAS! I didn't want to think like this, but weeks passed. Then months. And finally five years- he explained-I spent the first two months in denial, thinking that maybe you were trying something to rescue me and when Marchie showed me that you've become the Dexholders, my hopes increased. You were not alone anymore, you had the Association behind you. With that you could come and rescue me, while destroying them in the process. But that didn't happen. 5 months it took me to realize that you've forgotten about me.
-We thought that you were dead- said Green clasping his hand on his mouth when he realized what he said.
-If you had even tried to find me, you'd have realized that I wasn't!- snapped the self-called Ruby- You didn't do that. Not you, not Red or Gold, not even Sapphire!
-Sapphire fell unconscious after we found her- I retorted- The shock of seeing y-him fall was too huge for her.
-There were still 8 more of you!- he said- Believe me, I tried very hard not to hate you. But reality is a bitch. I also wanted to be free, to see my parents and relatives, to be able to hang out with you… To be a Dexholder! That was our dream remember? A dream to fulfill the ten of us together when we got out of it. It was so hard to see all the news of you leaving your good live while I…
-You what?- I asked then.
-I SUFFERED!- he answered-Do you believe that the experiments ceased when I was alone again? Negative. Do you think that my training sessions would stop? Nope. Do you know why you didn't recognize me? Because Matt disfigured my face with all his beating ups- he said and a gasp escaped my mouth- Yes Yellow, he beat me up almost daily. The first 3 years after your departure were a living hell, there. Until I got a new goal.
-And what was that new goal?- asked Green- You joined Marchie?
I looked at him and I was amazed at what I saw. I've seen Green lose his temper sometimes, but this was different. Our hero figure was falling apart with each word the boy in front of us was saying. I've never seen him so sad, frustrated… so destroyed. But how could I blame him, when all I was feeling was sorrow and guilt myself? The guilt for never checking if he was really dead, for never doubting that he was dead.
-No, I didn't join him… In fact I couldn't care less about his plans for taking over the world- he said surprisingly- the only thing he promised me was that he would see all of you again and that if I wanted to ask you any questions I could tag along until then. And that's what I did, I came here to get some answers. And let me tell you… It weren't the ones I expected to hear… All I heard were the pathetic excuses of the people I used to think of as friends. The same ones I'll destroy now.
Red's POV
-Go down Aero! Pika Thunderbolt those attacks, the charge again!-I commanded my pokemon.
It had been too easy, like they were holding back. It only took a single pause from my enemies, and then all changed. They started to coordinate their attacks, and even the type of them. It was so sudden that it got me by surprise, in fact if it wasn't for the Light Screen Pika made on his own which was able to deflect 4 attacks in collaboration with his Thunder, I would've been in a lot of problems. As said, now things were different and flying became more difficult.
I had to constantly change directions, deflecting attacks and even receiving them. The attacks I received were very weak, but they were becoming a problem. Aero had received some, Pika too, and even I received some. Once I had to hold onto Aero's tail in order not to fall. A single spin of my pokemon was what it took for him to get me again. Things weren't good and not only for me. When I looked up I could see both Green and Yellow be surrounded by them, even if no one was moving there.
I looked then at the two pokeballs in my hand. I told them what they had to do once they got out, but first I had to let them out. I couldn't find a good opening since every time I came near the water they barraged me with attacks and I couldn't avoid them all. Seeing the tiredness from my flying type I couldn't allow this to happen, but there had to be another way to do it. It was then when I heard it, as almost the entire city I guess. It was the sound of a very loud alarm and it came directly from the inside of the submarine. I noticed the grunts look away, this was my chance.
-Pika counter those Icebeams with Thunderbolt! Now use Charge as many times as you can- I said- Aero go down with a spin maneuver. Use Agility once more!
And that was our only option do it and I wouldn't allow it to fail. The maneuver alone was able to avoid most of the attacks, but it was impossible to stop every single one. Aero's right wing became partially frozen by an Ice beam that a Lapras fired at us. The good thing though, was that my job was done.
It started immediately, while I commanded Aero to fly up again to avoid getting caught in what was going to happen. As I wished, I was able to escape without being barraged with attacks. That was because both Gyara with his Intimidation or Poli with his Dynamic Punch were doing severe damage from below the water. Even sometimes making the trainers fall from their pokemon. The huge event, had still to happen though.
-Pika, use Charge again and then prepare your Substitute- I said and he nodded on top of Aero.
And then it happened. I saw a great dark figure in the sea, turning in a circle around the area where the grunts were disposed. Said figure started to turn faster and faster until the sea surface was not calm anymore. As it closed the circle a little and turned even faster the surface was covered in seafoam, until it broke and started spinning at the same speed as Gyara was spinning.
It was massive, the type of Whirlpool that only great pokemon can manage to create and it engulfed all the pokemon and humans that were, just minutes ago, fighting in the sea.
-Now Pika!- I commanded and after a nod of confirmation, a Pikachu-like shape jumped towards the sea.
It landed on the center of the Whirlpool, just where Poli was floating, to serve as a base for him to attack. And it was one hell of an attack. Having used Charge four times, the Thunder attacks that the clone produced were so powerful that I'm quite sure that the pokemon inside were fainting in pairs. I scratched him, congratulating his job, when I noticed something from the beach.
I couldn't see anything else than a huge cloud of sand, when I looked there. It was so great that it had well entered the sea un until almost halfway to where I was. Just then I saw a figure get out of it, flying on a Togekiss. The person was wearing the uniform of our enemies, but as he came close I smiled.
-Still using the same trick, Gold?- I asked him when he arrived.
-It didn't go so well this time around- he said- they caught me, but it was nothing that I couldn't solve.
-You took out all the grunts on the beach?
-They're like, 2m covered in sand- he said- and those are lucky to be so close to the surface. What about you? You also did a number of them.
-Yes I did- I said looking at myself and Aero- but I didn't come out unscratched like you.
Aero was very tired and very hurt, with still some ice in his wings. Pika had used some of his health with the Substitute and I had some scratches from random attacks that had touched me. Even that my worry was Aero.
I looked up then and I became concerned. It was clear that the fight had restarted, but something was very off. Green and Yellow weren't attacking, and even just defending had become too difficult for them. It was then that something scared me out of my mind.
A person was falling, and it wasn't just any person. It was a girl, a blonde girl.
-Aero c'mon fly, fly!- I commanded and my pokemon obeyed- use Agility!
What scared me further that my pokemon couldn't do that. It was too hurt to increment its speed and I would be able to reach Yellow. It was then that I got an idea, the ones Gold would have.
-Gyara use Twister! Poli use Bubblebeam!- I yelled- stop her fall!
It wasn't able to do it, as I hoped, but it slowed her fall. I was still far from her and I wouldn't arrive before she arrived towards the water. Then a blur flew past me. It was Gold and Togetaro using Extremespeed, but even that it would be a close call. It was then that Togetaro started glowing. It was using his best attack, Sky attack, while at the same time he was using the high speed he gained before. I closed my eyes when I saw Yellow almost arrive to the sea.
When I opened them, I felt a tear fall. She was alive, Gold was able to save her. As I arrived there I saw Pidgeot arrive too. Gold had just caught her hand and using Ataro had helped her get on top of his Togekiss. I felt relieved like never before. As I approached her, I was surprised though. She was crying.
-How is she Gold?- I asked when we met again with Yellow on top on Togekiss while he rode Pidgeot with Ataro.
-She's okay, but…
-We can't win this…- was Yellow's voice between her sobs.
-What do you mean?-I asked- We are winning this! Are you hurt?
-We can't win against this enemy- she said lunging forward and hugging me tighter than ever.
-What do you mean? What enemy?- I asked- is it Marchie?
Then I felt her shook her head in my shoulder. I also felt it get wet due to her tears.
-The enemy we've been fighting against is not Marchie Red- she said- it's Ruby!
Aaaaand closure! This is the end of chapter 36.
I really hope that all of you really liked this chapter as much as I liked writing it and if not... well I hope you like the following ones more. As said, this chapter explains what happened outside the submarine, from when they got separated until the alarm sound that Malcolm activated is heard. As this is happening the things in the Association and Pyramid are also happening simultaneously. Next chapter will be similar in this aspect, but it'll arrive at the point where the timelines will meet again.
This said I only have to thank LC5 again for his hard work and hope that all of you for reading this story. Next chapter won't probably be out until the next year, cause I really have a lot of work to do. i'm sorry for that.
REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!