Author's Corner.
LP: 'Sup homies! Been a while since y'all heard from me didn't ya? What was that? You barely missed me? Well just so ya know, I've been doing some background stuff of ma own and I'm glad to say that I'm actually playing a MAJOR role in this shit! I know. Like I wasn't great enough already. Who knows, maybe that Awesome girl might finally look at me.
Vann: I'm kinda surprised, LP. Your role in the plot actually seems to be of relevance.
Camille: Ahem, SHUT THE FUCK UP AND STOP SPOILING THE STORY!
DISCLAIMER: SLYBILL OWNS POKÉMON NOT. ELSE N WOULD'VE CONTRIBUTED TO THE ANIME BY NOW!
Mistralton City, Unova Region.
A familiar mass of blue hair walked into the small diner and the man at the counter cocked an eyebrow as the pet Tranquill started sqwauking and beating its grey wings in fright. The waitress however walked up to Rain's table, unperturbed by the almost evident weirdness rolling off his skin as he conversed with no one in particular. He was a regular customer anyway and the woman had long adjusted to his quirky habits.
"Evening Rain, what can I get you guys?" she asked, pen and paper ready to take down his order.
"You look pretty down, Martha," he deduced and looked up to meet her chocolate-brown eyes. "Something up?"
Martha rolled her eyes. "In case you haven't noticed, the entire city's in mourning right now and it's not like I can bounce around at a time like this."
"Oh. Skyla's death huh?" he asked and looked down slowly. "Sorry."
The woman recoiled at his sheepish look and put a hand on his shoulder. "Look, I'm sorry for snapping and all. Just been tensed lately. Also, I know what you're thinking and please know that it wasn't your fault. You were too busy saving us from those Plasma psychos, remember?"
Rain nodded and tapped the table lightly. "I should've been faster though."
"Nah. There wasn't anything you could do. So, what're you having?"
"Uh...water. I guess."
Martha smiled coyly. "Right, bacon, eggs, some french toast and a large jug of fresh lemonade coming right up."
Rain stuttered but stopped as she was already up and running to the next table. Mistralton sure had it's own weird way of showing gratitude. It made him feel a little warm inside to know that anyway. At least he wasn't the only weirdo in this city.
"But why does it feel like those Plasma grunts were after me...?" he pondered aloud and Latios' refraction bent a little. He probably tilted his head in thought but that was something only Rain could figure out.
"You're right. I just need to trail Scarlet and maybe I'll find some answers then," the ranger stated and gawked at the food on the table. Looking to Martha, he said, "Don't you think it's a little much?"
"For your friend too," she replied with a wink. "That's if he eats people-food anyway."
"Oh. Thank you," he said, bowing his head. " How much?"
"On the house, boy. Eat it and go finish this mission of yours."
At that point, Rain decided on staying in Mistralton after his retirement.
Underground Plasma Castle, Unova Region.
"Everyone, this is Camille Dark. ORPH's technician prodigy and your new co-worker."
Camille stepped forward and stood to attention as she faced the three strange looking people at the table. Mr.P had warned her about the Dragon Knights'...odd...behaviours but she never expected the rows and rows of fangs bared at her as the curly-haired blonde with giant headphones gave a yawn.
"Alphinia, be nice," Mr.P scolded while unravelling his bandages. "Sorry Camie. My baby sister doesn't do well with people."
"Shut up Draco," the girl shot back and narrowed her red irises at the goth. "I don't like her. She smells too much like...him..."
Draco laughed a little and rested a hand on the surprised, and pissed, gothica. "Don't mind her, Camie. So, let me show you around."
Aqua eyed the two as they exited the meeting room before giggling as Alphinia gave a wince.
"Nice job holding it all in. Your boyfriend must've liked it pretty rough cos I've never seen a sex romp that left a girl with a freaking hole in her middle," she remarked and dodged the chair flying straight for her. Beside them, Terra sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose (note: bootprint still present).
"Honestly Aqua, why was such beauty graced with such a foul mouth?" he remarked.
"You're no fun," she sulked before another smile lit her face. "Injun."
"HOW DARE YOU-"
"And that's my cue to cut-in!" Draco interjected from behind the door.
"Thought you were showing the newbie around," Aqua remarked as he sat himself on the table with a tired sigh.
"Turns out she explored the grounds yesterday so there wasn't much to show." He threw a cautious smile at Alphinia. "You know, she might be better company for you. I mean, you are age-mates."
"Shut up," she replied before getting up shakily. "I'm going to bed."
"Hey Alphy," Draco called. "Don't strain yourself, 'kay?"
Alphinia paused at the door before storming off with a huff. Natu popped out of her curly mass of blonde hair before chirping in worry at the conflicted look on its partners face.
"Those trash should stop treating me like a freaking human," the blonde mumbled lowly. "Just because I'm the youngest and I'm injured doesn't mean I'm weak."
Anger welled up in her as once again as the events of before flooded her thoughts.
"Why?" she cried aloud as soon as she entered the hallway. "Why do I keep feeling these things everytime I think of him?"
Natu realised that Alphinia was having one of her mental breakdowns again and quickly flew off as she clutched at her hair.
"Why does this happen to me?" she growled again as her head started to pound. Suddenly, the world began to spin and her vision blurred as she staggered down the hall.
Do you really hate them, Alphinia?
Are humans really as trashy as Ghetsis says they are?
Are you sure you don't already know what these emotions are?
"Shut up!" she screamed, slamming back against a wall and sinking slowly to her feet. Unknown to her, blood trailed the wall where she had hit and her side bled profusely. Despite being infused with Dragon Pokémon cells, the knight didn't get accelerated healing like the others, a situation which deemed her a "failed experiment" according to Bronius. Though no one actually dared to call her that, Alphinia saw it in their eyes each time they looked at her. Pity, disgust, disappointment.
Even Draco cast her that glance everytime she did something foolish. Only Ghetsis and her pokémon seemed to acknowledge her as someone of real significance although it was only because the former had his face vieled and the latter were pokémon. They just had to love her.
Blood was trickling from Alphinia's pink lips now and she cupped her side in agony. It was only when her breathing shallowed that she realised death was approaching.
You may think you're different, Alphinia. But that is false. For your body is human. Pathetically human.
"Omigosh! Are you okay?!"
Alphinia's orbs rolled to the left to see Camille and her Mismagius rushing over to her.
"Thank Arceus your Natu called me. You wouldn't have lasted five more minutes," the goth remarked in concern as she knelt to inspect the re-opened wound. "Mismagius, use Psychic to hold the blood in while I wrap the wound up."
"I don't need your pity, human-"
"Shut the fuck up and hold still!" Camille cut-in sharply as Mismagius' eyes glowed blue. Alphinia was mildly surprised. No one had ever talked to her like that before.
"Hey!" she growled. "Just who the hell d'you think you're talking to?"
"Sorry Queen Bitch but I'm not gonna stand here and let you ruin the carpet with your blood," the goth replied, tightning a cloth around the knight's waist and draping Alphinia's arm over her shoulder. "C'mon. Let's get you cleaned up."
Alphinia should've resisted. Even in the state she was in, she could still send Camille straight through the hallway with one push or better yet, have Salamence devour her there and then. But instead, her body seemed to gain a mind of its own and with a small nod, she was rushed to her room.
...
Alphinia hissed as Camille pressed a hot towel onto the injury. "Why are you helping me...?"
"What kinda question is that? I'm supposed to help you," she replied and dabbed the cloth on the girl's side. "Mr.P, or Draco, was right. You guys are weird."
...
...
"Hey, you know Scarlet...right?"
Camille blinked. "Yeah...how do you know his name...?"
"It's nothing..." came the reply. "We met a while ago, that's all."
"Oh."
...
...
"Um...you said your name was Camille, right?" Alphinia asked. This was strange. She was actually making conversation with this lowly trash.
"Yup. And you'd do well to remember it in future," she replied and took a bandage.
"What's Scarlet like...?"
Camille arched an eyebrow. "Why d'you wanna know?"
"None of your business. Just tell me," the blonde snapped, too used to ordering grunts around.
"Hey, I'm not your slave or anything so you ain't got any right to order me!" the goth shot back, a tick mark forming on her head.
...
...
"Sorry," Alphinia muttered with a pout. Okay, this was definitely weird. She apologised. To a human. Wow...
"...He's okay-ish...a little," Camille sighed while cutting off a length of the bandage. "Although he can be a greedy, heartless baldy with zero-concern for his fellow man."
Alphinia found herself giving a very, very, very small chuckle at the almost perfect description.
"But he has a teeny sense of justice though. And he'll never admit it, but he cares a lot for the ones he likes."
"Like his Jolteon and his sister," Alphinia chipped in and tilted her head at Camille's look of confusion. "What?"
"You sure you're not familiar with this guy?" she asked and Alphinia coughed uncomfortably.
"We've had a few small run-ins here and there..."
Camille shrugged and spread the bandage over the wound. "There. All done. And don't go straining yourself or else I'll beat you over the head with a Poffin Pot."
Alphinia twitched before sitting up slowly and taking her shirt. As Camille and Mismagius strolled over to the door, the knight said something that baffled her own senses altogether.
"Thank you."
"It's okay. It's what humans do for each other anyway."
Alphinia chewed her lip at the comment. "Hey, one more thing. Do you...uhm...like...Scarlet...?"
The goth's hand froze midway as she reached for the door. "Yeah...a little..."
The knight found herself smiling a little. "Then just know that you've got some rivals."
Undella Bay, Undella Town. Unova Region.
"Hey, check out the blonde babe," a guy whispered to his friend, pointing at the woman standing barefoot at the beach shore as they strolled across the sand.
"I know. She's like totally hot. Think we've got a chance?" the other one asked, smoothing his wet hair.
The babe in particular shook her calf-length hair and patted the tall Garchomp standing beside her. The guys openly drooled at the swimsuit she was donning and would've gone for a closer look if not for-
"Mommy!"
"MOMMY?!" the guys screamed as a small eight year old with short blonde hair ran towards the woman who in turn scooped the boy in her arms.
"Hey Aedan!" she cooed, tickling his middle. "Where's your dad?"
"Don't you see him mommy?" the little boy asked and pointed. "He's right over there. Standing behind those two creepy looking guys who've been staring at you."
"HUH?!" the guys squeaked and turned slowly to see a tall, young man with silvery hair standing on his Metagross and looking down on them. "C-C-Champion Steven?!"
Said man narrowed his eyes and threw a creepy smile. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't stare at my wife like that," he said in a cool but menacing voice.
"WIFE?!" they cried again and yelped as the steel pokemon bonked their skulls, leaving swirl marks in their eyes.
...
"I thought I told you to stop wearing that," Steven sighed, running his ringed fingers through his hair. Cynthia giggled and punched his arm playfully.
"Sorry. I forget that I'm too attractive for my own good."
"And vain," the man added, rubbing his arm.
"But you like it, no?" she asked coyly, striking a pose that made the Hoenn champion pinch his nose to stop the nosebleed threatening to gush out.
"Quit teasing me like that or Aedan's gonna get a brother sooner than expected," he groaned, wiping his nose with a tissue. "Anyway, I've come to get Aedan. As you have business in Unova, I feel it'd be only fair to take him back to Hoenn before he gets bored."
Cynthia looked toward the blonde child swinging from Garchomp's outstretched tail. "I guess you're right. Unova's not exactly a safe place to be right now anyway."
"Not to mention you've got another kid on your hands," Steven stated, thumbing at the Villa behind them. "That kid sure can sleep."
"I'll say," she added before her expression turned serious. "But I think his arms should be healed up any day from now. He's been itching to return to the road since I found him back in the desert. What I want to know is who broke his arms in the first place."
Steven put his hands to her waist and drew her close. "In good time, dear. Come, you need to get changed."
The Sinnoh Champion smiled and kissed her husband. "And you need to stop finding an excuse to grope me."
Later that evening...
Cynthia sat herself down on her sofa and looked around the lavish living room.
"Hey Dillon!" she called to no one in particular. "You've almost recovered so I feel it's okay for you to leave. But first, that Haxorus of yours could use some training. Mind bunking with me for a few more days?"
The kitchen door opened and a boy with sandy blonde hair sticking out in two Purrloin-shaped bunches walked out while tugging on his bandana.
"It's Hilbert de-arimasu," he corrected and struck his heroic pose. "And when do we start de-arimasuka?"
Twist Mountain, Unova Region.
"A-Choo!"
LP ran a finger through his nose while muttering curses at the snowy scenery. "Why the hell does it snow on a mountain in da middle of summer..."
The hunter sneezed again before deciding to move on in the blistering cold. Now he wished he had trailed Scarlet after they had separated back in Driftveil. Maybe he wouldn't have missed his way and end up on this Arceus-forsaken chunk of rock.
"But I'm LP anyway. Stuff like this ain't nothing I can't handle!" he gloated through chattering teeth. A howl went through he freezing air and the man dropped low in slight fright and apprehension. In a minute, six Beartic crossed his line of sight and he prayed hard that they wouldn't smell the shampoo wafting from his pompadour. One of the beasts stopped just a few feet behind his hiding place and sniffed the air before calling the others. Crap!
The hunter prepared his gun and got out his pokéball in anticipation for the approaching pokémon but was promptly surprised as they deviated and ran into a big cave not too far away. Moments later, the sound of pokémon battling and people shouting caught LP's ears and he cautiously walked towards the cave before leaning against its entrance and peering in to satisfy his curiousity. Again, he was startled to find some familiar-looking weirdos in knight clothes fighting off the Beartic with their pokémon. Behind them, a particularly large machine clanked and growled as it tore deeper into the cave with its drill-like muzzle.
"Team Plasma...?" LP muttered and recalled the train incident with a shudder. He could still remember the crazy injun's mantra and if anything, he didn't want to go through that herp derp freak of nature again.
"That should be the last one..."
The hunter snapped to attention again and gave a low whistle at the wounds and bruises on the unconscious Beartic. Like a man taking out the trash, one grunt dusted his gloved palms before giving the nearest Beartic a kick.
"These things've been getting a little agitated lately," he remarked as his Scrafty drew back to his side. "Think it has anything to do with the drill?"
His female partner shrugged. "Maybe. I'd be curious too if someone started digging for monsters in my backyard."
LP cocked an eyebrow. Monsters...?
"If you ask me, all we've been doing seems kinda weird, don't you think?" the male grunt added and received a puzzled look from his partner.
"How so?" she asked and the guy scratched his head.
"...Well...you know...the knights, the boss, soul-sacrificing and all that...It doesn't make any sense to me."
"Same here," she replied and turned to the machine. "But the King said we'll understand when the Promised Day comes. And that's in, like, what? A month from now?"
"Two," the guy corrected and patted Scrafty. "At least me and my partner won't be there to see it. Messed up stuff anyway."
"Heh. Fraidy-meowth," the girl sneered playfully and turned before walking off to another section of the cave. "Oh yeah, don't forget to check who's spying on us, 'kay?"
"OK!" the grunt replied. "Rock Smash!"
Without warning, Scrafty zoomed towards the entrance before sinking its glowing fist into the nearest rock, throwing up snow and debris. However, only a crater stared back at them and the grunt shrugged.
"Maybe it was just a pokémon," he remarked and waved to Scrafty. "C'mon buddy. Let's go back."
Meanwhile, LP stood at a far distance, panting and looking back to make sure they hadn't noticed him yet. His pompadour flopped down from the cold and clung to his face as he breathed deeply. Taking out a comb, he raked the lock back into place as he tried to answer the questions bubbling in his mind. Monsters? Soul-sacrificing? What did that mean anyway? And what was going to happen on this Promised Day?
"Ah well, it ain't ma business anyway," he mumbled, giving up and walking towards the mountain's slopy edge. But little did he know how wrong he was as an unknown, well-concealed, ninja-like man with long, snow-white hair watched him from atop a rocky ledge while holding a receiver to his ear with his left hand and a pokéball in his right, ready to call out his Bisharp and behead the hunter.
"Another suitable sacrifice my lord?" he asked and put away his pokéball as he heard the reply. "I understand. He shall be retrieved on the Promised Day."
Scarlet set the bike and gently lifted White into the seat.
"I'll see you around then," Violet stated, hugging her brother from behind. "Even though I would've loved to come along and make sure you guys don't get into any trouble."
"Can't you?" White asked, bouncing on her seat obnoxiously. "Please?"
"Nah," the purple-haired huntress replied. "I don't wanna burden Scarly."
Scarlet and Jolteon sighed in relief.
"Also, there're still some hot boys out there who need my M-rated love!" she added with a wink.
"But...what about me...?" Vann whined from his position on the park bench beside them. "I need some M-rated love too!"
Ignoring the brunette, Violet turned to Scarlet and planted a kiss on his and Jolteon's foreheads each. "You two be safe. I'll be waiting for when you guys get back."
"You're going back to Kanto?" the ravenette asked and she nodded.
"Still got my one-year break to cool off. And from what I've seen, Unova's not very great place for a girl like me."
"Got it. Bye sis," Scarlet said and put Jolteon into the carrier before hopping on.
"Hey Scarlet," Violet called and put her mouth to his ear. "It's subtle...but you're changing and I think it's thanks to White."
"Changing...?" he echoed, glancing at the trainer behind him as she counted the stars in the dark-blue sky. "I'm not turning into an airhead, am I?"
Violet shook her head with a giggle. "Of course not. You're just not as hollow as before."
The hunter blinked before huffing and turning his head with pout. "Thanks. Later Lech!"
"No 'Thank you'?" Vann asked and clasped his hands to his heart. "I'm hurt, Scarlet."
White chuckled and waved to Violet before wrapping her hands around her coach's waist and resting her head on his back, sleepy. "Bye Vi."
"I'll miss you, White," Violet replied and put up Scarlet's double Victini-for-victory sign. "Knock'em dead at the Pokémon League. I'll be rooting for you!" She drew closer to the girl and in a whisper, "Thanks for helping Scarly and keep up the good work."
"...Eh?" was all the ditz could reply before Scarlet twisted the handle bars, sending the bike forward and down the road to Mistralton City's Exit Terminus.
"There they go," the huntress sighed and smiled. "Guess I'd better get moving too."
"Violet," Vann called and the woman turned to face him. "Remember what I said back in Castelia. He's getting too close to that girl."
"At this point, I don't think it matters..." she replied and stared at the moon. "Scarly's gotten a little too deep into the situation...but who knows...maybe that's what he needs to finish the mission faster."
Author's Corner
Slybill: To each man, his own drabble. Just decided to do a little filler on what's happening with the secondary characters. From the next chapter, things will get heated up again as the story starts coming to its main climax.
White: And for those who're expecting the movie, Sly's done two chapters of it already but he wants to know if he should just finish the entire thing or release it chapter by chapter. Please solve his dilemma through the reviews. Thank you and goodnight!
Lightning: AND I'M BACK DE-ARIMASU!