Chapter 33: The One Pulling the Strings

As we moved forward, I took a look around at the black stone lit by the red magma. Truly it was a place that suited Darkrai. Cresselia helped us out with repelling the opponents so that we could conserve our strength for fighting against Darkrai.

I could feel James' anxiety, so I reached out with my mind. Don't worry. We've handled this kind of thing before. Everything will be okay.

When we approached the next floor, a sandstorm was raging. I was used to it, but Meowth spat sand out and shouted, "Freakin' sandstorms!"

I Force Palmed a Charmeleon away, "Complaining about it will not make it go away, Meowth."

The heat was almost unbearable already with the magma everywhere, and the Fire-types didn't help make it any cooler. But we managed to push through and find a rest area. It was a room shielded from the magma, so it felt a little cooler. Meowth took a seat on the ground while I wrote in the Adventure Log. Odd thing was that half of the next blank page was torn out. Deeming it unimportant, I finished writing and put it back in the Kangaskhan Rock.

Meowth got up and Cresselia said, "Let's move on. We must be getting close."

Unfortunately, we got cornered in a Monster House, so we lost a Reviver Seed when Meowth got knocked out by a Combusken's Double Kick. Then shortly after, I still had a good amount of health, so I didn't think to use Rest and I got hit by a Rapidash's Fire Blast before I could do anything. That cost us another Reviver Seed.

I managed to hold out against a Quilava's Rollout barrage, but only because I used Endure (he got a face-full of Reversal afterwards). (AN: Cut me a break, it used Defense Curl and then Rollout and hit like five times.) All in all, this dungeon is somewhat reminiscent of the Final Maze in that the native Pokémon have several advantages over explorers. A handful of Pokémon here even had Blaze for their ability, so we had to get rid of them quickly or they'd finish us off with the power boost.

The Infernape were the most problematic in that they had far longer reach than me and were probably more well-versed in fighting. Even with Cresselia's Confusion, she was weaker than us, so we never got off scot-free.

Eventually, we managed to reach the bottom of the Dark Crater. The land was a dead end and there was a boiling pool of magma beyond. Cresselia took the lead and we followed behind.

We looked around and I said, "I guess this is the deepest we can go…"

But where's Darkrai…? I responded, I don't know, James.

The room suddenly dimmed, and Darkrai's voice echoed, "You've kept me waiting." Then without preamble, he appeared right in front of us. We backed away at the sudden appearance and then we leaned forward, ready to fight.

"Good of you to come, Meowth and Rio." As he said my name, he looked at me and his eye glowed briefly. I felt briefly fatigued, but then shook it off.

Meowth said, "What's your problem wit' us, Darkrai? Ya don't even know us, an' ya tried ta get rid o' us."

Darkrai responded, "I know you all too well. You especially, Rio."

I took a step back, "What?"

Chuckling, Darkrai continued, "When you came to this world with Grovyle, Rio… You were caught up in an accident."

I thought hard about it. An accident…? Wait a minute! Grovyle explained this before! "While we were traveling through the Passage of Time, we were met with storm-like turbulence. That was when we got separated."

Darkrai said, "Yes. You were also transformed from a human into a Pokémon… And you lost your memory as well. Has it not occurred to you… how odd that accident was?"

I narrowed my eyes, "What are you saying…?"

Darkrai chuckled again, "Think of how the accident occurred… Precisely when you and Grovyle were traveling through time… That fails to strike you as odd?"

Meowth stepped forward, "Alright, bub. Enough wit' da beatin' round da bush. How d'ya know so much about Rio's accident?"

"That very accident was caused by… none other than myself."

Both Meowth and I shouted, "What?!"

Unphased, Darkrai continued, "My wish is… to engulf this world in darkness. I set my sights on Dialga's Temporal Tower because of its tie to time… I sabotaged Temporal Tower. That would have eventually led to the destruction of time. And ultimately, the planet's paralysis."

He growled, "However, Grovyle and Rio decided to meddle. I learned of their impending arrival from the future… And I attacked Grovyle and Rio as they traveled in time… So that I would be rid of them. But… an unforeseen event made it impossible to be rid of either of them. It should have been enough. Especially for Grovyle. However…"

He looked at me directly, "Do you wish to know how you came to be a Pokémon, Rio? During the accident… you shielded Grovyle from my attack."

I was in shock, thinking out loud, "I shielded Grovyle…?"

"Yes, you absorbed the brunt of the attack I'd intended for Grovyle… It appears your fierce will to protect your partner became entangled with the many dimensions during your time travel. As a result, you were transformed into a Pokémon."

With me rendered speechless, Darkrai continued, "I assumed what I did was sufficient. I thought that I'd rendered you incapable of preventing the planet's paralysis. However… I underestimated your resourcefulness. Due to the old fool's meddling, you met Meowth… And the two of you stopped the destruction of Temporal Tower. Because I'd underestimated and disregarded how much you would meddle… My original plan ended in failure."

Cresselia said, "That's why… That's why you decided to get rid of Rio and Meowth first this time! So they wouldn't be an impediment to your scheming! That's why you tried to break their spirit… Even going as far as to use an impostor of me!"

Darkrai remained silent for a time.

"Even now…" Cresselia continued, "you lured us here… So you could be rid of us all in one fell swoop!"

Darkrai laughed and clapped slowly, "Very good. I did indeed intend to do just what you say."

Meowth bristled and I lowered into my fighting stance.

"But…" Darkrai spread his arms, "I've had a change of heart." Caught off-guard by the statement, we were silent as he said, "So… Rio… Meowth. Both of you are brave. You've shown great initiative. To be rid of you forever… Seems like a tragic waste. You've both shown so much promise… Why not join me?"

I raised an eyebrow, "Say… what?"

"Why not join me…" Darkrai repeated, "in ruling a world full of darkness?"

My mouth dropped. The absolute gall of it! Does he really think Meowth and I would join him?!

"It is entirely possible if we three band together. Well? Will you join me?"

Cresselia turned to face us, "Oh, Rio! Meowth! Don't believe his lies!" Meowth looked down and remained silent.

Cresselia turned to him, "Meowth! Are you listening?!"

Meowth looked up, "Maybe… he's right."

I looked at Meowth incredulously. Surely he couldn't be serious!

Cresselia said, "Meowth, no!"

Meowth frowned, "Who're we kiddin'? We don't got a snowball's chance against Darkrai anyway! Fightin' it would be pointless. Joinin' Darkrai might be our best choice."

I continued staring at Meowth, and I whispered, "Meowth! What are you doing?!" He ignored me and walked over to stand by Darkrai. Darkrai laughed and said, "You chose wisely, Meowth. Very practical of you."

I reached out with my mind, James, what is he doing?! James? James! I looked around and couldn't see James anywhere either.

Darkrai turned to Cresselia and me, "Now, Rio. What will you do? When you are one of us… Our first order of business will be Cresselia there. The three of us shall get rid of her together."

Cresselia turned to Darkrai, "Wh-what did you say?!"

Darkrai ignored her, "Now, Rio. Come, join us here."

Turning back to me, Cresselia said, "Don't go… Rio!"

Meowth said, "C'mon, Rio, get over here."

I stared at Meowth as he said, "If ya don't join us, Rio… Darkrai won't want only part of a package deal… He'll kill me."

Shocked at the prospect, I stepped forward.

Darkrai laughed, "Your choice, Rio? Will you join us?"

Meowth said, "It won't be so bad, Rio. It'll take some gettin' used to, but it could have its perks."

"You see? Your trusted partner has seen the truth. Come. Will you not rule the world with us? And you shall… reign as lord in a world of darkness. Now, Rio. Consider your answer carefully. Join me and Meowth… We'll rule the world together!"

As I looked at the two of them, I felt anger grow in me. "I refuse."

Meowth said, "But, Rio-"

I pointed at him, "No, okay? I don't care if you try to stop me; I will never side with Darkrai! And I warned you that if you pulled this kind of thing again, there would be consequences."

I started charging up Focus Punch, not sure who was more deserving of receiving it, when I heard a distant voice. ...io… Rio…! Wake up!

James…? "Wake up?"

Suddenly, I realized why nothing made sense about this. This is all… a nightmare!

My vision started clearing as I ran forward and the dream-Meowth disappeared, but Darkrai was in the same position. As I woke up, I threw my Focus Punch. He dodged to the side, but it grazed him, sending him to the ground.

Darkrai cried out in pain as he held his side.

I looked around and Meowth said, "Oy, Rio! Now's not da time ta be snoozin' on da job!"

Floating up again, Darkrai growled, "Y-you!" He punched me in the stomach and sent me back a few steps. Meowth supported me from behind. While he held me up he whispered, "Hey, ya were charging Focus Punch in your sleep. What da Hell didja see?"

Not too keen on telling Meowth that I was dreaming of hitting him in the face with it, I said, "I'll tell you later. The point is I was seeing an illusion made by Darkrai!"

"Blast it!" Darkrai cursed. "I was on the verge of success! Is that your answer, Rio?!"

I stood on my own and dropped into my fighting stance, "Of course! Like I said, I would never side with the likes of you, Darkrai! And I won't let your plan come true!"

Darkrai crossed his arms and glared, "Humph… So be it. You've made the wrong choice. There's nothing left to say. I will be rid of you now."

The entire room went dark for a moment and then lit back up. Suddenly, we were surrounded by six Pokémon. As we looked around I heard Meowth mutter, "What'd I say? 'Squad o' henchmen.'"

Darkrai said, "Say what you will. This is where I will finally be rid of you meddlers. I will seize control of the darkened world… as its king. This is it!"

I heard Meowth whisper, "Rio gimme a boost. Time ta ring up da cavalry."

Darkrai called out, "Attack!"

I cupped my hands and threw Meowth into the air as he landed on my hands. He put his paws on both sides of his charm, "Flash!" I shielded my eyes as a massive flash of light lit up the room. (AN: A move that's deemed useless has been useful so many times in this story.)

While all of them cried out in pain, I heard the sound that those strange orbs make. I looked after a while and Meowth was handing out Chesto Berries as he quickly designated opponents. "Eat these. They'll keep ya from fallin' asleep. Weezing, take on da Magmortar. Cacturne, take da Aggron. I've got da Mismagius, Growlie, you get da Magcargo. Carnivine, take on Rhyperior, but be careful, I bet it's got somethin' for Grass-types. Cresselia, take down dat Arbok 'fore it can poison anybody. Rio, you handle Darkrai. Mime Jr., Chimecho, you're on support. You listen ta James an' go where he directs ya." Meowth took a deep breath and said, "All right, team! Let's do this!" Meowth handed me my Chesto Berry and I quickly ate it, feeling a burning energy in my mind.

Darkrai and his henchmen quickly pulled themselves together. Darkrai sputtered, "Wh-what?! How is this possible?! You can't do this!"

As everybody else ate their berries, Meowth gave a smug grin and said, "Where I come from, we got a saying. 'All's fair in love, war, an' Pokémon battles.'"

We quickly got into formation, each one of us facing our opponent in a circle, with Mime Jr. and Chimecho in the center.

"Grr… I will still squash you like the insects you are!" Darkrai shouted.

I glared at Darkrai and got ready to move as Meowth yelled, "Charge!"

-James's POV-

As the fighting broke out, I kept my eyes open to observe the enemy Pokémon. Chimecho will do her job well as battlefield medic, but Mime Jr. can fight better if she has a move to Mimic.

As I surveyed the battlefield, I saw Cacturne casually sidestep the charging Aggron and his eyes glowed green as a bundle of grass grew and tripped up the massive Pokémon (that must be another move he learned from that gym leader). He just snickered as the Aggron looked up to glare at him.

Moving on, I saw the Arbok use Mud Bomb. I pointed, "Mime Jr. use Mimic to copy Arbok's Mud Bomb! Assist Weezing!"

"You got it!" the ball atop Mime Jr.'s head glowed and she shot a Psybeam at the Arbok for good measure before running off to take on the Magmortar, giving Weezing enough time to pull back and have Chimecho heal his burns with Heal Bell.

With that taken care of, I saw that both Meowth and Growlie had their fights under control. Meowth had his Shadow Claws, and Growlie was absorbing all of Magcargo's fire and dodging its rock attacks with Dig, also resulting in more damage to the opponent.

Carnivine was having a little trouble with the Rhyperior who, as it turned out, had Poison Jab. Carnivine opened his mouth and a pink scent wafted out. The Rhyperior's scowl lessened and he sighed happily as he breathed in the Sweet Scent. Carnivine grinned and purple vines shot out and slammed into the Rhyperior, knocking him to the ground. (AN: Power Whip.)

Since he seemed to have everything under control, I checked Rio's fight with the Darkrai. I knew that Rio had the type advantage, but he seemed to be outclassed. Whenever he managed to land a hit, Darkrai would strike back with far greater force. Rio got up again, and a red wispy aura appeared around him. He concentrated and his fist started glowing blue. Darkrai used Double Team, but Rio's eyes glowed blue and he turned his head, zeroing in on Darkrai's position.

Rio charged forward and struck one of the doubles, making the others disappear. Darkrai held his chest and then thrust his arms forward, using Ominous Wind. Rio stood his ground and took the attack, his aura seeming to flare brighter as if shielding him. After the attack subsided, Rio's legs shook and he held out his hands, his aura turning purple. A massive beam shot out of his hands and hit Darkrai.

Darkrai stood his ground, crossing his arms against the assault. His form was obstructed by the beam, but once it subsided. Darkrai was still standing with only a few burns on him. Rio's red aura disappeared and Darkrai laughed as he charged towards Rio and raised his hand to attack.

Meowth jumped in and called up a green Protect shield. Darkrai bounced off and Meowth readied his claws, glaring at Darkrai.

He's come so far…

Soon after Meowth engaged Darkrai, Chimecho went up to Rio and started using Heal Bell.

A massive thud got my attention and I saw Cacturne standing over the Aggron with a glow on his fist fading and his scratches closing up. He turned towards Meowth's fight with Darkrai and his spikes glowed, showing he was readying Pin Missile.

Looking around, all of the fights were settled except for the fight against Darkrai. I called back Weezing, Mime Jr. and Carnivine, since they were too tired to continue. The only ones still fit to be in battle were Cacturne, Chimecho and Growlie.

Meowth was holding his own, swapping between using Protect and attacking with his claws. Soon, Cresselia joined in and used Slash, cutting Darkrai with one of her wing-like projections. Rio started getting up, holding his side, but otherwise ready to go.

Once Chimecho was done, I called her back too. I said to the Poké Ball, "I don't want you getting hurt."

Rio started joining the fight too. And soon after, Growlie and Cacturne were assisting with their long-ranged attacks when they could.

Soon after, there was a flash and Darkrai cried out in pain and fell to the ground.

Cresselia spoke, "We… did it…"

Darkrai gave a strange mix between a groan and growl in response. Cresselia moved forward, "This is the end for you, Darkrai!" The tip of her crescent-moon crest glowed and shot a beam of light at him. It hit his abdomen and knocked him back.

Darkrai groaned weakly before saying, "C-Cresselia… Don't you remember…?" He staggered and started floating up again, "I said you… cannot catch me!"

His eyes glowed and an odd hole appeared at the back of the rock platform. What is that?!

Darkrai laughed shakily, "This dimensional hole may take me to the future… or the past… Even I don't know where it will lead me… But…! I've failed only this time. I will simply plunge the world in darkness another time."

Meowth shouted, "Crap! Don't let 'im get away!" Meowth put his paws to the ground and two Shadow Claws extended after Darkrai.

The rest of them chased after Darkrai, but he flew back and was soon right in front of the hole. He stopped and turned around, slashing the Shadow Claws and dissipating them.

Darkrai turned around, "Humph. Too bad for you. I can slip away through time with just one step. You cannot catch me. Good-bye to you!" Laughing he said, "Well, how do you like that?! Finally, in the end… It ends in my ultimate victory!"

Suddenly, a mighty voice roared, "I WON'T ALLOW THAT!"

Everybody looked around and Darkrai said, "Wh-what?!" The room rumbled and a light flashed before Palkia himself landed at the side of the room. Darkrai quivered in fear, "Y-you're…"

Rio shouted, "P-Palkia?!"

Palkia growled and glared at Darkrai, "YOU WILL PAY A GRAVE PRICE FOR EXPANDING THE DISTORTION OF SPACE, DARKRAI! THIS IS A STRIKE FOR JUSTICE!" The pearls on his shoulders started glowing, "TAKE THIS!"

He let out a mighty roar and energy started charging at his mouth. The entire room started quaking and Darkrai screamed, starting to fly into the portal.

"THERE IS NO ESCAPE!"

As Darkrai flew in, Palkia fired a giant ball of energy after him. There was a flash of light as it went into the portal and we heard Darkrai scream out. Once the light faded, the dimensional hole froze and shattered.

Cresselia said, "The dimensional hole completely shattered! With Darkrai still inside of it!"

Rio said, "I heard Darkrai scream… Did he disappear?"

Palkia turned, "NO. THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED. HE HAS SUFFERED GRIEVOUS DAMAGE… AND BEEN BANISHED TO SOME UNKNOWN PLACE… BUT WHEREVER HE MAY BE… HE LIVES."

Meowth said, "But when he recovers… Won't Darkrai just go back ta destroyin' da world?"

Cresselia turned and said, "That remains to be seen…" As Meowth and Rio turned to her, she continued, "Because when Darkrai entered the dimensional hole… he began to time travel… At that precise moment, he was struck with Palkia's attack. Remember what Darkrai said about Rio's arrival from the future? Darkrai attacked during time travel… So Rio got hit with amnesia. So just like Rio… It's likely that Darkrai has lost his memory as well."

Both Rio and Meowth's jaws dropped. Meowth said, "Darkrai… lost his memory?"

Cresselia nodded, "Yes. Darkrai will likely never recover his memory… And he will wander lost through the world."

Palkia said, "WE ARE DONE WITH HIM. HE WILL LIKELY NOT EXPAND THE DISTORTION OF SPACE AGAIN. HOWEVER… THERE IS ANOTHER REASON I CAME HERE."

Meowth raised an eyebrow, "Eh? What for? Ya got Darkrai, an' da space distortion's stopped. What else?"

I felt a pair of eyes on me and looked. Palkia was looking at me. I stared at him shocked, "Can you… see me?"

"YES, I CAN SEE YOU. WHILE YOUR INTENTIONS WERE GOOD, YOU ARE STILL ONLY HERE BECAUSE OF THE DISTORTION IN SPACE. I ALLOWED YOUR PRESENCE FOR THE SAKE OF STOPPING DARKRAI, BUT BEFORE I CAN CLOSE IT… YOU NEED TO BE RETURNED."