I'm glad you all liked the chapter despite how late it was. Testing at school is over with now, so I can get back to updating regularly again. Hooray! *does happy dance*
Now to answer Ketchum Kid's question. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (the new Gold and Silver remakes) are indeed re-visitations to Johto, but I'm probably still going to stick with the Gold/Silver/Crystal plotline. If they have a new Elite 4 in the new games, I might use them but other than that, I'll stick to my original plan.
X, your character is accepted. I'll need to do a bit more research into her weapons, though. And as far as I'm concerned, America doesn't exist in the Pokemon world (even if they mentioned real world places in the games, like South America and stuff). I'll probably have her show up near the beginning of the team's journey through Johto or maybe in the Orange Islands.
And zephyr51, Ryo is also accepted. Just like with X, I'll probably have him pop up in the beginning of Johto or in the Sevii Islands. My concern currently is finishing the Elite 4 and Champion battles, along with a few extras before I get started on Johto.
Anyway, this is the Cole battle and the second of the Cipher Elite 4 fights. I hope you enjoy it, everyone! Onto the story!
Chapter 37: The Lives of Friends
KC groaned, hauling himself back up to his feet. Bruno looked at him before nodding. KC nodded back and made his way to Blastoise. "You okay, buddy?"
"Blast," the Water-type nodded. Getting back up, the turtle glared at Golem and readied his water cannons.
"You guys are pretty determined if you bothered getting back up after that attack." Cole commented. "But you're also pretty foolish, too. Golem, use Shadow Rollout!"
"Blastoise, use Hydro Pump!" KC ordered.
Golem curled back into a tight ball and started rolling, increasing speed at a fast rate. He started rolling toward KC and Bruno, intent on running them over. Blastoise, placing himself in front of his trainer, aimed his cannons at the oncoming Rock-type and unleashed gallons of water upon it.
Little by little, Golem started to slow down as it was repelled by the pressurized water hitting it. Finally, only a good five feet from them, Golem was forced into a halt. Still curled up, Golem prepared to use Rollout again.
Bruno smirked. "Onix, use Iron Tail!"
Blastoise stepped aside, ending his attack as the giant rock snake descended upon Golem. Pulling back his glowing tail, Onix crashed it into the underside of the curled-up Golem and sent it flying up into the ceiling. A second Iron Tail crashed Golem into the back wall behind Cole.
"Great job, Bruno!" KC complimented.
"You're the one who slowed him down, KC. If you hadn't, Onix would have never hit Golem." Bruno pointed out.
"You really are a muscle-head, aren't you?" Cole laughed. "You think a little water and being tossed around by an Onix would beat my Golem? Think again!"
Golem uncurled and got back up, returning to Cole's side. Its body was covered in scratches and dents, but it was relatively unharmed. The Rock-type grinned triumphantly.
"No way," KC muttered. "We barely even hurt it!"
"Golem are well-known for their endurance, as well as being capable of taking quite a lot of damage before going down." Bruno said. "We're in for a long fight against this guy."
"Yeah," KC nodded. I should've guessed. This guy isn't one of those Gym Leaders, he's an Elite 4 member! Of course he was going to be hard to beat. I just hope everyone else is having a better time than we are. Stupid Golems…
"Since this is a 2-on-1 battle, how about we even it out?" Cole asked, grabbing another Poke Ball from his belt. "Go, Shadow Machamp!"
The four-armed Fighting-type appeared, flexing its muscled arms. Growling, it stood alongside Golem. Cole smirked and simply pointed at his opponents. Machamp took off in a flash, reappearing in front of Blastoise. Golem started rolling in circles around Onix, tightening them with each round.
"Machamp, use Shadow Toss!" Cole ordered.
Machamp nodded and grabbed Blastoise on the edge of his shell, hauling him off the ground and into the air above the Fighting-type's head. Trembling, Machamp turned and threw Blastoise as hard as it possibly could toward Bruno and KC.
"Onix!" Bruno shouted.
"I don't think so, muscle-head. Golem!" Cole shouted, smirking. "Shadow Self-destruct!"
"Onix, Roar!" Bruno called.
"Bruno, look out!" KC cried, grabbing the older Elite 4 member and pulling him to the ground just in time to dodge Blastoise. "Blastoise, are you okay?!"
"Get down!" Bruno growled, forcing KC down to the floor.
Golem was glowing a brilliant purple, ready to explode. Onix, having escaped the circles by roaring at the Rock-type, curled his hard body above the two trainers in an effort to protect them. Shadow Machamp, coming up with a new plan, picked up the glowing Golem and threw it directly at Onix.
The explosion shook the whole arena, the floor instantly cracking as a huge crater formed where Golem had landed. Onix was knocked out while both Bruno and KC had slid into the crater. Returning his Onix, he threw out Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee.
"You guys are still going to fight?" Cole asked. "I was sure that explosion would've knocked you two out, too. Maybe it was that Onix that stopped that from happening. Either way, what happens is what happens."
KC returned Blastoise, catching Golem in a Snag Ball in the process. Unleashing Bulbasaur, he looked around. "Bruno, where did that Machamp go?"
"I don't know," Bruno replied. "Be careful."
Wait for it…wait for it…now! "Machamp, come out!" Cole ordered.
The ground exploded from behind KC as a pair of dark gray arms caught him. He yelped, struggling immediately. "Bulbasaur! Bruno!"
"KC!" Bruno turned to his own Pokemon. "Get KC loose but don't hurt him."
"Chan!"
"Lee!"
The pair struck, using Mega Punches and Mega Kicks on the Shadow Pokemon's back. Machamp grunted but ignored them, already walking toward the edge of the crater to return to its master. Cole smirked.
"So, you must be that kid's little brother. Luffy's your brother, right?" he asked.
"Why do you want to know?!" KC growled.
"Blazer told me about your connections to a certain Dark-type Legendary." Cole replied. "Cipher's goal is to capture all of the Legendaries and turn them into Shadow Pokemon. We can't do that if we have even one Legendary missing."
"I'm not gonna let you hurt Darkrai!" KC shouted.
Cole smiled. "Darkrai is known to guard those who are kind to it throughout their whole lives. I've heard that your mother, Vivian, protected it from capture long ago. But why is it protecting you? What have you done to gain its favor?"
Dad, KC thought. A memory flashed through his head, one he couldn't remember having. It was from the night his mother died, when he was still very ill.
A young KC stumbled through the halls of the house, clutching his blanket and sucking his thumb. He was sniffling, tears running down his face. His mom had died today. His older brother had ordered him to go to bed because he was sick, but KC felt like ignoring him. He wanted to see dad.
Stopping outside of his dad's room, he was about to open the door when he heard voices. His dad's was one of them but the other was…dark and cold. KC shivered and opened the door a crack. What he saw was something he would never forget.
His father was on his knees, crying and begging. "Please! You protected my wife as best you could and I need you to do the same for my sons. I lost Vivian, I can't lose my boys, too! I'm begging you!"
Floating in front of his father was what looked like a black shadow with long white hair and a single blue eye. KC recognized it from a picture book Luffy once read to him. The creature of nightmares…Darkrai.
Darkrai said nothing, allowing the man to cry and beg. Finally, the man said something to catch its attention.
"I'll do anything you want, Darkrai. You can give me as many nightmares as you wish, just please! Please help them!"
Darkrai thought it over before deciding. Then it nodded.
"Thank you so much! I owe you my life, Darkrai!"
Darkrai nodded and phased through the floor, becoming one with the shadows and vanishing. KC finally opened the door and confronted his dad. The only thing his dad did was hug him and cry, murmuring, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," over and over.
"Well?" Cole asked. "If you won't answer my questions, I'll just bring you back to base and have you interrogated."
"I'm not telling you anything." KC growled. "And I never will."
"Man, you kids are so stubborn!" Cole complained. "Machamp, hurry and get up here. We're taking that brat back to base with us!"
"What?!" KC cried.
"KC!" Bruno shouted. "Hitmonchan, Hitmonlee, hit him with all you've got!"
"Chan!"
"Lee!"
"Bulbasaur, use Razor Leaf!" KC cried.
Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee started striking harder and faster, trying to stop the Shadow Pokemon in its tracks. Sharp leaves struck its back, leaving deep cuts that oozed blood. Machamp, growing tired of the attacks, use its second set of arms to grab Hitmonchan's arm and Hitmonlee's leg. Then it threw them as far as it could on either side, Hitmonlee crashing into Bulbasaur in the process.
"Let go of me!" KC cried. Blazer nearly kidnapped Luffy once. I can't let them kidnap me!
"All right, buddy. Let's go. Muscle-head isn't worth fighting anymore." Cole reached out a hand to grab KC, teleportation device already in his hand.
DARK VOID!!
"Shoot!" Cole jumped aside, dodging the black energy balls.
Machamp, spooked by the sudden assault, dropped KC and was hit with one of the energy balls. Crashing to the ground, it was unconscious. KC caught it with a Snag Ball and stood up, smiling. "Two down, four to go!"
"So, I was right. Darkrai really does protect you." Cole said. "Too bad it won't be for much longer. Go, Shadow Monferno!"
The Fire/Fighting-type monkey Pokemon appeared, hooting in excitement. Monferno jumped from one foot to the other, tail flame growing larger with each jump. Clapping its hands, the monkey ceased its jumping and fell into an attack stance.
"Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, get ready." Bruno ordered.
"Chan!"
"Lee!"
"Bulbasaur, you too!" KC said.
"Monferno, Shadow Fire!" Cole cried. "We're not letting these guys win!"
"Mon…FERNO!!" Black flames erupted from Monferno's mouth, scorching the ground in seconds.
"Hitmonchan, Sky Uppercut! Hitmonlee, Rock Slide!"
"Bulbasaur, use Solar Beam to keep those flames away from us!" KC ordered.
Hitmonchan quickly dodged around the flames and struck the Shadow Pokemon under the chin, sending the monkey soaring into the air. The moment he hit the ground again, Hitmonlee tossed giant rocks on top of him. In moments, Monferno was buried under a mountain of rocks.
Bulbasaur, finally gathering enough light, fired off a Solar Beam to disperse any flames that were traveling in their direction. Darkrai floated back a bit, waiting to defend KC should the Cipher Elite 4 member try something.
Cole sighed. "Man, these Pokemon are pretty useless. Good thing they're pretty good with endurance. Monferno, use Shadow Combat and follow up with Shadow Mach Punch!"
The rocks shifted slightly as Monferno struggled to free himself. A few rocks fell away but the mountain refused to fall. After a few seconds, the shaking ended altogether.
"It seems your third Pokemon has been defeated," Bruno corrected.
"Oh, really? Guess again!" Cole smirked.
The rocks suddenly started shaking even harder until they all slid away, most cracking into smaller rocks upon impact with the ground. Once the dust cleared, Shadow Monferno stood there with few injuries. Leaping from the rocks, its fist was engulfed in black light as it struck Bulbasaur head-on. The Grass-type struggled to rise again.
"Hitmonchan, Sky Uppercut!" Bruno called.
"Dodge it and use Shadow Rush!"
Hitmonchan attempted to punch the monkey's jaw, only to have Monferno leap away. The monkey hit the ground for a second before leaping again, crashing into Hitmonchan's chest. Sending the punching Pokemon flying, Monferno turned its attention back to Bulbasaur.
"Finish him off, Monferno! Shadow Fire!"
"Oh no, you don't! Bulbasaur, return!" KC cried. The Poke Ball quickly recaptured the Grass-type, preventing the flames from hitting it. "Go, Rotom!"
"Well now, you're full of surprises." Cole commented. "Excellent. Monferno, take down that Hitmonlee with Shadow Rush and then use Shadow Fire on Rotom."
"Hitmonlee, jump!" Bruno shouted.
Monferno pounced, aiming for the kicking Pokemon's chest. Once he got close enough, Hitmonlee jumped high into the air and watched as Monferno shot beneath him. Then Hitmonlee struck, kicking the monkey straight into the ground with a Mega Kick. He added in Earthquake once Monferno hit the ground, damaging the monkey even further.
Monferno struggled to sit up, blood running from the corner of its mouth. Small wisps of smoke floated up from the monkey's mouth, signaling the fire it had been preparing had been extinguished. Rotom floated above the nearly-unconscious Monferno, awaiting orders.
"Rotom, use Thundershock."
The electricity shot through the monkey's body, knocking Monferno out instantly. KC tossed his third Snag Ball, capturing it.
Cole groaned. "You guys are being pretty rough on me. Not that I can blame you." One Shadow Pokemon left and two normal Pokemon. Rats! At least I can end this with a bang… "I'll save my last Shadow Pokemon for later. Go, Hitmontop!"
The Hitmontop was obviously a normal Pokemon, forcing KC to put away his final Snag Ball. Spinning playfully on its head, the Fighting-type snapped to attention the moment Cole whistled.
"Hitmonchan, return." Bruno said. "Hitmonlee, use Rock Slide!"
"Rotom, use Thundershock!" KC ordered.
"Hitmontop, use Rapid Spin and Rolling Kick!" Cole cried.
Hitmontop started to spin on its head at a fast rate, its Rapid Spin tossing away any rocks that hit it. The electricity bent around its spinning form, unable to hit Hitmontop with the speed it was moving at. Once the rocks and electricity vanished, Hitmontop spun toward Hitmonlee and lashed out with its feet. Hitmonlee crossed his arms, defending himself.
"Hitmontop, use Gyro Ball!"
"Hitmonlee, counter with Mega Kick!"
"Rotom, use Thundershock!"
Hitmontop pulled back, spinning even faster before striking again. Hitmonlee, better prepared now, fought back with his powerful Mega Kick and managed to knock it away from him. Rotom unleashed more electricity, successfully hitting Hitmontop. But Hitmontop struck again with Gyro Ball, now made more dangerous thanks to the electricity shooting across the sphere's surface.
Hitmontop crashed into both Hitmonlee and Rotom, knocking them both out. As it slowed to a stop, Hitmontop swayed from the aftereffects of being electrocuted. Bruno and KC returned their Pokemon, throwing out Machamp and Charizard.
"We're nearly done her, KC. Just a bit further," Bruno muttered.
"Yeah, I know." KC agreed. "Charizard, use Overheat!"
"Machamp, use Brick Break!"
Hitmontop quickly dodged around Machamp's punches, only to be fried moments later by Charizard. Stumbling about, Hitmontop finally collapsed and was knocked out.
"Return, Hitmontop." Cole grumbled. "Might as well waste him now. My last Pokemon will end this whether I win or lose, anyway. Go, Shadow Croagunk!"
"Be careful, KC. I have a feeling this is his strongest Pokemon." Bruno warned.
"You're right, I can tell." KC nodded. "Charizard, use Overheat!"
"Machamp, use Rock Slide!"
"Croagunk, dodge and use Shadow Jab." Cole ordered.
The frog quickly ducked, avoiding the flames that would've no doubt caused it a lot of damage. Then it started striking the rocks with its poisonous fingers, shattering them all into pebbles. Nodding to Cole, Croagunk launched itself into the air with a powerful leap.
"Now what's it doing?" KC wondered.
"Ending this battle," Cole replied. "It looks like I don't have to use my last Pokemon after all. Croagunk will end it all right here. Shadow Focus Blast!"
"KC!" Bruno shouted.
Croagunk shot toward the ground in front of them, its body enveloped in a black aura. The moment it hit the ground, the arena floor exploded from the force of it. Crossing his arms in front of his face, he realized that some large pieces of the gym floor were aimed right at him.
As the heavy wind, filled with dust, threatened to throw him off his feet and allow the debris to crush him, a shadow appeared in front of him. Darkrai summoned a Shadow Ball and destroyed the rubble, only to be struck by Croagunk's Shadow Jab. Targeting KC next, Croagunk charged just as the wind grew stronger. Darkrai reappeared beside KC and shoved him, taking the attack upon itself.
The raven-haired boy started tumbling down, banging his head and back on debris as he rolled. Finally coming to a stop, he coughed and was about to get up when debris from above crashed around him. Curling up in a ball, KC waited for the debris to stop falling. When it did, the 13 year old finally looked around.
"This is that crater Golem made," he realized.
KC struggled to his feet, his entire body aching from the bruises gained from Cole's Shadow Golem and Shadow Machamp. There was no way he could have survived that last attack had Darkrai not…
"Oh no," he whispered. "Darkrai!"
Getting up, he crawled out of the crater made from Shadow Golem's earlier explosion. Looking around, he noticed something in another crater nearby. Sliding down into it, he fell to his knees beside the Dark-type Legendary. Darkrai was injured and could barely move anymore.
"Darkrai," KC said. "I'm so sorry."
Darkrai groaned, struggling to get up. Then KC realized why. Cole was perched on the edge of the crater, smirking. "Well, lookie what I have here. The Legendary Darkrai. I'll get a big promotion for sure if I capture him."
"No," KC growled. Standing up, he stood between Darkrai and Cole. "I won't let you catch Darkrai!"
"Try and stop me." Cole dared. "Croagunk, use—huh?"
KC then realized the problem. Croagunk was gone. Where is it? Oh man… KC looked at the ground nervously, remembering how Machamp had come out of the ground to attack him. Croagunk might be using the same attack method.
"CROAG!!"
"Croagunk?!" Cole called, searching for the Shadow Pokemon. "Where are you?!"
"Dragonbreath," a voice ordered.
Croagunk jumped out from another nearby crater, running away from a Steelix. Perched on the Steelix's head…was Bruno. Cole glared angrily before tossing out hit final Poke Ball. A Golem appeared, this one being normal.
"That's your last Pokemon, Bruno. Say goodbye!" Cole laughed. "Explosion!"
Bruno frowned. "Maybe," he said. "But KC won't be defeating you alone. I finally figured out the mysterious bit in the warning."
The Golem exploded, knocking Steelix out instantly. Bruno fell into the crater, defeated.
Cole growled. Figured out what, Bruno? What mysterious bit in the warning? Could it be…no! How can you figure out who that is when there are eight other kids waiting beyond that door?! He has to be bluffing…
KC, spotting his unconscious Charizard nearby, returned him. I can't let him catch Darkrai. I won't let him!
Cole smirked. "Now with Bruno out of the way, all I need to do is finish you off and capture Darkrai. Make this easy and give up already, kid. You can't win now."
"I won't let you guys turn Darkrai into a Shadow Pokemon." KC said.
"I'm not giving you a choice. Move aside or else,"
"Then I choose 'or else', Cole."
"You're stubborn. Too stubborn," Cole grumbled. "Croagunk, we're doing this the hard way. I was going to bring him back and interrogate him. Now I don't really care anymore. It's a free-for-all, kills allowed."
Croagunk grinned, its poisonous fingers glowing a brilliant purple. Leaping into the crater, it charged. KC stayed where he was. I won't let you hurt Darkrai!!
Outside of the Pokemon League building…
Alex sighed, sitting down in the grass. Only moments ago, Lorelei and Jake had returned from their battle in victory. The other Snaggers were doing whatever they could to keep occupied. Alex was bored. I hope Mark and the others are okay. Especially KC… She blushed at the thought.
Is something wrong, Alex?
"Huh?" Alex turned to see Snow floating beside her. The albino Mew peered at her curiously. "I'm fine. Just thinking about how everyone else is doing in there."
You're worried about him, Snow said telepathically.
"Who? I'm worried about everyone." Alex said.
You know who, Alex, Snow giggled. The boy saved you in Cerulean Gym. The boy who stood out in the rain with you during the fair. The boy who you've fallen for so hard that you can't keep your mind off of him.
"A-and that would be…?"
KC! And I know you knew who I was talking about. You stuttered at first.
"Sh-shut up!" Alex barked. "That doesn't mean anything!"
Oh, yes it—huh? Snow landed on the ground, blinking curiously.
"Uh, Snow? Earth to Snow. Are you okay?" The blue-haired girl waved a hand in front of the Legendary's face. "Snow?"
"What's wrong?" Roen asked, noticing the fight between the pair.
"I don't know," Alex admitted. "Snow just froze up. She won't talk to me."
"That's weird." Roen sat down on the other side of Snow, loosening his grip on the Pokemon Egg he had received from Battonage just the other day. "Maybe she's sick."
"She was fine a minute ago, Roen. There's no way she could get sick this fast." Alex argued.
"Hey, it was just an idea!" Roen whined, holding up his hands in surrender. Quickly snatching up his egg before it fell from his lap, he stroked the shell. "I wonder what it will hatch into?"
"How should I know?" Alex asked, glancing at the Mew in concern.
"Why did our enemy give me an egg, anyway? It seems pretty odd."
"You got that right," Alex agreed.
"No matter what, though, I'll take good care of this egg." Roen declared.
Suddenly, Snow snapped back into attention. We have to go back to the barrier, she whispered. The warning is calling.
"What?" Roen asked.
"Right! Guys, get over here!" Alex cried. "Snow says we need to go to the barrier!"
The group headed back inside and stopped in front of the barrier preventing them from assisting their friends. Luffy pointed to the warning carved into the steel door. "The warning changed!"
"But why?" Ookami asked.
"Something must've happened," Ryan muttered. "Something drastic enough that the rules had to be changed. But what?"
"It says," Blacky said. "…Beyond this door lay four strong trainers. Beware their power and wrath when challenged. Three to take on weaklings, one to defeat the strong. Together, they battle to defend their goals. Past the barrier and the key, only four challengers shall pass. The originals and the challengers, four of each will go. But in dire situations, a fifth challenger will go through and a clone will fight its original. The spirits of the dead can protect you no longer."
"The numbers changed," Zack noted. "There were five before. Now there are four. And what's this about a clone?"
"It must've been changed since Lorelei and I defeated Zero," Jake replied. "There are only four enemies left. But the clone part makes no sense."
The fifth must go through now, Snow said. The second is in trouble and needs the sixth's help. The clone shall assist the fifth in his battle.
"The second…?" Then it hit Alex. "KC…"
"Hang on! Did something happen to KC?!" Luffy demanded.
That, I do not know. But he needs help…before it is too late and another Legendary falls into the darkness, Anna said, appearing by Snow's side. The most precious person to the second must go to his aide.
"That's it! I'm going!" Luffy stepped forward…only to be thrown backward by the barrier. "What the? What's going on?!"
Though you are indeed precious to the second, there is another who is more needed than you. And I'm sure that person knows who they are, Anna replied.
Alex clutched the front of her shirt, her heart pounding. Taking a deep breath, she looked up and nodded. "I'll go,"
"What? Alex?!" Luffy yelped. "You're kidding!"
Alex ignored him and stepped forward, passing partway through the barrier. Luffy quickly grabbed her arm, stopping her. "Luffy, let go." Alex growled.
"Look, I don't get any of this!" Luffy said. "Why should you go and not me?"
"Because I love him!" Alex shouted.
Luffy and the others fell silent. Anna smiled.
"I love KC, Luffy. Sure, it took me a while to figure it out but I understand now. It explains everything KC's done fore me so far." Alex said. "KC needs me now. For a long time, I thought nobody needed me. Then Prof. Oak and Gary became my friends. And, once this whole crazy journey started, Mark became my friend. One by one, I gained more and more friends. I was so happy."
"Alex…" Luffy whispered.
"Now I finally have a chance to protect the people I care about! I'm going to help KC, Luffy. I'm not going to let you stop me. Now let go!" Alex shouted.
Luffy slowly smiled. "Okay," He let go of her arm. "I knew for quite a while that KC loved you. Now I know that his feelings can be returned. You take care of my little brother, okay?"
"I don't think he needs 'taking care of', Luffy." Alex replied. "He just needs a bit of help. Thanks,"
"See you,"
Alex took off running, Sneasel at her heels. Luffy just stood there on the other side of the barrier, smiling. You go get him, Alex…I know you can.
On the third floor, Bruno's arena…
Croagunk smirked, raising its glowing poisonous finger. KC was on the ground, coughing. This guy's tough, he thought. But, no matter what, I can't let him win!
Cole walked down into the crater, a grin nearly cutting his face in two. "You going to give up now, kid? Croagunk isn't afraid to kill, you know."
KC struggled to sit up, coughing. Blood ran down his chin from where Croagunk had punched him only moments ago. "I…won't…lose…"
"Fine," Cole said. "Your life, kid. Croagunk, finish it."
"Croag," Croagunk nodded. It raised its poisonous finger before striking, aiming for KC's throat.
"Shadow Claw!" a voice cried.
"Huh?" Cole looked up just in time to see a flash of blue crash into Croagunk, throwing the frog aside. The blur revealed itself to be a Sneasel. "What's going on here?!"
"KC! Are you okay?"
KC looked up and smiled. "Alex,"
Alex raced down the crater wall and skidded to a stop by KC's side. "KC, what happened to you?" Alex demanded. "Oh no, Darkrai!"
"Great," Cole grumbled. "Another brat. Croagunk, use Shadow Jab and kill them both!"
"Sneasel, use Ice Beam and follow up with Shadow Claw!" Alex ordered.
Sneasel shot a column of ice from his mouth, freezing the frog solid. Then he started slashing at the ice viciously with his claws. After a few seconds, the ice shattered but Sneasel kept up his assault. Croagunk struggled to free itself but Sneasel gave it no openings.
"Croagunk, jump away!" Cole shouted.
The Poison/Fighting-type finally managed to escape, leaping into the air and landing by Cole's side. It was bleeding from a multitude of deep cuts on its body, panting heavily. Cole growled and grabbed a Full Restore, using it on his final Pokemon.
Sneasel growled, readying his claws. Suddenly, his body started glowing a brilliant white.
"Sneasel!" Alex cried.
"He's evolving?" KC asked.
Sneasel glanced back at his trainer before glaring angrily at Croagunk. Then the Ice/Dark-type smiled. "Sneasel sneas sneas! Sneas?"
Alex smiled. "Do whatever you want, buddy," she replied. "You can choose not to evolve if you want. I'll love you no matter what."
"Sneas!" Instead of resisting the glow, Sneasel allowed it to consume him! His shape changed as he evolved into a new, more powerful form. "Weavile weav!"
"But…I thought you said Sneasel didn't want to evolve. To prove he could be stronger than any Weavile." KC said.
"KC, he is stronger than a Weavile." Alex replied. "He's already proven to me time and time again that he's powerful. He refused to evolve because he wasn't sure. I wasn't sure, either. But Sneasel has made up his mind now. Or should I say Weavile?"
The glow vanished, revealing a powerful Weavile in Sneasel's place. The Weavile flexed his claws, testing them, and smirked. He fell into an attack stance, eyes glinting with mischief as he watched Croagunk.
"Who cares if that weasel evolved? It doesn't change anything!" Cole declared.
"Oh, really? I think it changes everything." Alex said. "Weavile, use Avalanche!"
Weavile raised his claws and summoned a giant pile of snow to crash down on the frog. A blue ball of energy formed between his claws as he used Ice Beam, freezing the snow mound solid with Croagunk trapped inside.
"Weavile, use Night Slash!" Alex ordered.
"Croagunk, break out using Shadow Jab!" Cole shouted.
The ice shattered as Croagunk freed itself. Weavile started slashing at it, giving Croagunk no time to defend itself. After a few seconds, Croagunk fought back and shoved Weavile away from it. Weavile smirked, licking the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"KC, let's finish this." Alex said, turning to her friend.
"But how?" KC asked.
Darkrai struggled to remain floating as he moved forward, standing alongside Weavile. KC and Alex nodded to each other. Weavile eyed Darkrai suspiciously but nodded. The pair was ready to end this fight.
"Weavile, use Shadow Claw!"
"Darkrai, use Shadow Ball!"
Croagunk let out a small whimper just before the attacks struck it. It was sent flying across the gym, knocked out instantly. KC tossed his last Snag Ball, capturing the Shadow Pokemon. KC and Alex had won the second Cipher Elite 4 battle.
Cole groaned and teleported away, refusing to say anything. He had failed and that was all he needed to know.
KC smiled, only to win as his shoulder smarted with pain. Alex turned to him and smiled. "That was a great battle, KC. I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner."
"It's okay," KC replied. "Hey, how did you get in here anyway? Only the five of us were supposed to be able to go through the barrier."
"It turns out I was the sixth person, KC. But before that, I have to tell you something."
"What?"
Alex blushed and hugged KC, lightly enough so as not to aggravate his injuries. "I love you," she said softly.
"Huh?" KC's face turned bright red. Alex…loves me? She loves me! "I-I love you too, Alex."
Alex laughed, smiling. "I knew it," she said.
"Ahem?"
"Huh?" KC and Alex looked up to see Bruno standing on the edge of the crater. "Oh! Hi, Bruno."
"I think you two can save the romantic stuff for later." Bruno stated. "We have a wounded Legendary on our hands."
"Darkrai!" KC cried.
The Dark-type was on the ground, panting for breath. His body was covered in injuries. KC leaned over the Legendary and gasped. A deep slash tore along Darkrai's left side, blood oozing from it along with a purple liquid. Toxicroak had managed to poison Darkrai.
"Darkrai needs immediate medical attention." Bruno said. "Unfortunately, Pokemon Centers have a harder time treating wild Pokemon than captured ones."
KC nodded and started fishing around in his bag, pulling out the Master Ball Mark had given him in Saffron City. "Will this be good?" he asked.
"KC! What about what you and Luffy said? About betraying your dad and stuff." Alex reminded.
"I know but I don't have a choice. I have to help Darkrai!" KC cried. "I have to…"
Darkrai closed his ingle blue eye. Do it.
"Huh?" KC realized that Darkrai was talking to him.
Do it, Darkrai repeated. It will prevent Cipher from capturing me as easily. I can also better protect you and Luffy, unlike with your mother. I don't want to lose anyone else ever again.
"Darkrai," Alex said. Then she looked at KC. "Do it, KC. Darkrai's life matters more than his freedom right now. Maybe we could release him later."
"Right!" KC pointed the Master Ball at Darkrai. I'm sorry, dad…but this is for Darkrai's own good!
Darkrai relaxed as the red light washed over him, engulfing him as he was pulled into the Master Ball. In moments, there was no sign that Darkrai had ever been there. The Master Ball shook three times and clicked, signaling his capture. KC clutched the Master Ball close.
"Let's go," Alex said, helping KC to his feet.
Bruno led the two Snaggers out of the arena and down the stairs to the bottom floor. As they passed through the barrier, Luffy hugged his younger brother and congratulated them on their victory. As KC and Alex went outside, they held hands.
Valencia Island…
The doorknob attached to the front door of Prof. Ivy's lab jiggled a bit. After a few seconds, the lock clicked and the door swung open to reveal Calor and her minions. The redhead released her Shadow Gardevoir as they walked deeper into the lab. Upon reaching a door with a sign on it saying 'Medical Bay', Calor picked the lock once more and entered.
Entering the room, Calor sighed. "At least this is one Legendary we won't be losing."
Resting in a glass tank in the center of the room…was Zapdos, still unconscious. Its wing was almost completely healed now but its unconscious state left it vulnerable to capture. That was Calor's mission. To capture Zapdos and bring it back to base to become a Shadow Pokemon.
"Gardevoir, use Shadow Wave!" Calor ordered.
"Garde…VOIR!"
The Shadow Pokemon unleashed shadowy waves of aura that hit the glass tank, sending cracks spider-webbing across its surface. After a few seconds, the glass shattered completely. A siren went off immediately but it was silenced by a goon kicking the flashing red light off the wall.
Calor and her minions grabbed Zapdos and teleported outside of the lab, where the helicopter was waiting to transport it back to the island. As the goons tied Zapdos up in the net, Prof. Ivy and Prof. Oak arrived.
"What's going on here?" Prof. Ivy asked. "What are you people doing to Zapdos?"
"Those are members of Cipher!" Prof. Oak cried. "Release Zapdos immediately!"
"Make us, old timer." Calor dared. "See you later!"
Returning her Gardevoir, the redhead grabbed the outside of the net as the helicopter took off with its precious cargo. The two professors could only watch as the chopper faded into the distance, taking the wounded Legendary with it.
"We couldn't help it." Prof. Ivy said. "No matter how hard we tried, we couldn't prevent Cipher from capturing Zapdos."
"I don't think there's much we could've done to stop them, Prof. Ivy." Prof. Oak reluctantly argued. "Let's go inside. I need to inform Tracy of what has happened here so that the Snaggers will know what has happened here."
"Right," The pair went inside the lab to tell Tracy the news of Zapdos' capture.
On the island that houses Cipher…
The helicopter landed, being careful not to jolt Zapdos awake. Prof. Pine smiled as the Legendary bird was loaded onto the truck and driven to his lab. "Good job, Miss Calor. This might just be enough to wipe that little incident with Mewtwo off of your record."
"Thank you, sir," Calor nodded. She watched as Zapdos was taken away. I'm so sorry, Zapdos. Please forgive me.
"So, you're Calor. I've been hoping to meet you."
"Huh?" She turned to see TK standing behind her. "You're Battonage, right? I've heard of you. What do you want with me?"
"I just wanted to talk, that's all." TK reassured. "You were recruited during Greevil's reign, right?"
"Yeah, so?" Calor was becoming uncomfortable. Just who is this kid?
"I heard that you were recruited forcefully. Is that true?"
"Maybe,"
"You can be honest. I'm not going to tell anyone." TK said.
"You better not," Calor growled. "Yes, I was forcefully recruited. My Gardevoir became a Shadow Pokemon and could care less about me now."
"Do you hate Cipher?"
"What kind of question is that?" Calor asked, growing suspicious.
"Oh, nothing! Thanks for talking to me! Bye!" TK turned on his heel and fled.
"What a weird guy. And he's supposed to be a Gym Leader?" Calor turned and went to her room, exhausted from the day's events.
TK didn't stop running until he reached his room. Pikachu jumped from the bed and into his arms, purring in joy to see him. "Hey, buddy. Sorry I'm late. I had to get some more information about some of the more well-known goons."
"Pika pi?"
His Styler suddenly started ringing. "Hello?"
"Top Ranger Tristian Kapture, how has your mission gone so far?" Chairperson Erma asked. "Have you found out where Cipher is planning to strike next?"
"I have reason to believe that Gym Leaders for the Hoenn and Sinnoh regions have not been chosen." TK replied. "The Orange Islands currently only have one Gym Leader. The Snaggers are currently battling against the Kanto Elite 4 and Cipher Champion at the Indigo Plateau."
"Good work so far, Tristian. Keep us posted." Erma said.
"I sure will, Chairperson Erma." TK promised.
"You keep it up, TK!" Rhythmi cheered. "I can't wait until this is all over!"
"Me too, Rhythmi. Me too." TK agreed. "Tristian Kapture, out."
"Pi pikachu?"
"Don't worry, buddy. A little longer and then we can get out of here." TK said, picking up the Electric-type. "Just hang in there, okay? You keep up your sabotage."
"Pika!"
"Good boy!" TK praised. He smiled. I hope those Snaggers can beat the Cipher Champion. If my info is correct, that guy has Shadow Mew with him. Good luck, you guys. You'll need it.
Next Chapter: The Broken Seal
"Siobhan, I demand to know your reason for joining Cipher!" Agatha shouted.
"Why not? I might as well tell you, granny." Siobhan shrugged. "I joined Cipher to get stronger. Isn't that always the reason?"
"No granddaughter of mine would do something like this!"
"Well, I'm not your cute little granddaughter anymore!" Siobhan snapped. "I'm stronger now, stronger than you! And this book is going to ensure my victory!"
"Book?" Leena repeated.
"Yes, this book." Siobhan held out her magical book, entitled 'The Book of Spirits'. "I found it in some dusty old ruins in Almia. Ever since I found it, I haven't lost a single battle!"
"Siobhan!" Agatha scolded. "That book was hidden away for a reason! No matter how much power it supplies you with, it comes at a price!"
"Who cares?" Siobhan stuck out her tongue. "Besides, I already broke the last seal on this book. I can summon a whole army of spirits now."
"Siobhan," Agatha whispered. "What have you done…?"
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Whoa! I updated this in 16 days?! Awesome! And I only have 12 days left of school now! Even more awesome! Summer is here and I've got the writing fever, guys! Expect plenty of updates!
I had trouble figuring out who would be Cole's strongest Pokemon. First I had Machoke, then Toxicroak (who I later realized was already given to Siobhan), and finally Croagunk. Sorry if something doesn't make sense. I had to revise it a lot to get it this way.
I'm working on more Pokemon Mystery Dungeon stories, so I apologize to those who miss me updating PMD2: Explorations of Time and Darkness. I'm trying my hardest, honest! Multitasking with stories is very hard to do. I could put up the first few chapters of PMD2: Explorers of Fate and PMD: Yellow Rescue Team if people want to check those out.
I have decided to do the Orange Islands and Sevii Islands directly after Kanto is finished, then begin on Johto. I'll work hard to get back on track in Johto so that everything moves smoothly. I've got lots of things planned for Johto, so expect a lot of surprises. I'm almost done deciding where everyone is going to go but don't fret, all the Snaggers will eventually meet up again at least halfway through Johto!
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, including the revelation of the love blooming between KC and Alex. Please review!