Secrets of the Night


DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!

*This is a beginning of a five person collaboration between me, Scriffignano, Ramaxy18-chan, Dead Bones Sam and WrittenWhim. Hope you enjoy!


Chapter 54: Scuffle of Legends, Part 1: Faces New and Old


That morning, a day later, Neo and Chase began their final preparations for the tournament which was going to be held that very day. Time had been short but they couldn't let the opportunity simply slide past them.

After Chase had informed Neo that there was a major battle event in Saffron City, the first thing they did when they entered the next city was pay a visit to the venue. It was massive sophisticated building with a giant flat monitor in front that showed a commercial regarding the "Scuffle of Legends" worldwide tournament. The group felt their excitement shoot up with anticipation just watching the previous battles on screen.

Neo was excited but wasn't after the prizes but the experience itself. Battling trainers from around the world was a once in a lifetime chance. Sure, the back-to-back battles would be hectic and he might breakdown because of it, but he had to risk it if he wanted to become stronger.

"Feeling pumped, Neo?" Chase took in a deep breath and let it out in a quick huff.

"A little nervous, actually…" Neo chuckled under his breath. Even when he had a full day to prepare, he couldn't shake off the rush and anxiety. "But yes. I'm excited."

"Hey, don't forget this!" Chase tossed his friend a canteen bottle filled with his medicine. It was black and unlabeled to prevent curious eyes. Neo caught it and nodded gratefully. "Good luck out there!"

"Thanks… You sure you don't want to join?" Neo inquired, casting a disappointed look at the teen who was now sitting on the bed of their hotel suite. Despite the flood of foreigners, tourists and battle-enthusiasts, they fortunately found a spare room, more like Neo waived his last name and gained access to the rooms exclusive for Silph Co.'s stockholders.

"Hey, don't worry!" Chase waved him off. "Someone's gotta watch the kids."

"If you're referring to us as kids, then no thanks. We can take care of ourselves," Gertrud came in from the other room with Kashu and Arana in tow.

"Too bad it's a three pokemon match," Chase said up, shrugging off the earlier subject. "Otherwise you three could have joined too."

"Yeah… But I don't mind. Arana and I kicked butt at the gym battle and Kashu needs to standby in case Neo pushes himself too hard," Gertrud answered. Kashu and Arana bobbed heads at that. Striding to the middle of the room, she stopped by Neo and eyed him skeptically. "But uhm… Are you sure about using Scourge and Genbu? I think Novus would do fine… but those two don't get along."

"It'll be fine, Gertrud. It's not like it's a triple battle," Chase assured her and looked to Neo who nodded in agreement. Packing their last necessity, Chase shot a grin as he stood up and walked towards the door. "So~ Let's get going!"


The main part of the global tournament was held in a massive hall with four rectangular arenas placed in the middle of each quadrant. Pokemon trainers, young and old gathered around, their pokemon, hailing for various regions, eagerly stayed by their side. Some filled the stands that were constructed along the walls while others flocked to the arena and warmed up their pokemon to fight.

"Whoa. There are more people here that I expected." Chase awed at the crowds, steadily growing in number.

"What do you expect? This event is worldwide!" Gertrud came up from behind him, eyes panning the room to take a gander at all the pokemon that traveled oceans apart to partake in the battle.

"Stay close everyone. We don't want to get separated," Neo reminded them both as well as Kashu, Arana and Emperor who followed behind him. His two pokemon cried out enthusiastic yeses while the Manectric continued as if he didn't hear him.

While Chase and the rest went ahead to secure good seats, Neo went to the counter to register. He typed his name and other data as well as the pokemon he was going to use. The automated machine pinged and added him to the list.

After finishing, he took a moment to let the situation sink in. It was just the start but the enormity of what he was about to do was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Neo breathed and scrolled down, skimming the many names that were already registered. Adjacent to them were their home region and pokemon. There were competitors from Kalos, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Johto and Unova. Neo awed. It really was a worldwide tournament.

Leaving the registration area, Neo tapped the side of his belt and brushed a hand over his three pokeballs. "Let's do our best."

"Attention! Will all competitors please proceed to the middle of the hall and get your group assignment and number," the announcer's voice boomed overhead.

The organizers informed everyone beforehand that the battles were divided into groups composed of six trainers because of the large number of entries. There were twelve groups all in all to battle in a span of six days based on the batch number. Each group will be battling out in a single arena located in one of the quadrants. Half of the battles will be done on the first day, and the last half on the following day. The trainer can use only three pokemon. Switching and the use of items, other than held ones are prohibited. The trainer with the most wins in the group is declared the victor. And according to the organizers, prizes are handed out to each group so many weren't coming out empty-handed.

Exhaling deeply, Neo took a sip of his canteen bottle and went to the center of the tournament hall where a large box sat. Mimicking the trainer before him, he stuck his hand inside and pulled out a blue ball with the mark A1. He was assigned to the third quadrant located at the southwest. And just as his label indicated, he was in the morning set and his name was on top of the battler's list, meaning he was battling first in his group.

Walking over there, he caught a glimpse of Chase and the others sitting in the stands. His friend had a soda in one hand and a bag of popcorn in the other. Gertrud, Arana and Kashu were happily sharing a big bag of assorted macarons and poffins. Emperor must've been returned to his pokeball since there was little room for a pokemon of his size. Chuckling to himself, he waved at them.

Suddenly, his gaze shifted upwards and he looked at the large digital screen that hung above the stands. One by one, his name as well as his potential opponent's appeared. Three boys and three girls. Out of the list, two recognizable names came up which struck him in disbelief.

Frantically, he scanned his surroundings in search of a familiar face. Within moments, he had caught a glimpse of whom he was looking for. And although his signature red and yellow split-tone hair got longer and he was now sporting a long white coat and teal bandanna. Neo couldn't mistake him for anyone else.

"Arc!" Neo hurried over, calling his name.

Arc turned on a heel and smiled to see his good friend Neo running towards him. "Long time no see buddy! How have ya been?" He waved.

Neo slowed down a couple of feet away and caught his breath. "Just fine. Didn't think I'd see you here."

"Me neither, but it's really nice to see you." Arc held out a hand and Neo gladly accepted it, giving a subtle yet firm shake.

"Likewise."

Arc then looked over his shoulder and called out to his pokemon. "Hey Neeko, get over here… You're not going to believe who I found!"

A familiar Charizard walked over to where they were and grinned at Neo, remembering how much fun he had during their last encounter with the young nobleman.

"Good to see you again ...Neeko?" Just as Neo extended a hand to stroke the pokemon, his eyes caught a glimpse of black scorch marks across Neeko's wings and some on his back. There was also a scar across his eye. At the sight of it all, dread and concern flashed before his eyes.

"Its a long story Neo… I'll explain it later if you would like to hear the tale." Arc looked over at Neeko and scratched at his forehead.

"Alright..." Neo nodded and continued to gaze at the scars. It reminded him of Scourge and the same look of concern he gave the Drapion mirrored as he looked at Neeko.

"So what have you been up to lately?" Arc inquired, drawing Neo's attention back to reality.

Regaining his composure, Neo turned to face his friend. "The usual." His smiled returned with a trace of nostalgia. "Battling gyms, trainers, and meeting new pokemon."

"How many badges have you earned now? Last time we saw each other, you only had one if I'm not mistaken." Arc seemed curious of Neo's achievements.

"I just got my third a couple of days ago," Neo answered half-sheepish, guessing that Arc had a lot more. He had more than one when they first met and by the looks of it, he had gained even more.

"Not bad. I was going to get my seventh when I decided to come to this event. I was all the way out on Cinnabar Island." Arc laughed. "But number doesn't mean anything in a competition like this. You need to be skilled, and you are a very skilled trainer."

"Thanks, but you're more skilled than I am. I have a lot more to learn... That's why I'm here," Neo replied, his gaze wandering back to Neeko. But then he noticed that Arc was staring at him solemnly. He must've picked picked up his disconcertment. "Sorry. I was lost in thought. Neeko... just reminded me of someone."

"Oh… I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable." Arc scratched at the back of his head.

Neo shook his head. Seeing as their little reunion was dampened, he decided to shift the subject. "Got any pokemon I should look out for?" He asked with a half-chiding smile.

Arc smiled devilishly and shook his head. "Maybe… but what fun would that be if you knew before we battled."

"But by the looks of it, Neeko is competing, right? Then he might have a rematch with Genbu then," Neo informed, figuring that it would be fair if he let one of his pokemon known.

"Let's say Neeko is the whole reason I came this far out of the way for this event." Arc hinted that Neo was indeed correct that Neeko would be participating.

"Looking forward to the rematch, then."

As Neo enjoyed catching up with Arc he couldn't help but feel as if he was being watched, and not in the same way he was used to growing up with ghost pokemon. He turned around wearily as he surveyed the area, looking at the faces of the other competitors, until he froze on a familiar face. A face he had hoped he wouldn't see again anytime soon, but when he saw the name on the screen, he knew that the meeting was inevitable.

Standing with a familiar Hitmonchan on the other side of the waiting area was Kiba. He seemed to stifle an angry glare, replacing it with a cocky, snide smile as he approached Neo and Arc, the latter not noticing the animosity between the two trainers.

"Well, look what the Persian dragged in," Kiba said as he approached Neo and Arc. "I didn't think I'd see you again any time soon."

Neo narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists. He didn't dare speak in case he might question his manners in addressing Kiba.

Arc just watched as this new trainer strode up to the two of them, seeming to know who Neo is. He also noticed Neo's rather irritated reaction to this said trainer. Snow Storm, his Butterfree, immediately shuddered and tucked behind Arc's shoulder for protection.

Finally, the tension got the better of him. Neo turned to face Kiba and glared at him. "I should say the same…"

"I mean don't get me wrong, beating you in a battle was fun and all but following me to a tournament is a bit pathetic, don't ya think?" Kiba sneered.

"It's a worldwide tournament. Anyone can enter. But I'm surprised that they let someone like you in," Neo retorted with controlled anger. However, Kiba just laughed at Neo's comment, doing little to relieve the tension in the area.

"Well I don't know about you pal but I was invited to this tournament," Kiba informed proudly. "See, once you win a couple of these things they call you when they plan to host a tournament and set you up with a spot; but if you were a decent enough trainer you'd have known that."

"Excuse me? And who are you to speak to Neo like that?" Arc snorted defiantly, despite his Butterfree cowering behind his shoulder.

"Just someone who's gone a few rounds with Neo here. Honestly, for all the smack your little flower threw down it was a pretty sad battle." Kiba panned the area as if looking for someone. "Speaking of which where is little miss prickles? Tell me you're going to use her in the tournament- I've got a score to settle with her."

Just then a macaron shot through the air and splattered on Kiba's head. Neo and Arc were struck speechless for a moment before they shifted their eyes to the source of the projectile pastry. A Chandelure and Roserade were shooting mocking gestures as a silver-haired teen was trying to keep them in line.


"Take that, you son of Jynx!" Gertrud spat mentally, her blue and black rose arms flailing madly, while as Arana wailed triumphantly, the psychic blue glow of her flames dying down after levitating the tasty pastry.

"Gertrud! Language!" Chase scolded like a mom while trying to settle the two down. "I don't want Blaze to think that we've been teaching you how to swear."

"Geez. Take it easy. My telepathy can't reach that far. You, Arana, and Kashu are the only ones who can hear," Gertrud informed and sat back down before shoving a macaron in her mouth. "Besides, that guy deserves it."

Chase gave up and settled back down next to Kashu. Just then, Arana wailed, her flames flickering with annoyance.

Gertrud turned to her and nodded "You're right, Arana. I should take it back... I feel sorry for the Jynx."


Seemingly unfazed, Neo turned to Kiba. "As you can see, Gertrud's not joining."

"How unfortunate," Kiba said sarcastically, wiping the remains of the macaron out of his hair. "So she's having her nanny fight her battles for her again? At least you'll be another notch in my belt of victories Neo," Kiba replied smugly.

"Not if i make you a notch in my belt first there buddy." Arc shot him an annoyed glare.

"What? Is your Butterfree going to try and put us to sleep? At least Neo's Wartortle held its own... for awhile anyways. But I've picked bigger bugs out of my attic back home."

At that last heinous comment, Snow Storm puffed up with rage and tried to outright attack this new threat. But before she could get a hit in, Arc grabbed her midsection and held her back.

"Hey now… easy, girl. Why don't you go sit with Lily and Thorn?" He sent her fluttering off to the stands.

"Looks like another trainer who has poor control over their pokemon," Kiba noted as Snow Storm flew off in a huff. "You sure do know how to pick your friends Neo- what's next, a rabid Arcanine?"

Neo might as well throw him in a pit full of rabid Arcanine and starving Mightyena.

Arc leaned against his Charizard and shook his head. "Control is such a strong word. We prefer to say that we have a bond… based on mutual respect. They will do anything for me and I would do the same for them."

"Don't bother, Arc. There's no use getting through that thick skull of his," Neo warned his friend in a half-whisper, his tone uncharacteristically dark. "He doesn't care about all that... Believe me, I tried."

"What do you mean?" Arc leaned in to hear what Neo had to say.

"What he means..." Kiba replied, having heard Neo's thick skull comment, "Is that I have my own way of raising my pokemon. When they do as they're told they're rewarded, if they disobey they get punished. Out of all my pokemon I've only had to severely punish two of my team, and one of them is top tiered in strength and speed. And little Neo here doesn't like that my way works."

Arc was getting more noticeably upset. His jaw was tightly clenched and there was a spark of electricity jumping between the two gravity defying locks in his hair. "Oh, do let me guess. You think hitting them and punishing them works? I'm also going to guess that you might have respected me as a trainer if I led you to believe that I caused all of the scars on my Charizard because of disruptive behavior?"

"Arc, don't push it…"

"Its not a matter of respect pally," Kiba said plainly, ignoring Neo's intervention. "Its about getting the job done. If your Charizard needed to get beat up a bit to knock it down a peg it was probably necessary." Kiba turned to look at Arc's Charizard and with a cruel smile he added, "Although for a runt, I can't see him putting up to much of a fight."

Arc slapped his forehead in disbelief. He then held his arm out to stop Neeko from doing something irrational. "Are you utterly daft?! My Charizard is no runt and considered huge for his species!"

"You've clearly never been to Johto then, the Charizards there are several feet larger than yours. But training new ones are hard to break in I hear- maybe just put a little more protein in his diet," he added with a snort.

"Not a bad idea… maybe you should be the first course in his new diet?" Arc snapped his fingers, making his equally angry Charizard roar loudly.

Kiba didn't flinch or recoil from Neeko's roar but Champ was quick to leap in front of his trainer with an electrically charged fist flashing in front of him glaring at the Charizard threateningly.

"Down sparky," Kiba warned. "Before the Champ here clips your Charizard's wings for good."

Neo tried to intervene but someone else beat him to it. Before it could escalate any further the hostile Pokemon and their equally opposed trainers were interrupted by a blast of freezing cold air. The origin of which was an irate ice-type pokemon several feet back, it's expression equivalent to that of a scolding mother. A light golden-haired girl was jogging slightly behind with an exasperated look on her face, her half-ponytail swaying from side to side.

"Skadi! What did I tell you about randomly freezing rowdy people and pokemon?" She lightly scolded her Froslass before turning to the three boys. "I'm really sorry about her, but she's sensitive to these kinds of things."

"Another trainer who can't control their pokemon," Kiba said scornfully.

Hearing his comment, the newcomer frowned. "Skadi isn't controlled. She happens to behave well...unless there's something that truly provokes her."

"Save your breath… There is no reasoning with this lummox." Arc scoffed and glared at Kiba.

"Call me what you want pally," Kiba said as he signaled for his Hitmonchan to lower his protective stance. "But notice that it was my pokemon who didn't randomly attack anyone. Just remember that the next time you get back on your high Ponytas." And without another word Kiba walked off with Champ following behind him, but not before shooting Neeko and the Froslass a dirty look that was identical to his trainers.

"High Ponytas… Why would I need one of them when I have a Rapidash?" Arc snickered out loud.

"Well, he's difficult...who was that guy anyway? I don't like his attitude," she said, a grimace pulling at her lips.

"Ignore him." Neo took a deep breath, the tension of the whole confrontation was wearing him down and adrenaline that fueled him was fading, replacing it with a cold chill that settled under his skin.

"Well… whoever he is, he's going to be a royal pain." Arc glared in the general direction Kiba went .

Meanwhile, Neo faced the newcomer and her pokemon. The girl was around their age, she had coffee brown eyes, peach skin, and athletic built. She wore a plain white shirt beneath dark green vest and sky blue capri pants to go with her pale purple running shoes. "Anyways, thanks for intervening."

"No problem, thank Skadi. She's the one who actually jumped in." She pointed to the Froslass who nodded in acknowledgement. "By the way, I'm Kaye, and I'm assuming that you two and that rude person who just stalked off are here for the tournament, huh?"

"Yes, we are." Neo cast a small smile at the Froslass before facing the girl again. "It's nice to meet you, Kaye. My name's Neo." He gestured to his friend who was cooling down. "And this is Arc..."

Arc bowed ever so slightly out of respect. "Its nice to meet you. As Neo said, my name is Arc, and the Charizard standing next to me is Neeko." His Charizard dipping his head down as well.

Both Kaye and her Froslass nodded in response. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. I suppose you could have guessed by now but this is Skadi," she clarified, gesturing to the pokemon next to her.

Neo and Arc cast the floating white pokemon looks of acknowledgement before Neo felt a mild dizzy spell. "Sorry guys, could you excuse me for a bit?" He said weakly and started to walk off in another direction.

Arc remembered what happened to Neo the last time and went after him, waving goodbye to Kaye as his Charizard tagged behind him. The female, with a slightly puzzled look, offered a brief wave in reply as she and her Froslass left in the opposite direction.

As he came up to Neo, he offered him a helping hand. "Want me to walk with you? The battles don't start for another hour."


"Neo doesn't look too good." Gertrud gazed worriedly at Neo from her seat as he walked away from the earlier scene.

Arana wailed sadly with the same amount of concern, if not more. She was on the verge of floating over to him but Kashu beat her to it. The Wigglytuff had a bottle in hand, a fresh white towel on the other and a white nurse cap on her head as she bounced from the stands and scampered after Neo.

"Kashu's got it covered," Chase reassured the two with a soft smile, his eyes following the pink bunny-like pokemon. "Besides… I think that was Arc with him."

"Arc?" Gertrud titled her head in wonder, while, Arana flared up with glee, her blue flames flickering with enthusiasm. The Roserade saw her reaction and grew even more intrigued. "You all know him?"

"Yeah. He's a strong trainer we met on the road," Chase answered with a hint of nostalgia. "Neo lost but he gained a good friend. He's also the one who gave Neo a Dusk Stone so that Arana would evolve into a Chandelure."

Arana nodded in confirmation and spun excitedly.

Gertrud smiled at the way Arana lit up, literally. Turning to her friend, she offered her a suggestion. "Hey Arana. Why not practice your telepathy? You can surprise both Neo and Arc later if you can do it."

The Chandelure became even more excited and proceeded to do so.

"...Arana. I'm not a mind reader."


Neo had hobbled on his own for a while before Arc came over to help him. He gratefully accepted his help just in time before he almost stumbled on his feet. Regaining his balance, he focused on looking for a place to rest. "I should just sit down for a bit…"

Arc understood and helped him sit against a nearby wall. Neeko offering him a helping hand as well. With their assistance, Neo got settled and took out his black canteen bottle, taking even sips from it. Arc couldn't help but notice how pale his friend was and wondered if he was going to be okay for the battle.

Just then, a pink bunny-like pokemon with a nurse's cap bounded over, holding a refill for Neo's medicine and a clean white towel. The Wigglytuff ignored Arc's curious look and fawned over Neo, handing him the towel and taking the black container to fill it up again.

Neo finished wiping the cold sweat off his face and smiled at the Wigglytuff. "Thanks, Kashu."

"Who's your little friend Neo? She seems to be doing a lot of good for you." Arc watched the Wigglytuff with utter fascination.

After handing back the filled canteen bottle to Neo, Kashu turned to Arc and the Charizard and eyed them from top to bottom. She squeaked in relief that they weren't girls.

Neo chuckled to himself as if he read her mind. Placed a hand on the Wigglytuff's plush pink head, he introduced her, "Kashu, this is my friend, Arc and his Charizard, Neeko… Arc, this is my pokemon and apparent nurse, Kashu."

"Well, its nice that you have such a caring Pokemon look after your well being." Arc poked at the Wigglytuff's ears playfully.

Kashu twitched her ears reflexively before she spotted the mass of black marks on Neeko. Turning to Neo, she cried out in a series of squeaks which was not understandable, but her tone was clearly laced with worry.

Neo glanced at Arc and recalled how hesitant he was to explain the whole situation of Neeko's appearance. But then he was too, in regards to Scourge. However, seeing as they met with Kiba, it was better to tell him about the reason for his animosity towards the guy. Firstly, he had to deal with his Wigglytuff.

"Thanks for your help, Kashu but I'm fine now. Why don't you get back to the others?" Neo offered kindly. "Tell Arana and Chase that I'm with a friend."

Kashu pouted but agreed. Shooting a glance at Arc, she bounded back to the stands.

Arc watched and smiled at Neo's Wigglytuff as she left. "She seems hesitant of me. Probably because of Neeko's scars."

"I apologize. It's not your fault." Neo brushed a hand over one of his pokeballs. "After a certain run-in with a trainer... Well, we have seen a pokemon who had gone through hell and survived." He gave a long sigh. "I guess it just made us wary of trainers."

"I should tell you how Neeko got those markings…" Arc breathed heavily and sat down next to Neo.

"You don't have to. I know you well enough that you didn't cause those." Neo threw his friend a weak smile and leaned more and more against the wall.

"It was nonetheless my fault that it happened though... He got them trying to protect Lily and I outside of Celadon City." His frame started to shake.

Neo could tell the memory was eating him from the inside. He didn't like seeing his friend in such a state. "Arc…"

"Lily and I decided to participate in a race called the Ocean of Storms some time ago. At the halfway point we were attacked by some lady trying to steal three Mega Stones I had in my possession." Arc started shuddering even more. "During the attack we witnessed the unbridled power of a Mega Gyarados. I-It almost killed Neeko when a Flamethrower attack…"

Arc started breaking down really hard. Neeko then put a wing protectively around both him and Neo to try and comfort him.

Watching his friend pour out the details of traumatic event, Neo couldn't help but sympathize with him. He knew what it was like to watch helplessly as someone he cared for was on the edge of death, well in his case, death had claimed them. But adding more sobs stories wasn't going to console his friend. He looked at Arc and then at Neeko who was gazing down on his trainer.

Neo tried to speak up, but his voice was caught in his throat. So instead, he tugged one of the prongs on Arc's head, abruptly gaining his attention.

"Hey! Ow ow ow!" Arc protested loudly.

Neo released him and shot him a lopsided smile. "Look at it this way... you both are still alive and kicking. And Neeko's is still by your side." He grinned at the Charizard, his eyes momentarily noting the silver chain that supported a blazing red and yellow sphere. Neo could guess what it was but decided not to comment on it, for now. "Like the saying goes, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

It took a moment for the words to sink in. Arc smiled and stood back up. "You're right… In essence the reason I am here is to reforge the bond we shared together." He tapped the stone set in the collar Neeko wore.

The atmosphere settled back down to normal.

"Oh yes…" Neo suddenly realized something important, having regained his strength. "I know we shouldn't show what pokemon we are going to use in the battle, but I think I should introduce you to someone. I don't want him to get the wrong idea when he sees you and Neeko."

Arc raised an eyebrow, curious to where Neo was going with this.

Seeing how wary Kashu was, Neo didn't want to think how Scourge would react if he jumped to conclusions. He cringed at the thought. Stepping back a safe distance, Neo plucked one of the pokeballs from his belt and turned his back towards Arc and his pokemon so he could easily intervene when needed. Gazing at the pokeball, he hesitated for a moment. He could only hope that he can explain things to Scourge before he would attempt to bite Arc's head off.

The capsule snapped open and a massive crimson-shaded insectoid emerged from it, materializing in the open space in front of Neo. Its arms were raised on guard, its body rigid and eyes wary but it all shifted into a sudden calmness when it spotted Neo. Letting out a screechy purr, it lowered its head and allowed the teen to stroke him, much to Neo's relief.

"Wow Neo… Where did you get this gem of a Pokemon?" Arc identified it as an oddly colored Drapion.

Scourge raised his head at the sound of a new voice. His eyes zeroed in on the human with red and yellow hair. Nothing too unusual, but then he shifted to the large orange dragon-like pokemon that stood nearby. That was when he caught the sight of the Charizard's scars. Dark memories flashed before his mind as his vision was suddenly overlapped with the image of a Hitmonchan standing next to a human with a mocking sneer. Blood boiled over and he immediately saw red. Scourge lunged forward and let loose a fierce roar, his eyes dilated and focused on Arc.

"Scourge! NO!" Neo wrapped his arms around the shiny Drapion's torso but like he predicted, it was a useless effort. He felt himself being dragged along like he was no lighter than paper. His arms slid and he stumbled back, but regained his footing.

Meanwhile, Arc just stood there at first, seeming unfazed of the angered Pokemon's advances. But as soon as he was almost within striking distance, Arc whistled loudly calling Neeko to spring into action and defend him from the attack. Putting up his arms, Neeko and the crimson Drapion locked claws and wrestled for dominance. Scourge snarled angrily, his eyes full of bloodlust. Neeko, on the other hand, stood his ground and prevented the Drapion from advancing.

"Easy Scourge. Easy." Arc put out a hand in submission, attempting to show that he wasn't a threat.

The words landed on deaf ears as Scourge locked his eyes on Arc and used his long tail to strike at him. Fortunately, Neo had anticipated that and grabbed his friend's arm, pulling him away just in time before the pincers of the Drapion grabbed him.

Turning towards him, his back turned to the two pokemon, he stared incredulously at Arc. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Most likely. Lily often question my sanity." Arc fixed his leather bracer. "This isn't my first time dealing with an angry Pokemon though. Remember Dino, my Salamence?"

Neo didn't know whether to be impressed or utterly dumbfounded. He sighed in exasperation. Now, he knew how Gremio felt when he did something reckless. Gathering his composure, he looked back at his friend. "Scourge is… a special case." He then turned to the two giants who were still holding each other at bay. "Arc, could you call off Neeko? I'll handle it."

Arc whistled once more, signalling that Neeko could stop playing as defense for Arc. Rolling to the left, He got out of the way quickly and stood next to Arc keeping a sharp eye on colossal Pokemon.

"Well… what tripped his trigger?" Arc's gazed shifted to the scars on the Drapion's flanks and legs.

Neo didn't look back and kept his focus on Scourge who was glaring daggers at Neeko and Arc. He had to deal with the matter soon before things would get out of hand. Approaching calmly, he raised a hand to attempt to gain the Drapion's attention. "Scourge."

The massive red scorpion continued to stare warily at the two before he looked down and saw Neo. His eyes returned to their normal size and his body posture slightly relaxed.

"Scourge. Would you calm down and listen for a while?" He asked, finally laying a hand on the Drapion's side. Scourge seemed to ponder but then he submitted and lowered his arms non threateningly. Neo breathed in relief and stepped aside ever so slightly. "Alright. That's good… Now, I'm going to introduce you to a friend of mine. He's a kind trainer. You'll like him."

Slowly and cautiously, Neo led his crimson Drapion towards Arc, making sure there is still a safe distance between them. Scourge eyed Arc once again but instead of roaring, he growled lowly.

Once again, Arc put out his hand submissively and took a knee to show that he had no intention of causing him any pain. The gesture worked somewhat as Scourge's lowered his arms more. Arc also put a hand out behind him, forcing Neeko to stand down. A familiar shout came from the stands as a young lady wearing a green cocktail dress stood and waved her arms on Arc's general direction.

All four of them glanced at a stands, Neo blinking in mild surprise to see that it was the girl that Arc was with. Lily, if he recalled correctly. She was the one with the Altaria.

"Yep… she's pissed." Arc waved her off. He then put his focus back on Scourge.

Turning towards the two, Neo noticed that Arc refused to make actual eye contact with him. He guessed that he must've noticed the scars. Absently trailing a hand along Scourge's side, feeling the rough texture of the marred marks, Neo spoke up calmly. "Scourge, this is Arc and his Charizard…" He motioned to the orange winged reptile, making sure Scourge was following with his eyes. "Neeko." And then with a gentle tap, he introduced the shiny Drapion to his friend. "Arc, this is Scourge, the newest addition to my team." Scourge lit up a bit at the words.

"Its nice to meet you Scourge." Arc stood back up and nudged his Charizard's side. " Well… say hello."

Neeko then dipped his head and gave a low growl to say hello to Neo's Drapion. Scourge only seemed to acknowledge the greeting. His eyes were trailing the black scorches that littered the Charizard's body.

Neo followed his gaze and thought it was a good time to explain. "Scourge, those scars were caused when Neeko was protecting Arc." The Drapion snapped his head towards his trainer, anxiety and doubt flickering in his eyes. Neo smiled and patted the pokemon. "Arc cares a lot for his pokemon and his pokemon care a lot about him as well. He wouldn't hurt or punish them, believe me."

Arc then looked at the scars that marred the Drapion's body. "So how did he get those? Some of them didn't heal properly."

Neo bit his lip and met Scourge's gaze. "The old ones were from when he was a wild pokemon" He indicated at the various slash marks. "Apparently, the competition for alpha was pretty fierce. As for the rest…" He trailed off as he stared the distinct markings that were caused by series of explosive blows. "Let's just say, he had a… bad trainer before me."

"Oh…" Arc sighed and put his head down. " You know… I just don't get how people can do this to their Pokemon. They are such wonderful creatures and they deserve our respect. I would love- I mean love to get my hands on his previous trainer."

"You already met him," Neo muttered, his voice low and his eyes cold and distant.

Arc looked up at Neo with disbelief. "Wait… I know who it is?"

Just then…

"Would Neo Takamoto and Arc Tsuinsupaiku please head to the arena and take your respective places. Your match is about to begin." The announcer's voice sounded over the intercom.

"We better go." Neo started walking towards his platform with Scourge in tow.

Arc agreed and whistled towards the spectating crowd before taking off towards the field with Neeko hot on his heels. As they made their way towards the field, Snow Storm fluttered back to Arc's side and took her place on his shoulder.


End of Chapter 54

Woot! The long awaited reunion/rematch of Arc and Neo. This is gonna be fun!
Arc is Scriffignano's OC from his story, Pokemon: The Untold Story of Arc.

Kaye is WrittenWhim's and Kiba is Dead Bones Sam. Ramaxy' character has yet to show herself.
Next up will be Arc and Neo's rematch. Sparks will fly and Fires will burn.

Read and Review. Please and Thank you!