This extra chapter takes place after the first extra chapter, and whilst the events take place around 10 years before the main fic began, the flashbacks in it take place 26 years before that, so make that 36 years before all this chaos ensured. THIS DOES NOT TAKE PLACE AFTER THE MAIN FIC, SO THIS EXPLAINS WHY SOME CHARACTERS I'M ALIVE. ONCE AGAIN, I UPLOAD THIS CRUCIAL CHAPTER TO THE "Special Chapters" SO I'M SORRY IF THIS IS ANNOYING. IF YOU HAVE READ THOSE SPECIAL CHAPTERS, THERE'S NOTHING NEW HERE. SORRY.
Extra Chapter 2
A Father's Mistake
Virkov was sitting under a tree, an egg beside him. The sun was coming out, and the rays of light were already coming through the leaves, shining down on his eyes. He had been sleeping, resting his mind as he had been told about her wife's imminent demise. He hadn't bothered to go back to his own house, and instead had decided to wait outside the cave system where she was being treated. They didn't allow him to stay inside, to instead he slept right next to the entrance, the egg right beside him. They hadn't let the egg with her mother either so as to avoid any kind of psychological unbalances. No one knew how violent a mother could get when it came to her heir.
A soft, yet audible crack noise snapped him out of a dreamless sleep, his eyes opening, staring up at the sun, blinking a few times as he put the paw on his forehead. He wasn't by any means a young lucario, as he was in his mid thirties, but he was clearly younger than others of the order. However, no matter his age, he couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat as the egg beside him moved on it's own. Her beloved mate had given birth to it barely ten days before she fell terribly ill. He had been caring over it for all that time, and that very last day he had received noticed that the illness that her loved one suffered would most likely take her away.
He watched the egg twitch again, and a small carcass piece flew off, the lucario watching the whole process. "Come on..." He thought to himself, already rooting for his descendant. The egg twitched again, however, it was a bit weaker than the last two. Was the baby running out of energy? He hoped that it wasn't, leaning closer to the egg. - Come on... - He whispered. The egg moved again, though barely. - Come on! - He cheered further. However, the egg didn't move this time. He was about sit back and sigh, when all of a sudden, the egg exploded, the pieces of shell flying everywhere, some hitting the lucario. He turned to look at the egg, and saw a tiny blue riolu standing where the egg used to be. The remnants of the egg were shattered at his feet, though a bigger piece covered his head, making it seem like he had a tiny hat.
He was barely as tall as the Lucario's knees, and form the very first moment Virkov saw the child, he knew that he had to protect it. He knew that he couldn't let it go. The riolu was panting heavily, his small red eyes darting everywhere, looking around, exploring the unknown world around him. His eyes stopped as he stared at the golden furred lucario still sitting under the tree. He stared at him in a mix of confusing and fear. He didn't dare to move as the lucario stared at him. However, after a few minutes of staring at eachother, the riolu slowly started approaching Virkov, inching towards him slowly. Just as he was about to get to him however, he tripped and fell forward, hitting himself on the dirt. He laid there for a second before looking up, tears welling up in his eyes before crying loudly.
Virkov looked at the small riolu for a few seconds, before extending his arms and picking him up. He held him close and caressed the top of his head carefully, managing to calm him down. The riolu stared at him, sniffing as the lucario smiled warmly. The child smiled, his face turning from one sad to one of happyness as he hugged all his little arms could of the lucario's body. Virkov sat there for a while, experiencing for the first time in his life the joy of being a father. He rose up the riolu and stared at him, the riolu extending his paws and trying to touch the lucario's face. He really wanted to do so, as he seemed to have a fairly strong will, just like he had showed when he broke out of his egg. "Strong will... The iron will..." Virkov thought. He looked at his son proudly. - Ferrus, the Iron Willed pokemon, that'll be your name! - He said. The riolu looked at him, confused, not understanding what he was saying, before trying to squirm from his father's paws and get close to him again.
A pile of rubble began moving ever so slightly, as the lucario under it slowly woke up. He had been left unconscious because of a heavy rock falling on his head, which actually hurt a lot, specially around the back area. However, he had learned to focus on other things and zone out the pain in his body, and he used this concentration to focus on getting out from under that pile of debris. He shifted around under the rocks, the fragments slowly rolling off him, making the weight on his body lighter. However, one more rock stood on him, an extremely big one, and probably the cause of the pain of all the rest of his body. He could still move, which meant that his spine wasn't broken, which was good. He tried to turn around slowly, his body screaming in pain as he did so, the sharp rocks around him slightly piercing his skin, one of them managing to wound his side. He hissed in pain, but it wasn't over,. As he had to keep turning that way.
The more he turned, the more the rock buried inside of his body, and although it didn't hit any organs, he was still hurt badly. He found himself upside down inside of his rock tomb, hopefully staring at the ceiling. He moved his arm in the small space left, opening his paw and tried his best to ignore all pain and gather aura. He had to focus intensely, as there was nothing in a huge radius that gave off too much energy. After a few minutes that felt like an eternity to the lucario, he gathered enough aura to send a small aura blast upwards to blow off. However, there was a chance that the huge rock would now fracture into small pieces, thus making it fly up, but then falling back, down, probably crushing everything under it, including the Lucario.
Not only that, but if the whole cave had crumbled down, probably another mass of rocks would crash down on him, burying him for good. He breathed in deeply, gambling everything into that single attacks, as he focused the aura in his paw and blasted it. The energy shattered the rock into pieces, and thankfully he was able to see for a second that the rest of the cave hadn't crumbled down thankfully. However, for that moment. As soon as those rocks fell down to the ground, the whole cave began shaking again. Without wasting anytime, the lucario got up, growling in pain because of the rock buried in his side, falling to his knees. He didn't have time to stick around too much, and he immediately got up again and started running, limping the whole way there.
More rocks started falling, and he protected his head with his right arm, while he held his side with his left arm. He looked around and headed towards a newly formed hole, through the which a light came. He rushed from the cavity and through the tunnel, hoping that the remainder of that cave didn't collapse on him. Like on cue, the cave behind him started crumbling down, not being able to hear anything as the rocks fell down, producing noise and making the whole place shake crazily. He didn't have to look behind him to see the destruction, as the cave in front of him was collapsing as well. The pathway out of that place was blocked off by rocks that fell, blocking his view and making him effectively lose much of his hope. However, he didn't quite give up, as he rose his left arm form his side and shot an aura sphere, making the place crumble down faster, but opening a pathway that led him to an escape.
He ran as fast as his legs let him, going at a tremendous speed, almost feeling the light shine down in front of him, seeing the sun through the hole. In a desperate attempt, he gathered his strength and jumped forward, successfully getting out of the cave before it all crumbled down, escaping... only to find himself falling down the side of the mountain. It was all a blur, and it went by quite fast, but he found himself at the bottom of the mountain before he knew it, his mind being clouded by the pain that coursed through his whole body. He checked the rock on his side, and to his dismay, found that it had gone in a lot more. Once more, he hoped that it hadn't pierced any organs, but at this rate, it had probably caused some serious damage, and he was better off not removing it for the time being. He still had to get away from the mountain and look for a place to rest.
He lifted himself from the ground and looked at the mountain, and saw some rocks rolling down the side. He swiftly ran out of their way and into a green field. He ran and ran until he seemed to arrive at a forest. At that moment he couldn't care less about what forest it was. He would probably find help there. He slowed down as his focus over the pain in his body started getting weaker, and the pain increased with each of his steps through the foliage. All of a sudden, a sharp pain pierced his side, as he fell to his knees, howling out in pain not too loudly, however it was still audible. He dragged himself to the nearest tree, holding his side as he hissed in pain, finally releasing his focus as a wave of pain washed over him, knocking him unconscious before he could do anything.
- I demand you to let me see her! - Virkov shouted, the small riolu in his embrace. He was shouting at a Bayleef and a Gardevoir. - Virkov, please, you must understand that Jelia is in a delicate state, and we still don't know what sickness has taken hold of her, as we are still waiting some results from Elei. And I can't let you in, specially with that child. - The psychic type said. - Who is that anyways? I've never heard of a new riolu cub... - The bayleef said. The Gardevoir stared at the small child for a while, before gasping loudly. - Wait... that's...?! - She asked. Virkov nodded. - Yes, Praes. It's her son, and mine as well. I know that... she may not make it... but at the very least, she must meet her son. - He said. Both the Bayleef and Praes stared at him for a few seconds before stepping out of the way of the wooden door. - Go in, quickly, her condition is... - The psychic type begun, but by then Virkov was inside and had closed the door behind him.
The room was nothing else but a small cubical room, which was extremely similar to the other ones in the building. There was a window on the left, through the which light came, making it so that one could see the inside. Under this window, a small table with a candle that was almost gone. He looked at the now unlit light source, and considered it a bad omen. Next to it, there was a small glass jar, with almost withered roses, which somehow still kept their deep crimson color. Those weren't the only flowers though, as more than a dozen of bouquets of flowers laid around the table, and a small banner on top of the window with the words: "Get better soon!" And, in the middle of this room, there was a wooden framed bed, and a small chair besides it, and lying under a thin white sheet on the bed was the love of his life, Jelia, now probably lying in her final resting place. Said Lucario had already noticed the visitors, and smiled. - I heard you from the hallway... You've still got that deep voice I liked listening to in the night... - She said, her voice sounded hoarse and she coughed after that.
(Roxas – Kingdom Hearts II)
Virkov slowly approached her, smiling. - Well, I really needed to see you my love... because... I need to tell you some great news... - He said. He sat right next to her bed, the riolu in his arms as he extended his arms and let the riolu on the edge of the bed. The small cub looked around curiously, not understanding what was going on. However, his mother did know, and her eyes began tearing up as she stared at her son. - Virkov... this is... - She said, looking at him, and he nodded in response. - Yes... Our son... I named him Ferrus... he has a really strong will... I'm certain he will reach far... - He told her. Jelia coughed, looking at the riolu, who was looking at her too. - Ferrus... I like it... It's... a perfect name... - She said, coughing again, trying to lift herself from the bed to at least be able to hug her son.
Virkov grabbed her shoulders softly, trying to stop her, but she looked at him. - Please... I need to hut him... please. - She said. Virkov looked at her now crying green eyes, and let her get up fully, now sitting on the bed and resting her back against the frame. She extended her paw and touched the riolu's forehead. At first, Ferrus walked back, a bit surprised. However, almost instantly he walked forward again, and rubbed his head against the paw. The female lucario chuckled, as the riolu tried to grab her paw. - Rio! - It explained, as it approached her mother, who laid back down, feeling weak. Of course, her mate helped her do so, readjusting the sheet that she had moved. - Thank you... - She said. - Anything for you my love... - He said, almost crying, feeling extremely happy that he could share this moment with her...
But also extremely sad, because he knew that she didn't have too much time left. The riolu managed to get up her pillow and started rubbing his cheeks against his mother's, and the lucario couldn't do anything than give him a kiss on the forehead. She then turned to face Virkov, who was on the verge of crying. - I just... wish that... this moment... would've been different... - He said between sobs. She looked at him warmly. - No... sweetie... this is still... perfect. - She said, breathing heavily. - No... I mean that... I wish that... this didn't happen... that... we could go on and... go back home, and maybe have a special dinner tonight... and you could cook him your famous Sauteed Seed dish... - He said, almost crying, while she rose her paw and touched his the lower part of his face. - You always liked it when I cooked them for you... - She said.
He smiled warmly. - Well... it was one of the many reasons I loved you... aside from being the most beautiful pokemon I've ever seen of course... - He said, taking a grasp of her paw while she chuckled. - I always wondered which of those reasons... was more important to you... - She joked, Virkov softly chuckling as well. Ferrus meanwhile had taken grasp of her mother's right shoulder, and didn't want to let go of her. She turned to look at her son again. - He's beautiful Virkov... - She mumbled. He nodded. - Yes... he really is... he's your son after all. - He said. A silence rose between the two of them, though it was only for a few seconds.
- Virkov... I'm afraid that... I won't be there for him... that... I won't make it out of here. - She said. He shook his head. - Don't say those things please... - He begun, but he knew that even if he denied it, the imminent death of his mate was a reality.- Because of this... I want you... to promise me Virkov... That you'll love him. You'll love him with your heart... and you'll love him as a father... and hopefully compensate for me... - She said. The tears in his eyes were too much for him, as he broke down crying. - I don't know what I'll do without you, Jelia... You're... everything I care about... I don't think I'll be able to do it... - He said, but she placed a paw on his mouth softly. - Virkov... you will make it... you must make it. This isn't only for you, because... even if I'm gone... I want you to be happy... and I want you to take good care of him... for me... - She said.
He nodded, tears coursing down his fur. - I will, my love... - Grabbing her paw and grabbing it forcefully, though taking good care to not hurt her. She stared at him and he stared at her, as he leaned forward to kiss her one last time. Once the kiss broke, she looked at him, now crying as well.- I love you... Virkov... - She said. - I love you too, Jelia... - He muttered. He then felt it. He was holding her paw at that very moment, a moment that he would remember for the rest of his life. The moment in which, quite literally, her life escaped right through his fingers. Once she let out her last breath, he felt like everything inside of him crumbled down, his figure curving forward as he cried into his now late wife's paw. And while all this happened, Ferrus tried to shake her mother awake. However, no matter how much he tried, she didn't wake up. At that moment, he didn't understand what was happening... but for some reason, he couldn't help but cry, cry for something that he had lost... something dear...
(Stop the music)
Virkov's eyes slowly opened, as he regained his senses. His body felt numb, but he would probably regain his strength in a short time. He looked up. The sun was still out, though it was almost sunset, and he had to find a place to stay, or else he would be wounded and exposed to the elements. He shifted around uncomfortably and tried to get up. However, he didn't succeed at first, as he was still tired. He rubbed his face, trying to wake him up faster... when he noticed that his fur was wet. He stopped right then and touched his face again. It was wet. Why? Had it rained while he had been sleeping? Had something fallen on his face? Or had he been crying in his sleep? He tried to remember what dream he had been having, but he was having a hard time doing so. However, for some reason he felt anguish increasing in his chest, and he instantly knew what he was dreaming about.
He shook his head immediately, shaking all of those thoughts out of his head, rapidly getting back up to his feet and walking away, using all his energy to get himself deeper into that forest, and hopefully find water so he could drink and wash his wounds. However, as hard as he tried, he couldn't keep those memories out of his head. Even though he was focusing as hard as he could in getting himself to somewhere safe, the memories of his past didn't stop flashing in front of his eyes. After what seemed like an eternity, he dropped to his knees, his head pounding and feeling really dizzy. He tried to get up once again and looked in front of him. That was when he saw them. He saw many pairs of eyes staring at him from the darkness.
Without wasting any time, he got up to his feet, tensing up and entering a fighting a fight stance, closing his eyes and using his aura senses to distinguish the creatures standing around him. After he did this however, he noticed that they were merely small eevee cubs, probably three or four years old. He sighed in relief, but didn't let go of aura senses just yet. And it was good he didn't, as he suddenly sensed five more creautres approaching. They were completely unknown to him, yet at the same time it felt like he had met them somewhere. Either way, at the current state he was in, he probably lose a fight if he was to jump into one, so he just stood there and waited for them to make their move first.
The first one to appear was a Flareon, whom the lucario could already tell didn't trust him in the slightest. Virkov stood still, his eyes open as another shape emerged from the shadows. This one was a Vaporeon, whose motherly eyes really reminded him of someone, though he still couldn't put his paws on it. - Who do you think it is, Booster? - The vaporeon, who sounded female, asked Booster, who was supposedly the Flareon. - I don't know, but I think he should get out of this forest right now. - He said. Another voice came up from the shadows, obviously coming from a Jolteon that appeared almost afterwards. - What? Booster, what are you saying? He's gravely wounded, can't you see it? - The newcomer asked the fire type. - Thunders, don't jump into this. We can't take any unnecessary risks, and you know it. - Booster answered.
- What... but... Showers, tell him! - Thunders shouted at the vaporeon, who sighed. - He's right Booster, he wouldn't be doing too much good if we let him bleed out and die... we need to help him. - She said. Two more shapes emerged from the shadows, a Leafeon and a Glaceon. - And he won't be doing much good either if he decides o try and attack us when he's recovered! - He shouted. Virkov had heard just enough from this Flareon. - You know... if I were here to attack you... then you would probably be lying on the floor by this point. - He said, loud enough to be heard by the five eeveelutions. - Oh great, and he's also a smartass. - Booster said, huffing and turning around to live. - I can understand that you do not trust me at first glance, but the way you are treating me is unjustified. You have no reason to believe that I've come to harm you. - The shiny lucario said.
- But I've got no reason to trust you either, which more than enough for me to throw you out of this place. - He said, really violent. The rest of the pokemon looked at the flareon, all of them quite alarmed. - Booster! - The vaporeon shouted, not believing the way her friend was acting. - What?! He could've come for it! - He shouted. The lucario hissed. - Virkov. - He said. All of them stared at him. - What? - The jolteon asked him. - That's my name, Virkov. I gave you my name, that is a sign of trust between my people. - He said. The whole group stared at him. - Did you just say... what I think you just said? - Showers asked Virkov. Before he could answer, Virkov started feeling extremely lightheaded, and coughed up blood. He fell down to his knees, and all of the eeveelutions, including Booster came closer to him to help him. Before they could do anything though, the blood loss produced by his severe wounds made him fall unconscious again.
- Gentlemen, I have reunited us today to treat a matter of utmost importance. - The elder announced. He was a really old Lucario, about seventy years old. His fur had once been bright blue, like any other young lucario's, but as time went on it begun loosing color, and now the colorful blue had faded to a more tainted tone, like it had been mixed with impure substances. However he was still filled with energy, and everyone in that room respected him for his wisdom, and his power as well. Even if he was the oldest of the order, he was the strongest of them all too, just above Virkov's strength, as he was considered the second best fighter, right after the elder of course. - Almost five years ago, something terrible happened. One of our fellow members, Jelia, a female Lucario, died from an apparently unknown illness, leaving his mate here, Virkov, and their son, Ferrus, completely alone. - The elder said all of a sudden. His words caught Virkov off-guard, as he was suddenly remembered of said tragedy.
The rest of the members of the council looked at him. Most of them had already given him their condolences five years ago. However, that wasn't the reason why they were talking about that specific topic right there and then. - At the time, as I've stated before, we had absolutely no idea of what illness it was. However... five years of research thanks to our fellow poisons investigator, Elei have showed us results. - The elder said, looking at the Venesaur sitting a few chairs away from him. Virkov looked at the grass pokemon. He wasn't really old, probably five years more than Virkov, but he looked like he was in his last days. The pink flower on his back had lost almost all of it's color, and there were shiners under his eyes, like he hadn't slept at all in a really long time.
- However... It saddens me to say that there results are far worse than we expected. If what Elei has researched is correct, Jelia presented advanced symptoms of Morbis. - The whole room fell silent, as what felt like a bucket of water was poured on top of Virkov, feeling his body going numb. - For those who are new, and fortunately don't know what Morbis is, Elei will gladly give you an explanation. Elei? - He asked. The Venusaur snapped out of his thoughts, his eyes widening and sweating heavily for some reason. - Ri... right... Morbis is a... Is an illness that was created by the Dark Eons through the use of... their dark magic and... and experimentation on what we think were dead bodies... - These words were enough to make most of the pokemon present cringe, but some also gasped in horror.
- It rots the host's insides slowly, producing as much pain as possible by progressively attacking the nervous system, producing agonizingly long and painful deaths... - Virkov couldn't help but cover his eyes at what he listening, tears almost appearing out the corners of his eyes. - But it's most lethal presentation comes after the user's body has decomposed, as it feeds off the dead cells, creating spores to be released, making the infection spread. As of now, there is no cure for this illness, though... we thought that i... it had been eradicated through meticulous healthcare measures almost thir... thirty years ago. - He finished. Once he sat back down, the elder spoke up again. - Although this means that this illness wasn't fully eradicated, which is horrible news... we are also give another grim notice...which is that... our enemies... the Dark Eons, have returned. - He concluded.
The whole room was filled with many different voices talking almost at the same time. However, Virkov couldn't care less about them. He already felt sick, just from thinking that Lejia had a long and painful death. She hadn't even showed any signs of it either... she probably held in her screaming and her pain everytime he went to visit her... just to make him feel less worried. However... know the only thing that had done it make him feel far worse than he had ever felt. He felt a hand being placed on his right shoulder, and he looked up to stare at Nax the Gallade, a really good friend of his. - You feeling alright, Virk? - He asked him. - Do I look alright to you? - Virkov asked his friend, who looked away. - Thought so... Wanna talk about it? - HE asked him, but the lucario shook his head. - I want to think for a while, alright? - He told him. The gallade crossed his arms behind his head. - Fine then, suit yourself. - He answered, letting his friend alone. Although he didn't quite like the idea, he knew that it was the best he could do at that moment.
- Silence! - The elder shouted, his voice booming through the room. - Although this is quite alarming, we must not let fear take a hold of our actions. This information shall not leave this room until further notice. Until we gather more knowledge about our enemies' current status this will not be commented to anyone outside of this circle. I hereby declare this session over! - He shouted. As on cue, pokemon started leaving the room, one by one. Virkov got up and started walking away, but the elder spoke up. - Virkov, you must stay, there is something I must discuss with you. - He said. The shiny lucario didn't face him. - Elder Sophos, if it regards the disposal of my wife's body, then you already know the answer. - He said, starting to walk away. - This isn't a matter where you get to say something Virkov! - He shouted.
The shiny pokemon stopped in his place. He noticed his friend Gallade standing near the doorway, and the lucario waved him to leave. His friend nodded and closed the door behind him, leaving Virkov and Sophos alone. - Listen, Virkov... Back then, we suggested burning her body in case it was something infectious. However, we didn't simply because it was probable that there wasn't any danger... now however, the menace is confirmed. Morbis could kill our entire order if we don't contain it Virkov, and you know that the only way to do so is to destroy the source. - Sophos coldly said. Virkov was now panting heavily. - But... I can't... I mean, what will I tell Ferrus? Do I tell him that his mother died in great pain because of some disease we thought was eradicated? If we burn the body without reason, he'll ask me why, and I know that I won't be able to hold any promises to lie to my son. - He said.
Sophos sighed, walking up to the young lucario and placing a paw on his shoulder. - Listen... sometimes... we must make some great sacrifices for the greater good... Right now, those Dark Eons have turned your wife into a weapon... and we have already taken a high risk in not destroying the body yet. Because of this, the sooner we destroy it, the less chances we'll be taking of having many innocents die. - He said. Virkov couldn't help but sob at the thought of her... disappearing forever. - Virkov... look at yourself. You are one of our greatest warriors, yet you let emotions carry you away many times over. It is a horrible thing, I know... but it's the right thing. - The elder concluded. Virkov stood there, looking at the floor.
He sighed in defeat. - Very well then... when will her body be incinerated? - He asked him. - Tonight, near the entrance of the graveyard. We'll do it in the middle of the night, so no one suspects anything. - Sophos informed him. The shiny lucario nodded and started walking away, feeling like shit for the first time in five years. He opened the wooden door and walked out into the main hall, his friend Gallade standing next to the door, leaning against the wall. - So, what happened? - The psychic type asked him as they begun walking away from the conference room. - Since Jelia supposedly died from Morbis... they're going to have to burn her body. - Virkov informed Nax. The Gallade mumbled something. - That's... got to be tough. - He said. Virkov didn't do anything or say anything. - It will be tonight at midnight, near the graveyard entrance. It's got to be secluded, so no one asks any questions... however, if you want to come, all members of the council are welcome. - He said.
Nax was now looking over the railing of the second floor and looking down at the hall itself, where he heard a commotion. However, it had been just a few wooden boxes falling over, startling someone. He looked at him silently, then came up with an idea. - Hey. How about after... well, after that is over with... we go to my house and have my wife cook us some dinner for us. Bring over your kid if you want, because him and Tima always hang out for what I've heard. - He said. Virkov was reluctant at first. Those nights remembered him all too much of those times when her wife was with him, as the two families used to do these kind of together dinners. However, they hadn't repeated said experience since Jelia had passed away, and Virkov hadn't heard about Praes other than what Nax had told him. Maybe after all, it was time to resume the tradition... even if she wasn't with them. At least they could do it in her memory.
- Very well then... But won't it be a bit too late? - He asked him, stepping aside so as to let a Machoke walk by, as the balcony they were walking on right then was very narrow. - Nah! We are in the middle of the summer man. The kids supposedly have vacation from their training at we haven't had any emergencies for quite a long time. - The gallade said, stopping as a door slammed open in front of them, an Infernape walking out, looking extremely mad. He glared at them for a second before walking away in the direction they were heading, continuing his way past the spiralling stairs on his left and walking into another door on the other side of the building. Virkov still felt like something could go wrong with this dinner, but he finally attributed it to his paranoia resulting in being in one too many battles. They finally descended to the main level, a huge open space where many pokemon were walking around, either visiting to see someone or there to ask about something. - Ok then. Midnight at the graveyard entrance, then we go to your house. - Virkov said, not really too motivated.
(Driftveil City – Pokemon Black and White)
They finally came up to the main door of the building, pushing it open and walking outside. They were now in the middle of a small village hidden between the mountains, away from the looks of normal travelers. The building they had just gone out of could be considered the village's city hall, a large building made of gray stone bricks that looked kind of like a castle. It was extremely tall, with that seemed to be tall towers in each of it's corners, a bell in each. The roof had a triangular shape, with the roof tiles ascending specially in the middle, were a dome rose over the main level. From the inside, one could look up to see what seemed to be a mural of paintings that briefly related the origins of their order. The main doors were made out of varnished wood and they were huge as well. If one was to look around, the architecture would seem extremely weird, and it was natural, since legends said that this building had been constructed in honor of the victory over the great demon by the hero of light himself, using the wide range of powers he had transcended down to them eons after his departure.
The rest of the village houses were significantly smaller, as they were houses made of wood with the usual straw rooftop, though for fire types and others they had managed to make the mountain in the village habitable, making it so that they could comfortably live there. Although these houses were built into the mountain, they were as comfortable or more than the ones in the main area. After all, they were dug into the rock, so it was cool in the summer and warm in the winter. He had wanted to move to one of those houses after Jelia passed away, but the memories from their house prevented him of doing so. Besides, they were really comfortable too, and he enjoyed living close to the center, where all the action took place. - Just one thing though, should I at least tell Praes? I mean, she has to know why you're coming to our home tonight at the very least. - He said. Virkov sighed. -Fine, but she mustn't tell anyone else. If the word gets out, it could be catastrophic. - The shiny lucario concluded.
- Very well then, my lips are sealed. See you tonight. - He finished, walking away and waving afterwards. Virkov turned around and started walking away from the building, towards his house. He looked around himself and looking at the pokemon surrounding him. There were children running around having fun playing games like hide and seek, or Knights and Eons, a game with the which him and Jelia had been completely opposed to. He saw a group of kids playing said games, and they were specifically at one of the most violent parts of it too. The game was pretty intricate. It consisted of two teams that were formed at the first day of a week. One of the groups were the Aura Knights, and the others the Dark Eons. The game consisted in some kind of childish guerrilla, in the which they would chase, fight or kidnap the members of the other team so as to make them abandon. This was achieved when they gave away their scarfs, colored differently depending on the team.
The team with the most scarfs by the end of the week won. However, the whole fighting and kidnapping fight was the part he did not agree with. It was supposed to be a child's game, but in reality it was nothing else than a childish adaptation to one of the ways they trained soldiers in the order. It was disturbing to think that they were training kids at such a young age to fight, but at those times, anything could happen, and no one could take the risks. But it had been almost fifteen years since they had last heard of the dark eons. However... if it was true that Jelia had died because of that... then... he shook his head, as he didn't want to think about it, resuming his way back to his house.
The sun was intensely shining down at the village, and some pokemon, specially ones covered in fur tried to stay in the shadows as long as they could. He couldn't blame them, as he experienced the same suffering as well. Having fur and walking under such merciless sun can be comparable to hell itself. He went on his way however, ignoring the heat as he was too focused in his own thoughts, thus making him unable to notice the kids that all of a sudden gathered around him. - Mister Virkov, Mister Virkov! - They shouted in usison. He looked down to see a ratatta, a psyduck and a nidoran calling him. - What is it? - He asked, tryng to sound as normal as possible. - It's Ferrus! He's climbed atop a tree while playing hide and seek and he doesn't want to get down! - They shouted. Ferrus sighed in annoyance. - Alright, show me the way... - He said, not really enthusiastic.
It hadn't been the first time Ferrus had "cheated" while playing hide and seek. Of course, the first time he had been too reckless and had climbed up too far, and then jumped back down, hurting himself. It had almost given Virkov a heart attack, and the riolu got grounded, thus making the Lucario think that he would never do it again. However, he was apparently back at it. The most annoying part wasn't the fact that he to go over to "help" him down from the tree, but also because the kids around him kept asking him about how to fight, to show them how to the aura sphere and things like that. However, he merely refrained to answering questions like how he was feeling and those things. After walking for a minute, he found the riolu standing on a branch barely two meters above the ground, while an Oddish and a Squirtle kept shouting at him to get down.
- Ferrus! Come on, get down! We swear that we've finished the game already! - The oddish shouted. The riolu shook his head. - Liar! You just want me to be tagged! - Ferrus shouted back. Virkov walked up to them, calling his sons attention as well as the others kid's. - Dad! - He shouted, jumping down to his shoulder and hugging him. - Hey whoa! Calm down there! - He shouted, the riolu squeezing his neck. He was really young but he was extremely strong and energetic as well. - Is something wrong? - He asked his father. - Well, you see, I've for something important to tell you, but we've got to back home first, alright? - He asked. - Awww! Really? Can't it wait, I'm playing with my friends! - He shouted. - You're cheating! - The nidoran shouted. - Oh come on, you guys could easily get up there if you tried! - He complained, looking as his fahter once more. - Please? - He asked him, giving him a pleading look. However, it had no effect on the lucario, who shook his head.
- Dad, please... - He said, faking tears. - It involves Tima. - Virkov whispered to him. His pleads instantly ended. - Alright then! I'll see you guys tomorrow! - The riolu shouted. Almost seconds alter, they were walking away. The lucario merely glanced at his son. - Really? You just hear her name and you want to leave? That's how much you like her? - He asked him. The riolu stared at his father, offended. - No! It's just that... - He said. He muttered something, really softly, almost inaudible. - What? Didn't hear you. - Virkov said, leaning closer to him, smiling, as he really enjoyed moments like these. - I think she's... pretty. - He repeated, this time he clearly heard him. - Aaah... well, you can tell her that tonight, because we are going over to their house to have dinner. - Virkov informed him. - What?! Really?! Cool! - Ferrus shouted, hugging his father again. - Thanks dad! - He shouted.
- For what, exactly? You told me you didn't like her! - He repeated. - I... uh... - The child begun, but was interrupted by his father's laugh, which he soon followed. He moved around on his shoulder and sat on his neck, hanging on from the black extensions of his fur while they walked back to their house, his father informing the riolu about what they had talked in the council, including the fact that her mother's body was going to be burned. - Why? - He asked his father. - Well... something happened, and sadly they have to get rid of her. We will still be able to go back to see her grave. - His father informed him, but the riolu already got really depressed. - But mom won't be there anymore... so there's no point... - He said.
They arrived at the door of the house right then. The lucario looked around to see if someone was watching, then crouched down, lifted a rock near the entrance and took out a key. He then opened the door with said key and closed the door once inside. He rubbed his feet on a rug right before stepping up to the wooden floor. Ferrus jumped down and did the same thing, although he looked really depressed. - Well... at least... can I go and... say goodbye? - He asked. Virkov turned to face his son and smiled warmly, crouching down and petting his head. - Of course, champ. Afterwards we are going to Tima's house to have dinner, so yeah. Now go and practice that aura focus while I prepare lunch, alright? - He asked him. Ferrus happily nodded. - Ok! - He shouted, energetically walking off to the inside of the house while his father stared at him proudly.
Virkov slowly opened his eyes slowly. His senses slowly came back to him as well, feeling a sheet on his body, covering his body, giving him warmth. He looked around to see said sheet covering his body, as he had expected. He felt a wet rug on his forehead, probably because he had presented symptoms of fever probably. He tried to shift around, only to wince in pain as his side was still pierced. Unknown to him, the stone had been pulled out of his side, but it had still left a huge wound, and had been bleeding badly. He felt lightheaded, getting dizzy again. However, his dizziness didn't distract him from remembering his dream.
He didn't want to keep going. Every single time he remembered those years... he felt something crawling up his throat, his chest feeling like he was being choked, pressure building up. Slowly, uneasiness set in, as he started thinking about things like his late mate... or how he could've been... fooled like that. He had lost his family, his friends... and his honor because of him. Anger built up in his body, as he remembered the actions that had transpired. As a friend once said... in a circle, the extremes connect. He couldn't have been any more wrong to not trust him... His consciousness started slowly fading, as he remembered one of the saddest nights of his entire life.
(Always On My Mind – Kingdom Hearts 1.5)
Virkov looked at the quickly made pile of wood, over the which laid Jelia. He couldn't believe it... contrary to what he would've thought... her body was in perfect state... it shocked him, as he felt that she was just... sleeping. That she was in a peaceful slumber... and that he was going to... to end her right then and there. However, the place he was in, the events that had transpired before... and those who surrounded him at that moment... high ranks of the order... Sophos... but also his friend, his son and some of Jelia's familiars. He stared back at her, holding back the urge to cry. However, Ferrus was already crying all his tears, as he was sobbing away, everyone in that cemetery looking grim. He closed his eyes, gathering all hs strength... holding the torch in his paw as hard as he could. He leaned forward, extending his arm, letting the already lit fire on the stick go over to the pile...
The whole thing stared burning vividly, an audible cracking being heard. He took a few steps back, looking at Jelia, as the flames started reaching her, the fire burning much faster than he had imagined. He closed his eyes, as he saw her fur catch on fire, dropping to his knees, tears coursing down his eyes. He'd done it... he couldn't dare to look up... to see how her body was consumed in the vivid flames, to strong that they didn't let anyone see how the body burned... but it was better that way. No one had to watch the horrifying act. Virkov felt soemthing around his neck. It was Ferrus, who stretched his arms out to hug him. He returned the hug, being careful not to hurt his son with the spike on his chest. Slowly, the memories of him and Jelia begun comign back to the lucario.
The first time they had met in the village, while picking water... they had become really good friends afterwards... meeting up in the same well to gather water. As they grew older, they became kind of separated, Virkov going to special training for the order while she helped her family out... but years later... they ha dmet again at that same well. Their friendship was renewed... and it quickly turned into more than that. But... their happiness together had only lasted a scarce seven years... Before that horrible illness had taken her away from him. And although they had brought Ferrus to this world... he still felt like they had deserved much more...
With each memory that flashed in front of his eyes, he felt more and more regrets of what he had just done, his guilt creeping up on him. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and knew that it was his good friend Nax, who had come there with Praes as well. He didn't look at them though, as him and Ferrus were staring into the fire, as small particles started flying up into the sky. Maybe it was just soot, or small pieces of wood lit on fire and flying upwards because of the heat, or just simply some of the smoke playing tricks on them... however, to the two of them, it felt like it was Jelia's soul, slowly being consumed and flying away, waving one last goodbye to everyone around them. Just then, Virkov remembered her face, smiling at him. After that, he lost, as he started crying, sobbing softly and keeping his voice low.
However, whomever stared at him could understand his pain. Soon, almost everyone standing near the fire was crying, either small tears or breaking down like the lucario and his son. The only ones who weren't crying were Sophos, who was experienced just as many or more losses as the lucario... but also Elei, who had this strange look on his face. He seemed extremely sad... but also horrified and... disturbed. He took a look at the late lucario's family... and just couldn't keep the thought out of his mind... that he was a monster.
(Stop the music)
- Are you feeling better Virkov? - Praes asked him. It was about one in the morning, and they had just finished the lovely dinner that the Gardevoir had just prepared them. The lucario nodded. - Yeah... I feel better. - He simply said. - Well, you certainly don't sound like it. - Nax said. Virkov sighed. - It's just... not the same. - He mumbled under his breath. They were sitting on little cushions on top of the wooden floor, right next to a table, on the which one could see plates, cups and bowls with some remains of food. Virkov was surprised to see that the house hadn't changed one bit since him and Jelia last went there. They were now in the dining room, which had a square shape, with two entrances. One of them lead to the kitchen directly, whilst the other lead to the main hall. There was a classy paper lamp hanging from the ceiling, with the symbol of the Aura Knights decorating it, a small candle in it, giving off light.
The sole fact that the house looked exactly like five years ago made the feeling of nostalgia even worse, looking out of the corner of his eye every so often, hoping to see Praes and Jelia talking together, gossiping, while him and Nax discussed about the order, or simply just talked about plans of the future or remembering the good old times. The more he thought about it, the more he missed those moments. The pair of psychic pokemon looked at him with concern, as the lucario was distracted recalling those moments. However, he was interrupted by a loud sound, snapping him out of thoughts and making him look around, surprised.
The sound came from a thunder strike just outside, as it began pouring rain all of a sudden. - Oh great... it's raining. - Nax complained, Praes gasping. - Oh dear! The cloaks are going to get all wet! - She shouted before darting off to the hallway. All of a sudden, a scream was heard, followed by many audible giggles. - What are you two doing out there! Getting inside quick! - Praes shouted. Nax looked down the hallway. - I bet you those two were out playing in the courtyard while it was raining. - The Gallade commented. His comment was answered when both the kirlia and the riolu came into the room, dragging mud over the floor, getting it all dirty, looking soaked to the bone, giggling the whole time.
- Ferrus! - Virkov shouted. - Tima! What were you two doing outside this late? - He asked them. - We were playing hide and seek dad! And Tima decided to be a cheater and hid in the courtyard! - Ferrus shouted. - Nuh uh! It was completely fair to hide outside! And you used your aura to find me, so you're the cheater! - She shouted. - No, you are! - He shouted at her. Tima reacted by yanking the riolu's ears, making him fall over, the kirlia following him as they began rolling across the floor. - Stop it! - Ferrus shouted. - Ouch! No, you stop it! - She shouted. Nax stared at both of them, angry. - You both stop this very instant! - He shouted at the top of his lungs, both of the kid's ears ringing, as they had frozen from pure fear.
Virkov got up from cushion, approaching the riolu. - Look at you... you look like a mess! - He scolded him. The riolu looked away, embarrassed. - I... dad... - He said. The kirlia next to him giggled. - Oh... looks like you are going to get it... - She said. Nax placed a hand on her head, eying her as the kirlia looked at her father nervously. - Oh... don't you think you're going to get away scot-free from this one lady! Your mother is going to have a chat with you after this, and so am I when I get the chance! - He said, the young kirlia gulping down nervously. Just then, the Garecoir walked in with a mess of brown and black cloaks in her hands, dropping them to the ground as she looked at both of the children and the floor, all covered in mud. She almost fainted right then and there, Nax hurrying to her side, but the Gardevoir telling him that she was okay.
Virkov sighed, looking at Ferrus. - Well... we'd better get going. We'll clean you up once we get home... - The lucario said. The Gardevoir interrupted him, shaking her head. - You won't even make it to your house. You'll drown on your way there. - She said. - Is it really that bad? - Nax asked her. - Can't you see it from how I look? - She asked him. The Gallade looked at her carefully. - Well... now that you mention it... Yeah, you're all wet and stuff... - He said, approaching her, putting an arm around her neck. - Nax... not here you... - She begun. Virkov coughed, feeling uncomfortable witnessing this situation.
Both of the psychic types separated almost instantly, both of them blushing deeply. When the lucario looked at them, he remembered those times he shared with Jelia, and couldn't help but feel really sad. - Umm... Yeah, like I said. It's pouring down rain, so... I suggest you and Ferrus stay here for the night. That way, tomorrow morning hopefully it will have cleared up, and you'll be able to go back home safely. - Virkov shook his head. - No, there's no need. We don't want to overstay our welcome. - He modestly said. - We insist. Stay here for tonight and wait for tomorrow morning. - Nax repeated. Virkov thought about it for a second. Even with his aura sense, it would take them long to get back home, as Nax and Praes' house was at the very edge of the village, almost kind of isolated. Aside from that, there was almost nothing to protect them from the rain, and him and Ferrus would most likely catch a terrible cold. Or worse.
He sighed. - Alright... we'll stay... but where do we sleep? - He asked them. - Well... You and Jelia slept on this floor, as we simply gave you a couple of cushions and you guys slept on them... so you can sleep there... and Ferrus can go and sleep with Tima. - Praes proposed. - Both of the kids stared at the Gardevoir, shocked. - WHAT?! - They both asked in unison. - No! He's not sleeping with me! He stinks, he'll get his smell all over my stuff! - She shouted. - Hey! - The riolu shouted, clearly offended. - Tima, they are our guests, and we have to treat them well! Also, neither you or Ferrus and in conditions of going to sleep, so you two are going to have a shower right now! - Nax shouted. - This late?! But dad... - She begun complaining.
- No buts lady! Do you want to go to bed like this? - The gallade asked her. Her mother grabbed her hand and carried her away. Virkov eyed Ferrus, who was giggling non stop. - You do realize that you're going right after her, right?- He asked him. Ferrus looked at him, about to complain, but didn't and just sighed in annoyance, growling. They waited for a while as Tima had her shower, Virkov looking around the room as Nax and Ferrus talked together. - And then she hid under her bed too! - He shouted. Nax rose an eyebrow. - And how did you find her? - He asked the kid. The riolu looked around, leaning closer to the Gallade. - I... kind of cheated. Don't tell Tima though... - He muttered. The gallade smirked. - My lips are sealed. - He said.
Just then, Tima came into the room, the gardevoir following her. - Alright, you're next champ, let¡s go and... - Virkov said, getting up from the floor. He was interrupted as someone started knocking on the door. Everyone looked at the entrance. - Who could it be? - Praes asked. She looked outside through the window. - It's still raining as hard as before! - She shouted. Nax and Virkov looked at eachother. It was worrying that it ws both that late at night and while raining, but they both also remembered what they had been told earlier that day. They both tensed up and entered a fighting stance, alarming everyone in the room. - Praes, take the kids to the kitchen, and stay away from the windows. - Nax said. Something was wrong there. Praes did as Nax told her. - Come on, let's go to a safer place. - She said, both of the kids walking away with her as both Virkov and Nax walked out into the hallway.
The both slowly approached the main door, Virkov's paws glowing blue and Nax's fists glowing a bright green color. They looked at eachother and nodded, as Virkov closed his eyes, using his aura detection to find out who was outside. He saw a purple aura, one which was kind of familiar, yet still unknown. He put his paw on the door as he opened it all of a sudden, an aura sphere on his right paw and Nax ready to jump into the pokemon at the other side at any moment. However, they both refrained themselves as they saw a shiny Venesaur standing in the doorway. Nax recognized the pokemon. - Shit! Vene! What are you doing here this late? You scared us! - He shouted.
The venesaur was looking absolutely terrified, as well as soaked and nervous. - I need to speak with both of you. It's about my husband, Elei. He's gone mad. - She said, looking extremely scared. Both of the pokemon standing inside the house looked at eachother. Nax stepped out of the doorway. - Come in, quick, you're going to get completely soaked. - He told her. The venesaur walked in slowly, Virkov closing the door after her. Praes walked out of the kitchen, and noticed the pokemon standing in the hallway. - Praes, prepare a hot cup of coffee, quick, she's shivering. - Nax informed the gardevoir. She quickly turned around and headed back, the sound of plates and cups moving around made clearly audible. They lead the grass type to the dining area, sitting her next to the table.
Praes came out of the room shortly after with a cup of steaming coffee in her right hand. She placed it right in front of the venesaur, a vine coming out of the flower on her back, grabbing it. - Thank you so much for letting me in... - She said, taking a sip of the coffee. - And for the coffee as well. - She included, smiling at Praes, who smiled back. - So, what's going on? And what's that about Elei going mad? - Nax asked. - Like you heard it... it begun this very morning... he looked... odd, like his mind was on something else completely. During lunch, he did speak about the important council meeting or anything... he just said that he had to go tonight to the graveyard. However... during the afternoon I heard him mutter things, like "It's my fault" - She informed them, Virkov edging closer and listening carefully and Nax raising an eyebrow. - His fault? For what? - He asked her. - I don't know. After having dinner he locked himself in the basement again until midnight... he looked really anxious when he left... but when he came back... he was horrified. - She muttered.
- Horrified? In which sense, disturbed or something else? - Virkov asked her. - He looked like he was completely filled with guilt, almost like if he wanted to jump off a cliff. I talked with him for a bit, but our conversation ended in him going to the basement again. An hour passed, and then I heard him scream out loud "I am sorry Jelia!" - She repeated the scream to the best of her capabilities. It had a deep effect on Virkov, who jolted up from the ground. - What?! - He asked her. - I know! I don't know why, but he shouted that! It's like he was blaming himself for her death... but it doens't make sense, since she died five years ago! And we didn't do anything! - She shouted. Nax looked at her, a grim look on her face. - Vene... you husband went to the graveyard tonight to see how they burned Jelia's body, as... he found out that Morbis had been the cause of her death. - He
- MORBIS?! - Both Vene and Praes had shouted simultaneously. - You told me she had died from an infectious illness! - The gardevoir shouted, staring at Nax intensely. - Well... it wasn't a lie! - He shouted. - There's a huge gap between infectious illness and Morbis Nax, god damn it! - She shouted, clearly mad at him. Both of the kids came out of the kitchen because of the screaming. - Mom? What's wrong? What's morbis? - Tima asked her mother. - It's nothing sweetie, it's something that dad and Virkov have to take care of, you're safe. - She replied, calming her down. Virkov looked at Vene. - What happened next? - He asked the grass type. - I knocked on the basement door, but he didn't open it. After that I decided to look for help, and since I remembered when Nax lived... - She said. There was no need to explain the rest of the story, as they already knew what had happened.
- What should we do? - Nax asked Virkov. - We should go there and check on him. Is it ok if we go there, Vene? - The lucario asked her. - Not a problem. I will accompany you there... - She said, sneezing afterwards. - Oh dear, no you're not. You could get yourself a pneumonia if you're not careful. Stay here for now, at least until the weather clears out. - She said. Nax stared at her. - Oh, so we can catch a pneumoni for all you care, huh? - Nax asked the gardevoir jokingly. She glared at him. - Hold on, I'll get you guys cloaks. - She said. She walked off into the house again, soon coming back out with a single coat, throwing it at Virkov, the lucario catching it. - Thanks. - He said. However, Nax stared at Praes. - Wait, what about me? - He asked. She shrugged. - You said that I don't care that you get a cold. Come on, get going! - She shouted. Nax stared at her, unbelieving. Virkov gave the gallade the cloak, walking past him. - Come on let's go. - He said. Walking off into the hallway.
- Wait! I want to go too! - Ferrus shouted, running out of the kitchen. Virkov turned around to look at him. - No. We only have a cloak, and I don't want you to get sick. Besides, we'll take a really long time to come back, and by then I want you to be sleeping. - He rose his head. - Praes, care to help him wash himself? - He asked the gardevoir. - No, it won't be a problem. Come on Ferrus, let's get all that mud off you. - She motherly said. Ferrus stared at his father. - Ferrus, please. Don't make this ahrder than it already is... - He muttered. The riolu looked down, depressed. - Okay... - He muttered, grabbing Praes' hand as they both walked into the bathroom. Virkov turned around, waving goodbye to both Tima and Vene as him and Nax walked into into the night.
The journey to Elei's house was accident filled, with both the gallade and virkov tripping and falling everywhere because of water puddles and rocks, making their trip to the middle of town much harder than it should've been. Once they got there, they checked the front door, and found it open. - Vene must've left it open in a hurry. - Nax said. He started pushing the door, but was interrupted by Virkov. - Shit! - He shouted as he lifted his right feet from the ground, as something had pierced it. - Crap, man are you alright? - He asked. The lucario sat on the socked ground and took out what had been lodged in his feet. He stared at it, and when he noticed what it was, his eyes and Nax's went wide open. It was a piece of wood. They both checked the door and found out that the lock ahd been completely busted.
Someone had broken in.
Virkov closed his eyes. Using his aura detection. He didn't detect anyone in the house. - The house is empty. - He said, getting up. - What?! Not even Elei is in there? - Nax asked him. The lucario shook his head, pushing the door open and walking inside. They inspected the whole house, going first through the hallway, the upper floor and then the main floor. However, when they were inspecting the kitchen, Virkov heard something. He stopped on his tracks and closed his eyes, listening closely. It was to no avail however, as Nax stepped on a pot, making him trip and fall against one of the cupboards, breaking, all the plates and pots falling off, producing tremendous noise. The sounds lasted for almost ten seconds straight before everything calmed down again, Virkov opening his eyes to look at the gallade, who had a pot on his head.
- Well, so much for being stealthy... - The gallade said, shaking off all the shards and pots off him, producing even more noise. - Stop making noise and listen you blockhead! - Virkov shouted, clearly mad. The gallade stared at him. - What? - He asked, distracting the jackal again. - Just shut up and listen! - The blue pokemon shouted. Nax did as his friend told him. Soon enough, he heard it too. It sounded like wood creaking. The creaking got louder and louder as it increased progressively. - The hell is th... - Nax begun, as all of a sudden crack was heard, followed by loud crumbling and a loud thud coming from the basement. Both of the pokemon jolted up from the ground and quickly dashed out into the main hall. They quickly found the entrance to the basement, a wooden door that they found out was also busted. They kicked open the door and rushed down.
They both stopped at the foot of the stairs, Nax looking away in disgust while Virkov just stared at Elei's corpse, his eyes wide open and face purple, a noose around his neck, vials lying around him, spilling their contents all over the floor.
Virkov's eyes slowly opened as he returned back to the real world, his senses coming back to him. His body was still sore because of the pain he had endured while asleep. However, his wounds didn't feel as severe as before. Whomever was treating him doing an excellent job at doing so. He looked around, and saw a window through the which the light of the moon came through. He heard movement in the lower floor, as someone started walking up the stairs. He looked at the door, as it begun opening slowly, Showers walking in. She noticed that he was awake, walking towards him smiling. - Oh! You'e finally awake! - She shouted. Virkov stared at her. - Well... if you can call laying in bed in pain... as well as slowly remembering all of your past mistakes... - He said, looking grim.
The vaporeon giggled. - So you shouldn't think like that. You still haven't told me how you got all of those wounds, specially that rock buried in your side! How did you get that thing all the way in there? You almost pierced your liver! - She shouted. The lucario didn't answer, the eeveelution rolling her eyes. - Well... as I was saying... I don't know what to say about all these wounds, but I can tell you about those memories of yours. You shouldn't hit yourself too hard! As you clearly said, they are from the past! Your past may be dark, but your future will be bright! - She shouted with a bright smile. The lucario smirked. - Yeah... right. There's no bright future other than death for someone like me. My mistakes have no mending. - He said.
- How do you know that? - She asked him. He didn't answer that question either, the Vaporeon finally sitting down next to him, grabbing the rug on his forehead and pawing it, checking if Virkov was hot or not. She smiled in glee, as his temperature had clearly decreased. - Leafia really knows how to make some good medicine when she wants to. If you stay here a couple days more you'll be good as new. Just don't do whatever you did back there to get yourself so roughed up. - She said, dipping the rug in the bucked of water. She absorbed the excess of water in the rug through her paws, putting the now wet rug on the lucario's forehead again. - Now... there's something I have to ask you something that's been plaguing our minds here at the forest... and it's about your name. - She told him. - My name? What about it? - He asked her, she sighed, smirking afterwards. - Well.. you could say we kind of know your name around here. - She said.
He rose an eyebrow. - Do you really? - He asked her. - Yep... we were all good friends of Skye you know... - She said. Virkov sat up violently. - Skye?! - He shouted, wincing as his side begun hurting. Vaporeon's eyes widened. - Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Calm down! - She shouted, placing her paws on his chest and making him lay down. - Yes, we know her! We were all friends of hers until that Blake fucker killed her. - Virkov's eyes widened. - She's... dead?! Elly... I've got to find her... - He said, the vaporeon however shook her head. - She's gone. Elly's hopefully back at Treasure Town. However, I still want to know how you met Skye, because we never quite knew how you and her met. - She said.
- Well... there were two times I met her... once was a really long time ago, and the other was a few months ago. - He said. - What? How can you even meet someone two times? - She asked her. - The first time I met her... I never knew who she was, as I met her as an eevee. Then... the second time I met her like an Espeon, and she told me about her new life and those things. - He informed her, a bit depressed. - Well... come on, tell me about the first time you met her then. - She said. He sighed, not really sure if he should tell her. - Well... ok then. This... happened a long time ago... almost twenty six years ago... - He begun.
It was a gray day, as it was raining down heavily on a small forest. The sky was completely covered with clouds, and as suh only a gray light came through, making the whole place look even more depressing that it already was. Under the trees, two pokemon walked through. One of them was a Lucario, who was using a brown cloak to cover himself, while a Gallade beside him used a dark blue one. Both of them were carefully walking through the forest, pushing any bushes aside and walking over any kind of water puddles that could hinder their progress. - Man... why do we always get the icky jobs? - Nax asked. Virkov looked back at him. - Because this is an insanely important mission Nax. A group of Dark Eons have been sighted in this forest. We need to confirm this, and in case it is true, neutralize any threats to the order and take a hostage if possible. That way we can question them. - He said.
- Sheesh, you sound cold. - Nax said, obviously referring to his friend's serious tone. The lucario looked in front of him again. - Thirteen years Nax. It's been thirteen years since she left me. - He said. The gallade placed a hand of his shoulder. - Hey man. You've been doing alright, haven't you? You and Ferrus have gotten through together up to now, so why would that change now? - He asked him. The lucario sighed. - It's just... he's a lot more different than before. He's going through puberty and all, but... he's much bigger than before too. And... I don't think he respects me that much anymore. - He said. Nax rolled his eyes, waving his hand and dismissing those thoughts. - Nah. Tima is exactly the same. She's been really rude to us lately, and the other day she asked me and Praes some fairly mature questions, which I'm pretty sure your kid's already asked you. - He asked his friend, raising an eyebrow.
The lucario nodded. - See? They're just growing up... - Nax said. - And we're getting older. You've repeated that same phrase too many times Nax... - Nax opened his mouth as he pronounced the same words at the same time as his friend. - Yet it's true. - They both said. The gallade looked at Virkov, smirking. - See? Finally, something got through that thick skull of yours! - He shouted, tapping the lucario's head forcefully. The jackal simply walked to the side, out of range from the psychic type's annoying finger. - I can always learn something Nax. I know they are growing up, and it's completely natural... but each time I look at him... I just wonder... what would she think of him? Would she scold him for things I don't care about? Would she worry about things that I think are just stupidities? - The blue furred creature began asking himself.
The gallade sighed. - Well... maybe she would... or maybe she wouldn't. Who really knows. In my opinion, you should just let go, and be the best father you can be, without thinking about what Jelia would do and would not do. - Nax advised Virkov, who stared at him from the corner of his eye, a "are you serious" look on his face. - Really? I think you could learn something that letting go part, considering that you've been thinking about conspiracy theories for about five god damn years. - Virkov said. Nax rubbed the back of his head a bit ashamed. - Well, you know I love this kind of stuff! - He shouted. - Five years of conspiracy theories about how Elei got killed? Really? Can't you make up stuff other than that? - He asked his friend. - Well, we never really knew what drove him to suicide... - Nax raised a finger. - His guilt from noticing what was killing Jelia drove him to thinking he had let her die... - He said, answering Nax's seemingly unanswered question.
- Ok... then how about who broke into his house after he died? - Nax asked, raising a second finger. - It was himself. He went into a spree out of sheer anger, breaking several things around the house, like doors, chairs and some windows. - Virkov replied. Nax, now quite furious, looked up into the sky. - Alright then, solve this one! How come it's been five years of "restless" investigation, yet no one has found a single clue about the whole thing. Hell, it even looks like they don't even want us to know! As soon as the council appeared, they discouraged us from investigating. Us! - He shouted. Virkov opened his mouth to respond, but didn't have anything to say. - Guess you're right in that aspect. It is weird, yes. - He agreed. - I KNOW RIGHT?! - Nax shouted.
Suddenly, they both heard a bush rustle in front of them. Instinctively, Virkov used his aura senses to distinguish who or what was in that bush. He saw an intensely black aura coming from the creatures behind the bush. His eyes shot open as his paws started glowing brightly. - EONS! - He shouted. He launched an aura sphere, making two shapes jump out, screaming in panic. One of them was an espeon, the other an eevee. - Run! - The espeon shouted, facing the lucario and the gallade. The child hesitated for a second before running off in the other direction. - Virkov, don't let it get away! - Nax shouted, charging for the espeon. The lucario dashed right by them and headed after the eevee- The cub was running as fast as it's little legs let it. However, it's speed was no match for the jackal's, who quickly caught up with it, lunging forward and grabbing it with his paws, making it unable to move. It shrieked in terror.
He rose from the ground, the eevee trying to squirm from his grip, shouting and making sounds out of pure terror. He slowly started walking back to Nax, whom he found with the espeon put down, it's face staring angrily at them. - You bastards... let us go! - The espeon shouted. It sounded male. - Oh, so apparently you Dark Eons you can talk as well. That's good, the interrogation will go smoothly then. - The two legged psychic type said. The espeon's eyes went wide open. - What?! You're... - He tried to squirm from under the gallade's weight. - No! Stop! This is a mistake! I'm not one of them! - He shouted. - Your aura says otherwise, and the same goes for the child. - Virkov said, now coming into their field of view. The espeon's eyes went from angry to terror. - NO! LET HER GO, PLEASE! - He shouted desperately.
Virkov looked at the dark eon with curiosity. They were good at faking emotions, that's for sure. - Oh come on, you couldn't care in the slightest for what happened to her. Neither do you or the rest of your kind think of anything else than death. Isn't that what you guys care about? - Nax asked. - NO! Please listen to me! I am not one of them! Please! Don't hurt her please! - He shouted. Then both the aura knights saw something that they thought was impossible. Tears in the espeon's eyes. At first both of them thought they were seeing drops of water on his fur. However, they both saw how his brown eyes were watery, and he was sniffing as well, looking at the eevee in Virkov's hands. The eevee, who was apparently a female was also sniffing, on the verge of crying.
Nax stared at Virkov, who knew what the gallade wanted him to check. The lucario closed his eyes and checked both the eevee's and the espeon's auras. They were both black. Virkov looked at Nax, and nodded. - Alright then... let's take them back to the camp. - Nax coldly said, both him and his friend confused.
So... that was the first time you met her? When she was a child? - Showers asked Virkov. - Yeah. It sounds horrible, but the first time I met Skye was when I kidnapped her with her father. - Virkov said, looking depressed. - Well... when you say it that way... - The vaporeon begun, letting the words fly in the air for a while. It was horrible yes, but she had forgiven him. - Just a question though... how did she forgive you? - Showers asked. - Well... that's the next part of the story though... - He said, proceeding with his story.
Virkov and Nax were walking around the main hall, chatting with whoever walked near them and greeted them. - So, how do you think they are going with the interrogation? - Nax asked his friend, who wasn't really paying attention to him. He was looking around the grand hall, looking at all those pokemon that were walking around, going to serve their duties somewhere else. Some visitors however were looking at the architecture. The main entrance was at the other end of the building, and the doors were open, different colored creatures going in and out, a constant flow of color blazing through their eyes. The emblem on top of the doors was transparent, and let some light in. The main stay was completely transparent, and let in white light, while the rest of the emblems were made of tainted glass of the same color the elements were.
The place were the light hit was weirdly lit, with some natural light in the center while differently colored circles surrounded it, making the small circle of light look almost like a product of magic, which was really attractive to those who were first visiting the temple. The pillars that kept the walkways on the sides over the main ground. However, he wasn't paying attention to the architecture either. He was thinking about the "Dark Eons" they had captured and were being interrogated right now. They couldn't possibly be Dark Eons. They were far too emotional. Had he made a mistake or something? It wasn't possible. He saw their auras with his own eyes, but it still didn't make any sense.
Nax snapped his fingers in front of the jackal's muzzle, calling his attention. - Oi! Earth calling Virkov! - He shouted. The lucario looked at his friend. - What are you day dreaming about? - He asked him. - I was thinking about those two eons. I can't still think that they are actually dark eons, but at the same time, I felt their auras clearly. - He said. Nax sighed. - Well... let's go and check on them, and see what they have figured out. - He finished as they got to a set of spiraling stairs leading down into the ground. Under the temple there was a basement where they did their shadiest activities. No visitors were allowed down there, just in case that someone didn't quite understand what they were doing. The lower area was a set of hallways created in such a way that it was a maze. They had walked through those halls many times before, and they knew where the interrogation rooms were.
Another lead were the insanely loud screams that came down from the hallway. Not only where they male screams, but also high pitched female ones. Both Virkov and Nax's eyes widened with horror and rushed down the hallways, running into a pair of doors. The screams came from the one on the left, and they both opened it hastily, running in. Inside, they espeon was chained to the floors, making him unable to completely move, a strange cloth covering his eyes, while the eevee was being crushed in the grip of a Machoke. - NOW TELL ME WHERE THE BASE IS! - The fighting type shouted. Nax rushed in. - What the fuck are you doing?! You're going to kill her! - The gallade shouted. - One less dark eon in this world won't hurt anyone! - He shouted, tightening the grip around the eevee's body, crushing her. - NO! STOP PLEASE! - The espeon shouted desperately, tears in his eyes. The machoke smiled wickedly, but his smile turned into a serious glance as Virkov grabbed the hand he was crushing the eevee with, applying a lot of force.
Both of the fighting types stared blankly at eahcother for a while. However, the mahcoke's face got progressively worse as the lucario was crushing his hand. - Let. Her. Go. - Virkov simply said, staring deeply into the Machoke's eyes. He hissed in pain as he opened his hand, the eevee dropping to the floor, yelping in pain and groaning afterwards. Virkov let go of the other pokemon's hand, who stared angrily at him. - Leave. - He told him. The machoke did as the lucario commanded him, not before saying that the elder would be notified. He slammed the door as he left the room, leaving them alone. The lucario turned to face the two captives. - Are you two ok? - He asked the espeon and the eevee. They didn't say anything, as the eevee nuzzled the espeon's face, who had tears coming from under the veil.
Nax walked closer. - I am going to remove the cloth now. Do not attack us. - He said, untying the knot on the back f the espeon's head. He opened his eyes to look at the two pokemon that thad captured them. - You... You kidnapped us! You made us suffer! - He shouted, clearly angry. - WE want to ask you a few questions. - Lucario said, the espeon's face going white again. - No... please not again... - He begun. - We will not torture you, neither will we harm your child. We just want to know a few things. - He said. The espeon hissed. He still didn't trust them, but they were clearly a lot better than the last one. - Alright... the first question. What is your name, and what were you doing in that forest? - Virkov asked. - My name is Xureon, and this my daughter, Skye. We were... traveling and she got away. And while I was looking for her... you two appeared. - Xureon said.
- Alright Xureon. This is my friend Nax. - Virkov said, pointing at the gallade, who was still looking at the dark eons, distrusting. - And I am Virkov. - He introduced himself. - Do you know why you're here? - He asked the espeon. - Yes. You guys think that I am a Dark Eon, but no, I am not... not anymore. - Xureon answered. - What do you mean not anymore? - Nax asked, now more curious than distrusting. - The order of the Dark Eons died about 32 years ago. Now the only survivors try to outrun their pasts... and him as well. - The espeon answered, clearly unaeasy. - That's a lie. Thirteen years ago, my mate passed away from a terrible illness. Morbis. You are probably familiarized with the name, since your kind created it. - He said. Xureon's face went into one of terror. - Morbis?! It still exists?! - He asked them. - His wife died to it... so yeah. It still exists, and you guys were the ones that infected her. - Nax concluded.
- What? How? We never knew that your base was here, we thought it was in the Kanto region, not the Hoenn one! Also, what makes you think that we would have that hing still flying around! It's lethal for you and for us as well! - He shouted. - You mean that you guys created it and still didn't have a cure? - He asked. - No. You don't create an illness. It manifests itself. Even the stupidest of doctors will tell you that. We decided to stop harnessing it, thus avoiding a huge deal of damage to ourselves. But that was long ago, before I was born, so how did she get infected? - Xureon asked. - We never knew. - Virkov answered, clearly hut that he was remembering Jelia at that moment. - But either way, she died of Morbis, which means that your order isn't as dead as you say it is. - Nax continued. - No. The Dark Eons are dead... slaughtered by their own creation. - He said. This made Virkov extremely curious. - What do you mean? What happened to the dark eons? - He asked.
Xureon gulped. Virkov felt fear coming from his body. There was something he was hiding from them. - It... was about 47 years ago, a little bit before I was born. You know that the Dark Eons goal was to resuscitate their god... right? - He said. - Why are you referring to your order as "them"? You are a Dark Eon as well, you know. - Nax said. Xureon stared angrily at him. - NO I'M NOT! - He snapped. - I am not part of them anymore! Not after what happened with that monster. - He said. - That doesn't matter at this point. Continue on, and don't interrupt his story again Nax. - He said. Nax huffed while the espeon proceeded. - Well, to revive him they needed a lot of energy... as well as a body to serve as a vessel. For years, they breaded specific pokemon in a an attempt to create the perfect creature to hold that demon's soul. However, as they pursued this goal... there was a rupture in the inside. Some pokemon thought that their lord had to be revived as it was their destiny, as well as ours... However, we thought that it ahd been far too long, and that it wasn't worth it anymore. We last so many battles in what seemd like an endless war. Right then, an internal war started. The Dark Eons against those that thought it wasn't worth it anymore. We won the war... but we didn't predict for Blake. - He said.
Virkov raised an eyebrow. - Blake? - He asked. - The perfect creature they called him. They instructed him in the arts of dark magic, fighting and stripped him clean of emotions in the process... creating the perfect killing machine, as well as the perfect vessel for their god. Just as we thought we had won that battle, Blake appeared, and slaughtered many of us mercilessly. The way he fought was like anything that the world had ever seen. This happened 30 years ago. I lost my parents to that bastard, and I had to run away from him. After that, the rest of the order dispersed, and the Dark Eons disappeared. - He finished. Virkov sighed, then turned to face Nax. - What do you think? - He said. - I don't know... I mean... we hadn't heard from the Dark Eons until this whole thing started... and you know how I am with conspiracies. - He said. Virkov growled angrily. - I don't need any of your conspiracy theories right now Nax! I need your opinion! - He shouted.
- Well... I don't know... you've always made the right choices in this kind of stuff man... what do YOU think? - He asked the lucario. Virkov looked at the Xureon and Skye. They were both cowering in the corner, the eevee nuzzling and licking his father's cheek, while his father kept telling her to stay calm. He closed his eyes. Their auras were pitch black... but they were still so pure. Why? He didn't understand it. Was there light beyond all that darkness? A light they hadn't been able to see? He thought about it. There was darkness inside the brightest of lights, so could it be the other way around as well? He thought about it for a second, but then his thoughts drifted off to what a bunch of Dark Eons would do if he was in the same place Xureon and Skye were. Would they execute them? Or would they let them go?
He thought that they wouldn't... Yet they weren't dark eons. They were better than that. He looked at Nax. - I trust them. This kind of story isn't one you make up. They weren't lying through the whole thing, or at least I couldn't feel it... But... I can't help but feel... that pokemon like them couldn't have killed Jelia. Also... what would they do if it was us in this situation? They may kill us... but we must be better than that, don't we? - He asked his friend. Nax smirked. - Alright then... let's do it. - He said. Both of the pokemon looked at the espeon, still chained to the ground. They knelt down and broke the chains, letting him free. The espeon thanked them and the eevee got on his back. - Alright then let's go! - Nax shouted, opening the door. They walked out into the hallway. However, just then, the Machoke from before, followed by two Machamps appeared. - What the... - He muttered. He saw the espeon and the eevee and then stared at the two taller pokemon. - TRAITORS! - He shouted.
However, he was silenced as a psycho wave shot forward, hitting his chest and knocking him back, falling on the machamps, all of them being incapacitated. - Serves you right, you bastard. - Xureon said. Virkov however was worried that someone had heard his scream. His fears were confimed, as they heard someone ask what was going on, followed by many steps that camne their way. - Shit, this is not good! - He shouted. Nax found another way out of that hallway and called all of them. - Guys! This way, quick! - He shouted. All of the pokemon in that hallway quickly rushed to him, Virkov being right after Nax and Xureon being the last one. However, the espeon wasn't fast enough as whoever was standing in the hallway saw his tail disappear around the corner. - They have escaped! After them! - The voice shouted.
(Running Hell – Cave Story 3D + PC)
The chase was on, as the group dashed through a series of hallways through the maze. After that point, they didn't really know where they were going, though the knew they had to run, the torches hanging from the ceiling being the only light they had. Thankfully, there didn't seem to be anyone in their way, but behind them they could hear the pokemon trying to track them down, as all of them ran the fastest they could. They seemed to be in the middle section of the maze, as there were only doors on either of the far sides, with the exit being at the other side. Although neither Virkov or Nax knew the full layout, they guessed they had to stick to the doors. The finally found another hallway with doors and started running through it, hopefully headed to the exit. Some doors started opening in their way, Nax charging into them and shutting them instantly, probably hurting whoever was trying to open them.
- Stop right there! - Someone behind them shouted. Virkov tunred to face behind them, and saw some silhouettes. Probably those who were following them. He rose his paws and charged an aura sphere, firing it at them as soon as it was fully charged. The projectile brutally exploded, making one of the walls collapse, putting a pile of rubble between them and their pursuers. - Nice shot! - Xureon shouted. Virkov didn't answer his compliment, as he was too focused on paying attention to their surroundings. All of a sudden, the same Machoke jumped out from a corner, pouncing on Virkov. The lucario quickly reacted, kicking the machoke off him. He then charged right for him, punching his face repeatedly. The four armed fighting type tried to him, but Virkov grabbed one his arms, twisting it, making the pokemon turn around and then slamming him against the floor, knocking him out cold. He rose from on top of him and turned around. - Virkov, quick! - Nax shouted.
They resumed their run, coming to another corner and turned left. Right in front of them they could see the stairwell that lead upwards. They started running upwards, shouts coming from behind them as they chasers had probably gone all the way around the other side to catch them. They came out to the main hall, where more pokemon were walking around. However, the explosion from earlier had brought some alarm to many of the creatures in the building, and when they saw four pokemon rushing out from the basement they felt like something was wrong. This was confirmed as shouts from the stairs started being heard, but it was too alte, as they were already rushing through the main door. - Nax! Get your family and meet me by the entrance of village. Get away from here, I'll distract them! -Virkov shouted. The gallade nodded, running off to the left with the dark eons. Virkov turned around and aimed an aura sphere at the main doors. Just when their chasers came out, he fired it at the frame, making the door collapse on them, hopefully winning them some time to breath.
(Stop the music)
He ran back to his house, opening the door and closing it behind him. - Dad?! Is that you?! - Ferrus asked. He sounded more surprised that anything else for some reason. - What are you doing here this early?! I thought you said you wouldn't come back until later! - The riolu shouted. Virkov walked up to him. - There's no time to explain Ferrus. We've got to leave. - He said. - Wait... what happened? Where are we going? - He asked. - We are leaving this village... I'll explain to you on the way, but now hurry! - Virkov shouted. Still confused, Ferrus started running right after his father, who opened the main door again and ran out.
- Come on! We've got to get away from here! - Nax shouted, holding tightly Praes's who had grabbed Tima with her other arm. Right behind them, Xureon was looking behind him nervously, Skye still on his back. They hadn't chased them out of the village... and there didn't seem to be anyone close to them... but they couldn't have given up so easily. Something was really wrong there. They all heard a bush rustle, and it was followed by something jumping out of the bushes. However, it didn't target either Skye or Xureon... it charged straight for Nax and his family.
Virkov walked to the entrance of the village. However, he saw there was someone looking at him, standing in the middle of his way. It was the elder. - Virkov, what is the meaning of this?! Why are helping those dark eons escape? - He asked him. - Elder! Me and Nax discovered some of the members of our order torturing them. Specifically a little eevee cub so they could get the information from the espeon. After talking with them, they told us that the Dark Eons are gone because of one of their experiments. Afterwards, we decided to help them. - He informed. Sophos looked at him. - But... Virkov... they are the enemy! - He shouted. - After what I saw, elder... I saw tears coming from their eyes. They showed true emotions. Sorrow and pain for others. After that, I believed his story. - The elder looked at him intensely.
But Virkov... they are still the enemy! They wouldn't forgive your life if you were in their place! - He shouted, trying to make Virkov notice the danger he was in. -Well... no, they wouldn't spare us probably... but we aren't them. We would be as bad as them if we mercilessly executed a father and his daughter. - He said. There was sense in what he was saying... but it wasn't enough for Sophos. Just when he was going to open his mouth however, a shout was heard. Virkov's eyes went wide open, as he felt his heart stopped completely, feeling like his temperature dropped to ice cold. It was Nax's shout. He screamed out his name, as he charged through the gates of the village and into the forest. He ran as fast as he could, pushing aside all leaves or bushes in his way. It was then however, in the blink of an eye, when a shadow zipped past him. Something went by so fast, that he was almost impossible to feel it. However, time slowed down as said creature zipped by. It was less than a second of time however, and he wasn't able distinguish what it had been. However, he had clearly seen it's wicked smirk.
From this moment forward, he had an extremely bad feeling. He saw a clearing at the end of the path of trees, however the contrast of light didn't let him see what was in that clearing. He figured out shortly afterwards though. As he came out to the clearing, he saw Nax laying on the ground, in the middle of a puddle of blood, various scratches all over his body... with one his arms missing... and a huge hole in his stomach. Virkov rushed to him, dropping to his knees right next to him. - Nax! Nax! Shit! Nax please talk! - He called him. His eyes were wide open, and he was still somehow breathing. He looked at him, his lips moving, though no sound came from them. Virkov tried to understand what he was saying... and he read the following words: Don't... trust... them...
He felt it again. Thirteen years ago he had first felt it, and he had sworn he would never have to feel it again... But he did... Just then, he felt how Nax's life slipped between his fingers, just like Jelia's life had. He sobbed as once again... someone close to him had died because of his fault. He closed his eyes, as anger built up in his body, a thirst for revenge consuming him, his eyes opening wide, his eyes filled with anger and thirst for revenge.
Virkov laid there, thinking about what had happened a long time ago, whilst Showers processed everything she had just heard. - I... I feel sorry... - She said. Virkov looked at her, confused. - For what? - He asked. - For asking you this question.. what happened to your friend was horrible... and you never found his family did you, or who killed him at least... I am sorry I ever asked you this, I will be going now. - She said, getting up and walking away. - Wait! - He shouted. She stopped and looked at him. - I never said anything about it being a bother. In fact, I insist that you stay here. This next part of the story... it's haunted me for years. If I can just... get your opinion... maybe I can see the light of day. - He said.
Showers looked at him, worried. - Ok then... but do you find out who killed your friend? It couldn't have been Skye and her father... - She said. - And you're right... it wasn't her... but it was someone that I hadn't expected at all. - He said.
- Tomorrow we will launch an attack on their old base all the way in the Johto region. There we will destroy and annihalate anything or anyone that we find related to the Dark Eons. - Virkov said, Sophos standing beside him. - We will not leave a single survivor. We will show them the pain they have brought us! - He shouted, raising his right fist up in the air. The rest of the council members did the same thing. - We shall have our revenge! - He shouted, the rest of the members shouted, as if they were agreeing with him. Sophos looked at the shiny lucario, who nodded, letting the elder speak. - You have all heard our brother. Tomorrow we shall begin our march. By the end of this month, we shall clense the world of darkness! - The old lucario shouted.
The rest of the council members agreed with him, and Virkov agreed to by raising heir right fist too. It had been seven years since those dark eons had killed Nax, and probably had kidnapped his family as well. After that, one could say things that gone horrible for Virkov. He was judged heavily by his decision, though in the end he was forgiven. However, that action had tainted his honor... and his family's as well. He wasn't the strong lucario that everyone had met. He was just a soldier who followed orders from his general. He had lead missions to destroy the Dark Eons on that region, and they had left no survivors. He had changed heavily, and some would think that he had changed for good...
But they were wrong. He was nothing more than a husk now, a shadow of what he had once been. After Nax's death, he lost his son's respect as well. He had gained quite an affection for Tima... and the thought of having lost her because of his father's actons devastated him. At the age of eighteen, he evolved out of sheer happiness when he told his father he was leaving. That completely devastated what was left of the old Virkov, thus creating what he was known as today. And it had been two years since then. Two, extremely long years. His son never came by to visit him, and he rarely saw him in the temple. He didn't show any signs of having any companions, but it was obvious why.
No one cared for him. He was the son of such a loser, so how could he amount to be something else? Virkov's questions reached further in, asking himself what he had done to deserve that much fame before, or why Nax had become his friend, or why Jelia had ever married him. These things tormented him endlessly... but they all revolved around one simple thought. He hadn't been the pokemon everyone had been trusting on. He hadn't been a great mate, or a great friend... hell, not even a great father by that point, so what did he have left?
Revenge. The anger that had been brewing inside of his soul for seven years after he had realized where his true enemy was. He had been fooled once, but not anymore. He wouldn't let them kill anyone else. He would kill them before they got the chance. They would pay for all the misery they had brought to that world... and to himself as well. After the meeting ended, he left the building altogether. It was raining outside. A perfect weather for a day like that. A grim day for him, because of the tragedy that was to unfold the very next day. He felt sorrow, and sadness because of what was to happen, but those were only the last kicks of what was left of the old Virkov, nothing else. He walked up to his house, now looking extremely old and worn out because of lack of caring. He pushed the door open and walked in, making his way through the hallway and laying on a pile of cushions.
It was then when he noticed two things were wrong. One, that the main door was actually open, and he remembered clearly closing it. Second of all, there were two pillows missing. He rose up quickly, looking around the room, scouting for anyone inside. - It's been a long time, father. - A voice said. He turned around and saw a blue furred lucario sitting on one of the missing pillows. He was drinking coffee from a green mug, staring at the now old shiny lucario serenely. - Ferrus... I didn't expect you see you here today... I... - He begun, however Ferrus cut him in the middle of his sentence. - Yes, I hoped it would be that way. After all I never come to visit... dad. - He almost spit out the word dad, hitting Virkov's morale really hard.
- However... you will be happy to know that I have come to visit you one last time before I leave. - He said. Virkov stared at him, confused. - And... since she insisted in coming to visit you... I will two birds with one stone and say goodbye, as well as make you meet her... well, re-meet her actually. - He said. Virkov stared at him, confused. His gaze turned to Ferrus' left side, where he saw a beautiful Gardevoir, who was staring at the old lucario nostalgically. - Hello again... mister Virkov. - She shily said. He instantly recognized the pokemon, shocked to see her there. - Tima?! What... how?! - He asked, really surprised. - Well... neither her... or her mother actually ever died... - He said. She looked at him. - Well... to be precise... my mother passed away a few months ago... she didn't make it through a really strong fever. - She said.
Virkov looked at her. - I am sorry for your loss. - He said. - It's ok... I came back here to find you and Ferrus... and Ferrus actually helped me a lot when getting through it. - She said. - I am happy to hear that you are back, but... why didn't you ever come back? - He asked her. - I... I just couldn't come back... not after they killed my father. - She said. - What? What sense does that make? - Virkov asked Tima. - Good grief dad... it was the Aura Knights who did it! - He shouted. - What? Ferrus, explain yourself! - He shouted, Virkov clearly alarmed that his son was saying those things. - You heard me. An aura knight chased after Nax and his family, attacked them and then made it look like it had been the Dark Eons by mutilating him. - He explained.
Virkov stared at him blankly. - You do realize... that what you're saying... doesn't make any sense? - He asked Ferrus. - Yeah, right, I knew that you would never listen to me. - He bluntly answered. - But... it doesn't make any sense! Why would the aura knights kill Nax?! - He asked him. - Well... it wasn't either Xureon or Skye, and the Dark Eons are dead officially... - Tima said. - How do you know that? - He asked her. He quickly realized, as he stared at his friend's daughter disbelievingly. - They have fed you lies haven't they... they have washed your brain and have turned you to their side! - He shouted. He rose from the ground. - Mister Virkov, please wait! - She shouted. - Ferrus! Stay away from her! She's one of them! - The old lucario shouted, staring at the Gardevoir menacingly.
The gardevoir tried everything she could to convince Virkov otherwise. - I told you Tima... I told you he would never understand. - He said, raising from the ground. - Ferrus! You mustn't! They killed your mother! - Virkov shouted. - Get your shit together dad! - Ferrus snapped, staring angrily at his father. - The dark eons are gone! That Sophos bastard has been feeding you lies this whole time so you stay by his side whenever the dark eons come! But they will never come, because they're gone! - He shouted. - NO! Ferrus, they are out there, and she only wants you to join them as well! - He shouted. Ferrus looked at Tima, grabbing her hand softly and staring at her lovingly. - If it means being with her... then I would join their order if it still existed. - He declared.
Virkov's eyes widened in shock. Something inside of him broke, as his eyes went bloodshot, growling menacingly. - I WILL NOT ALLOW IT! - He shouted, charging straight for them. Tima screamed in terror... but Ferrus simply threw a fist into his own father's stomach. Virkov's breath left his lungs as he fell down inches away from them, grabbing his stomach in pain. Tima stared at Ferrus alarmed. - Ferrus, don't! - She shouted, pleading him to stop. Ferrus stared at her, and then stared back at his father. He leaned into him. - Hey. If you ever wanted any proof from the fact that the Aura Knights did it all... the day Nax was murdered, a Shiftry came back the same way you had headed. He talked with Sophos for a while, and I noticed that the leafs on his hands were covered in blood. If that isn't enough proof for you... think about the fact that no one in the order bothered to investigate what happened. - Ferrus said, walking out of the room. - Let's go, Tima. - He called her.
The gardevoir looked at the shiny lucario for a while, feeling sorry for him. She then walked away, their steps echoing in the house until he heard the door open, seconds after that slamming shut forcefully. Virkov laid there, clenching his stomach, which still hurt because of the strength of the punch. However, that wasn0t what was hurting him that much. It was the fact that his son had left him forever. Tears came out from the corner of his eyes as he realized just how much of a failure he was. He tried his hardest to get up, almost vomiting in the process. He leaned against a wall, sustaining his weight as he tried to get outside. He thought about what Ferrus had told him. If joining the dark eons meant to be with Tima... then he would join them gladly.
Did he mean that... he loved her? That his happiness... was with her? Suddenly, he noticed the error he had made. It was his son... and he had put his priorities in the order above the love he should've given to his son... He had had to raise him alone... and without anyone there to give him the care he had needed... he now despised him. He understood now, that onot only had he been a failure as a warrior, or as a friend... but also as a father... and as a husband. He remembered Jelia¡s last words... feeling like something pierced his heart. He fell down to his knees, sitting and leaning his back against the wall as he cried quietly, tears coming down from his eyes. He had failed in his duties... and it was all his fault at that point really. He couldn't blame in on the order, or the dark eons... it was his own fault that his son had left him.
He then remembered his son's words. He had told him that the order had killed Nax... and Jelia as well... was it worth looking into it. His life was over after all... He rose from the ground and looked out the windows. It was mid day. If he could get inside the temple, he could find something that either incriminated them or removed all guilt. However, he didn't expect to find much. He quietly left his house and headed for the temple. It was quiet outside in the village, everyone probably eating by that point... or preparing for tomorrow. He saw some shadows coming his way, and he hurried to a wall that covered him with darkness .The walking pokemon passed in front of him without noticing the shiny lucario. He slowly made his way to the temple, avoiding anyone in his way. He came up to the huge building and tried to push the doors open. However, they were locked.
This was strange. Nobody ever closed the doors in that village. Although he did because he had grown used to it, it was weird that someone closed the doors to their house, let alone the temple. There were no thieves in town, and there was nothing to be hidden in any of the houses or families... Or was there. He looked at the temple. If it was locked, it could only mean that there was something of importance in there, something that the order didn't want anyone to see. He had to think of a way to get in, now getting really curious. He tried to push the doors again, and they seemed to move a little bit. Pushing again, the bolts broke, and the door opened, the lock being completely busted, although it was almost unnoticeable.
He walked inside, carefully locking the door behind him. He hoped that there was no one inside at that time. But he didn't think so. He looked around. It was completely empty and the temple was incredibly different than during normal hours, looking like a much more grim place than it actually was. He made his way up one of the sets of the stairs and headed for the council room, at the other side of the walkway. As he got closer, he saw light come from under some of the doors, which meant that there were pokemon inside still. He made his way to the council and opened the door... just to be greeted by the elder.
(Kronos Unveiled – The Incredibles [Copyright to Michael Giacchino and Pixar])
- Virkov... I was expecting your visit. - He calmly said. Virkov stared at him, nervously, as heard steps behind him. A Machoke and a Infernape blocked his way out, forcing him inside. - I was hoping that would tell you this tomorrow... but from what've heard, you've had a pretty bad day... I mean, your son completely left you today, didn't he? - He asked. Virkov stared at him confused. - Were you... spying on me? - He asked. The elder didn't ask that question. - You see Virkov... this war has raged for far too long... we've been fighting against an ruthless enemy that uses the most vile and dirtiest of tactics. We have lost many to them, and we have made great sacrifices. - He said. - Yes... but tomorrow we will start the attack. This will end in a short time! - Virkov shouted.
- Yes, Virkov, but I need you to understand... what we've sacrificed so far... - He said, presenting to Virkov a number of small wooden carvings of pokemon he knew too well. He saw a lucario, a riolu, a gardevoir, a kirlia and a Gallade, as well as a venesaur. In the middle of all of them, there was a small statuette of a shiny lucario. - You see... this all started barely twenty-five years ago. We hadn't heard a single thing from the dark eons... and we knew they were planning for something big. We had heard about some ultimate weapon they had created. Something that would give them the victory over us. Because of this, the attack was... imminent. Yet, nobody believed us, as it had been far too long, and the rumors that the dark eons had disappeared spread like an illness. - He explained.
He crouched down, getting on the same level as the table. - Then... we came up with a brilliant plan... how about if we rose awareness for the menace ourselves? We just wondered... what would happen in we used one of the strains of undeveloped Morbis we had... and... accidentally infected someone. Of course... this would mean that someone had to be sacrificed... and unluckily for us... Jelia was chosen. - He said, hitting the little wood carving of Virkov's mate off the table. - You and Ferrus appeared, and we thought that if you were to know that Morbis had been the reason Jelia died... well, maybe you would end up looking for the dark eons. - He said, grabbing the shiny lucario's statue and Ferrus'.
- Unfortunately... Elei just couldn't stand the fact that he had murdered one of us... thus leaving a note explaining the whole conspiracy, as well as samples of the undeveloped strains... and then killed himself. Fortunately, we sent out men to his house and got rid of the evidence before you got there... and thus one less piece out of the game. - He said, crushing the venesaur's statue, while Virkov listened in disbelief, his eyes widened in shock. - And seven years later, you found those dark eons, and you... tried to help them! Our enemy! And you tried to save them! That was a mistake I could forgive you for, as you were always our best soldier... but... Nax on the other hand... he already had an idea of what was happening.. he was suspicious of us already... and so, we decided to kill two birds with one stone. - He said, launching Nax's figure off the table with one of his fingers.
- And his family seemingly disappeared, thus making you think that those dark eons had done it... and reinforcing your hatred for them. - He said, pushing away Tima's and Praes' figurines. - Unknown to us... Tima came back... and she convinced Ferrus to join them... and now they are both gone... - He said. - Leaving... you. - He said, pushing away all the rest figures off the table, the lone shiny lucario standing in the middle. - Now, you see the sacrifices we have made to get to this point. - He concluded, looking at the shiny lucario. He was panting heavily, something awakening inside of him. - We needed you stay with us Virkov... you are our most prized warrior... and you would be the perfect general for our army... - He said. Suddenly, many shouts were heard outside the door. - Come with me Virkov, come see, the product of our efforts! - He shouted, as he walked past him, the golden furred pokemon staring glancing at him menacingly. The old pokemon opened the door, thus letting them both see the main hall, were many pokemon stood, all looking upwards at them. Virkov walked outside, and all of them cheered him.
Sophos put a paw on his shoulder, and the shiny lucario stared at him. - You see now! Our power! We shall raise and destroy our enemies! WE shall defeat the darkness for the ones we have lost, and we shall avenge our dead! - Sophos shouted, clacking madly. - We will overcome darkness! We will annihaliate it! We shall rule this world! - He shotued at the top of his lungs, the rest of the pokemon in the order cheering him further. - And it will all... be thanks to you... Virkov. - He said, looking at the shiny pokemon with pride.
(Stop the music)
Virkov heard his heart beating, as all of the things that had happened to him came ack at that instant. All he had lost. His friends. His family. His honor. All he had suffered. Loss. Pain. Deception. All he had gone through. Jelia's death. Nax's murder. His son's departure. It all came to him. Crushing him. Turning him into something. His heart started beating louder than ever, as his eyes opened all of a sudden. A heartbeat, and he extended his paw to grab Sophos neck. A heartbeat, and he clenched his paw around the old pokemon's neck. A heartbeat, and he pulled his other paw back. Another heartbeat, as he threw his palm forward, hitting the lucario so fast he went flying out of his grip and down into the main room, everyone in the temple gasping in horror.
The old lucario landed forcefully on the ground, far from where it's followers were. Virkov jumped down, and started makinghis way through the mob, pushing aside everyone in his way. Those who could feel his aura walked aside, afraid of the now enraged pokemon. His eyes wide open, growling menacingly and staring at the creature that had ruined his life. The elder rose his ehad from the floor. His muzzle was bleeding badly, a constant stream of blood coming from it. - You... you dare... raise your fist against you elder?! - He asked, getting up, wiping the blood off his face.
(Master, Tell Me The Truth – Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep)
- You are not my elder anymore. - Virkov coldly said, tensing up. Sophos stared at him, smirking. - I see... so your son enherited your weak will from you... you cannot bear the burden of the sacrifice?! - He asked him, tensing up too. Virkov stared angrily at him, charging for the elder. - So be it! - Sophos shouted, clashing his paw against the shiny lucario's fist, stopping him right there, the duo entering a struggle. Virkov threw another punch, but Sophos jumped backwards, avoiding him completely. Virkov stumbled forward, but quickly regained his balance and looked at his foe angrily again. He lunged for the lucario, who was waiting for him. Once he was close enough, Sophos, threw a punch at his underside, grabbing his fur and then flung him upwards over him, the shiny pokemon briefly flying over him.
Virkov crashed against the floor forcefully, though reacted quickly by rolling away, avoiding a stomp that would've crushed his head hadn't he moved. He used the impulse from the roll to get up and spun around, throwing a kick at Sophos chest, who barely had enough time to block it with his arms. The kick still hit him, making him slide backwards, though staggering him as he lost his balance. Not letting up, Virkov dashed into his face and delivered a brutal punch against his jaw, launching him upwards and into the higher walkway, shattering one of the pillars on his flight there. The elder recovered quickly from this attack, getting close to the edge. The lucario closed his eyes, his paws starting to glow white. - Light shall cleanse you of darkness! - He shouted, his eyes opening as he began throwing white aura spheres at Virkov.
Virkov skillfully dodged the first two, dashing off to the left as the elder launched them his way, leaving a trail of explosions and holes behind him. Virkov ran up the wall, clinging to one of the ledges and jumping off, bouncing off another one the pilars and getting on the walkway that was on the other side. Up there we was ambushed by the same Machoke and Infernape from before. He quickly crouched down, avoiding an initial punch from both of them, the pokemon hitting eachother in the process. Movign swiftly, he grabbed the machoke's chin and punched it's stomach repeatedly, then jumping up and drop kicking it's head, knocking him out and sending him flying into another section of the walkway, making it shatter. The infernape behind Virkov had already recovered from the staggering punch from the fighting type and tried to slam his fists into Virkov while he was on the floor.
However, the lucario rolled backwards, getting back up to his feet with the mementum and charging for the fire type. However,out of the corner of his eye, he was a white aura sphere coming for him, and stopped on his tracks, the projectile hitting the wall to his right and exploding, kicking up a lot of dust. The infernape threw a left punch, which Virkov dodged by going to the right. Then, the fire type threw a right punch, and Virkov ducked down to avoid this one, however, the infernape followed up, throwing a kick. The lucario grabbed it just when it was going to hit him and threw the monkey pokemon up in the air. He spun around, lookinga t the world upside down for a second before his gaze returned to Virkov, who threw a brutal kick at it's face just when it was going to hit the floor. The infernape was launched off trhoguh the walkway, hitting the wall all the way at the other side of the temple.
Another aura sphere form Sophos hit the section of the railing where Virkov was, and because of Machoke's crash against the walkway, that section crumbled down, and Virkov with it. Sophos jumped down and approached the rubble, but suddenly Virkov rushed out, his paws glowing intensely and his eyes glowing a deep blue. He impulsed himself and punched the elder repeated times in the blink of an eye. - How can you call yourself brave... when others endure your pain! - He shouted, and then delivering a follow up with a fully charged aura sphere in his paw. Not only did the first hit Sophos, but also blew up, making him fly backwards at an absurd speed. However, Virkov was going even faster, catching up with him. - How can you call yourself a leader, when you feed us lies! - Virkov shouted again, raising his right and delivering an axe kick while Sophos was scraping the floor, sliding on it. The elder stopped on it's tracks, bouncing upwards. - HOW CAN YOU CALL YOURSELF WISE... - The shiny pokemon shouted at the top of his lungs, as he grabbed Sophos' neck, jumping upwards and spinning around, gaining momentum. - WHEN YOU KNOW NOTHING! - He finished, throwing the old lucario against the floor of the temple, the impact completely shattering the floor, the whole place shaking brutally.
(Stop the music)
Virkov landed right next to Sophos, who was looking upwards, lying on the floor, breathing weakly, his eyes wide open. Virkov crouched down. - You talk about sacrifices, but I never saw you lose anything. Now it's time you lose something. - He said, looking up at the mob in the hall, who was looking at the shiny lucario surprised. - This pokemon killed his fellow brothers so we believed his stories. The dark eons are gone, and to make us believe otherwise he killed my mate and one of my friends, and going as far as torturing a small eevee cub just because she was the daughter of an ex-dark eon. You can still follow him if you wish. You can follow him into a senseless battle over a conflict that ended long ago. But you must know, that you will not have me to lead you anywhere. The order of the Dark Eons is gone, and with them, us the Aura Knights disappear as well. - He announced.
Virkov looked at the faces of those who were present at that time. He didn't bother to analyze their looks, and he simply turned around and walked through the main door. It was raining heavily, a fitting weather for the end of the order.
- Wow... That was... - Showers muttered, not able to process all she had heard. - That is nothing else than my story. Sophos was a fool. He was afraid of the order completely disappearing, and tried his hardest to keep alive an enemy that was long dead. He paid the price for his lies, and now, here I am. Traveling around this world aimlessly. - He said. Showers looked at him. - Damn... it must be tough. - She said. - It is, though you get used to it in the end. However, I want to ask you... what did you think... was I a good father? - He asked her. She looked at him and thought about it. - Well... you and your son didn't have a very good last meeting... but... before all of that... you were kind to him, right? You loved him as your son, so... in the end, maybe you made a mistake... but think of everything else that you died in the past with him... and ask yourself again... were you a good father? - She asked him.
He thought about it. He remembered those last few moments very clearly, but... He tried his hardest to remember those moments when Ferrus had been younger. He remembered those times where he and the riolu had been playing together, or talking, or simply just enjoying a moment together. He smiled, as he remembered those things. Over the years he had been bashing himself because of those last years... but he had never thought about the many others that were before them. And even after what Ferrus had done, he still loved him as a father. He hoped that, wherever he was then, he was happy living with Tima.
Virkov stayed in the house for a few days before he was completely healed. After that, he thanked all the eeveelutions for their help, and said he would come back every so often to check on them. The day Virkov left, it was sunny outside, and it had just broken dawn. It was a new day filled with light and hope. The day that Virkov had been looking forward to for so long. The sun was shining down upon the earth, a perfect weather for the start of his new life.
And that concludes Virkov's story. As you can see, things are not always what they seem. Now why did I say that these chapters were important, when almost none of this changes anything? Well... you'll see. Anyways, that concludes the first book, so now this fic will be put on complete.
