Chapter Fifteen – A Loss is a Loss OR Life is All About Ups and Downs
Heidi was still walking. It'd been three days since she'd left Riley, and it was nothing but walking. She'd finished her way quickly up Route 110 and was now headed East on 118. She'd done her fair share of battling, Naga and Edward were handling a majority of the work.
As she continued down the endless path in front of her, she began to reflect on the visions and what life may have in store for her. "Do you think you could at least give me a hint? I know you know more than you are letting on, being prepared would really give me a better chance to succeed." She glanced at the floating Claydol, hoping for some answers.
Cayce looked at the young girl, emotionless other than the occasional blink of an eye. "I've told you before, your only goal should be to continue forward, continue to build your bond with your team and train yourself. The only thing I can say to you is that you will be unable to properly prepare for your destiny. It is uncertain, which means I can't help you with the upcoming decision you'll need to make."
That was something new, she'd asked Cayce a dozen times but he'd never mentioned the "decision" before. She decided not to bring it to his attention, instead she would continue on and wait for a good time to try and force another slip up.
The day wore on, like all the others. Battle, small break for rest, walk for hours battling, set up camp, sleep and repeat. On day seven, one event took place that changed the future of the Hoenn region forever.
"Cayce, do you hear that?" Heidi quickly began scanning the area. She was in a desolate area off to the northwest of the 118 & 119 intersection. The map made it look like a prime place for a short cut, as she would soon discover, this was a mistake.
"We need to head back the way we came before we are spotted. I can feel dark energy everywhere around me, but I can't get a read on what they are." The Claydol was motionless, beady eyes scanning the area as it psychically scanned anything in range.
She immediately stopped, and began to slowly backtrack, hoping not to bring attention to her or Cayce. Unfortunately, she didn't follow the exact path she'd taken and walked directly into the trap being laid for her. Heidi spied a small black dog sprint past them, and then another. As she looked to her sides, she spotted a couple more. Reality sank in, she was surrounded, and she was in trouble.
"Houndour, the dark and fire type. Houndour hunt as a coordinated pack. Using unique howls and cries it communicates with its pack to trap its prey." Heidi frowned, Houndour were bad enough, but then she spotted the ring leaders. Two Houndoom. She quickly reached to her belt and unclasped two balls.
Naga and Nova materialized before her and quickly realized the position they were in. The duo did not wait for their orders, offense was the best defense. Nova instantly launched her discharge at the pair of Houndoom hoping to startle and scare them off. Naga began launching countless beams of water at the demon hounds, but their attempts were not enough for the horde circling them.
The first Houndour lunged at the young girl, narrowly missing before darting back into the foliage. A second made its attempt, but was beat back by the brave Horsea. This continued for over fifteen minutes, the hounds individually tormenting the group successfully wearing them down. Finally, the Houndoom made their move. They pounced in tandem, narrowly evading the defensive attacks from Heidi's Pokemon.
Pain. That's what Heidi felt as the first Houndoom landed a brutal tackle on the young girl. As she fell to the ground, the second pounced on top of her, straddling her body as she helplessly tried to kick it off. As Naga and Nova regrouped to try and save their trainer, the Houndoom wrapped its jaws around the girls neck. Curiously, it didn't clamp down to finish her off. After a few seconds Heidi realized the canine had no immediate intentions of ending her life. She ordered her Pokemon to stand down, it was time to try and use reason to solve the issue.
"I'm not sure you can understand me, but I need you to know I mean you know harm. We are currently on a quest of sorts and need to continue on. If you would let me go, I give you my word I'll recall my Pokemon and leave the area immediately." Man it was so much easier talking to her psychic...
"You should not have come here. My pack are the guardians of this area, trespassers are not shown mercy." A deep and sinister voice rang through her mind. Why could she hear a dark type?
"I've allowed your psychic to translate. This is not the first time, and it will not be the last that I must sacrifice my dignity to protect our shrine. There have been disturbances inside, but we are unable to enter. In return for your life, you must venture inside and resolve whatever is causing the disruptions."
Heidi looked to her Claydol, with a subtle nod, Heidi agreed to the Houndoom's terms. "We'll find out what is happening for you. My goal in life is to help Pokemon, regardless of the circumstances of our meeting, that has not changed." As the Houndoom released its grip over the girl, she recalled her two Pokemon.
As she tried to stop herself from having a panic attack, she dusted herself off and climbed to her feet. The Houndoom ordered her to follow him to the shrine, so she tucked in behind him and followed the path further into the woods.
Roughly forty five minutes later, the trees opened up into a small clearing. In the middle of the clearing stood an ancient ruin. A ten foot tall rock formation that had eroded over the years sat in front of her. Unknown carvings had weathered badly, barely able to be made out at a casual glance.
"This is a sacred temple. You will treat everything you see with respect, and leave everything as you've found it. I will not tell you what is hidden inside as it does not pertain to you. Simply go in, eradicate any unwanted occupants and leave. Upon your exit, we'll safely guide you back to the humans path and away from our sanctuary." The Houndoom glared at the young girl, trusting humans was the perfect way to end up dead or in servitude.
Heidi watched as the Houndoom breathed a white hot flamethrower on the etched symbols of the ruins. Slowly, they began to glow, and a few moments later a small opening made itself visible. Heidi grabbed her Pokedex and sent a quick message, then made her way into the ancient temple.
The first thing Heidi noticed was how shockingly light it was inside the underground temple. There were no torches, lights or any other illuminaries she could find, but still it was as light as day. Her second observation was the ornate drawings along all of the walls. There were depictions of all kinds of different Pokemon, the only one that continuously appeared was a dark shrouded Pokemon she could not identify.
Heidi released Nova and Cayce and began the journey deeper into the temple. As she continued down the main path, she noticed a few small rooms that branched off, but she was going to do her best to honor her word to the Houndoom. After twenty minutes of winding further down the path, Cayce halted.
"I believe we are near the sanctuary, be on your guard. I can sense a sinister force ahead, be on your guard." The Claydol was visibly anxious, whatever was ahead was not to be trifled with.
Heidi slowly approached the final doorway leading to the sanctuary and she could not believe her eyes. On the far side of the room a single beam of light illuminating a large stone altar. Heidi cautiously approached, Cayce and Nova at her sides. Cayce suddenly went rigid, a demonic purple energy radiating from his body.
"Hello young one, I assured you we would soon meet. Your psychic did an admirable job guiding you to this point, just as foretold. You have come to our most holy temple, and the place of your ascension. You will see and learn many things while you are here. I give you my word no harm will come to you or your friends, other than this Claydol. He knew of his fate when he offered his services, do not feel sorry for him. He his heroic and has done this world a service it doesn't deserve."
"I must ask you to return your friend there, as much as I find her adorable, she will only interfere with our proceedings." The omnipotent ghost gestured towards Nova, who was quickly returned to her ball.
Heidi wasn't sure why she was so trusting of this being, she'd never seen anything like it before. She could tell immediately it was Polly, the visitor from her dreams. She'd been led safely to this point by following its direction, and she knew she must see this through.
"This ceremony will not be like anything you've experienced. You've been chosen as a Champion to our cause, and as such will receive a 'mark' of sorts to assist you on your quest. You'll also learn the history of the Affinity, and may even start to hone your skills as such. Now my young hero, please approach the altar so we may begin." Polly waited patiently as Heidi made her way to the sacred chantry.
Heidi took her place, reaching her hands outwards and grasping the altar on each side. Instantly, her world went black.
Heidi found herself standing on a hill overlooking a rolling prairie. "This is the world before humans. Pokemon roamed free. This was the way the world was as Arceus first saw to create it. This was a time of peace. It seems like only yesterday, but this is tens of thousands of years in the past. It may also be the future if the events of your time continue to play out." Heidi listened intently.
Another moment of darkness, again she found herself on the same hill top. "This is shortly after Arceus decided it was necessary to introduce another of his creations to our world, he created the humans. While physically they are inferior, they were given the gift of a strong mind. Where Pokemon relied on their individual strength, humans grouped together to survive. They built small villages, then larger towns, they created tools and technology to advance their lifestyles. Eventually they'd created a tool capable of enslaving the Pokemon who'd been there before them." Polly lost its concentration momentarily.
Another shift through time, and Heidi found herself again on top of the hill. She was now overlooking a large city with people everywhere. "Eventually it got to the point where entire species of Pokemon had been wiped from existence. Those that survived were forced to relocate, causing Pokemon to become more aggressive towards each other. Humans deemed some Pokemon had no value. Without the ability to participate in battles, they were unnecessary. As the technology grew, more was learned about each Pokemon, creating entire class heirarchies to place 'value' on the breeds." Anger was evident in Polly's voice.
"Breeds that have survived for millenia have been cast aside or driven to extinction. In the quest for power, humans began trying to create their own Pokemon. I'm sure you've heard the tales of the Pokemon called Mewtwo, and what happened to Kanto as a result? Human's greed has pushed them to far. There are forces in this world looking to reset the scales and wipe humans from record. I do not wish to see this happen. I hope to see humans realize the error in their ways, and adapt as they've done so often over the generations."
The world once again went black, Heidi standing on the same hilltop. The buildings were ablaze, there were heavy clouds of smoke covering the sky. "This is not far into the future. This is a possible fate of the human race if things aren't corrected. The human population has been drastically reduced, their towns and villages destroyed. A select few may survive, but they'll be hunted by the Pokemon they've wronged. This is the end of the human species."
Heidi clenched her eyes, desparately trying to remove the image from her mind. When she finally opened her eyes, she was standing in a beautiful prairie of flowers, a calm river running through it. She and Polly slowly floated towards a waterfall. There she saw a young woman at the top of the waterfall.
The woman and her Pokemon were casually walking along the edge of the waterfall. Riley didn't know when or where she was, but she felt at peace. As she watched the young woman and her friend slowly make their way towards the edge of the water, she was set upon by a man.
The woman called to her friend, a small Poliwag, readying it for battle. The man sent forth his Pokemon, a Shiftry, and attacked. The Poliwag was quickly defeated, laying unconscious on the bank of the river. As the woman attempted to run to her Pokemon's side, the man ordered the Shiftry to finish the Poliwag off. With an elongated leaf blade, the Shiftry lunged towards the water type, looking to end its life. In an act of selflessness the woman dove in front of the attack, taking the fatal blow.
The man searched the woman's bag, removing an unidentified object. He turned to the woman and rolled her body into the water. The Shiftry followed suit, throwing the Poliwag into the river and over the falls. As the woman and Poliwag disappeared into the mists below, a flash of pink and white light radiated below.
"You are witnessing the birth of the Affinity. Please try and pay attention to both humans, this is of the utmost importance." Polly fell silent, seeing the fall of their world play out again was an uncomfortable experience.
Riley moved her attention to the murderer standing at the bank. He was staring at the unknown object when a shroud of black and purple light overtook him. Pulses of the energy emmitted from the man, until finally it burst outward, leaving the man seemingly unchanged. As she looked back towards the woman, a similar process happened. As Heidi looked closer, she saw the woman and her Poliwag alive and well at the bottom of the waterfall making their way towards the river bank.
"How is that possible? We just watched her sacrifice herself, how is she alive?" Heidi was having a difficult time processing the events she'd just witnessed.
"What you've seen are the first true acts that define the human race. Arceus witnessed this as well, and bestowed the 'curse' we now call Affinity on these two humans. The man committed an act of hate and greed. He showed the darkness in his heart and hate in his life. He was cursed with a dark affinity. Forever doomed to a life of mistrust and paranoia, the dark Affinity also have an incredible cunning and ability for self preservation." Polly was snarling the information, clearly filled with hatred towards the dark types.
Heidi looked back at the woman at the bottom of the waterfall. A pink hue still hung around the woman. "That is the first hero of light. She was the first fairy Affinity, and one of only three known to have existed. She made the ultimate sacrifice, giving her life in attempt to save her Pokemon. Arceus gave her a new life, and placed her Affinity. Fairy Affinity's are selfless, looking out for all lives regardless of the harm they may endure. This is both their blessing and their curse, as you saw the woman prove."
"There is an Affinity for every type. Each now passed along through genetics. Although it began with only the two, slowly Arceus introduced more to help balance the bond between humans and Pokemon. Please do not misunderstand, it is quite possible for a dark Affinity to be a good and noble person. Its just as likely a fairy Affinity in theory could be evil. Where they were once placed on a person who earned their mark, its now passed down."
"I had mentioned to you that Affinity's had an easier time bonding with certain types of Pokemon, and even took on some of their traits. I believe I told you of your particular affliction as well, being an Alpha. You have the ability to adapt to the Pokemon you use. It would not be impossible for you to develop any number of traits from your team. The only other Alpha to have existed could actually discharge small surges of electricity and breathe underwater."
"I have shown and told you this for obvious reasons. You will be put into positions in the near future where your life will depend on your development of these skills. There isn't a particular way to practice, the more you work with your team, the more your body slowly evolves along side them. Think of yourself as an Eevee, influenced by your surroundings."
"And finally, I shall set you upon the next path to your journey. As I'd mentioned, your Claydol will no longer be accompanying you. You have no further need for him, as you'll find out shortly. Your sole mission in life will be to assist in defeating the new swells of evil, and forging a better path for your people. I will not send you off empty handed. Please, close your eyes, we will return to our sanctuary and begin."
Heidi closed her eyes, trying to determine how on earth she could possibly evolve like an Eevee. When she slowly opened her eyes she was once again standing at the old stone altar.
"Please, give me your hand." Heidi quickly obeyed. "First, I shall give you this gift." Polly raised her hand above Heidi's. She couldn't tell what was happening at first, and then a warm heat radiated through her hand and arm. "This is the first time a human has been given this 'mark' and is not something I do lightly. You will now have the ability to SEE the aura of other Affinity's, helping you identify potential foe or friend."
"And now, the part I think will benefit you most. Please release your Honedge." Heidi grabbed Edward's ball from her belt, releasing her trusted defender. "You have already taken the first step towards your bond with him, allowing him to place his bond on you. I want you to close your eyes and recall that feeling of being pulled through his shadows. Concentrate on that feeling with everything you have."
Heidi thought back to that day at the Contest, that feeling of weightlessness as she tore through another dimension. Over and over she thought of that fleeting moment, trying to remember how the ribbon on Edward's hilt felt, the deafening silence and the force used to explode back to her realm.
"Now open your eyes, tell me how you feel, tell me what you see." Polly was pleased with how quickly this had worked.
Heidi opened her eyes, trying to see if she felt anything different. She slowly looked around the room, and then at herself. As her arms slowly moved in front of her face, she did not see flesh and bone, but a mist almost invisbile to the naked eye.
"Ghost types have the ability to become intangible, unseen or unfelt if needed. You too have that ability. Currently it isn't much more than an optical illusion. You won't be walking through walls or anything like that, but with time you may be able to. We don't really know the full potential of an Alpha, but we know they far exceed that of almost every other Affinity."
Heidi spent the remainder of the day with Polly, she had many questions about the origins and history of Affinity's. Polly shared what was necessary, but in the end the only way for Heidi to truly understand was to experience it for herself.
Finally, it was time for Heidi to leave. As she exited the shrine she assured the Houndoom the disturbance had been solved. As she prepared to depart, unsure of where she was headed, the alpha made a request.
"You have proven yourself to be trustworthy. I must ask a favor, our pack has outgrown this territory. My oldest son is being constrained here, and needs room to grow. I ask that you take him with you, train him by your side. When the time is right, return and we shall show you the treasure hidden in the shrine." The Houndoom nudged his eldest towards the young girl.
"This is Reagan, he will obey any and all commands. Keep him safe, make him strong." And with that, the pack retreated to the forest, returning to their mission of keeping the shrine safe and hidden from the human world.
Heidi tossed the pokeball at the demon dog, and with no resistance, was easily captured. Heidi thought through the entire day again. Losing her friend Cayce for no apparent reason didn't sit well with her. When she had asked Cayce about it, he did not respond. He seemed resigned to his fate, one last heroic deed before he retired to solitude with the ethereal Polly.
Heidi released Reagan and followed the hell hound back towards the path. Heidi was again without a psychic, and Edward was unable to communicate telepathically with the dark type. As she made her way back to the path and towards civilization, one thing became clear. Training was the only thing that mattered. Not only for her team, but herself as well. Polly had been able to make her practically invisible. She needed to be able to do that and so much more if she were to truly be prepared for what the future may hold.
Just a quick rundown of where everyone is at so far team/Pokemon wise. I've found it difficult of everyone's team as I write this, I'll try to remember and include a snippet at the end of each chapter moving forward.
Riley:
Joy – Sealeo
Kek – Krokorok
Asher – Helioptile
Cole – Litwick
Crash – Tyrunt
Taro – Exeggutor
Heidi :
Nova – Flaaffy
Edward – Honedge
Eloy – Breloom
Naga – Horsea
Oberon – Eevee
Houndour - Reagan
Adam :
Pixel – Flygon
Cinder – Talonflame
Juice – Luxray
Max – Bisharp
Rip – Gengar
Shredder – Kabutops
Nick :
Buddy – Empoleon
Chroma – Metagross
Drago – Salamance
Terra – Torterra
Rupert – Houndoom
Yaka – Togekiss
Crystal :
Xanthe – Altaria
Goro – Machamp
Flora – Ninetales
Arco – Sylveon
Gilly – Swampert
Link – Electivire