Chapter 40: The Ghost of Darkrai

Somewhere in the Grass Continent, Monty and Team Rocket were walking around depressed. Monty, Jessie, and James are back in their Sableye forms.

Meowth: Where are we, Monty?

Monty: We must be back in the Grass Continent.

Jessie: You think it's because of our current bodies?

Monty: Yeah, what else would it be?

James: But there is no one here to help us take over this world.

Suddenly, a ghost of Darkrai appears in front of them. The four thugs looked up and saw Darkrai's ghost.

Monty & Team Rocket: DARKRAI!

Darkrai's ghost laughs evilly. Meanwhile, in the plains of the Grass Continent, Sora, Plucky, and Dizzy are walking around. They are back in their Pokemon Forms. They saw Dusknoir, Team Meanies, and Team Skull running towards them.

Gengar: Oh, it's you guys. We were hoping you'd be our next victims.

Skuntank: Yeah, thanks to you clowns, we're doing rescue missions again.

Dusknoir: It's not the same without Lord Darkrai around.

Gengar: Come on, it's not that bad. I enjoyed exploring new dungeons last week.

Sora: We came to see how Cyndaquil is doing.

Dusknoir, Team Meanies, and Team Skull suddenly laughed.

Sora: What's so funny?

Skuntank: We gotta laugh every time we hear that dude's name.

Gengar: Say it again!

Skuntank: Cyndaquil!

They laughed again.

Gengar: One more time!

Dusknoir: Cyndaquil!

They laughed again.

Gengar: Cyndaquil!

They rolled down the ground in laughter.

Sora: Alright, that's enough!

The gang stops laughing and walks away.

Gengar: Go on then. See for yourself. Cyndaquil is one wishy-washy ruler.

Skuntank: Yeah, I bet about now, even some of the high and mighty Rescue Teams were wishing they had a different ruler.

Dusknoir: Even Team ACT back in the Air Continent would make better rulers.

The gang finally left and Sora turns to Dizzy.

Dizzy: What do Sora think could have happen?

Sora: Well, let's go find Cyndaquil and see.

The trio starts walking to Treasure Town, when they suddenly saw Darkrai's ghost appear in front of them.

Sora: Darkrai?

Sora ran up to Darkrai's ghost, but he disappeared.

Plucky: A ghost?

Dizzy: We better tell Cyndaquil about this. Dizzy wonder if Cyndaquil at the end of town...

The trio ran to the Sharpedo Bluff, where they saw Chikorita and Totodile.

Chikorita: Have you come to see Cyndaquil?

Sora: Yes, we even saw Darkrai's ghost!

Totodile: An omen like that could only be foretelling the end of the Grass Continent.

Chikorita: Yet...Cyndaquil won't do a thing. I guess just being the new ruler of the Grass Continent doesn't necessarily mean he's ready to rule the continent himself.

Sora: Trust me, Cyndaquil will think of something.

Totodile: The time for thinking is past. We need him to take action...like Team ACT would have done. They would likely rule with courage and pride.

Chikorita: I remember it like it was yesterday too...The mighty Team ACT...

Sora: Cyndaquil will do that too. You'll see!

Chikorita: I'm not so sure.

Chikorita and Totodile walks away.

Sora: Wait here! I'll go talk to Cyndaquil.

The trio went downstairs to a cave, where they found Cyndaquil resting.

Sora: Cyndaquil!

Cyndaquil looks up and saw the trio.

Cyndaquil: You came back.

Plucky: Are you OK?

Dizzy: Cyndaquil don't look good.

Sora: Hey, Cyndaquil. Why don't we team up and do something about that Darkrai ghost? Seems like everybody's worried about it. So now's your big chance to show em what you're made of!

Cyndaquil stood up with flames on his back activated.

Cyndaquil: That doesn't concern you!

Sora steps back.

Cyndaquil: Sorry...

Sora: It's OK.

Cyndaquil: I just wish I knew what Alakazam would do.

Dizzy: But Alakazam not here, Cyndaquil. It all up to you now. And that mean important thing is what you gonna do being ruler of Grass Continent. Not what Alakazam would have done.

Cyndaquil: So you're saying...it's all up to me...

Sora: See, there ya go!

?: Exactly!

The trio turns to see Chatot and Wigglytuff in the cave.

Chatot: We know Team ACT was a great Rescue Team and all. But now it's your turn. Remember what I taught ya. "You gotta put the past behind you." It's time to go out there and show everybody things are gonna be just fine!

Sora: Yeah, you can do it!

Chatot: You gotta live for today!

Wigglytuff: And find your own path!

Cyndaquil: Live for today...and find my own path...not Team ACT's...

Sora: That's the spirit!

Chikorita and Totodile enters the cave.

Chikorita: I'm glad to here you say that, Cyndaquil.

Plucky: Chikorita!

Chikorita walks next to Cyndaquil and turns to Sora's gang.

Chikorita: Promise me you'll help Cyndaquil anyway you can.

Totodile: As long as Sora handles the dangerous parts!

Sora nods. Chikorita turns to Cyndaquil.

Chikorita: I'm counting on you, Cyndaquil...

Cyndaquil and Chikorita kissed on the lips. Totodile made a jealous look again.

Totodile: Great! If you two get married, that means I'll have to babysit your children!

Everybody but Totodile laughs. After they stopped laughing, Cyndaquil spoke up.

Cyndaquil: Let's go see Grovyle first. I'm sure he'll be able to tell us something about that ghost.

Everyone left the cave and returns to Treasure Town. They went inside the Wigglytuff Guild to find Grovyle and Celebi inside.

Grovyle: So you're ready to become ruler, Cyndaquil?

Cyndaquil: I think so.

Sora: Can you tell us about Darkrai's ghost?

Celebi: The ghost of Darkrai. It is created when the evil heart of Darkrai meets the hesitating heart of Cyndaquil.

Cyndaquil: Hesitating?

Grovyle: You thought you were not?

Dizzy: That ghost sound like Heartless.

Sora: Hmm, I don't know.

Celebi: You're right, you don't. But you do know it's upsetting. And it's upsetting the hearts of everybody in the Grass Continent. You may not know what it is, but it still is.

Grovyle: This world, it is full of many such things. And these things, a ruler must face. It is the test that has been set for you, Cyndaquil.

Cyndaquil: That's all? Come on. You have to tell us more about the ghost...

Grovyle: No, not today. But Dusknoir and his gang might know more. Does not matter, though. There is little the Cyndaquil of late can do.

Sora: Aww, don't say that! Not when he's ready to try!

Celebi: In his head, perhaps...but what about his heart?

Cyndaquil: Forget it, Sora. Let's go find Dusknoir and the others.

The gang left the Wigglytuff Guild and heads down to the beach, where Lapras was waiting.

Sora: Hey, Lapras!

Lapras: Hey, guys! It's so good to see you.

Cyndaquil: Lapras, do you know where Dusknoir and his gang are?

Lapras: Yes, they are in that Beach Cave.

Lapras points to the cave on the beach.

Lapras: What do you want from them?

Cyndaquil: We need to ask a few questions from them.

Lapras: OK, but be careful.

The gang waves good-bye to Lapras and enters the Beach Cave. There, they found Dusknoir, Team Meanies, and Team Skull.

Plucky: Hey, you!

Skuntank: Aww, come on. Can't you guys just leave us alone?

Cyndaquil: Do you guys know anything about Darkrai's ghost?

Gengar: Huh? Darkrai's ghost? Maybe.

Sora: So you do know!

Dusknoir: Gengar, Skuntank, I'll handle those guys! You go hide around the cave!

Team Meanies and Team Skull all ran deeper in the cave.

Cyndaquil: Me, Chikorita, and Totodile will go after Team Skull! Sora, Plucky, and Dizzy will go after Team Meanies!

Sora, Plucky, & Dizzy: Right!

Sora and Cyndaquil first took out Dusknoir with their double Flamethrowers. Then Sora's gang went to one end of the cave, while Cyndaquil's gang went to the other end. Sora's gang went after Team Meanies. Sora uses Magnera to trap Team Meanies in a sphere. Sora slashed Gengar multiple times, Plucky uses Thundara on Medicham, and Dizzy uses Headbutt on Ekans. Cyndaquil's gang went after Team Skull. Cyndaquil uses Flame Wheel on Skuntank, Chikorita uses Ancient Power on Zubat, and Totodile uses Ice Beam on Koffing. All of Team Meanies and Team Skull got tagged. They all returned to the entrance of the cave to talk.

Skuntank: Oh no...I guess you caught us all.

Gengar: What are we gonna do?

Dusknoir: Well, since they caught us, I guess we can give them answers.

Cyndaquil: Tell me about Darkrai's ghost!

Skuntank: Sorry, we don't know nothing.

Gengar: Oh, wait! It's coming back to me. That's the one that hangs out around scaredy Pokemon. Right, Skuntank?

Cyndaquil: Enough!

Dusknoir: Behind you!

Everyone turns around to see Darkrai's ghost.

Gengar: There it is! Must be a scaredy Pokemon around here somewhere!

Sora: Cyndaquil, do something!

Darkrai: How does it feel to be ruler of the Grass Continent? Why, you must be truly inspiring by now. After all, you are leader of Team Go-Getters.

Suddenly, Cyndaquil ran out of the cave.

Sora: Where are you going?

Darkrai: Ahh, Cyndaquil...running away as always.

Chikorita: Cyndaquil!

Darkrai's ghost disappears. Dusknoir, Team Meanies, and Team Skull all left the cave laughing.

Dizzy: Grovyle and Celebi are right.

Sora: You mean, Cyndaquil's still unsure?

Dizzy: Seem like it. Do anyone think there someway we can help?

Sora: Hmm...We should start by talking to Cyndaquil some more. Let's head back to Treasure Town.

The gang left the Beach Cave and returns to the crossroad of Treasure Town. There, Grovyle and Celebi were waiting for them.

Celebi: Where's Cyndaquil?

Sora: Well...

Grovyle: He ran away, didn't he? I knew it would not be easy for him. To face his fears, he must go somewhere where the only thing to think of is what to do, not what others think of him.

Sora: Why didn't you just say so?

Plucky: But where's Cyndaquil now?

Suddenly, Chatot and Wigglytuff appears.

Chatot: I know! He's at the Hot Springs. It's our favorite resting spot east of town.

Sora: Got it! Let's check it out!

Wigglytuff: I'll lead the way!

Chatot: Oh, no you won't! Cyndaquil could sense you a mile away. And if he's smart, he'll run for the hills.

Wigglytuff: Oh...right.

Sora and the gang went east of the crossroad and starts heading for the Hot Springs. Along the way, they fought many Heartless. At the Hot Springs, Cyndaquil is resting on the heated water.

Cyndaquil: Alakazam...

Cyndaquil calls out to Alakazam, but there was no response. Suddenly, Darkrai's ghost appears.

Darkrai: Hmm, it seems even your master have abandoned you. How sad.

Suddenly, Sora and the gang finally arrives and found Cyndaquil confronting Darkrai's ghost. The ghost disappears upon seeing the gang arrive. Cyndaquil looks down in despair.

Cyndaquil: It's no use. I'll never be a good ruler to this continent.

Sora: Cyndaquil...don't look down in despair. You can't look upon other Pokemon for help. Everybody believes in you as a ruler. They just wanted to see what you'll do. And if anyone's saying they'll like a different ruler, it's because you haven't done much yet. That's all.

Cyndaquil: I know that.

Sora: Then stop moping and do something!

Cyndaquil: I can't!

Sora: Fine.

Plucky: Let's go, Sora.

Sora: Yeah. Why stick around if he's not even gonna try?

Sora and Plucky walks away. Only Dizzy stays behind.

Sora: Come on, Dizzy!

Dizzy starts following Sora and Plucky. Cyndaquil was about to go on the water when suddenly, Darkrai's ghost reappears behind him. He turns around and sees the ghost, but Sora and his friends, who are hiding behind a rock, are talking over him.

Sora:(Deep voice)The hesitant ruler will one day lose all his friends...

Plucky:(Deep voice)King Cyndaquil the doubtful...

Dizzy:(Deep voice)Worried by silly old ghost...

Sora(Deep voice)Ooh, Cyndaquil the do-nothing ruler...

Cyndaquil: NO!

Plucky:(Deep voice)Try and stop me!

Cyndaquil activates the flame on his back and uses Flamethrower on Darkrai's ghost, making it disappear. Sora and the gang came out of the rock and ran up to Cyndaquil.

Sora: You did it! The ghost is gone!

Plucky: We knew you could do it!

Dizzy: Hooray for Cyndaquil!

Cyndaquil: You know, I'm really lucky to have friends who'll stand by me...and help me see clearly. If only Alakazam could see me now.

Sora: There you go again.

Cyndaquil: I mean...Everyone in the Grass Continent wants me to succeed. Sora, Plucky, Dizzy, Chatot, Wigglytuff, Grovyle, Celebi, Totodile...Chikorita. You all want what's best for me. I've gotta make the most of my blessings and make this world a better place for all Pokemon.

Sora: Are you gonna say it, or do it?

Cyndaquil: Wait and see.

?: CYNDAQUIL!

Everyone turns and see Chatot flying to them.

Cyndaquil: What's wrong, Chatot?

Chatot: Cyndaquil! Come quick! There's like a million ghosts of Darkrai haunting the outskirts of Treasure Town! Everybody but Chikorita and Totodile ran away! Now they need your help!

Cyndaquil decided to run past Chatot, who just stood there and watch.

Chatot: Our little Cyndaquil...all grown up and finding his place in the world...

Cyndaquil turns back to Chatot.

Cyndaquil: Nice try. You're coming too!

Everyone left the Hot Springs and ran all the way back to Treasure Town. On Sharpedo Bluff, Chikorita, Totodile, Wigglytuff, Grovyle, and Celebi are on the edge of the cliff, facing Darkrai's ghost. Suddenly, Sora and the gang arrives.

Sora: We're here!

Chikorita: Where's Cyndaquil?

Cyndaquil walks up, with Sora, Plucky, and Dizzy bowing to him like a king. Chikorita smiles.

Cyndaquil: I've come back, Chikorita.

Darkrai's ghost starts floating towards Cyndaquil.

Cyndaquil: Leave now, Darkrai!

Darkrai's ghost disappears.

Sora: Way to go, Cyndaquil!

Chikorita ran up to hug Cyndaquil. Suddenly, a bunch of Darkrai's ghosts started flying around the land and flew up into the sky, creating a giant dark portal, and covering the entire land under dark clouds.

Cyndaquil: Are you guys with me?

Sora: Now and forever, Your Majesty!

Sora, Plucky, and Dizzy bows down to him again. The gang along with Chikorita and Totodile ran out of the town and went out into the plains, where they saw the portal up in the sky.

Chikorita: What's going on?

Suddenly, everyone hears laughter. They turned around and saw Monty and Team Rocket.

Sora, Plucky, & Dizzy: TEAM ROCKET!

Monty: You all might be wondering about that portal in the sky.

Jessie: Darkrai is summoning another Legendary Pokemon, Palkia.

James: You may have beaten him before. But this time, the outcome will change!

Suddenly, a giant dark beam came down from the sky and out came a giant Pokemon that looks like Palkia in the mural of the Hidden Land, except that his skin is purple instead of white. He is Primal Palkia, the evil corrupt version of Palkia. Plucky starts shaking in fear again.

Plucky:(Whimpers)Not another giant Legendary Pokemon! Nice knowing you, guys.

Plucky tried to fly away, but Sora grabs him by the tail.

Sora: We'll stop him together!

Plucky: Great, first Dialga and now Palkia.

Suddenly, Primal Palkia starts speaking, but he sounds more like Darkrai.

Palkia: I am not really Palkia. Do you guys know who I really am?

Cyndaquil: That voice! You must be Darkrai!

Darkrai: That's right! I am Darkrai. I've have controlled Palkia. With his powers, I can disrupt space and bring darkness to the Grass Continent.

Cyndaquil: We're not gonna let that happen!

Darkrai: If you wanna stop me, you'll have to defeat me first.

Sora: Bring it on, Darkrai!

The gang battles Primal Palkia. Sora slashed his Keyblade at Palkia, but it did very little damage. Plucky uses Fira and Blizzara, but they did no damage. Dizzy uses Spin Attack, but it did very little damage. Cyndaquil uses Double Kick, but it also did very little damage. Chikorita uses Magical Leaf, but it did no damage. Totodile uses Aqua Tail, but it also did no damage. Palkia uses Earth Power to make magma come out of the ground, hitting everyone. He then use Spacial Rend to create a pink crescent energy wave, hits everyone with it, and creating a massive explosion. Everyone barely stood up.

Cyndaquil: Man, he is as strong as Dialga!

Sora: And I still can't use my Drive Forms!

Cyndaquil: We may have to use our Limits again!

Sora: Right! Plucky, Dizzy, you guys will work with Chikorita and Totodile again!

Everyone used their Limits again. Plucky and Chikorita uses Flowers of Love, Dizzy and Totodile uses Water of Friendship, and Sora and Cyndaquil uses Flames of Courage. Plucky and Chikorita uses Fira and Magical Leaf, then Blizzara and Ancient Power, and ends with Thundara and Solarbeam. Totodile uses Ice Beam on Dizzy's hands and feet to do ice punches and kicks, then Headbutt and Aqua Tail, and ends with Hydro Pump and Spin Attack, making a Hydro Spin Attack. Sora and Cyndaquil did a double Flame Wheel, then they did a double Eruption, and ends with a double Overheat. All of the attacks did alot of damage to Primal Palkia. He was barely standing. Suddenly, Team Go-Getters, Rescue Badges are glowing, as well as Sora's Keyblade. They know what to do. They put their Badges and Keyblade together to create a powerful explosion of light, engulfing Palkia with it. When the explosion dies down, Palkia fell on the ground. Suddenly, the darkness came out of Palkia's body, returning him to his normal colors. Everyone looks at the darkness flying in the sky. It reveals the face of Darkrai.

Darkrai: You may have beaten me again. But next time, I'll have my revenge!

Cyndaquil: We're not gonna let you, Darkrai!

Suddenly, the Rescue Badges and Keyblade starts glowing again. The Badges and Keyblade fired beams of light in the sky and hitting Darkrai.

Darkrai: NOOOOOOOOOO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

The beams created an explosion of light, covering the entire sky. When the explosion dies down, the sky returns to normal and Darkrai is nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, Palkia got up and everyone got in their fighting stances.

Palkia: Don worry, children. I am now free from Darkrai's control.

Sora: But will Darkrai make his return soon?

Palkia: No, he is now gone for good. This world will be at peace again.

Everyone sighs in relief.

Palkia: I must now return to the Spacial Rift and guard it.

Palkia teleports away from the plains and returns to his home. Later that day, everyone was at the Sharpedo Bluff. Cyndaquil and Chikorita are looking out at the sea.

Sora: Cyndaquil seems fine for now.

Grovyle: The Grass Continent will not forget Cyndaquil's courage. Or the courage of those who fought beside him.

Cyndaquil and Chikorita walks up to the group.

Cyndaquil: Do you think your quest will ever be over?

Sora: I don't know...But I think, as long as the Keyblade stays with me...I'll have to keep fighting.

Celebi: Ahh...the struggle never ends. That is the way of a Rescue Team.

Sora: Never ever?

Grovyle: The secret to victory...is a strong heart.

Celebi: Good luck in your adventures!

Sora turns to Cyndaquil and Chikorita.

Sora: Till we meet again, Cyndaquil.

Cyndaquil: I hope that's soon.

Sora: It will be! So long!

Sora, Plucky, and Dizzy left Treasure Town and returns to the Gummi Ship.

Sora: Well, we probably went to every world at least twice. Where do we go now?

Sweetie: Well, they are about to open a new tournament in the Distortion World.

Sora: Then let's go back to the Distortion World!

Sneezer: Aye, aye, captain! Returning to the Distortion World!

The Gummi Ship left the Grass Continent and departs for the Distortion World.


That's it for chapter 40. Primal Palkia was actually a fan-made version of Palkia. I remember seeing it as purple once. Next time, Sora will participate in a new tournament in the Distortion World.