TheFlamingGlaven: All will be revealed in due time.
Guest: I didn't understand bro.
UltimateCC: Nice suggestions! We'll see later on!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Xxx
The Hidden Village!
"Here, we heal up Pokémon." Melanie informed the duo behind them, comprising of Ash and Cynthia. "Cerulean City is a bit far from here so I make healings from herbs gathered by Bulbasaur. They're useful and do the job, albeit more slower."
"That's actually impressive." Cynthia commented. "Can you show me the recipe? I'll love to learn it."
"Sure! I have a few for antidotes and other stuff as well." Melanie answered. "You want to learn them too?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Cynthia asked. "They'll help out pretty well on our journey."
"Hey Melanie," Ash began. "Can you heal up Nidorino? My Oceanus roughed him up a bit before."
"As long as he doesn't attack me, I'll be happy to help." Melanie responded.
"He won't if Cynthia says so." Ash turned to the blonde. "Right?" He pressed. The blonde bit her lower lip at the question.
"I'm not sure." She said after a moment. "He did attack you before." The blonde pointed out.
"He did!?" Melanie questioned in alarm. Ash nodded.
"He tried to. But Snivy saved me." Ash eased her. "Otherwise, I would've been with Mew at the moment."
"I don't know why he did that." Cynthia sighed. "That's why I didn't release him as of yet."
"That's an answer we can only speculate about." Melanie told her. "Why don't you ask him instead? Maybe he was feeling put out by how you were preventing him from fighting Bulbasaur?"
"Maybe." Cynthia said a thoughtful look in her eyes. "I do know that we haven't spent that much time together with him. And then the dilemma today."
"Let's heal him up first and then ask him directly." Ash told the blonde. "He may have attacked me due to the way I was treating you. He's pretty loyal and protective."
"C'mon guys." Melanie interrupted. "We'll ask him directly." The trio ended their conversation and entered the infirmary.
Meanwhile…
Snivy gazed at the Pokémon impassively from her position on a tree branch. Her brown eyes lingered on a Sandshrew with two whip scars on his back and a phantom pain erupted on her neck.
She closed her eyes, breathing deeply, and relaxed. She saw something in these Pokémon she didn't see that often.
Brotherhood.
They were all abused like her by selfish humans for their own gain. They all saw something roughly what she saw. They all felt what she felt.
They all…
They all felt betrayed.
Snivy remembered the first time she was betrayed. Her hands clenched into fists at the reminder of that Skitty, Celina, she remembered. That feline was one cunning creature indeed.
And that feline wouldn't know what hit her the day they met again.
A yip from below got her attention. She gazed down and found Eevee yipping at her, asking her to come down. Snivy jumped down, landing elegantly.
Eevee gestured to Bulbasaur who gestured her over. Snivy walked over to him, giving him a curious look. Bulbasaur grunted, telling her to join her in scouting.
Snivy shrugged and decided to follow him, finding nothing better to do. Eevee excused herself, walking off to play with the Pokémon. Bulbasaur decided to engage Snivy in idle chit chat.
He questioned about where she came from to which Snivy replied she didn't know where she was exactly too. The only place she knew since birth was the Pokémon Mill and dare would she call that hell her origin place!
Snivy, in return, asked Bulbasaur where he came from. Bulbasaur told her about a trainer who had abandoned him because he lost against a Pidgeotto. Snivy gave him an incredulous look at that to which Bulbasaur responded his trainer was a rookie.
Snivy replied with saying that most trainers were idiots anyway to which Bulbasaur replied by saying hers wasn't. Snivy paused at that for a moment before retorting that Ash wasn't her trainer for one and he wasn't that intelligent either.
Bulbasaur rolled his eyes at that, replying that if Ash wasn't her trainer, then why did she jump to his defense? Snivy shrugged, retorting with 'her wish'.
While the two Grass Types engaged in such banter, we move to the others.
Skylar soared high in the air, enjoying the height and the feeling of freeness. She gazed down with sharp eyes, enjoying just how high she was.
The Pidgeotto loved this! Being free, able to stretch her wings, feel like the queen of the sky, unbeatable in her own domain. Every Pidgey was born with a desire to rule the skies with a flock of their own.
Skylar remembered what her parents expected from her and her siblings. Being a female and not as bulky as her brothers, she was mostly overlooked by their parents as a potential Pidgeot.
That didn't mean they didn't love her. No, far from it! But it hurt when her brothers were favored over her when it came to fights and teaching. That ignorance, in turn, tightened her will and made it hard as steel.
That's why Skylar would never back down to any foe! Whether it be a horde of Beedrill, a large Onix, or a raging Gyarados, she wouldn't quit. She would fight to her last breathe!
Skylar closed her eyes, dreaming of being a Pidgeot and flying at Mach 3 with Ash on her back. Dreaming of ruling the eyes, controlling the air and sky at her whim, being strong enough to whip up a tornado and tear apart her adversaries.
Hell, she would go as far as fighting against the Legendary Birds Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno as a mighty, proud Pidgeot. The thought left her giddy enough that she decided to ramp up her speed and test her limits.
Oceanus relaxed with the Water Types in the village, a stark contrast the limitless battles fought over the past few days. In front of him were Pokémon ranging from Magikarp to Goldeen to Psyduck. They were all going about their daily life, not minding the powerful future Dragon in front of them.
Oceanus heard someone call him out and turned his head. He found Squirtle looking at him. He neighed what he wanted to which Squirtle pointed towards the trio of humans.
Oceanus snorted in confusion at that. Squirtle told him that he wanted to know more about them. Oceanus asked which one to which Squirtle replied that the one with blonde hair. Oceanus shrugged, pointing at Braixen's direction. She was her trainer, so she'll know more about Cynthia than him.
Squirtle nodded and walked over to the recently evolved Fire Starter. Braixen stopped playing with her stick and looked at the turtle. Squirtle smirked cockily and gave her an arrogant greeting.
Braixen, a bit unnerved, responded as casually as she could. Squirtle withdrew into his shell and popped out second later wearing black glasses over his eyes.
Braixen gave him a confused look to which Squirtle bragged he looked more appealing with them and asked whether she approved. Braixen was feeling pretty awkward with the turtle's bragging by now.
A grunt, thankfully, saved her from the awkward moment. The two turned around to see Buizel approaching the duo. Squirtle looked at him, trying to act cool, while Braixen shot him a grateful look.
Buizel stepped between the two, crossing his arms and gave the smaller turtle a cold stare. The Sea Weasel questioned what he wanted to which Squirtle responded that he wanted to know Braixen better.
Buizel simply asked 'why' making Squirtle raise his eyebrow (if he had them). The Squirtle arrogantly responded with 'his wish' and why Buizel was feeling jealous.
Buizel shot him an incredulous look at that. He chuckled a moment later, patting Squirtle on his head pityingly. He looked at Braixen and then back to the turtle.
Buizel commented that why would he feel jealous of the turtle's rather pathetic attempt at flirting with his teammate and that Squirtle should be more masculine to make anyone like him, let alone Braixen.
Squirtle responded with a diss, saying that he should get someone for himself first and then go around spreading wisdom to others. The two locked stares, hands clenched.
Braixen looked at the two with growing fear and decided to intervene. She pulled both of them back, scolding them for acting like children over such a small matter.
Buizel scoffed and walked off, mouthing Squirtle good luck tauntingly. Braixen sighed in relief, thanking Xerneas. She saw Squirtle trying his best to regain his cool and asked what he wanted directly.
Squirtle gestured to her trainer and asked whether she would tell him more about her. Braixen shrugged and asked what exactly he wanted to know.
As the two began to talk, we shall move to the others.
Roselia relaxed in the grass of the Hidden Village. She loved peace and greenery! Being a Grass Type, she felt more at home in grass than anywhere else.
The Grass Type didn't get what the others accomplished by fighting at all. Sure, they fought to get stronger and for fun but sometimes, these fights involved more than just that.
Sometimes, the fight felt personal. That the foe wanted way more than to just knock them out. Roselia didn't like it. She hadn't met anyone like that, true, but the tales she had heard from other more or less affirmed that point.
Eevee had told her about the Beedrill horde in Viridian Forest and how they were close to a painful future had May not intervened there. Skylar had also filled them in on the incident of Mt. Moon involving Proton.
Roselia was more of a pacifist. She would rather solve arguments and disputes with words than straight out fighting. God forbid if someone got hurt by that!
Roselia opened her eyes, having heard Eevee approaching her. She saw the Evolution Pokémon settling down next to her, sweaty due to the intense tag she, Zeus, and a couple of other Pokémon were playing.
Roselia asked her how her day went. Eevee replied enthusiastically. She loved the peaceful atmosphere of the Hidden village. It was a much wanted change from the regular fights of Route 9.
From all the Pokémon Ash and Cynthia had, the most peaceful of them was Roselia. Being with her was very relaxing and whenever Eevee wanted peace, she walked over to Roselia. The Grass/Poison just had that air around her that radiated peace.
That was just what she needed right now. Peace.
Unfortunately, that wasn't about to last much longer…
Xxx
"Nidorino." Cynthia began as her Poison Type came out. She crouched in front of him, placing a hand on his forehead. Nidorino dipped his head in acknowledgement though he kept an eye on Melanie and Ash. "How are you?"
Nidorino grunted in reply, and then winced as the injuries made themselves known. Cynthia traced her slim index finger over them delicately, getting a feel.
"Why did you attack Ash?" The blonde asked. Nidorino made a grumbling sound but didn't move otherwise. "Nidorino," Cynthia grabbed the bottom of his face and made him look into her eyes.
Nidorino grumbled softly seeing the concern in her silver eyes. Truth be told, he himself didn't know why he exactly attacked Ash either. The human presented no threat to him or Cynthia.
He remembered feeling angry at him for treating his mistress like that and wanted nothing more than make him pay. His muscles tensed at the thought.
Cynthia did notice, however, and softly tapped him to remind she was there. Nidorino calmed down, bringing himself back on even grounds, and growled.
"You were feeling neglected. Am I right?" Cynthia asked. Nidorino knew it was more of a statement than a question but nodded regardless. "I'm sorry Nidorino." Nidorino grumbled in protest. "I'm sorry for neglecting you Nidorino. I shouldn't have done that."
"I was playing way more attention to Fenniken due to her Psychic abilities and Roselia due to the Gym Battles." Cynthia carried on. "I wasn't fair to anyone of you. I was concentrating on Fenniken's future rather than her present. I was treating Roselia like a source of victory rather than a part of my team. And you,"
"I ignored you. You served no part in the coming battles or anything due to your limited potential so I was subconsciously ignoring you." Cynthia exhaled. "I'm a pretty bad trainer eh?" She closed her eyes for a moment, gathering herself.
Nidorino wanted to protest. He wanted to tell that Cynthia was the best mistress there could be. That she was the most skilled out of everyone. But a part in him knew it was true. As much as he hated it, it was the truth.
And boy did it taste bitter.
"All these years of studying, trying to prepare myself for the upcoming journey, I forgot the most important one." She opened her eyes and Nidorino saw disappointment. Not on him or anyone else, disappointment in herself. "Companionship. I should've-"
Any further talk was interrupted as Bulbasaur came running into the infirmary. The trio of humans quickly focused on him. The Poison/Grass type gestured outside hurriedly.
The trio rushed outside to find utter chaos. A man in camouflage clothing was approaching them with confident strides, a blue Pokémon with black hair besides him. Above them flying was a Fearow, screeching at the Pokémon and scaring them away.
"Where did he come from?!" Melanie questioned in alarm. Ash clenched his fist, looking around for his Pokémon. Thankfully, Skylar had already engaged the Fearow in an aerial battle.
"You!" The man boomed, pointing a thick finger to the brunette. "So called protector of this village!" Nidorino growled warningly at him.
"What do you want?!" Melanie shot back. The man spread his hands and three Pokémon burst from the ground. One was a steel quadruple, one was a Marowak, and the last one was someone Ash had seen in a televised fight.
"A Sableye?" He whispered. Cynthia had already identified the other using her pokedex.
"That's a Lairon. Rock/Steel Type. Bulky, that steel dome is pretty hard to dent. Evolved form of Aron." Cynthia gave Ash the summarized version.
Ash heard a brutal cry of pain and looked up. He saw Skylar suffering a powerful Steel Wing, one that sent her crashing near Ash. "Skylar!" Ash hollered in alarm. The avian tried to get up, but fell back down. Ash returned her back quickly, fixing the Fearow with a glare.
"Where are the others?" Cynthia questioned Melanie. She had already seen Bulbasaur run off to hide the Pokémon away but she didn't know about their team.
A yip answered her. Eevee and Zeus came in front of her like a brown and yellow blur while Oceanus trumpeted his arrival. Braixen and Buizel joined them quickly as well.
"Nice team you've got there." The man chuckled. A steady, calculating eye ran over them. "Luxray, Thunder Flash!" The black blue Pokémon howled and a sudden bright flash blinded all of them.
All Ash heard were pained grunts from his Pokémon while he tried to regain his vision. When he did get his sight back, he wished he hadn't.
Lying in front of them was their teams. Eevee and Zeus were smashed into the walls of the infirmary behind them, face clenched in utter pain, Oceanus and Buizel were shocked into unconsciousness while Braixen was barely standing.
"What…" Ash whispered. Cynthia looked at Braixen and her blood ran cold.
"No way…" A ghostly laugh answered her as Sableye floated off Braixen. The fox gave a silent scream before falling down with a soft thud.
"Anything else heroes?" The man questioned the duo of trainers with a cocky look. Ash and Cynthia quickly returned their Pokémon, eyeing the man warily.
"Nidorino." Cynthia whispered.
"Look behind you." Cynthia turned back and found her Poison Type on the floor unconscious.
"H-how?" Cynthia stammered. The man pointed a thumb at Lairon who had emerged beside him just recently.
"Cynthia…" Ash whispered. The blonde looked at him and her eyes widened. Ash's muscles had seized, his face was morphed into horror, and a dark tint was into his eyes.
The blonde caught him just before he fell down, glaring at the Sableye who laughed evilly. Cynthia settled Ash down, checking for his pulse. She froze when two spectral hands wrapped around her neck.
"Stop!" Melanie yelled. The Sableye didn't listen, dragging Cynthia right to the man's feet. He gave the blonde a pitying look as she struggled to get up.
"Luxray." He simply spoke. Cynthia screamed as electricity ran through her body. She fell down, unconscious, clothes charred, and completely defeated. The last thing she saw was the man laughing with amusement.
Xxx
"Cynthia? Cynthia wake up." The blonde felt someone shake her lightly. She felt cold water hit her face making her stir. After a couple of moments, Cynthia woke up. She stared at a blurry figure, blinking her eyes to get rid of her drowsiness.
"Where are we?" Cynthia mumbled getting into a sitting position. She smelt ozone from around her and looked around.
"We need to get out of here Cynthia." The figure told her. Cynthia managed to focus on him and found it to be Ash.
"Ash! Are you okay?" The blonde questioned. Ash nodded, assuring her. "What happened?" The blonde said blearily, looking around. She noted the hidden village was completely vacant, not a single soul around.
"Snivy and Roselia are with Bulbasaur and the other Pokémon." Ash told her. "We need to go get them." He got up, pulling Cynthia up with him. The blonde stumbled as soon as she got up.
"Easy." Ash reminded. Cynthia nodded, giving herself a look over. She looked in pretty bad shape, the blonde mused. The blonde looked at Ash and took in his appearance.
Physically, he looked fine. Other than his clothes being a bit ruffled, that is. However, Cynthia knew him well enough to recognize his tiredness.
"Ash-" She began.
"I'm fine." He replied, though he didn't sound like it. The bags under his eyes were enough proof. "Finding the others is more important right now."
The blonde nodded. They both needed rest after this.
Xxx
Meanwhile…
Bulbasaur and Snivy scouted the outer perimeters of their hideout. The latter was frustrated when she learned about the attack. Can't the humans just leave them alone for once?!
Her first thought was to go attack the opponents herself but she stopped herself from acting rash. The enemy had way stronger Pokémon than them at the moment.
Bulbasaur tried to indulge the Grass Snake in small talk but it was clear she was too frustrated to properly respond. He also noted the faint green glow around her. It was almost a bit scary.
Snivy didn't look like much. He had defeated her before and probably could do so now but…
Seeing that glow and that look on her, he wasn't that sure suddenly.
There was a faint rustle to their right. Snivy's eyes shot to that location and she readied a Leaf Blade. Bulbasaur crouched, easily camouflaging himself in the grass.
"Where are those darn pokémon woman!?" Bulbasaur's eyes widened as he saw Melanie being forcibly dragged to their location. She didn't seem hurt but her cheeks were stained with tears.
Snivy deactivated her Overgrow ability, feeling her heightened senses return back to normal. Her mind raced as she thought of a way to free Melanie from them.
Why she deactivated her Overgrow? Because she was beginning to feel the strain of said ability. When scouting, she needed every bit of her senses available but now-
Snivy's eyes shot open as a bone hit her. She was thrown out of her hidden position. The Grass Snake quickly used Vine Whip and hit the bone club out of its orbit.
She snarled at the Marowak who had spotted her and readied herself. Overgrow activated, eyes narrowed dangerously, Leaf Blade ready, she stared down the Ground Type.
The Grass Snake managed to gesture Bulbasaur to remain hidden and wait. "Look what we have here." The man chuckled. "Marowak, get her."
The Ground Type rushed forward, two orbits of sharp stone around her. Snivy burst forward as well, quickly moving between the stones and throwing her Leaf Blade against his fist.
The Grass Type attack won, hitting the Marowak's skull and throwing him back. Snivy quickly used Vine Whip, hitting him and jumping in the air.
Letting out a battle cry, she unleashed a ferocious Leaf Storm towards the man. His Lairon roared and a Protect blocked the attack with ease. Snivy quickly used Swords Dance and spun using Vine Whip, managing to redirect another Stone Edge away from her.
"Oh." The man said impressed by the technique Snivy was showing. His Marowak got back up, growling at the Grass Snake. Snivy panted a bit, tired from the constant use of Overgrow. "Luxray, you're up. Marowak, back."
Her enemies switched quickly. Snivy stared at the Electric Feline in front of her and a sudden memory struck her. Another Luxray resembling him…
Don't hurt me…
Thunderbolt Luxray.
Ah!
Snivy blinked. She felt a never dying rage build up within her as she snarled. Luxray yawned, unimpressed. The Grass Snake took the initiative, firing off a Leaf Storm and following it with Swords Dance.
"Thunderbolt Luxray." Luxray howled and fired off the blinding arc of lightning. It met the Leaf Storm and cleaved through. Snivy widened her eyes and jumped to the side, barely dodging the devastating attack.
"Give it up already! You cannot defeat my Luxray." The man boomed. Snivy frantically thought of a way to turn this around. He was too strong for her to beat through raw power.
Luxray charged her with Wild Charge. Snivy snapped into focus and jumped away with Vine Whip, letting him pass under her. Luxray turned around and fired off a Swift attack that she barely blocked with Leaf Blade.
Luxray lurched towards her as she was about to land, fangs filled with hot fire. Snivy threw her tail into his mouth, using Leaf Blade to sharpen it.
Luxray bit down, breaking through her weak defense and biting down on her tail. He slammed the Grass Snake down, pinning her down with his paws, growling.
Snivy stared at him with alarm, thinking of a way around. She saw Bulbasaur looking at her with a concerned look and managed to gesture him.
"End-" The man was interrupted as Bulbasaur suddenly tackled him off Snivy. He followed up with Poison Powder, poisoning the Electric feline. Snivy used her Vine Whip and wrapped it around his belly, jumping up.
"Eh?" The man said, beyond impressed as the lithe Grass Snake lifted Luxray up with her Vine Whip and twisted. She pivoted him in the air and slammed him down hard on his back.
Bulbasaur unleashed an Energy Ball, blasting Luxray while Snivy slammed down on his neck with a Slam. Luxray gasped, looking at the enraged Grass Snake with wide eyes.
Snivy smirked, sharpening her blade and cutting into his neck. "Thunderbolt!" The man yelled. Luxray managed and unleashed a shocking charge. Snivy jumped back and darted back in to strike.
Luxray rolled out of her attack and lunged, slamming into her with Wild Charge, and following with Swift. Snivy gasped in pain, rolling to a stop and using her Leaf Blade to stop her speed.
Luxray charged Bulbasaur, engaging him in a ferocious battle, while Snivy breathed deeply. She stared at Melanie who stared back. The human gave her a pleading look.
'Don't worry. I'm here for you.' Snivy blinked. 'You are very strong Snivy.' She got an idea. It had a very low chance of passing but it was her best shot. Snivy concentrated, reaching within her.
Bulbasaur yelped in pain as Luxray bit into him with Fire Fang, charging electricity. Snivy opened her eyes, determination evident, and gave a battle cry.
Grassy energy spread through the ground, filling herself and Bulbasaur with vigor. Bulbasaur roared and pushed Luxray off him, blasting the canine off with a boosted Energy Ball.
"A Grassy Terrain?!" Snivy stared the man with uncontrolled anger, and lunged at the canine.
No one could save them from her now.
No. One.
Xxx
Ash stopped running, feeling a strange power emanating from a point. He looked at Cynthia who was feeling the same. "You feel that?" She nodded.
The two ran towards the point, feeling it getting stronger. "Doesn't Snivy have Grassy Terrain as her Egg Move?" The blonde asked.
"Yeah." The two reached the place and found themselves looking at a fierce brawl between Snivy and Bulbasaur against Luxray. Ash stared in awe as Snivy fought bravely, Overgrow active and attention completely on the Luxray.
"Down!" Cynthia whispered, pulling Ash down. She gestured to the man who was watching the battle with awe. "He has Melanie. We need to free her." Ash nodded. "I have a plan."
Cynthia lifted a rock up, gesturing to the back of the man's head. "You mean…"
Snivy slammed into Luxray with another powerful Leaf Blade, cutting through his Thunderbolt. Bulbasaur fired off an Energy Ball from the side, hitting him again.
"Luxray! Thunder Flash!" Luxray snapped and a blinding light filled the place. Snivy clenched her eyes closed, struggling to regain her senses, when Luxray slammed into her and unleashed a point-blank Thunder.
Snivy screamed in pain, trying to hit him off wildly, but Luxray bit down on her with Fire Fang. Bulbasaur blindly fired off an Energy Ball, missing Luxray completely.
"Another!" The man snarled. "Let her-" He gasped as Cynthia's perfectly aimed throw hit the back of his head. Ash ran forward and tackled him down, freeing Melanie from his grasp.
He gasped as his Marowak tackled him back. Ash stumbled, regaining his footing, and locked hands with the Marowak. The Pokémon easily overpowered him, pushing him back.
"I… won't…back…down." Ash grunted, keeping him locked. His Fearow shrieked and lunged at Ash. Snivy saw the bird approaching Ash with wide eyes and let out a warning.
Ash looked up and found Fearow almost on him. Almost on instinct, he pulled Marowak on himself and kicked him into the bird. The two Pokémon collided and Marowak grunted as Fearow's powerful Steel Wing hit his back.
Ash got up quickly, trying to attack the man when his Lairon slammed into him with a powerful Iron Head. Ash gasped as he was thrown away, hitting a tree and slumping down.
Luxray jumped off the limp Snivy, approaching Bulbasaur who had regained his senses. The Grass/Poison Starter felt his energy drain as the Grassy Terrain vanished and watched him warily. The man began to get up, rubbing where the rock had hit him and turned towards Cynthia.
"Why you…" He growled, approaching her with clenched hands. Cynthia looked as the larger figure with fear, trying to figure out a way. She stepped back instinctively, looking at him. "I don't normally hit females but I'll make an exception today."
He raised his fist to hit her. Cynthia closed her eyes in fear, waiting for it to hit her.
The moment never came.
She opened her eyes and found the man wrapped in draining green tendrils. The blonde looked around and found her Roselia using Mega Drain on him.
Marowak and Lairon lunged at her. Roselia jumped out of the way, cancelling her Mega Drain and firing off a Leech Seed on the man. It wrapped around him, making him fall down clumsily.
Cynthia saw his Luxray attack Bulbasaur brutally, dealing heavy damage repeatedly. Bulbasaur was doing his best to fight back but it was evident he wasn't strong enough.
Cynthia suddenly felt two spectral hands grab around her waist. Her eyes widened and she struggled against the Sableye behind her. Sableye grinned, beginning to drain Cynthia.
'How can he do that?' Cynthia wondered as she struggled against him. 'Sableye cannot drain anyone as far as I know!' She saw Roselia get overpowered from the Marowak and Lairon and grimaced. Things were looking pretty bad.
Suddenly, a Water Gun hit them and pushed them away from the Bouquet Pokémon. Melanie's Squirtle stood there, firing off Water Type Attacks to push them back.
Cynthia winced as Sableye's hands wrapped around her throat. She clenched the wispy hand and tried to pull it off her. Sableye hissed and choked her tighter.
Cynthia shuddered as the last of her power left her. She collapsed in Sableye's grasp, going completely limp. Sableye grinned and threw her to the side, sinking into the shadows.
Luxray was about to deal the final blow to Bulbasaur when the poisoning kicked in. He shuddered and Bulbasaur saw an opening. Firing off an Energy Ball, Bulbasaur followed it up with Razor Leaf and Vine Whips.
Luxray was unable to dodge the projectiles, growling at the damage, and the Vine Whips forced him down. Bulbasaur panted, wanting nothing more than to rest. Luxray got up, gathering up charge.
Bulbasaur saw Squirtle a little close to them and tried to gesture him over. Squirtle, unfortunately, was too busy fighting Lairon and Marowak to see it.
Luxray roared and fired off another Thunderbolt, this one with all of his power. Bulbasaur pulled one last trick off his sleeve and used Protect. The green barrier blocked the Thunderbolt, barely. Luxray growled in frustration before falling down, out cold. Bulbasaur collapsed as well, eyes closing.
"Bitch." The man growled, freed from his Leech Seed courtesy of his Fearow. He approached the unconscious Cynthia, grabbing her by her collar and lifting her up. "I'll deal with you later." He gestured Fearow to finish the two remaining Pokémon.
Fearow screeched and slammed into Roselia with a powerful Aerial Ace, throwing her into a tree and knocking her down cold. Squirtle looked at the new arrival with surprise and was unable to dodge Marowak's and Lairon's combined attack.
The man grinned when he saw the Pokémon littered around the clearing, all out cold. "A valiant effort, but useless." He commented, then saw Luxray. "Huh. That Bulbasaur was one tough bastard I guess." He then saw the limp blonde in his grasp.
Throwing her down, he stepped down on her right hand and pressed down. "Sableye, wake her up." Sableye grinned and dove near Cynthia. Sinking his spectral hands into her chest, he pulled.
Cynthia's eyes shot open and she wheezed to breathe. The man raised his foot and then stomped down. "Ah!" Cynthia screamed in pain.
"This was the hand with which you hit me. Right?" The man asked sinisterly, kneeling besides her and grabbing it. Cynthia looked at him with fear, quivering. "What happened? Who got your tongue?" He asked, grabbing her index finger.
"Don't. Please don't." Cynthia whispered, weeping. The man grinned and grabbed her by her cheeks tightly.
"Michael only leaves someone alive once." The man, now identified as Michael, informed her. "And you wasted your chance. You, and your friend Ash." He craned her neck towards him. "Sableye." The Ghost Type floated near him obediently.
They, fortunately, were saved.
"You sadistic bastard!" Michael turned and found Officer Jenny standing there, an entire group of officers behind her. "We finally got you!" Cynthia sighed in relief but stopped when she saw Michael press his foot on her neck.
"One wrong move and she dies." Michael grinned. The officers all stopped, watching tensely. "Now-" Michael growled in pain as something slammed into the back of his head.
He stumbled off Cynthia, staggering forward, and two Vine Whips wrapped around his feet, tripping him down. His Pokémon all stared at the attacker who smirked slyly.
"Snivy?" Cynthia rasped. They didn't have much time to attack since the officers all quickly pressed their advantage and attacked. Cynthia clenched her right hand tightly, tears streaking down her eyes as she moaned in pain.
Snivy approached her, collapsing near her. Cynthia looked the Grass Snake over with blurry eyes. The vicious battle with Luxray was pretty much evident on her.
"You're so strong." Cynthia whispered. "And so brave." Cynthia reached out for her with shaking hands. Snivy, for once, didn't resist and let her touch her.
Cynthia collapsed then, eyes closing. A thin stream of blood escaped her lips as her head lolled to the side. Snivy touched her cheek with concern, trying to shake her awake.
"You bitch!" Michael roared as his hands got cuffed. "I promise I'll get my revenge! I'll-" He was knocked out then. Snivy saw various medics rush over to Cynthia and Ash, and sighed in relief.
Her body aching, Snivy fell down besides the blonde, tired completely. The battle was over. They could go back to their lives easily now.
This day was too hectic…
Xxx
After three days…
"Who in the right mind told you guys to attack Michael all alone?!" Officer Jenny scolded Ash and Cynthia. They were back in Cerulean City, resting in a hospital. The doctor had told Ash that a few of his ribs were cracked due to the Iron Head. Nothing serious given their medical facilities but it still warranted a few days of rest.
Cynthia's right hand was in a cast. Michael had stomped down pretty bad on it. The doctor had told her to give it some time to recover completely.
"He had our Pokémon." Ash half-lied. "We couldn't have left them alone." He murmured.
"You could've contacted us!" She retorted. "I swear, the nerve of kids these days." She sighed, massaging her temples. "What's your excuse, madam?" She turned to Cynthia.
"I cannot let Ash try alone." Cynthia replied in a small voice. "He could've been hurt worse."
"Yeah right." She rolled her eyes. "You could've been through a lot more had we not reached in time. Do you even know about Michael?" They shook their heads. "He's one of the top most criminal of Kanto and ranks pretty high in the international criminal record. He has a lot of felonies under his belt. Poaching, kidnapping, ransom, murder, rape," Her eyes lingered on Cynthia.
"He could've done anything to you." She told the two. "It's a good thing your friend Melanie informed us there. God knows what could've happened to her due to you." She snarled at Ash.
Ash looked at Cynthia with wide eyes. The blonde was unmoving, replaying Jenny's words in her head. 'He was about to…' Cynthia couldn't even finish the sentence.
"Yeah. I'm taking my leave now." She got up from the foot of Ash's bed. "Go talk to your parents. They're mad worried about you." Her eyes hardened. "And if I catch you mingling with criminals ever again, I'll personally revoke your training licenses."
She left the room, leaving them alone. The air was heavy. "Why did you lie?" Cynthia questioned Ash. "It wasn't your plan alone. We both decided to do it."
You've suffered enough as it is Cynthia." Ash responded. "That's why I'm taking responsibility for this stunt."
"You don't have-" She was interrupted.
"Yes I do." Ash retorted steadily. "Now c'mon, let's go attend our phone calls." They both gulped in fear.
Until next time…
Xxx
Wow. This turned dark pretty soon. I guess this shows that Conqueror isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Don't know when I'll write another chapter like this. Probably around Saffron I guess.
Next chapter will have some twists in the story so stay tuned! Until next time readers! Bye!
List of Pokémon:
Eevee: Quick Attack, Sand Attack, Shadow Ball. Dig. Iron Tail. Double Team, Swift, Bite. (Detect)
Zeus: Thunder Bolt, Nasty Plot, Thunder Wave, Iron Tail, Dig, Double Team, Feint, Nuzzle, Charge. (Volt Tackle)
Skylar: Tackle, Quick Attack, Gust, Sand Attack, Aerial Ace, Steel Wing, and Double Team. (Sky Attack)
Oceanus: Water Gun, Water Pulse, Tackle, Smokescreen, Agility, Bubble Beam, Whirlpool, Twister.
Snivy: Vine Whip, Leer, Leaf Storm, Slam, Swords Dance, and Leaf Blade. (Grassy Terrain)
Cynthia Pokémon:
Braixen: Scratch, Hypnosis, Ember, Flame Burst, Quick Attack, Flame Charge, Howl, Bite. (Heat Wave).
Nidorino: Tackle, Poison Sting, Confusion, Double Kick, Fury Attack, Peck, Focus Energy.
Roselia: Mega Drain, Growth, Poison Sting, Magical Leaf, Leech Seed, Synthesis, Energy Ball.
Buizel: Water Gun, Sonic Boom, Ice Punch, Ice Beam, Vacuum Wave, Aqua Jet, Ice Fang.