Subquest 002 Mended First Step
Trigger Warning: Mention of past deaths and poison.
P~OwO~W
The six watched the trio hurry back into the forest for a minute, then everyone turned towards Ash, who nodded at the silent question: the others had gone too far to hear them.
‒ So, what was their deal? ‒ Poccha inquired, hovering beside his partner. He was still shaken for the multiple scares during and after the fissure, so he felt justified.
‒ Well, they didn't lie. They are scared of the local Raikou, but their Orchestra was nice. I mean, they didn't feel evil. ‒ The Riolu clarified.
‒ And what Hiyori said about her curse is true, too. I saw the scene of "the rescue" myself with the Dimensional Scream. I like them. ‒ Rush added, waving her wing.
‒ I do as well! Yato did save me after all. ‒ Lizard nodded, arms crossed, but then glanced at his partner. ‒ But we don't have to intrude in their quarrel with the local Raikou, okay Fang? Even if your strong opinions against whoever talks bad about Absol are completely justified, try to stay out of the matter. He did ask you to not mention them to Lady Veena and her helpers.
The Totodile pouted mutinous, prompting the Charmander to glare, but at last she surrendered. ‒ Fine, I'll try.
‒ That's the best I can get. ‒ The male Fire Type huffed, then shifted his attention to the orange bird's injured foot. ‒ How is Rush?
‒ In normal conditions, with a regimen of Oran or Sitrus Berry she would be healed in a week, but if we find a pokémon with a healing move, maybe she'll be fine by tomorrow. Bones are worse than skin. ‒ Fang grimaced along with the Torchic.
‒ Don't worry! Like I said, I don't mind carrying you around, Rush. ‒ Ash piped up, discarding his backpack and leaving it next to Fang. ‒ But if this bothers you, think of it as if you're helping me train in endurance! ‒ He beamed, making the Teams squint at his "radiance".
Rush huffed but smiled back at him. Even if the Riolu had acted goofy in maybe not the appropriate situation, it had served so far as a (welcome) distraction. ‒ Then I'll be in your care. The sooner we go, the sooner we'll reach a healer.
The four helped Ash hoist up the Torchic without jostling her too much, then like they had done in the Mines of Monte Faro dungeon, Fang shouldered the ex-human's backpack and Lizard picked up Team Bitefire's bag.
Following the instruction that Poccha was carrying, they walked until a rock with a thunderbolt-shaped crack, then they veered off the main path until a cherry tree with a straw mat wrapped around its trunk.
They made Pikachu sneak inside a hole hidden by the cover and search for the key, since he was more agile and capable of lighting up his surroundings with sparks (i.e. a bastardized version of Flash). As a matter of fact, he was able to find it almost immediately and wiggled out the hole carrying a yellowish key with a stylized lightning bolt on the handle.
Not dissimilar to the process of reaching Geothermic Village secret entrance, they marched up to a rock cliff, this time made by a violet mineral (probably amethyst). Maybe, since Entei and Raikou were sisters, they had devised an analogous plan for reserved guests?
However, contrary to the Obsidian Wall, the keyhole of the Amethyst variant was close to the ground, so Pikachu's short stature could reach it without jumping. Like the previous occasion, the section retracted, but contrary to Fantomius' unemotional voice, the one that greeted them was casual and almost flirty, as if the owner was used to be smooth on a daily basis.
– How can I help you, ladies and gentlemen? – The Klefki asked, eyeing the six with a smolder in his eyes.
– We were tasked with a 3*S mission by sir Aparctias and we have an injured teammate, so we'd like to speak with Lady Veena. We have letters from both her siblings as recommendation. – Fang answered, patting her Team bag on Lizard's hip.
– Of course, of course. Can I see the wax sigils? – The Steel-Fairy Type asked amicably, but given Ash's half-frowning and slightly tense posture there was also an (hidden) undertone of threat.
Fang, however, on the surface thought nothing of it and fished out said letters, showing them to the Klefki as requested. The latter scanned the fiery red and soothing blue emblems on the wax seals, then nodded, making the Riolu relax.
They had passed the test then.
– Very well, a step back please, I'll open the passage. – The master of keys closed the "window" and the five complied. Not long after, a door opened in the "Amethyst Wall", letting the six enter in a cavern not unlike to the one in Geothermic Village. – I'm Arsène. Please, follow me to our Esquire, he'll be able to direct you since, alas, I'm tasked to guard this passage. – He dramatically declared, closing the passage behind Rush and Ash.
The Klefki escorted them to a formal door that opened (after using one of his normal looking keys) to a room where a surprised bespectacled Sceptile was peering at them from behind a work desk.
– Arsène? What…? – The Grass Type looked down at the six newcomers and stood to round the desk. After a glance that paused on both the Riolu and the wax sigils on the letters in Fang's paws, the fully evolved 'mon addressed his comrade. – I see. You can go back to your task; I'll take care of them.
The Key Ring Pokémon bowed with a flourish and went back to the cavern, closing the passage, though the Sceptile waited until his underling had disappeared to address the six dimensional-travelers. – My name is Kazuma, I'm Lady Veena's Esquire. Please state your name and business. – He requested, adjusting his glasses, embed with an iridescent cherry-blossom-shaped gem on the right side of the frame.
Fang looked back at the other five, who nodded at her in an encouraging way.
Poccha was confident that her superior experience would help with the collaboration as much as Lizard had done with Lady Hekla and her Council.
B~OwO~F
Fang steeled herself and stared back at the Esquire: the result of this conversation would determinate the fate of this part of the mission. – My name is Fang and this is my partner Lizard, Diamond Rank Rescue Team from Central Town. These are Rush the Torchic and Poccha the Piplup, Gold Rank Exploration Team from Wigglytuff Guild of Treasure Town. – The duo in question nodded in greeting, while the Big Jaw Pokémon cheered in the privacy of her mind because she had remembered correctly the name of the place. – Lastly, these are Ash the Riolu and Pikachu from Masara Town, we aided them four days ago and they have travelled with us since then.
The Forest Pokémon blinked in surprise at the last birthplace, probably realizing that Ash was foreign and not one of their disappeared Fighting Types.
At least this way they won't keep asking, it's starting to get a bit old… Fang mused as the older 'mon began to speak.
– I have never heard of those towns. – Kazuma commented, curious if not a bit wary.
– That is why we need the collaboration of several Knights, yours included. – The Totodile began, all business. – We discussed about this matter with sir Aparctias and his Esquire Amaryllis. We came to the conclusion that the six of us come from three different dimensions independent from yours, four by abduction and two by accident. Since the Creation Trio of this world went missing and the Darkness Crisis is running amok, the Teams agreed to take a 3*S Mission from sir Aparctias to retrieve Lady Hekla's and Lady Veena's Embleteore, then reach Lady Exélixi's Isola Eevoluzione to hear from her if she has information about our kidnapper. I have the recommendation letters to prove my claims.
The Sceptile gaped a little at the onslaught of data, but he quickly recomposed himself as his gaze fell on the envelopes. – Very well. I will examine them before bringing the matter to my Knight, given that she's extremely busy with her dungeon at the moment. Yesterday's double-raid has taken a toll on her, so she's still resting. – He adjusted his glasses uncomfortably. – In the meanwhile, I could guide you to our doctor to heal your injuries.
Before Fang could turn around to question the others, Ash chirped immediately: – That would be great, thank you!
The Totodile twisted her neck slightly in order to blink at the Riolu, but he just nodded with a smile. Ah, so he feels trustworthy. She nodded back at him, then she looked at the Esquire, offering him the letters which were then put in a pouch on the hip of the Grass Type.
– Please follow me. The hut of Kugaha, our doctor, isn't far from here. – The Sceptile escorted them out the office directly to a plaza made with large slabs of quartz surrounded by huts made by a mix of white-blue rock pillars and wood walls. – Welcome to Piezoelectric Village.
The pungent scent of the ocean was rampant in the breeze that came from north, where at the horizon the blue of the ocean dominated the scenery. Given the sharp edge of the rocks, the edge was more a cliff than a beach.
There were all kinds of pokémon scurrying around, mainly Electric Types, who eyed them curiously as they walked by, but no one approached them (even if some startled at the sight of Ash), probably thanks to the business-like look on Kazuma's face.
The doctor's hut was more wood than rock, given the multiple racks on its walls where plants and berries were hanged to dry, but it didn't seem too intimidating, so Fang, Lizard, Poccha and Pikachu trailed without a worry after the Septile, who entered through a sliding door.
There, a Roserade was working on a mortar and looked up as soon as the other Grass Type came into view, seemingly delighted for the visit. – Esquire Kazuma, what a pleasant surprise to see you in my humble abode! What does bring you here, given your busy schedule? – A masculine voice greeted them as soon as the Bouquet Pokémon opened his smiling mouth.
– I'm merely escorting these visiting Teams in need of healing. They will have to be fully operational before meeting Veena, since part of their mission is to meet her. – The green reptile explained, gesturing towards the group of smaller pokémon, who nodded in greeting.
The Grass-Poison Type's smile seemed to get fixed the more he was looking at them, then even more plastic when Ash and Rush stepped inside the hut. …What's happening here?
One of Fang's brows furrowed a little as the Riolu carefully sidestepped the Roserade, keeping his body between the doctor and the Torchic, while he was guided to put her down on the cot to examine her injury better. The Emanation Pokémon seemed to try his best to stay neutral and relaxed, but the Totodile could tell from the jerky motions of his tail how tense and uncomfortable he was. Since he hadn't behaved like this when they were in Kazuma's presence alone, this must mean…
The ex-human's suspects found confirmation when Rush flinched at the Roserade's touch, then she shook her head briefly, as if to get rid of the sounds or images she had witnessed. If she had a Dimensional Scream "out of nowhere", this was bad. Though, since Ash didn't leap to her defense immediately, they had to wait to know what she had seen.
– Sorry, I didn't expect it to hurt that bad. – Rush managed to fake being mareepish convincingly. – Last time I got this roughed up was after a battle with a Dusknoir, so it's been a while. – She chuckled humorlessly.
Wait, Dusknoir as in the time-traveler who feigned being a heroic explorer, then betrayed them and attempted to kill Team Purplewing? A glance at Poccha confirmed her memory, since his gaze had hardened on the Grass-Poison Type, but he didn't say anything, probably in order not to risk the safety of his partner. After all, even if they were six against one (two?), both the local pokémon were fully evolved stages, so they could pack a hard punch.
– Say, do you have any healing moves or do you need to add any natural medicine? – The Torchic asked casually, as she let the doctor unwrap her foot, but her eyes flickered meaningfully to Ash, whose eyes hardened in understanding.
Okay, this pokémon wasn't to be trusted with medicine then.
Fang glanced at her own partner to see if he had caught the message as well, while the Bouquet Pokémon answered to his "patient".
(Of course, he did. Lizard was the best partner.)
– Ah, there's no need for them. – He reassured, firing an apparent dazzling smile. – Whoever did this makeshift cast did a job so good that I'll only need to accelerate your healing with Life Dew.
The potential peril that they were in didn't allow Fang to even remotely preen at the praise, but the name of the… technique? (move?) piqued her interest. – "Dew"? As in water? – She asked, surprising the doctor.
– Well, yes, it's a Water Type move. – Kugaha blinked, a bit taken aback.
– Could you teach me? This way I'll be able to heal my friends while we're on the field! – The Totodile got all fired up by that perspective (besides, this way she could keep an eye on this scoundrel if he ever tried anything unsavory with her new friend).
The Roserade glanced at the Esquire in askance, but the Forest Pokémon shrugged one shoulder as if he found nothing wrong with the request. – It wouldn't be a bad idea. Who knows what obstacles they will meet in their voyage to reach Lady Exélixi. – Kazuma agreed, not noticing the annoyed twitch of his comrade's eye.
– Can I get a try as well? – Poccha eagerly ventured, waving his wing/fin as if trying to convey "I'm a Water Type too!". – If we ever get separated, this could be decisive to determinate a life-or-death situation!
Kugaha's plastic smile got even more strained, but a so-quick-you-would-have-missed-it-if-you-hadn't-been-looking glance at the Esquire made him relent. – …The more the merrier!
The two aquatic 'mons crowded around the doctor as he explained them the inner workings of move (while Ash hovered behind Rush as both a silent fidgety bodyguard and an attentive student) and demonstrated it on the injured limb before them.
Their concentration and eagerness allowed them to achieve the move somewhere along their tenth try, since it "only" entailed condensing a globe of water so pure that it could "wash away" the fatigue and accelerate the healing rate of any damaged tissues.
Somewhen along the line, Ash mentioned that this felt similar to when any Suicune would use their power to cleanse muddy/polluted bodies of water and how that had been enough to heal a Celebi once. It got a nod of confirmation from Pikachu and both approvals soothed the lingering anxiety in the back of Fang's mind that the dangerous doctor was actually teaching them the move correctly.
– Here, this should be enough. – The doctor prodded the foot, getting just a little twitch in response. – The bone is still a bit tender due to the healing session, but if you don't walk on it until tomorrow it should stabilize without issues.
– Can I try a thing before we have to go? – Ash stepped forward, focused on the previously damaged limb with a determinate glint in his eyes.
Kazuma raised his eyes from one of the Legendary Beast recommendations and hummed, then scanned the paper. – I'm still halfway through Lady Hekla's letter, there's no rush.
The Riolu nodded and stopped before the Torchic, raising his paws above her foot and letting them be enveloped by a pale glow. Aura? Why is he charging an Aura Sphere?
Pikachu tensed at the sight and leaned forward, gripping the fur on his best friend's flank with a borderline terrified expression. What's happening?
– No need to worry Pikachu, it's not that. – Ash murmured, still focused on the energy pouring out of his paws. – I'm not using my Aura.
– What do you mean? – Fang asked a bit urgently, but cocking her head in curiosity.
Why was the Mouse Pokémon so frantic? Had something similar happened when Ash was still human? Pikachu had said that his friend had already potential for that power…
– When you were practicing the Life Dew, I noticed that the energy you were using to purify your water didn't come from you, so I'm trying to see if I can do the same but without water. – The Riolu frowned, and the light condensed into a ball that simply "fell" on the avian limb under his paws.
Rush jumped in surprise and the energy dispersed on her feathers in a cloud of sparkles, prompting her to ruffle her plumage that absorbed the light as soon as it settled.
In the meantime, Ash shook his arms and paws as if they had been hit by Infestation, but the action stopped as soon as the light faded on the Torchic. – Are you okay? – He asked her.
– Am I okay? What about you! – The Fire Type shot back, mirroring Pikachu's sentiment.
– I'm fine, no need to worry! It was just weird, like pins and needles on my arms, but it's the same thing that happened when I used Aura for the first time. Probably it's because I used this move for the first time! – The Riolu raised his paws as if to show that they were fine. He turned to Pikachu. – See? I didn't use my energy this time.
– You better have not! – The Electric Type leaned forward and buried his muzzle in his friend's chest fur, hugging him hard. Ash didn't grimace, but he did make a dejected face.
– Sorry Pikachu, I should have warned you before trying this. – He hugged back.
– …Is everything alright? – Kazuma had paused in his reading to assess the situation, so when the mood became so sober, he felt compelled to ask.
– Yes, sorry. A Lucario I met once used all his Aura to heal a Mew. I tried to help him, but he pushed me away and saved me from… well, fading away. – Ash grimaced, squeezing his partner, who did the same.
– Ah. I'm sorry for your loss. – The Sceptile nodded to him, making the Fighting Type smile sadly.
– It's okay. It was a while ago. – The trainer dismissed quietly.
– You got one thing right Ash, though. If it was so dangerous you could have warned us. – Fang pointed out before things could get awkward with such a threat so near them. – We already have two pokémon who know Life Dew among us.
– Ah, no no, I didn't use my energy, I learned the hard way that it's dangerous! – Ash tried to explain. – I wouldn't have tried this thing otherwise! I just gathered and used the energy around me!
– Ah, so you just self-taught yourself Heal Pulse? – Kazuma said in wonder.
– That was Heal Pulse? – Lizard demanded, astonished. – It didn't look like that when Amaryllis used it.
– The appearance changes depending on the species of who uses it. I saw some of our lost Lucario clan members use it, so I can assure you it looks like that. – The Esquire informed them. – Congratulations are in order then.
– Thank you. – Ash blushed a little at the praise, but glanced sharply at the Roserade, then back at the Torchic. – Are we good to go, then? – Pikachu released him from the hug, but didn't took his eyes off him, as if to reassure himself that the other wouldn't fade.
– Well, I feel as good as new, what do you recommend doc Kugaha? – Rush asked with a beatific fake smile.
– …Even if your friend gave you a boost, I would still prefer you to keep the weight off the foot. – The Grass-Poison Type advised cautiously, looking as if he wanted them out his hut as soon as possible. A sentiment that Fang shared wholeheartedly, because this way they could plot as far as possible form the threat.
– Very well, I will escort you to Lady Veena. – The Esquire put away the letters in his hip pouch and waited until Ash had picked up on his back Rush again. – Kugaha, you have my thanks. Do you have anything you need me to bring to our Knight?
Alarm danced on the Torchic's face, but the Riolu tightened his hold on her legs in what Fang assumed was reassurance.
– Ah, I was still preparing her tonic when you arrived, so I'll be the one to give it to her once I'm finished. – The Bouquet Pokémon flashed a charming smile that seemed enough to reassure his fellow Grass Type.
The seven quickly dismissed themselves after that and Fang (still on the lead of their group) lagged behind Kazuma a bit to allow them to whisper without being heard as the fully evolved 'mon guided them across the plaza.
– So? – Poccha muttered, flanking his partner.
– He's trying to off Lady Veena. – Rush explained quietly, earning sharp inhales. – By the full moon she'll be weakened enough by his "medicines" to get eaten by the Shadows and he'll steal the Embleteora with a temporary badge for someone else. Kugaha just wants the new Raikou egg to raise as he sees fit. It was said that he'll be the next Esquire thanks to this, so probably Kazuma is in danger as well.
– We need to warn them! – Pikachu whisper-shouted.
– With what proves? All we have is Ash's Aura Orchestra and Rush's Dimensional Scream, nothing tangible. Besides, we're foreigners and Exploration Teams, so our word counts way less than from one of their people, even if we have recommendation letters from two Legendary Beasts. – Fang grimaced, looking forward at their guide, who was leading them towards the edge of the village, where the cliff was. – The only way out I see now is to keep doing what we were set to.
– Definitely. If we take the Embleteora out of the equation, Lady Veena won't have any reason to stay in in the dungeon and risk her life. And if she doesn't have it anymore, maybe Kugaha's accomplice won't pursue her any longer. Of course, Kugaha could still try another way, but at least we would have gained a bit more time. – Lizard agreed, but he seemed as dissatisfied as the Totodile.
– I don't like this. – Pikachu grumbled.
– I know, it's Azurill's rescue all over again. No one believed me when I told them about the Dimensional Scream. We just need to find something else to frame him. – Rush agreed, sounding determinate at the end.
– Oh! – The debate was interrupted when Poccha gasped loudly, surprised.
Kazuma turned to blink at them after being lost in thought during their walk and allowing them their privacy. – What is the matter? – The Sceptile asked, raising an eye-ridge.
– Lady Hekla had us complete a Shadow Raid to prove our worth, do you think it would be the same for your Knight? – The Penguin Pokémon asked.
– …There could be that possibility, yes. My lady loves her siblings, but she doesn't always trust their judgement. As a matter of fact, they always argue when a certain Absol is involved. – He sighed dejectedly.
– Perfect, I'll be back in a minute. – The Piplup dashed towards a stand manned by a couple of Sunflora that sold multiple kinds of berries and seeds.
– …By aby chance, did you mean Yato the Absol? – Fang couldn't abstain from asking. After all, if this was a topic that the more "sane" siblings disagreed on with the temperamental one, it was a point in favor to the Dark Type.
– Yes, how did you know? – Kazuma frowned slightly.
– After our mission with her, Lady Hekla held a banquet for us. We chatted for a while with her and her Council. – The Totodile stayed vague, letting the Esquire come to his own conclusions.
– We were told that they had a disagreement in the past, so we're curious. – Lizard went along, but the glance he threw at her was so done. Fang flashed her namesakes in shameless mischief, then turned towards the Grass Type.
– In a manner of speaking… – The Esquire trailed off, uncomfortable. – He is our benefactor. A hundred years ago he saved Lady Veena, but she doesn't see it like that.
– A hundred…! How? An Absol's lifespan isn't that long! – Fang gaped.
– One of the reasons he calls himself a Knight is because he's immortal. He got his team crest from the blessing of Xerneas and Yveltal. – The bespectacled 'mon explained. – You can count on a paw how many accomplished that feat and even less got graced by receiving an Embleteora from the sky. The only reason the Mighty Knights don't recognize him as a lesser member of their ranks is because he doesn't have a dungeon of his own.
– Wow! He sounds like an awesome guy. – Ash commented, impressed.
– Unfortunately, his personality clashes horribly with the one of my Knight. If you could avoid mentioning him in her presence, I would be grateful. – Kazuma requested.
– Consider it done! – Lizard intercepted any attempt of his partner at mischief by confirming and looking at her with a meaningful look.
– I'm back! I got a bunch of Wacan and Rindo Berries if the Shadows are Electric and Grass Types. – Poccha hurried back and showed them his loot: in a little pouch there were a dozen of the mentioned berries. – We can share when we arrive.
– Thank you Poccha. – The weight in the gut of the Totodile lessened at the affirmation: an unpredictable cannon (as Lady Veena was sounding like to be) would be dangerous for her and the Piplup if the Shadows didn't come first.
The walk to the dungeon resumed and the seven reached its entrance, which was signaled like the previous ones by a clear transparent crystal with the same white light inside.
The first floor of the dungeon itself looked like a flat cliff made of a translucent bluish-dark-yellow-whitish-mix rock, probably because it had high concentration of quartz.
At the center of the circular floor, the Raikou was laying down inside a depression filled with water, resting, as a group of Electric Types and four odd out were tending to the gear displayed on a couple of carved rock pillars on either side of the "pool". The stairs that led to a lower floor peeked at the edge of the cliff, so they had been carved on the flank of the rock wall.
The pokémon that Fang recognized from both her own knowledge and the on-the-road lesson with the Pokédex were a Luxray, a Plusle, a Minum, a Flygon, a Honedge and an Aegislash. The ones she couldn't discern were a sand-colored snake coiled into a spring-like stance, while the other was a metallic hedgehog with brown and yellow triangles "carved" on its spheric body.
– Kazuma! – The two Cheering Pokémon eagerly run up to the Sceptile, who smiled fondly at the red and blue rabbits. – It's still early, is everything alright?
– More than okay. Our new visitors could help us solve our worst issue if Lady Veena finds them trustworthy enough. – The Grass Type answered and the sound of his voice was enough to rouse the Legendary Beast.
The saber-toothed tiger gracefully rose from the pool and the two possessed swords covered her with a huge towel to dry her after she had stepped out of it.
Was she too dignified to shake off the moisture like a Growlithe? Probably.
– Kazuma… Who are these young pokémon? – Lady Veena looked at them with her slitted violet eyes, which narrowed as they passed over Ash.
– They are part of foreign Rescue Teams sent by your siblings to aide us. I have the recommendation letters with me. – The Esquire took out said sheets of paper and joined his Knight, keeping them open in order to let her read.
Uh, the sisters have so much in common, so why their character portrayal is so different? Fang mused, as she observed both the Legendary Pokémon and the Riolu to gauge how the volatile Electric Type could react.
The Emanation Pokémon still looked calm, so for now things were going smoothly.
– You did a great service to my brethren, I commend you. – Lady Veena praised them, though Fang saw the incoming "but" from miles away. – However, I would like to make my own opinion on you. After all, my siblings have a long history of being conned by that filthy Absol, so the first Teams that would do a good action for them would be enough to enter in their good graces. – She spitted the name with so much venom that the Totodile found herself bristling in indignation for Yato's sake.
No Fang, you promised not to interfere. The Water Type told herself, as she tried to calm down, but all the progress went out of the window as soon as the Legendary Beast began her spiel once more.
– It can't be helped, though. – Lady Veena shrugged almost carelessly, as if the rest of the world was made of a bunch of morons and she was the only sane one. – They still believe that the Absol-kind doesn't bring misfortune and calamity whenever they go, but it would be a blessing if they disappeared from the face of the world.
Oh no. You didn't go there.
– Now you listen "Lady", and you listen good. – Fang snapped, pointing a taloned index towards the Raikou, holy fury seeping in her voice. – I don't know what your malfunction is, but you can't talk about freaking genocide like the weather! – She snarled and her partner grabbed her dorsal crest to stop her from eventually advancing forward, but he made no move to try and silence her. Good, they were on same page. – One of my Team member back home is an Absol and he's one of the main reasons why Lizard and I are still alive and our region hasn't been levelled by an asteroid! He saved our lives time and time again and he has not even one malicious bone in him, so take that back! – She ended the sentence by chomping down in a near-Crunch, fire dancing in her eyes in challenge.
– Little Totodile, do you have any idea who you are talking to? – The Raikou said warningly, a lethal edge in her voice, and she discarded her towel with an Extrasensory.
The rest of the pokémon on the floor had tensed, with several even taking a defensive stance, but the Water Type had only eyes for the Thunder Beast.
– You could be Arceus himself right now and I wouldn't care. – Fang replied coldly. – You insulted one of my teammates and wished him to disappear, so frankly your so-called "Legendary" status has little matter for me.
Before the Thunder Pokémon could react, Kazuma stepped in. – Veena. – He called, so firm that the Electric Type flinched a little. – Your feud against Yato isn't enough to justify that statement, it was out of line. – Was he… scolding her? Good, but not enough.
– Then I will retract that wish, but I won't apologize. Yato is a calamity and everything he touches will crumble to ruin. What he did was just a byproduct of what he is, evil incarnated. – This… this was way worse than what the other siblings and their associates had told them. Veena was so stubborn that she would rather die than change her mind!
– That's a lie! – Fang blinked. That… hadn't been her. Then who…? – He's a good person! His Aura isn't evil or corrupted, you're the one more malicious than him! – Ash stepped forward, incensed. – All I hear from your Instrument is rage and taint! Why the fact that he saved you has you despising him so much that it influenced your Aura?
– He didn't save me, he killed my entire clan! – Veena roared, taking them aback with her vehemence and revelation, but that wasn't enough to deter Fang. She was still too furious.
– Did he really? – She said a little sardonic. – Because if there are multiple other pokémon who claim that Yato is a good person, they can't have been conned for a hundred years.
– …He did. – Kazuma's answer surprised everyone. – They had been tainted by the Curse of Veena's previous Embleteora and in their madness they attempted to do the same to her. Yato put an end to their suffering and retrieved the Embleteora using his Team Crest with his Froslass companion.
– See? He's guilty of the most despicable crime! How can you defend him? – The Raikou exclaimed triumphally, puffing up her fur to appear bigger.
– How is that different from Regigigas's punishment? – Fang countered. – Sir Aparctias said that he's the one who usually administers the sentences, but, while I don't like bloodsheds, that would have been likely the same thing Regigigas would have done. Just faster. Would have you resented him as you are doing with Yato? – She frowned at Veena.
– He did it for personal gain, not justice! My previous Embleteora became the Keystone of his Nora! – The Thunder Pokémon spitted.
– Veena, Fang. – Kazuma physically stepped in between the to, blocking each other line of sight. – Please, let's resolve this in a civil way.
– Very well. Then this is my condition for obtaining my Embleteora. You and that foolish misguided Riolu are going to duel against me. Just you two, no one else. No Reviver Seeds and the first who faints will be the loser. – The Electric Type stepped aside and grinned predatorily at the Water Type.
Well, shish. Fang glanced at Ash, who was standing tall and unflinchingly at the challenge and any sliver of doubt she had felt at their foe's declaration was snuffed out. If a trainer who had fought multiple Legendaries (from what Pikachu had said) didn't show signs of hesitation, then she would do the same.
She had fought Rayquaza to save the world, for crying out loud!
Sure, she had a reserve of Reviver Seeds and Lizard and Zenchou covering her back then, but she had grown in the year after the meteorite.
– Only if on our part the defeat is determinate by a double K.O. and we can use other items. – The Totodile countered, in a no-nonsense tone.
– Everything allowed, sans healing items. – Veena raised the stakes.
Ash looked at Fang at the same time she turned at him and before the others could get a word in, the duo said as one: – Deal.
𝕄𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝔻𝕖𝕤𝕔𝕣𝕚𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟
𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚗𝚘 𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚢.
Client:Veena (Raikou)
Objective: defeat Veena
Place(s): Scogliera Calcedonio
Restriction: no healing items, Fang and Ash
Difficulty: S
Reward: Embleteora
Wonder Mail M(S)M:
Do you wanna save the game?
►YES
NO
...φ
SAVED.
A/N. It's been a whole year…! I'm so deeply sorry! (シ_ _)シ
Life and Covid happened in the meanwhile and my sorry and depressed muse decided to focus her energy on the Phandom and its events (which I'm going to try and join this year again), but fear not!
Probably now that I've got to write the fight Raikou VS Fang & Ash, I'll be faster(?)!
…Only time will tell, I'm afraid. Wish me good luck! (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
Happy first airing of the Pokémon Anime, by the way! No April Fools from me! xD
How was this exchange? Hope that after an unintentional year of hiatus I wasn't to OOC or rusty with my Rescue Teams. (￣ヘ￣;)
By the way, did you like how I integrated the plot of Noragami in this story arc?
I wasn't so sure about using other media to add some flavor to my story, but Veena/Bishamon fit so well as a Raikou and above all Yato as an Absol! Their affinity for calamities was so perfect I couldn't pass the chance!
Anyway, the plot chickens!
Will Fang and Ash be able to triumph against a whole Legendary Pokémon? Who were the mysterious accomplices of Kugaha the Roserade?
This and more in the next chapter of PMD: Mega (Shinka) Mix!
Hope this time I won't take too long (at least do something in time for the release of Scarlet and Violet in November(?)), so type ya soon!
[Pinkypi: I'm deeply sorry for the wait, but I promise I haven't dropped this! I'm a bit busy at the moment, so the updates will be a little slow, but I'll keep writing, no need to worry!
Thank you for your review!
Aki Utsukushi: I'm glad that you're having fun, that's the aim of my story!
As for the Ash-kidnapping thing… that's a good trope that I didn't consider, but sounds totally plausible, since some pokémon need to predict the Raids… I'm going to consider this, thank you for your input!
(Did this chapter development come out as a surprise like the previous ones? Please let me know, I'm a curious Author!)
Supertoe: Thank you! I'm glad you're liking this!
As for the pairing, I'll be honest with you, when I started writing this, I considered pairing both Teams with their partners. However, as I'm planning the plot, I'm starting to see their relationship more as a queerplatonic one, seems more fitting that way.
Thank you again for the review, hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!