Dungeon 002
The first thing Fang noticed was how startlingly a previous empty (sans Suicune) dungeon was when suddenly crowded: it was as if all the pokémon previously absent had rushed in now.
And the Aurora Pokémon was right at the center of the tumult, being assaulted by... something that at first glance neither she nor her temporary teammate recognized.
Like a Ghost Type phasing through a surface, a polygonal shape abruptly emerged from the ground next to them, all sharp edges and perfect flat faces, which resembled a Nincada, but it looked as if made by black glass. After a beat, it turned towards them mechanically and "stared". Then leaped at them, claws unleashed... just to receive Fang's startled Water Pulse at point-blank range. The compressed orb of liquid exploded at the contact, launching the attacker back, but it didn't so in one piece: it shattered in glass-like fragments that dissolved in black sparkling dust.
− What the...! − the explorers exclaimed at unison, but Fang shook herself quickly out of it, urgency prevailing. − We'll freak out later, now we rescue Suicune! − she dug into her bag as Rush nodded. − You go forward, I'll be right behind you. − the Water Type pulled out the Quick Seed and the other understood the message.
Like her namesake, the Chick Pokémon rushed forward, catching out of air the thrown seed in her beak, and ran right towards the mob as she pecked it down. The effect was instantaneous: her speed doubled and in a flash she had reached the edges of the battlefield, probably even activating a Quick Attack.
Meanwhile Fang hadn't merely stood and watched, because, while she was following her new friend, she had fished out some Silver Spikes from their pouch and had flung one of them at some UFO that the part of her mind unoccupied by battle strategies identified as spiky balls with wings, Murkrows, Zubats and bat-like things with big ears and stubby wings.
The Spike spliced open a couple of wings and their owners tumbled down on the ground like marionette with cut strings. Two spiked balls and a Zubat literally crashed on the ground, leaving only dust behind.
Okay, the flying ones just need to fall down to disintegrate. Okay, okay, nothing to worry about right now, otherwise I'll freak out. Fang kept running and knocking down apparent-Flying-Types with her Spikes, while in the background Suicune was destroying Geodude, Aron and Larvitar look-alike with Iron Tails and Rush was systematically opening herself a way among the horde with Quick Attacks.
At Fang's third Spike, the orange blur that was her temporary teammate skidded to a halt, or more likely was bounced back by an odd thing as big as and slightly similar to a Watmel Berry, though it had on the top what looked like a shark fin and two protrusions at its sides. − Too tough for a Quick Attack? − the Totodile worried.
− Dragon-Ground Type, Water Pulse it, I'm going Dig! − Rush didn't hesitate in diving for the ground, trusting her implicitly.
Not wanting to let her down (plus deeply ingrained teamwork even with on-the-fly-allies), Fang didn't hesitate too and shot the shark-dragon, crashing it, at the same time as she finally reached the mob.
Not knowing its Type, the crocodile Crunched a mole-thingamajig while she was at it, making it dust too. Not expecting that immediate reaction, she spluttered a quick Water Gun to rid her mouth from the powder that tasted like silica. It feels like a mouthful of Sandstorm!
Beyond the wall of Ground, Rock and Bug Types, flashes of Flamethrowers indicated the direction where Rush had gone, while the streaks of white-blue beams stroke down Murkrows and the big eared bats, signaling that Suicune was still relatively well and kicking.
Still trying to make her way to the Legendary, the reptile fueled her Water Gun in order to soak a spinning-top-shaped-thing with bunny ears and a rugby-ball-like insect (if the antennas were a sufficient identifying trait), but only the former dispersed, forcing Fang to stop her attack and throw another Spike to burst the latter too.
− I'm at the other side of Suicune, I'll cover this flank! − Rush called as the Big Jaw Pokémon Shadow Clawed another of those unknown insects and barely managed to avoid a Scratch looking move from a Nincada.
− Roger! I'm almost there! − she parried the following Scratch with her still active Ghost Type move and shoved it away, adding a Water Gun to distance it and an incoming scorpion-like critter too. Though, capitalizing that distraction, a Gligar-thing successfully X-Scissored her from behind, the tough scales on her back barely enough to keep the attack from drawing blood; however, that caused Fang to almost chock on her Water Gun, so she cut it out but not without using its last gurgle to dispel the Flying-Ground Type when she spun around.
The Big Jaw Pokémon coughed as she blindly threw a Spike at the black mass, dispelling another Bug Type-like, then she dived forward and did a carter wheel to dodge a salvo of Air Cutters that instead crashed on the foes behind her, dispelling them.
At the end of the stunt, Fang found herself practically attached to Suicune's side, sans a glass-Nincada that was about to bite and use Absorb on the Legendary... So she Crunched it instead and threw it away in the mob with one fluid motion, making it explode in mid-air.
− I'm here, how's thing at your end? − Fang asked as her fellow Water Type Gusted away some lighter critters in front of him.
P~OwO~W
− It could be better! − Rush used her Shadow Claws to have better grip on the ground as she tried to evade the Rock Throws that a group of glass-Geodudes was flinging at her. The Torchic was having just partial success, because she had to protect the Aurora Pokémon's flank too, so, while she was capable of dodging the attacks due to her natural speed combined with the still ongoing effect of the Seed, the projectiles targeting Suicune had to be Clawed (read: kicked with empowered Shadow Claws feet) away, leaving her open to the aviation's Air Cutters.
Worst of all, on her side almost all the foes were either Ground or Rock Types (the Aron-like things were her only sure-kill thanks to Flamethrower) and Rush was almost certain that those unknown insects had an ability that could poison at touch, thus she had even that status on the piling damage count.
As the barrage finally ended, the Chick Pokémon surged forward, using her still active Ghost Type move to slash at the nearest foe, the spinning-top-thing, with little success. Why don't I have moves against Rock Types beside Dig!? she cursed inwardly as she tried for another round.
− Incoming! − Fang's voice called from behind, so she swerved to a side, dodging a Water Pulse that dispelled her adversary.
− Thanks! − Rush called back before starting to Flamethrower everything, in order to try and create a trench of fire to see if the glass-menaces were at least afraid of something like that... considering that they crossed it without a hitch, not so much.
With a sweatdrop she cut down the Fire Move, ready to switch again to Shadow Claw when the murmur of a male voice made her pause just a fragment of second, then she rejoined the fray, with more irritation than normal.
− Drop the nonsense already! Snap out of it Suicune! − the Chick Pokémon yelled, breaking a Larvitar with three swipes just as she felt the effect of the Seed vanish.
− What did he say? − Fang asked biting back a yelp. A quick glance revealed it was because of one of the unknown Bug Type that had Poisoned her.
− That there was fire as well when he was defeated last time. Suicune, we're not your enemies! − Rush snapped back at another murmur carried by a Gust.
− What? Pokémon?! Can thou repeat that? I have been quite deafened two battles ago! − the Legendary roared back, dispelling with twin Iron Tails the Rock Types that were trying to climb on his legs.
Rush leaped in his aid in an instant, kicking the base of the pillar of foes, namely a Gible, and making it crumble along with the construct.
− Do you really mean that your Boss Battle happened because you couldn't hear us?! − the Fire Type bellowed almost right into his ear, before spinning around and venting her rage on a polygonal-scorpion with an Aerial Ace.
− "Min Boss Battle"? "Us"? You DEFEATED me before?! − Suicune snarled as he kept lashing out Iron Tails.
− It's YOUR FAULT! We tried to talk to you, but you kept spouting about "erasing" us! − Rush lit up in righteous fury and used that both literal and metaphorical fire to set on some Arons. As soon as she ended her Flamethrower she suddenly swayed, but somehow her strong legs managed to keep her upright. Damn, it's the poison, isn't it? Rush shook her head, to clear a bit the sudden fatigue: her shout had really taken so much energy out of her too?
− STOP SQUABBLING! Or I will munch you both, Legendary and teammate or not! − Fang threatened, adding a further intimidation by Ice Fanging aggressively a Gible before flinging it to a Gligar and dispelling them both.
The heck sempai! That was scarily badass! the Chick Pokémon gaped at the display visible from the opening under Suicune's belly and nodded frantically, focusing on the battlefield of her flank. However, that second of distraction was enough for a mole-like glass to jump out from the ground in a Dig directly under her beak and hit her there. The damage was at last too much and blacked out...
Just for a second, enough to let a Reviver Seed take effect. The superficial wounds closed, the bruises evened and the poison coursing through her was filtered out, while the energy reserves were refilled to max. − Round Two, trinkets!
B~OwO~F
They're worse than children! Caterpie and Metapod certainly weren't so bratty when we babysat them! Fang growled as she sniped with the Spikes the fake-Flying Types which, contrary to the land based pokémon, spawned from the ceiling.
A flash from the bag alerted her that a Reviver Seed had been consumed, making her bare her namesakes in annoyance: thanks that unknown insect, the Poison was taking its toll on her, so maybe another hit or two and she would be the next to use one of them... if Suicune wasn't about to completely keel over before her and that would result in a failure in their mission.
It's better if we keep the Seeds for us and use other items for him. the Big Jaw Pokémon decided as she fished for something else besides the Silver Spikes. − Suicune, eat this!
Said Legendary turned his muzzle towards her and squinted at her and the offered Oran Berry. − ...What is that? I am still a little blinded by too many Flashes close to min eyes. − he asked suspiciously.
− An Oran Berry! We're trying to save you, why would we-...! − she protested indignantly and threw the healing item at him in spite, just as a spinning top Gyro Balled her from the left. Luckily Steel Type moves weren't as effective as Scratches and Slashes, so she still had energy in spades to soak the menace with a Water Gun and crash it. Fang then looked up to confirm that the half-blind-half-deaf Aurora Pokémon hadn't missed the berry, so when she saw him munch, it let her feel a little vindicated.
− Suicune, can you Surf to decimate this things?! There are too many Rock and Ground Types! − Rush yelled from her side.
− I have dried out min water reserves. Moreover now min tails do not have any supplementary strength to steel themselves. − the North Wind incarnation reported despondently.
− I've got Elixir Maxs for that, drink one and let us jump on you when you use them! We'll hit whatever remains! − Fang proposed, searching frantically for one, as she danced away from a combo of Air Cutters. Whatever those glass-things were, they were quite monotonous in their strategy.
− ...Whatever, pass it and make it quick. − Suicune agreed and not too soon Rush's orange blur recoiled from an Aerial Ace and landed perfectly on his lilac mane, clinging to it with her talons.
− As you wish! − finally localizing the right item, Fang ran forward and used a strange caved ball (with an upturned skittle on the top and two little feet under it) as a stepping stone to spring up and land a little behind Suicune's crest where she clung to make him drink the Elixir from the dry-pumpkin caved bottle.
The Legendary guzzled it down in a second, ignoring only for that much their foes (though Rush was making up for that lack with her Flamethrowers), then the air felt suddenly moister and cooler.
The glass-fakers, either completely oblivious or not caring for that change, didn't even flinch and kept coming at them... Only to be pushed back and completely submerged by what was comparable to a tidal wave.
Fang gaped as around them at least half of the critters dispelled in dust and only just because the other half had been beyond the reach of the ground zero of the move.
− ...Hold on, I will at last be able to employ min usual strategy now that the field is mostly free. − and without adding anything else Suicune started running around the chamber and attacking their foes.
− Fang, some Spikes? − Rush requested after she had hastily climbed up to the top of the Legendary's mane.
− Here, Suicune has the ground-level covered; we'll deal with the upper one. − the crocodile extracted the pouch from which her avian teammate fished a beakful of weapons that she tucked under a wing sans one: that one was used immediately to take down a Murkrow.
Following her example, Fang embed the pouch inside the flowing mane to keep it available for both of them and started sniping with the Spikes the Flying Types and with Water Pulses some further moles and shark-dragons. If Suicune had been alone, he would have been overwhelmed without doubt just from sheer outnumber. ...and the poison from those strange insects.
As if the status had heard her trail of thoughts and had a will on its own, her stomach suddenly lurched and her world swayed, making her lose her grip on the mane and tumble down helplessly from the kirin-like pokémon.
− Fang! − she heard Rush cry as she smashed on the ground and lost consciousness for only the split second needed for the Reviver Seed to kick in, but by then she was already in the danger zone and a horde of spinning tops and caved balls had leaped at her.
Before she could react, something snaked around her midsection and yanked her away from a new wave that crashed on the mob underneath her. Stunned, Fang clung on her literal lifeline that a side glance revealed it to be one of Suicune's twin tails.
− Oh, thank Dialga... − her temporary teammate breathed above her. − You okay there Fang?
− I'll manage! Keep on sniping, we're gaining an edg-...! − the more experienced explorer seized up when the appendage holding her abruptly tensed and gave her a squeeze. Not that she could really blame its owner, because all at once the polygonal enemies had been swallowed by the ground as if they had fallen from lack of foothold.
− ...No, not now. The Darkness must be really desperate to level up now! We have to hid-...! − the Legendary froze, halting his run as his limbs were trembling and locked by fear. Though, as soon as he tried to take a step, he was silenced by something even more nightmare-ish than what the two ex-human had witnessed since coming into this dungeon.
X~OwO~Y
The wrongness was both keeping Ash halfway alert and making him feel physically sick since it gave off the same inkling of being possessed by the specter of a King and the Unbound angry shadow of a friend. Both instances hadn't been pleasant and he was worried and scared for the fates of his new friends just by remembering fragments of said possessions. I sent them there! But if I hadn't then Suicune...!
Cursing his injury, Ash snarled at his pain and, in contrast with his nature, forced himself to stay, even if his everything was screaming to get up and help them. He was dense and stubborn, but even he knew that it would take too long to reach them and even then, he would be more of a hindrance then of help. Last time had been just a lucky shot after all, but that conviction didn't stop him from tensing and cursing every time he felt foreign pain wave through his newly developed sense.
Ash had realized, since he had felt the duo reach the source of the wrongness, that he was somehow finally able to identify the teammates: one was damp, rational and bite-y while the other was fiery, intuitive and impulsive, so when he felt first the latter then the former blink out for an instant each, he panicked.
From what the fellow ex-human had seen, Rush was an almost unstoppable force of nature while Fang was good at keeping her head on the game, so what had been able to overwhelm, even momentarily, them and Suicune? His species was resilient and quick on their paws! Had the "wrongness" access to high voltage electricity or strong Grass moves?
Ash's body locked in place as the hungry greed suddenly flared in rage and the hotspot the trio was in started erupting twice as powerful the something it had been doing since its manifestation. Apparently Suicune had known what it was, because his fear spiked and soon after it was followed by the (barely) restrained horror of the girls.
The next moments were a flurry of actions that Ash had a hard time to follow, given his fevered state. What was is happening?!
P~OwO~W
Rush watched the scene unfold as the Legendary backtracked and slowly put Fang beside her temporary teammate.
− I can barely hear min one, but listen: this situation is extremely perilous. The moment those beings will have completely emerged, they will attack us without hesitation. Contrary to the ones you saw before, these will be capable of shredding us apart. They are more powerful and have bothersome moves like Flash and Screech, therefore beware. − Suicune murmured.
Ahhh, so it's their fault that he's half incapacitated then... Rush mused with detached fascination, muscles coiling in preparation as massive prismatic forms mechanically climbed up from the "invisible pool" the previous beings had fallen into. From the top of her mind she could recognize half-dozen of each: Graveler, Lairon, Pupitar, Ninjask, Shedinja, Gabite and Golbat; plus there were other four types of shapes she wasn't familiar with: the bunny spinning top was back, then there were a new bat with a spiky collar, a tire-like-thing with two couples of antennas opposite to one another and what originally may have been a Rock Type because it was made by three boulders as feet and one (spiked) as the central body.
− I'll handle the bugs, you keep raining on the rocks. − Rush ignited the ember at the end of her throat, burning with it the horror she had begun to feel at the sight of the enemies line. That "rain" had to be a freaking monsoon or a tropical storm borderlining a hurricane, because there were far too many opponents for even one of the maddest Monster House.
− You can bet your trio of feathers we'll do! − a globe of Water Pulse coalesced at the edge if the Chick Pokémon's sight. − Suicune, get another round of Surfs ready! We'll deal with what survives! − Fang added louder.
− They will keep coming in hordes of this magnitude for at minimum ten minutes. We need to save our strength. − the Aurora Pokémon warned, though water coiled under its paws.
− If you manage to last at least 5 minutes, I have another Elixir! − Fang countered as the front line emerged fully.
− I accept! − the Legendary pokémon leaped into action and unleashed the tidal wave at his disposal, annihilating several Ground-Rock Types, but the Lairons-thingies (even if damaged) cut the front of the water, shielding the Gabites and the Flying Types behind them. Even a couple of the four-boulders-constructs had tanked Suicune's move, but their movements were glitchier, like they had run out of juice.
Epiphany slapped her upside the head. − Some of them have Sturdy! − Rush relayed after toasting with a Flamethrower a Ninjask.
− Isn't that wonderful? − somewhere Fang snarked, a bit out of character from their previous dungeon battle, but that probably was because she was both terrified and incensed by this frustrating combat. Not that the Chick Pokémon couldn't sympathize, the bat-thingies and some of the Ninjasks were covering from her literal fire the vulnerable Shedinjas.
Suicune had been right, this wave of mobs was stronger that the previous: they had a strategy in their movements, as if the Bug-Ghost Types were an ace in the hole against them... Rush really hoped it was only about moves and not the rumor about "sucking away your soul".
− Fang, if the occasion rises, can you Crunch or Shadow Claw the Shedinjas? On my end they keep being protected from my fire! − Rush called, before picking up another beakful of Spikes and tried to take down all the poké-glass shields she could.
− Freaking Gengar*, of course! Once old Whiscash told us that Shedinja can use Flash! And half of the others pokémon here can Screech! That's why Suicun-...! − the reptile's exclamation was cut short by a sudden barrage of dark and light purple droplets that were shot from two sources, both being a bug-tire rolling on their spot like crazy in the rear guard.
Unable to dodge it in time, the gunk hit the three, eliciting a squeak from the smaller duo that felt their health being sapped by poison and soon after their strength diminished along with some swiftness.
− Mother of a Grimer! What was that?! − Rush screeched, coughing a smaller than normal fireball.
− Toxic and Venom Drench. The latter weakens and slows down the opponent if Poisoned. We will not be able to attempt an endurance contest anymore. Either we shall defeat them hastily and flee or we shall fall. − Suicune paused in his attempt to run as if recollecting himself and charged the biggest Surf the duo had ever seen him perform. − I will need that Elixir after this act. − he warned and after touching down from an almighty jump on his spot a tsunami exploded from their ground zero and reached even the ceiling.
The wall of water swept away all their glass-foes, making them literally crash against the rocks, leaving probably only the Rock-Types-lookalike with Sturdy and some bug-tires that hadn't been hit beforehand. And the Shedinja, of course. There were four of them, now that Rush could count them without anything in between... And so she merrily proceed to toast three of them all farewell. It was concerningly satisfying even with the reduced firepower.
− Here Suicune! − in the meanwhile her temporary teammate had re-supplied their "steed" with the last Elixir. The Legendary gulped it down in one go and, after Fang had re-climbed the mane, the only legitimate male of the chamber started leaping around, seemingly aimlessly, to dodge the Rollouts of the bug-tires.
...but only dodge. He wasn't striking back. He had been resupplied, why wasn't he striking back?!
B~OwO~F
Rage mounted inside Fang: there were only a pawful of foes remaining in the chamber, foes that could be likely taken out by a couple of Gusts, so why was Suicune leaving to Rush and her the duty to take them out? Above all now that she had spent on him the last Elixir!
− Suicune, why are you holding back? − the crocodile reprimanded, just as they came close enough for her to Shadow Claw one of the Shedinja and dispel it.
− I have already been poisoned since before your arrival and I will not last long, whereas you will last even less due to Toxic. If we destroy the Shadows too quickly another fresh wave of them will come and we will be doomed. I am waiting for min chance to flee. − the Legendary intoned deadly serious, taking aback both explorers.
− But you aren't even trying to run to the exit! − Rush pointed out disbelieving.
− I can not depart from the Dungeon! − he thundered in rage, startling the duo.
− Then how are we supposed to escape?! − Fang added her two Pokéyen with the same heat in her tone, firing a Water Pulse at a bug-tire, slowing it down.
− I detain a secret chamber isolated from the main hall. It is still enough inside the dungeon to be considered part of it, but also impenetrable to the Shadows. − the Aurora Pokémon explained a bit irritated, but not as incensed as before. His mood swings were so hard to keep on with!
− Then why haven't you stayed inside? − the incredulity in the Chick Pokémon voice hadn't toned down from before.
− That is none of thy business! − and now he was annoyed too! Fang resisted the urge of muzzlepawing because of the battle... But the need felt strong: what was he, a Legendary or a toddler?
− Move your cloudy behind then! The coast is clear, so don't make me use my Escape Orb! − the senior explorer threatened, her paw already hovering on said item.
− Try all thee want, Water Conjurer, during Shadow Raids Orbs do not work. − Suicune scorned back with bitter humor.
− Mother of a Meowth, it's like a boss battle then! − Rush gasped in horror after sniping with a spike one of the Sturdy-Lairon.
− Hold on tight: the entrance of min hideout is at last clear! − Suicune declared eliciting a wave as he ran and surfed right onto it, directed toward the opposite side of the exit, above the stairs to the bottom floor. At a meter from crashing on the rock he leaped forward bellowing: − In the name of Aparctias!
...
...
...
Why do I feel like I just used a Reviver Seed? Fang blinked bewildered few seconds later, brain not entirely processing what had happened, as she found herself staring at the crystals embed ceiling. A groan below her made her turn her head in puzzlement and there was Suicune practically knocked out with his hexagonal crest leaning on the wall. A quick inspection revealed that they were still in the boss battle hall... where was spawning another wave of glass-mobs.
− What the...! − the Big Jaws Pokémon restrained herself, leaping on her feet, while on the other side of the mane her temporary teammate wasn't so considerate and was cursing every known natural phenomena. − What happened?
− The Spirit-World-spawned door to the "Secret Lair" didn't open! That or this dumb half-blind Legendary took the wrong aim and made us splat on the wall! − Rush jumped up, swaying a bit as an aftermath of the impact, and faced the new horde of glass-fakers.
− Ah, great! We need a new plan then. Even if we're not poisoned and weakened anymore, we won't resist long since we're out of Reviver Seeds and Suicune is out of commission. Any ideas? − Fang charged a Water Pulse, stepping down from their steed.
− "Wing" it? − Rush attempted a bit of desperate-defiant humor, flapping one of her feathered limb.
The reptile blinked at her blankly, then shrugged in "what-else-can-I-do" surrender. − Till one of us has a good plan, why not? We're Explorers after all, it's an occupational hazar-...! − the dimensional hopper gasped, so startled that she shot her move at a Graveler and dispelled it, epiphany shining in her eyes. − Exploration and Rescue team!
The girls whirled to look at one another in sync. − The Badges!
− Will it work? − Rush worried a second later, but didn't hesitate to Aerial Ace a Ninjask too close for comfort.
− Ash did give us a mission and he's at the "base camp", so I don't see why not. And at this point it doesn't matter anymore why he didn't want to leave the dungeon. − Fang reasoned, grinning at the new hope.
− At count of three? − the Fire Type Shadow Claw-kicked a bat-thingy that had dived at Suicune, crashing it.
− Yep, One! − Fang used the same move to make quick work of Golbat.
− Two! − Rush with a Flamethrower broke an unwary Shedinja.
− THREE! − as a sole pokémon the ex-humans recovered their badges and leaped at the downed Legendary, slapping him with the Team insignias. − Recovery and escape!
A pillar of light engulfed the trio just before four Rollout-ing bug-tires crashed on the empty space they had left behind.
The glass-thingamajigs mechanically glanced around for a few seconds, before being swallowed by the floor, as if they had never been there...
X~OwO~Y
Nothing could have prepared Ash for what happened next.
His fear had already been high since he had felt both his new friends blink out again along with what felt like a concussed North Wind, then a new wave of wrongness surfaced and after that the trio vanished from the edges of his senses with a rush of hopeful adrenaline.
Just to land before him inside a column of gold light a discontinuity later.
The change had been so starling that he gasped, recoiling back so violently from his lying position that he almost crashed on his back, though thankfully he only landed on his rear, jarring the wound.
The Riolu stared at the panting and recovering girls and the K.O, Legendary with wide eyes, almost not believing them; however that emotion was quickly wiped out by the reaction of the wrongness at the vanishing act: its temper spiked so high with need, hunger and what felt as "righteous" fury that Ash lost the battle with his stomach and managed just in time to roll on his paws and knees and get violently sick outside the edge of the sleeping bag.
At least I didn't eat that much... Ash dry heaved as the damp-someone tentatively stroked his shoulder, since probably she couldn't touch his back.
After a couple of minutes the dry heaves eased in a cough, a bit because the wrongness' rage had been mollified by a smudge and a great help for his health had been delivered in the form of the return in range of his own polar star.
Wow, how come I've never noticed before? He feels like lighting that lights the night into day! Ash's fevered mind rambled as he tried to focus on his aibou's familiar presence. He seemed eager, even if still a bit worried. Why...? Oh, here there are the others too... They're also worried... Someone is with them, someone flowery and maternal, it feels troubled... it-no she. Female, yeah, Grass Type maybe? Trying to focus on his ramble, Ash slowly but surely managed to push apart the feelings linked to the wrongness and so his cough subsided in labored then just heavy breathe, while his stomach quelled a bit, lessening the nausea.
− Ash, how do you feel now? − the paw on his shoulder tightened slightly its hold, bringing the boy back to the physical world. He blinked blearily (when had he closed his eyes?) and looked sideways, meeting concerned rubies. What had she asked again? Ah, right.
− Been... better. − he tried to smile to ease her.
− What was that? Something you ate? − the Totodile, Fang, right, Fang, inquired concerned.
Ash shook minutely his head, trying to gulp. − Wrong-...ness angry... made me... sick... S-still tr's to... Can you... distra-...ct me? − ignoring how pitiful his request sounded, he kept keeping his attention on the Water Type beside him, who felt taken aback, before determination filled her.
− Okay, wait a second. − carefully she dragged him away from the remains of his liquid breakfast and made him sit on the other side of the sleeping bag, while she retrieved something from a backpack. − In the meantime drink this, I don't want you to dehydrate. As a Water Type I know the importance of a full canteen! − she winked, eliciting a hoarse chuckle from him that thankfully didn't develop into a coughing fit. Fresh water calmed his irritated throat as she helped him drink and he sighed in relief after a few gulps.
− Thanks. − he murmured as Fang closed the canteen.
− You're welcome. How do you feel your back? − she checked and only now Ash noticed her voice tremble slightly from aftermath-shock. He knew that feeling too well.
− Still... like it's on fire... b't 's not my worst... no need to worry... − the Riolu dismissed and looked properly her and a bit of their surroundings. − How're you? ...Suicune?
− Ah, we're still in one piece, that's for sure. − she suddenly gasped. − Wait, Suicune is still poisoned, we need a Pecha! − there was a flare of panicky realization, but Ash reached out and weakly grabbed her arm before she could stand.
− Pikachu's... already on... his way... I think... they got help... − the Fighting Type panted and Fang's emotions quieted down, before perking.
− Do you feel them like you felt what was wrong in the dungeon? − he nodded, ignoring the rage still present in the background. − The Pokédex called it Aura...
Oh, that's the right word! Ash hummed in agreement, latching to a familiar topic. − Emotions are... easier to pick... but they have... a different f-...flavor** depending on... who they belon-...g to. − he tried to explain waving weakly the paw he had used before to grab Fang, using an expression that he felt suited for the occasion, but foreign on his tongue, like it belonged to somebody else's.
− Flavor? What do you mean? − the duo turned to the head of the sleeping bag where Rush staggered just to plop down on it, looking like a fluffy ruffled feathered pillow. She looked and felt at least less overwhelmed and numb than when the column of light had dumped the trio in the camp.
− They're kinda... like unique... voices or... imprints, I think. − Ash swallowed, unsure of how to clarify.
− How can you tell the difference between Rush and me then for example? − Fang asked, sending an odd glance (which he didn't understand the meaning of) that flickered sideways to the Fire Type. The other girl nodded after a perplexed hesitation and the Totodile felt satisfied.
− Uhhh... 's a bit cliché but... Fang's damp... and logic, while... Rush's fiery... and instinctive. At least that's... how it feels for me. − the boy gestured at each of them unconsciously as he described the surface layer of their presence.
The Totodile chuckled wearily. − That does seem like me. Damp for the Type and logic for my way of thinking. What about the others? − she pursued the topic, keeping him focused on them.
− Pikachu's... lighting itself, ... cheer and determi-...nation, stubbornness... too, I think. − breathing was getting easier now that his best friend was coming closer to their camp and the distraction was working. Plus the Mouse Pokémon would always be a topic good enough to give him strength.
Warmth suddenly flared in alarm near Pikachu, then it burned in anxiety and coolness followed suit while Ash's aibou was just puzzled. And the flowery aura? Now "she" was suspicious and alarmed... so "she" started accelerating towards them, the trio hot on "her" heels.
Ash hesitated in his description and turned his head to where the four would approximately arrive. The girls tracked his line of sight and not too soon from the foliage a Meganium barged into the mini-clearing and her eyes locked on the downed form of Suicune.
− What have you done... − she whispered in horror, just as the "Get help"*** team joined them.
The Last Outing
Dungeon: "Spiral Dungeon"
Fang & Rush
completed the mission.
Item: Power Band & Power Band
Do you wanna save the game?
►YES
NO
...φ
SAVED.
* Fang and Gengar are already sort of frienemy due to the rescue of Gardevoir, but the habit of cursing him is still strong... xD
** Cilan's unknown/forgotten influence is showing! Like the "no need to worry" catch phrase from Dawn. Mochi points to anyone who noticed without reading the note! *\(゚∇゚)/*
*** "Obscure movie reference" that escaped from my keyboard without my agreement and installed itself here, with no intention of going anywhere else. At least no one had thrown anyone on someone (yet. Muhuhuhahahahah!)
A/N. The tale of the making of this chapter is a funny one:
at first I wanted to publish it on May 22nd, Ash's birthday date (calculated by the fans from an interview with Takeshi Shudo who stated that Ash received Pikachu at 10 years 10 month and 10 days of age on April 1st, so you do the math xD), but at the time I had one heck of a cold and I barely functioned to work as casher in a pizzeria, so completing the chapter was out of question;
then I tried to do something to quell my hype train for the Nintendo Showcase at E3 on June 12th, but author block, real life and not finding a good background soundtrack to set the writing mood annihilated my attempt (though, SMAAASH ULTIMATE! YEY BABY! (ノΦωΦ)ノ);
so at last, fighting with my teeth and nails, I managed to publish this battle against this mysterious foes on the 21st movie ("Minna no Monogatari" or "Everyone's Story") Japanese release date. Who are they? What do they want? Why is Meganium so horrified? These and other questions will be mostly answered next chapter, so stay tuned! =D
Who're those pokémon? I tried to describe them the best I could, just know that they are all official, it's just a matter of "catching" them... xP
I started depicting some characterization of at least two exploration team members, who knew that that pint sized ball of flame coming from an alternate future had that foul mouth in her? At least it manifest only if she's reeeally overwhelmed or incensed, so usually it's rare to hear her swear in pokémon characteristics; something similar happens to Fang too, but she just snarks in the face of it. I certainly have fun inventing them, though. xD
If anyone finds Suicune's behavior forced or moody, the explanation will come next chapter, I'm afraid.
Fang really knows how to distract people from some of their problems, doesn't she? Plus she's genuinely curious about this type of "new sense" so it's a win-win. And if you wonder what Rush did while Fang was occupied by Ash, she was mostly recovering from her aftermath shock and shoving down Suicune's throat an Oran Berry, since in the camp there aren't Pecha ones anymore (there's one in Team Purplewing bag), so he can endure till the other's arrival.
Hope the fighting scene didn't make you cringe too much, I'm not that good in writing them, sorry... ^^' But I'll work on them! So keep reading and type ya soon!
[Guest: anonymous reader (please at least set a random nickname like Rockster does so I can address your review properly), your question will be answered next chapter! Sorry if I confused you, by the way. xP
Rockster: thank you again for the lengthy review! I enjoy reading them!
Fearless explorer, I admire your guts to face the lava instead of the chameleons! And I know that feeling about the shiny Kecleon, I liked the purple one too. u_ù
Well, you kinda got your answer for both the mysterious foe and your gut feeling about Ash... though he just got sick. I actually feel sorry for him, but it fitted right with the plot, so he'll have to endure it a bit longer.
Thanks for the correction!
Probably they wanted the 10'000'000 Volt Thunderbolt to be a one episode move, but I get what you mean. As for what I'll do... you'll see my friend! ∑xD However there's a thing that Sun&Moon gave me that XY and XYZ never ever considered (fact that disappointed me greatly): crossdressing Ash. There had been at least one in every region and it never happened in Kalos! Sure, they made Serena impersonate Ash, but it's not the same! TT_TT Anyway, yes, S&M at lest gave me that satisfaction.
Honestly I think I forgot about Double-Edge too... xD
Don't worry for the typo! Though Trevor's Mega Charizard Y probably was pulled out of nowhere just to show the most of all the Megas at the League, so both Ash and Alain could defeat them then have their final clash in the final. Just for the glory of an achievement. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thanks again ya'll for the reviews and read ya hopefully soon!]
