StevenZ12: Good Day to y'all readers. I hope that you're doing well enough. I for my part am doing pretty great, not gonna lie. It's holiday season out here and it makes for a pretty good appreciation time. Before I present the next chapter, I want to give thanks to Arceus for Pokemon Sage, from where I have respectfully borrowed the Pokemon used in this fanfic. The game is still being developped right now, but I hope one day we can get to play the bona fide Urobos experience like all of these other fangames that have emerged in the latest year. Anyhow, enough about me. Let's plunge ourselves right back to the Pueblo Arc, things are getting Spicier.
Chapter 27: The advent of Tlaloc
''You run far too fast...'' Gasped a pretty White haired teen as she struggled to gain her breath back. Right beside her was her trusty shiny Vulpix, named appropriatively Vixen, who also was showing signs of exhaustion. ''How rude of you to run that fast...I barely could keep up with you...'' She moaned in indignation in her own language of yips and onomatopeas.
A tall , raven haired trainer was laughing his ass off in front of the Pokemon Center. He was barely winded. His Blue alligator companion however, was panting a bit, but his masculine pride did not allow him to show it completely. Instead, he went toward the winded fire type and patronizingly passed his tail right under the fox's chin in a very condescending manner.
''Aww, is the little Vixen winded? Shall I carry you to your chamber?'' He asked as he dragged his tail in a soft caressing manner under her chin a second time.
Vixen blushed violently, many conflicting emotions swirling in her chest ranging from pleasure to shame. She settled on Indignation as she Snarled. ''How..DARE...YOU!'' Before crouching down to pounce on the Water type. Snow saw that and quickly picked up her Vulpix before an err.. unfortunate event occured. Needless to say that Vixen wasn't exactly pleased and made it heard...
'' Let me go Snow! I oughta show this blue lizard over here where his place belongs..!'' She venomously yipped while wiggling halfheartedly to escape Snow's grasp.
The lizard in question simply looked at the Vixen with a smug face. ''Not so funny when the shoe is on the other foot heh?'' He grinned as he extended his arms toward his trainer.
Andre, chuckling, picked his starter up while calming down slightly. That running had been good for him. He looked at his pretty friend slightly. Seeing her out of breath with her hair all over the place was not a sight he was used to see, and it looked kind of funny to him, leading him to chuckle.
Snow cocked her head on the side cutely. ''What's the chuckle for sleepyhead?'' She asked.
Andre smiled. ''Nothing, just funny to see your hair all over the place. You look like my sister after her...'training'. He replied while chuckling some more.
Snow smiled sweetly. ''I hope that doesn't mean that you think less of me...'' she said with a voice sweeter than honey.
Andre sweated at the tone. ''O..Of Course not...Why would you think that?'' He quickly said, feeling the back of his shirt suddenly become very wet.
Snow waited some time before looking at him, a beaming 100 Megawatts smile on her face. ''Nothing, just thought I'd get you off your high horse before you speak of it for the rest of the night'' She said with a knowing smile and wink, making Andre groan.
''This tactic should be illegal...I works way too damn well.'' He complained as they both entered the Pokemon Center.
Snow chuckled, a very satisfied look on her face. ''I am not the one to blame am I?'' She said smughly.
Andre rolled his eyes, deciding to indulge. ''Well yes you are. After all, you have those pretty eyes, that sweeter than honey voice, that soothing touch, that battle sense...'' He started to enumerate with Aguade punctuating each point with a knowing 'Guade!'.
Snow felt her insides melt every time Andre enumerated a quality and he was being mildly loud too, making her cheeks redden more and more until she simultaneously crushed Vulpix by holding her too tight and wanting to vanish under the many gazes that had turned toward her in a knowing smile.
''Eeeee...'' She weakly whined before hiding her face in Vixen's fur. The latter turned her face at Andre and yipped in dissaproval. ''See what you've done..?'' She admonested him.
Andre simply shrugged, smiling. ''She had it coming, can't allow Iztaca to grow too cocky can I?'' he said before tapping Snow's head . ''Done hiding in there? We're at our rooms.'' He said softly.
Snow was still blushing so she didn't feel like getting her head out of the pure haven of warmth that was Vixen's tail. ''I...I'll see you tomorrow then Sleepyhead. It's badge time right?'' She said quickly and embarrassedly.
Andre smiled, remembering the kind Aqua and the battle...and also the moment that he had completely lost touch with reality by staring into what was a very reflexion of power.
''Yes, tomorrow we getting badge number 2 if possible. She'll be tough i'm sure, but we'll prevail. Until then, sweet evening Iztaca, i'll see you tomorrow.'' Andre said tenderly as he hugged the White haired teen. Vixen had jumped down, much to Snow's dismay. However, she had quickly found another place to hide her still profusely blushing face, that being Andre's chest. Snow closed her eyes, reveling in the touch of her close friend. Andre played with Snow silky hair for a bit before nuzzling the top of her head with the tip of his nose before letting go. Snow sighed a bit sadly as she was pretty comfy in Andre's Arms.
''Good Evening Iztaca, i'll see you tomorrow.'' Andre said softly before heading toward his Room.
''Sure thing Sleepyhead, don't stay up too late.'' Snow replied warmly, staring at the teen's back lovingly for a while before retreating to her room, Vixen in tow.
Back in his room, Andre released his team so they could stretch a little. Chualo Activated, looking at Andre severely but ultimately relented as he wasn't being attacked or an insecure little pale face and took place next to her master's bed before desactivating. Peppit hopped in his trainer's arms, requesting pets that Andre was more than happy to give while Iztatl was looking out of the window, pensive.
The water type's toughts quickly turned to the battle they had that afternoon against the water type lady and her two Pokemon...and principaly to his Trainers...friend? Girlfriend? Mate? Own vixen. The small water type was confused at what exactly was the nature of the relationship between Andre and the human called Snow was. They looked closer than just friends...yet they never did any display of affection that human couples partaked in, so he wasn't sure at all.
''Heh, humans and confusing traditions goes pair to pair...'' He thought before his thoughts turned to Vixen. That strange transformation she seemed to had undergone to defeat two water types with Heat Wave was fresh on his mind... ''What was that exactly?... And why did I feel so...so attracted to her? It was like for a second, my entire being wanted to serve her until my dying breath...'' What was that? He asked in his own tongue.
This pensive attitute did not go unnoticed by Andre. He took place next to his buddy on the bed. ''Something on your mind buddy?'' He asked kindly.
Iztatl turned his head toward his trainer and tried to explain the situation to the best of his ability. It took many tries and many frustrating non-answer from Andre and even the participation of Peppit to get the message across. At long last, the lentimas native got it.
''Ahh... you are talking about the battle we just won back at the trainer academy?'' He tentatively asked, feeling that his Pokemon were close to their breaking points.
''Quetzar be glorified...he finally got it!'' Iztatl said while falling on his back in exhaustion.
''I so wish humans could understand us clearly...This was brutal...'' Continued the small grass/fire type, also exhausted by the effort.
Eclipse simply chuckled at the scene while eating popcorn back in Xotecbalba. ''Pale faces...''
Andre sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. It was somewhat hard to get what his Pokemon were saying sometimes. He wished he had Sven's ability to understand Pokemon almost as fluently as he spoke Unovian. Focusing back on his starter though, the Lentimas native enquired: ''Well, what's up Iztatl?''
The small water type was thoughtful for a moment, then mimicked Vulpix's demeanor before replying. ''I don't know, Have you seen Vixen during that battle?'' He asked his trainer who sort of got it.
''Well, I kind of lost track of stuff when I looked at Snow's eyes... Like I was about to ask her about why she was spacing out in the middle of the battle...and next thing I knew, you were looking at Vixen like she was some sort of Goddess and we had defeated the gym leader. It's definitely weird...'' Andre reminisced, blushing a bit because of how slightly embarassed he had been about losing his wits in the middle of combat.
''Maybe she evolved in the middle of battle?'' Said a small voice. Andre turned around to see a small pepper bunny Pokemon look at him inquisitively before walking toward him and nestling in his arms.
Andre petted his Peppit, Pit, absentmindedly as he recalled the battle. It was indeed way to bizarre in insight that a Vulpix, with not that much battle experience, could KO two Gym Leader Pokemon with a resisted spread move. Thinking about that also reminded him of that interaction that lead to Snow's Zorua's capture, where Vixen had displayed firepower that was far beyond a normal Vulpix's...and that Snow looked like a Goddess straight from fairy tales...
''Frankly team, I really wonder about those two... Vixen can somewhat tap into a strange power that makes her really really strong...and Snow..'' Andre trailed of, a small blush appearing on his face as he thought of her travelling companion.
Iztatl did not miss that blush. ''Actually, about that. What exactly are you two?'' He inquired in his language, gestuing well enough for Andre to get it.
''Yeah, i'd love to know too... '' Peppit continued, looking at him from his spot in his eyes.
Andre chuckled, his Pokemon's chattering being more or less evident judging by the teasing look on their faces.
''What to know how I feel about Snow?'' He tried to confirm. Both Pokemon nodded frantically, interested to know.
Andre chuckled as he layed down on the bed, still holding the Pepper bunny in his arms.
''I honestly don't know. She's important to me...very important.. It's so hard not to like her, her antic, her determination and that uncanny ability to calm me down no matter how angry or sad I am. She is also stunning...and sometimes, I cannot fully explain the attraction and the desire to protect that I feel toward her. That's why I just am happy to be travelling with her. There are so many things I don't understand about her. Why is she so beautiful, why can she mesmerize me and other guys with her eyes, what's that sense of autorithy i feel emanating from such a shy girl and what exactly is it with her dancing gift. I feel like this is heading somewhere... but I don't know where...'' Andre explained to his Pokemon.
''That sounds far too complicated for me chief...You just sound like you like her...'' Summerized his starter while cocking his head.
''I agree on the cuteness point...But she got nothing on Flora...'' Replied a blushing Peppit.
Andre this time did not miss that blush. He took his Peppit and lifted him up. ''What was this dust I saw on your cheek little bunny?'' He teased the fire type, who quickly looked away.
Iztatl jumped down from the window and hopped into the bed, looking mischieviously at the bunny. ''I had completely forgotten about that somehow! You never even try to interact with her much.'' Exposed Iztatl, cackling.
Peppit looked like he wanted to melt away. ''W..well you know...I'm a bit shy...and well. What bout you? I saw how you look at Zorua and Vixen!'' He accused back.
Iztatl face lost all color. ''Wh...what are you t-talking about?'' He tried to defend himself
Andre chuckled, sensing that the backshot from Peppit was along the same lines. ''I'd love to know myself.'' He added, grabbing his Iztatl in an arm so he wouldn't escape while he held Peppit in the other.
It was now Iztatl turn to wish he was under the bed or in his Pokeball. ''I...I don't look at them in any romantic way. I...i'm a warrior!'' he said, puffing his chest in a sad attempt to look dignified.
''iztlacayotl.''
They all turned. Eclipse had activated and was looking at Iztatl with such a 'Bullshit' expression that even Andre got it and started laughing.
Iztatl was startled. ''What do you mean Lies?'' He quivered, trying desesperately to remain dignified.
The giant bat didn't have none of it. She hovered carefully toward the Water starter and poked his stomach with the tip of her finger. ''I'm just saying that you are a lying little alligator. I'm a female and i'm keen to pick up these things...The way you especially look at that Foreigner fire type gives you no right to critic the little citontli here... ''
Iztatl blushed hard. Truth to be told, while Zorua looked like she wanted to devour him whole whenever she looked at him, he couldn't exactly reject the notion that the white haired's trainer Vixen was ..well cute to him. A rare golden fur that looked amazing, her exceptionnally annoying holier and eliter than thou attitude that made him blush and want to salt crash her to the wall...and whatever she was doing during the battle...that litterally made him want to kneel in front of her as if she was a real queen...
However, his masculine Prize had to keep him to look exposed. ''I will critic whoever I want, bat breath. As for those accusation...I will just say that I just want to show her who'se boss once...'' He replied.
Peppit looked at him knowingly. ''Is that so?'' He asked, making the water type jump when he kicked him playfully on the tail.
Eclipse also smirked, which surprised all of them. ''tlatlacolli heh? Can't say i'm surprised. I suppose that there are many ways for you to show her whose boss. Just get on top of her and you'll see quite quickly.'' She proposed which made the bunny and the lizard look at her with a very shocked look on their face.
''I...I'm sorry ...what?'' Barely said Aguade as his face grew extremely red, you could see steam evaporating from the top of his head.
''I'm...pretty...sure...she didn't..mean it..'' Replied Peppit who barely dare look at Eclipse's face.
Eclipse smiled, holding back a laugh. She could tell that they weren't that old, but they were in mating age already. She couldn't believe that they didn't know about this and it would amuse her greatly to tease them more.
''I also mean you boys... Females in Nuevo tend to claim rather than wait to be claimed. So yeah, you want to show them who'se boss? Try play fighting them. You'll see whose boss soon. What did you think I was talking about?'' She asked, however the look on her face clearly meant that she was indeed talking about something else.
''Bullshit! You know what you were doing!'' They both said at the same time while Eclipse emitted a clickely laugh before desactivating.
Andre smiled at his Pokemon Antics. He didn't quite get the conversation but he was happy to see all of his team interacting with each other. After all, he always had heard in school that while travelling , it was best to make sure that everybody on the roster was in good standing with each other. Andre gently extended his arm toward the Shibalbat statue and caressed her snout.
''teizti Chualo, mahuizyotl cuitlapancuauhti amehuan cemithualtin'' He said, making the bat smile from the place she was.
''You haven't fully gained my full respect yet, but you are interesting...you and your companions. You consider all of us family? how interesting...'' She tought as she prepared herself from sleeping, a smile on her face, which reflected on the statue.
Andre then set his Pokemon down and headed toward his room's window, looking over the city toward the night. This was where he thought about Sven. The region Native had left them since two days ago. He hadn't given any sign of life ever since. Taking his Pokedex, he tried to use the call function to contact Sven. Sadly it did not work as the jokester did not pick up the phone.
Andre was worried but there was nothing he could do. So he sighed and returned to his Pokemon, spending time with them for the rest of the evening and even eating in his room after ordering some hyekusa. Was good food and he would need all of his energy for the Gym leader fight of the following day.
Snow's evening had happened in a very similar way. She had eventually went to her room and released the rest of her team. She felt a bit exhausted from the battle but ultimately she was very pleased with herself. She had managed to take down a gym leader in a demonstration match. She could tell that the gym leader wasn't going all out. There was no way that majestic serpent Pokemon could be defeated that easily, but it had felt so good. Abandonning herself to the power that was offered, feeling like she and Vixen could char the world black if she so wanted. It was intoxicating, pleasurable...almost more pleasurable than Andre's fingers playing with her hair. She slumped on her bed, a creepy smile in her face as she reminded herself of the battle.
Alpint trumpeted softly before settling near the bed and falling asleep almost instantly. Vixen was looking at Snow with a worried expression though. Ever since that battle, Snow had been on cloud nine. She was happy she won, but it was a bit too weird. She had felt so much power that she could have gone berserk if Snow didn't direct her to use Heat Wave at her opponent. She also hadn't missed the look that a certain blue Lizard was giving her after the battle. Why? Why did that look brought her such a shivering feeling?...Like she wanted him to look at her like that again.
Another Vixen was looking at the fire type, smirking. ''I wish he could look at me the same way he looked at you that time...'' She said, making the Fire type jump.
Vixen almost hit the ceiling with her head at the telepathic response. Same response also snapped Snow's out of her reverie and she sat on the bed.
Flora gently nested on her thight, Pecking Snow's hand lightly for attention. The white haired trainer looked down and smiled when she saw Flora's expression. She started petting her, making the grass/flying coo in delight.
Vixen stared at the Zorua. ''Why would you say that? You like the blue uncouth alligator?'' She asked directly.
The Zorua smirked, a frontal assault heh? She didn't dislike that. ''Yeah! I do. He stood proud in front you to face me when I looked like a monster dragon from my home region. That takes guts...and well, he jumped in front of you...so he must have something for you...and that makes him desirable in my book'' She said with such clarity that Vixen's, Snow's and Flora's mouth/beak/maw dropped.
Snow blushed...''Well aren't you a confident one... '' She said, slightly sweatdropping.
The Zorua looked at her with a knowing smile. ''I am. I am cute, crafty and know how to put males in their rightful places...Like you can, if you'd grow more confident.'' She replied, making Snow Perk up.
''What do you mean?'' She asked, interested where the fox was going with this.
Zorua smiled. ''You love Andre, don't you?'' She bluntly asked, making Vixen and Flora squeal in surprise at the blunt accusation and making Snow blush all the way to the tip of her ears.
''You're joking. That raven haired boy is not bad...I guess...but he's not worthy...yet...'' recuperated Vixen.
Flora however, didn't seem to share that opinion. ''Honestly..I think that they'd look good together...'' She said, chirping happily.
Zorua threw her a sideway glance. ''An hatchling like you would know about love? Try handling whatever you have for his hare first...'' She said knowningly, making the Foliat jump.
''What? I don't have anyhting for his hare!'' She said, looking away.
Zorua chuckled out loud. ''Denial is a great ability on you. As for Andre, it's so obvious that you love him that I wonder if his ability is denial too.'' She said , turning to Snow.
Snow hid behind a nearby Pillow, embarrassed. The Zorua smiled. She would enjoy this.
''You have some strange powers, Snow. You just look into his eyes and he becomes a puppy at your disposal. You hug him and he is subdued. You could make him your bish if you so wanted to. You definitely have him nice and secured.'' She said, testing her.
Snow snapped out of her embarrasment and glared at Zorua, the atmosphere changing completely. The Zorua took a step back in slight apprehension. Snow's hair slowly started to wave, as if lifted by an unnatural wind. The remark had irked her, but just as fast as it had happened, the wind calmed down and all that was left was a glaring snow, staring down the tricky fox with a serious expression on her face.
''I get it...I love him...but I would rather you not reduce him to some sort of Servant I could use for my personal pleasure. He is, and means , much more to me than that. I don't and won't take him for granted and risk everything.'' She said seriously.
Vixen, Flora and Zorua all looked at Snow with surprise then smiles on their faces.
''What?'' She asked.
''You finally know your feelings toward him without wavering. It's actually quite amazing to see...'' Said Vixen in her own yipping language.
Zorua then frowned...''But you won't tell him?'' She asked.
Snow shook her head. ''I am almost certain that he shares my feelings to a degree, but I don't want to muddle what we have going on right now. We are in a journey, we have goals and we have agreed to help on a very serious problematic. For now I enjoy our closeness, and I won't precipitate things when I dont have too.'' She replied thruthfully.
The black furred fox smiled. ''This is not how I'd approach love. I'd honestly just captivate my target and have my way with him. Especially if I don't know if its my life mate, like us Zorua and Zoroarks act normally. But, this is a very interesting and mature answer for a human. I just hope that others won't use that williness to wait to snatch him out of your hands.'' Zorua said seriously.
Flora looked at the Zorua. ''You sound so wise...but you are so small... I don't get it.'' She said to the black furred fox in wonder.
The Zorua smiled. ''I've been around for a bit. I didn't evolve yet but I know my way around life in a sense. Why do you think my telepathy is that advanced? We don't come into this world with it you know?'' She said while laughing.
Outside, the moon had already made its presence know and bathed the Zorua in moonlight, which made Snow realize that Zorua still didn't have a nickname. So she walked toward the tricky fox Pokemon and took her in her arms.
''Her arms are so welcoming...'' She tought as Snow softly started to glow when she was bathed in moonlight.
''I just realized that you didn't have a nickname yet...so How does Moonlight sound?'' She asked
Zorua thought about it for a bit and quickly liked the sound of it. ''Sure...Moonlight is a beautiful name for a beautiful creature as myself.'' She said, making all of then playfully roll their eyes.
*Knock Knock*
The loud knock made them jump. Snow wearily went to the door and asked. ''Who'se there?'' She asked shakily.
She quickly relaxed when she heard the answer. ''It's Hyekusa Burger delivery, Miss Nightshade, was it? A customer called Andre ordered for himself and for you as well.
Snow smiled tenderly. Her Andre just couldn't be selfish, couldn't he?
She opened the door and took the food. As the whole team enjoyed the meal, she looked toward the moon, some question on her mind, ranging from Sven's 2 days dissapeareance and the 'growing powers' she had experienced ever since coming to Nuevo.
''It will all be answered in due time, I hope.'' She thoughtas she went back to tend to her team.
Near Pueblo Leaf Grove was a temple of sorts, not unlike the one in the village of rivers, but smaller. It was located near a beautiful water source that seemed to shine like crystal. Partially hidden in the bottom of a ravine like hill, it was relatively hard to access. However, for one hooded figure, it only added to the challenge. Near him, his faithful coltergeist was looking down, silent like the shadow of death. He was ready to take action whenever the signal was given. His boss had assured him that the planned diversion would be great enough to get another Codex easily.
''It dosen't looks like it's for tonight Colt, however, I am patient. This job is easy money for us, so we cannot mess it up'' He said as he settled down in a small crevice to sleep. The Operation was to begin at a later time, so he didn't feel the need to remain alert any longer. Looking at the beautiful starry sky, he snorted. ''At least, something is worth looking at in this shitty region...'' He said as his Coltergeist settled next to him.
In the Nube Negra undergroud facility, a large and Burly man was pleased to see the cocoon pulsing with heat energy. Despite a pest's untimely intervention, it seemed that the plan could continue without much itch. However, the prototype could very well be unstable, so they would have to be careful when the time to unleash it would come.
''That stupid Cabron really tought he could come in here and sabotage this work like it's some sort of video game.'' He chuckled before hearing his phone ring.
Knowing who it could be at this late an hour, he picked the phone calmly.
''Yes, Doctor Cocytus here...'' he answered
''I see that you still enjoy ursupating the title of Doctor, Nube Negra Executive Cocytus...'' The voice replied.
The burly man laughed harder. ''Of course, Ren Sir. It's not everyday that I get to boss around scientists...'' He replied softly.
''I take it that the project is still going smoothly?'' Ren replied, curious to hear about any developpements.
Cocytus thought long and hard about replying that everything was going without any hitches...then remembered that Ren was a very informed man. Lying would not be a good idea. Beside, he had handled the problem.
''We had to handle a cabròn that infiltrated the base. The Madrecuno managed to free the power source but was quickly stopped by the head scientist and myself. We ran a battery of tests to make sure that the project could go on and the scientists attest that nothing is out of order. We can launch the project whenever we want.'' he explained truthfully.
Ren tought long and hard about the executive's answer. He knew about that, of course, and was actually impressed that his executive told the truth. After all, Cocytus was only recently promoted to the rank of executive, and that project was one of the most important of the Nube Negra. He smiled. It seemed that always conveying an hidden edge was a very good strategy to keep subordinates in line.
''Impressive, on more than one account, Cocytus. What did you do with that 'Cabròn' ?, as you said.''
''I had grunts locking him up in the warehouse, where he couldn't possibly annoy us. He is a dangerous fellow, with every member he fought being poisoned after battling him.'' Revealed the Executive.
Ren looked pensive. A trainer that poisoned others? He had a feeling that he knew about that man somehow. ''Very well, Cocytus. Also, launch the project's final phase tomorrow. I have agents on the field that might be growing impatient. Do not fail. That is all. Remember, Those who align with the Gold...''
''Must Prosper from the shadows...'' Finished the Executive.
As the communication ended, Cocytus eyed his Monkezuma.
''Tomorrow, the world shall know about the age of Bronze...'' He eerily whispered before laughing hard.
The night had fallen onto the city. The beautiful moonlight was bathing most of the city's building and invigorating those who felt more inclined with the moon's energy. Back in the north side of the city, a bluenette was taking care of her Pokemon before going to bed. It was certain that she would receive the visit of gym challengers tomorrow. After all, she always had a spike of challengers after a battle demonstration.
Her thoughts led her to remember the battle that she had with those two trainers from unova. She had tried to question the pretty white haired teenager about that unnatural surge of Power she had felt from her and her Vulpix. Even though she had asked her Pokemon to hold back via a glance, it was not normal for her Pokemon to fall victim to a fire type move from a non evolved Pokemon. What was even less normal was to be scared into silence by a commanding ''Shut Up''... to a lack of a better term.
''Who..was..that?'' She asked out loud to nobody in perticular.
Her Royjibiv , seeing her distraught, gently coiled herself around the leader and nuzzled her affectionately.
Aqua smiled, caressing her spectrum dragon thankfully. ''You're right Skye, I shouldn't dwell to much on it. Let's go to bed, after all, we have a big day tomorrow.'' She said as she closed the lights and went toward her chambers, Skye already drowsing on her shoulder.
The Following Morning, Andre woke up with a lot of energy. It had been a great night of sleep. On his bed was both Pit and Iztatl, who had playfought until they fell asleep in each other's grasp, making for an adorable image. Eclipse was still in her corner, desactivated, but soft Snores could be heard from the statue. The lentimas native stretched and did his morning exercices. Today was a big day and he was going to get his second badge right then and there.
''Well, to wake up the galery.'' He said before going to Eclipse first and whispering her activation sentence.
Groggily, the statue vibrated before getting her colors back. A few more seconds and she looked down at her 'trainer'.
''Good day to you, may Quetzar guide you.'' She said in her own clickety language.
Andre smiled, it seemed that she was in a good mood today. ''Slept well?''
The statue bat snorted. ''I suppose that being in a warm hotel isn't that bad compared to outside.'' She said before looking over to the two small Pokemon sleeping in the bed.
''I see that these cuitlazotlahuatinemi are still asleep. Allow me to remedy to that...'' She said hautily as she hovered above the bed and nibbled the tail of both Pokemon.
Andre sweatdropped at this...as he could imagine the reaction this would have on the two smallies.
He was not dissapointed.
''AYYYYY THAT'S SHARP! WHAT'S UP? WHO GOT THE KNIFE?'' Shouted the blue starter Pokemon, frantically looking around while holding his tail.
''CODE RED, WE'RE UNDER ATTACK, WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!'' Shouted an equally distressed pepper bunny Pokemon, small tears in his eyes.
It came out as a lot of Pokemon onomatopeas to Andre, but he still laughed. Eclipse looked at her handywork with Pride before landing behind Andre.
''You oughta wake up faster than this...'' She said with a voice that oozed superiority.
Both Pokemon looked at Eclipse, understanding at last that she had woken them up using err...rather forceful methods.
''Y...You Bitch!'' Roared both Pokemon before looking like they wanted to use moves against her.
Eclipse smiled devilishly at this. ''Oh? The chichiton would dare to fight me?'' She said as she flourished her wings and let me tell you, The wingspan made her look downright terrifying!
''FOURTH WALL!''
'SHUT UP EGRIDOS! I DO NOT OWN YOUR CARACTHER AND YOU AIN'T EVEN IN THE RIGHT UNIVERSE, YET ALONE FRANCHISE. GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE!'
Andre quickly intervened to stop his overeager Pokemon to get into an all out brawl in their Center Room.
''Oh Boy...this is going to be a handful.'' He thought as her managed to get Aguade on his shoulder, Pit in his Pokeball and Eclipse to stop laughing her wings off.
Snow's morning was much calmer than that of the lentimas hero. She woke up, tended to her Pokemon before returning them, Vulpix and Zorua aside, and joined Andre with his Pokemon in the dining area of the Mega Pokemon Center.
''Hey Iztaca! Slept well?'' Andre greeted his friend.
Snow smiled at him. ''Slept like a baby munchlax...you?'' She replied as she seated next to him.
''Like a baby Snorlax...but Eclipse here decided that the morning wasn't agitated enough for her.'' He chuckled as Iztatl sent death glares at the Shibalbat who simply rolled her eyes.
''Hmph...So uncouth of you...where's my Hello?'' Said Vixen toward the blue Pokemon who simply rolled his eyes, his mind forgotting all about Eclipse's in an instant.
''Here, hello your majesty. I trust you have slept well?'' Tried Iztatl sarcastically. Both Vixen and Moonlight eyes widened. That was rather eloquent for the normally overeager alligator pup.
Vixen looked away. ''Yes I did...'' Something about Iztatl calling her your majesty felt delicious to her.
Moonlight however wasn't here to be undone. She activated her prettiest captivate attack and strutted next to the blue starter, passing the tip of her tail under his chin.
''You haven't forgotten about me stud right? What about my hello?'' She asked in a sweeter than honey voice. The difference between this and Snow was that she didn't carry any edge to it, just a stupidly powerful amount of seduction.
It worked.
Iztatl mind blanked out as the attractive fox paraded in front of him. He gave her an absent minded ''Hello'' while grinning stupidly.
Vixen felt a powerful burning feeling take her over and Snarled. How dared she?
Moonlight smiled wickedly at Vixen and focused a bit, as the message she would say was for her ears only. ''That's how you get a male sister. if you're not careful, i'll steal him right under your nose.'' She said without an ounce of shame or remorse. While it got the fire fox Pokemon steaming mad, the dark fox simply walked toward Snow and rested on her lap, still eyeing Vixen with an insufferable smirk that made her want to burn her.
Andre and Snow smiled at each other while watching their Pokemon interact.
''Well they are sure full of energy today are they?'' Snow said as she petted Moonlight on her head, making the tricky fox coo in delight.
''You tell me. I had to break up a fight this morning that could have torn my room apart!'' Andre replied while remembering the small scuffle on his room.
Snow looked at Andre's Pokemon perplexedly. ''You mean these little cuties?'' She asked confusedly while extending her arms to pick up a nearby Peppit, who blushed at the attention he was getting.
Andre chuckled. ''These little critter pack way more than a punch that you'd think.'' He said while pointing to the quiet Shibalbat behind him. ''Then there's her...''
Snow looked at the giant bat, who looked back at her with a mix of hidden mischieviousness and respect, cracking a smile at the white haired teen who sweatdropped.
''She definitely looks like she could cause massive damage though...'' She commented as peppit jumped down of her hands to joing a small bird in her meal.
The Pepper bunny Pokemon installed himself near Snow's grass starter Pokemon. ''Hey Flora...''
The small humming bird smiled sweetly at him. ''Hey Pit, been a while huh?'' she replied while scooting a little to give him more space invitingly.
Peppit's internal fire grew more intense at the sight of the grass type's smile, but kept it together. ''Yeah it has..'' He replied before gathering his courage and looking up. ''M..Mind if I take this seat?'' He asked.
Ever understaning, the Foliat didn't object at all. Quite the contrary actually. ''Of course. Here...'' She said as she left a good enough gap for the pepper bunny to fit in with no problem.
At the other side of the table, Iztatl was having the time of his life. ''He can barely speak...it's too funny'' He said while holding out laughter.
Eclipse looked at him funnily. ''Is that something that a small salt lizard that didn't remember his name before a slutty fox should say?''
Iztatl smile melted like Ice cream in the sun as he blushed furiously, giving an evil eye to the Shibalbat who smiled smugly before desactivating, not giving said salt lizard time to retort.
Iztatl felt his paw ache with the need of clobbering the smug statue bat girl. ''Ohhhh you!'' He said before he was caught by Andre.
''Nope Iztatl, you ain't going to Salt Crash our friend'' He chuckled as the Starter funnily flailed around in his arms.
''LET ME AT HER, I'LL DRAG HER ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE LIVING WORLD TO TEACH HER WHO'S THE DAMN LEADER HERE!'' He shouted as the rest of the table laughed.
Around an hour later, after all of the teams were tended for, Andre and Snow were in front of a massive building that seemed to be sourrounded by mist. In front of said building were what seemed to be security personnel, looking quite dignified with their Pawters at their side. The atmosphere was a little solemn and the air felt damp. The front of the building was covered by beautiful yellow white flowers. According to the city pamphlet that Andre had with him, those were Molinillo Berry flowers, a flower that had a lot of significance to the native of the region. It was also known as the yellow water lily apparently. Those flower gave a thick , distinctive smell that really made it seem like the building wasn't exactly part of the city. A small, crystal clear river was passing in front and under the building, as if the river was actually going through it. The building itself was shaped almost like a temple, with jade and green collumns decorating most of the outside. The sign in front of the building read :
'Pueblo Leaf Grove City Gym and Sanctuary.'
Andre and Snow were understandingly amazed at the beauty of the gym.
''Well if there is one thing about Nuevo, is that their buildings don't dissapoint goddamn.'' Said Andre, still in awe at the sights and the scents
Snow however was feeling it much more differently. It was as if she was entering home. The whole temple seemed to attract her like a moth to a flame and everything was blocked out, from the worried yip of her starter Pokemon to Andre's shout for her to stop.
The white haired teen walked toward the two guards that oddly enough bowed their head to her and let her enter.
Andre was very perplexed. One minute he was commenting how beautiful the building looked to his friend, and the next, Snow had walked right through the guards with them not interfering while her Starter, Vixen and himself were still there. She was like a zombie, not replying to outside stimulus.
When he ran toward the temple to catch up with Snow, he was of course stopped by the guards and the pair of Pawters jumping in front of Vixen and Andre, fang bared and seemingly ready to engage.
''You there, Identify yourself!'' One shouted loudly
Andre grit his teeth. He didn't have time for this. ''Can we spare the formalities, my friend just got inside looking weird and her starter's right there. Let us pass!'' He said, Vixen yipping in approval and concern.
''We had been instructed to let pass any girl with your friend's signalement by the order of the cihuacuacuilli, Aqua. As for you, state your Business!'' The other one replied.
Andre bit his lip. There was no arguing with these guys and Snow was getting further ahead in the building.
''Fine! I am Andre Cautemoc Aegis, from Unova. I came here with the intention to battle the Gym Leader here before Snow somehow decided to get free access to the place. Now let me pass!'' He said as he shoved his way through the guards, Ignoring the growling Pawters. Said Pawters were ordered to stand down however, as they were also instructed to let him pass should he come and to not let anyone else enter the temple while they would be there.
From the moment Andre entered the gym, a heavy mist installed itself in the building. Soon it became impossible for him to see more than 10 meters in front of him. Worse than that, he was separated from Vixen rather quickly.
''VIXEN! WHERE ARE YOU!'' He shouted, but only heard his own echo.
''Shit. What kind of weird 'gym' this is.'' He bemoaned as he looked behind him. He could only see a thick wall of mist and fog behind him. He looked back in front and saw that he could see a little further in front.
The lentimas native sighed, trying desesperately to calm down. ''Alright Andre, calm down now. You know that odd things happens sometimes in the gyms, like that gym leader Skyla where you have to reach her by shooting from cannons. This must be a test...and beside, it said that it was a sanctuary, so it gotta be a safe place. Let's just reach the end and see what's up... You can do this!'' He muttered to himself before releasing Iztatl out.
''It's clobbering time!'' He said in his language before looking around and only seeing Andre and mist all around him. ''What in the world?'' He asked as Andre picked him up.
''It seems that the leader here have a very odd sense of Hospitality, Iztatl! But we gotta go forward if we want to clear the gym and see our friends again.
The water type was not exactly reassured , but Andre's presence did give him a boost of confidence. The salt lizard jumped out of Andre's arms and made jabbing motions before pointing toward the path ahead. ''Well then, let's go and give them hell. This place gives me the creeps...''
Andre nodded both Pokemon and trainer combinaison made their way in the gym, ready to take on anything it would throw at them.
Snow had walked toward nowhere in particular, following absentmindedly a path that was opened up in the misty environnment of the gym and eventually had stumbled in a room that could only be described as magical. The floor was somehow a mix of lime green jade stones and perfectly cut grey stones that was ran through by a river where crystal blue water flew. There was many yellow flowers around, molinillo flowers as Andre had said they were called. through the fainter mist pierced beautiful rays of sunlight that gave the room an almost surnatural glow. In the middle of the room, throning in the middle of an elaborate sculpture, was the representation of a strange Pokemon. The statue was completely made with lime jade stone, it was beautiful. It depicted a small fairy like Pokemon, with gentle eyes, caring smile and petite physique. A crown of some sort was sitting on her head and a red veil like hornament was flowing behind her head as if it was crimson hair. Around her shoulders an orange veil gave her a regal appeareance. It seemed to hold that veil with stubby, stylised arms. The statue seemed so alive that Snow wasn't sure if it was indeed observing her.
The wind blowing through the ceiling and inside the room created sounds that further plunged the mesmerized Snow into a world on its own. Nothing existed right now, but herself and what she was experiencing. Even the arrival of a panicked Vixen did not break her trance.
Vixen quickly wanted to run toward her trainer but felt like the statue that was in the middle of the room was staring at her, daring her to interupt Snow in her reverance.
The fire type was scared out of her wits...which also led to the peculiar atmosphere of the place getting to her and making the room several degrees warmer. The sunrays looked even more potent as the air shimmered around Snow and the statue.
This occurance scared the Vixen even more. ''Wh...What?.. What is that power oozing out of me?'' She asked as she realized that her golden fur was glowing red.
In the depts of her trance, Snow felt the change of temperature and understood that her Vixen wasn't to far. Now completely relieved, Snow felt her worries fade into nothingness as a soft voice in her mind started ringing.
''I see you heeded my call, mitotiqui.''
Snow, deep as she was, didn't panic. Quite the contrary, she could reconize the voice that had come to be very familiar to her.
''I did...'' She replied softly.
The voice giggled before continuing. ''Do you know why you are here?'' asked the voice.
Snow shook her head slowly. ''Please tell me...'' She reverently asked
''I shall not tell you, but you shall feel it quite strongly.'' The voice said before seemingly vanishing.
Snow did not have the time to fully process what the voice told her as she was suddenly filled by an intense desire to dance. Around her, the wind picked up, somehow echoing on the different rocks and jade structure to create a suprisingly cohesive melody that took over her mind.
Snow's body started moving, almost by itself, but Snow only felt rapture and elation at following the beat. Her body moved fro and to with a grace that she didn't know she possessed. Every broad movement she did caused the wind to lash out, creating a mesmerizing blizzard of white petals around her. Every time she stepped strongly on the ground, a ring of energy akin to flames would form. It lasted for around 10 minutes of uniterupted movement, with only Vixen as the sole spectator of this mystical occurance. Snow demonstrated such grace and freedom that Vixen genuinely wished she could talk, to tell to others what she was witnessing.
Snow on the other hand, felt everything come undone. All of her stress, her feelings her gratitude. She didn't know who that voice was, but she was grateful to it. To allow her out of all people to experience such bliss, such mystical elation. She wanted and could continue this for ages if needs there be. When she felt the beat calm down and the possession of her body stop, she felt genuingly sad that it was over.
The voice seemed to take her in pity. ''You are quite interesting, mitotiqui. Was dancing for me filling you with that much fulfillment?'' She asked the white haired teen.
Snow nodded softly. She had almost never felt more bliss in her life.
The voice giggled. ''You shall have more opportunities, do not worry. For now, I thank you for envigorating me.'' She said softly before the voice vanished
Snow perked out of her trance then and was about to lift her head when she felt a small paw pat her leg.
Snow looked down and Saw a relaxed Vixen smiling at her, demanding to be taken in her arms.
Snow obliged and burrowed her face in Vixen's tails. ''Sorry about that Vix, I...I just...'' She tried to explain herself before the fire fox retracted her tails from her face and licked her nose.
''It's Okay Snow, I saw...'' She said as the White haired teen sat down, her back leaning on the statue.
Snow felt a small hand pet her hair gently and quickly grew drowsy. Vixen smiled. ''You sure gave quite the show out there, Sleep. I wil guard you...'' She rassured her trainer with a lick.
The white haired girl quickly fell asleep, clutching the still warm Vixen in her arms. Next to her floated a silouette that seemed to be a bit stronger and could appear a bit more clearly.
''To thank you for your help...'' the silouette thought before vanishing.
Next to Snow and out of the reach of the Vixen, who also had started drowsing by design of the silouette, a single red like quartz stone was left.
Andre had finally reached the end of the maze like Gym after having been guided by the mist into very perilous situation including having to crawl from a water pit, clearing a mist labyrinth on memory and battling a few wild Pokemon who did not let up.
When he arrived in a large room without that much mist, he was relieved to be out of that hell.
''Puff...Pufff...Arceus Finally out...'' groaned his starter Pokemon, almost on his last legs.
Andre nodded, giving his starters some fresh oran berries he had found lying in the temple. At least dead ends were useful in the maze it seemed.
''Hopefully, we can clear this gym now...'' Andre said while sitting down.
However, as soon as he did so...
''STAND UP, IXTENEXTIC IXTLI. YOU ARE IN SACRED GROUNDS HERE.'' Said a commanding female voice.
Andre looked around to see the provenance of the Voice, but couldn't see anybody.
'Where are you, show yourself!'' Andre demanded, all of his senses in alert.
The voice laughed, a very crystalline, haughty voice that made Andre's skin crawl.
''I was instructed by divine message to test you! As such, you shall not face me in a normal Gym Leader battle. '' She replied.
Andre was confused by this. ''Divine message? Even if that's true, what do you mean by an abnormal gym leader battle?'' He asked perplexedly
''You are aware that the Nuevo Pokemon League also has gym battles that dosen't follow the traditional format that other regions follow to a T to the exception of the Alola Region. Here in Nuevo, sometimes you have to prove your might to what we call temacpalitoti, Guardians. Today shall be exactly that. To leave with my badge, you have to force this Guardian to yield... Tlaloc!'' She said as a powerful roar was heard. In front of them all landed a massive dark blue dog creature. His tail was a fluffy dark blue with a huge part of it tipped yellow. A lighting bolt tipped crest, still yellow, rested on the creature's neck. A lightning bolt symbol was present atop his front legs. The beast let out a feral bark that evoked lightning to appear around the sanctuary and quickly after all, a heavy downpour started to fall. The beast roared loudly again, making thunder spark all around the room, defeaning momentarily everything else. The canine then started glowing in a green aura before looking down at his prey.
It was then that the voice reappeared. ''You may use your entire team at once to battle Tlaloc. You also have until Sundown to defeat him. If you are wiped out, it will be your responsability to find and use the many revival herbs around this room. However, you shall not be spared by the guardian. If YOU faint, it's all over. As the trainer, you also are to be tested. May Xochi smile on you! now Tlaloc, Attack!''
The large creature roared once more and his form crackled with electricity then he launched a lightning blast straight at Andre!
End of chapter...
SteveZ12: Well here's a crazy chapter for y'all. A lot is happening and it's really fun for me to write it all. I hope that y'all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I want to take that time to thank y'all for reading and a happy , safe and hopefully liberating year 2022. Also please review, as I would love hearing about how you find this story and how i could improve. Been 7 years since i started this project so you can see how I either advanced or regressed. Anyhow, that's enough about me. Happy holidays and stay safe y'all.