SteveZ12: Hello y'all, I hope that your holidays are going well. Mine are pretty much over soon, but I had a lot of fun for sure. I hope that you'll enjoy this next chapter. Stay tuned cuz this one has a lot of ACCION inside it.
Chapter 28: Grove Sanctuary temacpalitoti, Tlaloc
Andre launched himself to the side violently, barely dodging the lightning attack from the large canine Pokemon. Knowing he had no time to feel fear of to hesitate, he released all of his team rapidly before pointing his Pokedex toward the Pokemon who continued to stare him down defiantly.
Iztatl looked at the canine Pokemon with apprehension. ''Okay...What the fuck is that thing?'' he asked in his langage while pointing at the large dog.
Peppit landed right next to him and one look up at the immense dog Pokemon send him in Andre's arms. ''W..w...what is that? '' He asked frighteningly the lentimas native in his cry/language. Andre clutched the pepper bunny Pokemon soothingly before replying: ''That's the Pokemon we have to defeat to get the badge pit.'' He said as the Pokedex he had pointed spewed his analysis
''Hurricanine, the Lightning Rod Pokemon and the evolved form of Pawter, Water/Electric type. Hurricanine becomes more and more energetic shortly before a storm hits. When angry, its growls are so loud and harsh, they evoke the rumble of thunder.
Precision. You are standing in front of an abnormaly strong Hurricanine. Extremely powerful, proceed with caution...'' Said the momotone voice of the Pokedex. The canine Pokemon roared once more before his entire form cracked with electricity.
Eclipse had also activated, her eyes widening in shock as she saw the guardian look at them severely, his from cracking with blue lightning. She screeched as she took of and landed in front of the team, eyeing the Hurricanine in defiance.
Andre's gaze crossed Eclipse's. The gargovyle Pokemon screeched again as she took off, hovering behind him and smacking his head with her wing, making him drop a still frightened Peppit. ''No more cowardice Andre! We have to beat that thing and we won't be able to while shaking like leaves. Command us to battle or I'll bite your head off!'' She screeched aggresively as she avoided a lightining bolt launched by the huge canine.
Andre more or less got her Shibalbat's screeching and let out a strained smile. The Lentimas native then slapped his cheeks hard. Both Aguade and Iztatl winced.
''You okay..?'' Asked Iztatl as he regrouped with Peppit as Shibalbat was still bravely distracting the Hurricanine out of her own volition. She came very close of being shut right off the sky by thunderbolts, but somehow avoided all of them skillfully. It was honestly quite the sight to behold.
Andre nodded. ''I am now. Eclipse tend to be rather harsh and she essentially told me to square up. Now, he's big, but we have the advantage of being more and bonded. Let's go guys, it's fighting time!'' Andre said, focusing entirely on the large dog and his shibalbat.
Both Peppit and Aguade , sensing that their trainer was finally ready to take on the challenge, grinned and crouched down, with Aguade extending a paw toward Peppit.
''Ready to die with me partner?'' He asked confidently, feeling an odd sense of excitement take him over.
Peppit was still a little shook. When he had gotten out of his forest to follow the kind human that had saved his parent's life, this wasn't what he had in mind. However, this felt like an amazing chance to surpass himself...and impress a certain hummingbird. Also, he was with his human and his best friend, Iztatl the Aguade. If he had to go, this was a much better way to. Understandingly, he extend his own paw toward Iztatl's and hit it.
''Anytime, let's go hunt some dog!'' He said as Andre smirked, removing his bag from his shoulders and stretching. He had quickly made a scan around the room and saw some berry bushes and some herbs bush around the room. He did so to be able to quickly reach them to help his Pokemon in their time of need.
The dog guardian roared, stomping his foot on the ground. Immediately, a large tidal wave of water rushed toward them all.
Andre gasped, this attack was huge and covered a large area. Augmented by the rain, the absolute deafening sound of rushing water would have been enough to scare anyone into complete silence. However, Andre had a parade to this.
''Iztatl, Pit, come behind me. Eclipse, Wide Guard!'' Andre shouted at the top of his lungs.
''I can take this!'' Shouted Iztatl confidently. He planted his feet and lifted his tail
Peppit's eyes widened at his teammate's temerity. ''What are you doing you blue nosed idiot? Get back here!''
''That yollotlahueliloc...'' Muttered Eclipse as she plunged in front of the blue alligator and slapped him away with her wing before glowing yellow.
In a matter of seconds, a large shield appeared around all of them, just in time too as the huge wave of water crashed against them. The shield held true, but the deafening noise caused by the impact quickly made them understand that the guardian wasn't there to play around.
Andre had caught Iztatl in his arms when he had been slapped away by Eclipse. The blue starter Pokemon rubbed his nose in discomfort. Andre sighed in relief but knocked his starter on the head. ''Iztatl, we don't have the time for your antics right now! We gotta work flawlessly together, all of us, if we want to have a chance. You hear me?!'' He asked his starter as he released him to the ground.
Iztatl nodded... ''Sorry about that chief, let's do this!'' He said as his form started to crackle with blue and red electricity.
Andre smiled. ''That's more like it!'' He said happily before turning to Peppit. ''Alright Pit, let's try this. Can you somehow boost yourself like Iztatl can?'' He asked the small pepper bunny.
Pit closed his eyes, trying to ignore the loud thunder around him. It wasn't easy as the Guardian, angry that his first attack was blocked howled louder and stomped his foot again, launching another tidal wave of rushing water toward them. Eclipse's eyes screwed shut. Her shield was holding but it wouldn't last for long.
''Hurry up in here...I can't fucking hold this forever...'' She said strainingly in her own clickety language. Her yellow shield was already cracking.
Peppit however remembered that he knew a move that could give him more oomph!
''Yeah...I do. Growth!'' He said as he glew green and some foliage appeared around him.
Andre smiled ''Good job buddy!'' Now let's scatter. We will run and find an opening to attack.'' He instructed his team.
''Gotcha!'' Said both Pokemon before Andre walked toward the Bat and patted her back. ''Thanks for the Cover Eclipse. Now take off, stay alert for my instructions.'' He thanked the giant bat who screeched before taking off.
'' Stay safe then, you must...'' She screeched before taking off toward the Hurricanine, who roared in indignation. Then his maw was covered in electricity and with suprisinging agility, catched Shibalbat's mid flight.
''Oh shi..'' barely had the time to think Eclipse as she was violently bitten and shocked before being launched toward a wall, creating a huge hole.
''ECLIPSE!'' Shouted Andre, worried about his Pokemon. He quickly ran toward the giant bat Pokemon, wanting to tend to her as quickly as possible.
Tlaloc didn't take too kindly to see a human turn his back to him. With a deafening roar, he launched a collum of lightning on Andre's trail.
Peppit's eyes widened. Andre was no Pokemon. If that hit him, he was toast. ''Andre! Look out!'' squeaked the Pepper Bunny Pokemon as he felt energy that he had hardly felt before take him over. He dissapeared in a white trail and pushed Andre out of the way violently, crashing into him with a quick attack
Andre bowled to the side, hit violently as he was by Peppit. The lentimas native did not have the time to wonder what had happened as a collumn of pure lightning howled by him and crashed into the opposite was in a deafening impact. Andre then understood that he had been saved here. If not by the brave bunny's intervention, he would have been dog food by now.
"Holy Arceus...that was close. I owe you one Pit..." Andre wheezed before getting back up and running toward Eclipse, who was groaning and struggling to get up.
"You good? That was one hell of an impact..." He asked his gargovyle Pokemon as the Rock/Fire type got up. A strange phenomenon had occured and now that Andre was closer, he could see that Eclipse's scales were glowing Yellow and looked thicker somehow.
The gargovyle Pokemon whistled, nudging Andre's head with the tip of her nose. "Don't worry about me. I am graced by the defenses of the Sun during the day. I won't be brought down easily" She boasted as she took flight once more.
Andre got the gist of it but still consulted his Pokedex about what was happening to Eclipse.
"Scanning Phenomenon...
This is Eventide. An ability Only possessed by very rare specimen of Shibalbat. It boosts the Pokemon's defenses during the day and boosts the Pokemon's special and Ranged attacks during the night. The ability currently might not have revealed his full secrets and is still currently studied." Said the monotone voice of the Pokedex.
Andre clicked his tongue. That was one hell of an ability . Turning his head back to the fight, he was pleased to see that Iztatl had acted as he ran toward the fallen giant bat. The water starter was pummeling the giant guardian with salt crashes.
"Good going Iztatl! Now go low and use Salt Crash on his paws! Pit, Now that you've boosted up, you should be able to hit him. Use razor Leaf!" He commanded as he ran back toward the red zone, where his Pokemon were currently executing his commands.
The hurricanine roared once more, annoyed at the group's pesky resistance. His form glew blue and he lifted a paw.
Andre knew what was coming. "Incoming!" He shouted at the top of his lungs.
Peppit also knew that a tidal wave would end them. He rushed toward the mastodonte's underbelly and launched a volley Sharp leaves right there and then. "Enough out of you, Guardian!"
Eclipse Shrieked loudly as her form glew Orange
Iztatl also saw it. "Ohhh no not on my fucking watch! Take this Salt Crash!" He said , swinging his boosted Paw as hard as he could on the paw that wasn't lifted.
The guardian did not have the time to howl in pain as immediately after, the large Gargovyle Pokemon slammed herself onto the large water type.
"Get rekt, Tlaloc! Don't get in our way!" She shouted in her clickety language.
The hit had the impact of thunder, pushing the beast away of them all.
Andre knew that it wouldn't be enough for them to win. The . guardian looked shaken but far from out.
"Let's not let up! Tlaloc isn't Finished ou yet! Lets Go!
Pit, Razor Leaf! Aim for his Belly!
Iztatl, Raise you power with Dragon Dance, then Scratch! Eclipse, Keep Him busy with that attack you just used!" He commanded all of his Pokemon while running around the field, amassing berries and revival herbs like he could to support his Pokemon.
All of Andre's Pokemon nodded as they rushed the large Canine Guardian and attacked him, the impact of the moves creating explosions after explosions.
The Canine Pokemon roared in pain at the combo, the small Pokemon relentelessly attacking him without giving him a chance to catch his breath. This irritated the guardian as he opened his maw and Howled loudly. His fur started to glow an eerie blue hue. His fur suddenly stood on his skin, crackling with dangerous electricity. With a gluttural growl, a massive charge of electricity formed all around him.
Andre's eyes widened. This wasn't good!
" Guys! Take cover!" He barely had the time to shout as a loud noise erupted in the chamber, followed by a brilliant white flash. In his precipitation, Andre let go of the herbs he had gathered...
He wished he hadn't...
When the light receded, the sight nearly made him keel over. Eclipse was on the ground, writhing in pain, her rocky hide charred black by the intense voltage. The Gargovyle Pokemon had been taken out by an intense Thunder Attack. Her form was quite uncouscious. Not far from her, Iztatl was staring in shock as right in front of him, a barely counscious Peppit layed, his normally green and cream fur charred by the voltage.
"W...why..." Asked the barely functionning Iztatl, who hadn't received any damage somehow.
Peppit let out a wheezing chuckle. "You're the strongest out of all of us. Better you stay on your feet than me buddy... I..leave...the rest...to...you..." He completed before going limp, uncounsciousness saving from a painful reality.
Iztatl eyes watered and widened.
Andre's as well. Turning to his side, he saw that the berry and herbs that he has been gathering were burning in a fire caused by the intense lightning.
"Curses now Eclipse and Pit are definitively out of the fight.." he said as he joined and picked up the fallen pepper bunny Pokemon. The injuries were grave, but he trusted his little bunny could endure them at least until they fled...
The beast howled in triumph before crouching down, his maw crackling withe electricity. The intent was clear. They were next.
"Iztatl...Listen to me..." Andre said as he stepped in front of his starter.
The still shellshocked Iztatl simply stared up, ready to listen.
Andre smiled despite himself and loosed his ball belt. "Tlaloc is coming with a Thunder Fang. I'll shield you. Once he made contacr, get my belt and get out of the temple!" He commanded.
Iztatl eyes widened. "Are you out of your mind!? You can't take this big mutt on!" He said in his language.
Andre sighed. He could very much guess what his Starter Pokemon had replied. But they had no choice. They were no match for the guardian as they were.
"Don't backtalk me Iztatl. I won't let you be hurt by this Monster. I can take him!" He shouted as the guardian Pokemon launched himself at the Duo.
Time seemed to slow down for the two friends... But for Iztatl, it seem to slow down even More.
"IZTATL GET OUT OF HERE!" Shouted the lentimas native to his tetanized starter.
Iztatl barely registered the words of his trainer. In front of his eyes replayed events of the past.
''Why...Why am I always carried...?''
He saw a vision of vixen unleashing a superpowerful Heat Wave at the two Pokemon from the other day, looking absolutely badass and strong doing so...
That vision was replaced by Peppit saving Andre's life, then his own just now...
''Why...Am I always protected...?''
A blue hue started appearing around him as he gritted his teeth hard enough to make blood appear.
''Why is he willing to throw away his life for me...While I lack the strenght to do the same...?''
The blue starter started glowing powerfully, effectively shoving Andre out of the way with a strong swipe of his elongated tail.
''I am the leader of this team...the first partner of this amazing trainer... Eclipse is right...Enough weakness!''
Andre watched in complete stunned silence as his water type starter caught the incoming thunder fang with his fist, looking behind him with complete confidence as the glow overtook his eyes, blinding the lentimas native.
''NOW! IT'S MY TURN TO PROTECT YOU ALL!'' He shouted in his language as he grew in size, a whirlwind of energy pushing a very stunned guardian away. The beast went crashing on the other side of the wall loudly, severely damaged by the whirlwind.
When the light receded, as the water guardian, Tlaloc painfully rose to his feet, roaring in defiance, Andre's eyes widened in shock. Gone was his small, gutsy starter Pokemon. At his place rose a bipedal lizard, a white salt mask now reaching most of the front of his face, leaving two holes for him to breathe through his nose. A steely resolve was present in his golden gaze, and his protuding fang looked extra sharp, sign of his dragon heritage. His tail was longer, bulkier and covered with spikes, sure way to show an augmentation in strenght. His front paws, now arms, were covered in hard salt gauntlets. He looked strong, he looked proud and more than anything, he was ready. Making face toward the Beast and then looking over his shoulder, staring Andre in the eye, the newly evolved starter had only one word for him.
''Rise!''
Andre's leg finally reminded themselves of their primary functions as Andre rose to his feets, shaking a bit but nonetheless strong. He pulled out his Pokedex and scanned the newly evolved Pokemon. Tlaloc in the meantime was observing the newly evolved starter, not daring to attack yet. Maybe out of contempt, maybe out of respect...nobody would know...
''Iguadium, The Salt Lizard Pokemon and the evolved form of Aguade. Water and Fighting type. The thick layer of salt on Iguadium's head and hands protects it in combat. It trains by throwing punches underwater for more resistance to build more muscle.'' said the Monotone voice of the Pokedex.
Andre was overjoyed...but quickly was brought back to reality when the Water guardian howled violently, charging at the Iguadium with murderous intent in his eyes.
''This battle isn't over Iztatl! Let's put your newly found power in good use. Show him a real, juicy Salt Crash!'' He commanded, feeling once again a confidence that he had all but lost a few seconds ago.
The salt Lizard Pokemon smiled. ''Just the right move to test those gauntlets!'' He boasted in his language before meeting the charge of the water guardian with his now glowing paws.
The impact was terrible. The wind pressure created by both attacks meeting up almost sent Andre on the other side of the room. However, the newfound power coupled with the legendary STAB granted Iguadium the power to blow the water guardian away.
''Great shot Iztatl, that was some power right there!'' Praised Andre, genuinely impressed by the new might of his starter.
Iguadium smiled. ''Now I can finally show my back to you without fear! You kept me safe as an Aguade...Now I shall be the spear to vanquish your enemy!'' He said with is own onomatopeas, jabbing and making stabbing motions to make sure Andre understood what he was getting at.
Andre smiled, feeling a tear slip down his face. ''I'm so proud of you, Iztatl. You have no Idea...'' He said as he turned toward Tlaloc. The beast roared again in defiance, gathering electricity around his form with the intent of finishing the both of them off permanently.
Andre and Iztatl both smiled to each other before turning toward Tlaloc. Andre bowed toward the guardian.
''Nocpac icnelilmachitia temacpalitoti Tlaloc.'' He said reverently before extanding his hand. ''Iztatl, finish this with Salt Crash!'' He commanded.
The Salt Lizard rushed toward the Guardian with Confidence, knowing that he had nothing to fear anymore from the Hurricanine's electric attack.
Said Guardian barked loudly before releasing the lightning charge. Iztatl curled his tail around his body before blocking his belly using his salt Gauntlets. He passed throught the shock much to the Guardian's utter shock.
''Basic Pokescience, Guardian! Salt does not conduct electricity! Now take this!'' He said as he brought down two electrically charged Salted fist down to the Pokemon's snout, creating a loud noise and a massive discharge of electricity which traversed the Hurricanine's body like a raging ripple.
Iztatl then jumped back near Andre, panting, but feeling very pleased with himself. That blow felt amazing to land.
The Hurricanine crumpled to the ground and stayed motionless. The aura around it receded, and so did the storm above them. Beautiful rays of sunlight pierced the canopy of the chamber. No sign of fog either. It was over...they had won.
Andre and Iztatl simply embraced each other, not having nearly enough strenght to make their voice heard in a cry of bravery and triumph.
''You were awesome out there...Iztatl...you all were...'' He said, panting and tired beyond belief...
The embarassed Iguadium simply looked away. ''I was sick of being the small protected one...now I can also stand as your shield...Andre...'' He said in his language. Andre didn't fully get it, but he simply headpatted his starter.
''Impressive, Andre...''
Both trainer and Pokemon turned toward the voice they had heard. Before them was a blue haired lady in a Jade dress and a pearl ankle bracelet. A white lotus was in her hair, giving her a more mystic appeareance. Yet this lady seemed familiar.
''Do I know you?'' He asked wearily, Iztatl standing up and stepping in front of his trainer, salt gauntlet up and ready to be used to defend his trainer.
The jade dressed lady laughed, her crystalline laugh making the tired Iztatl falter at how pure it sounded.
''I come in peace, Iguadium. Stand down now. It's me, Gym Leader Aqua.'' She requested as she went to check on the Hurricanine, who growled upon receiving a revival herb.
The water/fighting type, upon seeing that the newcomer had no ill intention, calmed down and sat down, throuroughly tired.
Once the guardian was fed some lotus and berries, courtesy of the nursing care of Aqua, the Guardian gave the two one last stare before walking away in the depth of the temple, quickly fading from their view.
Said Aqua then brought her attention back at the two companions. ''I have never seen a battle such as this. Your Pokemon really share an exceptional bond with you and each other. It's beautiful to see...'' She said
Andre blushed at the compliment...''Well I just feel like we would give our life for each other...but I have the vague impression that my Pokemon won't let me sacrifice myself for them...'' He chuckled.
Iztatl snorted before crossing his arms and looking up, snout in the air. ''He's damn right I won't''
Andre and Aqua laughed. The latter then extended a white lotus shaped badge to the lentimas native. ''This is your White Lotus badge, dear Andre. May you become even stronger, for what might come, whatever it is...'' She wished as the lentimas reverently took the badge.
The trainer merely held the badge up, the accessory catching the sunrays and shining in his hands. ''Second badge, acquired!'' He said happily.
Aqua smiled, this was something she would never be tired to see, trainers growing stronger with their Pokemon. She then remembered that another white haired trainer was in her gym.
''Your friend is in another room, she had her own little encounter there. Come, I shall guide you to her...'' She said softly as she turned away and left the room.
Andre almost mentally slapped himself for that. He had completely forgotten the fact that Snow had entered the temple as if she had a rendez-vous with destiny itself. ''Wait for me...''
Upon arriving in the chamber, Andre was completely taken aback by its beauty. A room full of scattered white Lotus petals, leaving a nice, pugnant smell in the chamber. Her back laying against a glowing statue of some sort of Pokemon, Snow was sleeping peacefully, her face illuminated by the setting sunrays. She looked absolutely beautiful in this setting, so much so that Andre's breath was taken away...just like Iztatl's was upon seeing Vixen in the same state, sleeping peacefully next to a fire stone. The lentimas native went toward the white haired teen, keen on not making too much noise. As he knelt before Snow, Aqua looked at the glowing statue, then back at Snow and frowned. As she had suspected...Snow was burdened with a fate that could equally bless or curse her. But the warm glow of the statue was a good omen.
''You are indeed special, pale face, to be the chosen mitotiqui.'' She said before leaving. The exit wasn't far from the chamber they were in. They would easily find the exit if needs there be.
The scientists were moving quickly. The sun was setting, and the schedule layed down by the admin meant that the scheduled time was near. Dr. Cocytus was in front of the main chamber, discussing with the head scientist about the last ditch preparation for the test.
''Are you sure that you want to unleash this prototype now?'' Asked the scientist wearily. It was weird of him to have second thoughts about this now, but he couldn't help himself.
Cocytus wasn't impressed however. This often happened with scientists after all. Always excited at the prospect of new data gathering, yet always reticent to enact the more radical elements , pretexting one last jump of their moral compass. Cocytus however knew. There needed to be cold earthed humans to make science advance or to execute plans. Thankfully, he was such a man.
''Do not worry. You were paid, and you will be given shelter. You have done everything that you can and for that I thank you! Now stand back!'' He said as he shoved the scientist back.
Before he pressed the big red button that would unleash a calamity, Cocytus had one last mission. Picking up his radio, he asked.
''Cocytus to all Nube Negra operative. All clear?'' He asked.
The answer did not make itself wait a lot...
''Nube negra operative uno to once. All Clear!''
Cocytus smiled before returning his Monkezuma. Once he would push the button, the prototype would be released and they would have 30 seconds to evacuate the premises before the prototype melt it down with his power. It also meant that that brat would perish, but he couldn't care less about one cabron. This was more important.
With no further inibitions, the burly admin pressed the red button, muttering a small prayer to Arceus in the meantime.
The entire room shook and after a flurry of gazes mades themselves heard... an eerie , mechanical cry made itself heard.
''Zut...Zut...Zut...
E...R...ON...Z...E''
End Of chapter.
StevenZ12: Here's the first chapter of 2022. The Prototype is awake now! Who knows what kind of destruction he will bring. On my side though, I am happy to post this chapter. I really do hope that this year I can properly post chapters in order to advance this story. I promised that I would see it through so I will see it through! Follow and Review if you like what you read. Consult Pokemon Sage's wiki to gain info on the fakemon used in this fic. I do not own them obviously, they belong to Cap/Wiki and whoever designed them. I hope their game end up being released one day. Mesoamerica Rocks btw! Brownie points for those who know what language is being used in this fic!
Aside of that Stay tuned for another Quetzar chapter, StevenZ12 out!