Somehow, even explosions seemed muted. Paul couldn't have said just how long ago exactly they had started but they were continuing. Everyone else had stood up, attentive. Looking with a mixture of fear and some hope towards the door. They couldn't see anything and so had little of any interest to contribute. It could have been a fight or it could have been the beginnings of whatever apocalypse the madmen were trying to unleash. Their wondering and worrying was beginning to grow tiresome...
None of it mattered anyhow.
Paul's attention was focused exclusively on his brother. He'd tried looking away but much like a traffic accident, some sense of morbid curiosity or perhaps simple terror made it impossible to do so. Try as he might, he would always find himself drifting back towards his sibling. Even if he'd wanted to ignore him, these past five minutes had made it impossible to do so. It had started as a sweat even though the air inside of the cell was anything but warm. Reggie had done what he could to dismiss their worrying. The incessant shivering was something that he couldn't conceal from them. It affected him from head to foot, causing even his teeth to chatter uncontrollably. The shivers had turned violent, to the extent that they almost seemed to be shaking his elder brother to pieces. There was nothing to be done. They'd tried but with their restraints, they couldn't even take off a jacket to give it to him.
Ash had gotten desperate a few moments ago. He'd called out, demanding that they be given some help. It didn't have to be much, just enough to let them help their friend. It was all for nothing, their pleas had fallen on deaf ears. Nobody would come to help them… Paul had resigned himself to that much.
Only Brock remained by their side. He'd admitted himself that he couldn't do anything. Still, he lingered watching as the poison slowly and relentlessly took its toll. Paul found himself torn between irritation and gratitude for that much and as such, had found himself deciding to tolerate it. He just sat there mindlessly. Every second, he found himself back in that forsaken ruin, watching as his invincible and untouchable father sobbed, begging his wife to stay with them. It was a living nightmare from which, there was no escape.
"Hey..." Ash spoke, drawing their attention. "That one sounded kinda close."
"Will you just shut up already?!"
Paul wished that Reggie would have told him to mind his manners, asked him to be nicer. Instead, his brother just grimaced. Clenching his teeth and desperately fighting back the pain. The younger could see it on the pokemon breeder's face. How much longer could he keep this up? Every second, he begged silently with the forces that be to grant his sibling just a little bit more strength, so that he could fight for just that little bit longer. He couldn't be alone. He wouldn't be… They would both be fine. It was an endless loop going round in his head that he tried to convince himself of.
There was shouting from outside. Worried and fearful cries. Then, nothing. It was enough to get Paul to turn his head towards the door. There were footsteps coming towards them quickly. Still, he dared not even hope. No doubt it was another would-be rescuer about to join them…
The door opened and sure enough, in stepped the purple haired women he'd seen earlier. She seemed different, uneasy and walked with a limp. Then, Paul noticed the looks on the other's faces, a mixture of shock and relief. He turned to see a tall and slender figure with golden hair standing in the doorway, she seemed stern, enraged. Her eyes rested solely on Jupiter in front of her.
"Set them free."
With the utmost reluctance, Jupiter approached the larger group first. She seemed to just pick one of the prisoners at random, in this case the lucky one being Dawn and release them. They simply stared back, for a moment the dire nature of their current situation was forgotten about as they were presented instead with their first piece of real and tangible hope. They looked at Cynthia almost as if she were Arceus herself. The woman must have assumed that they were in the clear as for a few seconds, the beginnings of a smile formed on her face as she opened her mouth, ready to say something. It was only after a few seconds that she seemed to register that there were others in the cell.
The champion turned her head slightly and spotted the second much smaller group. Instantly, any joy or relief was banished, replaced instead with horror. Almost forgetting entirely about the captives still being freed, the woman entered into the cell at a clip. Driven by instinct, for the first time, the youngest shifted away from his brother, making some room for the woman. He didn't know why he did so. There was just a little voice inside of his head which seemed to speak on Cynthia's behalf, one which promised that somehow she could make things better where all others had failed. Cautiously, she crouched down next to the stricken young man. With his eyes still scrunched shut, locked in combat against the toxin, Paul didn't even think that he was quite aware that something had changed yet.
The woman reached out and placed a hand on top of the young man's sweat coated brow. It was all that it took for Reggie to finally creak open his eyes. They seemed dull, as if they were struggling to focus on the new arrival. For a few terrifying moments, Paul wasn't even entirely sure that his brother could even properly see Cynthia. Then, slowly but surely, his orbs seemed to focus once more and a spark of recognition passed through them.
"Cynthia..." He managed to breathe out.
"Yes, it's me. Don't worry, we'll get you all fixed up." She assured him in the softest of voices, before glancing over her shoulder. "Looker, see if you can find a first aid kit and try to call for some help, let them know we've got someone who needs urgent medical attention.
Free from his restraints, the police officer didn't need to be told twice. He got to his feet, calling for Jessie and James to come and help him.
The arrival of Cynthia seemed to have given Reggie something of a second wind. He looked more awake, more alert than he had been even a few seconds earlier. Somehow, even the shaking appeared to have died down a little bit. The young man squirmed clumsily, almost as if he was trying to sit up. Brock was second to last to be released by Jupiter. Almost as soon as he was, he set about examining the wound more closely with the champion. Neither bothered to mask their concern. The blistered skin was turning dark purple, at points, it was practically black. That leg was already damp and the fabric of his pants stained dark with blood.
Paul only watched, allowing himself to be released whilst waiting for a miracle.
"How long ago was this?" Cynthia questioned.
"I- I don't know." Reggie struggled to reply. "Maybe an hour?"
"Okay..." The champion let out a sigh. "It's going to be alright, I promise."
Reggie said nothing, he just bit his lower lip and nodded slowly. A few seconds later, Jessie and James tore into the room, carrying with them a decidedly tiny first aid kit. As soon as it was opened, Paul could almost feel Brock and Cynthia's hearts sink. There wasn't much to be found inside, a few bandages and some antiseptic. Dawn was instructed to go and find some water. She did so promptly and without complaint whilst Ash and Team Rocket did what they could to restrain Jupiter and the handful of still unconscious grunts. Paul merely stood back and waited, praying that somehow they would be able to do something.
In the distance, the rumbling of a fight and the end of the world continued.
"What's up with those explosions?" Ash questioned after a few moments.
"That would be Brandon introducing himself." Cynthia replied.
"Brandon, as in Pyramid King Brandon?" Came the astonished response from Brock. He earned only a nod from Cynthia in reply.
"H-He actually came?" Reggie croaked out.
Paul found himself turning towards where the noise was coming from. It sounded like hell itself was not all that far away. Whether his father was the cause of it or had actually dared to venture into it didn't really matter. Not so much as the fact that the Pyramid King had turned back and was now risking his lives for the two sons he'd cast off so willingly earlier. That should have meant something to his youngest, he knew it should have and yet somehow, he found himself to be only numb.
Dawn rushed in, accompanied by Looker, clutching half-a-dozen bottles of water and cradling a considerable stash of pokeballs which they quickly began to return to their owners. They handed the bottles to the pair trying to deal with Reggie. Whilst Cynthia offered him a drink, bringing the bottle to his lips and helping to raise his head, Brock opened another, pouring out its contents one to his leg.
Paul couldn't quite recall the last time he'd seen his brother cry. Properly cry. He suspected that he honoured the family tradition of fighting off tears as if they were a sworn enemy and if that failed, hiding some place to ensure that nobody else bore witness to their weakness. As soon as the first drop of water hit his wound though, he screamed as if it was a fire or acid which had touched his flesh. It was like a slap in the face to his younger sibling, the boy moved quickly to assist Cynthia in restraining the young man, as he lurched back and forth, trying to get away. The champion did what she could, hushing him softly and assuring him that it was going to be alright. Still, tears streamed down his cheeks as the last of his courage began to crumble.
His brother was dying. It was only now that it hit home.
Reggie couldn't be dying. He'd always been there, unflappable. He was his brother, made from the same unbreakable, unmovable stone as their father. Yet here he was, wasting away right before his very eyes. Paul wanted to plead with him, to tell him to pull himself together and to remind him that it was just a scratch. He could fight this. He couldn't go giving up right now the same pathetic way that he had done following his battle with Brandon. His older brother couldn't leave him alone...
Reggie was a little easier now, he seemed to have used most of his strength in his outburst. Cynthia slipped away, heading over towards Looker. They spoke in hushed tones but still, with some effort, Paul managed to make out what it was that they wanted kept secret.
"I can't reach anyone with this storm. How's the kid?"
"It's not good. Is there any chance you could try to fly him back down the mountain?"
"Not in these winds… Is his leg going to be okay?"
"Right now, it's not his leg I'm worried about saving… Looker, you're going to have to stay here with Team Rocket. Do whatever you can to contact the rest of the world and keep him hydrated!" The champion wasted no more time. "We need to move now. The only way off this mountain is to defeat Team Galactic!"
She would receive no objections. Even if they had had some concerns or fears, then they were rendered mute by the knowledge that if they did nothing, the world was simply going to end.
To Paul, the reality of the situation was finally beginning to sink in. His brother was dying. His father, a man who had all but disowned him was fighting for his life against madmen, against those who had done this to them. The image of Saturn, basking in the glory of his victory, with that terrible smirk on his face as he'd abandoned them to their fate resurfaced within the confines of the teen's mind. Slowly but surely a familiar anger began to form once more within the pit of his very being. He welcomed it. It made everything simpler, clouded over any other parts of his vision which he didn't need. All it asked was that he got even.
Somehow, it almost seemed as if Cynthia might have caught on to just what it was that he was thinking, as she stepped out in front of him, barring his access to the door. He shot the champion a glare, which perhaps unsurprisingly wasn't quite enough to convince her to budge.
"You should stay here."
"Are you going to make me?"
"Paul-" It was Ash who peeped up. "Do you even have any Pokemon left who can battle?"
"Torterra and Electabuzz can still fight." Frustration built up within him. "We don't have time for this!"
He pushed on past, away from his brother, away from the pain and towards something that he could finally take out all of this anger on.
The way was clear. Brandon found himself to be breathless. He dropped an unconscious grunt. The knuckles of his left hand bruised and painful. They hadn't seen use like this in quite some time. He couldn't quite recall the last occasion that he'd had another man's blood on him.
Taking a deep breath, the king cast his gaze around the tunnel. He'd lost count a while ago how many grunts he'd taken down. A lot. They'd been struck by panic and confusion initially, making themselves into easy targets. They'd began to mount something which neared a decent defence. None of them were much of a threat, at least not to a trainer on the Pyramid King's level. There was however a large number of them and they certainly had a knack for making themselves into nuisances. So Brandon and his pokemon had powered on through. He didn't need to adopt a proper battle strategy, not so much as to ensure that he took out as many as possible. This was a distraction, it didn't need to be tidy.
The explosions had died down. Everything had grown quiet. He took the opportunity to breathe. His body ached from the past few days exertions as well as his most recent of fights. It was to his pokemon that he turned now. The regi trio continued to stand tall, unwavering and awaiting his next commands. He trusted Dusclops to keep to the shadows as it had been instructed to. Solaroc had taken only a token bashing. Of all of his companions, it was only Ninjask who caused him any real concern, blame it on the amount of Golbat that had been flying around.
Nearby, a small figure emerged from the safety of a rock. He appeared shaken but was somehow still very much alive.
"I think you got all of em'." Meowth declared.
"Unlikely… The rest of them just pulled back to whatever's at the bottom of these stairs." Brandon grumbled looking down into the depths of the cave. "They'll be mounting a defence down there."
"Okay. So you're just gonna wait for the Champion, right?"
He should have. Cynthia was a powerful ally. If she could rescue a few of the prisoners as well then they might even manage to get some sort of a numeric advantage. It made sense to hang back, if only for a few minutes longer. The Pyramid King didn't even want to even consider what the champion would do to him if he didn't wait.
He stood there on the edge of a step looking down into the depths of the cave. The pains and aches of his body drew quiet as he lingered on the verge of uncertainty. Where were his two sons? He didn't know, he could only pray that somewhere behind him they had been rescued. Breathing out through clenched teeth, he took his courage in hand and continued to advance forwards drowning out the protests that he knew he would receive and willingly condemning himself to a scolding that he knew the wasn't likely to forget about any time soon.
"Why aren't ya waiting?"
"Dialga and Palkia might already be though. If they are, any time I can buy is time for the others."
"Yeah, if they are here they'll tear ya to pieces."
"Probably..."
"You're nuts."
"You can stay here! I'm not forcing you to do anything."
Brandon didn't wait. He continued on his way. Curiously, it seemed to be getting warmer as he descended. No doubt some of that could be attributed to the fact that they were sheltered from the worst of the storm here, perhaps Team Galactic had even seen it fit to install some heaters down below to ensure that they didn't freeze. Still, it wouldn't quite explain where that breeze was coming from. It seemed to be whistling through from the very core of Mount Coronet itself. It was something which caused his hair to stand on end, a strange feeling of dread took hold.
His pokemon accompanied him without hesitation or complaint. Only dusclops kept to the shadows, barely visible even when someone knew where to look. Apparently the prospect of being left alone must have been a good deal more terrifying than venturing into the depths, as Meowth eventually followed, albeit taking care to ensure that he was behind the regi trio. At this point, the man didn't care whether or not the pokemon stuck with them. His mind was elsewhere.
They encountered no resistance on the way down. Although that was no real surprise to Brandon. When they reached wherever it was that Team Galactic were trying to do their summoning or whatever they were planning, that would be a different story. He kept an ear out for any sound of reinforcements, specifically their own. The fact that they seemed to be able to taking their time was cause for some concern for the Pyramid King. He knew that Cynthia wouldn't have dragged her feet, which only really left two options: either something or someone had stopped her, in which case there was little hope for him or alternatively, something had caused her to have to linger for longer than had been expected. Whatever the case, he couldn't afford to wait around pointlessly.
A bright light and scorching heat at the end of the tunnel caused the Pyramid King to skid to a halt. Apparently, he'd found the welcome party...
"Hyperbeam, now!"
The explosion was such that it very nearly knocked him off his feet. The light was blinding but at least the attack heading their way was halted. It left Brandon disgruntled, practically insulted by such a cheap trick. The man dusted himself down. No more attacks were coming, either he'd given them a good enough show to convince them that they didn't stand a chance – something the Frontier Brain didn't believe for one second – or perhaps they thought that there might have been a better way out of this than trying to use brute force.
Steadily, he emerged into the central chamber.
Ordinarily, he would have stood in awe of his surroundings, examined every engraving, rock and pillar. This was the sort of site that he dreamed of, a once in a generation find. Oh, and that was to say nothing of the three legendary lake guardians. Any other day, this would have been something to be admired because it certainly wasn't a spectacle that was ever likely to repeat itself. Today though, it was the Pyramid King's sons that occupied his thoughts more than anything else. He came to a stop, keeping at a safe enough distance to ensure that he would be able to react and protect himself if they should chose to attack.
"Why am I not surprised?" The Frontier Brain grumbled.
He'd spotted the familiar features of a tall and pallid figure. He stood out in front of his small army, Brandon would acknowledge that much bravery. Despite the Pyramid King's tone, the man remained unmoving. He didn't even blink in the face of the man. The rest of his acolytes seemed a little more on edge. No doubt a few had escaped the initial attack and had reported that Brandon was on his way. They held off from attacking, although there was a veritable legion of golbat in the air, just waiting to be given the order to try and end his life. Silence hung in the air for a few moments, Brandon felt unease grow just slightly within him. It made him more reckless than it should have. He took a step forwards:
"Don't tell me you've forgotten me."
"Of course not. Cynthia's brutish friend."
"You know him?" Mars questioned.
"We've met a few times." Cyrus recalled. "I remember you before the days of the Pyramid King… It seems that time hasn't been very kind to you." He paused before glancing towards his followers. "I suggest you prepare yourselves for more trouble, the Champion and Tower Tycoon are likely nearby as well."
Brandon felt a swell of both pride and triumph as terror flashed across more than a couple of faces. It was good to know their reputations remained intact. He would have quite liked to have Palmer with him right now. He could have done with his old friend's optimism and willingness to rise to every challenge. What would he have made of this right now? Oh, he would have loved it. The adventure, the excitement, the thrill… If his sons hadn't been caught up in the mess, he might have allowed himself to fall into the promise of the "good old days again".
Cyrus' expression hardened just for a moment, as his eyes trailed over the older trainer. Brandon folded his arms across his chest.
"Stop what you're doing Cyrus."
"I'm curious, do you have the faintest clue what I'm trying to achieve or are you just following Cynthia's orders?"
"I can guess what you're planning."
"Of course you can. That paper you co-wrote with the champion about the potential link between the power contained within the Veilstone meteorites and the original one was very helpful. I believe you relied upon some first hand experience?"
Brandon's gaze drifted over to the nearby lake guardians. It didn't take a genius nor an expert to figure out that something was terribly wrong there. Whilst he'd never had the honour of laying eyes on the trio before now, he was almost entirely certain that the those vacant stares and glowing red orbs weren't normal. The man's attention drifted upwards, to the cavernous space above them. Something was already beginning to come through. Another couple of minutes and they would have done so entirely. Once more, although he wasn't privy to the entirety of their plans, the Frontier Brain was confident that he could guess just what it was that was coming their ways.
They needed more time. Time for his allies to reach him and perhaps to delay the coming apocalypse. There were only two options for that, either try and keep Cyrus talking or try and battle his way out of this. Angry though he might have been, Brandon felt confident that he was still thinking clearly enough to realize that was the least preferable of the two options. Fights were uncertain things and he was outnumbered. Those commanders and no doubt Cyrus himself would certainly pose more of a threat than the grunts he'd punched his way through to get here. Before he could think about what else could be said to try and draw this out just a little bit longer, the other man spoke:
"You must realize you can't stop this."
"You must realize I'm still going to try." Brandon narrowed his eyes. "I do have one question though, why are you doing all this? Money? Power?"
"No. None of that. What I seek is something far nobler. I wish to create a new, pure world, devoid of the emotions that cloud our judgement and fill our existence with strife."
"You honestly think that would be a better world? Sounds like hell to me."
"Of course you disapprove." Cyrus shook his head. "But answer me this: how much pain is caused by our emotions? Surely you'd agree that the world would be a better place without hatred, jealousy and anger?"
"Probably but what about happiness? What about hope? Where would the world be without love?"
Those eyes of Cyrus seemed to be almost dead. They were cold, lifeless. Could he really be a man untouched by emotion? The notion seemed to be anathema to the Pyramid King, when all things were said and done, they were both flesh and blood and therefore bound by the same laws and principles. Still, in those few seconds the Frontier Brain actually found himself wondering about that much. Could he have truly elevated or descended himself into such a state? Brandon's statement only seemed to deepen the frown that marked the other man's brow.
"They're triggers, causes. How many wars have been fought in pursuit of those things? How many hearts are broken by love?"
"It's better than never knowing it." Brandon responded resolutely.
"Really? You believe that?" Somehow, Cyrus' expression shifted to almost a hint of amusement. "I took the liberty of doing some research when I learned that you'd returned to Sinnoh. Your wife- What was her name again?"
"Don't." The Pyramid King commanded in a low growl.
"Diana. Killed by your pride and-"
"Regirock-"
Some part of the Pyramid King knew just what it was that Cyrus was trying to do. That didn't necessarily mean that the man wouldn't fall for it. A single name, that of his much beloved but painfully absent wife was enough to cause his blood to boil and for caution to abandon him. Rage demanded that he do something, even if it was just running over to the other man so as to deal him a solid punch to the jaw which would silence him.
He regretted his decision pretty much instantaneously. His lunge was stopped midway by the realization that he was actively rushing into a wave of air cutters which would probably be enough to rip him to pieces. He had enough presence of mind to spin around and run backwards. He wasn't particularly picky when it came to shelter, jumping with little ceremony behind the remains of a shattered pillar. He felt the attacks reverberate around him, even chipping away pieces of the stone. Thankfully, his flesh and bones were spared the attack. He took a few deep breaths, partly to recover but equally to calm his nerves. Despite everything, hearing his wife's name being spoken by such a man still stabbed at him.
He had enough time to bark some orders and have Regice and Registeel reward the golbat with a couple of zap cannons. He didn't dare to pop his head out to check but the sound of some pained cries followed by the dull thud of pokemon's bodies hitting the ground confirmed to him that he must have done at least some damage.
"It would seem you just proved my point." Cyrus called out to him.
"You mention her again, I swear I'll tear you limb from limb!" Brandon called out.
"So there's your love, straight into pain, into anger, into violence. Do you see now why emotions need to be destroyed? Why the human spirit should be eradicated?"
"No!" Brandon called out, he paused, his next words were quieter, meant only for himself. "I would rather live with the pain, than have never loved her."
He knew he was wasting his breath where Cyrus was concerned. Experience had taught the Frontier Brain that men like him seldom cared what others had to say. Their minds were already made up. He waited, expecting another attack to come. Things seemed to have grown quiet again. He doubted that they would have given up so easily. Briefly, Brandon risked his head as he popped his had out from behind his pillar, glancing towards the team. They were standing there, seemingly content just to wait…
Motion in the corner of his eye caused his head to snap around. Coming up behind him, bounding out of the darkness, claws extended was a purugly. Instinct might have demanded that he move but Brandon forced himself to stay put. It was only a yard away before with a battle cry of its own, Dusclops shot out from the shadows, keen to protect its partner. It landed a shadow punch on the large cat, sending it flying through the cave and away from its original target. The Pyramid King found himself sporting a somewhat self-satisfied smirk:
"It'll take more than that! I've been doing this for decades!"
"Maybe." He could have been mistaking it but he thought that there might just have been some anger creeping into the man's voice. "Saturn, you said you had apprehended two young men outside?"
"Yes, sir. One on the road and the other fought his way into our camp. He claimed he was looking for his brother."
"I see..." Cyrus' gaze drifted back away from the commander to look the other man dead in the eye. "You have two sons do you not? It seems like an awful coincidence. One word from me and I'll have them killed."
Brandon tensed up, internally recoiling in horror. Once more, he found himself tempted to call out to his pokemon so as to demand that they try to erase the man who had dared to threaten his family from this world. He had the good sense to temper himself.
Kill both of them? No. That would get rid of his bargaining material and only serve to enrage the Pyramid King, giving him nothing to lose and would this be at best counterproductive. Kill one though just to prove that he meant business? That was more easily conceivable. His heart began to race. Once more, he had no doubts that the man absolutely would carry out his threat. The question that needed to be answered was whether or not they were still at risk. He could only pray that Cynthia had been able to rescue them. If the order was given, Brandon knew there was no way that he would be able to reach them in time. It was a terrifying gamble. One which he wasn't sure he was willing to take.
He was under no illusions, if he did break his cover. He would likely be cut down and killed. He could order his own pokemon to attack, hope that the assault was devastating enough to prevent Cyrus or anyone else from making the call but it would only take one to do so and he would lose what precious little he had left. His heart was thundering within the confines of his chest, already certain of what decision he would make. At the end of the day, it wasn't much of one in his mind for a father.
As he was summoning his courage, the air changed.
It seemed to turn colder all of a sudden and yet it wasn't coming from the mouth of the cave but rather from somewhere behind him. It was a risk but he glanced out from behind his shelter. It was impossible not to stare in awe at the two colossal figures that had just appeared in the air above them. They weren't quite through yet. Despite Brandon not being familiar with what exactly was going on right now, he could tell much. They appeared almost ghost like but they were there: Dialga and Palkia. Brandon felt a very human and mortal sense of terror make its way down his spine in the form of a shiver.
Were they too late?
At least Cyrus seemed distracted, monologuing to that little group of followers of his. Brandon took a few deep breaths before glancing over towards Regirock, still standing, unmoving.
"What do you think old friend? Do you want to go out with a bang?" The rock pokemon shifted, communicating only briefly but Brandon got the message.
He would go for Cyrus. Hope that his pokemon could hold back the rest of Team Galactic just long enough for him to do so. If he could take him down, then maybe all this madness would end. It was a fool's hope. He was aware that the chances were he'd be cut down quite quickly, especially if he broke cover. Still, the man figured that if he was about to go down – which would most certainly be the case if those two pokemon came through – then he had might as well have the satisfaction of seeing the terror in their eyes as he gave one last desperate charge.
A zap of lightning and bubble beam nearby accompanied by an explosion caused him to reconsider that option. Turning back towards the entry to the cave, Brandon wasn't sure he'd ever been quite so relieved to see a Piplup and Pikachu riding a Garchomp before. It wasn't so much the Pokemon themselves and the reinforcements that they represented that allowed him to breathe just that little bit more easily but rather the implications involved with their presence here. Cynthia must have freed the prisoners. His sons were safe…
A few seconds later, there were some shouts and a small group appeared at the bottom of the stairs. They remained awestruck, slack-jawed at the sight of the two legendaries still not quite manifested. All but one. Whilst Paul did cast a brief glance up towards Dialga and Palkia, his attention was quickly turned elsewhere, down towards where his father was sheltering.
They locked eyes. There was an unstoppable and irrational rage still burning behind those of his youngest son, one which promised to bring hell to anyone who dared to get in his way. He was still alive though and right now that was all that Brandon needed to see. He felt himself let out a sigh, even the faintest hint of a smile making its way onto his face. Paul turned away, barking some orders for his Pokemon to begin to attack. He was promptly joined by his allies, taking advantage of the momentary confusion within Team Galactic's ranks to strike.
Cynthia held off somewhat, ordering Garchomp to assist but rather than rushing to join the kids, the champion opted to make her way towards the Pyramid King. She slid down the ledge, carefully dodging a couple of air cutters sent her way and rushing over to join him. There were no quips, no clever comments or teases about the old days. Instead, her expression was grave but equally determined. Brandon felt his heart sink a little:
"Reggie's been poisoned. We need to get him off this mountain and to a pokemon centre but we can't do that in this storm."
The Pyramid King's blood ran cold. He knew his old friend well enough to know that she wouldn't have felt it necessary to tell him that much if the situation wasn't serious. As such, he knew that Reggie must have been quite sick. Had it been something mild, then she would doubtlessly have thought that it could wait until after they were finished. Was he dying? He couldn't be… Brandon clenched his fists, refusing to even contemplate the possibility of losing one of his sons. There was still time, they just had to move quickly.
"You'd better tell your friend to call it a day then." He growled. "Because he'll get no mercy from me."
"Keep your head." Cynthia adopted a tone perhaps better suited for a mother scolding a child. "He'll be fine. We just need to move quickly."
"Plans?"
"Those children-" Cynthia looked towards Ash and his friends. "I think they're connected to the Lake Guardians somehow. They might just be able to put an end to this."
"So protect them? Fine."
Cynthia might yet have to try and drag him off of Cyrus when all this was over. Throughout both of their lives, curiously enough, it had been rare for anyone to actually try to hurt his boys. In fact, asides from one school bully when Reggie had been six years old, he couldn't think of any. To his dismay, it had usually been Paul the one to be dealing out the punches. The Frontier Brain did what he could to push back the rage and ensure that it didn't risk clouding his judgement, at least for the time being.
"Meowth! Over here!" Brandon called out. Very reluctantly, the pokemon broke its cover and darted over to join them. "How many pokemon are we dealing with?"
"I dunno!"
"I asked you to keep count!"
"You seen the chaos?" Brandon's glare turned colder, prompting Meowth to reconsider its answer. "About 30 Golbat, that Purugly, the Toxicroak and that boss freak just sent out a Houndoom and a Weavile."
"Take out the Golbat then deal with the commanders and Cyrus." Cynthia turned back towards him. "Is that enough of a plan for you?"
"That'll do." Brandon grumbled in agreement.
Reggie's condition hung over his father's head. He didn't know how to imagine his son. He must have been suffering, likely in terrible pain. That was something that he should have been shielding and protecting him from. He allowed himself to slip into some form of autopilot. It wasn't his best battle but then a large horde of Golbat didn't really need it. They weren't much of a challenge for the Pyramid King and Sinnoh's champion. They were an obstacle but the only real threat that they posed was their number. One or a couple might somehow manage to sneak behind him and take him out.
Despite his distraction, the Pyramid King forced himself to keep his wits about him. He knew the risks involved with allowing himself to become complacent. As such, whilst he gave orders to his pokemon, he ensured that he kept an eye on the shadows so that nothing could come up behind him. Cynthia stood close as well, almost back to back they kept watch of one another.
If he allowed his attention to wander, it was only over towards Ash and his friends or on occasion towards the two deities slowly coming through. They seemed to be capable of looking after themselves, with Brock's Croagunk having already taken down the massive Toxicroak. It took the man a few moments to realize that whilst those three were accounted for, there was one very important kid who was missing. Brandon skidded to a halt, frantically searching for his son and hoping rather than reasoning that the lad wouldn't have gone and done something stupid, not right now. Not with the pokemon who commanded time and space about to break through into their reality.
After a few moments, he found the lad. His Torterra and Electabuzz engaged in combat with a Purugly and a Bronzor. He was isolated and focused exclusively on his battle. Brandon grimaced. Even from this distance, he could tell that something was wrong. Paul's team shouldn't have been struggling against those two, not to such an extent. It took him a few moments to notice that the large grass pokemon was refusing to put its right hind leg down, preferring instead to limp along. The Pyramid King sucked in a breath, turning to Cynthia who like him had noticed the youngest of his son's predicament.
"I've got this. You go deal with him!"
"Thank you." Brandon breathed out.
In retrospect, Paul would have struggled to disappear in the cave as his commands were being bellowed out, echoing throughout the stone walls marked by venom, rage and the urge to break something or someone. Brandon knew it well. The man shook his head, silently cursing the blood that flowed through his veins and had somehow found its way into his youngest's. It would be the death of him if he didn't bother to keep it in check.
With Regirock by his side and his others providing Cynthia with some backup, Brandon made quick work of joining his son. Not that he paid them any attention. He evaluated the situation quickly. Anger took hold in the space of a few seconds. As both of Paul's pokemon were knocked backwards by a shadow ball. Their trainer himself toppled down, ending up on his hands and knees. The cat was lunging towards him, claws extended.
"Regirock, use stone edge!"
There was probably only a foot in it before the stones slammed into the pokemon and its target before the stones slammed into it, sending it flying backwards and to the ground, unconscious. Brandon didn't celebrate or bask in the victory. He reached out and grabbed his son by the arm, hauling the boy to his feet. He didn't let go of his hold, even as Paul thrashed around and tried to free himself from his parent's grip. He fought back with ferocity the likes of which his father was rather surprised he still had in him.
"Get off of me!" He commanded yanking with all of his strength against his parent. "I had them!
"Paul, take a look at your pokemon!" Brandon refused to release his hold. "They can barely stand! You go and sit this one out!"
"No way! Reggie's dying because of them! Do you ever know?! Do you even care?!"
This wasn't the right time, nor the right place. No matter how much the boy's father might have wanted to put both of his hands on his son's shoulders and screamed at him that of course he cared. He was in as much pain as Paul was and just as angry. These people, monsters, had harmed his son and he would see to it that they would pay but not right now. They needed to end this quickly and cleanly or else things would only get worse. One look at the rage behind his youngest's eyes however made the man realize that he wouldn't listen. He was determined to inflict pain on those who had wronged him, no matter what it cost him. It was humiliating for the both of them to have him like this in front of such a bunch of spineless fanatics as the Pyramid King saw things but there was nothing to be done about it right now.
There was a burst of heat and suddenly the monsters floating above them became real. Brandon didn't have enough time to even properly think about the implications before the most terrible cries began to echo throughout the cavern. They were a mixture of rage and pain, no doubt the two great beings realizing just what was being done to them. Despite everything that his somewhat unconventional life had allowed him to witness, he still found himself transfixed in those few moments, frozen with a mixture of horror and awe. It was all that Paul had been waiting for to pull free from his father's grip, struggling backwards from his assailant before turning his attention back towards the commanders.
Brandon cursed under his breath, torn between giving chase and trying to provide some assistance for those who suddenly found themselves in the way of a madman in command of the pokemon of time and space. He lingered indecisively, listening to the ramblings of Cyrus.
Any hopes that the man might have been concealing some sanity somewhere deep within him were dashed with each and every phrase he uttered. He would destroy this world just for the sake of it so as to ensure there was nothing left of its "corruption". He'd heard similar rhetoric before, and sadly knew just how dangerous it could be, especially when backed up by such power. He doubted that even his regi trio would be able to stand up to even one of the pokemon, let alone both. To his astonishment though, Ash, his friends and even Cynthia seemed to be going for it. He would call it foolhardy, if it weren't for the fact that right now it was about the only chance they had.
"Regirock, Regice, Registeel use hyperbeam!"
They would be dead if this failed. Not Brandon, nor Paul who were a good few yards away. They would likely have a few more moments until Cyrus turned his attention towards them but the others currently in the path of Dialga, Palkia and their new master. The air and even existence itself seemed to shift as the two legendaries unleashed their attacks. They weren't the type that anyone could realistically walk away from. The man held his breath. It all happened in a few seconds but everything seemed to drag out for a few moments. The Regis joined their power to Garchomp. The impact send a shock wave which forced him to brace himself, raising his right arm to shield him from the blast as he was blinded by the light. Spacial Rift had been stopped but the roar of time was still heading straight for the three children. Panic took hold of the Pyramid King, aware that there was no chance of getting in another attack to try and block it or even to move the kids to safety.
Just as he'd been about to shout something out, pleading, begging them to move out of the way, the three lake guardians rose up in front of them. There was a bright light and a shield surrounded them. Somehow, it managed to stop the blast in its tracks sparing the children. Brandon felt himself breathe once more. He turned to look towards Cynthia, equally shaken but just as relieved.
How many times had he been reminded not to doubt her instincts?
She raised her gaze to see him. No doubt checking to make sure that he was still alright. The Pyramid King was half way through a little nod, just enough to say that she needn't worry about him when he saw her expression change, horror flashing across her features. The champion was no longer looking at him but rather somewhere behind him.
Brandon felt his heart sink instantly. He didn't need to turn around to know just what he would find or at least to have some inkling as to what it would be. He was already running before he even saw.
Paul was fuming. He remained blind and deaf to the rest of the world. He'd found the man who had been smirking so smugly as he'd thrown his dying brother into the cell. Whether or not Saturn had intended it, he had become the target of the youngest of the Pyramid King's sons. True, he wasn't 100% sure that it was indeed the man and his Toxicroak who were responsible but it didn't matter. The anger within him demanded that he avenge Reggie, and that he ensure that the commander would never again smile as he had upon locking them in that cell.
Even Saturn, for all of his usual confidence seemed perturbed by the sheer viciousness of the boy coming after him. He paid no heed to the state of his pokemon. He kept on coming. He had no real strategy, just keep on pushing and give them hell until they finally broke.
He knew about the battle with the gods that was raging nearby but chose to ignore it. If only because his actions were a distraction to the Team Galactic commanders whom he knew wanted nothing more than to bask in the glory of what they had achieved. He would make it impossible for them. Already, Paul was certain that should his pokemon finally falter, he would take over personally. He grit his teeth at the lack of progress, aware that ordinarily his team should have been able to punch through this resistance easily enough.
"Paul!"
About the only thing that could have distracted him was his father. The man calling after him was enough to tear his eyes off of the pokemon battle and back towards him. He wanted to shout out something, although the words that he would say hadn't quite occurred to him yet. It would be something along the lines of "stay back". It was on the tip of his tongue as he spun around and found Brandon to be far closer than he'd been expecting. That wasn't enough to silence the teen so much as just how terrified his found his parent to be. That and the Frontier Brain wasn't looking at his son but rather at something behind him.
There was a heat radiating from his back. The boy only just had enough time to turn his head to look over his shoulder. There, leaping into the air with his mouth wide open and full of flames was a Houndoom. He didn't have the time to question who it belonged to or where it had come from, not even how to counter it. Only to register that the fire was already coming from its attack. He began to stumble back, acting on instinct and a sense of inevitability as fear finally caught up with the rest of them.
Someone was behind him.
He found himself back in those ancient tunnels. The ground was shaking and the ceiling had split. The arms around him were his mother's, they pulled him in close only so as to be able to push him away further. It was into his father's embrace that he was thrown. The man had picked him up, clutching him against his chest so tightly that he couldn't breathe. Driven by an instinct which despite his best efforts, he had never been able to get rid of, the boy found himself clinging to his parent. Brandon did the same now, spinning them both around as he did what he could to carry them to safety and away from the inferno heading their way. To Paul, it was as if the world came to a stop just before it ended. He knew in his bones what was going to happen before it did. He saw the terror behind his mother's eyes as she was lost beneath the rocks and rubble. He heard his father's wail echoing through his son's ears as he'd realized that he was going to lose his wife.
A scorching heat brought him back into reality. It was unbearable. The likes of which felt as if it could have stripped the flesh from his bones. The worst of the pain was on the back of his right hand. It tore across his skin in the space of a few seconds, a flash but one which didn't fade away. He recoiled instinctively, pressing himself further against the shield that was his father's chest.
Brandon screamed. It was a sound which almost took his son back to the ruins yet again. The man cried out in agony. His hold on Paul tightened to such an extent that he found himself struggling to breathe. Somehow though, they kept on going, or rather the Frontier Brain did, dragging his son with him. It could only have lasted for a handful of seconds and yet it felt as if they had been thrust into the centre of an active volcano. The young man closed his eyes and did what he could to block out the rest of the world, convinced that it was going to be the end of them.
Then, it all just stopped.
He was thrown out of hell as Brandon released him, pushing him forwards in such a manner that he stumbled and to trip over his own feet sending him to his knees. Shock, prevented Paul from snapping back something about being careful. The back of his hand suddenly reminded him of what he'd just been through. He hissed and looked down at his injured had. The skin was red, inflamed and already beginning to blister. It took all of his willpower to avoid screaming. Even the air against it seemed like agony. He closed his eyes and took a couple of deep breaths, aware that right now it was all he could do.
Shaking, the young man turned around to look to his father, just in time to see the Pyramid King fall.