Chapter 100:

The Monster

Pokémon List:

Luna (Kirlia)

Fay (Riolu)

Midna (Zorua)

An avalanche of glass shards rained down from the ceiling. Practically showering the entire room with tiny blades.

A blue sky was visible through the shattered window frame. Hovering above the roof was a black plane. It looked like a military plane but with a red R crudely drawn onto its side.

Fay's aura shield popped into existence just quick enough. The Riolu herself widened her eyes in surprise when translucent shards fell down from above. She gave me a questioning gaze.

I pointed up at. Her eyes widened again.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I had the feeling I was forgetting something.

Shit, Sabrina.

My head snapped to my left where she was not even a few seconds ago. I couldn't help but to release a short sigh of relief when I saw she wasn't turned into a bloody pulp. Though, by all accounts she should have been.

Our lovely psychic was staring straight up at the ceiling, unmoving and not even blinking.

Magically, every piece drifted away from her proximity as if the Psychic had an invisible windshield. Probably some psychic shit she was doing. That made me realize, there had been other people in the room. Were they okay?

Fay dropped her aura shield and looked up at the window.

My gaze flashed across the room, trying to see if all the people I had previously counted were accounted for.

They were all still present but no one was left standing. Instead they were all slumped against walls, art pieces or just unceremoniously dropped to the floor.

They weren't moving. But they weren't a mess of blood either.

Dead? Unlikely. Unconscious? More likely. But how? Poisoned beforehand? Practically impossible. A sedative gas? I had worked with that but shouldn't I be inhaling that too? Fay's Aura bubble didn't generate new air into existence. Also Sabrina would be out as well if that were the case.

Shit psychic powers! They were put to sleep by psychic powers. That's why Sabrina and I aren't in a coma right now.

"Fay. what are you seeing?"

"A bunch of stuff, it is everywhere" Fay exclaimed. "It looks beautiful!"

"What looks beautiful?" I asked. My eyes scanned the room. The plane was still hovering over the museum. The door at the tail had been left open but nothing came out of it.

My eyes drew to the Lustrous Orb.

It was still there. Left untouched.

A silence dawned on the museum. I exchanged a look with Sabrina to see if she knew why nothing was happening but she gave me a silent shrug and narrowed her gaze.

"Shouldn't this be part where Lovesick comes out?" I asked Sabrina after the silence became unbearable. Despite nothing happening I was still feeling on edge.

"I can't sense her anymore." Sabrina blinked profusely. "It's like she disappeared. Teleported away?"

The plane was still hovering up in the air, like a jack-in-the-box. Ready to spring the trap on us. So where was the God damn trap?!

I scanned the room, to make sure my senses weren't betraying me.

All the artifacts were there. The sword, the orb, the weird mirror, the feath-

I had to blink to make sure I wasn't mistaken.

The shard wasn't reflecting the light anymore. Nor was it giving off that weird visual distortion.

"Fay, blaster now!" I pointed at the mural.

Without giving it a second thought Fay gathered Aura in between her paws and shot it towards the mirror. The sound of a mirror breaking followed but it wasn't the artifact we had hit.

The projectile had crashed midair into something solid. Something invisible. Air started to wrinkle and fall apart around the Lustrous Orb. Shattering like a mirage.

From behind the invisible curtain a girl was revealed to be standing next to the Lustrous Orb. Her presence, a stark contrast with the empty space she previously occupied.

From a first glance I could see there was something off about her. Her nickname should have tipped me off but besides that her style of clothing also gave me that information. She wore a white body suit that transitioned into a clean white hoop skirt that reached to her ankles. Another odd thing was that she was barefooted, despite the glass that littered the floor. She looked like she was supposed to be at a wedding or gala.

But the oddest thing about her was the way she looked. Her eyes were blue, the same shade as mine, but unlike mine, (or so I'd like to think) hers lacked depth and emotion. She just had a blank expression on her face. She had long, straight blue hair as well, which I considered just a plain insult.

She frowned and gave me a weird look. She seemed upset that I broke through the illusion but it could be anything really. It was hard to read her expression.

I would have given more thought too their sudden appearance but Sabrina absolutely inserted herself into the situation by sending a fucking laser beam into their direction.

The air around Lovesick shattered some more, revealing that the illusion hadn't been completely broken yet.

More people and Pokémon popped into existence. Luckily they looked more like the standard crooks I'd expect from Team Rocket. I quickly counted about 4 other people. 2 of them seemed to be working placing cables or stuff on the ground at a certain spot. No idea why. One of them held a metal suitcase while the other one was setting up some kind of device next to the pedestal.

They soon noticed their cover had been blown. They dropped their work and started reaching for their Pokéballs. For some reason they seemed to be terrified of Sabrina, keeping their eyes peeled on her. Maybe it was because her eyes were crackling with purple energy.

"Any chance you guys are willing to hand the orb over?" I asked carefully. Trying to determine all the factors. Maybe we could talk?

The three grunts were still grasping for their Pokéballs but two Zubat, a Sandslash and a Koffin were already out and ready.

From the looks of it none of them were ready for an open discussion or debate. Damn, even Sabrina seemed to be out for blood. She had a focused look on her face. As if only one thing mattered to her and all else stopped existing.

I was generally worried about the odds. I, somehow, had the hope she would come on her own. Not bring the cavalry. Not that Fate would ever give me such a break.

At least that gave me the moral high ground to start shooting, right? I was the underdog here.

The only person who looked like she couldn't care less was Lovesick herself. Her colleagues were muttering some curses amongst themselves but she kept completely quiet.

"All of you have been caught red handed!" Sabrina warned, One Pokéballs floated up in the air around her. "I am legally allowed to use force. Surrender now or prepare to fight."

She said the thing! Well, not in the right context but she said the thing!

The Rocket grunts gave Lovesick questioning looks. Lovesick's eyes darted between the Lustrous Orb next to her and Sabrina. She seemed to consider the option for a second before shaking her head.

Sabrina's grin widened. "Go ahead Dust."

You know the best thing about the Pokémon world? No one expects you to suddenly start shooting at people or Pokémon. Mostly because, well, why would anyone spend their time learning to aim with a weapon when you have Pokemon. Only an idiot would do that.

With one swift move I aimed and steadied the silver gun at the nearest grunt and pulled the trigger.

The sound followed. Almost immediately after his leg exploded in a bright red color. He dropped to the ground, his eyes wide with shock. He looked at his leg, clearly not believing what he was witnessing. And it wasn't just him, everyone was silenced.

I am not gonna lie. This was only the second time I had actually shot someone like this and it felt ridiculously good. Just the shock present on everyone's face. It was hard to describe the rush of adrenaline. I had to fight to keep a grin off my face.

Even the psychics seemed shocked by the sudden shot. Lovesick tilted her head sideways, as if she was still processing it. Sabrina looked at me with this weird look.

"I told you I can aim for knees." I exclaimed, trying to make it sound like I was in full control. I coughed and aimed my weapon again. "Now, everyone. Drop your weapons and show your hands where I can see them."

I think I did a pretty good job of introducing myself. The grunts now were more terrified of me, then Sabrina, they immediately raised their hands. Well, besides the one lying on the ground. He was cursing. I was pretty sure he was being dramatic. I knew the shot wasn't even close to lethal. He was even slowly getting up. A pissed look on his face, his leg shaking and bleeding.

Lovesick was the only one who didn't express herself in any way. She stared me dead in the eyes. Again, a blank expression on her face. I wondered if she'd even cared that I'd shot her minions.

I didn't get to find the answer because she straight up vanished. No, flash, no popping sound. Weird girl present, weird girl gone.

"Dus-" Sabrina shouted. Too late.

She appeared right in front of my face without a warning. She was so close I could actually feel her breath on my face.

I instinctively backed away. Her fingers gripped around my gun and pulled it out of my hands before I could properly register that she just teleported.

"Fay!" I yelled.

The Riolu's claws began to shine bright white but just as suddenly as she had appeared, Lovesick vanished. Fay struck empty air.

The girl appeared again, standing next to the pedestal with the Orb. It was as if she had never left her position. Except she was holding my weapon. With a quick move she dismantled the power supply and the frame. Dropping the silver gun, now useless, to the floor.

'Holy shit she's fast." I muttered, still unnerved by how quick she had teleported. Even Luna's teleport had a little built up time.

She just did that thing within the span of three seconds.

Again, she had a blank expression on her face.

I was starting to see where Sabrina's annoyance came from.

The guy who I had shot pointed his finger at me. He was seething with anger. I could see it. He opened his mouth. Still breathing heavily from the pain, he said. "Koffin, Smokescreen!"

Its purple abomination nodded and started to spout a black smoke from its many holes, clouding their presence with a gray veil.

"Take cover!" Sabrina whispered.

"Shield up!" Fay started gathering aura between her paws. A bright flash shone through the smoke screen.

A beam of dark purple energy shot out from behind the smoke. Piercing through it like a holy blade. Fay's shield popped into existence right on time. The beam clouded our entire vision, coloring our little bubble purple. Fay grimaced and I saw the Aura in her paws flicker wildly. The aura was still protecting both her and me from the blast but I saw she had to dig her paws into the floor to avoid slipping.

While that was happening I quickly reached for a backup weapon. The electric rifle.

The charge shot stopped for a brief moment, allowing us to see again. Luckily Fay's shield didn't waver as other beams and long ranged attacks were thrown out in rapid succession in our directions.

I glanced sideways. Sabrina had released her own Pokemon, Mr Mime, and used his mirror shields to protect herself.

"Fay, Aura Sphere!" I cried out the moment the barrage of attacks stopped.

A blue sphere was launched into their direction. The blast dispersed the smokescreen, revealing more Pokemon there had been a second before. A lot of Zubat had been released. They looked inexperienced but there were a hella lot of them. But I also saw a Geodude, Victreebell and a Sneasel had joined the ranks.

"Dust, we are outnumbered?" Fay smartly commented.

"Yes." Where the fuck is Luna when you need someone with big range? Fay's range was absolutely the worst.

One of the grunts had taken the Orb off the pedestal and was carefully placing it inside the suitcase. He wore special gauntlets on his hands and was slowly moving the Orb with utmost precision. He looked terrified.

Lovesick was impatiently watching him do his work.

"Dust, we can't let them draw this out." Sabrina warned me. "You distract the minions. I'll go after her myself."

"That sounds-" and she was gone already. Great teamwork.

The grunts, three of them, turned their attention on me. It was as if there was an unspoken agreement for the normal people to duke it out while the psychics did their own shit.

I definitely did not agree to such a thing but it looks like I didn't have a say in the matter.

Guess I'll do my part.

"Fay, keep them occupied!" Fay gave me a nod along with a sweet smile, before turning to face the enemy.

"I'll show them what I think about thieves." Fay said. She narrowed her eyes and an almost feral look came over her. Her claws shimmered to life. Bright and dangerous. Her eyes flared blue with power.

I raised the rifle and started shooting electric charges at the enemy. Not really aiming. Just holding the trigger.

At the same time Fay dashed forward, disappearing in a quick blue haze. She appeared in front of the Sandslash and slashed it across the face with all 4 paws before vanishing again. She emerged on the other side of the crowd and hit a Zubat out of the air. The Victrebell reached out for her with its big vines but she again pulled the vanishing act.

Deciding to honor Fay's great distraction I started taking aim with the rifle. While slowly getting closer I carefully started taking a shot at the guy that had given the order for the Smokescreen. He had kept his eyes off me for long enough for me to hit him right in the head, knocking out his lights instantly. I took a couple shots at the Victreebel and Koffin. The Koffin cried out in pain but the Victreebel took it well enough. The two grunts still standing started ordering the Pokemon around, no longer surprised by Fay's quick attacks.

I tried shooting at the grunts to prevent them from organizing.

I missed one shot but the other charge impacted him right in the chest. He started to spasm wildly before he went down. I pressed the trigger again, hitting the final grunt but he managed to fight through it and shot me a stinky eye.

He pointed at me and ordered his Zubat to fire.

A couple of them were immediately hit out of the air by a blue explosion but there were enough left flying. They simply flew higher and started charging an attack.

Riolu appeared in front of the grunt but before she could strike another blur crashed into her. The Sneasel cried victoriously. Fay got up but her built up momentum was gone, something both the Koffing and Sandslash immediately took advantage of. The Victreebell's vine wrapped around Fay's leg before she could run off again. A blow from the Geodude struck her in the stomach.

Small flashing yellow orbs appeared in the mouths of the flying Zubats. There must have been about 8 of them still left and they all had their eyes on me.

It was like I was standing on stage, and had all the spotlights aimed at me. But instead of spotlights these were deadly lasers.

I took a quick look around and concluded there wasn't much to hide behind. This room was pretty much an open space, safe for the few artifacts. I was a sitting duck.

The Team Rocket guy had a triumphant smirk on his face.

Orange dots now filled the ceiling, basking me in an almost twilight glow. I wondered if getting hit by that attack would hurt, or if it would evaporate me immediately.

"Say goodbye." The Rocket guy grinned.

I smiled back. "Midna, now would be a good time."

One of the flying Zubats began to glow all of a sudden, outshining all of the other flying rodents. It glowed like it was evolving. Except the shape grew much larger until even the Zubat near it were forced to back away.

The glow dissipated. A loud roar followed as an enormous blue serpent took Zubat's place. Gravity caught up and it crashed down, crushing a couple Pokemon with its sheer body size.

The Team Rocket grunt stared wide eyed at the Gyarados that had suddenly appeared.

His expression told a tale of pure terror. The sea dragon only rejoiced in that fear.

Big red eyes focused on the, comically under prepared, Team Rocket grunt.

"Boo!" The Gyrados spoke with a deep voice.

The guy fainted on the spot.

Seeing my chance I started firing at the Sneasel while slowly making ground. My shot was clear and the electric bullet hit the small creature. it was stunned long enough for Midna to slam it into the wall with her tail. It immediatly blacked out after the collision.

The remaining Zubat directed their attention to me but I managed to hit them first.

Koffin backed away from the pair and started shooting purple darts at Midna, who was quite the big target. Midna reacted by slapping the purple rock with her tail, sending him straight into the floor and burying him.

Fay disposed of the Sandslash while Midna, with a lazy look, widened her mouth and swallowed the remaining Zubat out of the air. Her enormous jaw shut and the Zubat were no more.

I decided not to spend any time thinking about that. Besides, we had more pressing matters to deal with. The Orb.

There was just one Rocket grunt left. The one with the suitcase.

He hadn't been paying any attention to his surroundings. Maybe he was so caught up in his work, or maybe he just straight up didn't care that a Gyarados appeared out of nowhere. Either way, he paid the price for it with a kick to the head, courtesy of me.

He slumped to the ground, dropping the suitcase he had been working with. The glass casing of the pedestal had been shattered, the Lustrous Orb missing.

On the ground were cables and some weird fuel tank connecting them. A mechanical device was attached to the cables.

No Lustrous Orb though. I opened the suitcase and smiled.

The Orb was still there. Fitted neatly inside the metal suitcase, protected by foam to prevent any damage to it. Though I wondered why one would even bother, as it was 'supposedly' indestructible.

I took it out of the suitcase, checking the visual distortion to make sure it was the real one and not swapped out for a look-a-like. I had seen enough heist movies to know such tricks.

The distortion of the orb was still present. Confirming it was still there, safely inside my palms.

"Shiny." Midna commented from above me. Grinning down while still maintaining the gigantic snake form.

Fay joined my side, limping slightly. Despite this a proud smile was on her face. "Did you see that Dust?"

The orb was rather big. Around the size of a bowling ball but it weighed far less. A weird quirk I contributed to it being part of Palkia's jewelry.

Still, besides it looking weird, there wasn't anything inherently special or alluring to the Orb. There was no strange, my precious, Lord of the Ring style, feelings on my side. Nor did I feel like this was a catalyst that could bring forth some great calamity.

"Duck!" Sabrina's voice called out to me from across the room.

I was too slow. I blamed my own fatigue for it. When she said it I wondered what I was supposed to duck from, momentarily forgetting that Sabrina was a precog.

It wasn't until I saw a blue sphere heading towards me from across the room that I discovered what I was supposed to duck from. An Aura sphere.

In my defense. I did manage to duck just in time to dodge the attack. Instead it hit Midna. An explosion of blue aura followed and hit me in the back. It didn't hurt, but it felt like someone shoved me from behind really hard. I fell.

Now, so far it wasn't that bad. But I accidentally let go of the Orb when the blue explosion hit me.

In almost slow motion I saw the Orb drop from my hand and hit the floor.

A much bigger shockwave erupted from the Orb. A visible ripple moved through the air in all directions.

Explaining what it looked like would be hard. There was no fire or air. No physical molecules that were launched, altered, or weaponized in any way. Instead the shockwave seemed to move and push through space itself. Colliding with everything and moving through everything at the same time. For one brief second reality became liquid and malleable.

Then the Orb lost all momentum and stopped moving.

The ripple stopped instantaneously, resetting everything back to normal. A whiplash followed.

Fay dropped to the ground, unconscious. Midna lost her form and dropped down.

Sabrina herself crumpled. The walls moaned and tiny cracks crept up in the foundation.

I myself felt like I had been punched in the gut several times. My vision started to blur, dark edges began to creep along the edges of my eyes.

A gasp for air escaped my lips.

Lovesick suddenly appeared in front of me. She seemed to have not suffered any harm from the Orb's sudden explosion.

A smirk was present on her face when we made eye contact.

She was the one who had launched the Aura sphere in my direction. She had known ahead of time what the Orb would do. That motherfucker!

Lovesick gave me a wink and bowed down to pick up the Orb.

A/N Well look at the date. 19-12-201, 30 minutes before midnight. Seems like I managed to update this story within a month after all. Not going to lie. This chapter was a fucking nightmare to write. Both because I had so much other stuff and because I have this habit of doubting myself all the time. But I realized that if I keep rewriting this chapter until it's perfect I'll never get anything done so yeah, here's the chapter. Hope it's good enough and if not, please say so I can tear it down within 24hrs of uploading this.

Anyway, Chapter 100! Wow. Such a huge number. Over 21 Words and 5000 Followers. That was absolutely beyond what I expected of this story when I started. And I feel like this story and my writing became so much better thanks to all the feedback I got. It's crazy looking back. I wrote these 100 chapters across probably 15 devices (one of which was a Nintendo DS) and spent so much time working on this. Kinda crazy. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to drop this fic and shout out loud but in the end, we are still here.

Also, considering this is the 100th chapter I am bound by honour to do something with it. So, expect an extra chapter this week and I'll also do a QA so leave your questions in the reviews. Unless they are too spoilery I'll try to answer them. (Questions don't have to be related to Pokemon ). If I don't get any questions I'll make up my own.So yeah, enough rambling for today.

I hope you guys stick around for a 100 more chapters, because there's so much I still need to tell you about the wonderful and insane world of Pokemon.Pack your bags, a world of dreams and adventures with Pokémon awaits!

Thanks to SilverJooJ and Gameshark for beta reading. (If you want to keep up to date with chapter progress or beta read consider joining the discord. Instructions are on the profile page) And thank you Arxalier for editing so many chapters, even though you didn't edit this one :/

Reviews:

Soundwave58: I didn't include any lyrics because it would alienate people who aren't from America or familiar with pop-songs.

Guest: Lol, tru

NB132: Who knows?

Kidmonkey: The plate is already gone but I love your suggestions.

RaininCatsNdogs: Thanks, my bad,NeovilusAlpheim: It would probably be something along the lines of: Tea Time.

Well, that was it for today. Cya!

-CaptainMoonShine-