The Village of Relics Part 2
After leaving Eagun's and Beluh's home, Liz was thinking about how close the elderly couple was with each other. I want that kind of relationship…where we love each other no matter how long we live, she looked at Michael, and she began to gather her resolve. Maybe…maybe I need to be bolder with him. Gently, she started to reach out her hand, wanting to hold hands with him on the way there, but she recoiled her hand when it was about to touch his left hand. I won't really feel his hand like that. But I can't switch sides or I'll look weird. She started screaming internally at how frustrating the whole situation she had put herself into was. After mentally cursing her hesitation for ten minutes, Liz lost her chance, making her mental screams feel nearly deafening as they arrived at the cave.
The guard there waved to them. "Hello, Michael and Liz!" he said. "Eagun told me that you were to be permitted entrance now. Go and help those Pokémon of yours."
"Thank you," Michael said. "And I promise I will."
They went inside and instantly were blown away by the beautiful, and surprisingly well-lit interior. It looked like it was more of a root cavern than a cavern of rocks. There even seemed to be sunlight streaming in from multiple openings around the cave. When they entered, though, they were met by a guy who looked to be in his twenties, and he had a fire in his eyes that said he wanted to battle. Michael smirked confidently.
"Welcome, you two," he said. "As per Eagun's instructions, us four trainers are ready to battle you and help purify those three Shadow Pokémon of yours."
"Great," Michael said as he took out Poochyena's and Ledyba's Pokéballs. "My Teddiursa is ready to be purified now, so I'll be using my other two." He sent out the dark-type puppy, and the ladybug, activating his battle monitor in one swift motion.
"Show me what you got," the other guy said as he sent out a Numel, and a Taillow. "Roy, Jet, let's battle!"
"Oh, you give your Pokémon nicknames?" Liz asked.
"Actually, no," he said. "All Pokémon have names given to them by their parents at birth, much like humans."
"Really?" Michael asked with interest. "I had no idea…how did you find out their names?"
"There are two methods. The most common is to speak to a Name Reader. They're found around the world, and they seem to be able to understand a Pokémon's speech. They ask, and the Pokémon tell them. The other, exceptionally rare option is to acquire a Pokémon with the telepathy who can find out names the same way. The best example that I know of is Gwen of Hoenn…and her daughter, Alicia," he said.
"Well, do you happen to know where the Name Rater is?" Michael asked. "I'll pay him a visit once I purify my Pokémon."
"I'll tell you, only if you manage to beat me," the guide said.
"Then, I'll do just that," Michael said, seeing that Ledyba had managed to add Aerial Ace and Supersonic to his repertoire, and Poochyena had added Poison Fang and Howl to hers. "Ledyba, use Aerial Ace on Jet to start; Poochyena, use Poison Fang on Numel."
"Jet, counter with Peck!" the guide said. "Roy, use Ember on Poochyena!"
Ledyba dove sharply at the ground, pulling up just in time to angle himself for the Taillow. Unfortunately, the little bird was ready. It flew up, and rapidly started to peck at Ledyba. They collided, but Ledyba seemed to take a little more of the damage. As Poochyena ran at the Numel, her teeth began to ooze with a toxin as she leapt at the fire type. She was met with an almost casual barrage of small flames. That counter didn't go over well with Poochyena as her aura seemed to flare and turn red like Teddiursa's had been at Gateon Port. She spat out the toxins then allowed her aura to manifest. She rocketed forward, slamming into Roy at full force.
"What's wrong?" Michael asked, worried for his Pokémon.
"It looks like Hyper Mode," the guide said. "You need to get her out of it, or her aura will hurt her!"
Michael looked unsure. I called out to Teddiursa last time and she seemed to snap out of it, he thought. But will that work on these two? He then saw Poochyena's aura grow in size. Ledyba looked over and her aura flickered, as if starting to feed off the rage manifesting from Poochyena. The puppy then leapt forward, looking like she was about to turn feral.
"Just call to her. Using the species name is enough," he said. "As Shadow Pokémon, they are unable to recall their real names, or anything about their past. The species name is the best you can use now. But the Pokémon needs to hear your emotions for this to work."
Michael, still worried that this overly simple method would work, let his concern for his Pokémon's wellbeing flow freely. "Poochyena, please stop!" he called out. She seemed to hear him calling out, as her expression turned to shock, then what could only be described as shame. While she still carried out her Shadow Blitz against Numel, but her ferocity had lessened significantly compared to mere seconds ago. That's when Michael noticed that there was a list of prompts on his monitor. Poochyena is no longer in Reverse Mode, he thought as he saw that Numel's health had hit zero. The guide said Hyper Mode…are they the same thing?
"Well, that was well done," the guide said. "But I still have Jet out. Quick Attack on Poochyena!"
"Poochyena, counter with Poison Fang!" Michael said. That's when he noticed the relatively timid look on Poochyena's face. He looked at her heart gauge and saw that it was just about to completely turn white. Is this her usual personality? Maybe she doesn't like battling. Despite her hesitance, the puppy still leapt forward and clamped down on Jet's wing. She then flipped in the air to throw the bird to the ground. Ledyba took an opening and hit her mark with an Aerial Ace to finish the job. Jet had passed out before he hit the ground.
The guide recalled Jet, and nodded to Michael respectfully. "That was a beautiful battle," he said. "You have three other guides ahead before Eagun will grant you entrance to the shrine."
"Thanks," Michael said with a smile as he recalled Poochyena, and Ledyba. "But, I have a question."
"Go ahead," he said.
"Earlier, when Poochyena lost control, you said it was Hyper Mode," Michael said. He scrolled through the prompt history in his battle monitor and showed it to the guide. "But, the monitor said Reverse Mode."
The guide's eyes went wide. "It looked like Hyper Mode that the Shadow Pokémon ten years ago experienced," he said. "If I had to guess, Cipher likely refined Hyper Mode and turned it into a method for Shadow Pokémon to resist purification. They probably have other goals in mind if this is how they adapted their Shadow Pokémon."
"Other goals?" Michael asked.
"Yeah," the guide said grimly. "If I had to guess from the name, it probably halts or reverses the purification process."
"I see…" Michael said. "Seems that Cipher's been adapting in these ten years."
"Let Eagun know about that when you get the chance," he said.
"We will," Liz said happily, yet with determination.
Michael and Liz both continued through the cavern, battling three more guides. The last one had rewarded Michael with a Cologne Case, made to hold massage oils which had been useful in purifying Shadow Pokémon in the past. During the battles, however, Michael had slowly started realizing that neither Ledyba nor Poochyena really enjoyed battling. He'd also started to notice that Teddiursa seemed to be getting closer with Liz than with him. Well, wherever they're happiest, I won't be mad at them, he thought. I'll help purify the Pokémon, but where they go after they're free is up to them. The only problem he foresaw was that he would have only one Pokémon who enjoyed battle if those three all felt the same way.
After making a short backtrack to the Pokémon Center, Michael and Liz made their way through the cavern again, this time going through to the other end of the tunnel. As they exited into the clearing ahead, both Michael and Liz gasped at the beauty before them. The forest around them was the most lush, green place they'd ever seen, as if it were maintained by a deity.
"This is incredible," Michael said as they walked along the small stone walkway, which was the only man-made structure anywhere in sight. At the end of the walkway, there was a circular platform around a single pillar of rock which radiated a calming power like nothing they'd ever felt before.
"Welcome, Mr. Orison, and Miss Hanz," Eagun said as he approached them, a Pikachu at his side. "This is the Relic Forest, home of the Relic Stone and the guardians of this town."
"Guardians?" Liz asked.
"Their identities shall remain secret until Michael has passed a final test," Eagun said with a stern expression. "And that test is me."
Michael's eyes went wide, remembering how many of the guides said Eagun had been a legendary trainer back in his time. Would he really be able to win against such a skilled opponent?
"Don't be worried, Michael," Eagun said. "For this test, I will not be using the Pikachu I traveled with when I was your age. I will be using the grandchild of my Pikachu, who is at about the same level of strength as your current team."
Michael sighed. "You scared me for a second there. I assumed I'd be up against a level 100…" he chuckled softly.
Eagun smiled confidently. "Then, I'd like to see your skill as a trainer. Show me if you have the ability to beat Cipher," he said.
Michael smirked and sent out Jolteon and Teddiursa. "You sure you want to do a two-on-one?"
Eagun smirked back. "Absolutely," he said as Michael activated his Battle Monitor. Eagun, however, didn't bother with one. "You ready?"
"Yeah…but aren't you going to use a monitor?" Michael asked.
"Why would I need one? I know my Pokémon, their attacks, how much they can take, and how strong their attacks are," he said. "Besides, it's my understanding that those devices can be inaccurate at times."
Michael looked surprised at the claim. "That…makes sense," he said. "Maybe I should only use it when battling Cipher, so I know when there's a Shadow Pokémon." He reached up and turned off the monitor for now. "I guess this leads to stronger bonds with Pokémon anyway."
Eagun smiled. "Let's see how it works for you. Volt, use Thunderbolt on Teddiursa!" Michael's eyes went wide, remembering that the Pikachu was only at level 12. Thunderbolt wasn't naturally learned by Pikachu until about level 42.
"Jolteon, take that Thunderbolt!" Michael said. He knew that Jolteon had the Volt Absorb ability, which would render the Thunderbolt ineffective. "Teddiursa, use Metal Claw!"
Jolteon leapt into the path of the brightly-glowing Thunderbolt, the lightning striking him, but only causing his fur to course briefly with the electricity as it glowed. When the glowing faded, Jolteon looked like he was smirking confidently. Pikachu seemed to huff at the Lightning Pokémon before noticing Teddiursa charging at him. She had her claws raised, letting their metallic gleam catch the light as she started to swing fast. Pikachu began to duck, jump, and lean out of the way of each swing, displaying the natural speed of his species. Jolteon, however, took that chance to start a Quick Attack. He moved in an arc, catching Teddiursa's eye as he came around. Pikachu's focus on dodging Teddiursa's attack caused him to miss the confident smirk the bear was displaying prominently. Just as Jolteon was about to hit, Teddiursa moved to the side and stopped her assault to let the yellow bullet hit their target.
Volt cried out at the impact, but he quickly rolled out of the way. He then leapt forward with his own Quick Attack. He slammed into Teddiursa, knocking her back. "Great job, Volt. Use Iron Tail on Jolteon!" Eagun called out. As Jolteon came back around to the main battlefield, Volt's tail began to glow metallically. The Pikachu then leapt forward with the momentum of his Quick Attack. He did a quick flip to bring his tail down directly where Jolteon was. With no time to dodge, the Iron Tail slapped down onto Jolteon's forehead, making the Pokémon yelp as he hit the ground and rolled. The attack looked painful, but Michael knew Jolteon still had more fight in him.
Jolteon just shook his head to clear a daze as he got to his feet, showing that, while it had hurt, Iron Tail didn't take him out of the fight. His defiant look told all those present that much. Jolteon then started firing off Thunder Shocks. Volt seemed to easily dodge the electricity, but Jolteon's attacks were meant to herd the Pikachu to where he and Teddiursa wanted him. Teddiursa took that opportunity to gather the energy for a Shadow Blitz, even though she was really starting to dislike the horrid attack. She sprinted forward and tackled Volt as the last Thunder Shock hit the ground. Michael then saw the Pikachu staggering tiredly. Teddiursa then gave the electric mouse a normal punch to finish the battle. Surely enough, that proved to be the finishing attack.
"Oh-ho, that was a fantastic show of teamwork and trust. The fact that you've helped forge that bond between Jolteon and Teddiursa in such a short time is impressive…even more so when considering that Teddiursa is still a Shadow Pokémon," Eagun said with an expression of amazement. "I don't even think Wes had that kind of ability when he was facing Cipher. And I would know. My granddaughter told me all about it," he said.
"Your granddaughter?" Michael asked, thinking for a moment.
"Wait…I can't believe I forgot this," Liz said. "You're Rui's grandfather!"
Eagun smiled proudly. "Correct," he said. "And now an in-law to Wes, as of about one year ago."
"Aww, and how are they getting along?" Liz asked, always having been a sucker for newly-wed stories.
"They are certainly doing well. They're still traveling the world, and they're in Unova last I heard. I get the feeling that Wes is trying to secure a well-paying position before they start their own family."
"Makes sense," Michael said with a smile, not seeing the longing look Liz was giving him from behind.
Perr said we would be like Wes and Rui…maybe we can get to that type of relationship someday, Liz thought
"Now, let's start the purification. Are all your Shadow Pokémon ready to be purified?" Eagun asked.
"They certainly are," Michael said happily.
"Then the power of both Celebi and Shaymin that has been infused into the Relic Stone will cleanse them of the shadows and return them to their natural state of being," Eagun said. "Let's start with Teddiursa, since she's out of her Pokéball." Michael nodded as he walked with the little bear toward the stone pillar. "Now, both of you, place your hands on the pillar at the same time."
Teddiursa watched Michael and followed his movements. They both touched the stone simultaneously, causing a warm and soothing green energy to pour and radiate out from the stone. Michael then saw as the green energy began to swirl around Teddiursa. Then, similar to when the Eevees evolved in Gateon Port, the energy flew inside the bear's body, forcing out all the remaining shadow energy from Teddiursa. The Pokémon seemed to be in a daze as the green energy spiraled out of her like electrons around an atom before bursting out from their orbit. The energy faded away and Teddiursa immediately began to blink, looking around with slight confusion.
"Ursa?" she said cutely, only for her to see Liz. Her eyes suddenly lit up brightly, and she smiled wider than Michael had ever seen. She immediately stood up and began running toward Liz excitedly.
Liz smiled, putting her hands over her mouth as she seemed to be crying with happiness. She crouched down as the little bear leapt up and into her arms as if they were made for each other. Both of them smiled happily, with Liz laughing happily. "Sorry Michael, I think she wants to stay with me instead."
Michael smiled as he crouched beside Liz, petting Teddiursa behind her ears. "Is that true, Teddiursa?" he asked, already having a feeling what she would say. The bear's happy nodding and cooing was all he needed to hear. "Then, when we get back to the Pokémon Center, I'll have your Pokéball reassigned to Liz." He smiled happily as the little bear cuddled up with Liz. He sighed, having hoped to raise the Teddiursa himself, but he would rather see the Shadow Pokémon really happy with somebody else, than moderately happy with him.
He stood up and took out Poochyena's Pokéball. "Well, let's get these other two purified," he said with a smile. The dark puppy came out of her Pokéball and happily walked with Michael to the pillar. The two touched the pillar together, and the green light poured out of the stone. Once again, the energy swirled into the Pokémon, expelling all the remaining shadow energy from her body. The green, cleansing aura swirled around and flew out from her body. The little dog seemed to come out of her daze as she looked around. She then saw Michael and approached timidly, with her tail wagging slightly as she sniffed at her trainer. Michael crouched down to her height, holding out his right hand for her to smell.
Poochyena leaned in as her tail started to wag faster as she used her muzzle to nudge his hand to get him to pet her. Michael smiled and pet the little dog, who quickly seemed to brighten up. She moved closer and put her paws onto his bent knees, eagerly trying to lick his face. Michael started laughing at the affections she was giving him, but he could also tell with certainty that she wasn't a battler. She was a lover, like a pet. I think Jovi would love having a Poochyena.
Sure enough, Poochyena then scampered over to Liz and Teddiursa happily, yipping playfully as she got into a play-bow, her tail wagging excitedly. Teddiursa, seeming to now recognize the Poochyena as a friend, jumped down and started a game of chase. Liz, Michael, and Eagun all began to laugh at the cute display. Jolteon, who was still outside his Pokéball, yipped happily and joined in with the fun. As if sensing the joy, Sylveon let herself out of her Pokéball and jumped into the fun. Volt was close behind Sylveon. This made Michael focus on getting Ledyba purified immediately. Without another word, he sent out the ladybug, following the ritual again. Once again, the swirling green energy purged the shadow from the Pokémon before pulsing outward. Ledyba's daze was a bit shorter than Poochyena's and his expression immediately brightened as he buzzed over to Michael. He used all six of his legs to hug around the red-haired trainer. However, Michael could still tell that this Pokémon was more a lover than a fighter. Seems the Lab is about to get a lot more Pokémon for friends there, he thought. Still, if Jolteon is the only Pokémon I have for battling, I'm not sure if I'll be able to win against Cipher.
Ledyba's hug only lasted a few more moments before he noticed the fun going on with the other Pokémon. He flew up and over to the others, joining in with their game. That's when Michael began to realize something. The sheer, unbridled joy that was radiating from the newly purified Pokémon truly made him happier. If this is what their personalities were before Cipher got to them… His expression changed to fury, directed at Cipher. There have been some seriously cruel organizations in the world. But…what Cipher is doing…it's…it's unforgiveable!
Eagun approached Michael. "I see that you're comprehending what kind of people are in Cipher…if you can even call them people," the sage of Agate said. "They think that forcing Pokémon to fight without emotion is the key to world domination. Frankly, I would love to see just how badly they would lose to a trainer who has forged true strength with their Pokémon through love and trust."
"I agree," Michael said. "Part of me wonders whether Cipher would last a second if one of the regional champions came to Orre."
"My boy," Eagun said. "That's precisely why they timed their efforts as they have, if I had to guess. They know that they would be crushed and humiliated if even an Elite Four member from any region had been here when they started this crisis."
Michael nodded. "And with all travel blocked to or from Orre during the regional state of emergency, that means we'll need a trainer as strong as them to come from home…and Wes is in Unova right now."
"Did you already forget?" Eagun said to Michael. "I think you're truly able to defeat Cipher…but you'll need to gain the required strength faster than any trainer in history."
Michael looked at Eagun with a look of uncertainty. "Then…will I actually be able to help this region?"
Eagun looked at him with some regret. "Having the ability to win is, unfortunately, no guarantee of victory. But, keep in mind that there are times when your heart can win where strength alone cannot. Perhaps there will be a time when your love for your Pokémon will win out over Cipher's manipulation and cruel subjugation of theirs."
Michael nodded, but now he was at a loss. Where will I go next? I have no clue where to even start…
"Go, to Hell," Dr. Krane said through bloodied teeth and a swollen cheek. He was tied to a chair in a bright white cell that had lights on at all times in order to prevent him from getting enough sleep. In the two days he'd been here, he had been beaten and tortured to convince him to cooperate with Cipher's plans to create an army of what they called the ultimate Shadow Pokémon.
"Oh, you are so going to regret refusing me again," Lovrina said, her annoyingly bubbly voice and mannerisms having now taken a venomous tone. "Naps, let him have some more."
Naps nodded, sighing mentally as he punched Dr. Krane across the face followed by a quick jab to the gut. "Just comply," he said with a growling whisper. "This will keep going if you don't."
Dr. Krane glared at him through the eye that wasn't swollen shut. "Why would I comply with you subhuman bastards?" he asked.
Naps just sighed. "Lovrina, I think this is enough for the day. We need him alive and conscious if he's to be of any use to us," he said.
"Excuse me, Naps? Did you, like, just talk back to me? Hit him again!" Lovrina said angrily.
"Actually, you WILL cease this nonsense," said a soothing, yet terrifyingly cold voice. "And you will come upstairs so we may speak in private." Unfortunately, Richard's vision was blurred and unfocused the moment before he passed out from the assault. The only thing he saw before blacking out was a look of fear on Lovrina's face.
"Y-yes sir, Master Greevil," she said.
"Good. Your failure with XD001 has already put your job in jeopardy. It would be a shame if your life was forfeit for disobeying me now," the voice said, followed by the sound of a small cane and three sets of footsteps going toward the elevator. "Be up in the conference room in the next ten minutes, or my mercy will have run out."
"S-sir, m-may I at least have a few extra minutes to change?" she asked. "I…got some of Dr. Krane's blood on my clothes."
"Fine," Greevil said. "You may have twenty minutes at most. If you make me wait a second longer, I will feed your corpse to my Rhyperior."
Naps stayed silent through the whole ordeal, knowing that Lovrina had lied about having blood on her clothes, but, given that a dark spot had formed in her leggings when the Grand Master threatened her life. After all, the Grand Master had that effect on his subordinates when he was angry.
And that's it for this chapter. I promise the slower pace here will not become too extreme. I am just traveling at the moment for vacation, so I will take a little longer than normal for these chapters. Luckily, it will only last about a month.
Let me know what you think of the chapter in a review. I welcome criticism.
Until next time ~ jmoul18