Chapter 6: Abyss
Up early in the morning to prepare for day one of this training camp. I start this morning by doing some light readings on taking care of Dratini while catching some fresh air. A pokemon like this according to multiple sources is stated to be a very rare pokemon and having one requires a lot of care. Well if Canon evolves into Dragonite it will become not only a massive powerhouse to the squad but a very gentle pokemon would be great for a rowdy group of pokemon. While continuing the research on Dratini, I noticed Saki with what I assume to be her Vaporeon going for a swim. I noticed Crescendo waking up and moving towards me.
"Morning Crescendo want to go for a swim?" I asked as his eyes light up.
Crescendo immediately jumps into the water making a huge splash. I hop on his back and get a good grip on his back. As usual for him when the opportunity arises, he goes pretty fast for fun. Despite the speed he's going, I'm able to see a lot of water pokemon around the area seemingly giving various reactions to Crescendo. Saki's Vaporeon decided to splash water into Crescendo's eyes when he got near which made him upset.
"Crescendo are you alright?" I asked as he looked back at me.
"My apologies. Vaporeon here doesn't really like pokemon that are noisy. I do underestimate the bonds you have developed with your pokemon. Maybe you'll be capable of succeeding in the task you were given." Said Saki.
Did she compliment me? Didn't expect that so early.
"Thanks... I'm sorry I'm not used to getting complimented ever since getting out of prison." I said embarrassed.
"I'm aware. Miss. Sally and Gabrielle informed me some time ago about a rough trainer having strong bonds with pokemon. I first thought of you as a fake human being but, seeing how an emotional Pokemon like Gardevoir and Sylveon are very comfortable with you changed my opinion slightly. In due time you can become a good trainer even with the rough edges you have." Explained Saki.
"Sorry If it's personal to ask but, why did you decide to be the gatekeeper of the temple?" I asked curiously.
"Not at all. I became the guardian here on request from the elder of the temple. Although his health is declining recently, I'm looking for someone as well to become the next elder who'll keep the secrets of the temple safe." Responded Saki as her Vaporeon stays around her.
Elder? Could it be the master of the dragons? My mom use to tell me stories of a trainer who was stated to have tamed every dragon-type out there even the mighty Rayquaza. People even gave out rumors that the master is still alive today... is it possible?
"Aurea never did tell you the truth didn't she?" Asked Saki looking concerned.
"The truth?" I asked.
"Aurea's only goal by Chairman Rose was just to use you for his plan. The rehabilitation is a front so that they can find someone on the level of champion Leon. You can be compared to a pet at this point to them." Said Saki.
That's not a surprise to me at all at this point. I mean Sally did seem like the only person who truly wanted to rehabilitate me. I should still be somewhat grateful for Chairman Rose's interference otherwise I wouldn't have met so much wonderful pokemon. I should be aware now of whatever Chairman Rose plans for now.
"Thanks... the Chairman doesn't seem like a bad person as well as his assistant. Aurea may have some confidence problems but, is a rather nice person when you get to know her. It's honestly better than the people at Unova." I said lightly.
Damn... when did I get personal in front of someone I just met.
"I see. I looked into your history as well as footage from you in the Galar league and from Sally's laptop. I can see that you deeply care for your pokemon and deliberately picked the six that you have now. Sunlight was an injured pokemon that was left by her family to die, Illuminate was a lost Pichu who wanted to become stronger to survive, Winter had no one who wanted to take care of her, Moon joined you to repay you for saving her and her siblings lives as well as out of loyalty. Most trainers would've left them for dead or used them as mere pets but, you instead went to treat them as equals which must have attracted the Chairman enough to put up a rehabilitation program for you to get strong enough to challenge Leon" explained Saki smiling.
Ah... It was a good time when it was just Sunlight, Illuminate, and Winter. The trio that went well together and made every day interesting with no dull day to have come since. It's honestly incredible how much they grew in just 4 months. When Moon joined the party she became a mother figure towards the team and even a wonderful influence on them as well. I can already feel a powerful presence nearby.
"I'll make sure your opinion will 100% change at the end of this training! I will do it with the very team I have with me." I said proudly as Crescendo roars lightly.
"Oh really? That's gonna be a tough task to keep up their mate. After all her opinion on me never changed!" Said Raihan watching us two.
Following him was Sunlight and Illuminate waiting for me to return to land. Despite their personalities, they can't seem to separate from me... reminds me a lot of Solar and Plum when I started my journey. Those two wouldn't leave my side and always were competitive when it came to battling to a point of being incredible partners in double battles.
"Any updates on the group?" I asked.
"Nope! They should be on their way here very soon. Unless Clover got involved." Said Raihan annoyed.
Clover? They were trainers who said they wanted to be the strongest? Perhaps they might be like Neo Plasma and the recent Team Flare was like. After all, my sister is a part of Clover and I don't expect her to be with something crazy.
"Team Clover? Is there something about them that's shady? My elder sister is a part of their group and seemingly acts as a higher up in their group." I asked as I return to land with Crescendo.
"Yeah, they aren't fun to deal with. They have been recently harassing gym challengers and stole one of the minor league gyms and made it their base. Chairman Rose and Leon can't do anything about them at the moment due to the sheer power of their leader. Their leader conquered two of the most powerful leagues already and the only reason they are not champion was them declining from being disappointed in how weak their region is." Explained Raihan.
"Laurie! I can't believe she went that far... I've had enough now! It got personal!" I yell as I notice Sunlight and Illuminate show signs of being afraid.
Crap! I let my anger get the better of me there... Maple was right in the end so far. No... I will improve myself for the sake of the pokemon I carry even if it means going to extreme lengths.
"There's the first lesson. Don't let your emotions get the better of you in a match or training your pokemon. You noticed already that your pokemon became afraid of you at that moment." Explained Raihan.
Damn it. I guess I haven't learned at all yet.
"Now that you mention it... How do you know how your pokemon sound like and what they say? Do you have some telekinetic power or something?" Asked Raihan.
"My Gardevoir Moon can telepathically speak to me. Its ability is achieved if they grow a strong bond with their trainer according to researchers. I'm lucky to have met her in the first place." I said laughing.
All of them... they just felt rejected as well. The harsh reality of the pokemon world is known to these 5 for so long. I'm truly thankful for meeting you all.
"Raihan... I want to challenge you to a 1 on 1. I want to show you how strong we have become as a team." I asked.
"No. It's gotta be a true contest of a team. A double battle! 2 of your pokemon versus 2 of my pokemon." Said Raihan getting excited.
"Then let's go!" I said as we prepare for the battle.
"Alright, this will be a 2 on 2 Double Battle! The match ends when both Pokemon faint. Both of you send out your pokemon at the same time!" Said Saki as Raihan and I chose our selected pokemon.
"Go Gigalith and Duraludon!" Said Raihan summoning them both out of their ultra balls.
"Let's go Crescendo and Sunlight!" I said as they both get in front of me.
This should be a simple method of holding down the fort. Sunlight carries Hidden Power that is effective against Duraludon's bulk while Crescendo can protect Sunlight and then take out his Gigalith. It's a way to gain victory.
"Take me seriously Liam!" Said Raihan looking serious.
What? I am taking him seriously. That would be stupid to not take a powerful trainer seriously...
"I know you aren't. I've seen the matches that you've been having recently. You would never send out Sunlight into battle. If you won't take me seriously then I'll punish you for it!" Yelled Raihan getting pumped.
"Bring it on then! I won't' back down!" I yelled as Crescendo and Sunlight prepare for battle.
"Duraludon let's show him what we're made of! Gigantamax!" Said Raihan as he returned his Duraludon to its poke ball and throw it behind him. It turned into a huge metal skyscraper.
I've got to fight that? This power is overwhelming! No... I can't back down now to prove how far we have come so far.
"Crescendo! Use Surf to take down Gigalith!" I commanded as Lapras slams his fins on the ground to unleash a torrent of waves.
You're not avoiding this attack Raihan!
"Duraludon! Show this amateur the power you possess! Max Rockfall!" Said Raihan as a giant rock befalls on Crescendo.
No Crescendo! The impact of the surf still has landed on Gigalith and took it down Crescendo went down with it putting me in a bad spot.
"You're outmatched. You've only been getting by just with luck. If you think you are capable of winning the ultra cup then you are wrong with what I saw." Said Raihan smiling.
That son of a... focus! I can beat him with the last card up my sleeve.
"Sunlight! hit that Duraludon with Hidden Power!" I commanded as Sunlight unleashes a force of power on Duraludon pushing it back a tiny bit.
Sunlight's hidden power was fighting which benefited from fighting off his trump card.
"Duraludon! Finish this off with Max Steelspike!" Said Raihan as Duraludon stomps it's feet to unleash a hail of spikes on Sunlight.
"Sunlight! Use your feelers propel yourself!" I commanded as Sunlight avoided the powerful attack with her feelers.
"What?" Said Raihan caught off.
All of my pokemon have distinct abilities from each other that can throw opponents off guard. Feelers, pokemon emotions, battle knowledge, dancing, and adaptability created the team that will overcome the odds with everything we've got!
"Heh. So you were using me as an experiment to find your pokemon's talent. Let's end it here. Duraludon Max Steelspike!" Said Raihan as Duraludon began to unleash the spikes once more.
"Sunlight! Protect!" I commanded as Sunlight put up a barrier to protect herself.
The sheer power of the Max Steelspike broke the barrier and struck Sunlight who was barely standing. As this happened his Duraludon seeming returned to its original form.
"Sunlight. You don't battle anymore. I forfeit the match." I said as Sunlight collapsed and ran to her.
Moon immediately tossed me a bottle of special medicine from my bag as I lay Sunlight's head on my lap. I open the bottle and using the cap as the amount needed, I poured the medicine into Sunlight's mouth as she drinks it up.
"...You gave up because you were worried that your Sylveon would be killed. Heh. You let Sylveon battle because she wanted to fight..." Stopped Raihan as he hears Sunlight coughing lightly.
"There There... let the medicine do its job. You did the best you could." I said stroking her head lightly.
Some rest would be best for Sunlight. It was just as I thought... Sunlight has a weak immune system. Even when her leg's finally recovered she struggles taking hard hits or even lasting long in a battle. I don't care if she can't fight or not as long as I find a way for her to be happy without involving battling. The last thing that I would ever want is repeating the same mistakes of my past.
"I see... It was truly not luck that won fights. It was understanding their strengths to the fullest that pushed them beyond what they were capable of in the first place... perhaps you can use that method the elder has stated to be extremely rare to achieve." Said Raihan as he returns his pokemon back to their respective pokeballs.
Crescendo immediately got back up with only some potions needed to repair the damage. He mentions though of a method that is extremely rare to achieve. Would that be the power of Gigantamax? Either way, I'm just happy that Sunlight is gonna be okay.
"So you gave up a fight for the sake of the health of your pokemon? You will struggle if that mindset lingers around" Said Aurea as she finished witnessing the fight.
As much as I want to disagree with her... she has a point there.
"You're skills have gotten rusty there. You still have time though to get up into shape their buddy!" Said Luna.
Fair enough assumption from her. I can feel Sunlight's heartbeat calming down and see her breathing lightly. She's resting happily as my pokemon gather around.
"Right! Everyone, we got a new friend who has joined our team. Please be kind to our Dratini Canon starting from today." I said as Canon worms up to my left shoulder and rests there.
I can see it already from them that Illuminate is thinking of Canon as a rival. Crescendo and Moon are quite fond of the little dragon already. Winter seemingly is staying away potentially out of fear of harming Canon with type advantaged attacks. Yep... this team is the one that will take Galar by storm alright.
"Alright. I got the data on the Piplup line. I can go spend some time with the team now." I said putting the data in my bag.
Ah, the usual scene if the day is indoor. Moon and Sunlight huddled up using my phone to watch some movie staring some popular movie actress in Kalos. Winter is next to me listening to some music from my laptop while Canon is sleeping on my shoulder. Illuminate is enjoying the heating table while napping. Crescendo is also currently resting in his pokeball. Of course, the three who are guests on the island are here as well pretty much doing their own thing. Meanwhile, I'm looking more into raising Dratini's and info on team clover. Hmmm... this team was stated to have formed in Unova... could this have something to do with the fire that day?
"Man your pokemon have strange behaviors." Said Raihan yawning.
Strange huh? Researching their habits and personalities are quite a handful sometimes. Looking more into these clover articles though suggests that their team has incredibly powerful trainers with heavy districts of their members in Jhoto, Unova, and Kalos. Their goal is to become the strongest trainers in the world according to their interviews. Laurie, what happened to you when I was in prison? What happened to the sister who I adored?
"Raihan... what does it mean to be strong? I've heard many times that being strong often resulted in where people like the ones I've seen in prison rotting away. Why do you want to be strong only to end up losing yourself?" I asked looking back at my pokemon.
Raihan simply laughs at the question on hand and returns a grin to me.
"Liam... The strong you're thinking of and the strong like the leaders of Galar are different viewpoints. The strength to go beyond the limits we have and overcoming the odds or growing stronger both as humans and pokemon create the experience of being strong. I understand the worries of not looking strong and thinking that being strong meant everything in the trainer scene but, those who haven't gone to the lengths to cry, laugh, play, improve, and care for each other will not reach the potential they have inside them." Said Raihan as he lays down on his bed.
So that is what it means to be strong. It feels truly appropriate.
"Based on Raihan's theory... you will become a strong trainer with how much you let your pokemon roam freely." Said Aurea.
"Heh. Still the same as always." Said Luna chilling out.
Well, at least it's nice to have met some people here. Huh... this article on the fire has the footage. The article describes that the footage received by the studio confirmed that I was the one that started the fire. They said I sacrificed Solar to resurrect Reshiram and to appease some cult that they accused me of being the leader to. That's ridiculous! Worse of all they say the footage came from team clover. Those mother-
"Er, what do you want?" Said Saki outside as it caught Crescendo's attention.
Immediately I'm teleported to where Saki is without a word said.
"Damn it, Moon! You could've at least teleported with me." I yelled as Canon woke up and Crescendo making his way towards me.
From my view, I see a couple of clover trainers surrounding Saki. I can see Laurie at the end with the trainers from the training and Gabrielle knocked out.
"Saki! I'm coming to help you!" I yelled as Canon gets in front of me and I summon Crescendo from my pokeball.
"No! These trainers are dangerous! I cannot let -" Stopped Saki as she is grabbed by a big trainer.
"Shut your mouth, kimono girl. You have no right to speak like the trash you are." Said the Big trainer grinning.
That piece of filth. Everyone has the right to speak even if they are not skilled trainers. I'm gonna give it my all to defeat these scum bags once and for all. Crescendo... Canon let's hold out until the rest get here.
"Let them go or you'll be in serious trouble." I said.
"Yes. The son of the former member of the Sinnoh Elite four, and one that you have shammed with the actions you have committed that day brother. I've heard everything from this cute little woman who claims to be a gym leader that you were rehabilitating. What a joke. You stand no chance of challenging elite trainers from across the world with weak pokemon you carry." Said Laurie.
"I don't care if you are a whole army of elite trainers! You are not getting what you want!" I said as I see a flash of light in front of me.
Moon instantly transported Raihan over here. Hell yes Moon, that was quick thinking. Immediately afterward Luna and Aurea were teleported next to Raihan who are shocked at the appearance of Team Clover. Thank you Moon for the quick thinking.
"Oh. You have the balls to even step on this island Team Clover. Even more, balls to hurt Saki or the teacher. You are going to feel the pain now!" Said Raihan summoning out Duraludon.
"Hmph! As the future Steel gym leader, I cannot allow such ruffians to affect sacred land for selfish gains. Prepare yourself!" Said Aurea summoning out Aggron and Skarmory.
"I don't like the kind who threatens or torments people intentionally. It's time to be punished!" Said Luna summoning out Tyranitar and Krookodile with an immediate sandstorm unleashed.
"Liam go to the temple! Warn the elder now." Yelled Saki as I nod.
Please everyone stay safe. I signal Crescendo and Canon to follow me as my party follows me towards the temple. I Enter the temple to be in total pitch darkness. I can see my eyes getting heavy just being inside the temple. What is inside this temple that attracted them here?
"!"
I heard something. Sounds like an Absol cry. That makes no sense unless a disaster occurs. Maybe it's the elder's pokemon that protect the temple and using pokemon that can navigate the dark perfectly. Focus Liam, you've got to protect the elder. Saki trusted me to protect you.
"Is that so? Are you aware of what you are protecting young one?" said the voice.
What I'm protecting? I'm sure I'm protecting either a human or a pokemon in this temple. Focus once again. After this, I must return to protect the people fighting to protect this very temple. I cannot leave them there to get hurt or killed.
"Is that your resolve young one?" said the voice.
Resolve? Do I even consider them friends? I've been hurt for so long from the reckless ambition of wanting only happiness for pokemon when it only leads to the anger that consumed me. Why do I want to protect them so much? They likely never cared for me as I did for them... no that's a lie. In reality, I cared but, never noticed when I started to trust them.
"Is that the truth you see in your heart or the ideals that consumed you?" said the voice.
Truth... Ideals? This is the same question N asked me when we first met. Why am I asked this again for? I'd wish to never answer that seeing how I'm still confused about what I believe in. The truth lost me the most important family in my life and Ideals ended with me in misery. My answer...
"None. The world is not black or white after all. It's cruel and cold but, those with optimism or hope can shape the world we live in." I said.
"Is that so? Have you found hope?" Said the voice.
Hope? Now that the voice mentioned it... When did I become so hopeful again? Sunlight? Sally? Aurea? Raihan? Mom? When did I regain this? Motivation? Just what is it? What is my hope?
"Hope? All of their wishes... I want to help them achieve it. The dreams towards tomorrow that glimmer in the moonlight. The flames that scar my heart will hold me down no more. I won't give up on achieving their happiness!" I said as a glimmer of light shined upon the temple grounds revealing in the middle a carving of different types of pokemon.
7 pokemon are depicted here: Aggron, Lapras, Zoroark, Flygon, Meganium, A huge coal looking pokemon, and finally Gardevoir. A weird combination of pokemon depicted here with very little connection to each other. I should sketch it for future reference. Something about it seems off. Looking into the carving further, I noticed that there was an unknown looking pokemon carved as well drenched in pitch black. What does it all mean though?
"Sunlight! Misty Terrian!" I said as she happily fills the room with a gentle aura.
The room lights up to see multiple baby pokemon that are extraordinarily rare. On the end is a throne containing a small white ball sitting on it. Instantly, flashbacks from the past flash before my eyes as I hear a scream from behind me.
"Ah... finally the temple of the ancients. Carrying the legends that will be fulfilled by the strongest team in the world Clover. Step out of the way child of Serene." Said a rough voice.
Behind me was a rough man with a different looking Aggron behind him. This man was tall and had his whole body throat down covered in a black suit with his face covered by a mask.
"You... You were the same person who framed me 3 years ago! Why did you do it? Why did you send me to suffer in a hellish prison with the only survival was luck? What are you?" I yelled as I grew angry.
"I suppose it would be fair to at least answer at least why you got framed, to begin with. We were expecting for N or Getitis to actually be hunting down the white orb but, instead sent the prince's right-hand man to obtain the orb. It surprised me that the dragon of truth was freed by you so I took the opportunity to claim the dragon by controlling it. However, when attempting to gain control of Reshiram I noticed that something it saw made it snap and started burning down the village and has resulted in claiming your Flareon's life. I could not afford to abandon the mission so I manipulated the footage with my abilities to pin the situation on you. I sincerely offer my apologies for putting you through this unfairly." Explained the masked man.
I was so enraged that everything was done just to control a damn dragon. I so badly wanted to punch him with all my power as he took so much from me and almost did it again with my current team. As I wanted to give him a piece of my mind, Moon and Sunlight get between both of us and looked back at me with worry.
"I lost everything... Just for a mission? You made my life miserable and lost the most important friend of mine that I abandoned my whole career of being a trainer for just for a mission?" I said holding back all the emotions I have heard this.
"I'm assured that you are angry about the loss and the pain you have gone through but, surely this was for a good cause child." Said the masked man.
"Angry... I'm beyond that. You indirectly caused the death of the only family I've ever had and set a village on fire. Tell me is all those lives in the village gone worth it? Are you so selfish to sacrifice others just for Reshiram's power?" I said uncontrollably sobbing.
I can feel the feelers of Sunlight around my hands in an attempt to calm me down. I'm sorry Sunlight it goes beyond just emotions now.
"Understandable... I'm sorry but, I would ask politely for you to please step out of the way. That orb is important." Said the masked man.
"No... I'm not budging!" I said as Moon and Illuminate get in front of me.
"My apologies for harming you then. You did this to yourself." Said the masked man as his Aggron roars and prepares to attack.
This is it. Right in front of me is the same man who framed me for the crime that destroyed my life. Let's end this for good.
"Illuminate Brick Break! Moon Focus Blast!" I commanded.
Illuminate dashed towards the Aggron and used his tail to slam it full force while the Aggron was struck from the side from Moon's focus blast. Yes, two direct hits in a row. What... the Aggron took no damage.
"You are out of your league. Aggron Iron Tail!" Commanded the Masked Man.
The Aggron slammed his tail on Illuminate's side pushing him towards me. I catch Illuminate but, as a result, was pushed back and felt the impact of the attack. What the hell is this raw power? Can I even win? I put Illuminate down to let him rest as I prepare to make the next move.
"Moon, Thunderbolt!" I commanded.
"Aggron, Iron Tail!" Commanded the Masked Man.
Moon threw out a powerful bolt of lighting to neutralize the raw power of the iron tail. There's no way I can damage the Aggron unless we try that.
"Moon, Focus Blast!" I commanded as she charged up the blast
"Aggron Iron Tail!" He commanded.
Moon leaped into the air as she threw the charged-up blast right into the face of Aggron causing the Aggron to flail its tail around in the darkness. This is the moment to take him down.
"Moon, Psychic!" I commanded as she concentrates.
Within 1 minute of silence between Aggron and Moon, it fell in defeat. Yes, we beat that powerful creature!
"Is that the potential you have? I feel disappointed in you. I shall show you true power." He said as he summons out a Gallade.
"Gallade finish off his Gardevoir with Poison Jab!" He commands as his Gallade's blades turn purple.
She should be able to dance around that and hit him with Moonblast. Suddenly, without a chance to move his Gallade Slashed at Moon pushing her towards me as I break her fall. I can hear her agonizing scream from the impact of the poison jab as I notice her skin very slowly turning purple.
"What the hell did you do to Moon?" I yelled in anger.
"Poison. My Gallade poisoned her with Poison Jab. It'll be a reminder of the regrets you will always carry as a trainer." Said the Masked Man as he walks towards me and my party.
"Moon! Moon! Hang in there I'll get help for you!" I cried desperately thinking of a way to help her.
This can't be happening... If I don't get help anytime soon she'll possibly die. This can't be the end.
"Gah!" said the masked man surprised.
I see Sunlight holding his legs with her feelers in a desperate attempt to prevent them from getting to the throne. Sunlight please don't... you know you can't fight for long.
"Willing to throw your life away for your trainer? So be it, Gallade Poison Jab!" Commanded the masked man.
I can see the Gallade's hands turning purple again preparing to strike Sunlight next.
"Sunlight!" I yelled out in desperation.
Please don't let it end like this. Not to the pokemon who only wanted to be loved and understood. Please, make a miracle happen... anyone... please.
END
Authors Note: I apologize for being tardy in writing, my health hasn't been the greatest recently which affected me for some time. I'll try to be more consistent with chapter releases going on. - Tavi
