Chapter 50- Forged from Hellfire

A/N: This is an original Pokémon Fan Game, made by Amethyst. if you wish to check it out and play the game download it at Reborn Evolved. search for it on your web browser if you want to get to the website.

Time: 23:26

Location: Seventh Street

Another serious of unfortunate events have fallen on Percival, yet again… His friends: Lucille, Cain, and Luna had been captured by Team Meteor. Percival was unable to do anything to help them then. His only way to try and help them was to attack Team Meteor in their base in Seventh Street. Though to do so he needed to pair up with an unlikely foe.

Nero Umbrasyl, a trainer who was aligned with Team Meteor, but also the twin brother of Lucille. upon interacting with Nero, Percival realized that Nero didn't like the idea that his sister was captured. But since he would be fighting against his own team, Nero would be reluctant to help. So, in trying to convince him, Percival proposed a bet. The two would fight, the loser would do what the winner said.

Percival assumed the fight would start where they stood… but Nero planned differently. Nero with his underworldly dealings, easily brought Percival into Seventh Street. It was an underground part of Lapis Ward. A part where the only law that stood was survival. The strong reigned over the weak, while the weak struggled to survive.

Though the rules where so, the appearance of Seventh Street wasn't that great either. It appeared to have several entrances scattered about as several buildings connected to the surface. The streets were filled with litter, filth, and broken walkways.

As Percival walked, he noted the sickening shops that were there. Illegal breeding rings, where Pokémon were forced to be bred. Illegal item shops, outlawed items that increased a Pokémon's power by sacrificing the wellbeing of the Pokémon. Not to mentions cages filled with stolen Pokémon, that were being traded off to probably worse trainers… It sickens me to see this… though, no matter where I go. There will always be places like this.

Though what Percival noticed the most… was how he and Nero were being stared at as they walked through Seventh Street. as the multiple on lookers looked at them. Percival could over hear some tidbits of what they were saying.

"What's he doing back here… He hasn't been over in this part in years…" One person said… noting the direction Percival and Nero were walking.

"Who's the guy behind him?" Another questioned, seemingly worried for Percival. Though neither knew each other.

"Dead meat if you ask me." a man said rather honestly. Looking at Nero, this man could guess that the two were about to fight.

"You… You don't think that guy challenged Nero? Did he?" Another who was with him looked on in shock. As one who has foolishly fought against Nero, fear seemed to be apparent on this person's face.

"He's crazier than Nero if he is…" The man admitted.

Percival heard more and more similar things as he overheard the people talking. He could tell that they were afraid of Nero. It made Percival wonder about what he was getting himself into… As Nero led Percival through Seventh Street. Percival finally caught sight of where he was being led. It was rather something Percival could believe existed in Reborn. Though it was something common in a Black Market like this… an illegal Fighting Ring. In normal battles it was curtesy to make sure you didn't hurt your opponent's Pokémon too bad… but Fighting Rings like this, you could easily lose the life of your Pokémon here. For what would you gain? Money? Power? Those are things that could be gained… but what was usually collected here was misery and pain.

The pit was deep enough that it required a latter for the participants to climb in and out. The walls held many scratches and dents from Pokémon. The floor was sand, easy to change and cover up blood… crowds gathered by the sides of the pits whether it was to see if their bets were placed correctly, or just to watch the Pokémon struggle.

Nero walked his way up to the man handling the battle order, and the bets for the fighting ring. The man wore a dark blue suit, the man seemed fairly calm and reserved. His hair was a dark black color, similar to Nero's. but what Percival noticed was the disfiguration of the man's face, it was a deep red, not like his hands, the skin seemed uneven and rough. The man's face it was burned, but it wasn't a normal burn. By how the man acted, it would appear he'd have it for a while now, but with how red it was… it looked recent, the burn was still fresh, barely healed. The man was talking to two other people, who seemed to think this was normal.

It wasn't until Nero spoke that the air had changed. A sickening smile on his face. "Hey, Archie. How's the burn scar?"

"!" The man, 'Archie', Stiffed as he heard Nero voice. Looking back, he was terrified by the sudden appearance of Nero. "Y-You! What are you doing here?!"

"Heh, relax… Hades has forgiven you since you destroyed the Magma Gang." Nero laughed quietly, though he smiled… both Percival and Archer saw there was no smile in his eyes. "I'm just here for a battle. Ya think ya can hook us up really quick?"

"Y-Y-Yes!" Archer answered as fast as he could. He knew first-hand how dangerous it was to piss off Nero. "I'll do it as soon as possible."

With that Archer quickly walked off towards someone other people. going to convince them of the sudden change of plans. Percival was somewhat spooked, ever since he's stepped foot down here with Nero. He's seen how terrified people were of Nero. "Who…"

"Archer. The Ex -Gang Leader of the Aqua Gang." Nero answered, his voice was cold. A rage still burning towards the man. "Also, the destroyer of the second place that I found peace in."

"…What?" Percival couldn't help but slip out. The destroyer of the second place, where Nero found peace. From what Percival heard/knew, the only time Nero was at peace was when he was with Lucille. but to hear there was another… that also got taken away from him, surprised Percival.

"A little less than a year after Lucille "died" and my mother abandoned me with my shitty father… Dear old Dad fell on his wages, and brought me down here." Nero coldly explained. The ugly memories of his fights in this ring… wasn't something Nero liked to remember. "Here I learned winning is what mattered most. If I won, I got food for the night. If I lost… well, I'd lose a teammate."

"…" Percival felt himself pale as he heard that… What he knew from an estimated guess from Lucille… The two of them were just around the age of eight… perhaps even nine years old. When Lucille was attacked by a Hydreigon, and taken away from Nero. To be that young and brought to this place… it's not something anyone would like to hear.

"To be honest… This is the place where Grim got the name of The Grim Reaper." Nero stated simply, there was coldness in his eyes as he watched the current battle… yet there was also a understanding for this ring. "Before that it was just Grim. As in the only future I saw for myself. Though it wouldn't be soon when I made the theme of naming my team after a mythical god of death."

"…" Percival couldn't even think of anything to say to Nero.

"though back at what I was saying. It wasn't long into that year that I decided to run away." Nero continued, thinking back to the nights he spent on the streets. "the time was even shorter as I first met Maxwell. The Leader of the Magma Gang. Was part of the gang for about a year. It was one of the few places that I felt… liked." Nero explained. "Also, the place where I got Hades. Hades was the pup of Maxwell's Houndoom. Heh, everyone was pretty welcoming and nice. Especially when they tried to help me with gathering my team of Pokémon. Sure, they all had a bias towards Fire and Ground types, but they were pretty understanding on my attraction to dark-types." The way Nero worded that last phrase, wasn't though he went out of his way to collect Dark-Types, it was rather how they were attracted to him. "the crimes I've committed with them were petty at best. They thought a kid like me shouldn't go down a path of crime, but also understood that I was never going back home. They did their best to take care for me. All was well until the Aqua Gang came along." Nero silently glared at Archer once more. "Aqua Gang had defeated the Magma Gang, by giving the police an anonymous tip. Getting everyone there arrested, including me. Though still as a kid, Maxwell covered for me. saying he forced me to commit crimes. Not that I would accept that… but it was a kid's word against an Adult's. I didn't have any choice in the matter." Nero sighed as he recalled that day. "Thought I would be forced to return home, though lucky or rather unlucky for dear old Dad. The apartment we lived in was set on fire, with him inside. Something about him falling asleep with the stove on. Not too sure on the details, just glad I'd never see him again." Nero continued, "That's when I spent a year at Sigmund's Orphanage. Though I wouldn't be staying long. After that… you pretty much know the rest."

Before Percival could make a response. Archer returned to Nero and Percival "It's time. You two will have the next match…" Archer then looked at Percival. "Um, your n—"

"Shiro, Shiro Leafwell." Nero answered. Though he dragged Percival down here… Nero didn't feel the need to drag down Percival's name. quickly giving him a fake name for the battle.

"Shiro Leafwell… Got it." Archer didn't even attempt to argue with Nero. Walking back to talk it over with the Announcer.

"Well, time to go." Nero said, pointing for Pericaval to walk over to one entrance of the pit. As Nero made his way to the opposite side.

"…" Percival swallowed hard as he walked to the ladder on his side. he was wondering, why did Nero feel it was necessary to say this to him now. he could have chosen any other time… but why now? was it to throw Percival off his game? Make it so Percival would hold back against him? Though Percival questioned why, Percival knew he had to stay focused, fight at full strength. Otherwise he had no chance to save his friends. Though, Nero's reason for saying this… it had nothing to do with what Percival wanted to accomplish. He wanted Percival to know this… know how much hell his life had been. How the world had been the fire of a blast furnace, and this was the result of that hellfire.

As Nero and Percival took their positions. A man with bright yellow hair, a reasonably fancy suit, and a microphone came to the edge of the pit. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Your attention please. Due to sudden events there will be a change in the battle schedule." As the crowd started to groan at the annoyance, and a bit of the occasional yell about bets. "Do not worry Folks! The other battles have just been pushed back, if you've already made a bet you it will still be in place for that match. But tonight, we have new special, entirely interesting match for you all! Or Else my name isn't Benjamin Bishop!" Ben Bishop Spoke with such announcement and excitement. The people who were once groaning, now looking on in interest. "Tonight, we have a special Battle with the one and only Black Demon! Nero Umbrasyl!"

"*Gasp*" There was a surprised gasp from the audience as they looked down into the pit. There they saw him, Nero.

"Yes, the undefeated Champion has returned for a match he decided to have himself!" Benjamin shouted. The crowds looked on in awe. Then pointing to the other side of the pit. "On the other side, we have the unluck sap that has to battle! Shiro Leafwell!"

"…" While there wasn't any particular applause for Percival… Percival could sense the overwhelming pity that the audience had for him. Percival had previously seen how strong Nero was… But Percival was strong as well.

Though during the silence… a few individuals decided to yell support for Percival. "Teach that demon a lesson, Shiro!"

"He's reigned champion over this place far too long! Take him down a peg!" Another shouted.

With this uncharacteristic support of people. Percival felt rather confident. "Not seemed to be liked much here? Are you?"

"I'm hated by most people." Nero shrugged, not particularly caring for the stares around him.

"All Right, Trainers ready your first Pokémon…" Benjamin shouted. Where Percival quickly chose which one to send out first. "Ready, Set, Battle!"

"Phoebe! You're on!" Percival shouted as he tossed out a long serpent Pokémon with tannish scales, a multicolored tail, and two long pinkish hair like fins. This was Phoebe, Percival's Milotic.

"Milo!" Phoebe shouted, quickly scanning the arena for her opponent. Only to see that there wasn't one. "Mi… Milo?"

"Oh… Right." Nero suddenly remembered "Hela! Grass knot!"

"Zora!" Suddenly out of nowhere, a foxlike Pokémon with black and red fur suddenly appeared. With, Hela, the Zoroark's appearance the floor suddenly changed from sand to Grass. Hiding the true vines that would suddenly sprout forcing Phoebe to the ground.

"Milo!" Phoebe Struggled hard against the sudden and unexpected attack. Taking more damage as she fought.

"The hell?!" Percival was surprised. how did he not notice the Zoroark? Quickly thinking. "Phoebe, Ice beam Quick!"

"Mi!" Phoebe, struggled opening her mouth as cold energy gathered, turning into a blue sphere right as it launched at Hela. Only for the attack to phase right through this Illusionary Fox.

"What?" Percival called out perplexed by the sudden disappearance of the Fox.

"Heh… Ya know, people never use their Pokémon's abilities to the best they can." Nero laughed as the Milotic missed its attack. "Hela truly has the best abilities when it comes to stealth. Now, Grass knot again."

"Milo!" Phoebe shouted as the vines grip strengthened knocking Phoebe out!

"AND it's a K.O." Benjamin shouted as Phoebe fainted. "Will the Demon continue his onslaught?"

"…" Nero rolled his eyes, returning Hela to her Pokeball.

"Mercy reigns from him on this round." Benjamin notified the crowd. The crowd looked on in… not particularly shock, but wonder…

"…" Percival silently returned Phoebe into her Pokeball. It had appeared Though this was an Illegal Fighting Ring, it had its own rules. Rather than a full set battle, the two Pokémon would both be in full health. No setting in entry hazards, no switching out mid round, and no holding back. Percival wondered which Pokémon to use next. Rather half of his team was Psychic while, Nero's was all Dark-types… Though with-it being a round set, Percival understood who would be fighting against Grim. Percival's next choice was… "Aeros!"

There was the popping release of two Pokémon being released from their pokeballs. Percival released his grey dragon, Aerodactyl, also known as Aeros. While the next Pokémon that Nero chosen, couldn't have been a better pick for the type matchup. Nero's was a frog Pokémon, with blue skin, and a very long pink toing. This was Izanami, Nero's Greninja.

"Well, at least we have the speed advantage. Aeros, Thunder Fang!" Percival commanded. Aeros, flying straight at Izanami.

"Arrr!" Aeros roared, as electricity filled his teeth, quickly lowering the distance between the two Pokémon.

"Izanami, water shuriken." Nero calmly said. Izanami compressing her hands forming water into a starshaped launching five of the stars. Though only three making contact with Aeros.

"Aero!" Aeros roared from the attack, determination was still clear in its. with a large snap, it closed its electrified maw on Izanami.

"Gre!" Izanami cried out in pain as Aeros bit her leg. Though even through the pain, she formed another set of water star, throwing them point-blank at Aeros. This time taking it out of contention.

"And another one of Shiro's Pokémon fall!" Benjamin announced, as Aeros was now unable to battle. "Will this be the extinction of this prehistoric beast?"

"Hmph…" Nero huffed, retiring Izanami back to her Pokeball. Before commenting. "That Aerodactyl is feistier than I thought. Izanami's Water Shuriken has sliced through stone after all."

"…" Percival balled his fists in frustration. Readying his next Pokémon. One who would have the best advantage against Nero's Team. "Artemis, it would be your turn." Percival brought a human like Pokémon. Though the dress was a flowing white like most Gardevoir, instead of the usual green, Artemis sported black. It was a unique appearance of Gardevoir, Artemis was obviously shiny, but with origins from the Reborn Region.

"Keh… Not a lot I can do here, huh?" Nero scratched his head as he looked at Artemis. For a psychic-Fairy Type Pokémon. There wasn't much Nero could count on in type advantage… but he had one obvious choice for this Gardevoir. "Raven, given your death cry."

"Honch—KROW!" A black bird, with a fedora like hat, and a puffy chest came out of Nero's Pokeball. This was Raven, Nero's Honchkrow.

"Well… I think you made a mistake in this choice. A Fire-Dark Type would have held a better advantage for you." Percival admitted, smiling as Nero stubbornly didn't use his Houndoom. "Either way, Artemis. Moon Blast!"

"Gar-de-voir!" As Percival commanded, Artemis' eyes started to glow, with a bright flashing light starting to appear overhead.

"Raven." Nero called out once to his Pokémon.

"KROW!" Raven cried, flying fast at Artemis. Raking her sharp claws against Artemis in a surprise attack.

"Gar!" Artemis shouted from the unexpected attack, being knocked off balance for a single second. Though Raven's attack was far from powerful enough to stop Artemis. As the blinding flash from Artemis knocked out Raven in one go.

"Heh, that's what you would expect when a Dark-Type goes against a Fairy." Percival smiled as Artemis, took down Raven.

"Well… I don't think that Gardevoir of yours is in the best of shape" Nero motioned to Artemis' deep wound from Raven. "But… this isn't over just yet."

"Wh—" Before Percival could question it. He heard it, not only did Percival hear it, the crowd did as well. all looked up seeing a deeply darkened ceiling. In Seventh Street, there were several flood lights that light up this underground city. But currently the light of this section was being blocked out.

"Mur! Mur! Mur! Murkrow!" Blocked out by a murder of Murkrow. {A/N: Fun fact, a group of crows is called a "murder".} The murder circled around the Fighting ring, right before swooping down onto Artemis. If a Honchkrow utters a deep cry, many Murkrow gather quickly. For this, it is called "Summoner of Night."

"Artemis!" Percival called out.

"Gar… Gardevoir!" Artemis Struggled as she sent out another blinding light of Moon blast. Chasing the murder away. Just as she fell unconscious between her wounds and the unexpected exert of her energy.
"Well would you look at that folks. This battle has ended up as a Tie." Benjamin analyzed, following a reminder. "Though this is just one of the ways, Nero avoids having his Pokémon risking death."

"…" Percival glared at Nero for this dirty trick of his.

"What? All's fair in love and war." Nero didn't care for the glare. As he's often used this trick before. When facing the possibility of losing a teammate… most people would do desperate things to keep them alive. Though, Nero knows how Percival would have reacted… but didn't give Percival a chance either way… though probably because of the crowd.

"Tch…" Percival rolled his eyes.

"Well, why don't I pick the next round." Nero smiled, taking out his next Pokémon. As it landed, it was a dog-like Pokémon with a black body, orange snout, and orange underbelly. A white band around its neck with a skull shaped pendant around his throat. There were white bands around his feet, and back had three rib like rigids on his back. This was Hades, Nero's Houndoom.

"AROOOOOOOO!" Hades howled releasing strong and violent flames into the air.

"Here he is, Nero's god of the Under World. Also, the one who burned our dear bet coordinator Archer. It's Hades!" Benjamin announced, to where Percival stared at Nero in surprise.

"(Hades burned Archer?)" Percival stood alarmed to hear that.

"What? Hades wanted revenge, so did I. so who was I to say no?" Nero looked at Percival unamused. Though Nero then broke with a cold smile. "Though, I did learn… that a burn from a Houndoom will always burn at the same intensity that day."

"…" Percival shook… he only had three Pokémon left standing. Phoebe and Aeros were already out of contention, even Artemis wouldn't have been a good match for Hades. Percival wouldn't risk sending in Steel or Vee. Especially after seeing the pure power Hades had used against a Steelix. Percival's only choice was to bring out a fire-type of his own. "Oracle, your turn."

"Delph…" Out came a bipedal fox Pokémon with red and orange fur. The fur around his body, was coat like. Though the notable feature of, Oracle was the wand-like stick that he held towards Hades. Oracle, was a Delphox.

"Ha ha ha…" Nero laughed; this was the Pokémon to be expected after all. "Fire vs Fire… How comical… especially since your brother uses Fire-types after all."

"That has nothing to do with this." Percival glared at Nero. Touching a subject that Percival wasn't a fan of.

"Oh, did I strike a nerve? Here, let me and Hades temper a few more." Nero smiled sickly. "Hades Flamethrower!"

"Hou—OU!" Hades took a deep breath, as the toxic, yet also flammable breath was released and with a quick spark, a torrent of flame poured from Hades' maw.

"Oracle, Mystical Fire!" Percival commanded back. Oracle raised his wand with a flame flickering at the end, summoning a burst of fire. The two blasts collided, canceling each other out.

"To match Hades…" Nero grinned slightly as he saw the power of Oracle. But as usual he had another plan… "Hidden in Flames, Darkness is always quick to follow light. Dark Pulse."

"Arrr!" As Hades' torrent of flames vanished, it was quickly replaced with a black tangled energy… twisting itself through the flames, quickly reaching Oracle.

"Delph!" Oracle cried out in pain from the unexpected follow-up attack. Falling quickly to Hades.

"And another one down on Shiro's side!" Benjamin shouted to the crowd.

"…" Percival bit his lip. His choice in Pokémon was declining very quickly. The only two he had left was Vee, his Leafeon and… "Steel come on out."

"Meta!" It was a blue metal Pokémon, four legs, and a giant silver 'X' across its face. This was Steel, Percival's Metagross.

"Oh, would you look at this folks! Shiro in a surprise turn of events set out a Pseudo Legendary!" Benjamin shouted as Steel was revealed to the crowd.

"…" Nero smiled, silently bringing out his fifth Pokémon. It had three heads each with a purple mane, six thin black wings on his back, with a mix of Blue and Black scales across its body. This was a Hydreigon, this was the same type of Pokémon that had nearly killed Lucille.

"…" Percival glared at Nero, confused to as why he had this.

"Just because Orcus is a Hydreigon. Doesn't mean he's a bad one." Nero smiled coldly.

"Would at that Folks, Nero's Team has seen some dramatic increase in fire power. Tonight, you will be lucky to see the clash between two titans!" Benjamin announced, the crowd rushed to place bets on which Pseudo Legendary would win.

Percival and Nero stood before each other watching. Steel and Orcus were slowly pacing around each other, deciding where the opponent's weak points will be. Until finally the two trainers shouted orders at the exact same time. "Hammer Arm!"/ "Dark Pulse!"

Steel rushed swinging it's heavy metallic arm onto the Black Dragon. While Orcus focused dark energy inside of each of its three head, Firing at Steel. As both attacks collided both cried out in pain from the sheer power from each other's strikes. "Dreeee!" "Metaaa!"

One would have expected this bout to have gone on much longer than the previous bouts. But this was by far the quickest. Both Pokémon attacking each other with attacks they were rather weak to in their weakest points. Benjamin as the dust cleared shouted in surprise. "Would you look at that folks! Another Tie with in the fights! Such an unexpected turn of events!"

"…" Percival bit his lips… He knew Nero was powerful, but he had grown stronger as well, didn't he? Sure, he was able to bring down two of Nero's team, but at the cost of two of his own… This wasn't looking good for Percival, could he win? Percival barely understood what the rules were like down here. From the continuous rounds the score would be 4-1 Nero leading by a lot. Even if Vee took down Grim… would that have already been Nero's win? Or would Vee have to fight over half of Nero's Team… Percival didn't know, which worried him. But seeing as this was his only chance, he couldn't give up. He and Vee had to continue to fight.

"Leaf!" Percival tossed out Vee, his Leafeon. Vee's tannish body landed softly on the floor; her green leafy ears brought Percival calmness in this anxious setting.

Yes, since after the last bout the crowd had gone rather silent. All of the onlookers knowing what was Nero's last Pokémon. All of them dreaded seeing it, even the announcer did. "Ladies and Gentlemen this seems like it could be the last round for these two. On Shiro's side he brings out a Leafeon!" Benjamin's eyes were nervous as he looked towards Nero. Noting how Grim had been released from his pokeball. "On Nero's side, you all know, you all fear, it's the Grim Reaper!"

"Sol." Grim grunted quietly, anger in his eyes for being back in this pit. Grim was a Pokémon with black fur covering most of its body, the fur on his face was a white contrast with a white horn protruding like a scythe. Everyone in the crowd was silent, as they saw the Absol, the Absol that was a personified grim reaper.

"Leaf!" Vee growled at Grim. Remembering their first encounter, Vee declaring to Grim that this won't be the same result.

"…" Grim neither scoffed, nor pitied the Leafeon, keeping guard against a foe that deserved respect. Grim has fought many of Pokémon, each with its own degree of spirit, confidence, and even determination. The glare that Vee gave Grim… it was something he'd been accustomed to. But there was more to it, something that Grim respected. A Pokémon doing all that it can to protect its trainer. It was something Grim had done himself multiple times.

The two Pokémon stood at attention readying battle stances.

"…" Percival waited for Nero to make the first move, if they attacked, or planed something carelessly. They would no doubt lose.

"…" Nero only smiled… his eyes glowing a light blue… He waited for a small second, "Grim!" Grim eye's flashed as well, and charged at Vee. His horn glowing a light green as he aimed for Vee.

"Vee dodge, left! Then follow up with X-Scizor!" No, Dodge right!

"…Leaf!" Barely able to avoid the Mega Horn from Grim, Vee jumped to the right.

"?!" Grim's charge came to a complete halt, stunned at the sudden change of events. Grim definitely saw Vee jumping left…

"…" Nero looked a bit confused as well. he never expected that to miss.

"Leafeon!" Vee cried, using Grim's moment of confusion to attack. With its head leaf slashing in a 'X' pattern on top of Grim.

"Ab!" Grim, though the counter was to be expected… Grim who was stunned by Vee's dodge got hit. Being pushed back, Grim's paws dragged against the sand. Still standing, even if the damage was heavy, it would take more than that to take Grim Down.

"Would you look at this folks!" Benjamin shouted; the crowd was gasping at this sudden event. "Shiro's Leafeon has done the impossible in avoiding a hit from The Grim Reaper!"

"Interesting…" Nero analyzed, the chances of the future to change at the last second like that were slim to none… Maybe I should be more careful about my interventions… though…

"…" Percival was rather surprised by the sudden events… he trusted Vee's battle instincts more than his own. But not in Percival's dream did he think that he'd land such a powerful blow against Grim.

"Guess, I really shouldn't hold back. Especially if your able to something like that." Nero scratched his head, then taking an item from his jacket's pocket. He slid a ring onto his left hand's middle finger. "You should feel special Shiro. You'll get to see what hell's like."