Hey everyone and welcome to the 37th chapter of this fic.
IMPORTANT: Yes, I have something important to say and is an apology with good news. First, I'm sorry for leaving you without this story for two months, but this time I have a good excse for that. I'm finished with my degree. Yes I passed it last week when I had to deffend my final project. This same project that has hooked all the ours of my life (along my work) for the last two months. I'm sorry, but even if I have tried to write, there was something more important for me to do. SO yes I'm sorry for the lack of updates, but on the other side I'm so happy to finally be an engineer! I'm not done with studying yet since I'll do a post-grade master starting this week which will allow me more time to write than I've had until now. Thanks for understanding and sticking to this story. You're all the best.
Now it's... TIME FOR REVIEWS!
Shimo no ko: Yeah, such a bad person (who the hell could have that idea? XD). I'm lgad you liked it and I hope you like this one even better. Thanks for the review!
ElectroPhoenix: I'm glad you found it too and I think I talk for both of us when thanking you for such words. I'm sure you'll like their reactions, but you'll have to wait a little more. Thanks for this kind review.
Vasilica: Well, I'm glad you're loving this story. I swear I'm trying my best here XD. I'm happy you like the plot twists, but don't worry about the end, it won't change the outcome XD. Thanks for the review.
Valerie: Well I couldn't do as you asked, but I promise that I'll end the next one by the beginning of next month, as an apology (and how much I want to continue writing it right now). Yes, we all know that he's not the real one, but the Dexhoders don't so it's a cliffhanger for them. I'm glad you like this story and for the popularity, I never expected it to become as popular as it is right now so I'm very pleased. thanks for the support and the review. Enjoy this chapter.
Guest: Well yeah plot twist haha. I hope you liked it and you loe this chapter even more. After this I plane to... I haven't decided yet Xd. I have 3 or 4 ideas some being one shots and two being a long project. They'll involve mostly pokemon, but I have an idea for a Naruto short sotry, too. I'll post a poll asking what I should write just before I post the last chapter for this story to let you decide. Thanks for the review!
Comisure: Yes, that was the intention, a chapter full of emotionally hurting scenes. I hope I achieved this. I'm glad you liked it and I hope you love the next one. Thanks a lot!
Sandile's Darkness: I liked the 36th one, but for some reason I prefer the one you're going to read right now. I'm sorry, but I even don't know why. I hope you like it too.
So that's it for today in TIME FOR REVIEWS. Thanks for all the review you guys, they make my day along with the followers (which we're quite close to the number 100 followers) and favourites too.
LexClone5: LeagueLeagueLeagueLeagueLeagueLeagueLeagueLeag- Oh shit... I have to do the thing... HOW'S IT GOING, it's ya boi, LexClone5 over here, ready to bring ya some editors note. Like RubySpe's said, we've been busy. He's finishing up his Engineering Degree, I'm just barely starting it. My Schedule has been basically: Wake up, Go to school, Come back, Play League, go to sleep. All for the past few months. I have had a lot of personal projects that I've been setting up until now, and we're almost ready to unveil it, it may be ready to launch before the next chapter... Which, given our track record be like three mont- I MEAN... REALLY REALLY soon, and I'm NOT saying that because RubySpe has a Shotgun pointing at me... Heeeeeeelp meeeeee...
DISCLAIMER: AS SORRY AS WE ARE, WE STILL DO NOT OWN POKEMON!
READ and ENJOY!
"There are 3 things that all wise men fear: the sea in storm, the night with no moon and the anger of the gentle man".
Chapter 37: The wrath of the kind men
Green's POV
-No, I didn't join him… In fact I couldn't care less about his plans for taking over the world- he said surprisingly- the only thing he promised me was that he would see all of you again and that if I wanted to ask you any questions I could tag along until then. And that's what I did, I came here to get some answers. And let me tell you… It weren't the ones I expected to hear… All I heard were the pathetic excuses of the people I used to think of as friends. The same ones that I'll destroy now.
With only a movement of his hand, all the remaining grunts and pokemon attacked at the same time, include his Flygon with a Flamethrower. Being so sudden, I was unable to react, only Charizard's reflexes were the ones that kicked in and saved us from some direct impacts that would be fatal. Luckily Yellow was able to avoid some while countering them with Mirror move.
-Huh? That's not normal for you Green… you used to be faster at reacting than that- mocked Ruby- on the other side… I see that you've improved a lot since back then, Yellow. I would say that I'm proud of you, but… that's not the truth!
-Shut up!
-You want me to shut up? I'm only telling the truth here- he said- but you're right, it's not the time to talk. It's time to suffer!
This time, I was able to react and even try to strike back. I say try to because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get at one of their pokemon. It was almost easy before to avoid and try to attack them, but now I couldn't bring myself to accomplish it and Yellow wasn't in a much better condition. She was trying very hard not to receive damage, but she wasn't able to avoid an Air Slash to impact on Chuchu nor a Hydropump to strike at Pidgeot's right wing.
It was then that I looked at Ruby again, only to see that he had disappeared from where he was. I looked around frantically when I felt an arm wrap around my neck.
-You left me behind 5 years ago- said Ruby's voice from behind me- when I fell of a flying pokemon… Only Sapphire saw what happened and how it happened, but you're going to see it too. Right now!
-What do you mea…
I stopped my question halfway when I saw two different attacks impact on my Pidgeot and lose its balance. My pokemon was able to keep flying, and Yellow on top of it too. It was Chuchu that wasn't able to hold on and fell. I saw Yellow take out a pokeball and close her eyes, and I knew what would come next.
-NO!
She jumped. She jumped downwards, and with the speed she gained almost instantaneously I saw that hurt like he was, Pidgeot wouldn't be able to reach her. Several images flew then into my head. Images of the ten of us, with Ruby in that prison, enjoying something that had been said. The image of Sapphire crying when she landed from Pilo. The day when we all became Dexholders, all of us looking at the sky. Images of the nine of us enjoying some that the images included the latest member of our group of friends and the last one… an image of Red and Yellow dancing in that ball only three days ago.
I've failed her, I've failed my best friends. Ruby, the friend we lost back then had changed to this monster that I was unable to even battle. The ghost of the man I used to idolize.
-What now Green? It didn't really happen this way, but close enough- said Ruby when the arm that imprisoned me loosened up and he flew around to face me leaving me and Charizard like before.
-How could you…- I said feeling my hands tremble.
-I only want you to feel exactly how I did when you all left me behind…- he said his smile a cynical one- I will make you pay!
-Just get your shit together, Green!- spoke a voice through my earphones as a Flash and a Smokescreen blinded me.
Sird's POV
-That's the door of the most important person in the world, huh?- said Matt just on my left- I expected it to be different.
-What did you expect? A door made of titanium that would only open with secret codes or something?- this guy is really an idiot.
The door itself was huge, but not that magnificent. In the last level of the most important building of the world, used by the most important person in the world.
-Well… it's just wood- he said, a really huge idiot.
-It's a work place. The man behind this door is a businessman not a soldier-I explained- and no one expected a direct attack from inside the Association itself. Now I'll tell you what to do.
-Yes sir!
-You stay outside of this door no matter what happens. Use the highest ranks in the grunts that we've infiltrated in the building and use them in the last ten levels- I said.
-What about the regular grunts?
-Assign them as you wish, but never ever leave this door-I said- You're in charge until Michael comes back so in case of danger defend this place. And do not fail!
-I won't fail- he said viciously- No one will be able to pass…
-Stop! Never say those words again!- I interrupted him- because the last time you said them, a dying boy made a fool out of you!
-O-okay…
-You're strong, but there a lots of people stronger than you- I said sternly- and like you are, there will always be! Now do that… I've got some things to talk, with what has been my boss for the last four years.
-Okay.
With that, I turned around and tried to open the door. It was locked, but it wouldn't really matter since with just a sign, the lock opened and let me pass without a problem. The door didn't really lead to the chairman's office, but to a wide yet short hall, accommodated with several benches where people that used to wait until the president was able to meet them. Looking around, I saw that it was calm, not an ambush like I almost expected. I waited a little for any sign of it, but when I found none, I advanced to the last door towards the most important person on earth.
This time it wasn't locked like before, so I just opened the door. Only one person was inside, but from all the possible situations I had imagined, this was the one that surprised me the most. He had his back towards me looking calmly from the huge and clear window he had in his office. With both hands on his back calmly observing everything that was happening twenty levels below us with a composed expression.
-Hi there Sird- he said still looking out.
-Mr. Goodshow…- I said mocking politeness.
-So it was really you the one who caused all this havoc, huh?- he said- I didn't want to believe it, at first, but the prove it right in front of my eyes now. How does it feel?
-How does what feel?- I said- winning?
-Thinking that you've won- he said surprisingly then-I'm quite sure that you're really surprised.
-Why would I be?
-I'm sure you expected an ambush on your way here, but the only thing you found was the workers that work here every day.
-That was quite a surprise, but a welcomed one- I said.
-I bet that when you saw that, you expected to find myself surrounded of guards and barricades in the doors- he said now facing me- and that I would be a trembling mess hiding behind them.
-You might be right about that…- I said grabbing that seat I had used so many times.
-So you think that a weak man can be the president of the greatest company in the world?- he said and I smiled with curiosity.
-You are a weak man. And you are the president of the most important company in the world.
-That's true, I'm weak… and I've surrounded myself with weak people, at least in this same building- he said- my great virtue though is seeing the potential in people, that's why even if the people I've surrounded with are weak, they all have done good with their work- he paused for a second and turned to look out again- great businessman in this building, the best scientists in the north building, great engineers in the West building, more businessmen and women in the South one and police officers and soldiers in the East one.
-Yeah, but none of them matters now, the headquarters has fallen- I said- now that I'm here.
-The people I've surrounded are weak, like me- he said- but there ones that aren't like that. You also know them, do you? You've fighting against them now.
-You mean the Gym leaders? Yes, but all I need now is the little help that Mike will provide to finally be able to proclaim the fall of the Pokemon Association- I said.
-It's not like you to be so impatient.
-We've been planning this moment for more than 5 years Mr. Goodshow- I said- both me and my brother, have waited enough.
-So it has been my virtue that will cause the fall of the world?- he asked absentmindedly- I saw something in you that I couldn't describe back then, when I was introduced to you. I didn't see anything that a businessman would find useful, I saw something else. I assigned you to the East as a supervisor on the training processes. Your superiors started talking greatly about you and the good techniques you used in order to increase quickly the strength of our troops. Then the battle against Team Rocket came and the trained troops, l even if they were below the level of the Dexholders and Gym leaders, did a very good job. Due to that you were promoted again and again until the head of the East building. You were also the highest responsible of the security troops.
-That only took two years and a half- I said.
-Yes, a really fast process I might add- he said-then you started to introduce your grunts into the training troops. Yeah, I noticed that the number of people entering the training procedures increased a lot since you became the supervisor.
-So why didn't you do anything about it?
-Because I wanted to divide your power- he said surprisingly- I might be surrounded by weak people, but they're intelligent.
-I don't understand- I said, was he trying to gain time?
-You almost became my right hand man, almost. I've told you a lot more things than most of the people in this building, but I've got this friend that I trust more than anyone else. It's a very wise man, a friend from my childhood and I trust my life in him. His virtue, too, is to be able to see the true potential of people a fact that he shared with his sister too.
-What about it… it's not like it will make a difference.
-Oh, yes it will-he said- thanks to him, there are things that you don't know. Things that will cost you this two-front war.
-Two fronts?
-You're also battling the Dexholders as we speak- he said and now I was surprised- Oh, it seems like I surprised you.
-Yeah well, I don't really know how do you know that, but what can you do about it?- I said- and who is this friend that sounds so powerful?
-His name is Juan, one of the oldest Gym leaders- he said- The one that was Wallace's mentor and supervised the training of some of the strongest people on earth, along with his sister.
-You mean the Dexholders?
-Yeah, Kimberly training them and Juan supervising it-he explained- a powerful combination, with even more powerful results.
-I only have one question about that fact…- I said then, it was time to stop this meaningless chatter.
-Go on.
-Why are you explaining this to me?- I asked grabbing a pokeball- Why are you telling me all these lies? What do you mean with wanting to divide our forces? If you had known that I was introducing my grunts in here you would've done something about it.
I stopped then looking at him. I was only able to see his lips form an smile from the reflection in the window. He spoke again.
-So you noticed it, huh? As I expected from you, you saw right through it very fast- he said then still looking towards the battle below the building.
-So I was right, you were just trying to get time while telling me some lies to confuse me- I said.
-What else can I do? I'm a weak businessman, my words are my power- he said- but don't be mistaken, not everything I said was a lie.
Then he turned around and he showed me something in his hand. It was a remote controller and it was clear that he had used it. What had he done with it? I wouldn't know, but his distracting ability seemed to have worked for him.
-So what have you done with it?
-Trap you here- he said- leave you unable to communicate with your grunts outside this room.
-How so?- I said making a command with my hand- This room has a window, for example.
-A bulletproof one, and the door behind you is locked too- he explained- and please call your Misdreavous back, it won't be able to get out either even if it's a ghost type. And check your electronic devices if you want, they're not working right now.
I did it and sure enough they were useless. A lot of things were strange about this room, but nothing was more strange that the fact that my ghost type couldn't pass through the walls in order to alert the grunts nor open the door like before.
-Why couldn't Misdreavous get out? Why does this room disable the electronic devices? I'm sure that you're asking these questions- he said- the second one is easy. The things that are talked here have all great repercussions, so no one unless the ones gathered in it will be able to know about it. The second one, the walls of this room are different. They are coated with Apricorn wood, you know, the same tree whose fruits were used as pokeballs. That's mainly why I waited here for you. To have you trapped.
-That was a good measure, but you're forgetting one thing- I said- I'm trapped now. But I just have to take it out of your hands to disable the lock and get out. And with that the plan will continue.
-I know- he said before letting the controller fall to the ground- that's why I'll do this.
He stomped on it, breaking it to pieces. He had played his cards quite well, while distracting me.
-Now you can't get out of here- he said.
-There has to be a way- I said calmly- you wouldn't trap in here forever. Plus I'm sure that some pokemon would be able to break this walls.
-That won't happen, no pokemon can break a pokeball from inside- he said- from outside though, things are different.
-I still think that there has to be a way to get out- I said then, he was more intelligent than I had expected.
-There is, but you'll have to find it- he said- I'm sure you will, but while trying you'll lose time.
-You really believe that the Gym leaders will be able to come to help you?- I said laughing- I've got a surprise for them, and it's not my grunts.
-I know that, but I also told you something- he said- there are some things that you don't know. Things that will make you lose this war.
This guy had really piqued my curiosity. A lot. And when something catches my curiosity, I don't stop until I know it. I wanted to know two things from him, the way to get out of here and what would be so prejudicial for us. Not like it mattered since I'm one of the few people that can wipe out any threat with ease, but this guy was going to pay his cockiness. I would show him why I'm called… The Obsidian Terror.
Green's POV
-What? Red?- I said coughing some smoke.
-I said that you must get your shit together Green! What the fuck are you doing?- he said- Are you even trying to fight?
-You don't understand Red… our enemy is…
-Ruby? Yeah Yellow told me- he said and I gasped.
-She's okay?
-Yes, Gold was able to rescue her- he said then in a tender voice before it became hard again- And she told us what happened up there.
-So you know… the man we used to know, that was our friend- I said, it pained me so much to say those words- is alive and has turned against us.
-The man that was our friend and leader back then is alive?- he asked then- yes that's true. That he's our enemy? That's not.
-What do you mean? I've seen it Red, he's Ruby.
-HE'S NOT! What proof do you have? None, just his words- he said- His face is disfigured, you can't tell if it's really him.
-But he is, his strategy is amazing, he has black hair and red eyes too- I explained- and he knows what we talked in that cage.
-This is bullshit!-he said with more rage than ever in his voice- Black hair? A lot of people have it. Red eyes? It's not so common, but there are some people that have the same color of eyes. And strategy is a virtue, but it's nothing that people can't learn if they train hard enough.
-I know that, but his words are the same… "There is absolutely no way to go out unnoticed, the furthest we can go without being noticed is outside the building"- I said- You remember those words, don't you? This is something that Ruby said with only the 10 of us present.
-And why do you think he said this? It wasn't clear back then, but it is now- he reasoned- We were being monitored. Sure we spoke as low as we could, but it's impossible that they kidnapped us, put in the same cage and leave us there to plan our escape. Ruby, the real one, knew that. He knew why we were so important and that they wouldn't let us escape. We could do it because there was a misunderstanding, he always said that we would escape the night of Sapphire's birthday, but that could mean two different nights. It was at the last moment that we changed it to the first, surprising them.
-I still…
-Don't say that again- he said- this grunt is not Ruby. He's an impostor.
-How can you be so sure about that?
-Because I know that Ruby is alive, and that he is in our side- he said surprising me even more- not our enemy.
-Wait, what?-I exclaimed when I noticed that the smoke was beginning to clear-What do you mean with that?
-C'mon Green, you're smarter than me. You said that the grunt had red eyes, dark hair and was a good strategist. Plus he knew the same that Ruby did- he said- but that can apply to a lot of people and one has been in front of your eyes for a lot of time. The same with me and the others. This guy I'm talking about has red eyes, dark hair and is an splendid strategist. And unlike this grunt, he acts like Ruby.
-I know no one that behaves like…
-Just figure it out already! You have to come to the conclusion, it won't mean anything if I have to spill it- he said.
-I still think that…- I said, but I paused for a moment.
I knew a person who did the first three things. He had dark red eyes, black hair that he always kept under a white hat. He was able to come up with this plan in less than 10 minutes and it sure behaved secretively like him. In fact if it wasn't for the fact that he hated battles and that Ruby was always ready for the next challenge, they had so much in common. Heck even the name was the same without the final letter. It was pronounced differently, but I've seen him write it down a few times. The realization hit me like a hundred bricks.
-Why?
-Why what?- asked Red- Why do I know this? Why has he never told any of us? Why has he always feigned ignorance when it comes to this matter?
-All of it- I said- I need to know all of it.
-I don't know either. And for the first question he doesn't even know that I figured it out- Red explained.
-But why has he never told us? We were his friends- I almost yelled- weren't we?
-I know, but I believe that it's for the same reason that he never told us why does he hate battling- he reasoned- We'll have to wait until all of this is over to know it.
-So all these years he was alive and…-it was good that he was alive, but it hurt a lot to think about it too.
-That's not important right now!- he yelled in a determined voice- I know that what he did was wrong, I'm mad at him too, but there's no point in thinking about it now. What matters is that he's alive and he's not our enemy. He's our ally, the best one we could've ever hoped for. I said before that I would trust my life in him, now you know the reason.
I sighed then and breathed 5 times to cool down a little. When it didn't work I did it again and this time I had calmed down a bit.
-What you say it's true- I said- I'm still mad, but I'll hit him later. For now I'll use this rage to battle our enemy.
-I'm sure that you won't be the only one to hit him- he said then calmly.
-I know… -I said- what are you doing now Red?
-Paying a visit to an old enemy- he said, his voice becoming darker than ever before-Join me when you three finish here.
-I believe that I've left you talk enough to your girlfriend, Green- said the fake Ruby when I saw that the smoke cleared.
I looked at the sides to see that both Yellow and Gold were defending from the 8 grunts while their commander was looking directly at me. When I saw his mocking face, rage began to pile inside me and suddenly exploded. This boy had dared to hurt my friends like a lot of people before, but if that wasn't unforgivable enough they had toyed with our feelings. My feelings, Yellow's and the ones of every single one of us, even if they didn't know it.
And that wouldn't be forgiven!
Red's POV
Aero was flying strongly now. After using some of the Potions that Ruby had asked us to buy to prevent Yellow from using her curative powers before having to heal Sapphire. It wasn't the idea I liked the most, since it uses a lot more of her energy to heal humans. I've only seen her do it once, when I broke my leg in a mission against Team Rocket and she fainted right after finishing. But I also knew that Ruby wouldn't ask her to do it if it was avoidable.
I didn't tell Yellow and Green that Rub and Ruby are the same person. I told Green because he needed this confidence boost in order to fight like he can, but Yellow and Gold wouldn't benefit from knowing this. Gold is too rash and is better if he only knows that this guy is an impostor while Yellow was so psychologically spent that another surprise like this one would only confuse her more. There will be time for that afterwards, when this war is over. For now though… I had something else in mind.
I had healed Pika too, and restored some of his energy, but thankfully he was way better than Aero. As before, while flying, he was slowly charging his energy. It was a good way to increase the power of his attacks, since after a lot of training he was able to learn to gradually release this energy rather than use it all in the first one. And for what I intended to do… I would be needing it.
-Aero, d-dodge left!- I commanded- use Ancientpower on th-those attacks.
That was a stutter? Yeah, definitely. I stuttered with my command, but it wasn't that I was afraid. The stuttering had started as soon as I ended the call with Green, where I could really leave all my emotions flow out in the open. And the one that dominates the others right now… is rage.
Yes, rage. Not anger or fury. Those two words couldn't start to describe what I was feeling. Rage for what HE had done. Marchie loved to mess with their enemies, that much had been left clear in our time in his prison, but this… this was low even for him. There is one subject that's almost taboo in our group like could be seen last month with Green and Sapphire with the subject of adding a new member to our group, and that is Ruby.
The boy that we all met in the same day in that prison and the united us becoming the leader of our pack of friends… The boy that helped everyone of us during those months and that led us to our freedom, but lost his life in the process… or so we thought. Yes he was alive and he was our ally, but still… what Marchie had done was unforgivable.
It was normal that some organizations attacked us physically, we're enemies so it's natural, but this was something different. He knew us, knew the story and knew how we would react. It was a direct attack at the weakest and most sensitive part of our group, our feelings. Green seemed devastated when he explained that to me, and Yellow's defeated look on her face, made my heart break in hundreds of pieces every time the image came in my thoughts. And it made my heart boil in a way I never thought possible. Oh, how I wanted to make him pay for this.
-Don't let him get any closer to the submarine!- yelled a grunt that was commanding the defense of said place.
-Hyperbeam them Aero!- I really had no time to deal with these fools. My goal was the headmaster itself-Thunder Pika, but save some energy.
BOOM!
Both attacks were aimed at the same place and it was midway when both fused creating a monstrous beam that impacted where they were standing just seconds before. I quickly saw that they had all avoided the attacks, but the damage was already done. The little balcony from they were attacking me had just been obliterated due to the power of my Pokemon's attacks. Not just that, but the destruction on the top levels of the submarine was so much, that part of the exterior structure plummeted to the lower levels until it sank on the sea.
Fear crept me when I realized that Blue and Sapphire were still inside, but I didn't have much time to think about it since two Ice beams made me command my pokemon to dodge. I then saw my enemies closing their distance towards me, but I wasn't going to just let them attack, I was in no mood to play games anymore.
-Aero us Rock Slide on them! Pika use your Thunder Wave!- I shouted- Now Aero use Agility to go behind that one.
From those five grunts, there was the one that had shouted before. It was an official and his the bronze colored belts could be seen from where I was. As I expected he was the only one that was able to avoid all the attacks even if it was a close call. That made him lose me for some seconds, the ones I used to get behind him and Aero lifted him from his Xatu's back.
-Wh-what?- he said flailing his hands in order to get free.
-if I was you I would stop doing that, or else you'll fall- I said when I noticed his pokemon charge at us- And tell your pokemon to stop and you will receive no harm.
-O-ok- he said- Xatu us…
-And no Amnesia!- I yelled then- If you use it, you'll be useless for me. And I'm not in the mood of carrying useless shit!
-Okay, okay- he said giving up.
-Now I'll only have a request for you- I said.
-I still won't…
-You'll tell Marchie with your walkie-talkie that I'm going to meet him in the base on the submarine in 2 minutes. If he's not there…
-What?- he asked then, he was afraid of me.
-I'll have to search everywhere inside the base for him- I explained.
- I would've never thought that I would ever see you so mad- said that voice I remember from all those years ago- What's the matter, Red?
I looked around for him and a flash of red and blue caught my eye. He, Marchie, was standing inside the hole that I had created before, just meters inside the base where I had blown up the balcony to shreds.
-Warrod? Get the other four and search in the beach for any survivor- Marchie commanded then- And next time you fail… be sure to use it.
-H-hai, master- he said when I left him go away looking between the 5 member group and their leader like looking for an ambush. That lasted until they disappeared and I focused on Marchie, who was calmly looking at me.
-So what did you want to talk to me about?- he asked cockily- You seem ever more angry when I look at your face.
-I am.
-I would want to know why- he said then- if I recall correctly, you were the ones who declared this war.
He was playing with me, he knew why I was so mad and it was just making him LAUGH! I had to control myself or else I wouldn't be able to win this battle. I knew I wouldn't win this, but my goal was another one, he had to release his trump card. And if I could make him pay for what he had done, it would be all the better. I got a deep breath, I really had to calm down, but just looking at him made my blood boil again. I was getting nowhere.
-Descend Aero- I commanded until we arrived at the lowest level that wasn't below the water's surface.
He descended too. He sent out his Salamence and descended on his back. The sight of this pokemon made me flinch a little, since it was because of it that all this ordeal turned out to be this way. He just returned it in front of me and sent out another one, his Armaldo. I took a look at my surroundings.
We were on a metallic platform that, even if it was fairly long, somewhere around 15m, it wasn't wide enough to battle comfortably, its width just over 5m of curved metal. After this the sea surrounded us. I relaxed for a moment and I returned my two pokemon to their pokeballs. It took me a while to decide who would be my first one.
-C'mon Lax, it's time to battle!- was my first command.
-A Snorlax… as strange choice- he said smirking with both hands behind his back- Armaldo use Slash!
-Harden!- I commanded and with the hardened skin of my pokemon, the attack was almost nullified while sending the foe backwards- Now use this chance with Body Slam!
-Harden yourself!-he commanded- And Metal Claw!
-Stop his hand with Strength!
The battle was balanced. His types prevented my attacks from working so far, but his attacks weren't working either.
-I won't be able to win against Snorlax with only sheer power- he said calmly- but that's not the only thing I got. Armaldo use Fury Cutter!
-Counter it with Mega Punch!
Even if he said that first, he was intelligent. Fury cutter is an attack that increases its power each time it' used so when both pokemon kept colliding their attacks, the differences were evident. At first my pokemon clearly overpowered his, but after some strikes their power was even and with the next one it was mine that was thrown back. I had to do something about it.
-Lax dodge and use Belly drum!- I said and after having dodged the strike my pokemon started to pat its belly. It was a risky strategy, but I wasn't in a place or mood to speculate.
-Armaldo use Rock blast!- he said- full power now that it's weak.
-Endure Lax- I commanded- don't let him defeat you!
And with the speed we've practiced a hundred of times, a weak orange glow enveloped my pokemon.
-You endured it for half a second, Red- he mocked- but what are you going to do now? Your pokemon is almost out.
-I'll just let him rest- I said- and no, I don't mean that I'll put him inside his pokeball.
Just I was saying that my heavy pokemon slumped down and started snoring. I faint glow seemed to heal all his wounds just as he was sleeping.
-Oh, a good plan indeed- he said- Now you've got a fully healed pokemon, with an enormous attack status. But it'll be sleep for some time. Crush Claw Armaldo.
-Snore!
-What?
And his surprise was justified. Just the sound of his snores was able to shake the entire submarine. As for his pokemon, it was thrown back by the first wave.
-Then we'll attack from a distance- he said- Ancient Power!
-Sleep talk- I commanded, but something I wasn't expecting happened.
Lax launched forward meeting all the rocks in the way, but advancing all the while his right fist covered in ice. With all that attack boost and the supereffective nature of it, Armaldo never stood a real chance against it.
-That was a surprise- he said- to teach your Snorlax Ice punch… a really good idea.
-It was one of my hidden attacks for your Salamence- I said- but there's no covering it now.
-Seems like luck is in my side too- he mentioned- Oh well, I'll take advantage of that. Aggron it's your turn!
I was about to order the same random attack again, but I then saw Lax scratching his belly, where a boulder had impacted before. He yawned audibly before standing up in front of me, I smiled.
-Hey there, old friend- I said- ready for round two?
A grunt of approval was the only response I got.
-A strong defense versus a great attack, what will be the winner?- was his rhetorical question- Let's find out. Aggron use Thunder!
-Dodge right and then… shit!- the battlefield was too small.
I had to dive then to avoid it impact in myself. He was well aware that I would ask him to dodge, and I fell in his trap. Just one more second, and I would've received the strong electric attack.
-You're only brats- he said then- powerful, but brats anyway!
-What do you mean by that?
-You're all very strong, the 9 of you!- he said- but you always make the same mistake. In a battle you forget to use the more obvious weakness of your adversary, himself. It's your only problem, but it's the one that can determinate the outcome of a battle in just seconds. But your pride is too much I guess.
-SHUT UP! You're wrong!- I yelled- I really don't need you to teach me such basic things. I know that this is our most important mistake whenever we battle some person involving an organization. But I accept it. What different would we be is we behaved like the enemies that we're fighting?
-Bullshit! If you're not prepared to do all you can to beat your enemy is because you lack determination!
I was surprised by his choice of words. He was trying to bring me down, like he had done with Sapphire before. It could've worked, but it didn't because I was able to steel my emotions for a moment. I let out a laugh.
-We don't lack determination, we just have a moral code- I said chuckling- but don't fear, I for one won't be making this mistake with you. It's our policy to avoid hurting humans, but…
-But?
-You're not a human for me anymore!
Michael's POV
-Secure the entrance, I don't want anyone to be able to come past this point- I commanded the grunts positioned inside the building just in the first floor.
-Yes, sir!- said nine of the grunts positioned in the lowest floor.
This was the very same thing that I've been telling the grunts scattered in the 5 lower levels of the building. Aside from keeping an eye on the captured office men and women, this was their only job even if I knew that they wouldn't last long once one of the groups of gym leaders was able to penetrate through our defenses.
-Just a question- said the grunt with more experience in the group- What's happening now? Have we won?
-We are close, but not yet. It's true that we've arrived towards the place where the chairman was hiding- I explained- but there are still battles to be fought.
-What do you mean?
-Sird would've made his communicate if the battle was won, but the battle is still going on out there- I said pointing at the windows- Still al the resistance has stopped and all the gym leaders are captured, we can't claim victory.
-Then where are you going?- asked another one.
-I'm going to ensure our victory- I said- now stop with the questions and be alert. Sird does not forgive any failures.
-Hai!
I then resumed my walk through one corridor to the right where, like Sird had told me I found two different doors. Looking at both of them I could easily see that one was something special. The one on my right was made of a tough metallic material, while the other was made of old wood. I opened this last one and a dark staircase opened in front of me.
Following this path I started to descend and the changes in scenario soon appeared. The illumination became more sophisticated. As I kept descending, different corridors opened left and right, but I kept straight down. I never found a bothering while descending until I reached the lowest level of the stairs. That was the place. The door in front of me, with its security equipment, was the only thing separating me from my goal. Those security measures wouldn't be problem for me though.
-Porygon Z, open this door for me- I commanded opening a pokeball when the virtual pokemon itself vanished inside the electronic circuits of the security system.
I only had to wait for two minutes, until the door started to open at a steady pace. It didn't take long until I passed through t after returning my trusty starter pokemon. As I walked again three different 4 cages came visible with a dark figure inside each one.
-I would like to know the name of the person that has disturbed my sleep- said a strong voice that came from the cage in my right.
-Of course Leutenant- I said politely- Sabrina, Koga, Lt. Surge, and of course, Mr. Giovanni. It's a real pleasure to meet you.
-You still have to answer the request- pointed out a more feminine voice, even if it held the same power as the first one.
-My bad. My name is Michael and I'm here to talk about business with your leader- I said looking at the stoic figure of the man sitting in the far end of the jail.
I had never met him, but the air around him was different. Even sitting like that and in his state, one could feel the power emanating from him. A man to be feared. A man that was feared. A man that we wanted to have in our side.
-We don't make business anymore- said the meditating ninja in the far left.
-Then-I said choosing my words correctly-I'm here to offer an alliance.
Green's POV
Yellow defending from some grunts on my right and Gold doing the same on my left. I could see them look at me from time to time now, like expecting me to act. I don't know what Red had told them, but I'm sure that he'd kept part of his discovery from them.
-You seem different, Green!- said the official grunt.
-Stop talking to me in that tone, you've got no right to do it.
-I have all the right to talk to you like I want- I said- more after the game you've all played with us.
-What game?
-Oh don't even dare to continue you bad-excuse-of-an-actor. DON'T EVEN TRY IT!- I was fuming, so much that I was trembling.
-C'mon Green, you're not going to try and say that you don't believe who I am, do you?- he mocked- I AM RUBY.
I sighed then, and I breathed in and out 5 times. Then I spoke.
-Charizard… Blast Burn- I said.
-What did you say?- he said, but couldn't finish his sentence before being enveloped by the strong torrent of fire that went their way.
As I expected he wasn't abnormally hurt by the attack since he probably had used his dragon type as a shield, but said pokemon was out. With no other pokemon to fly onto, the man started to fall, but I wouldn't let him, at least not yet.
I opened my pokeball and a red blur grabbed the falling man with its claws. I commanded Charizard to approach the man as Scizor was struggling to keep himself in the air. I looked at him and it was surprising. He had burns all over his body, his clothes scorched a little in some places, but on was almost intact, his cape that ended in a hood.
-And I thought that the Dexholders never hurt people intentionally- he said then with all his clothes slightly burnt.
-We don't- I saw him use a hand go over his eyes.
-Then what was that ?- he said taking a red colored lens from his right eye before proceeding to do the same with his left one. He had clear blue eyes- You used your strongest attack against me, a human.
-I knew that you would use Flygon as your shield- I said- Scizor, give me his pokeballs.
-Still, you used you strongest weapon and I repeat- he said, he was already on my nerves- I'm a human.
-That's where you are wrong-I said then- You're not a human for me. Not after attacking us where you all knew it would hurt the most.
-Still…
-You attacked our past, our memories of a man that was our inspiration. You tried to manipulate that in order to weaken us!- I yelled- You did all that intentionally and now you come to me asking for mercy? You don't deserve it.
-And what are you going to do?- he asked me then eyes hard even in his situation- kill me in cold blood? I didn't know that you were so cruel.
-I won't do that…- I said then and he sighed almost inaudibly- I'll just recall my pokemon. As I said before Scizor can't keep flying for longer than 2 minutes.
-Wait, what?
-Scizor- I said when I saw fear in his eyes- You did a marvelous job. Now return and rest.
-Fuck you!- was his last speech when I saw him plummet to the sea below us.
I soon turned my head from him towards the enemies who were still fighting with Gold and Yellow. Separated of their leader they we having a hard time at fighting two of the strongest battlers in the earth, even to the point where they were struggling to keep up with them.
-Air slash!- was the shout heard from behind and I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my right arm and I let the belt that I was holding and. Looking at there I saw a long and quite deep gash in my forearm already dripping droplets of that dark red substance called blood.
-Green!- was Gold's yell when he saw that.
-You really thought that you've been wiped me out?- was the fake Ruby's voice then. The cape and hood were nowhere to be found and a Pidgeot was beneath him. Although I'm willing to bet that it's a Ditto in reality.
-Gold, Yellow- I said starting a call, still clutching my arm.
-We hear you!-was Yellow's voice.
-We'll take this battle to the earth, we'll have an advantage there- I said and ended the call- Charizard, you heard me use Smokescreen and then fly.
And it happened just like that. After covering the area with smoke, my Charizard started to fly towards the place where the 3 of us would meet. It was rare that they only followed us, never trying to intercept us, but I just shrugged it off. Yellow had been the first to arrive and she was already prepared to heal my wound when I descended, but I wouldn't allow it.
-No Yellow, you can't heal me.
-Why not?- she said when Gold landed by my side.
-Because you have to save your powers for Sapphire- I said breaking a piece of my clothes and bandaged the wound quickly the best that I could.
It was then that the 9 people that had pursued us landed. I looked at them and they seemed very confident of their options. I soon saw why. Four more people appeared from behind them and after them I saw almost 20 more appear too.
-But how? They were supposed to be knocked out under the sand- said Gold.
-We were supposed to- said a female bronze-belted grunt while a silver one stepped at the front.
-Long time no see, Gold- he said then looking at the 3 of us.
-You really thought that you've gotten rid of me, Green- said the fake Ruby- but I, Zan, am a gold ranked grunt. I know that I'm not your dead friend, but still… you shouldn't underestimate me. You did that, and now… you're going to pay the price.
Red's POV
-Return for now Lax- I said returning my fatigued pokemon to his pokeball- Your turn now Poli.
The battle was going okay. After a tough battle, Aggron had succumbed too. Even with the victory Lax was too hurt and tired to continue the fight for much longer and even less against this pokemon. Alakazam's speed wasn't something that he could match in this state.
-A strange choice… Alakazam use Thunder punch!- he attacked straight away.
-Meet it with Dynamic Punch!
The attacks almost nullified each other, Poli the only one receiving part of it. As it was shown before, dodging wasn't a valid option since most of the attacks were aimed in the same path as the trainer was. The fact that the battlefield resembled more a corridor than a battlefield was something that didn't help much.
-Poli use Bubble beam!
-Teleport! Now Thunder Punch!
-Protect!
-Thunder Punch again!
-Double Team!
-Bad move!- he said and I immediately thought the same.
The Poli in front of me was just a clone so the Alakazam passed through it aiming directly at me. I tried to move out of the way, but I couldn't and the attack impacted in my left leg. It was immediate, an electric current passed through me and for a moment it hurt so much.
-WAAAAAHHH.
It soon faded, but not all of it. My leg hurt, a lot.
-Now Sharpedo!- was the sound that I almost missed.
-Gyara!- I yelled when another wave run through my leg as I tried to move it.
I had expected some attack from underwater and I left him there just in case. As the shark pokemon jumped out of the water in order to attack me with a crunch attack, a Dragon Rage impacted on him. With that both pokemon started to fight each other in the water, but I hardly had time to think of that.
-Alakazam, use Psychic on the Poliwrath!- he commanded not giving me a second to spare- launch him up!
-Poli use Ice beam on him!- I commanded- freeze him on spot!
-Not now Red… Teleport- he commanded- finish with Thunder Punch!
-Mind reader and then… Dynamic Punch!
When the pokemon teleported no one would know where it would appear, but with this attack my attack wouldn't fail. With this, my pokemon received a massive and supereffective blow, while my pokemon striked too. This wouldn't be a major problem for him, since it wouldn't be very effective. The only problem is that Dynamic Punch always confused the foe.
-Well that was good, it must admit it- he said- but what now? My pokemon is confused, but yours is at the verge of fainting. What are you going to do?
-Return Poli… I couldn't be prouder- I said- it's your turn now, Saur.
-So one of you powerhouses, good option- he praised- Alakazam, let's try Psychic.
The pokemon stopped stumbling for a moment before starting the attack. For a moment a blue glow appeared around my pokemon, but it soon disappeared.
-Sludge bomb!
-Teleport!
This time, the attack really worked, but it couldn't control where it was going to appear. This was evident when it appeared on the part of the floor that was covered in ice thanks to that final Ice beam from Poli. When it landed it couldn't keep its balance and fell miserably. A chance that I wouldn't miss.
-Leech seed Saur- I commanded- and finish with Razor leaf!
-Use Flamethrower straight ahead- he commanded and it was then that the pokemon snapped out of its confusion.
The torrent of fire erased the Leech seeds and went straight towards my pokemon who suffered major damage from it. Even that, all the razor leaves were able to avoid the fire and effectively knocked out the foe.
-Seems like another one is down… you've improved a lot- he said returning his pokemon- your turn now Camerupt.
I was still crouched on the floor. As much as I tried to I couldn't get y leg to support my weight without electricity running through it and hurting like hell.
-I'll keep using you, Saur… let's win against this one- I said- start with Razor leaf!
It took him a while to counter this move almost waiting for the final moment before shouting.
-Burn them all with Flamethrower!- he said and all the leaves received the impact of the flames and were burned to ashes.
I was at a disadvantage against this one, but I had faith in my pokemon. He just had to stall the fight for a little longer and the battle would be mine.
-Cover the field with petals- I commanded- now Petal Dance!
This wasn't any kind of attack. This was an almost unavoidable attack that came from all directions. After covering the field with petals all moved almost randomly before closing their gap and hurting the pokemon inside from all directions. At least, that's the way I trained him to do it after watching some interesting performances in the Contest's hall two weeks ago.
-Wait for it…- he said surprisingly until the pokemon was invisible inside the curtain of petals- Now use Eruption.
-Crap- as expected of him, he figured it out.
The only way to escape from this attack is to burn all the petals or creating an explosion that sends them away. He used the first option when Camerupt started to end lava out of the volcanoes in its humps reducing all of them to black . In the air the molten lava solidified into incandescent rocks falling all over my pokemon and myself. After such an attack my pokemon wouldn't be able to dodge it and it couldn't while luckily not a single one fell on me.
My pokemon was badly hurt for the supereffective attack. I needed just a little longer.
-C'mon Saur, use Synthesis- I commanded, a risky move since it left me exposed.
-Eruption!
-Stop healing yourself!- I commanded- Now break as much of those rocks as you can with Razor Leaf.
My pokemon's aim is good, but asking him to break every single one would be way too much. He broke a little more than a half of them, but the others came down crashing onto him. His howl of pain was audible, but there was nothing I could do now… Of all my pokemon this is the one who is in a better shape to withstand this attack. But he'd done his job, the time had come.
-Saur use Synthesis again!- I said. He had the opportunity to heal himself from the suffered damage, it was the last thing he could do.
-Your Venusaur is strong, but it won't be able to resist the next one- he said cockily- One last Eruption Camerupt!
I waited until he charged the energy on his humps before doing my move.
-Hydropump!
And just from behind him a huge torrent of water crashed down on him. Out of the corner of my eye I had seen Gyara win, after a lot of effort, his battle against the Sharpedo with a devastating Hyperbeam. The camel pokemon was sent away almost falling to the water due to the surprise and power of the attack.
-Finish it with Water Pulse!
-Flamethrower!
The two beams clashed, but the water type one clearly overpowered the other. Two monstrous attacks were what KOed the Camerupt even if it had offered a lot of problems for me. What had surprised me was the behavior of my rival. Always cold he had been colder than ever before, only shouting his commands to his pokemon. He just recalled his pokemon and took out another one. His Salamence, the last obstacle I would have to win before the real battle began.
This pokemon was the cause that all of us had suffered so much along his master. I knew that it was his strongest one by far. This would be very tough. I tried to get up again and even if electricity was still cursing through my leg and it hurt a lot I was able to do it and maintain myself up.
-I must congratulate you, you've improved a lot- he said- You're worthy of being called the strongest Dexholder.
-Stop praising me- I said in my serious and angry voice, the only one I could use- Send your Salamence out. It's time to end this.
-End this? This is far from the end- he said smirking and sending out his strongest pokemon, his- Go out there again, Armaldo!
And the pokeball opened revealing his Armaldo. To say that I was surprised would be an understatement because not only it was awake, it was totally unharmed.
-But, how?
-Oh? Are you surprised?- he said with a cocky smirk- Then you'll love this too.
And then he took out 4 pokemon one after the other and opened them. Alakazam, Aggron, Camerupt and even his Sharpedo all conscious and unharmed.
-I bet you're even more surprised now, huh?- he said almost laughing.
-But I've beaten them. Armaldo, Aggron, Alakazam… the Shapedo and the Camerupt too- I couldn't believe it- I've seen them fall unconscious.
-They were unconscious, but not anymore- he said then and my leg gave in making me fall onto the floor.
-I didn't see you using any item on them-I spoke then.
-How does it feel, Red, to see that you've almost accomplished your goal- he started- only to end up in the starting line? It's frustrating isn't it? That's how I felt 5 years ago, when I was so near to my goal, but you all destroyed everything. Now it's your turn to feel the same.
-But… how can that be possible?
-You of all people should know that it is very possible- he mocked again- you're quite familiar with it too.
-What do you mean?
-I can communicate with pokemon and see everything they've seen- he listed- and there's another thing I can do.
-Wait, does that mean that…
-Yeah, it's true. I can also heal pokemon- he said laughing- I thought you would be familiarized with it since just as Yellow… I have the Viridian Powers!
And closure! Yes, that's the end of this chapter number 37! I hope you liked it as much as I did when I was writing it, since it's one of my favourites (which is strange since Ruby isn't in it). I hope you all had fun reading it.
Some of you might be surprised about how I portrayed Mr. Goodshow, the chairman of the Pokemon Association. I've read countless of fics where the king of a realm, the president of a powerful company is just a weakling unable to do anything, like a scared puppy. I, for one, I think that when you've gotten at the top of these places you've got to have some sort of qualities that you can take advantage of like I tried to portrait in this one (I don't know if I achieved this purpose, but I tried to).
Thanks for reading this chapter sticking with it till the end. Happy Valentine's Day for all people with boyfriend/girlfirend or without it.(Yeah, for the single people it can enjoyable too. I would know, I'm single XD).
REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!
PD: From where is the quote at the beggining of the chapter? Cookies for the first one to answer correctly!
