The moon, in all her iridescent glory, was in perfect synchrony with her celestial companion. Her grace came out of the black heaven from which she emerged, illuminating a war-torn land. The moon merited no less admiration than the sun. In a struggle for dominance, the moon and sun danced for position, striving to bring darkness or light to the world below. Neither side could prevail in the dark and chilly night, thus they were only temporarily evened out…
A menacing roar from above broke the blissful beautiful stillness was broken by a foreboding growl from the heavens above. With every step across the sea of trees came the crunching of leaves and the snapping of old crunching of leaves and the cracking of ancient limbs accompanied each stride across the sea of trees.
Even in the dead of night, the figure was capable of distinguishing their location: Arnora Woods. A shudder raced down their spine as they realized their only attire had been completely soaked. The heavy downpour hurled down across the land by the enraged gods swiftly drenched the pale, faded cloak that billowed boldly behind them. The harsh winds were waiting for the ideal opportunity to ambush the figure, and the warmth was starting to leave their body. The lone figure didn't seem to mind; all they needed to do was keep pushing forward.
As the sky rumbled, their lips curved into something of a smirk. Thunderclaps and flashes of lightning clashed, as though fighting for dominance. The cloaked figure dashed through the dark woodland, remaining close to the massive oaks towering above them for cover. They were moving as quietly as possible, clearly mocking nature's forces with their fast movements and dexterity. Despite their best efforts, their paws had yanked their hood higher in an attempt to shelter it from the roaring storm's strong winds. The lone individual leapt atop a huge tree and pushed themselves forward, using the tree as leverage.
The wind, like a veil, concealed their scent. Even so, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. They'd been on the run for so long that they wouldn't risk being captured; without a doubt, that would only end in death. They looked around the area, noting every fragment of scrap and fallen leaf. They remained vigilant, knowing that this woodland was home to more than a few predators. They couldn't decide if facing the unknown beasts that lurked in the shadows was more dangerous than facing his fury. To be fair, they didn't seem all that different from the monsters. Their journey took some time till they came upon a distant peak.
A flash of lightning shattered through the sky, causing the lone figure to lift their gaze towards the raging storm. They were well aware of the angry God's displeasure with their acts. Not a soul left in the world would be on their side.
Their attention became transfixed on the magnificent altar that sat atop the mountain's peak as they stared up at it with bated breath. It was known as The Hall of Worship among the upper echelons. It was known as the Supreme Lord's Peak for individuals of inferior status. It was home to a wide variety of warriors from the Twelve Supreme Lords. The Supreme Lord's Palace, perched atop the mountain, was a magnificent structure that towered hundreds of meters above Lunator, offering an unrivaled perspective of the largely uncharted surrounding lands.
Without hesitation, the figure darted up the mountain. As they drew closer to the peak, the rain became more intense. The wind shook them to their core, but that didn't matter as long as Lunator's true face was revealed. The figure instinctively swerved from its current path to the peak, eliciting a massive roar from above. Just seconds after, lightning struck the tree they were standing beside, scorching it. The strikes were far too sudden, precise, and foreboding.
As they reached the summit, the figure now faced their greatest opposition yet. The figure's nimble reaction to one of their former allies' surprise attacks demonstrated their skill, but they were then exposed to a barrage of iced knives, heavy spears, and electric needles..
It was only by a stroke of luck that they managed to escape the barrage unscathed, and react quickly enough to return the volley with a well-placed, ghastly blast. As the cloaked figure smirked at their mutilated remains, a dozen or more members of the royal guard were dispatched to their location.
As they moved past the onslaught, they felt a searing heat beneath their feet. The shrouded figure turned with a swift fling to the side to see trails of blazing hot flames emerging from the ground. They rushed to a side entrance to the palace, knowing that time was running short. They launched a globe of flames as they broke through, instantly dispatching a weary guard who fell paralyzed alongside their perished comrade.
They proceeded as quickly and quietly as they could up the curving staircase, but even that wasn't fast enough. From behind, a half-dozen soldiers were already making their way up the stairwell. As they turned to confront the assailant, they were struck down by a strong bolt of white energy. The pain was excruciating. It was hard to even move one of their claws a single inch.
"The time has come... for your atonement!" roared a voice that echoed through the night like the storm's energy beyond the walls. It took a few moments for the hooded figure's vision to readjust. They opened their eyes to find a Luxray towering over them. It had narrowed, menacing eyes that would make even the most valiant troops quiver like a lead on a tree. Ichor seeped out of the slit in the figure's hood, yet they remained calm.
Two large, razor-claws sliced through the figure's disguise with ease, creating a gaping hole that revealed their features with a single, powerful swipe.
The nine-tailed creature had a thick, dark gray coat with flowing hair that covered much of his face. A sneer was plastered across the Ninetales' face as two piercing, snake-like yellow eyes stared back at the Luxray.
The Ninetales mockingly said, "Your majesty." In retaliation for his jest, the Luxray's brutish paw slashed him across the face with a powerful stroke. As the impact of the blow wore off, he took a look around. Almost all sides of the throne room were occupied by guards. An Arcanine and a Flareon stood directly behind the Luxray. He returned his gaze to the Luxray, who had an outraged expression on his face. "Well, well, well. If it's a mental exchange you want—"
The Luxray lunged forward and drove his tail into the Ninetales' stomach in response to his insulting tone of voice. As the tail was driven downward like a knife through butter, he gasped for air, his eyes widening. As he yelled in anguish, a burst of electricity was sent running through his veins. He could make out the Luxray's face through hazy vision, barely inches away from his own. The tyrant's cerulean blue eyes narrowed as a sadistic sneer spread across his face.
The wave of electricity dissipated after what felt like hours, and the Ninetales lay motionless on the floor. He looked down at his torso, which had developed a visible white scar that now ran the length of his body.
He returned his gaze to the electric type, his physical prowess impressing him once again. He remained still as the Luxray glanced down at him as if he were merely a bothersome insect.
"Have a good duel, traitor? For it shall be your very last." He pressed a heavy paw against the feeble Ninetales' chest, gloating as a couple of ribs snapped. "I should have slain you the instant your bastardly eyes fell upon her."
"That reminds me, how's she doing? Has she been feeling any better?"
His eyes widened in the dim light, and the entire palace shook as if it had been rocked by an earthquake. The Luxray launched a storm, powerful enough to send the Ninetales crashing into a nearby pillar. They coughed violently behind a mound of bricks, eventually regaining the strength to stand. The Luxray towered above him, grabbing the Pokemon he despised the most by the head with a forepaw, repeatedly smashing the back of his head against the stone floor.
"TELL ME YOUR REASON! WHY HAVE YOU TAKEN HER LIFE?! SPEAK UP NOW, BEFORE I SLASH YOUR THROAT!"
The Ninetales stared at their assailant with each strike. The Luxray paused his thrashing when he noticed the Ninetales' face, which appeared to be filled with satisfaction and amusement.
"She seemed so innocent and pure, didn't she? I'm still saddened by her passing. I'm sure she felt as much pain as the people of your city do each and every waking day. "
The Ninetales was flung across the throne room with one more brutal attack, landing directly in front of the Arcanine, Flareon, and legion of royal guard warriors.
As he moves past his throne to the opposite side of the chamber, the Luxray declares, "Permission to take his life promptly." He planned to savor every last second of the Ninetale's agony before his soldiers put an end to his life.
The limp Ninetales was approached by two Samurotts, one of Hisuian lineage and the other of Unovan descent. The struggle for Azuria Castle has officially begun.
The feeling of firm, frigid claws on his own throat stopped one Samurott from executing the Ninetales with his blade. As the Ninetales places a paw on the Samurott's muzzle and throttles him, his eyes widen with dread. As he pulled his sword and attempted to cut down the Ninetales, the other Samurott just barely escaped the brunt of black flames. The irate Ninetales simply hurled a highly pressurized jet of flame towards the other Samurott, instantly incinerating them. The clawed Samurott turned to watch in horror as his closest comrade was reduced to ashes. As the demonic Ninetales tore the Samurott's throat out with his wicked claws, the Samurott was left immobilized.
The legendary dog, unable to bear witnessing such a horrific tragedy any longer, wrapped himself in raging flames and took a step forward. When the Arcanine locked his eyes with his foe, he let out a ferocious roar. The Ninetales' eyes were filled with a ferocious hatred capable of annihilating the Arcanine in an instant.
The Arcanine began to charge up the flames that engulfed him, and when they became excruciatingly hot—even for the fire type—he released a sweeping kick. Even as the Arcanine raced towards him at breakneck speed, the Ninetales remained still. The Arcanine opened his lips and flung his head back and forth, unleashing a blinding white flame that engulfed the Ninetales. He did not, however, strike the Ninetales square in the face, but threw himself over him and slammed into him with a strong kick to the underbelly.
After delivering such a tremendous strike, the Arcanine took a deep breath and paused. As the Ninetales somersaulted out of his way, he was struck numerous times by ichor-coated claws. With a savage howl, the Arcanine let out a snarling, stinging shriek as he immediately drove his claws into the Ninetale's belly and sent him flying back into the air.
He didn't stop there; instead, he resumed his ferocious onslaught, sending the Ninetales tumbling end over end through the air like a ragdoll as he beat him mercilessly. The Arcanine left an inch-wide gash and a mark of dried blood on the Ninetales' flesh everywhere he struck with his flames and slashes.
The conflict between the two opposing factions continued on with no end in sight. They each clawed, bit, and kicked at each other with ferocity, looking for an opening to gain the upper hand. Despite the grueling attacks, none of them ever backed down. When the Ninetales stood up, they were catapulted into the air and then slammed back down with another vicious blow.
He could feel new and old wounds being opened every time he was smashed into the surface. When the Ninetales saw their opponent was about to unleash yet another deadly strike, they sprang into the air and summoned their entire aura. He waited until the Arcanine was close enough to create an attack of opportunity.
He was able to deliver a diagonal slash across the dog-like Pokemon's face with a furious yet clean swipe. Where the ichor-coated claws had made their imprint, a visible white scar now ran across the Arcanine's face. Before slumping to the ground, grasping the new wound, the Arcanine let out a hysterical cry.
Looking down at the suffering creature, the Ninetales felt a sense of satisfaction with himself as his aura returned to the hollows of his body. He would have enjoyed the slaughter of this one, had it not been for the importance of his mission. If successful, this crusade would ensure that the Ninetales' true power is returned.
Of course, there was one more obstacle in his way.
"Well, your highness; because I'm short on time, I'll get straight to the point."
"Over my dead body!" snarled the Luxray, lifting an azure paw and sending a light-blue thunderbolt into the Ninetales' throat. As he leaned forward from the sudden attack, lightning flickered over his back's gray fur.
The Ninetales, on the other hand, had become all too familiar with the King's ruses. From then on, he would avoid any and all attacks. "Now, now," murmured the great fox-like creature, his tone tinged with cynicism. "You're going up against a Ninetales, yet you still have the dignity of a noble. Which would you like to fill your stomach with: ill-acquired territories or poison? "
"All I want is your skull mounted on my wall!" The enraged king simply spat, moving in for the kill.
The Ninetales, the lord of fire and darkness, grinned, his eyes pure neon and capable of truly burning your soul from the core. "You're generous with your provocations, but what you're trying to do, King, is... impossible. You are truly lost. You will be the one to blame for your own inevitable demise. Your life, on the other hand, holds no meaning to me. However, what you wear is not."
The Ninetales then unleashed their most devastating attack yet, a massive blast of black intensity directed directly at the Luxray's already icy, black heart. A very enthusiastic Flareon, however, caught onto the Ninetale's approach at the last second and performed a tremendous fire spin to generate a destructive spark, sealing the black magic attack within the spark's center. While saving their own and their king's lives, the Ninetales took advantage of the opportunity to seize the amulet from its rightful owner.
The Ninetales wore the talisman around their neck with a malevolent grin. The Flareon triumphantly flew through the air and punched a hole right through the Ninetales' chest with its last ounce of vigor. The hyper-dazed Ninetales was thrown to the ground, where the Flareon landed directly on its own chest, knocking itself unconscious. The aura of the Ninetales engulfed their wounds, allowing them to heal the deadly blow they had just endured.
Numerous guards hurried to the battle site, each one more bewildered by what had occurred. As if they were a ghost, the Ninetales now stood before the stained glass window behind the throne, bowing to their audience and examining the devastation they had caused. The Ninetales happily declared, "I shall grant your request. You will get the freedom that you have wished for. "
The Ninetales then did a reverse somersault, shattering the fantastic glass before plunging hundreds of feet towards the rocky terrain below. The Ninetales' body shone a dazzling white before impact, as crescent-shaped wings unfolded behind them. The Ninetales flew far into the starry sky, flapping their wings gently. He couldn't wait to see the power of his new wings, to which he would undoubtedly be eternally linked. The figure soared out into the twilight skies, wings shining ever brighter than the moon's rays.