4(November 5th)
The sky is a crimson red, smoke fills the air above the shattered Kalos region. Every single city and town is either burned to cinders, or reduced to rubble and ruin. Lumiose has become a bloodbath, a lone figure is seen lying on the ground which is revealed to be Diantha, her outfit tattered and her body covered in bruises and lacerations amid the destruction as she slowly comes around.
"…. Urrrggh…. where am I?" She wonders as she begins roaming through the destroyed Lumiose, when a deafening roar is heard from above.
"Gagyahgagyah!"
As she gets closer, she can hear a pained voice crying out. Near the ravaged city center, a horrifically wounded lucario can be seen holding a bloody gardevoir in his arms. The lucario' s left ear is torn off, and the fur on his stomach is ripped and torched, revealing his rib cage. The gardevoir has a spear lodged through her heart with blood soaking her front, her eyes closed in an eternal slumber.
"Serenity…. you can't die…. not like this…aargh…" Anubis chokes out as his eyes glaze over and he collapses to the ground dead.
"Gardevoir…Anubis…noooo!" Diantha cries out in grief just as a blade of purple energy lands near her, vaporizing the corpses of her partner and lucario. A cackling voice booms out.
"Do you see now! Your efforts are useless, you cannot save your home, and you certainly can't protect the ones you care about, GahahaHAHAHA!" As Diantha looks up, she sees Spectra charge towards palkia with Jarod upon her back. The dragon hits them with a spacial rend, vaporizing Spectra and sending Jarod's shattered corpse crashing down next to her.
"No…no…noooo!" She cries out, as palkia and the mysterious figure land in front of her.
"Don't worry, because wherever he is, you are about to join him!" The figure cackles madly as palkia fires another spacial rend directly at her. Diantha can only scream in terror as the blade of energy speeds towards her.
"AHHHHHH!"
(In the Real World)
"AHHHHHHHHH!" Diantha yells out, sitting up in a bed with a jolt. Her body shaking violently and her breathing ragged and heavy. A wave of nausea sweeps over her, causing her to explosively purge the contents of her stomach onto the floor. Her vision goes hazy as she almost passes out, but someone catches her.
"Diantha! I'm here, I'm here sweetheart. Talk to me." Jarod pleads worriedly, as he holds her close. Diantha slowly regains her senses upon hearing his voice.
"…. Jarod…. Jarod!" She calls out, before burying her face in his neck. The horrors of her nightmare causing her to break down and sob harshly.
"Shhhhh. I'm here…it was just a nightmare….im here..." He whispers softly, trying to calm her down.
"It…it was awful…everything was destroyed…. I saw Anubis and my gardevoir die…and then palkia vaporized Spectra and killed you." Diantha chokes out, struggling to breathe.
"Is everything alright in here?" Nurse joy asks, peeking her head in the room.
"Not quite, Diantha just experienced a gruesome night terror." Jarod replies, distressed by his lovers' pain.
"Sorry about the mess." Diantha says wearily.
"Don't worry about it." Joy replies gently. "Audino, could you fetch a glass of water from downstairs for me."
"Dino." The hearing pokemon chirps in affirmation, before trotting back downstairs. Anubis and Serenity, having heard Diantha' s scream, come in to the room.
"Mistress, are you alright?" The psychic type asks worriedly.
"What is all the commotion about?" Anubis states slightly annoyed.
"Diantha just had a nightmare in which she saw you two, as well as me and Spectra die, before being blasted by palkia and a mysterious figure." Jarod explains, drawing expressions of both shock and worry from the two pokemon.
"Oh, my arceus!" Gardevoir gasps.
"That's awful, I shouldn't have been so rude." Anubis says.
"Its fine Anubis, you didn't know." Jarod says. Do you two mind staying in here with us tonight?"
"Of course not." Gardevoir nods.
"I have no qualms about it." Anubis responds.
"Alright, you two can use the spare bed." Jarod says as the two pokemon settle in and are soon fast asleep. Jarod quickly heads downstairs to speak with Wikström who is conversing with Steven and Cynthia.
"Hey guys."
"Hello Jarod, is everything alright we heard a scream." Cynthia asks.
"Not quite, Diantha just suffered a horrifying nightmare, in which gardevoir, lucario, giratina and myself were all slain by palkia and a mysterious figure who I assume might have been Lucius." The current champion explains.
"That man and his tactics appear to have psychological effects, aswell as physical. Diantha is lucky to have you by her side." Steven says.
"She needs you more than you may even know." Wikstrom adds.
"We won't keep you any longer, go to her now, you shining knight." Cynthia says, causing him to chuckle.
"Real funny Cynthia, see you all in the morning." Jarod yells as he heads up the stairs. Audino trots past, having brought some water up for Diantha to rehydrate after becoming sick to her stomach. He enters the room, Diantha is staring out the window at the moon.
"Are you feeling any better love?" Jarod asks.
"I feel groggy, but at least my stomach has settled…" She says softly, her voiced laced with a slight tinge of fear.
"Still troubled by that night terror I see." Jarod says softly.
"Its… It's just that it felt so real….and I fear that what I saw will become real…" Diantha stammers, as she starts to tremble slightly, her eyes glistening. Jarod notices this and gently cups her face, getting her to look at him.
"My lady… I know the future seems uncertain right now, but I swear that I will do everything I can to protect you and stay alive." He replies. Overcome by her emotions, Diantha kisses him. However, this particular time is more intense than before which leaves both of them red in the face.
"…Whoa…. that was…intense…." Jarod stammers.
"…. I guess I got a little carried away…." Diantha replies timidly.
"Its…it's alright." Jarod says in response." Let us get some rest, shall we." The couple lays down, Diantha snuggles up to him, and he gently holds her close.
"…Please…. don't let me go…" She whimpers.
"I'm not going anywhere… I promise…." Jarod whispers back, running his fingers through her hair. The two quickly succumb to exhaustion and drift off to sleep, as a purple swan like creature with cyan wings flies by.
(November 6th, 6 AM)
The light of the morning sun slowly begins to peer over the horizon, most of the team is still sleeping. However, Jarod has planned ahead to get up early for some special training with Spectra.
"Hmmm…. umph…" The champion grumbles as he slowly begins to rise, but he doesn't get very far before he feels a slight tug and hears a pained whimper from Diantha, who has been ordered to rest for the next few days while her burns heal.
"…. mmph…. don't…. don't…leave…me…."
"Damn…. she is still suffering and I don't know what to do." Jarod says to himself in distress, when a soft feminine voice calls out to him.
"Perhaps I could help." A large swan like pokemon appears in the room. Its body is purple and yellow with 3 crescent shaped wings jutting from its body, emanating a soft cyan glow. Its head is adorned by crescent shaped ornaments and bright blue eyes. A shining cresselia in all her glory.
"Luna! Is that actually you?"
"How have you been, brave warrior." The lunar legendary asks.
"Ive seen better days, being involved in such a senseless conflict is awful. All the people around me are in danger and now my precious angel is suffering from night terrors after being savagely beaten during a battle against one of team infinity's lieutenants." Jarod replies, his head in his hands.
"Say no more. Now normally, I return to Full Moon island during the day, but now that I know what is happening, I would like to stay and assist you and your companions in any way I can." Luna says. At that moment, Diantha stirs lightly, and opens her eyes which draws the attention of the lunar pokemon.
"…. Jarod…. who is that?"
"You must be Diantha. I am Luna, but most refer to me as cresselia. Your companion has told me what has happened recently and I have come to help." Cresselia says, before turning her head around and pulling a luminescent purple and blue feather off her body. "Take this."
"What is this, a feather? Diantha asks confused.
"Yes indeed, but my feathers carry a special power. Anyone who is lucky enough to possess one will have any and all nightmares dispelled from their being. Not to mention, my presence also repels nightmares aswell." Luna explains.
"…Do you think it will work for her nightmare as it was induced by a traumatic battle?" Jarod asks.
"Hmmm…a nightmare caused by a traumatic battle…I am going to have to use my special move."
"You mean lunar dance."
"Indeed, lunar dance should help Diantha heal both mentally and physically. However, there is a drawback in that both myself and her will be put to sleep for 24 hours." Luna says, which worries the kalos champion but Diantha gives him a reassuring gaze and a nod, telling him to let it happen.
"Alright. Do it Luna." Jarod says.
"Here I go." Luna says as she begins glowing brightly and floating from side to side in an elegant and rhythmic manner, a small crescent moon made of light appears above Diantha, bathing her in its glow for a few seconds before it vanishes, her eyes slowly flutter shut as she lays back down and is out within seconds. Luna wavers slightly before landing softly on the floor, breathing heavily.
"Are you alright Luna?"
"…Im fine…. I just need to rest...I hope Im not a burden if I stay here…"
"You're not a burden Luna, thank you for what you've done, stay as long as you need."
"…. Thank you…." Luna whispers before falling asleep. Jarod quietly slips into his armor and leaves the room. He heads outside after leaving a note behind and sends out Spectra.
"Spectra. its time."
"Are you sure that you're ready for this?"
"There is no other option. I must master my powers if we want to have any chance of stopping this insanity. Not to mention after what just happened to my love…. I failed to protect her and that bastard Dragomir almost killed her. I can't let that happen."
"I understand. Very well then, let's go." Spectra growls and the two fly up into the nearby mountains overlooking Anistar. They land atop a wide plateau and position themselves across from one another. Jarod takes up his combat stance.
"Are you ready?"
"Let us begin!" Jarod shouts as his aura flares and he taps into spectral fury. His armor radiating a violet, shadowlike energy, six tendril like wings, similar to spectra's' appear from his back as he charges forward.
The Weigh Down by The Amity Affliction begins to play.
"Here I come!" Jarod yells, whilst extending a shadow blade from his right wrist and slashing at Spectra, who blocks with her wings before pushing him back with a roar and then a shadow ball.
"Focus your mind, your attacks will be more effective, for example, you can use your shadow blade to slice incoming projectiles." Spectra says before firing a stream of ghostly flames towards him. Heeding her guidance, Jarod's blade glows brighter and with one swift slash, cleaves the blast of fire in half. He then quickly disappears from sight before landing a quick blow on Spectra's head.
"Not bad. Now use your wings to shield yourself!" Spectra launches an aura sphere; Jarod quickly extends his wings in front of him. The attack pushes him back but does not penetrate his defense. He rebounds and pulls off a combo of 3 quick slashes to the dragons' front before finishing with a strong shadow punch to her jaw. Spectra quickly swats him back with dragon tail, slamming him down hard.
"Damn…. I aint through yet!" Jarod growls, standing back up.
"That's the way, but don't push yourself too hard." Spectra rumbles in concern.
"I must, it's the only way I can protect my friends! Jarod retorts, before launching a steady stream of will o wisp flames from his left hand, hitting Spectra in the chest, staggering her.
"You're getting stronger, young Jarod."
"Maybe so, but I have much farther to go." He says. Spectra charges him using giga impact, Jarod stands his ground, focusing his aura into his hands and feet to hold her back. However, her overwhelming mass allows her to push through and make contact, unintentionally throwing him into a rock. Jarod slides down and faints, his aura dissipating. Spectra quickly floats over to him.
"Jarod, speak to me, are you alright?"
"Urgh, that smarts." Jarod mutters, trying to stand up but his shaking legs falter and he falls against Spectra, who has reverted to her altered form.
"Stay down, you need to rest. We'll continue when you are ready." Spectra says before lowering herself down next to him. The two begin to talk.
"You really inspire me Jarod, you know that." Spectra grumbles.
"Really? How is that?
"Your drive to protect those you cherish. I've never really understood what it is about humans that bring them together. However, I think that I am starting to comprehend the emotions, motives, and mentalities that empower people and its thanks to you."
"Im honored that a deity of your power draws inspiration from a mere human like me."
"That's another trait of yours. You never put yourself above anyone else. You treat everyone as an equal, or in my case, a higher power. I never thought I'd meet a mortal with such respect and honor as you. I am glad to be a member of your team."
"I am glad to have you as well, everyone else is too."
"Are you feeling better, that was a pretty hard hit."
"Yeah Im fine, just gotta learn how to counter certain attacks and what not, let's get back to it." With that, Jarod stands back up and the two begin to spar again. This time, he is able to endure more of Spectra's power, even mastering a few new shadow blade combos that manage to knock the renegade down.
"Well done." Spectra growls. "You are mastering your abilities much faster than I originally expected."
"It appears that I am, but I won't stop and till I know that I can fully utilize it without problems." Jarod replies. For the rest of the day, the two battle and clash, stopping briefly for lunch and whenever either of them needs to take a breather. Around, sunset, the two finally call it a day.
"You truly are something Jarod. To be able to last a full day of combat with me is incredible." Spectra praises, her breathing heavy.
"Im surprised to be honest, but it is getting late. I say that we call it for the day. Jarod replies, also panting, his armor dusty and scuffed. "Besides, I need to talk to Wikstrom about our next mission." The two quickly descend back down to Anistar, Jarod strips out of his armor and gets cleaned up before meeting with Wikstrom to discuss a piece of intel that was discovered during the Frost cavern raid.
"Seems like you had a busy day champion." The steel type knight says.
"Indeed, and it was for the sake of you all." Jarod replies. "Anyways, what do need to discuss with me?"
"While looking through the documents that Cynthia recovered during the Frost cavern raid and discovered that Team Infinity is using Couriway town and the nearby Terminus cave as a supply base for their aerial warship. According to this planner, they are going to resupply the craft with more grunts and ammunition in three days. I was thinking that we could possibly use this as an opportunity to destroy it and gather supplies for ourselves.
"I agree, we should have two teams of three enter from the north. One trio will enter the Terminus cave and gather any medical supplies, tools, and anything that can help us hinder their ability to continue this war. I 'll lead the other trio in an operation to destroy their aerial warship before it can leave and return to Lumiose.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll work with rest of the team to devise a strategy for the mission and let you know."
"Thank you Wikstrom, Im gonna retire for the night." Jarod says and quietly returns to his room. He notices that Diantha, who was still in a deep sleep had almost fully healed from her injuries. He gently lays his beaten body down next to her.
"Sweet dreams…." He gently whispers as slumber takes him almost instantly. In the skies to the west, the Team Infinity command ship looms near Lumiose, waiting for the next call to action.