POKÉMON: INFINITE LEGACIES
THE CIPRYS REGION
CHAPTER 6
THE SHADOW OF FESTIVALIGHT, PART III

Frost stepped in front of Flame, Mudkip at his side. "We'll handle this," he declared.

Flame crossed his arms. He wasn't sure whether he felt relieved or annoyed. "Hmph—I had it under control," he lied.

"If you say so."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Frost was silent.

"Litten was gonna use Blaze again."

Confused, Litten tipped his head sideways as if to say, Huh? That was never the plan, Flame.

"Is that so?" Frost remarked.

"Yeah!"

Frost shook his head. "You're such an idiot—you know that?"

"You're the idiot!" Flame answered back.

"Oh, really? Then I take it you know all about how Night Slash can be combined with Honchkrow's ability, Super Luck?"

Mudkip glanced at Litten and tapped a forefoot as if waiting for their argument to finish.

Litten mrrowed mischievously in agreement.

"Ha!" Flame exclaimed. "Of course, I know what Super Luck does."

"Then explain it to me."

"Uh . . ."

Frost sighed. "Why am I not surprised? Super Luck is an ability that heightens the critical-hit ratio of moves," he explained, "and Night Slash is a move that has an above-average critical-hit ratio. If Night Slash had hit, it almost certainly would have been a critical hit and your Litten doesn't have anywhere near enough experience. He would have fainted." He paused. "I was looking for this guy, and I heard a commotion from over here. You know I had to step in. I would have waited, but this creep–" his hands curled up into fists "–doesn't deserve to be called a Pokémon trainer. He would have destroyed Litten's Poké Ball and you'd have ended up like Kaitlyn."

Flame grinned. "I didn't know you cared."

Someone else might have laughed, but this was Frost. "I don't," he muttered. "But I don't like people like him, as simple as that." Like my father, he thought darkly.

Applause interrupted their conversation. "I must say what a tremendous introduction that was to . . . Oh wait," hissed the Shadow. "How rude. Your friend—what's his name?"

"What? He's not my friend," Flame and Frost retorted in unison. They glared at each other when they realised they'd said the same thing.

"I'll wait," but the Shadow's tone made it clear he wouldn't.

"My name's Frost, but I don't see why that matters to you."

The Shadow sighed. He sounded a little disappointed. "You showed such initiative, but you might be as naïve as Flame here. My name is not important, but yours is—because, after all, you are the ones being judged."

"I don't really care," Frost said, matter-of-fact. "Let's just get on with this."

"Frost," Flame murmured, "this guy's good, really good. Be careful."

Frost rolled his eyes. "Just because someone thrashes you doesn't mean they're really good."

"But he's the Shadow of Festivalight!" Flame snapped back. "He's not just some newly-qualified trainer like us!"

Frost sniggered at their opponent. "I bet he's not even the true Shadow of Festivalight. He's just some fake poser dressed all in black."

"How dare you," the Shadow hissed back.

"I'm not so sure, Frost. He seems a pretty experienced trainer to me."

"You think he's such a pro, Flame, but you don't know anything about him. If he's preying on trainers like Kaitlyn and you, he can't be too serious. He's going after trainers who've only just passed the graduation exam. If he was really capable, he'd be out after people with gym badges."

The Shadow scowled at them through the darkness. "It's like they've forgotten I'm here," he hissed. "But that's the symptom with today's trainers—all talk and no bite."

Flame understood Frost's reasoning, but wasn't so sure from what he'd just experienced. "Well–"

"You can be quiet now," Frost silenced. "I need to concentrate against this guy. You can take your sister and get out of here."

"I can't—Mean Lock."

"Honchkrow," the Shadow said, "Mean Lock."

"I told you to be quiet," Frost muttered. "Mudkip," he addressed his Pokémon, "we can't avoid it. Let it hit."

Flame opened his mouth to speak as soon as he realised Frost's mistake. "Mean Lock isn't targeting Mudkip—it's targeting you! That's what he did to me earlier, so I couldn't leave. He wanted to battle right until the end."

"Don't be absurd."

Flame would have warned him again, but it was too late. Frost watched calmly as Mean Lock's red-crossed seal approached him and Mudkip. Flame didn't necessarily blame Frost for thinking Honchkrow's target was Mudkip. It had been a surprise for him at the time too. Although he didn't want the Shadow to beat Frost, a part of him was looking forward to Frost's reaction once he was proven right. Frost's gonna hate that, he thought.

Mean Lock floated closer. Frost looked cool until Mean Lock veered toward him. Surprise crossed his face for a brief moment as the energy disappeared.

"I did warn you," Flame couldn't help himself.

"Whatever," Frost muttered. "It was pointless. I'm not a loser like you are."

"He certainly is an arrogant one," the Shadow noted. He raised his voice, "Since you know oh-so-much about Honchkrow's critical-hit expertise, I'll let you experience it for yourself. Honchkrow, use Night Slash."

Honchkrow squawked. His wings radiated to a dark purple. And then, with a flap of his wings, he sliced downward through the air, plunging toward Mudkip.

Flame watched nervously. Litten, who had returned to his side, watched with narrowed eyes, his tail-tip flicking erratically. He knew most of all the struggle Mudkip was about to go through.

"Mudkip," Frost responded, "use Water Gun for a moment, and then move forward five paces."

"Mudkip, Mud," Mudkip agreed. His neck craned back, he fired a pillar of water into the sky.

Honchkrow tried to swerve out of the way, but Water Gun had been well-timed and was wider spread than Litten's Ember. The pillar of water, still streaming higher and higher, caught Honchkrow on the wing and slowed the big boss Pokémon's approach.

"And now," Frost pressed, "Water Gun attack again."

Mudkip, now below Honchkrow, ushered another raging pillar of water skyward. Honchkrow had to correct his course after Mudkip's slight but still awkward repositioning. He was distracted for a few seconds, just enough for Water Gun to soak Honchkrow again. Honchkrow squawked in annoyance and picked at his plumage with his long yellow beak, his feathers wet.

"Use Night Slash again, Honchkrow."

"Honchkrow," Honchkrow squawked in agreement. The Dark- and Flying-type flapped his wings. He swooped skyward, so he was upside down for a moment, and then groundward, in a loop. His large black wings tucked against his body, he blurred through the darkness toward his target.

Flame had padded over to check on Helia. He felt for her pulse. As he did, he noticed her chest move. She was breathing lightly. Phew, he thought; some concern removed from his mind. He glanced back to the unfolding battle. Litten had stayed where he was, sat on his haunches, licking his wounds and watching with interest. How differently would Frost fare against the Shadow?

"Water Gun," Frost ordered. "Quicker this time with more power."

Mudkip trembled with the effort, but the small blue Pokémon still managed to unleash an even bigger splurge of water. Honchkrow was noticeably slower this time, and did not move with the same agility as before. Too slow to dodge, Water Gun was a direct hit.

Flame pulled at his headband. How is he doing this? he pondered. He's landing hits and I struggled to get close!

"Keep going, Honchkrow. A measly move like Water Gun isn't powerful enough to stop you."

Frost ignored the jibe. "Mudkip," he said simply, "dodge."

Honchkrow dived, his eyes narrowed to slits. The dark purple energy that encompassed his wings radiated the surrounding darkness. He waited with gleeful anticipation for Night Slash to connect.

Mudkip's eyes were fixed on Honchkrow's approach, waiting and waiting, until his foe's features were clearly visible. Night Slash came closer than before, but Mudkip had just enough time to hop out of his attack's path, Honchkrow sailing past and then, higher in the air, turning to continue his assault.

Flame was kneeling beside Helia, now in the recovery position (courtesy of the Academy's Pokémon and trainer first-aid course). He glanced between his sister and Frost's battle, unsure what to think. Envy prickled his skin, and he felt guilty, as he contemplated Frost. The Champion's son, he thought, teeth gritted. He blinked, as Mudkip dodged another Night Slash and countered. Maybe that's why he's so much better than I am? Why he was always top of the class? And I wasn't.

If it wasn't night-time, if it wasn't for what the Shadow had done to Kaitlyn, Helia, and threatened to do to him, Flame might have thought, Come on, Honchkrow—you can do better than that! A mini explosion of two attacks colliding echoed through the air. He glanced at Helia, a reminder of what the Shadow was capable of, and a shiver leapt up his spine.

Could he just be toying with Frost? Flame considered, as Frost called something to Mudkip, and the Shadow responded in kind. Would he do that . . . ? But he said he wanted to judge us? Flame tried to come up with an answer, but couldn't reach a verdict.

Flame might have revealed his suspicions to Frost, but he knew his rival's reply would be hostile. It wouldn't change anything. "And he thinks the Shadow's a jerk," he muttered under his breath. He looked away from his sister and stood up. Frost loses, he wondered, and then what happens? How do we get away? How do we stop this creep?

Frost looked calm. "Water Gun," he called, hands in pockets and as nonchalantly as usual.

But Flame knew from experience he was in trouble.

Mudkip scanned for Honchkrow's position overhead before blasting yet another Water Gun skyward. He gasped noticeably for air after.

Litten and Mudkip simply weren't a high enough level; their experience was nowhere near Honchkrow's. They didn't know anywhere near the same range of moves that Honchkrow seemed to know, and neither Pokémon had kept up over a prolonged, intense battle. Flame felt as though he'd accidentally seen a spoiler and already knew who was winning the big championship fight. This ain't good . . . he realised, head swinging around. Was there any solution? Any way to escape?

The Shadow's assault continued: "Another attack if you please, Honchkrow."

Honchkrow squawked happily. Flame suspected there was something seriously wrong with both trainer and Pokémon. Honchkrow's wings faded to their usual colour. Instead of Night Slash, a dark energy stemmed in front of his yellow beak. A dark, horrible aura formed and then erupted toward Mudkip, a beam of black and purple overlapping circles.

Frost's eyes widened ever so slightly—Honchkrow's Dark Pulse was powerful enough to distort the air around them. "Mudkip," he called urgently, "get out the way!"

He was too late and Dark Pulse too fast—Mudkip tried to dodge instinctively, but was lost beneath the dark, horrible aura as he did so.

Frost put his hands in front of his face and closed his eyes; Litten sprang around and buried his muzzle into his fur; and Flame turned around and shielded Helia. When the dark energy had faded, Mudkip was visible.

"Mud . . . kip," Mudkip moaned. His body twitched. He tried to move, but found he couldn't, his vision spinning.

Frost shook his head in disbelief. "Come on," he muttered. "We're better than this. Get back up."

There was no response from Mudkip. The Water-type had fought valiantly, but his eyes were closed and he was out of the battle for good.

Frost brought out Mudkip's Poké Ball, enlarged it with a click, and opened the ball. "You'll do better next time," he said.

Frost paused. Realising what the Shadow would do, he instead shut Mudkip's ball and returned it to his belt. He bent down and picked up Mudkip between his hands and held the little blue Pokémon reluctantly up against his chest.

Flame looked on, worried. What would happen now? Sudden movement in his pocket distracted him—for a moment, he thought the black-and-gold Poké Ball underneath Litten's was wiggling back and forth, as if the Pokémon inside was itching to have a battle. But, as soon as his gaze was drawn there, the movement stopped. I must have imagined it, he thought.

The Shadow stared at them. "Over already," he murmured. "How . . . disappointing. Honchkrow, Psychic, or–"

Flame felt hot. His head throbbed like it'd just been placed into a furnace—the Shadow's gaze was on him.

"–how about you reveal your final Pokémon? That, or I destroy your Poké Balls this very moment."

Flame was conflicted. He thought it over for a second time. He wanted to battle the Shadow, beat him, and protect the other trainers of Festivalight—but in reality, he knew that was an impossibility. Litten had been brushed aside and Frost's Mudkip hadn't fared much better, either. If he sent out his final Pokémon to do battle, the result would be the same but for a miracle. Nothing he'd learned at the Academy had prepared him for a decision like this.

"Decision time," the Shadow pressed.

"I . . ."

"What are you waiting for?" Frost said, irritated—both at himself and Flame. "Get it over with, loser."

Flame thought back to the day his grandpa had brought back the brown- and cream-coloured egg. He half-smiled at the memory, despite his current peril. As always, he'd been super excited. Flame's grandfather ran a day-care centre for Pokémon in Festivalight and, a former scientist, he also had an interest in Pokémon genetics. He was often gifted eggs to look after. If he had enough time, he would conduct detailed research into these eggs.

On this occasion, however, the bookings were rushing in and the day-care was full of Pokémon. He barely had a moment spare to look after his newest egg. So, in stepped his enthusiastic grandson, hurrying home from school and immediately checking on the egg. In the past, Flame had asked and asked to be more involved in his grandpa's business, and only now did his guardian relent—but only if Flame put his studies first.

Everyday Flame checked straight on the egg. Helia had helped out whenever he had too much schoolwork, but whenever he had free-time, he had sat down beside the unknown Pokémon. His grandpa knew, of course, but wouldn't tell him. "It'll be a surprise!" he chuckled. Although Flame kept prodding him for a name, he didn't mind really—it added to the wonder and excitement. Sometimes he had complained to the egg about his teachers and having too much homework; sometimes he'd told the egg stories about famous Pokémon he'd just learned about; sometimes he'd played music and imagined the egg was listening too, as he was—all the while, wondering which Pokémon would emerge from within.

When business died down, and his grandpa had had the time to look after the egg himself, he decided he didn't need to. He saw how much Flame cared for the egg. And when the egg finally hatched, Flame still found time to play with the new-born Pokémon and an even stronger bond was formed. So strong in fact that his grandpa entrusted this Pokémon to him at the beginning of his journey. Flame had to protect this Pokémon; he refused to let their first experience of a battle be against a trainer as cruel as the Shadow.

Flame took the Luxury Ball from his pocket and held it up. He didn't waver from his earlier stance. "I can't," he explained simply, about to release the Pokémon to protect them from harm.

"So be it. Honchkrow, destroy their Poké Balls."

Flame clicked the Luxury Ball. The device popped open and white, silvery energy burst out—but only for a moment. Honchkrow's Psychic had intervened, so powerful that the energy was now suspended in mid-air.

"I gave you a choice. But you did not listen, did you? You cannot release your Pokémon now."

Disbelief widened Flame's eyes.

"Honchkrow," the Shadow hissed calmly, "Psychic."

Flame would have flung both his Poké Balls high into the air and as far away as possible, but his limbs were frozen again. Honchkrow, eyes glowing, held his body in place. He glanced at Litten and his sister. Litten pounced into the air and swiped with an outstretched forepaw, but missed the two Poké Balls—the Luxury Ball still jammed slightly open with a white, silvery trail following in its wake. He glanced at Frost. His rival was the same. With gritted teeth, he watched helplessly as Mudkip's Poké Ball disappeared from his reach. All three floated into the air, a blue aura around them, high above their heads, dimmed by the lack of light. Flame and Frost waited for the inevitable.

And waited. Terror thumped Flame's heart.

And waited. Resentment burnt in Frost's eyes.

And waited. The three Poké Balls fell to the ground.

They landed with a light thud, and Flame could move again. Taking advantage of whyever Honchkrow's Psychic had ceased, he took a couple of steps forward and dropped to one knee to pick up his two Poké Balls. He inspected them. They were cold in his hands, as if Honchkrow's cruel aura had chilled them, and dust and dirt clouded them, but they were far from broken. Flame looked up. Why had they not been destroyed?

The Shadow and Honchkrow were distracted. A glamorous young woman with white hair, green at the tips, leaf-green lipstick, and a natural tan stood in the middle of the impromptu battlefield, between them and the Shadow. Flame and Frost both recognised who it was.

So did the Shadow, who bowed forward slightly and murmured, "This is an honour, Gym Leader Alyssa. You are a most worthy trainer indeed."

Alyssa, hands on hips, refused to respond with the same courtesy. "I'm afraid the same can't be said for you," she responded, her voice aggressive and soft at once. "You've been known far and wide across the city for terrorising trainers. It's about time I showed you I won't let it slide. Go–"

Alyssa tossed a black-and-orange Poké Ball into the air. Flame watched with anticipation as a Pokémon appeared whose sheer size filled up most of the alley. The Pokémon's leafy wings were a lighter shade of green than usual and her body was more golden than it was brown; various berries hung under her chin.

"–Tropius!"

Flame readied himself for the epic battle that was about to unfold. It wasn't everyday you saw one of Ciprys' esteemed gym leaders before your very eyes! He peeked around Tropius' flank, eager for what was about to come.

Frost grabbed Mudkip's Poké Ball. He hung back, but make no mistake—he was watching with interest too.

The Shadow shook his head regretfully. "You are a proven trainer. You are worthy," he explained, "but not all are. That is common knowledge. A battle against you reveals nothing I don't already know." He signalled for Honchkrow to return to him. "We're done here."

"No, we're not! Tropius, Energy Ball!"

A light green orb formed in front of Tropius' mouth within seconds and blasted toward Honchkrow. Focused on Alyssa and Tropius, Flame hadn't noticed the Shadow. In the blink of an eye, he'd appeared in the sky. Honchkrow's trainer stood in the air as if he was still on the ground. Flame noticed Honchkrow's eyes were still glowing. Honchkrow must be using Psychic to levitate the Shadow, he realised.

"Block with Shadow Ball."

With eyes still glowing, a purple-and-black orb rotated into being in front of Honchkrow before rippling forward to meet Tropius' Energy Ball. Shadow Ball and Energy Ball met about halfway between the two Pokémon. Energy slashed through the air. Flame covered his face; his legs trembled. A light haze littered the air.

"Quick, Tropius! Clear the haze away with your wings!"

Tropius grunted and then flapped her wings. By the time the haze had cleared, they weren't visible—the Shadow and Honchkrow were nowhere to be seen. Alyssa told Tropius to take flight and have a look around—although Flame guessed from her clouded expression and disappointed tone it was going to be a rather hopeless attempt.

Alyssa muttered, "So close . . ." before turning to face them. "I hope you boys are okay. I've been investigating the whereabouts of that one for a while." She suddenly noticed Helia; concern sparked in her voice. "Gosh—is she okay?"

"Uh, she's my sister," Flame addressed the gym leader awkwardly. "I put her into the recovery position and her breathing was light but still steady. She'll be alright, I think." He thought of Helia's role in putting him into this mess, of his missing license, but knew it mattered little when compared to the wellbeing of his sister. He'd look for it later, or just wait until he got another. I'd like to leave Festivalight as soon as possible, he reflected, but I think I've had enough action for a while. Adrenaline seeped from his body; he shivered a little. Because of the cold, pain, or shock at what he'd just been through, he did not know.

Frost was silent. He was observing the conversation, but his face was as muted as ever. Mudkip was no longer in his arms; he'd returned the Water-type to his Poké Ball straightaway.

Alyssa assessed the situation, glancing skyward. "If Tropius doesn't spot anything, she'll take your friend over to the nearest hospital. She'll need proper treatment."

"Um, thank you," Flame said, a little in awe. Despite her status as Festivalight Gym Leader (and her white-and-green hair) she sounded and seemed so normal. Like she was just a regular trainer—ironic, considering her nickname was the Grass Goddess.

"I'm surprised," Alyssa admitted suddenly, as they waited for Tropius.

"You?" Flame said quickly. "Why would you be surprised? You're a gym leader!"

Alyssa laughed a little, and Flame felt slightly embarrassed. Such an idiot, Frost thought.

"Normally, I'll only find the remains of whatever battle the Shadow has been involved in, but I guess you two must have kept him busy."

Flame blushed under her praise. "We were just lucky."

"You were," Frost muttered under his breath.

"Well, whatever it was, you've impressed me."

Alyssa paused for a moment. "I recognise you two," she remarked. "Being gym leader, I like to keep an eye on whatever's going on in my city, good or otherwise, so I know Professor Aconite well. And I was there to see her newest batch of students graduate. You were two of those students, right?"

"Yeah," Flame confirmed; Frost dipped his head.

"I spoke to one of your classmates earlier tonight—that's how I learned the area where the Shadow might be lurking—and I think it might be a good idea to put the light back into Festivalight. Once word gets out the Shadow's back, people might get nervous. So, I'm thinking let's hold a graduation battle, you two versus me, one Pokémon each, to raise their spirits. What'd ya say?"

Flame grinned at the unexpected turn of events. He savoured the moment. He'd been fighting for survival and now a gym leader—yes, a gym leader!—was challenging him (and Frost, but hey that's not important!) to a battle. "Of course!" Flame said at once. "I can't wait!"

Litten, who had approached to sniff out the newcomer, mrrowed happily in agreement.

Frost took longer to respond than Flame. Flame lost, he contemplated. Do losers deserve to face gym leaders? Do I . . . ? I lost too. His thoughts lingered there, but in the end, he conceded and nodded too. Besides, as long as Flame stayed out of the way, it would be a good test of Mudkip's abilities against a trainer who would have the type advantage. We'll have to do some intense training to get ready, he decided.

"How does in three days' time sound?"

Flame and Frost nodded.

And Alyssa smiled back at them. "Then it's a date!"

Author's Notes:
I was doing my proper edit of this last weekend. While on the last two lines or so, my Nintendo Switch parcel arrived (w/Smash Bros. and some extras). So, I'm all set for Sword and Shield to arrive tomorrow (partly why I'm releasing this chapter a day early, it must be said). Call me greedy, but I'm getting both. Not actually sure which I'll go with yet, tho. ;) I know there's a been a bit of negativity recently, but honestly I'd much rather just play the game and judge for myself. Some of the criticism seems a little over the top to me, but I shall see.

Alyssa, Festivalight's Gym Leader showed up to save the day. I can't remember the exact reference I made, but it was hinted at in Chapter 4. One of the unnamed trainers mentions her name.

This was the longest chapter yet. I don't mind an odd one being around/beyond 4,000—but generally I will avoid it. This one didn't feel natural to split as the second part would have been too short. I'd be interested to know if it felt too long when you were reading it. Chapter 7 will definitely be shorter.

Anyways, this mini-arc will continue next episode as Flame and Frost prepare for their 2-on-1 battle against the Grass Goddess of Ciprys, Alyssa!