Well, here we are. Chapter 21 of the Guardian and Maiden of the Sea. *looks at binder about to burst from all the paper written in it* And I still have more to write.
I want to shout out to everyone who has been following this story thus far and has been enjoying it. You guys make writing this story all the more worth it, as I get to know other people are having just as good a time reading this as I am writing it. I especially want to shout out to Knux2511, Pokeevee57, mewtwo123, NoSignlaBlueScreen, and Pikachu271 for their reviews. Sorry I didn't do this sooner, but you guys really helped keep me going. Thanks.
There is a little Easter egg at the end of this chapter, and if you want to see more of it, check out "The Keystone Pops" episode from Pokemon DP: Battle Dimensions. You'll see what I mean soon.
Disclaimer (again): I do not own Pokemon or any of its characters, settings, etc. All rights to Nintendo, Game Freak, Satoshi, and all others involved in making an awesome series.
And now, ja ne
Guest Stars:
Zoey as Jade
Angie as Spade
Chapter 21:
A Phantom's Grudge
The sounds of a practice battle could be heard on deck, as many of its crew members bore witness to an interesting development. They were watching Sora and Sarah practicing battle techniques with their newly-traded Pokémon; Buizel and Aipom. After Kari revealed she was bonded toa non-sea based Pokémon like Blaziken, Sarah had thought about getting one for herself. By happenstance, she was rather taken by Sora's Aipom when she saw how much it liked to play rather than train. And when the guardian came across her Buizel, it almost immediately respected him after he praised its power attacking him. After their Pokémon got to know the other trainer a little more, Sora and Sarah decided to trade.
"Alright Buizel, Aqua Jet!" Sora called out. With a couple barks, Buizel surrounded itself in water and took off towards its opponent.
"Aipom, Double Team!" Sarah countered. Immdiately, the purple monkey Pokémon created numerous copies of itself. This caused Buizel to hit several illusions as it sought out the real one. When its attack stopped, Buizel looked up to see Aipom hanging on one of the sails, chittering happily. "Now use Swift!" Letting go, Aipom swung its tail back and forth as I shot stars at the water weasel.
"Buizel, knock those out of the air with Water Gun!" Buizel blasted a concentrated water stream, taking out every single star and showering the field in golden sparkles. The audience 'oohed' and 'aahed' at the sight. "Let's use Sonic Boom!" Leaping into the air, Buizel's tail glowed before it spun around and shot a Sonic Boom at Aipom.
"Knock it away with Focus Punch!" It's tail-hand coiling into a fist, Aipom charged its energy and slammed the Sonic Boom away. Unfortunately, the attack's new direction caused it to sail over everyone else's heads and crash into the sea.
Hey, watch it!" Drake scolded, "We aren't partaking in this battle, you know."
Scratching the back of his head, Sora told them, "Sorry about that. Guess we still need some practice."
"Right. Sorry." Sarah added. Most of the crew started to dry themselves while Sora and Sarah returned their Pokémon.
"Guess I still need to work on Buizel's control." Sora said as he went over to everyone, "it's got great power, but that just carries it around and makes it reckless."
"And Aipom is a bit tricky too." Sarah stated as Kenneth and Alakazam levitated her over, "Guess I got a little too used to using power there."
"You both still have room for growth." Prince Pewter commented, "But there's no doubt you both are bringing out the best in your Pokémon."
"I still can't believe that you could trade Pokémon like that." Rina remarked.
"Well, your pearls and our Pokéstones aren't all that different really." Sora told her, "so using the Trade Rite wasn't too hard."
"And since the rite involves both Trainers equally committed to sharing their Pokémon, there was no doubt you would succeed once your stones touched." Yolanda concluded.
"It has been a while since we saw a Trade Rite, but now I want to see about improving it." Cancer spoke up, adjusting his spectacles a little.
"I'm just grateful we mermaids are not limited in bonding with Pokémon." Kari spoke up, fingering her pearl, "I would have hated to have to say good-bye to Blaziken."
"Just make sure to keep that Munchlax of yours under control." Drake advised, "I'd rather not run out of food mid-voyage."
A few minutes later, and Lucario called out, Land-ho! Dead ahead. Bearing slightly off the starboard bow were a cluster of islands, each a different size and all featuring open plains as well as forests and a couple mountains. They seemed connected by harbors that sent small ships to and fro between them.
"All right then." Drake ordered, "prepare to drop anchor! Furl the sail, and prepare for landfall!"
"Aye aye captain!" Sora and Kenneth replied, and went to work.
"Well, I suppose we should start looking for our own way in." Rina told her sisters.
But before they could return to the sea, they heard Yolanda call out, "Not so fast! Every time you disappear, you somehow meet with Sora without my knowledge. So, to put an end to your secret meetings, I will have you come with us."
"No offense princess, but we aren't exactly meant for land travel." Sarah retorted, gesturing to her tail.
"Not to mention we don't exactly look all human." Kari added, "Even Rina's new outfit is not exactly hiding who she is."
"I already have that covered." Yolanda replied with a knowing smile, "Kenneth, can Alakazam help me prepare my ladies-in-waiting?"
"Um, sure?" Kenneth replied, confused by the request. And without anything more being said, the mermaids were carried off to the princess's quarters.
While everyone was working, Lucario stared at a nearby island, and muttered, I sense a great evil ahead.
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After making landfall, the group split into a land party and another to watch over the ship. Among those in the land group were Sora, Yolanda, Tidus, Prince Pewter, Drake, Kenneth, Rina and her sisters. The mermaids were adorned in some spare gowns the princess had, though the younger two looked rather uncomfortable with the arrangement overall. Rina herself wore the same outfit she had back on Resplendent Province. Kari had on a rose-red gown with the shoulders and elbows of her sleeves puffed out, the bottom of her skirt ringed with lace, and there were specks of sparkly stones creating wavy lines like fire. She also had a flower pinned above the left side of her forehead. Sarah's gown was a bright yellow that hung by her shoulders, matching gloves reached up to her elbows, a white sash wrapped around her hip and was tied with a bow behind her. She had her hair tied in a single ponytail with a bow too.
After they were set on Sora's Torterra, the group ventured into the town. As they entered, Sarah and Kari gasped at everything around them. Rina chuckled, remembering her own reaction when Sora first took her on land back on Topaz Island. Azurill was also looking around at everything it saw, but more out of worry and anxiety than intrigue. So Rina gave it a small hug to reassure it that she was there to comfort that young Pokémon.
"Alright!" Drake called out, "We'll need to rest up and prepare for the remainder of our voyage to the Isolated Kingdom."
"There islands look great for some exploration." Sarah commented as she began tugging at her skirt, "if only we could ditch these disguises."
"Unfortunately for you, you three must remain with me." Yolanda proclaimed, "No more secrets or secret meetings."
"You just don't want Sora getting hurt while he's with me." Rina grumbled aloud, "It's not like danger is out to find me whenever I'm with him."
Before Yolanda could retort, Sora suggested, "Since we are staying for a little bit, let's explore some of the islands. We can all have a little adventure."
"Pika Pika." Pikachu affirmed cheerfully.
"Perfect!" Tidus shouted eagerly, "Poochyena, Ralts, and I could do some special training too."
"Oh no. You're staying with me. While they are your Pokémon, I decide your training with Poochyena and Ralts."
"Aw! But master…"
"Sorry Tidus, but you know the ancient laws." Prince Pewter interjected, "Until you are of age, you aren't supposed to have any Pokémon. So Sora needs to keep an eye on you." Tidus conceded rather apathetically, but perked back up at his Pokémon urging him with smiles on their faces.
Just when the group was about to head inland, they heard screams of terror from the people nearby. Everyone looked to where the commotion was to see a very strange sighting. Attacking the various homes and shops was a strange, whispy Pokémon that seemed to be in a funnel shape. It had green orbs circling the edge, a face that had a spiral eye in its left eye, a mouth that bore a jagged and malefic grin, and had the wisps come from a strange stone beneath itself.
Aghast, Kenneth asked, "What kind of Pokémon is that?"
"I've never seen a Pokémon like that." Prince Pewter responded. Most of the younger Pokémon like Larvitar and Ralts hid behind their trainers when they saw this new being.
Gripping his staff tightly, Sora muttered, "Pikachu, let's go." The electric mouse nodded in determination as his partner raced off, leaving the others behind.
Once they were close enough, the guardian called out, "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt! Get its attention!" Leaping into the air, Pikachu let loose arcs of electricity at the malevolent Pokémon. The attack just passed through its body, crashing into the ground nearby it. However, it did draw the Pokémon to see who attacked it. Once its gaze set upon him, Sora commanded, "Please depart this place at once! We mean you no harm, and wish only to live in peace."
"Pika Pikachu! Pi Pi Pika, Pika Pi." Pikachu contributed. But to their surprise, the Pokémon began to chuckle. A low, malicious chortle that sounded like one was enjoying someone's demise. None of the party understood why it responded this way. But then, it attacked Sora with a Dark Pulse attack. The guardian managed to dodge out of the way, but he was soon dogged by more attacks. "Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu demanded. But the Pokémon simply ignored him and continued attacking Sora.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Leaping into the air, Pikachu's tail glowed with steel energy as he descended on his opponent. But just like before, his attack went right through it and caused him to crash into the earth. Sora called for another Thunderbolt, but the result was the same.
Just then, the violent Pokémon began creating a strong wind that caused both Sora and Pikachu to brace themselves. Larvitar held onto the guardian for dear life as if also was buffeted by the wind. All three glanced behind them, and their eyes widened in horror at the portal that opened there. Whatever it was, Sora could sense a dark energy coming from it, reaching for them as if in yearning. The guardian looked forward to see the Pokémon preparing another attack to use on them, and he transformed his staff into the Aura Sword to prepare a defense.
Until, "Glameow, Shadow Claw!" A dark-blue cat Pokémon with a tail wound like a spring came from behind the malefic Pokémon and somehow disrupted its attack. The wind died down as a result, and the portal vanished as well.
Next another voice commanded, "Shinx, use Thunder Fang!" Then a Pokémon that was blue on one half of its body and black on the other, and having some kind of star-shaped end on its tail, came and chomped in front of the adversary, creating a flash of electricity that forced the Pokémon to retreat a little. Then came two newcomers, both of them girls.
One had orange-red hair that curled upwards towards the front, wearing a maroon undershirt with bronze armor that covered her torso which was inlaid with strange runes, a single gauntlet on her left hand with similar runes, black pants that had a red sash tied at the waist, and brown leather boots.
The other girl had dark blue-green hair with an aquamarine headband, a bright green shirt with the right-sleeve longer than the left, various charms and bracelets decorating her left arm, brown pants covered in runes, and similar leather boots to the first girl.
"Alright Spiritomb," the one in green declared, "this time we will take you down for good. By our honor as Specter Hunters."
"Shinx" her Shinx yipped in agreement.
The one in red looked back and assured, "leave this to us sir! We'll handle Spiritomb." Her Glameow meowed in affirmation before arching its back, ready to pounce. But before they could make another move, the one they called Spiritomb formed a frown on its face before disappearing. The girl in green growled once it did, and everyone relaxed their stances now that the confrontation was concluded for the moment, and Sora's group began to approach them shortly after.
"Looks like it got away again." The red individual muttered, "but we'll get Spiritomb soon enough."
Sora approached the two girls, his staff now returned to its original form, and regarded, "Excuse me. I wanted to thank you for your aid back there. That Pokémon gave us quite the hard time."
"Look kid," the girl in green chided while pointing a finger at him, "no one needs you playing the hero for the villagers here. Leave that Spiritomb to the professionals."
Sora got a little miffed at her calling him a kid, but it was Yolanda who voiced, "Kid?!" We'll have you know Sora is leagues above you two, and requires you1" the guardian quickly raised his hand to keep her from continuing further.
Prince Pewter then spoke, "our deepest apologies. Allow us to introduce this young man. This here is Aura Guardian Sora, protector of our kingdom of Aurora. He was just acting in the best interest of the people here."
"An Aura Guardian?!" the girl in red gasped, then told the other girl, "Spade, apologize!"
"What? Why?!" the one called Spade returned in outrage, "You know as well as I do that Aura Guardians are just a fairy tale."
"You can feel it though, can't you?" the girl in red replied calmly. At that the girl in green looked towards Sora, gauging him to see if her companion was right. Whatever she found, it made her take a small step back.
"Can you… really be an Aura Guardian?" she asked hesitantly. To confirm their suspicions, Sora opened his palm and conjured a blue flame as proof.
"Our apologies Sir Sora." The girl in red said with a bow, "Allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Jade. And this is my partner, Glameow." Her Glameow gave a 'meow' in greeting, to which Pikachu chirped back.
"And I'm her sister, Spade." The girl in green spoke up proudly, "And my Specter partner is Shinx here."
"Shinx Shinx." Shinx added.
"Nice to meet you both." Sora returned, "You already know me now, so I'll introduce my partners Pikachu and Larvitar." Pikachu chirped his greeting, but Larvitar shied away in Sora's arms.
Coming up close to the tyke, Spade asked warily, "Isn't that Larvitar a little young to be your partner?" Just then, Larvitar began curling up with its eyes closed. Sensing what was about to happen, everyone but the Specter Hunters covered their ears as best as they could before the little Rock Pokémon unleashed its Screech. The four newcomers slammed down on their ears as the scream bore into them like a drill. "What's going on?!" Spade screamed, "Why is Larvitar using Screech?!"
"Someone stop it!" Jade called out. Sora soon began to soothe the tyke, calming it down and allowing it to cease its Screech.
As everyone recovered, Tidus commented, "I'm gonna lose my hearing if we can't help Larvitar overcome its shyness.
"That'll be difficult considering its past with humans." Drake reminded his apprentice.
Once Larvitar was comfortable, Sora explained, "Sorry about that, but Larvitar hasn't gotten used to seeing new faces without feeling threatened."
"So it is still young." Spade spoke, slightly condescending.
"Larvitar chose to be with Sora." Rina defended, "I would think a Pokémon can choose if it wishes to travel with someone it trusts."
Looking to the rest of the party and eying the mermaids in disguise, Spade inquired, "And who might you be?"
"These are my ladies-in-waiting." Yolanda interjected, "allow me to introduce Sarah, Kari, and Rina." She indicated to each sister as she introduced them. "And I am Princess Yolanda, ruler of the kingdom of Aurora and Sora's betrothed."
"Aren't you two a little young to get married?" Jade asked with an amused smile.
"It's a long story." Sora and Rina said at the same time, causing them both to be a little flustered at the occurrence while Azurill tilted itself in Rna's arms out of curiosity.
"I'm Prince Pewter, also ruler of Aurora. It is a pleasure to meet you lovely ladies."
Tidus gave the prince a quick glare before smiling and speaking up, "I'm Tidus, Sora's apprentice. And these are my partners Poochyena and Ralts." Both Pokémon greeted the girls, who decided not to question the group at this point.
"I'm Drake, captain of the Aura."
"And I'm his first-mate, Kenneth."
"It's a pleasure to meet everyone." Jade replied, "I've got to be honest, you guys are an interesting group of people. An Aura Guardian, a prince and princess, a captain, an apprentice. Though you all definitely seem close to one another."
"Yeah yeah. Let's go Jade, we still have that Spiritomb to take down." Spade came in with a grumpy demeanor.
Before Yolanda could voice how offended she was, or Jade reprimanding her for her rude behavior, Sora inquired, "Why are you guys after Spiritomb? Did it do something wrong?"
"Of course it did!" Spade shouted suddenly, "that thing has been torturing the Cornet Archipelago for years. And we as Specter Hunters are responsible for taking it down."
"Why just the two of you?" Kari asked.
Resting a hand on her sister's shoulder, Jade told her, "Spade, calm down. Getting riled up won't help anyone." Then she addressed to the group, "we have a room at the inn not too far from here. We can tell you the story there."
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At the inn located in town, the group gathered around as Jade and Spade told their story. Sora, Drake, and Kenneth helped carry the mermaid sisters inside since Torterra wouldn't fit, giving the story that they had been unable to walk since birth to the Specter Hunters. With that all settled, Jade began their story.
"As far as we know, Spiritomb is a Pokémon comprised of malefic souls that gathered together, seeking revenge against the living. Pretty soon, it discovered a means to absorb souls into itself, and learned how it could grow in strength with each soul acquired. About eight years ago, it came to our village and started terrorizing everyone. Our parents were the protectors of the village, so they went out to try and fight it. Not long into the fight, they realized how outmatched they were."
"Well, were they able to at least turn Spiritomb away?" Prince Pewter asked.
"No!" Spade answered angrily, "that… thing took our parents away from us. Right in front of our eyes."
"What do you mean?" Sarah came in, hugging close to Kenneth in fright.
"Spade saw the fight and wanted to help." Jade explained, "I tried to stop her. But then Spiritomb saw us, and tried taking our souls since we were more, well, vulnerable."
"That was when your parents protected you both?" Drake surmised.
"Yeah. They threw themselves in front of us, and took the attack Spiritomb sent our way. We didn't even have the time to realize what had happened."
"Siritomb sucked them both into the Spirit World." Spade interceded, "We pleaded for them to come back, but they were gone. And their souls then got absorbed into that monstrosity. And as if it had a good laugh, it left. Since that day, we swore we would avenge our parents, and everyone taken by Spiritomb. We would end its reign of terror once and for all."
"That's why we're Specter Hunters" Jade concluded, "we track down any and all Ghost-type Pokémon and defeat them to protect the people. Though Spiritomb is more personal to us."
"Oh my gosh." Yolanda said sympathetically, "I'm so sorry for the both of you."
"Don't be." Spade told her, "Defeating Spiritomb and avenging our parents is only a matter of time."
"And then what?" Sora finally came in. He had been silent through the whole story, trying to understand the sisters' history with Spiritomb. But he could feel an ominous atmosphere surrounding them, especially Spade. When everyone turned to him, he continued by asking, "do you know what you'll do once you defeat Spiritomb? What you two, Glameow and Shinx will go for after this is all over?"
"What else is there after?" Spade challenged, springing to her feet, "Spiritomb has been the reason we became Soecter Hunters in the first place."
"Spade…" Jade tried to caution.
"And what will you do after it all? If Spiritomb is your only reason for doing what you are doing, it will only lead to grief when it is accomplished."
"Why you..! What gives you the right to say things about my life?! You may be an Aura Guardian, but you aren't the boss of me."
"I will speak my mind if it means keeping peace between people and Pokémon! What you seek is destruction." Both Shinx and Pikachu were urging their companions to simmer down before this came to a head. Though everyone could feel the intensity and tension increasing in the room.
That was when Rina reached out and grabbed Sora's hand, urging, "Sora, calm down. This won't solve anything." It took a little bit of time for her words to register, but Sora eventually relented and sat back down. When he did, Rina let go and rested her hand in her lap, then looked to the princess as if to say, "just helping to keep him in check." Whether Yolanda received the message or not was unclear, but she didn't press the lingering thoughts in her mind, nor her subconsciously fingering the object hidden behind the belt on her dress.
"That's enough Spade." Jade spike to her sister, "let's not be discourteous to our guests."
"Forget it." She grumbled aloud, "I'm going to track down Spiritomb. At least I want to see it punished for everything it put us through." And Spade stormed out of the room, followed by her Shinx, The group looked to see if Jade would follow her, but the orange-haired girl simply sat back down with a sigh. Glameow stared at the door, as if scrutinizing the fellow Specter Hunter for her behavior.
Suddenly, Sora stood up, drawing everyone's attention. "Larvitar, stay with Rina." He instructed. Before the little tyke or anyone else could wonder why, the guardian and Pikachu headed out themselves.
Yolanda was about to follow, until Prince Pewter told her, "let him be for now sister. He probably wishes to make peace with Spade."
"Maybe," Tidus figured, "or go after Spiritomb himself. That Pokémon is a danger to the people at this archipelago, and a guardian's job is to set things right between people and Pokémon."
"I think that's scarier to think about." Rina voiced her own concern, "especially with that Pokémon."
"Yeah." Yolanda concurred, fist held over her heart.
Just then, a blue-haired woman wearing azure armor appeared in the entrance, surprising the group. With a salute, she greeted, "excuse me. I am Paladin Jenny of the Cornet Archipelago. I was informed a guardian had just arrived, and I wish to speak with them."
With a great moan, Prince Pewter dashed towards the paladin, knocking his sister aside. "If you seek a guardian, you have found one." He said in a suave voice, "a guardian of love. I may be a prince, but I will fend off the worst criminals, the most notorious pirates, even the most malevolent of sorcerers to guard the love we shall share."
Before the situation could continue, Tidus yanked the prince by the ear, stating, "I think the only thing she needs now is safeguarding from his Royal Highness."
Once that situation was resolved, Drake spoke up and stated, "if you're looking for Sora, he went to find that Specter Hunter Spade and Spiritomb."
"He is?! Oh no." Jenny gasped.
"Is something wrong?" Kari wondered.
"Very. Spiritomb was just sighted not too far from the village." The paladin explained, "The strange thing is, it looks like it was heading away from us, and towards the craggy hillside to the south."
"WHAT?!" the group gasped.
Covering her mouth, Rina silently cried, "No. Sora is…"
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Sora and Pikachu ventured towards the slope where the trees became sparse. The guardian attempted to use his aura from time to time in order to find Spade and Shinx, but his vision was rather cloudy each time he tried. After the fifth failed attempt at using it, he stopped and let out a sigh.
Aware of his partner's growing frustration, Pikachu stood before him and chirped, "Pika Pikapi? Chu Chu Pi Pika?"
"I just don't understand why Spade thinks defeating Spiritomb will solve anything." Sora answered, "revenge only leads to suffering."
"Pi Pi Pika. Pikapi Pika Chupi Pika."
"Maybe. But Jade seems to understand. She seems to know not to seek vengeance, but fight for those around her."
"Pika Pikachu. Pikachu Chu Pika. Pi Pikachu."
"Well, if I was them, maybe I would want Spiritomb to pay for the suffering it caused. Still…"
"Pi! Pi Pika, Pika Pika Pi Chu Pi."
With that point made, Sora replied, "alright. I will relent and attempt to understand from Spade's point of view." With that settled, Pikachu came to rest on his shoulder as Sora tried once more to find Spade's aura. This time, he did find the distinct signature not too far away, but it was wild in its behavior, reminiscent of a blazing fire. Sora could tell Spade was experiencing a powerful emotion, having learned about how emotions can greatly affect one's aura just the other day from Lucario. So he started walking over to her, keeping his mind calm and his emotions in check.
As he walked up to the Specter Hunter, she turned around at the sound of his footsteps. It was clear from her expression that she was severely angry, and it seemed to increase once she saw who was coming up to her. But his expression remained unchanged in spite of this.
"What do you want now?" Spade growled.
"I was just looking for you." Sora answered in a calm manner.
"Yeah? Well you found me. Now go home to your princess, you page." Sora was a little miffed by her insult, but he opted to let it slide to avoid aggravating her. "In case you hadn't noticed," Spade continued, "fighting Ghost Pokémon isn't like fighting others. They always like to trick their opponents and are too elusive to capture. However, Ghost Pokémon cannot exist on this plane without something to feed off of or act as an anchor. Target the source, and you can take them down."
Crossing his arms, Sora inquired, "And I assume you already know Spiritomb's weakness?" Spade was about to answer, but then stopped and seemed to ponder the question. Her Shinx just hung its head in embarrassment.
"Well, not yet." She admitted. But then she affirmed, "but I at least know how to battle it. So I don't need your help."
"Knowing how to fight it won't save you." Sora warned, "Spiritomb will learn how to counter your strategy. You need to be ready for that."
"Excuse me?! Need I remind you I am a Specter Hunter. I have fought Ghost Pokémon longer than you, guardian. So I believe I know how to handle something like Spiritomb better than you."
Before Sora could make his point once more, Pikachu and Shinx's ears perked as they heard something approach, catching the trainers' attention. The two turned where their Pokémon detected the new presence as a spooky groan started to echo around them.
"Spiritomb." Sora surmised.
With a nod, Spade declared, "Now to finish this once and for all!" Not long after, Spiritomb emerged from the darkness, its moans echoing in the air around them. When it finally approached it let out an ominous call to try and intimidate the hunter and guardian. But neither they nor their Pokémon back down.
"Spiritomb, for my family, I will take you down once and for all." She proclaimed, then ordered, "Shinx, use Spark!" Surrounding itself in electricity, Shinx charged forward before leaping into the air to strike. But Spiritomb retaliated by blasting a dark mist at the lynx Pokémon, sending it careening into the ground.
It tried firing a Dark Pulse, but then Sora called, "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" With a mighty cry, Pikachu let loose an arc of electricity that intercepted the phantom's attack.
Once the danger blew over, Spade looked over her shoulder and yelled, "I don't need your help guardian! I can handle Spiritomb myself."
"Save your pride for another time." Sora returned, "We need to work together to take on Spiritomb."
"I don't need you for that. Shinx, use Thunder Fang!" With a mighty cry, Shinx leaped back into the air as sparks of electricity left its mouth. But before it could use the attack, Spiritomb intercepted it with Shadow Ball. This caused Shinx to once again crash into the ground, but it rose back up slowly despite it appearing scuffed up. Determined to press the attack, Spade called out, "Try a Bite attack!" It rushed for its opponent once more, but Spiritomb knocked it down with another Dark Pulse. "Shinx!" Spade cried, rushing to her partner.
Sora then commanded, "Pikachu, get its attention with Iron Tail!" Its tail coated in energy, Pikachu leaped up and attempted to slam into the phantom. Yet like before, its attack just phased through it like it wasn't even there.
It was at this moment that Spiritomb began to chuckle, low at first before increasing in volume. Sora and Spade looked up in preparation for its next move, their partners by their sides. Suddenly, a dark rift opened behind Spiritomb and a blustering wind blew into it. The two fighters could hear whispers of something coming from the rift, these voices sounding as if they yearned for the living. The trainers and Pokémon held their ground as best as they could while the wind tried drawing them in.
"What is going on?!" Sora yelled over the wind, holding his hat down as best as he could.
"It's trying to draw us into the Spirit World!" Spade answered, "it will then absorb our souls to give itself strength." It was then that the ferocity of the wind increased around the two youths. However, Spade felt like the wind was focusing on her, making her feel like she was being lifted by it. She tried hanging onto a nearby boulder, but her grip was quickly faltering as the wind seemed intent on taking her into the rift. The voices increased in magnitude as the wind continued to pick up. And at last, Spade lost her grip, and panic consumed her as she was being whisked into the jaws of doom.
"Spade!" Sora cried out as he grabbed her wrist. Once he had a hold of her, he rammed his Aura Sword into the ground and stopped their momentum. Pikachu and Shinx were just a little ways away from them, hanging on to a tree trunk, as they called out to their trainers. Sora grit his teeth as he struggled to keep Spade from being sucked into Spiritomb's vortex. "Don't let go!" he told her.
"I won't." Spade called back. At that point, the others arrived alongside Paladin Jenny, with Rina and her sisters on Drake's Arcanine. But stopped when they felt the pull of the vortex being generated around the area.
"What the heck is that?!" Tidus screamed out over the wind.
"Spiritomb's opened the portal to the Spirit World!" Jade answered, "if anyone enters it, Spiritomb absorbs their souls and grows stronger."
"We have to do something!" Yolanda declared.
She made a move to approach, but then Jade held out a hand and warned, "if we get any closer, that portal will take us inside it. We have to stay back!"
"But what about Sora and Spade?" Rina demanded to know. At this, Jade did not answer, but seemed to have a pained expression as she watched the two struggling to keep from being sucked in. At that, the crew knew she was fighting her own protective instinct to go and save her sister.
"There's nothing we can do for now." Jenny told them over the wind, "all we can do now is hope your Aura Guardian or the Specter Hunter can do something to get themselves out of this predicament." Filled with unease, both Yolanda and Rina rested fists over their hearts as they continued to watch the ordeal.
As they continued to be drawn in, Sora felt his sword slip in the dirt and draw them closer. He also began to feel Spade's grip slip in his hand. But he still held on for all his worth, grunting with effort at the task. Shinx and Pikachu hadn't let go of the tree they were at in all that time.
"Sora, it's no use." Spade pleaded, "just let me go."
"No way!" Sora replied.
"But it's my fault. I went after Spiritomb alone to avenge my family. Please, I deserve this."
"I won't allow it!" the guardian refused once again.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu pitched in.
"But if you don't let go, you'll be carried along with me." Spade cried.
Before she could say more, Sora declared, "I'm not gonna let that happen! I never give up on my friends!" That one word stunned Spade.
"Friends?" she gasped, "but I was horrible to you. How can you call me that?"
At this, Sora answered with a smirk, "Do I need a reason to call someone my friend? If I wasn't worried for you, I wouldn't have come to find you. I look out for those I care for." Spade had no reply to give. This boy, whom she had only just met today, thought greatly enough of her to call his friend. The only person who had respected and aided her had been Jade all her life. She was still in disbelief that Sora thought so highly of her. But at the same time, she wanted to see something of it if it were true to begin with.
Despite his words, Sora could feel his grip continue to slip. Unless he could stop Spiritomb, they would not be making it out of this alive. There just had to be a way he and Pikachu could turn this around. Then it hit him as he recalled what Spade said: how ghosts required energy or an anchor to exist in this realm. And then he realized Spiritomb's main body seemed linked to the strange stone underneath, even having a whispy trail in direct contact with it.
The stone! Sora realized, That's its anchor!
With his plan set, Sora instructed, "Pikachu, get close to Spiritomb and use Thunderbolt on the stone it has." Pikachu didn't need to know any other details, trusting in his trainer. So, to everyone's shock and horror, he let the wind carry him to Spiritomb. But before he was even halfway to it, Pikachu launched an arc of electricity with a mighty cry. The attack hit its mark, and Spiritomb moaned in pain as it lit up like a Christmas tree. The attack caused it to falter, and the portal closed up. Pikachu landed on his feet, while Spade dropped right onto Sora since he was still pulling her back. When she realized she was on top of him, her face flushed red as she quickly got up. But they didn't get to linger on the matter for much longer as Spiritomb hovered over them, looking frustrated.
The two youths rose to their feet, then Spade spoke, "Now to finish this!" But before she could move to confront the phantom, Sora held out his staff to stop her.
He then told her, "Leave this to me. I'll avenge them, the spirits Spiritomb stole, and your parents too." He stepped forward before she could make a retort, allowing Jade to step up and rest her hand on her shoulder. Her expression relayed the same message, and Spade was forced to concede.
"Pokémon that harm others for no reason aside from malice shall not go unpunished." Sora declared as he and Pikachu stood before their foe. "As an Aura Guardian, I shall defeat you! For those you have hurt, those whose souls now live inside you, and for Spade and Jade. Spiritomb, this ends here and now!"
"Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu shouted. Spiritomb let out a sound akin to a growl, then launched a Hyper Beam at the two.
Sora and Pikachu sidestepped the attack, then the guardian called out, "Use Thunderbolt!" Once more, Pikachu let loose an arc at the phantom Pokémon. Due to needing a recharge from its own attack, Spiritomb could do nothing but try and endure the attack. After it did, Spiritomb launched a volley of Shadow Balls at Pikachu.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge!" Sora quickly called out. And the electric mouse did just that, darting here and there as he avoided the onslaught. But one Shadow Ball came his way, impeding his path.
"Quick, use Iron Tail!" charging energy into its tail, Pikachu swung and sliced through the attack with ease.
Keeping the momentum going, Sora called, "Now, Volt Tackle!" Encased in electrical energy, Pikachu charged onwards towards Spiritomb. Even when the phantom launched another Hyper Beam to stop it, Pikachu blasted through the attack, made a huge leap, and connected with the stone. The electric charge arced through the phantom Pokémon, and lingered as the electric mouse bounded back. But rather than injure him like Volt Tackle normally did, the electricity surrounding Pikachu began to accumulate into his tail until an orb of electricity had formed.
"That's Electro Ball!" the guardian heard Jade proclaim, "Pikachu just learned a new move!"
"Use it Sora!" Spade urged strongly, "Electro Ball is stronger if the Pokémon using it is faster than its opponent."
Not needing to be told twice, Sora cried out, "Go for it Pikachu! Use Electro Ball!" Said Pokémon began to chant as he further built up energy, before launching the attack straight at the stone. Spiritomb let out a great cry as the attack made impact. Then, Spiritomb's form began to shrink into the stone until there was nothing left, and the stone dropped to the ground. Despite the victory acquired, the atmosphere still felt tense. It was if something even more horrific was about to transpire.
Deciding to break the ice, Yolanda asked, "Is it over?"
But Jade answered, "No. It's just resting. Give it enough time, and Spiritomb will return to terrorize the archipelago. Maybe even the world."
Stepping up to them, Prince Pewter inquired, "So what can we do to prevent its return?"
"We have to seal it." Spade replied immediately, "Jade and I know a sealing technique we could use, though it won't last long." But then she looked to Sora, and requested, "That is unless, you could use your aura to strengthen the seal." Sora nodded as Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder.
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Sometime later found a stone tower constructed near where the battle took place. As Spade set the last block, she stepped back and turned to Sora. The guardian took that as his cue, and went up to the tower holding Spiritomb's stone. He then placed his hand on it, and let a soft glow appear. Almost immediately, the tower lit up with a blue light. As it began to simmer down, Sora back up and turned to his friends.
"It's over." He informed them, "Spiritomb won't trouble anyone so long as this tower stands." Pikachu and Larvitar then went over to the guardian, who picked up the latter and cradled it while the former clambered onto his shoulder.
Jade and Spade then approached the guardian, and the elder sister spoke, "Sora, thank you. We've been trying to beat Spiritomb for years, traveling to different parts of the world to find whatever means we could to defeat it. But you managed to do what we couldn't."
Sora then told them, "Well truthfully, Spade helped me to defeat Spiritomb. She told me about how Ghost Pokémon have an anchor to stay here, and I figured that stone was its anchor. So I need to thank you." And he gave them a bow.
"I-It was nothing." Spade said with a stutter, "you probably would have figured it out eventually."
"Don't be so modest." Jade said in a teasing tone, "it was a combined effort, wasn't it?" Spade muttered some incoherent words as her cheeks flushed red.
That was when Sora suggested, "Since we'll be staying for a while, how about we go explore the archipelago? We could use a guide."
Spade immediately perked up, then replied, "You bet! I'll show you guys around. And we can battle to see who is better."
"Oh it's on! Let's go battle right now." Sora challenged.
"Pika Pika Pi." Pikachu added.
"You are going down guardian!" Spade returned, a fierce expression set on her face. And the two raced off, with Paladin Jenny and Tidus in pursuit.
"What… just happened?" Yolanda questioned.
"I think Sora just got a new rival." Sarah answered, while she and her sisters were just as confused as the princess.
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About a week had passed since the incident with Spiritomb, and the crew had done quite a bit. Considering Cornet Archipelago was so large and vast, the group had quite a few adventures while they were exploring. Even the mermaids, who remained elusive when they weren't acting as ladies-in-waiting, managed to have some excitement while swimming around the islands. They even managed to meet an elusive Lumineon at one point in time.
Alas, on the final day of their stay signaled their return to Sora's journey. Jade and Spade were with Sora as the Aura was being prepped for its voyage to the next Chieftain.
"Well, it's been fun traveling the archipelago with you guys." Sora told them.
"It sure has been pleasant." Jade returned, "though we still can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us."
"I'm just happy we were able to put an end to Spiritomb's malice." Sora informed, "but my aura seal should keep it from doing any more harm." It was then the guardian and elder Specter Hunter noticed Spade hadn't said anything yet. So he asked, "So Spade, what will you two do now?"
Her head snapped up at the question, and she replied, "Well, I… we, um… I mean…"
But Jade saved her by answering, "We were thinking of running a Pokémon Day Care here at the archipelago. But we'll still operate as Specter Hunters when needed."
"So cool!" Sora exclaimed, "That's so awesome Spade."
"Y-Yeah." Spade stuttered, "Awesome."
"And the next time we meet, let's battle again."
At that, Spade retorted, "Yeah. And next time, I'll win for sure!" With that, the two gave each other a high five as a promise for their next meeting.
Drake then called out, "Sora, we're setting sail!" With that, Sora said one last good bye and boarded the ship. And with it, the crew sailed away as Spade waved farewell.
Once the ship was some distance away, Jade spoke, "Well, you sure changed your tune pretty quick." The younger Specter Hunter froze while her face flashed cheery-red. "And if you got hi to get out of his betrothal to the princess, you two could run the daycare together really well." Jade concluded with some slight mirth.
Having had enough, Spade returned, "Just because you're my sister doesn't mean you can make decisions for me like that!" And out on the ocean, Sora let out a sneeze for no apparent reason.
500 years later…
"Aipom, use Swift!" Dawn commanded, and her chimp partner flipped into the air before launching golden stars at Buizel.
"Buizel, use Water Gun!" Ash countered, to which the water weasel shot the stars with water and showered golden sparkles. The Trainer and Coordinator were doing their best to practice with their traded Pokémon. Ash working with Buizel's power to be ready for his Gym battle in Veilstone, while Dawn was practicing for the next contest in Solaceon Town by working on Aipom's showmanship. Back and forth they went, energy high despite the night sky.
Until, "Buizel, Sonic Boom!" And with its twin tails, Buizel launched its attack.
"Aipom, Focus Punch!" Aipom countered with its tail-hand glowing and punching the attack away. It sailed on until it collided with an old, stone tower. The impact caused the tower to collapse, and with it came dark clouds. Ash, Dawn, Brock, and their Pokémon all looked around in fright as an ominous feeling descended upon them. Then, deep moaning permeated the air, and a strange stone rose from the rubble of the tower, and a wispy face appeared. Spiritomb had reawakened.
Rina: How can that man deny the challenge?! Is he truly the Chieftain?
Sora: Well, he is. But then who is that man that seems to know him?
Rina: I will not let this stand!
Sora: Rina, be careful!
Next time,
The Prince of Pokémon