AN: Only 2 chapters left after this!
Chapter Warnings: Language
Pairing: Ash x Gary
Chapter 43 - Plateau
The sky shines brightly in the early morning light. It's just an hour or so after dawn. Five days after leaving the protection of Mt. Silver.
They had traveled steadily. The pokemon prancing hard against the ground to raise a large dust cloud. A small gleam of hope fluttering in their minds that the enemy behind them will somehow see the dark shape blotting the horizon and change their course away from the Draconids' home.
They made sure to travel slow enough to allow the League army to steadily catch up. But fast enough that they will have time to siege the Plateau and turn the battlefield to their favor.
They need that time. The time to prepare. Time in case the Elite Four are harder to handle than they predicted.
Because if they are still fighting the strongest trainers in Kanto when the rest of the League army shows up...they won't stand a chance. Not against a battle on two fronts.
They would be annihilated within the hour.
With these thoughts in mind, Ash sits stiffly upon the Alpha's back. A gloved hand shielding his gaze as he attempts to make out the details of the soon to be battleground. After the rough climb through the steadily increasing elevation of the Kanto Mountain Range, the land evened out abruptly onto the massive Indigo Plateau.
Miles away in the distance, the Indigo City shimmers with inherent power. A thick road leads straight down the center of the level plain that's crisscrossed with thin brooks and streams. Rocky outcrops dot the pleasant scene. Veins of precious metals glinting sharply as the sun shines on them. Steam wisps upward from several small hot springs. The smell of sulfur strangely not overpowering. Just a small hint of the burnt smell rides on the lazy air currents.
It isn't a surprise why the League chose to have their crown jewel here. The abundance of natural energy is astounding. Various types of elemental power all contained in one location. Boosting the power of most types of pokemon. Providing an even greater spectacle to the nearby tournaments that reaffirm the League's power over the Region. The fights to prove who is strongest. The fights that show the people just who are able to protect them from the violent world they live in.
It's a shame that the upcoming battle will completely destroy this place.
A quiet thrumming pokes at the edge of his subconscious. Thinking his pokemon is trying to grab his attention, he glances down at the huge dragon. But the titan just growls quietly to his starter. The electric mouse sitting on the dragon's head as they converse with one another.
The two have become close friends after the past few days after all.
Still the noise persists. Steadily rising in tempo until even the two distracted pokemon pick up on the rising and falling sound.
It's not until his comms unit activates that he recognizes it. The sound echoing louder as one of his Royals, Aaron, reports in after scouting out the oncoming terrain. Ash can barely hear the teen's words over the screeching of the Attack Siren. But the message was clear.
They have been spotted. The evacuation of the Indigo City has begun.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Ash calls for the march to halt. They had dramatically slowed their pace once the sirens turned on. Giving the people plenty of time to evacuate to prevent even more panic from spreading. In the hope that they can save at least one random citizen from being trampled in the process.
They now wait almost half a mile away. Sitting as quietly as 6,500 tired warriors can be after such a hard and long ride.
Waving to his Royals, they quickly gather around him. His friends silently wait for their orders. The complete trust and determination in their eyes leave him breathless. The trust that he will know exactly how to deal with the situation. The trust that Ash will do everything in his power to keep all of them alive.
The determination to keep him alive in turn.
Just as he opens his mouth to speak, the Alpha sends an image to his mind. A lone stranger waits in the open gates to Indigo City. Dressed in only ragged sweatpants held together by a thick belt tied at the waist. Thick corded muscles stand out from his exposed chest and arms. Skin tanned dark from his time training out in the sun. Studded weight belts strapped tight on the man's wrists.
Ash has only seen pictures of the fighting type master before but they don't do the man any justice. Bruno of the Elite Four is truly massive. Clearly proving the rumor that he fights and wrestles with his own pokemon if his physique is anything to go by.
"Change of plan." Ash calls out to his guards. "I don't see Agatha anywhere so she must be helping with the evacuation. If Bruno's plan is to stall us to give the people more time to get out of the city, then there's a good chance he will talk to me before straight up attacking."
They nod in silence. Muscles already tensing to jump out in front of any sneak attack that could be aimed at their friend and King.
Ash angles his Dragonite down into a shallow dive. Flying easily and slowly in what he hopes is a non-aggressive manor. The glittering black armor on himself and his pokemon doing more than enough to put his opponent on edge.
The Alpha drops the last few feet with a solid thump. The Royals quickly flanking the armored titan. Ash halts his dismount when a flash of light catches his eye. Glancing up, a pokemon materializes next to the Elite Four trainer. Shorter in height than its master but with almost twice more muscle. An extra set of beefy arms sprout from its upper shoulders to pound any of its opponents into Submission. A golden belt wrapped around its waist sticking out clearly from its grayish-blue skin. Bruno's prized fighter. The superpower pokemon. Machamp.
As the fighting type makes no move to attack, Ash slides down the Alpha's arm. Landing with a grunt due to his stiff riding legs holding up his own heavy armor.
"You've got some guts coming here like this." A thick voice calls out to him. Almost guttural in quality. As if the man was hit with too many Throat Chops in the past and managed to damage his vocal chords.
"You've given us no other choice. We have to defend our home." Ash yells back. Having to speak loud and slow so Bruno can understand him through his Rider mask.
The man scoffs as he un-crosses his arms. Spreading them out wide to indicate the city behind him. "So you plan to attack mine? Not gonna happen. Who the fuck do you think you are?"
Taking a deep breath, Ash raises his arms and pulls off his helmet. He can feel the tension of his friends behind him. Knowing that he is now more vulnerable to any headshots. Causing their worry to rise exponentially.
He slicks back his dark hair. Completely soaked with sweat from being stuck inside his helmet all day. Revealing his bleeding crown of fire that he received just a week ago.
"The King of the Drakes." Ash calls out proudly. Schooling his expression into easy confidence when a look of comprehension and bewilderment crosses the fighter's face.
"The King?" Bruno stutters out. Eyes blown wide as his gaze locks onto Ash's bonding mark. "Lance told me stories about some old King destined to return in a time of great sorrow but I always thought it was from some kids book or something."
Lance told him the prophecy? Why would he tell an outsider that? Is Bruno one of our allies already? Then why hasn't he said anything yet?
Bruno stands there rigidly. The gears in his mind clinking together as he turns to regard the Draconid army standing behind Ash. Before the man can come to any decisions, Ash speaks again. Determined to get the man on their side to avoid more bloodshed that's bound to come.
"If Lance told you the stories of the Draconid people, then he obviously trusts you. Help us. The League isn't who they say they are. They are involved in illegal trafficking of drugs and pokemon. They destroyed an entire building filled with innocent people and families just to kill a few of my people. Who knows what other harm they have done?" Ash states.
"But you knew all of this already don't you?" Ash accuses when he registers Bruno's blank face. Not the surprise and revulsion he was expecting.
Bruno shrugs. Reaching out to pat his pokemon's shoulder. "When the Elite Four was first established, we fought hard to earn our spots. Months spent in this mountain range training day and night. We live for the fight. The promise of battling the toughest trainers this country can provide. It wasn't our fault that our rank made us a part of the military. They tell us things even if we have no say in the matter."
He shrugs as if everything that has happened makes no difference to him. He lives for the thrill of battle and everything else is not worth his time.
It makes Ash see red.
"HOW DARE YOU?!" Ash roars. His arms flailing out in anger. "People have died! The Champion and Elite Four still have responsibility to protect the people! To order the Gym Leaders to defend those that are unable to save themselves. Towns have been completely obliterated over the years when no League help rose to assist them! How can you just sit here in your golden city and not even care what's happening?!"
Ash takes several unknowing steps forward. Determined to yell the words in the meathead's face. Only the sturdy hand of one of his friend's hands on his shoulder prevents him from rushing forward.
Bruno just stares back in slight annoyance. "How dare I? What would you have me do, you child? We are little more than figureheads here. The League military holds all the power. They give us our orders and we follow them. They tell me to fight challengers and I fight. And I win. That's all I can do."
Ash shakes his head in anger. Wanting to pull down his mask but unwilling to reveal his identity just yet. Ragna's warning in the mountain still rings clear in his head. They still don't know who the traitor is. Until they do, he can't reveal himself, Ash Ketchum, as the King of the Drakes. They can only send out the message that the King has returned.
"Then help us!" Ash calls out desperately. "Help us take them out. Help us rid Kanto of their tyranny so it can begin to heal. We aren't the enemy the League make us out to be. We are trying to restore the balance the League upset but we need help to do that!"
Ash's face falls at the stubborn look on the man's face. The fighting master has already made up his mind and nothing Ash can say will break through the man's resolve he built over the past few decades of intense training. He won't help them.
Bruno shakes his head slowly. Reaffirming Ash's thoughts in that simple motion. "I can't help you, King of the Drakes. The League can't be beaten. The emergency call has already gone out. The army is on the way as we speak. It won't take them long to get here. You won't be able to defeat them and I refuse to die for a hopeless cause."
His body freezes in shock. Hopeless cause? Is that all this is? Have I led all these people to their deaths for nothing?
Not seeing the effect his words have on Ash, Bruno continues as he eyes his Machamp next to him. "I have too much to lose. I owe my pokemon more than that. I won't fight with you. But I won't stop you either. Fight if you wish. If you manage against all odds to win, I will help you rebuild Kanto. That's all I can offer."
His steely eyes finally lock back onto Ash's. Showing his determination and willingness to help even though he just refused to fight alongside him. Sighing in defeat, Ash offers out his hand. The large man taking it instantly. His meaty fingers making Ash's hand look like a toddler's. They shake firmly. Bruno's massive strength causing his armor to screech in protest.
"Very well." Ash agrees. "We will rebuild Kanto. Together."
As the Elite Four member turns to return to the city, a sudden thought causes Ash to call after him one last time.
"What about Agatha? Will she fight with us?"
The man simply shrugs and continues walking. "Ask her yourself. She's bound to pop up sooner or later." He disappears around a corner with a simple wave behind him.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Gary sits heavily on the back of his dragon. The Beta laying tiredly on the edge of a cliff. Getting whatever rest she can before she is ordered to attack again.
After the initial attack, the Aerials were split into five forces. Each Captain taking about 30 Lieutenants under his wing. Two groups always circling the marching army looking for points to strike while the other three take time to replenish their energy, treat their wounds and recover.
It was an exhausting system but it was the only one they had. They had to keep the League preoccupied so the Ash and the Grounders had time to get to the Plateau. After all, the League was only a day's march behind when they left Mt. Silver.
Their attacks haven't slowed the army down as much as they were hoping. The League soldiers at the head of their column spotted the dust cloud that the Grounder's marching created. Thus they sped up the army's march in hope of catching the escaping Draconids.
Whether Ash planned it last minute that way or not, Gary wasn't sure. But he and the Beta are too tired to try to reach out mentally to the Alpha for something so trivial.
So they watched while the army redirected their march to the Indigo Plateau. Watched as over 10,000 soldiers were left behind to attack and lay siege to Mt. Silver. Watched as the the last soldier passed their stronghold on the way to the Indigo City.
Gary was worried about Carys and Aitor. He knew that between the mountain's natural defenses and the ridiculously strong pokemon that lived there, the two Dragon Riders would have little to do to fight off the soldiers. There was a very low possibility that they would even be able to find their way through the twisting tunnels to the heart of Mt. Silver.
But he still worries about his friends.
However, Ash is his biggest priority.
"Gary." His name echoing through his helmet jerks him out of his thoughts. "One of the Aerials monitoring the League's communications just picked up a distress call from the Indigo City. It looks like the King and Grounders have arrived. The League switched from marching to riding pokemon to cut down on march time. There's nothing else for us to do but meet up with the others." Silvanus orders. His voice still smooth despite his exhaustion.
"Understood. I'll fly ahead and let Ash know." He responds and he pats the Beta's shoulder. The titan struggling to stand up under the heavy armor coating both her and Gary.
The line disconnects with a click as his Dragonite leans forward. Falling over the cliff in the exact same manner Fearow did when they launched the sneak attack in Grampa Canyon. Just as they are about to slam into the ground below, she redirects the air currents to send them arching back up into the sky. Speeding them into the upper atmosphere. Way higher than even the Keen Eyes of any League sentries will be able to detect them.
They land in the chaotic Grounder camp only a brief two hours later.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Ash stands in front of a high table under a large awning. The Command Pavilion sitting just yards away from the closed gates of the Indigo City. Giving him the best view of the Indigo Plateau and surrounding mountains
On the table is a copy of the Plateau's terrain. He personally asked the Draconids' Record Keeper to make him a copy for him before they left. Now he stares at the thing in a tired haze. Battle formations floating in and out of his mind. But he doesn't dwell on them for long. Wanting to wait for Gary's input before he decides on anything.
As if thinking of his partner summoned him to Ash, a gust of wind whips through the Pavilion. Glancing up quickly, he spots the Beta collapsing next to her mate nearby. Her inability to keep her precision air control she's known for revealing her immense exhaustion. A dark shape slides down her arm awkwardly and staggers toward the Pavilion.
Fearing the worst, Ash rushes out to meet his partner. Sliding an arm under Gary's shoulder and leading him to their sleeping quarters that was set up next to the Pavilion. Ducking into the tent, he helps Gary remove his armor as his partner fills Ash in on his last few days.
The satisfaction of obliterating the Academy. The shock of the League's overwhelming numbers. The exhaustion of launching wave after wave of attacks against the marching column. The pain of losing Aerials he was unable to protect in time. The worry for Carys and those they left behind. The need to get back to Ash as quickly as possible to tell him the League was just a day or two behind him.
Ash, in turn, informs Gary of Bruno's pact to help them restore Kanto but refusal to help them fight. Gary struggles to stand in anger. Determined to go beat cooperation out of the Elite Four member until Ash mentions that the rest of the Draconids have time to rest and ready the battlefield now that they don't have to fight the Elite Four.
However, Ash still has not heard from Agatha. The ghost type master has yet to appear from within Indigo City or wherever the citizens were evacuated to.
It's not long before they both pass out from exhaustion. Side by side in their small tent.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Gary wakes to the whining whirring of a large drill late the next morning. Ash's sleeping bag lays next to him. Cold to the touch.
Sighing at the lack of his partner's presence, Gary stretches his weary muscles as he shuffles out into the daylight. Next to the tent entrance, the Alpha and Beta Dragonites lay curled up together deeply asleep. Their armor set into two neat piles behind them. Gingerly removed by someone during the night.
Sea-green eyes roam over the expanse of purple tents filling up the surrounding area. Even with multiple people to one tent, its not many. They maybe have a scant 8,000 warriors to face the League's 150,000.
20 to 1 odds.
Even with dragons, it's enough for doubt to try to settle in his gut.
Rising voices to his left catch his attention. Spinning in place, he wanders over under the large Pavilion set close to the tent he woke up in. Ash and the Elders stand in front of a table with some sort of map spread out on top.
His partner stands with his arms crossed over his chest. Staring down at the piece of parchment while the others bicker around him. Moving small painted pebbles back and forth as they argue over tactics.
Warm brown eyes lock onto him as they catch his movement. A tired smile quickly forming. Gary slides his arm around Ash's shoulders as his gaze roams over the map. A map of the surrounding terrain he quickly notices.
"I've been waiting for you to wake up before making any final decisions." Ash whispers. "I've already had the rock and ground type pokemon begin making trenches and other traps at strategic locations. Most of the Draconids' pokemon slept outside of their balls last night so they can absorb the abundant natural energy here and recover from the march quickly."
Gary nods in agreement at the thick lines drawn over the map. The closer trenches easily visible to hide them from enemy sites while the ones further down the Plateau are underground. Just waiting for a charging army to collapse into their deadly depths.
"Nice thinking Ashy-boy." Gary responds. "And what are these windbags complaining about now?" He speaks loud enough to catch their attention. Gerlach and Aurora sending him poisonous looks while the others look on dryly.
"Squad placement." Ansehelm states for all of them. "Which squads would be best suited where based on the natural energies of the Plateau."
Gary chuckles in amusement at their ignorance. This is why I wanted them to being training together as a whole. One army fighting together instead of their small squads that they are used to. They can't fight a massive battle that way.
"Might just be better to release all the pokemon and let their instincts guide them where to go." Gary quips. "The League's force is well trained and massive. Anything we attempt to plan will fall apart under their cohesion. The Draconids aren't used to fighting in one organized group so we can't force them to now."
The Elders' gazes fall to the table in guilt. They knew they made a mistake by not taking more time to supervise training. And now many Draconids will pay their lives for that mistake.
"What do you suggest we do then great Knight? If we are doomed to fail, how can we possibly gain victory?" Aidan asks sarcastically.
"Keep it simple." Ash shrugs. Reaffirming what Gary stated earlier. "Let the pokemon's instincts lead. They are the ones who will sense if something is coming at that moment. Don't confuse them with orders."
Seeing their confusion, Gary quickly explains. "Our best bet fighting the League is to try to catch them unaware and off guard as often as possible. Keep them off-balance. They are trained to fight a certain way and if they go off that set path, if only for a split second, they will be vulnerable."
"Outside of the Academy, where children are trained to be officers, most soldiers just get basic grunt training." Gary continues. "Following orders instinctively, basic self defense and so on. While they do have numbers on their side, they are easy to predict in battle. Many Draconids trained with Ash and I at some point in the last few months so they know what to expect already."
"But after what my dad told us of the War on Johto," Ash cuts in, "their numbers may still overwhelm us. So I was thinking if we can keep our forces from being sucked too far into the League's army, we can hit the rear with long range shots."
Ash looks over to him as he describes his idea. Gary nods along. Picturing the oncoming battle in his mind.
"Good idea Ash. If our forces stay back, than we know no Draconids will be that far back in the Plateau. We can launch attack after attack and know for a fact that we are only hitting enemies."
"Excellent!" Aidan yells out. His devious mind already catching on to the plan. Assembling various pieces along the map as they was talking. Their significance lost to Gary since he was asleep when the colors were assigned. "We can have the Aerials swooping in between long range pokemon's cool down periods."
"And the dragons can go where needed." Gerlach states. Spreading large purple pebbles evenly along the front line.
"And the dragons can go where needed." Ash repeats. Sealing the plan in place with the King's approval.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
The Aerials and remaining Captains don't get to the Indigo City until noon. Collapsing in exhaustion in whatever free space they can find around the bustling soon-to-be-battlefield.
Grounders rush forward to supply them with food and much needed medical attention. Those healthy enough quickly find an unoccupied tent to get some rest.
Heath, no longer bouncing all over the place in order to conserve energy, reports that the League will arrive by dawn. Which gives them barely any time to make any further preparations.
Once night falls, Ash calls for the Elders and Captains to meet in the Pavilion. "Call everyone working on the battlefield in." He demands. "They need rest for tomorrow. We've done all we can for now. The rest all comes down to the battle."
They nod in agreement. Too tired to argue and smart enough to realize that they too need rest.
"Set up a screen of scouts to watch for the League's arrival." Gary calls out as an afterthought as he follows Ash into their tent.
He stumbles as he accidentally runs into Ash's back. His partner's gaze directed towards one of the strong wooden pillars supporting the Pavilion.
There, standing in the deepest shadow, is a short older woman. Supported by a stout wooden cane and dressed entirely in black, it's hard to pick her out in the growing darkness.
Seeing that she has been spotted, she steps into the lamplight. Her shoulder length white hair shining from under the dark hood.
"I've come to pay my respects to the King." Her voice raspy and echoing. Small beady eyes locked onto the crown permanently etched into Ash's forehead.
"You've spoken with Bruno?" Ash questions. Standing still as a statue as he eyes the woman who managed to sneak up on them.
"Of course. I understand his decision. I will watch and wait. Strike the League when they are down. Just like my beloved pokemon."
She reaches out to the pole and pets it lovingly. It shivers under her touch. It's only as it begins to undulate that Gary notices just how thick the pole is compared to the others. His heart freezes in his chest when he sees the giant head of an Arbok flare out from its body.
The same species of pokemon that almost killed Ash.
His arm darting out faster than even the giant snake, he clamps an arm around Ash's body and pulls his partner behind him. Pulling his sword free with his other hand in a split second.
"Why the fuck do you have an Arbok?" Gary yells out. "You are the ghost type master!"
The old woman scoffs at him in revulsion. "You must be Oak's brat. You look just like him when we were younger. How I ever thought of him as a rival is ridiculous...But no, I'm a poison type master. It's not my fault that all the ghosts in this region are dual typed or that any challenger that faces me can't get past the ghosts to face the other pokemon I own."
When he makes no move to let his guard down, she recalls the pokemon in a huff. "Insolent child. I'm not the one who attacked your precious King."
Gary blinks at her in confusion. Eyes darting down to the pokemon that just disappeared into its containment. "How did you-"
"Gengar!" Ash calls out from behind him. Cutting Gary off in his shout of surprise.
Sure enough, Ash's Gengar materializes behind the Elite Four member. Chuckling in his eerie manner as he floats around above all of their heads. Getting sick joy out of the shivers his presence causes.
"Where have you been? I haven't seen you since that night at Silph Co." Ash questions his pokemon. Worry clearly evident in his smoky topaz eyes.
"I saw you fall in battle. I returned home." The pokemon's voice echoes. "When your life force returned I went to the Great Rock. But the Alpha of Alphas told me to come here. To report what I have seen. To wait for your arrival."
The ghost types words leave everyone stunned. Arceus? Gary thinks. Arceus told him to go to Agatha instead of back to Mt. Silver? Why?
"I didn't believe Gengar at first." Agatha supplied. "Not until he showed me memories from when he possessed both of you. As well as his memories of his time spent with traveling with you. I didn't believe there could be anyone to take on the League...but you two may have a chance. I will provide aid when you need it most. That is all."
Gary's mouth drops open in utter shock. He can do nothing but watch as the poison type master walks away slowly back towards the city. Gengar floating behind her as it escorts her back to whatever hole she crawled out of.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
Ash lays awake. Staring at the roof of the tent. His mind blank. His eyes refusing to stay closed even as his tired limbs scream at him to just sleep to let them recover.
Sighing quietly, he turns on to his side. Gleaming orbs lock onto his.
"Can't sleep Ashy-boy?"
He shakes his head slowly. Knowing his partner would be able to see the movement with his enhanced vision. An ability that still causes some envy to rise in him.
A corded arm sneaks around his waist. Pulling him closer to the body next to him. Gary's skin is cool to the touch. Soothing his worries away like how a damp clothes diminishes a raging fever.
"Don't worry Ash. I know they will be able to the defeat the League. I know we will be able to. How can we fail with the most powerful pokemon on our side?"
The words cause a strange tightening in his gut. One that has alerted him many times to a looming danger. One that makes him think they are missing something. Something important.
Something that could turn the tide of this war.
But he pushes that thought aside. All just to feel the comfort of his partner's embrace.
He dreams of wild red eyes. Massive shapes looming just beyond a wall of cloying smoke. The ground littered with bodies of those he had sworn to protect.
He awakens to an echoing roar in the distance. Quickly amplified by the Alpha and Beta Dragonites as they awaken the camp.
The signal that the League has arrived.
xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx
AN: Time for the big battle! YASSSS! I wonder if I have left enough hints to how it's going to end…
Favorite/follow/review please!
Next up: Chapter 44 - Meteor
