Team Wildfire: Darkrai Returns
Chapter Seven: Pain From the Past
*Helioptile's p.o.v*
The others and I were almost back in the Pokémon Square. Due to Neva's leg injury, Charmander volunteered to carry her. Neva's injury didn't look infected but we needed to get her to a hospital right away.
"So, why does your father want you to be a Vaporeon?'' Charmander asked.
"It's just a sense of family pride,'' Neva sighed. "All of the members in my family are Vaporeon. They preach how Vaporeon is the best but I don't agree. Ever since I was little, Glaceon has always fascinated me. The long dreads, the ice blue color, and the slightly cold fur, I love it! And besides, winter is my favorite season.''
"Really? Me too!'' Charmander said as his eyes lit up. "Even if ice is technically frozen water, us Fire-types don't have to worry about ice due to our advantage over it. And besides, winter's my favorite season.''
"Same here,'' Neva giggled.
"I, for one, completely understand your daddy troubles, Neva,'' Alex spoke up. "MY dad's been a pain in my butt at times. But, you gotta remember that your parents still love you.''
"At least you guys still have parents,'' Starly mumbled quietly.
"Huh?'' Alex and Neva asked simultaneously.
"Nothing,'' Starly said in a monotone voice.
We then made it to Pokemon Square when Alex's father and his team came to meet us.
"Hello, sweetie,'' he greeted warmly as he kneeled down for a hug. Alex embraced her father by the neck. Starly just looked away trying to hide his sadness.
"Is this the girl you were supposed to rescue?'' Lucario asked.
"Yes, her name is-'' Alex began looking at a wide-eyed Neva.
"A-are you, T-Team Wildfire?'' Neva asked shakily.
"Yes, we are,'' Blastoise said proudly. Neva then squealed in excitement at the confirmation startling us.
"I've been a huge fan of you guys for as long as I can remember!'' Neva exclaimed. "When Slowking told me the stories of you guys kicking butt and saving the world, it's been my dream to be apart of a rescue team!''
"Well, we're honored, Neva,'' Lucario smiled. "But before we do anything else, we should get that leg injury of yours treated.''
"I think I can be of service for that,'' a Alakazam's voice said. We looked behind Team Wildfire and saw Team ACT standing there. "My Heal Pulse move can heal most injuries provided that they aren't fatal such as destroyed vital organs.'' Alakazam approached Neva and looked at her injury. Blood was clotting the injury. Thank Arceus that the injury wasn't infected. Alakazam placed his hand on Neva causing Neva to yelp in pain. "Just relax. This won't hurt at all.'' Alakazam closed his eyes and a blue light emanated from his hand which then enveloped Neva's body. The blood disappeared from Neva and you could hear the sound of her leg bones rearranging and thus healing her. After the process concluded, Neva looked at her healed leg and smiled widely.
"Thank you!'' Neva smiled. Charmander placed her down on the ground. "And thank you for all that you've done for me, Charmander, saving me from that Cofagrigus and all.''
"Oh, he saved you did he?'' Charizard asked with a smirk before laughing.
"Dad, stop!'' Charmander said covering his face with his hands. "You gotta do what you gotta do after all!'' Charizard then laughed harder.
"Reminds me of how I met your mother, son,'' Charizard added. Charmander groaned and continued to hide his embarrassment. "Aw, sorry, buddy. I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of your friends!''
"Sure you didn't,'' Charmander said crossing his arms.
"Anyways, I'm joining Charmander's team,'' Neva said. "I need to get away from my family for a long, LOOOONG time.''
"What's wrong? If you don't mind me asking,'' Gardevoir asked curiously.
"He wants me to be an evolution I don't want to be,'' Neva pouted. "He and my family are all Vaporeon but I'd rather be a Glaceon.''
"I understand that,'' Lucario nodded understandingly. "I grew up in a strict and harsh household. I eventually moved out of my parents' house and went to live with my kinder grandparents.''
"Why did you have to deal with parents like those?'' Alex asked. Lucario adopted a somber expression.
"They…wanted a girl,'' Lucario said with pain in his voice.
"Oh, I'm so sorry you had to deal with that,'' Alex said somberly.
"Yeah, that really sucks,'' Neva piped up. "I mean, my parents are strict and controlling but I can tell that they love me while your parents are just…cold.'' Gardevoir placed her hand on Lucario's shoulder and lightly hugged him to cheer up the saddened Lucario.
"Well, I like you just the way you are,'' Gardevoir said sweetly. "Your parents obviously weren't good enough for you.''
"Thanks, Gardevoir,'' Lucario said smiling a small smile and turning a faint red. I giggled at the sight. Those two are so cute together!
"Say, we were going to grab lunch. Want to come with us dad?'' Alex asked.
"No thank you, sweetie,'' Anthony declined. "The gang and I were going to go train. We're a bit rusty when it comes to battling. You go have fun with your friends.''
"Okay, dad,'' Alex said. "Good luck training!'' The heroic team walked off towards the forest.
"How about you, pop?'' Charmander asked his father.
"No thanks, we just ate,'' Charizard replied. "Have fun together!''
"Okay, see ya,'' We then walked off. "Let's go to Slowbro's Café.''
"Sounds great,'' I said happily. We began our trek to the café.
"You're Anthony's daughter, Alex?!'' Neva exclaimed excitedly.
"Yep, in the flesh,'' Alex smiled.
"So, you must be human, too,'' Neva observed. Alex nodded her head but then turned sad.
"A team named Shadow Fire whisked me away from home and turned me into a Pokémon as I escaped from them,'' Alex replied sadly.
"Team Shadow Fire?! I thought they were a good team!'' Neva said surprised.
"Well, looks can be deceiving,'' Alex said with her crossed arms. "It turns out they work for Darkra-'' Charmander, Starly and I quickly hushed Alex.
"Alex, it's not a good idea to say 'his' name in public,'' I scolded.
"Sorry,'' Alex said embarrassed.
"Who? Darkra-'' Neva began before we hushed her.
"Be quiet!'' Starly scolded harshly. "We'll talk about 'him' later.''
"Sorry,'' Neva said smiling sheepishly. We soon arrived at Slowbro's café. We entered the bustling café and grabbed a booth. A Slowbro waiter came over towards us holding menus.
"Welcome to Slowbro Café,'' the Slowbro said in a slow, deep voice. "Can I get you anything to drink?'' We looked over the menu.
"I'll take some water,'' I requested.
"Same here,'' Alex, Starly, and Neva added.
"I'll pass,'' Charmander said.
"Okay, I'll be right back then,'' the Slowbro nodded before walking away.
"You're not going to get anything to drink?'' Neva asked cocking her head.
"Us Fire types don't need much water,'' Charmander explained. "In fact, having too much water inside us can be fatal.''
"Oh, I see,'' Neva nodded understandingly. "Wouldn't want a team member to kick the bucket.''
"I actually did almost die from consuming too much water as a kid,'' Charmander added.
"Really?'' Alex and Neva asked wide-eyed.
"Uh-huh, I was four-years old when it happened,'' Charmander responded. "I passed out after drinking several glasses worth of water. I felt a sharp pain in my stomach and my body felt weak. I passed out as a result. If my parents didn't find me, I probably would've died.''
"Oh, Arceus,'' Alex said shocked. "Thankfully you survived. How did they get the water out of your body?''
"Alakazam used his psycho kinesis to get the water out of me,'' Charmander elaborated. Slowbro came back to our table.
"Here're the waters,'' Slowbro said placing the glasses on the table. "Have you maid up your minds?''
"No, not quite,'' Charmander answered.
"No worries, take your time,'' Slowbro said in a friendly tone. Slowbro then walked away.
"I kind of hate it when waiters interrupt my conversations,'' Charmander laughed.
"Yeah, same here,'' Alex added. "Anyways, I'm glad you survived otherwise I wouldn't have been able to meet such a good friend like you.''
"Yeah, same here, Alex,'' Charmander said shyly. Alex stared curiously at Charmander's sheepishness before looking at the menu. When the Slowbro returned, we made up our minds.
"Ready to order?'' Slowbro asked.
"Yes, but ladies first,'' Charmander smiled.
"Thank you, Charmander,'' Neva said gratefully. "I'll have an apple, please.''
"So would I,'' Alex added.
"I'd like a fruit salad,'' I requested.
"Please give me a hamburger,'' Charmander asked.
"I'll take some millet,'' Starly ordered.
"Okay, I'll be out in a jiffy,'' Slowbro said as he finished writing the orders. He then walked off.
*Anthony's p.o.v*
My team and I found a place to practice our combat skills in the middle of a forest glen. Zoroark and Blastoise were practice fighting while Lucario, Gardevoir and I watched from the sidelines. Of course, the two didn't use their full power to prevent hurting each other. Zoroark lunged with Night Slash while Blastoise used Protect. Blastoise then tried Hydro Pump. Zoroark nimbly jumped out of the way and tackled Blastoise to the ground. The two breathed heavily after the rigorous training session.
"Good job, Zoroark,'' Blastoise complemented. Zoroark helped Blastoise up.
"Thanks, you too,'' Zoroark smiled.
"It's like you guys haven't lost your touch,'' I commented. "Now, who would like to go next?''
"I would,'' Lucario said standing up. "Wanna fight me, Anthony?''
"Sure,'' I said standing up as well. We walked the center of the glen.
"Good luck, you two!'' Gardevoir cheered. We got into our positions and began our fight. I charged Lucario with Extremespeed. Lucario leapt over me and charged Aura Sphere. Knowing that Aura Sphere is a move that will not miss, I breathed Flamethrower at him causing the energy sphere to explode while Lucario charged it. The feeling of having fire inside my Fire type body was once an alien sensation but was now a familiar one after being human for so long. Lucario snapped me out of my daze by dealing a powerful punch. I retaliated with Crunch biting down but taking care not to bite too hard.
"Oh, I don't know who to root for!'' Gardevoir said excitedly.
I tried to attack with another Crunch but Lucario grabbed me around the chest and attempted to throw me when suddenly Lucario yelled in pain and we both collapsed to the ground. Lucario was on his knees massaging his back. The others quickly ran to his aid.
"Are you okay, Lucario?!'' I asked concerned.
"Y-yeah…I just pulled a muscle in my…back!'' Lucario said through gritted teeth.
"Here, let me massage you, Lucario,'' Gardevoir said in a tone that a mother would say to her hurt child. Lucario sighed in relief.
"Thanks, Gardevoir,'' Lucario said gratefully.
"We aren't getting any younger,'' Blastoise said concerned. "Our conditions are going to be a problem on missions.''
"Indeed it is,'' a voice said coldly. We looked an saw a group consisting of a Blaziken, Emboar, Infernape, and a female Pyroar.
"SO…you're the famous Team Wildfire,'' Blaziken spoke again as he and his team walked up to us.
"Yes…who're you?'' I asked suspiciously.
"We are Team Blaze,'' Blaziken stated. "We're a rescue team as well.''
"We heard you returned to Pokémon Square and just HAD to ask something of you,'' Pyroar said snobbishly.
"What's that?'' Gardevoir asked warily. Blaziken walked up to me before sucker punching me and thus knocking me to the floor.
"Leave,'' Blaziken snarled. "We don't want any competition around these parts.''
"Yeah and besides, you old timers are old news,'' Infernape laughed. Blaziken glared at his partner causing him to quiet down. Blastoise helped me up. My cheek throbbed in pain as I stared down the rival team.
"I'm getting really sick of seeing teams like you around,'' I growled. "You aren't sincere in your desire to help others! Why do you even bother making a team?!''
"Simple, the fame and fortune,'' Blaziken grinned.
"Figures, just like Team Meanies from all those years ago,'' Lucario scoffed. Infernape eyed Lucario and walked right up to him getting in his face.
"Don't you disrespect our team, OLD-TIMER,'' Infernape snarled. Infernape then saw Gardevoir and smiled. "Hey, babe. You look awful cute. Why not join our team?''
"Umm, I really couldn't,'' Gardevoir said timidly.
"Aw, come on,'' Infernape insisted reaching Gardevoir's arm. "We could always use new-'' I was prepared to intervene when Lucario held a Metal Claw attack up to Infernape's face.
"Don't you dare touch her,'' Lucario leered. Infernape gritted his teeth and glared at Lucario but at the same time, looked visibly afraid.
"Leave her, Infernape,'' Blaziken commanded. "We don't need a weakling such as her.'' Infernape snorted in Lucario's face and followed his team. Blaziken stopped walking with his team doing the same to look back at us. "Know this, Team Wildfire, we WILL meet again. I'm sure of it.'' Blaziken and his team then disappeared into the forest.
"Well, that was interesting,'' Blastoise said sarcastically.
"I guess if we will fight them, we should continue preparing,'' Lucario said standing up. Gardevoir floated up to me and touched my bruised cheek. Her touch stung on contact causing me to wince in pain. However, Gardevoir used Heal Pulse to make the bruise disappear as well as the soreness.
"Thanks, Gardevoir,'' I smiled.
"You're welcome,'' Gardevoir giggled.
"I'm sorry about what Blaziken said about you,'' I said as we walked towards the others to join them in the training.
"Don't worry about it,'' Gardevoir smiled. "I don't care about what he thinks anyways.'' I could faintly hear Lucario groan in annoyance. I looked in his direction and he was crossing his arms and scowling as he looked away from us. I cocked my head to one side confused as to why he suddenly got in such a bad mood.
"Hey, Anthony!'' Blastoise hollered. "What's wrong? Want to train still?''
"Oh, sure,'' I called back. I pushed it out of my mind figuring he was upset over Team Blaze's disrespect towards our team. "Want to practice with me Gardevoir?''
"Okay,'' Gardevoir said as her face turned a pale pink. We were about to begin our training but I could see Lucario's scowling face looking at me all the while.
*Alex's p.o.v*
"That meal was delicious,'' Charmander sighed patting his distended stomach.
"It was,'' I added feeling just as full. It was the late afternoon and the air was starting to cool.
"Wanna go back to the base, guys?'' Helioptile asked.
"Sure,'' Starly approved.
"Oh boy! I can't wait to see the base!'' Neva said eagerly.
"You'll love it, Neva,'' Charmander said. "It's a tree house! Plus, the view it provides is great!'' We soon came upon the tree house.
"Wow!'' Neva exclaimed as her tail wagged feverishly. Neva, Charmander, Helioptile and I got onto the pulley and Starly flew to the top floor. Neva scampered around the room surveying her new surroundings. "This is awesome! But, it's kinda small.''
"Yeah, Charmander, Helioptile and I pulled together all of our savings to get this base built,'' Starly laughed.
"But, it's better than nothing,'' Helioptile smiled.
"Yeah, you're right,'' Neva nodded.
"We'll get you a bed made pronto,'' Charmander said. Charmander grabbed some straw from a burlap sack in the corner and placed it between me and Charmander's beds. Neva plopped down in the straw.
"Thanks, Charmander!'' Neva said gratefully. "The straw is so soft. You're such a good friend!''
"Aw thanks, Neva,'' Charmander said bashfully. "What're friends for?''
"That's right,'' I smiled. "Charmander is a good friend.'' I paused and what Starly did to me on our mission. I turned towards the small, black-and-white bird Pokémon who was perched on the back of a chair. "Which is more than I can say for Starly.'' Starly was caught off-guard by my confrontation and instantly scowled at me.
"Are you still mad about what happened during our mission?'' Starly demanded as he fluttered towards me to get in my face.
"Maybe I am!'' I snapped. Helioptile looked visibly afraid and stood uneasily next to the table. "You dropped me right through that hole in the cave roof like you have some problem with me!''
"Yeah, well I do!'' Starly barked.
"Well, what is it, huh?!'' I shouted.
"Guys, please stop fighting!'' Helioptile asked becoming more and more afraid in tone.
"Yeah, guys, team members shouldn't quarrel like this!'' Charmander scolded.
"Stay out of this!'' Starly and I both yelled causing our teammates to jump back in shock.
"You want to know, Alex?! I'll tell you!'' Starly yelled again.
*Starly's p.o.v (Flashback)*
Long ago, I had a family-a mother Staraptor and a father Pidgeot. My father in particular was a shiny. His feathers shone a lustrous, golden hue. They were wonderful parents who loved with all their hearts and souls. You know-parents every child in this world would dream of having. However, this eternal bliss of mine didn't last long.
It was four years ago on a beautiful summer's day. I was ten at the time. I was coming home from school. My family and I lived in Sky High Canyon in a nest which was in a tree at the very top of said tree. There, you could see all of Pokémon Square, the vast wilderness and ocean. Anyways, on my way home, I heard the sound of a scuffle. I picked up the pace of my flying and through the brush, I could see two male humans. One was tall, thin, and scruffy looking. He smelled like he hadn't bathed in days. The other was stout and just as filthy. They were hiding in behind a set of bushes obviously waiting for something…or someone. The thin one held a long, dark gray stick-like object in his grasp.
"When do you suppose that golden Pidgeot we heard about will be here, Max?'' the stout one asked his partner.
"I don't know, Jake!'' Max snapped. "We just have to wait! Now keep quiet or you'll scare the Pokémon away!''
"What do they want with my dad?'' I whispered to myself. I then heard the sound of wings flapping. I looked out towards the distance and saw my dad flying towards our nest. Mom was nowhere to be seen since she usually goes into town to shop.
"There he is,'' Max whispered. "On my count, get ready to shoot.'' Jake readied this stick object.
"Shoot?'' I asked getting more worried. My heart started to pound faster. My father perched in the nest and looked around unaware of what was about to happen.
"Ready?'' Max asked. "Aim…'' My father looked down noticing something was wrong. "FIRE!'' The stick made a sickening BANG! My father was knocked out of the nest with a look of shock spread across his face. He fell to the ground as a pool of blood spread out from his body. It felt like I couldn't breathe and that my heart stopped for a whole five minutes.
"D-d-d-da…'' I stammered as the shock still held its grip over me.
"We got him!'' Jake laughed. He and Max ran over to my father's dead body and picked it up.
"This beauty will fetch a high price,'' Max boasted. "Now, let's get to stuffing him and auctioning him off.'' Not long after, my mother came to the nest and when she saw this horrible sight, she dropped her groceries and looked like she would've fallen out of the sky out of shock.
"MY DARLING!" she shrieked as tears already began to pour out of her eyes. She glared daggers at the two hunters. "HOW DARE YOU!'' she screeched as she dove for the men. She knocked them to the ground as she flew by them and caused them to drop my father. She then proceeded to claw at Max with her talons.
"JAKE! SHOOT THIS STUPID STARAPTOR!'' Max yelled as he tried to protect his face from my mother's attacks. Jake picked up the stick.
"MOOOOOM!'' I screamed. Mom looked in my direction and…BANG! My mother fell and died. Max pushed my mother off of him.
"Stupid Staraptor,'' Max spat. He picked up my mother and walked towards a cliff. "This'll teach ya!'' He then dropped my mother off the cliff.
"We're not going to sell that Pokemon?'' Jake questioned.
"No, you dip!'' Max snapped. "Staraptor don't fetch as high a price. It's worthless! Now let's go!'' The men then walked off with my father in tow. When the men disappeared, I flew towards the cliff where my mother was dropped off. I looked over the edge and saw my mother lying on a small cliff with blood pouring from her corpse.
"Mom…'' I said solemnly. Tears began to pour from my eyes and I began to sob. "It's my fault. I distracted you. If I didn't keep quiet, you wouldn't be dead.'' I sniffled. "I'm sorry.'' I sobbed harder and harder before leaving my home. For good.
*Alex's p.o.v (Flashback end)*
"Oh…'' I said in shock after Starly finished his story. "Starly, I'm so-''
"Sorry?'' Starly interrupted rudely. "I don't want your apology! If it wasn't for you greedy humans, my parents wouldn't be dead!''
"Starly, I understand you're still hurt by your loss but not all humans are bad!'' I responded trying not to get angrier.
"That's a lie! A filthy LIE!'' Starly screamed. "I wish you humans would just GO AWAY!'' Starly then began to flap his wings furiously in an attempt to blow me out of the house. I tried to hold my ground but I was beginning to slide backwards until I finally was blown out of the house. I quickly used a vine to grab the handrail. I dangled about 10 feet above the ground. Starly flew to the railing and glared. He then began to peck at my vine causing me to yelp in pain. I gritted my teeth through the pain as I was pecked repeatedly. Charmander ran up to Starly and wrapped his arms around him restraining him.
"Let me go!'' Starly screeched. "I want Alex to go away!''
"Starly, that's enough!'' Charmander yelled. "We shouldn't be fighting like this! We're supposed to be a team!''
"She's not my teammate!'' Starly snapped trying to get out of Charmander's grasp. "Humans are my enemies!'' Starly released himself from Charmander's grasp. But, before he could do anything else to me, Helioptile shocked him and thus knocking him out. Charmander helped me up and looked at my injured vine. The skin was broken and bled a bit.
"Ouch,'' Charmander said as he winced at the injury. "Alex, I'm sorry for Starly's behavior. He-''
"It's okay, Charmander,'' I said sadly. "I completely understand Starly's point of view of humans.'' I swallowed some phlegm in my throat. "I think…maybe it'd be better if I just…''
"What?'' Neva asked concerned.
"…leave the team,'' I admitted.
"Leave?!'' the others gasped.
"But, Alex, you can't leave!'' Charmander pleaded.
"Yeah, we're friends!'' Helioptile added.
"I don't to cause Starly anymore emotional pain,'' I responded. "If it would make him feel better, than I'll leave. My dad will allow me to stay with him.'' I turned towards the elavator and proceeded to go down. My eyes felt watery as I got off the elevator and began to walk away.
"Alex!'' the group called. I turned to look at them and smiled.
"Good luck, guys!'' I waved before proceeding to walk down the path.
*Larraine's p.o.v*
Napoleon and I returned from our search for Anthony coming up fruitless. As we sat down on the couch, Alice came down the stairs.
"Did you find him?'' Alice asked.
"No,'' I said out of breath.
"He was nowhere to be seen,'' Napoleon added just as exhausted.
"Oh, that's too bad,'' Alice sighed. She sat down next to me and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. "I hope he's okay.''
"So do we, sweetie,'' Napoleon replied.
"I'm afraid I may have pushed him over the deep end,'' I said somberly.
"What do you mean?'' Napoleon asked.
"Ever since Alex was kidnapped, I've shunned Anthony and told him to find her or else I'll never talk to him again,'' I continued. "I'm afraid…he may be pushing himself too hard to the point that…maybe…'' I sniffled. "Oh, I just don't want to think about it! I just want him to come home! And Alex, too!'' I sobbed and sobbed. Napoleon hugged me.
"Don't worry, Larraine,'' Napoleon said comfortingly. "I'm worried too but I have this feeling that somewhere, he and Alex are back together and will be coming home soon.''
"You think so?'' I asked looking up at him. Napoleon nodded.
"Anthony's a strong man now,'' Napoleon continued. "He's no longer the timid boy we've known for so long. He knows what he's doing.'' I dried my eyes.
"Okay, I'll be strong for Anthony,'' I said. "But, just in case, I'll tell the Gym Leaders to keep an eye out for them.''
"All right,'' Napoleon said. "I'm going to go home now and I'll keep my eye out for them as well.'' Napoleon and I got up and I escorted him to the door. I opened the door. "Good night, Larraine.'' I hugged Napoleon.
"Good night, big guy,'' I said before kissing him on the cheek. He did the same and walked into the night.
"I'm going to go to bed now, mom,'' Alice said putting her hand on my shoulder.
"Okay, sweetie,'' I said hugging and kissing her. She did the same and walked up stairs. I looked back out into the dark. "Please stay safe, Anthony, Alex. I'll be praying for you to come home safe and sound.''
TO BE CONTINUED…
Ah, I love Spring Break, don't you? I hope you enjoyed this next chapter, guys. Don't forget to check out SunnySummer77's new story, Hate in the Abyss of Darkness, and my new poll on my page. Take care everyone!