Hi all, I'm back once again. I've been busy recently, what with losing my job and having to look around for another. Don't worry, I'll still be writing this and my other stories. Just a little slowly compared to normal. XD
Anyhow, on with the story! ~VeloranDarkfyre
Chapter Twelve: A Badge and Relief
Laz wore a black coat and tie as he walked out of a clothes store in Gateway City. He cast his thoughts backwards to his battle with Lydia. She gave a command to my Pokémon, and it followed it. I'll have to file a report on her. But the company she keeps is even more interesting.
Laz looked at his watch, pacing nervously near the city's north gate. What's taking them so long, If I don't intercept them then... A phone call cut him off.
"Hello?" Laz asked his caller, "Yes. Yes. I've confirmed it, I have no doubt that Hyato is the one. No. No, they should have been here by now, something must be keeping them on the road. Of course. I understand. Absolutely..." Laz's phone call ended.
Laz took a bite of something black and chewy. "You'd better hurry up Hyato, or the strike team will get you first."
"Arthur!" Called Shinryu as he was gaining ground on the two, who were walking together. "Wait up!"
Rose stopped and turned to stare at Shinryu as Arthur stood nearby, waiting with her arms crossed. Once Shinryu was within range, she glared at him. "Why didn't you argue with that bitch?" She asked.
Shinryu glared back at Rose once he stopped. "Because I personally don't see a reason to argue with the truth."
"But Richard-"
"Rose... Stop." Arthur says softly, placing a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "So," He turned to face Shinryu. "Why were you glowing back there?"
Shinryu shrugged. "I wasn't glowing. You were just seeing things."
"Wait... He was glowing?" Asked Rose.
"See?" Shinryu said, smiling. "Are you sure you're okay? Have you fully recovered from your Coma?"
Arthur sighed. "I thought that I saw you glowing slightly though... I guess I might not be as well off as I thought."
Shinryu chuckled, walking over to Arthur to pat him on the shoulder. "Oh well. Its okay, it just means your imagination hasn't been affected." He smiled at Arthur, who nodded back to him with a smile. Good. I can still keep people in the dark.
"Richard, why did Hyato call you Shinryu?" Asked Rose curiously.
Shinryu turned to face Rose slowly. "Wow... You are dense." He said harshly. "It is because of Seth, and I know for a fact I already told you a while ago. Now enough questions, we have already wasted enough time." He turned and began walking, and then stopped. "What is that?" He asked, turning to look around.
"What is what?" Asked Arthur, a confused look on his face.
"Shh!" Shinryu hissed, and all became quiet.
*Crrrr-aaaa-ck!*
Shinryu looked at his bag, and slowly set it down. He opened the main flap, and gently pulled out a oblong orb wrapped in a red towel. He slowly unwrapped it, and there was the egg he had been carrying around. "Its hatching..." He whispered, and placed the egg down gently as Night approached and stared curiously at the hatching Pokémon that would be known as Soul began to push its way out of the confines of the shell.
Once the Pokémon was free of its shell Shinryu got a good look at its form: A purplish-blue humanoid Pokémon, with a white gem inset to its forehead and deep blue eyes. It stood at about 1 foot tall, but it was hovering in the air slightly as it was staring around inquisitively.
"So this is Soul." Shinryu remarked as he pulled out his Pokédex. *Ping* {Pokédex entry: Soul Type: Psychic. Naturally curious, a Soul will examine everything it sees with extreme interest. A Soul is able to see directly into the hearts of people and Pokémon, and will do its best to make sure its Trainer is happy.}
"Fascinating." Arthur whispered as he knelt down to look directly at the small Pokémon that had just recently hatched.
Shinryu smiled at the Pokémon before him, which looked up at him with a inquisitive stare. "Hello little one."
The Soul tilted its head as it examined the boots Shinryu wore. And then it was on top of his head and inspecting his hat.
Chuckling, Shinryu looked up as he allowed the Pokémon to do what it wanted. "You definitely are curious... Perhaps I should call you Taina."
The Pokémon peered over the rim of Shinryu's cap and stared down at him. "Soul!" It shouted happily, its eyes closed in joy.
The smile on Shinryu's face grew. That was easier than naming Azar. Oh well. "Alright, I guess I should name the other one in my party." He pulled off a Pokéball from his belt and expanded it. "Come on out."
After the light from the Pokéball faded away, the it was revealed. It was a small white Pokemon, with fur and large ears. It looked somewhat like a cat, but its eyes were all white and it had no nose or mouth. There was an upward facing Crescent on its forehead, and a circle with a black side and a white side. It looked up at Shinryu and cried "Dyaaa!" in a cute way.
Shinryu blinked as his Pokédex immediately pinged. *Ping* {Dyaphum The Dark Moon Pokemon. Type: Dark. Like Clefairy, it is said to have fallen from the moon. Unlike Clefairy, a moon stone does nothing to it. Its large ears and long tail help it to see and maneuver in complete darkness. The Pokemon's lack of sight is replaced by its incredible awareness. Many people collect these cute Pokemon as pets, due to their over all happy nature.} He stared at the excited Pokémon before it had climbed up his side to sit on top of his head happily next to Taina. "I'll call you Umbrax."
"Well... Seems like all of the Pokémon you come to have travel with you like you." Arthur stated as he laughed a bit.
Rose looked put off, but she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Pokémon do seem to like you." She said haltingly.
Shinryu chuckled as the two Pokémon on his head began to chatter away with each other. "Pokémon love me." He recalled the two Pokémon and shrunk their Pokéballs. "I guess I should train them, but later. Lets get on moving to Tectra, I think we're almost there."
Arthur and Rose both nodded. They stood up almost simultaneously as Shinryu stopped and turned to look into the woods behind him. Something is following us, but what? Hewonders as Night follows his gaze and growls lowly. "Alright, we're leaving." He stands up and begins walking quickly.
As the group begins to disappear over the horizon, a figure peers out from the shadows of the trees before disappearing before someone could take notice.
"You! You're an Agent of Darkrai!" Hyato accused. The man in the white cloak stood passive as the world twisted and bent around them. "I am not going to be controlled, I don't believe you and I don't intend to follow through with what you want with me!"
Hyato's words seemed to pass harmlessly off of the man. They stood juxtaposed in a twisted image of the real world. Finally the robed man spoke, "I am not who you think I am."
Hyato raised one eyebrow and instinctively reached for a pokeball that wasn't there.
"Listen to me," The man said, "I serve only one person, and he is not Darkrai." Hyato opened his mouth to argue but, "Don't! I need to speak my message before this effect fades." Hyato waited patiently, becoming more relaxed.
"The leader of my group is an ageless warrior, he hails from hundreds of years ago and has fought in many conflicts far greater than mentioned in the world today. But there is a problem, he went missing and left no trace of his whereabouts. I expect he'll be coming to Trema, because what is coming will attract a lot of attention, so be prepared. He is no threat to you, but the person hunting him is very much so. I believe tha-" the man's voice faded along with his image.
The world began to correct itself and pull out of the shadows. Hyato felt his eyes close, then open to see the sky and the real world. "Uggggh." Hyato groaned as he sat up.
Lydia turned from where she sat, "Oh, good! You're awake. I was afraid you'd sleep all day." Lydia said, smiling but sounding worried.
"I'm fine," Hyato said as he stood up, "how long was I out?"
"About two hours I think," Lydia said, she bit her lip, "Um..."
Hyato stared at her for a moment, "Yes?"
"Do- do you want to talk about it?"
"I'd rather not." Hyato said, looking away.
"Very well. Why don't we get to Gateway City?" Lydia suggested.
"Yeah."
They walked in silence, heading out at a steady pace, but the further they got the more lively they became. Before long it was as if nothing happened and Hyato was back to being his cheery self.
"There's the City!" Hyato exclaimed as the skyline came into view. The massive wall protecting the border between the four cities and the deeper areas of Trema.
"It's still a ways off," Lydia said, "Why don't we..."
"Screw it, I'm running" Hyato said as he took off full pelt. Lydia sighed, then followed as fast as she could.
They ran for about ten minutes before they arrived, and quickly made it into the city. "Alright, now where's this Pokémon gym?" Hyato wondered aloud.
"Can't we..." Lydia panted, "Get something... to eat... first?"
Hyato's stomach rumbled at the mention of food. "Uh, yeah... sure." Hyato said, embarrassed.
They made their way to a small sandwich shop for lunch, unaware of of the blue haired sleuth who tailed them. Laz, who had seen them enter the city, had decided to hold off on approaching them for the time being.
Shinryu pulled his Pokégear out and checked the time. "Its almost three in the afternoon." He said as he looked back the way he came and nearly face-faulted at what he saw. "DAMN! YOU TWO ARE SLOW!" He shouted back because Rose was constantly falling and tripping over blades of grass or some other shit that he didn't care about. He shook his head and looked at the time again. "Meh, oh well. Their fault. Come on Night, let's go challenge the Leader!"
Night nodded and bolted after Shinryu who had started running through the streets of the city at an almost unbelievable speed for a human. Ooh... A race! She thought as she followed after Shinryu, leaving Arthur and Rose behind.
Shinryu laughed as he spun and twirled around the people in the crowded street, with most of those that he passes turning around with confusion at what they just saw. He then saw a ramp where some movers and their Machokes were lugging around packages and boxes. With a devilish grin, Shinryu bolted up the ramp just as the last of the Pokémon got off and jumped over onto the truck itself and jumped onto the roof of the buildings and began rolling and tumbling until he found his way to the streets where Night was panting heavily.
Shinryu smirked at Night. "Exhausted girl?" He asked with amusement.
Oooh you're SOOO lucky I can't maul you! Night growled inside of her mind as she nodded, still panting from the exertion of trying to keep up with Shinryu.
Shinryu chuckled as he pretty much knew what she was thinking as he stood up himself and looked around. "Alright, now where is the Gym here?" He wondered out loud while spotting a map of the City. He made a beeline for it and began to examine it. "Let's see... If we're here and the Gym is over there. That should be probably around five blocks from us that away." He said pointing to his right.
Night rolled her eyes. We just came from that way... She groaned mentally.
Shinryu frowned as he looked at the map again. "Oh my. I passed it without realizing during my bout of rooftop parkour! Let's go!" He shouted before running back in the OTHER direction.
Night groaned to herself as she ran after Shinryu. Damn his randomness.
Shinryu stopped in front of the Tectra City Gym, staring at the bright green color with his hands on his hips as Night came to a stop panting as she sat next to him. "I shouldn't have missed this. It sticks out like a sore thumb." He spoke to himself. "I see no challenge or puzzle on the door, so lets give it a try." He walked forward and placed his hand on the doors to push against them. What the hell? Hethought as they didn't budge at all. He pushed harder, applying his full unnatural power to try and force them open.
Shinryu growled as he backed a bit away, his eyes flashing brightly crimson momentarily as he calmed himself down. If I can't open it with even my strength, then how can I get in? Hewondered as he tried to push the doors apart but with no success. He attempted to pull on the edges but failed. "Damn..." He backed away fully and sighed as he glared at the door. "This is impossible... I can't get inside no matter what I do." He turned away and began to walk down the street with Night trotting at his side.
So Karma bites you in the butt my Mate. Night thought. That's what you get.
Shinryu walked with his hands in his pockets, his eyes looking down at his feet as he contemplated over what happened. The doors were definitely reinforced blast steel. Something I wouldn't ever be able to budge from what I know of my strength. But how does a Gym Leader afford that kind of security? I can understand Cyndea's Gym Layout because of how it locks into place after sliding down and the gout of flame keeping me inside for the match... There must be a puzzle in this somewhere. Hegrowled as he kicked a can harder than he meant and sent it whizzing through the air to smash against a wall, barely missing a bunch of people and collapsing in itself. Oops, a bit overpowered there. Hethought while sweat-dropping as people stared at the can with shock.
"Holy shit! Was that a bullet?!"
"Where'd that come from?!"
"Agh! That almost hit me!"
Shinryu blinked. Whoa... What a kick… I guess. I should be more careful of my power in public.
Night giggled softly under her breath.
Shinryu sighed and sat down on a bench, leaning against it and closed his eyes, calming himself down.
"Excuse me?" Asked a male voice.
Shinryu opened his eyes and stared at a tall man wearing dark blue clothes. "Yes?"
"You're Shinryu correct? The Dragonsong of Hoenn?" He asked with a smile, his dark blue eyes glittering.
Shinryu nodded. "Yes I am. And you are Seth Jameson of Kanto. Famous for training difficult and fierce Pokémon exclusively."
Seth smirked. "So you know about me huh? Good. Come on, let me treat you to dinner. Anything you want, I will let you get."
Shinryu nodded. "Free food... Sounds good to me. Let's go Night." He stood up and followed Seth towards a open courtyard where a restaurant of black granite was built. Looks old... I hope they have good food. He thought as Seth opened the door. He spotted a familiar old man and smiled. "Kirk!" He exclaimed.
"Eh? Oh Shinryu? Is that you lad?" Called the blind Martial Artist, smiling widely as Shinryu sat across from him. "Well isn't this a surprise. I didn't expect to see you here. I thought perhaps you had already been here."
Shinryu smiled, even though he knew Kirk couldn't see it. "No, I haven't yet. The Gym was locked for some reason."
Seth sat down at a chair next to him. "Well, it seems you're not the only one denied. So many people have been frustrated with the inability to enter the Gym to challenge Damian. And I just heard of a few groups of Trainers being robbed of their pokémon."
Shinryu's fist hit the stone table, and a small crack spiderwebbed from where it connected causing Seth to pale and Kirk to look around blindly. "Who did it?" He asked calmly, with a hint of darkness laced in his voice.
"A group that calls themselves Harbingers of Chaos. Team Chaos." Seth answers, sweat-dropping.
Shinryu clenched his fist until they turned white from the pressure. And then he released. "I knew I shouldn't have let that Grunt go." He said under his breath. "Nevermind, I over reacted. I just dislike those that steal pokémon for their own gain."
Seth nodded.
The doors opened and two young women stepped into the restaurant, giggling amongst themselves.
"Oh Lilly, you can't!" Said the girl with midnight black hair laced with blue streaks.
"And why not?" Asked the other, swishing her dark red hair back behind her ears. "He looks cute. And I like cute." She smiled at Shinryu, causing a shiver to run down his spine at the wave of lust that overcame him.
"Lilly, Amber." Seth said, standing up to hug the two. "What took you so long?"
"Oh nothing much." Lilly started, smiling cutely at Shinryu who was starting to get worried. She adjusted her white dress up her body as if it was slipping down and threatening to slide past her generous chest.
"She's being modest Seth." Amber said, rolling her eyes as she tightened the belt on her ACU cargo pants. "We just defeated Damian. We both have our second badge."
"WHAT?!" Seth shouted, staring at the two girls. "You managed to enter the Gym?! How did you two get inside?!"
Amber shrugged. "It just opened for us." She said simply before taking off her black leather jacket to reveal that she was wearing a tank-top underneath. "I don't know why people are saying they can't get inside." She sat down in the seat next to Shinryu before Lilly could take it.
"Hello." Shinryu said casually, looking around for the waiter.
"Hi." Amber smiled gently.
"Hey! Amber!" Whined Lilly, pouting. "I wanted to sit next to the hunk."
Hunk? Shinryu thought, blinking slightly.
"Snooze you lose." Amber stuck her tongue out at Lilly before said beauty sat down.
The waiter came over and handed out a menu to everyone, including a braille edition to Kirk. "Here you go. I'll be back shortly."
Shinryu opened his menu and began scanning it quickly, noting everything available before closing it. "How are you today Kirk?" He asked.
Kirk smiled. "I am doing fine. Just continuing on despite everything life throws at me." He closed his menu and set it aside carefully. "How about you?"
"Doing good. Lost against Cyndea in Gateway though."
"Really? How powerful is she if you lost?" Seth asked, cutting in.
"Lets just say... Everything went boom." Shinryu grimaced. "Eruption, Full Health, no hits taken, a powerful Fire Type Pokémon."
"You talking about Trufyre?" Asked Amber, putting her menu down. "I am actually Cyndea's neice thrice removed, however we don't get along. But still, a Trufyre is a Pokémon you don't want to mess with."
Shinryu nodded. "Yeah. I found that out first hand." He grimaced.
Night nuzzled against Shinryu's leg, leaning closer to the white-haired trainer who reached down to lightly run his hands through her fur while waiting for the waiter to come back.
"Ohh... She's beautiful!" Exclaimed Lilly, giggling like a school girl. "Can I pet her?"
Shinryu shook his head. "No... Not unless you wanna end up losing your hand. Last person that tried ended up with some pretty nasty scratches." He smiled down at Night, who was purring softly with his touch. She's gonna pounce first chance she gets...
"Lilly, sit back down. He already said not to." Amber growled, pushing Lilly away from Night, who opened her eyes at this.
Huh... I like her. Night thought with a giggle.
Amber smiled at the Absol and winked, making Night tilt her head in curiosity.
Shinryu glanced at Lilly, who was pouting. "Why are you so set on asking me out?" He asked calmly, staring at the red-head out of the corner of his eye.
"How did you know?!" Lilly exclaimed, her eyes wide as she stood up.
"It's plainly obvious." Shinryu said. "You wanted to sit next to me, you called me a hunk, and ever since you walked into the building you have been eying me like a piece of meat." He drank from the glass of water the waiter left after taking their orders. "Simple as that, unless you want me to go into Psychology, which you wouldn't understand."
"Hey! I can understand it!" Lilly shouted, clenching her fists.
"No you can't. If you could, that wouldn't have riled you up." Amber chided. "He was using it on you just now."
Lilly sat down and crossed her arms. "Humph."
Shinryu sighed and looked at the door just as it opened, Rose and Arthur walking in with a defeated look on their faces. "Hey you two! About time you got here." He said with a smile.
Arthur raised his arm and flipped Shinryu off, but his eyes were playful as he walked over to the table and pulled a chair from nearby. "So who are we with?" He asked, staring at Lilly with a flirtatious look.
Lilly giggled, her apparent like for Shinryu fading away as she stares at Arthur endearingly. "Hey cutie." She giggled.
"She's Lilly. That's Amber, Kirk, and Seth Jameson the Fury of Kanto." Shinryu said, pointing the trainers out individually. "This is Arthur, an old friend of mine from years ago. And the one going to the bathroom is Rose, an ex."
Arthur leaned back slowly as Lilly came closer, who was smiling widely. "Care to keep me company after we eat?" She asks in a husky voice.
"Lilly!" Amber scolded, pulling the red-head back into her seat. "Calm down. We're in a public restaurant."
"Humph." Lilly crossed her arms and turned to the side. "You always ruin my fun."
Shinryu shook his head as Rose sat down also after coming from the bathroom and as the waiter delivered their orders and took Rose and Arthur's orders. He began eating as Lilly and Rose were chatting up a storm and Arthur was talking with Seth about battle strategy.
"Hey Shinryu." Seth called, as Shinryu was chowing down on a fish patty.
"Yes?" Shinryu asked, looking up at Seth.
"I challenge you to a battle. Three on three."
Shinryu smiled to himself as he pushed his plate away. "I accept. Terms?"
"Loser wears a dress for the rest of the day." Seth joked. "Just kidding. Standard battle, substitution allowed."
Shinryu nodded. "Alright. I saw this place has a small arena over there." He stood up as the others grabbed their plates and followed the two trainers to a sectioned of area.
Seth took the red side and inserted his trainer card, opening up his record.
"Not bad. Over five-thousand wins, twenty losses." Shinryu said as he inserted his card into the blue side. His public file came up, showing his ratio.
Seth or Kirk didn't react, but the others did.
"No fucking way!" Exclaimed Arthur, his eyes widening.
Shinryu chuckled. "Nearly ten-thousand wins. Only two losses. First was the Burning Mirror of Hoenn, and next was Cyndea of Gateway."
"I will referee this match." Rose said as she walked up.
Shinryu shrugged and went to where he was supposed to stand, opposite where Seth was. He flicked a button, and the air shimmered around them as the energy displacers activated. This is the advantage of indoor arenas. He thought. "As Challenger, you send your Pokémon out first."
Seth nodded. "Come on out! Marxus!" He threw an Ultraball, which opened to have a Gyarados materialize.
"Good start." Shinryu said to himself. "But predictable. Kaira!" He tossed the blue and black patterned pokeball that had red and purple designs.
Kaira materialized, roaring savagely. She glared at the Gyarados, floating in the air.
Gyarados has a higher attack than special. Therefor attacks like Earthquake, Aqua Tail, and others that emphasize that will be used mostly. Weakness: Electric attacks. "Charge Beam!" Shinryu shouted as soon as Kaira was out. And this one has the Moxie Ability.
"Marxus! Protect!"
A barrier of green light appeared around Gyarados and deflected the beam. "Now Hyper Beam!"
Hmm... Interesting. Challenge Accepted. "Kaira, take it."
Kaira braced herself as the Hyper Beam almost collided before a Shadow Ball tore through the beam as she shot it off from one of her arms. "I won't fall that easily worm!" Kaira shouted at the Gyarados savagely while a Charge Beam shot from her and electrocuted the Gyarados.
Gyarados fell to the ground.
"Marxus is unable to battle, Kaira wins Round 1." Pronounces Rose.
Shinryu recalled Kaira. "Go Night." Night rushed into the Arena, crouching low and growling.
"Dark types as always eh?" Seth asked with a smile. "Go Amalur!" He threw a Great Ball, which opened to reveal a Rypherior.
Rock-Ground type, Solid Rock Ability. Super-effective hits are less effective than normal due to this. Incredibly high defense rating as a Rock type. Interesting battle here. "Night! Iron Tail!" Night growled loudly before darting to strike Amalur with a glowing steel tail.
"Amalur, Earthquake." The Rhyperior stomped on the ground, glowing lines spreading out to raise earth underneath Night in sharp spikes.
"Detect." Night's jewel gleamed as she jumped at the last second, avoiding the spike that almost hit her and landed on top of it safely.
"Mega Punch." Amalur charged, a powerful punch cocked and ready.
"Quick Attack to get out of the way." Night blurred out of vision, jumping from spikes to get out of range as Amalur destroyed on of the spikes.
"Magnitude!" Shouted Seth, desperate to hit the agile little canine.
"Shadow Ball." Night shot a blob of darkness, which went towards Amalur faster than it could stomp the ground again.
"Protect." At the last moment, a brilliant green barrier surrounded Amalur.
Perfect! Thought Shinryu. "Iron Tail Full Power!" Night rushed quickly, shattering the now fragile protection barrier and hitting the Ryperior HARD upside the head.
"Shit! Dod-" Seth winced as he was too late, Amalur dropping heavily to the ground unconscious from the critical hit to Amalur's temple.
"Come Night."
Night came out of the Arena as Shinryu stared at Seth with a smile. He's an open book. Predictable.
"Go Marai!" He shouted, throwing a Heal Ball. It opened and a strange pokemon materialized. A line of red spikes ran along its shoulders, and a black dress flowed from it. Greenish hair in a crazy anime style cascaded around it, and a single glowing crimson eye could be seen from under its hair.
*Ping!* {Galenia the Solemn Pokémon. Type: Psychic-Ghost. Galenia is an evolution of Kirlia that was recently discovered when Trema was first settled. They are normally evasive of being found and no one has ever seen a wild one up close because of this. However it is said if a Trainer can calm their eternal sorrow, great things are predicted to come their way.}
Shinryu pulled out his Pokedex and opened it. Galenia, a Ghost Psychic... Interesting. He pulled out Dusk's Pokeball and threw it. Kaira appeared again, but Shinryu knew the truth.
"Marai, use Focus Beam!" Seth shouted the moment Dusk was out. Marai raised an arm and a powerful beam burst from its palm towards Dusk.
"Protect." Dusk waited behind the green wall, staring at Marai.
Hmm... Powerful attack. Don't even know what it was. "Kaira, use Shadow Ball."
Dusk charged a Shadow Ball and pelted it towards Galenia.
"Won't work. Galenia's After Image Ability negates Ghost Type attacks." Seth smirked. "My Kirlia evolved with a Dusk Stone, so I didn't know it existed 'til now. Counter with Focus Beam!"
Galenia had phased out of form and then rematerialized, shooting out another beam of white-silver light towards Dusk.
"Detect this time." Use either one too often, higher fail rate. Galenia is Ghost/Psychic, however its interesting ability negates one of its two biggest weaknesses. Dusk does not have an Ability to negate that, like Mold Breaker for Cranidos. However... "Might as well have the jig end now."
"Huh? Jig?" Asked Seth as Dusk had dodged the blow and the energy displacers protected them from it.
"Dusk, use Foul Play!"
"WHAT?!" Seth went wide eyed. "Crap! Its a Zoroark!"
Dusk had dispersed its own Illusion willingly and smacked the Galenia across its cheek, causing it to fly away and hit the ground.
"Marai!" Exclaimed Seth.
"Marai has fain-" Rose almost called before the Ghost/Psychic floated back up, glaring at the Zoroark.
"Interesting." Shinryu stood watching the pokemon stand. "Now that is a good Pokémon. You raised her well."
"Thank you. Marai, Signal Beam!"
"Dusk. Double Team!" Shinryu called as Seth called his attack.
Immediately, images of Dusk appeared everywhere and they began to move around quickly, to prevent the Galenia from seeing the real one again.
"Marai, Shadow Sphere."
Another new move? Shinryu thought. Well, I better get used to it.
The Galenia chanted its name and a powerful shockwave of darkness enveloped the inside of the Arena, blocking everyone's view inside.
Shinryu and Seth both stared intently into the Arena, as the others besides Kirk were raptly watching also with Amber describing the battle to the blind Martial Artist.
The dust eventually settled, and inside the Arena... Both Pokemon lay defeated.
Rose watched intently, before Dusk twitched and then stood up slowly. "Dusk is the winner. Richard wins a Perfect Match!"
Everyone in the Restaurant clapped enthusiastically, witnessing an amazing battle between Masters.
Shinryu smiled at Seth. "Good Match. Don't worry about paying me, I honestly have too much."
Seth nodded. "I understand." He withdrew his Trainer Card, selecting 'non-pay spar' on the screen as Shinryu did the same. "I learned something about you."
"What exactly is this?" Shinryu asked, smiling.
"You're reactive to the extreme. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to win from the beginning." Seth commented. "And your style. Very interesting... Reminds me of when the Burning Mirror was alive. His battles were Legendary."
Shinryu looked away, saddened.
Seth tilted his head. "You okay?"
Shinryu nodded as he sat down with Kirk, while Arthur and Amber took their places to battle. "Yeah, you can say that. Seth Maxwell was my brother."
Seth's eyes widened. "No way! You're the brother of the Burning Mirror?!"
Shinryu nodded. "Yes, I am. I was his youngest sibling, my sister was born a few years in between us, however we were very close."
"Forgive me." Seth bowed his head. "I didn't realize when I said it."
"No, its okay. Five years have passed since that day." Shinryu looked away, blinking away tears. That man will pay if I ever find him. He looked down at Night, who had nuzzled against his leg causing him to smile as he reached down to pet her. "So, how old are you exactly Seth?"
"Twenty one a couple weeks ago. How 'bout you?" Seth answered, recognizing Shinryu's attempt to divert the conversation and going with it.
"Twenty three." Shinryu answered simply.
"What? Damn, you look like you're only nineteen."
"Hey, watch your language kid. There are ladies around here." Snapped Kirk, hitting Seth's knee with his cane.
"So Kirk, where's your cute little Lillipup? Ashia I believe." Shinryu asked.
"Oh she's taking a nap under the table I believe."
Shinryu lifted the table cloth and smiled at the sight of the small puppy sleeping soundly. "Looks like Amber is quite the battler." Shinryu complimented towards to Seth, watching the battle between Amber's own Trufyre and Arthur's Gigalith. "Is she related to you?"
Seth nodded. "You could say that. Me, Lilly, and Amber sorta go way back. We separated a few years ago to start our Pokemon careers and suddenly we meet up again here in Trema. I think of them as sisters."
The Trufyre fell and Amber sent out a Leafeon.
"She's diverse type-wise." Shinryu stated. "Ace Trainer level too or higher, based on how she fights. Perhaps akin to a Veteran in skill."
"Quite observant." Seth smiled. "Honestly, I've never been able to defeat Amber one on one."
"Ah, I see. So perhaps I should've battled her?" Shinryu teased. "She might give me a greater challenge than you did. You were easily predictable up until you sent out that Galenia."
Seth shrugged. "Who knows. She is quite resourceful and doesn't back down no matter what. Probably because her military background."
"Well that explains her ACU. How long and what branch? I can never tell byACU anymore."
"Hmm... Five years and Army." Kirk said, after drinking from a flask. "I remember her saying that to me a while ago."
Shinryu nodded as Arthur's Gigalith fell finally to Amber's Glaceon after battling the Leafeon already.
"Amazing. Your friend is impressive. His Gigalith took out two of her pokemon before falling to her third." Seth whistled.
Shinryu shrugged. "This is the first time I have ever seen him battle before."
Arthur had sent out a pokemon that Shinryu didn't recognize: A fiery form surrounded in whipping tendrils of darkness floated in front of the Glaceon of Amber's. "Whoa." {Spiritus the Gloomlight Pokémon. Type: Ghost-Fire. This pokemon is found only in the mountains of Trema, and is said to lure travelers into its nest where Lampents, Litwicks, and Chandelure that it resides with for some unknown reason.} "Now that's an interesting one."
Seth looked impressed also.
If Spiritus is located in the mountains, then how did Arthur get a hold of one? Shinryu thought before shrugging. Probably a gift from Grandfather. He did say he was relocated to Trema during his Coma. "Kirk, I think I know a way to restore your eyesight."
The old blind man turned to face Shinryu. "Oh? Do tell."
"My Father is the Executive Officer of Triam Incorporated. If I contact him, I think he might be able to develop a treatment to partially or completely restore your vision. He's capable of doing anything, after all I believe he helped work on the Silph Co. Master Ball project."
"Wait, YOUR father worked on the Master Ball Red himself received from Silph Co. for defeating Team Rocket?!" Seth exclaimed.
Kirk smiled. "I would gladly accept your help. On one condition."
Shinryu cocked an eyebrow. "Sure." Amber had lost to Arthur and the two were conversing as Rose and Lilly took up a match.
"If the procedure doesn't succeed, I would like to return to Sinnoh. The Trema League be damned."
Shinryu smiled. "I'll see what I can do old man."
Kirk chuckled. "Kids."
"Grown-ups." Shinryu joked, and the two laughed.
"Hey! What am I, chopped liver?"
"Oh sorry Seth. Yes, my Father worked on the Master Ball Project that Red received around thirteen years ago." Shinryu explained. "The Master Ball Project was one of his first designs. At the time, Triam was only JUST starting out. He used to work for Silph, however my father went over to Triam only because he had more freedom in his research."
"Wow... You're an interesting person Shinryu. I never realized your family was so well connected." Seth said.
"Glad you didn't become a pompous kid like some of the others." Asked Kirk. "And I think you could most definitely give them a run for their money."
Shinryu shrugged. "I never accepted their challenges really. Didn't want to deal with the drama. I became a Trainer to get away from drama."
"Understandable." Kirk said as Rose and Lilly were on their last Pokémon, deciding only using two each apparently. It was a close fight too.
Hmm... Rose doesn't respect her Pokémon. But they obey her without question. Why? Shinryu wondered. "Very."
"So, seeing as everyone else had their battle, how about me and you?" Asked Kirk, smiling. "I hear you're called the Dragonsong of Hoenn."
Shinryu smirked. "Eh. Why not? I was wondering when you were going to ask anyway." He stood up and went back to the Arena. "Three on three?"
"No." Kirk said, settling into his place with help from Seth. "One on one."
Shinryu nodded. "Then lets go. Lets burn a path to victory! I choose you!" Shinryu shouted as Flare flashed out of her pokeball and crowed.
"Sounds like a Blaziken." Kirk said. "Alright Rydal! Lets show them!"
The Ultra Ball Kirk had lobbed opened and a brilliant silver-green light escaped, forming into a Gallade that stared at Flare.
The moment the pokemon were out: "Flare, Blaze Kick!" "Rydal, Psycho Cut!" Both trainers call at the same time.
Flare and Rydal moved quickly, their individual kick and slash respectively glancing off from hitting as they used their attacks to block the other's.
"Flare, Shadow Claw!" "Rydal, Aerial Ace!"
Flare's claws glimmered as shadows began to manifest around her talons and she striked Rydal just as the Gallade hit her back with a glowing blade-arm.
The super-effective hits dealt their damage, but neither Fighter seemed very much fazed as they executed their next orders.
"Flare, Mirror Move!" "Rydal, Psycho Cut!"
Flare's eyes glowed as she moved slightly faster than Rydal, remembering how the Gallade used the Aerial Ace instead of Psycho Cut because of this as Rydal hit Flare also with his Slash.
"Flare, finish it with special sequence: Burning Shadow!"
Flare crowed as her right talons burst into flames and her left became wreathed in shadows. She rushed Rydal and began punching and clawing.
Rydal collapsed, and Flare pulled back.
"Gallade is unable to battle!" Announced Arthur, who had apparently took up position as the Judge. He was about to announce Flare as winner, before she collapsed also. "Blaziken is unable to battle. Draw!"
Shinryu recalled Flare, placing her ball on the second clip of his belt.
The Gateway City Pokémon Gym stood before Hyato. It was a large pagoda styled building, but made entirely of chrome and steel. Two huge ornamental statues sat on either side of the door, they depicted a massive volcano ablaze with flame and a dragon on the other side. The red chrome statues were larger than the door and quite intimidating.
Hyato looked around for some sort of puzzle to get in, but none was to be found. "Hmm, what's the trick?"
Before Hyato made up his mind Lydia grabbed his attention. "Hey, Hyato. I've decided not to fight the Gym myself. You go ahead, I'll catch you up later."
"Are you sure?" Hyato asked.
"Yeah, I'll leave this to you for now." Lydia said.
"Alright, whatever you want." Hyato said. Hyato approached the door and opened it as Lydia walked away.
Hyato was suddenly blanketed in darkness. He looked around for some source of light, just as a pillar of flame shot up. The fire was bright enough for Hyato to find the stairs onto a platform. "Hello?" Hyato called.
"Welcome, Challenger, to the Gateway Pokémon Gym. Are you ready for the fight of your life?" Hyato found the speaker easily enough. She stood at the other end of the Hexagonal battleground. Torches flared up and lit the rest of the room with a soft light.
"I am." Hyato said. "I, Hyato, will defeat you and claim the Inferno Badge for myself."
"We'll see, Hyato. I am Cyndea, Leader of this Gym." Cyndea said. She threw a crimson cloak off of the battlefield, revealing her skimpy red outfit.
"Wow, I can see why you are a Fire-type Trainer." Hyato said.
"Like I haven't heard that one before." Cyndea remarked, "Now, would you like to hear the rules?"
"Three against one? I don't think so." Hyato said, "I can't play by those rules, they are unfair."
"Oh? You'd be the first to complain about them, seeing as I'm the one at the disadvantage."
"Doesn't matter. If you win then you're trick works, but if I win I'll feel like the victory was too easy." Hyato argued.
"How about a compromise?" Cyndea suggested.
"How so?"
"If I win, then the victory is mine, but if you win and you feel like it was too easy, then I'll fight you again with three Pokémon. Do we have a deal?"
Hyato thought for a minute. "Yeah, that seems fair."
"Then without further ado." Cyndea threw up her Pokéball. A fiery red light filled the stadium, causing everything to be tinted a deep shade of red. A fiery ball of light stood above the stadium, as the drought ability took effect.
*Ping* {Pokédex entry: Trufyre. Type: Fire, Trufyre is the elemental Fire spirit. Like the other elemental spirits it commands great power over its element. These Pokémon were found around temples in mountainous regions. They are quite calm despite their fiery nature.}
"Awesome!" Hyato picked out three Pokéballs and tossed them skyward. Etheria, the Emerdjinn Pokémon, a djinni of fire and water. Draxio, the Noirignia, a Poison/Fire type with an attitude. "And finally THANATOS!" Hyato cried as his shiny Golett emerged from it's Pokéball.
"An interesting party." Cyndea remarked, "But how will it fare?"
"We'll show you! Scald! Acid Spray, Mega Punch!" Trufyre was hit with all of the attacks, the scald did significant damage, the Acid Spray weakened Trufyre's special defense, and the mega punch landed nicely. Yet Trufyre seemed unfazed
"Phoenix Fire!" Trufyre blasted Golett with flame, which also caused minor damage to Etheria and Draxio, while restoring it's own health.
"Dang! Nice move!" Hyato commented. "Now let's do this, use Fake Tears, Smokescreen, and Shadow Punch!"
Etheria cried tears of falsity, weakening Trufyre's Special Defense further. Draxio summoned a cloud of black smoke to cloud Trufyre's eyes.
The Trufyre used Dark Pulse, damaging Golett fiercely and causing him to Flinch.
Shoot, if I lose even one Pokemon it's over! That Trufyre is dangerously powerful, Thanatos won't last much longer! "We need to win! Etheria, use Scald! Draxio us Helping Hand to power up Etheria. Thanatos, give it your all with Dynamicpunch!" Draxio aided Etheria in Scald, causing a powerful torrent of super-hot water to flow over Trufyre, but it wasn't enough.
"Overheat!" Cried Cyndea, Trufyre blasted Thanatos with a wave of terrible fire. Thanatos was thrown back 20 feet.
Thanatos lied still for several moments, before struggling back to it's feet. It roared with a terrible ghostly sound and charged at Trufyre, throwing an amazingly powerful punch.
But it missed.
"I win! Trufyre, use Phoenix Fire!" Trufyre started to burn with incredible force...
"No, Thanatos, Bullet Punch!" Thanatos rocketed forth with great speed, punching Trufyre into the wall.
Trufyre fainted.
"YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS! YES YES YES YES I WON!" Hyato screamed, jumping up and down like a maniac.
Cyndea walked up to Hyato, "So, you think it was a fair battle?" she asked.
Hyato grinned, "If you had even one more Pokémon I would have lost." he admitted, smiling from ear to ear.
"Well done Hyato." Cyndea said, offering her hand. Hyato shook it, and when he pulled back the Inferno Badge was in his grasp. "You are officially recognized as a winner of the Gateway City Gym challenge. I wish you luck in your travels."
"Thanks, and I look forward to battling you again for the Seal and Crest." Hyato said.
Cyndea began walking away, "I'll fight you for the Seal, when the time comes, but I am not the one who holds the Crest."
Hyato let his surprise stay inside as he left the Gym.
"So, any ideas on how to get into the Emerald City?" Shinryu asks jokingly, sitting back at the table with everyone. Their initial battle mania gone, and their Pokémon healed properly at the healing kiosk located near the arena.
"Nothing. I tried battering the damned door in with Beryl's Take Down. At least until Officer Jenny told me to stop it." Arthur said gloomily. "Nice joke by the way." He sighed. "The damned door didn't even dent. Whatever its made of, its strong stuff."
"Reinforced blast steel. Guessing with titanium alloy to strengthen it and Energy Disrupters to prevent pokemon moves from penetrating it." Seth said. "Very tough stuff. I've only seen a few like it. Vaults at banks, or important companies, utilize it to protect their valuables or important files."
"That makes sense. If a Gigalith can't destroy the doors, it does have Disrupters to displace the natural aura a Pokémon gives off. And blast steel of that caliber would only be destroyed by Grade Five explosives, Military Grade stuff and illegal for us to use." Shinryu said.
"Well, I don't know what you guys are chattering about," Lilly started. "But I already said that me and Amber managed to get inside without much trouble at all."
"But the question is how." Arthur started. "Because me and Rose tried getting in, and I know Richard here tried also if he understood what kind of doors we were up against."
Shinryu shrugged. "Cameras? Perhaps its based on whether or not Damian decides to accept a challenge at the time."
"Maybe." Amber started. "But I don't think so. I didn't see any cameras at the entrance."
"Doesn't mean anything." Shinryu sighed. "Devon developed hidden cameras that could be hidden within a grain of sand. Triam and Silph following their footsteps."
"Yeah." Seth sighed also. "Cameras are far more sophisticated now than thirteen years ago."
Amber shrugged. "Well I dunno what to say then. Me and Lilly got inside together."
"That's it!" Rose exclaimed.
"Huh?" Everyone present turned to look at Rose.
"Well, you both walked in together correct?" Rose asked Amber.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Think about it everyone. If those two entered together, but when tried alone the doors don't open at all, then obviously you need two people to get inside!" Rose smiled victoriously. "Its simple, but easily missed by those who are too confused on how to get into the Gym."
Damn... I hate to admit this but it makes sense. "You know... I actually think you're right Rose." Shinryu smiled vaguely. "So, who goes with who? Lilly and Amber exempted of course."
"Well, I'll go with Seth." Arthur said.
"Kirk?" Shinryu asked. "Who will you go with?"
Kirk sighed. "I am going to wait until someone else comes along. You younguns can have your fun challenging the gym."
Fuuuuuck. Shinryu thought. That leaves me with Rose... "Alright Kirk. Good luck."
Rose smiled as she hooks her arm with Shinryu's. "Looks like we're partners in crime." She said with a giggle. "So shall we go first?"
Yeah... Lets get it over with. "Sure." Shinryu pulled his arm from Rose and gave everyone else a two-fingered salute. "Well, wish us luck." Patting his leg, Night followed Shinryu out the door as he and Rose walked out of the restaurant.
Stupid smart bitch. Night groused.
Shinryu walked down the street quickly, thankful that they weren't very far from the gym. He checked his Pokégear, and growled under his breath. Almost five o'clock now. Damnit. He approached the doors and waited patiently for Rose. "So, how shall we do this?"
Rose smiled at Shinryu before she approached the right side of the door and placed her hand on it. "Come here and put your hand on the opposite side."
Shinryu wordlessly stepped up and reluctantly obeyed Rose, Night standing behind him like a sentinel. As soon as his hand was on the door, the two of them pushed the doors to the side at the same time. Its not going to work...
Shinryu's eyes widened as the doors slide opposite of each other, blinking as he and Rose stood there with the doors to the 'Emerald City' wide open. Well, no time like now. He and the blonde walked inside the gym, looking around. Heading down a set of stairs, they came to a balcony area. Two sets of stairs were leading down into a mountainous terrain within the gym, one left and one right.
"You are here for the Gym challenge correct?" Asks a masculine voice from nearby.
Shinryu turned his head and saw a short man sitting in a chair, who was staring at them with a smile on his face. "Yes. We are."
"Great. I am Damian, and if you wish to challenge me you need to race against each other. Go down these separate paths, and first to the other side gets to face me." Damian stated. "Now go!"
Shinryu ran down the left staircase without a seconds hesitation, the white/black aura of Night's ball withdrawing the feisty 'mon back inside her Pokéball. He slowed down and began climbing the wall he came to, scaling it quite easily due to his previous experiences mountain climbing. Mount Coronet was harder than this. He thought as he reached the top and began to climb down. As soon as he reached the bottom, Shinryu faced his next challenge: The Quaking Platforms.
"There's seven." Shinryu counted. "Shouldn't be too difficult." He jumped, applying just the barest amount of his power to seem human as he landed on the first one, swaying as he regained his balance from landing on it slightly wrong. "Whoa. Six more." He jumped again, clearing the platforms ahead of him easily enough before he slipped on the last platform, falling into the chasm. Or so it would've happened if he hadn't have kicked at the supporting beam and caught onto the rough wall just below his destination. With practiced ease that would be found with a hiker, Shinryu flipped himself up and landed on the next area.
Before him was a large stone circle. Shinryu frowned as he slowly stepped out, looking around for some sort of challenge. Something is off- His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden instinct to jump. He was glad he did as the ground split in half before him and widened as he crouched on the stone, staring across at the now inaccessible side of the circle. "Shit!" He thought out loud as he stared down the chasm. "How the fuck am I going to get over there now?"
Shinryu grumbled under his breath as he looked around were he was, and saw a wall with slight indents. "I'll try that." He walked over to it and clenched the wall as he climbed up it four feet from the ground. He breathed in carefully, gathering his bearings as he slowly began to sidle to his right, gripping the handholds strongly in hopes he wouldn't fall.
Shinryu felt a tremor move through the wall as the chasm began to move again, but he didn't care as he was attempting to maintain his grip. Thank you for showing me how to climb mountains Seth. He thought to his brother's spirit as he began to sidle again, testing each handhold or foothold just in case they were loose. Shinryu was sweating profusely, trying to cross a chasm that constantly vibrates by using the wall was taking all of his attention. He stopped as a particularly strong tremor wracked the wall, and looked to the side to see that he was halfway across now. C'mon. Almost there. He thought as he reached for the next handhold. As soon as he gripped it, he moved his foot down... And his foot slipped on the smooth stone.
"Crap!" Shinryu hung from the stone he was holding onto with one hand, dangling dangerously above the chasm. He looked up, and spotted the rock he was gripping was slowly sliding out of the wall. "Fuck." He pulled himself up, using his strength without caring about the consequences as he rose easily. He quickly grabbed another rock and made certain he had a good footing. With a grunt, he used the stone he was still holding onto and jumped across the rest of the chasm, rolling as he hit the other side. As he stood back up, Shinryu panted slightly from the scare he had just received. That was too close... I don't know what would've happened if I fell down there. He ran up the twisting path and came to the end of his challenge. He stopped at the top, and stared around.
With him, Damian stood nodding at Shinryu, with another man standing with him. Rose walked up her side, panting heavily from her challenges.
"Well, good to see you've made it Rose." Shinryu said as he turned to face Damian. "I believe I won the race."
Damian nodded and approached Shinryu. "I will accept your challenge. Kohl, you fight Rose."
The other man nodded and walked over to Rose and bowed, smiling pleasantly. "Au-chante." He kissed Rose's hand.
"Challengers to their places!" Shouted the announcer.
Damian and Kohl walked into the white boxes on their halves of the respective arenas, while Shinryu and Rose took their spots in the red boxes.
"There are special rules for the match!" The announcer spoke into his microphone. "First off, only 4 Pokémon are allowed, in order to constrain battle time. Second off, the battle will be scored. Each successful hit counts as one point, and a fainted Pokémon is worth 5 points to the trainer who caused it to faint. First to 30 points wins, or whoever has more points when one contestant has no remaining Pokémon."
Hyato, thanks for the information. If I cause a Pokémon to faint, its my five points. Shinryu stood sideways to Damian, watching the sturdy man out of the corner of his right eye while he was also watching him.
"I heard from Alberon how tough you are kid. I hope you show it!" Damian said. He tossed his Pokéball into the air, releasing his Nidoking into the fray.
"Just like Hyato said." Shinryu smiled. "Freya, let's do this!" Freya entered the match with a fiery look in her eye.
"Smart move, Nidoking's Rivalry will make him not want to hurt her as much." Damian said.
"Use sand-attack!" Shinryu ordered. Freya whipped up sand at Nidoking.
"Now fury attack!" Damian called, but Nidoking missed.
"Hehe, now let's do this! Freya, use Sand Tomb!" Nidoking was buried in a heap of sand. "That's one point for me!"
"Nidoking, double kick!" Nidoking kicked into Freya twice. "And two for me!" Damian boasted. But Nidoking took sustained damage from Sand Tomb and tied them at 2-2.
"Dragonbreath!" Freya let out a multicolored haze of powerful draconic energy. Nidoking rushed through the attack and smashed into Freya with Mega kick. "Now, finish it with Dragon Claw!" Freya's claws dug into Nidoking and defeated him.
"9-3 in the challenger's favor," Called the referee.
"I know how to deal with this," Damian said, "Arctosaur!" A massive deep blue dinosaur on two legs slammed onto the field. It bellowed a mighty roar and stared down at the miniscule Freya.
*PING* {This massive dinosaur scares Tyranitars out of their nests to gain territory. These powerful creatures have been known to cause hailstorms and sandstorms simultaneously.}
"Oh crap!" Shinryu cursed.
"Icicle Spear!" The Arctosaur threw a volley of pointed icicles at Freya. Three hit before she fainted, bringing the score to 11-9 in Damian's favor.
Now what do I do? It's an Ice type, so Kaira, Phera wont help... And it's also a Ground type so Flare might be a poor choice, but perhaps... "Let's go Azar!" Shinryu's Nightail entered the battlefield, a black and red foxy evolution of Vulpix. "We'll defeat him in one go! Flare Blitz!" Azar charged forth in a vortex of fire. When he slammed into the Arctosaur the vortex was a raging inferno. The massive Artosaur fell back from the intense heat, defeated just like that. The attack rebounded and struck Azar for significant damage though. Azar was almost defeated. "Perfect, that's 7 points in my favor!" Shinryu gloated.
"You figured out the recoil loophole huh? Very well done, but that won't win you this battle!" Damian withdrew Artosaur and sent out his Graniton. "Graniton, Earthquake!" Graniton reached up to slam it's hands on the ground as the sandstorm kicked in.
Here at last huh? "We'll see who wins this, Endure!" Azar braced itself.
"Useless, the sandstorm will finish you off!" Damian said as the Earthquake knocked Azar down to one HP.
"Unfortunately for you I picked up Sand Shield before I came here. Azar can't be hit by the Sandstorm." The score remained at 16-12 in Shinryu's favor. "I'm sorry to do this Azar, Flare Blitz!" Azar rushed forward in a suicide run, causing minimal damage to the heavily defended elemental, but fainting from recoil.
"7 points, at the cost of your own Pokemon." Damian said.
Shinryu withdrew the injured form of Azar, "It's time to finish this! Go Night!" Night stepped into the ring. How am I going to beat this thing?Night immediately got injured by the sandstorm, setting the score at 23-13 in Shinryu's favor.
"Graniton, Rock Blast!"
"Night, you're faster, use Me First!" Night copied the Rock Blast and struck first, hurling large stones at her opponent. Graniton was struck four times and was defeated. "Four hits and a KO, bringing me to 32 with a victory!" Shinryu was elated.
"Well done Shinryu, you definitely earned this." Damian said. He motioned for the referee to step forward, and Shinryu was presented with the Fissure Badge.
Shinryu took the badge, nodding. "I alone didn't earn it." My Pokémon earned this. He thought, opening his badge case and placing it into the slot meant for the Fissure Badge.
"I won!" Shouted Rose, giggling madly as she ran over to where Shinryu was. "See?" A Fissure Badge was in her hand, glinting brightly. "And Kohl is such a flatterer." She turned to look at the man who she battled with, stars in her eyes as they shined brightly.
Oh bother... Shinryu thought to himself. He looked at Kohl, and smiled weakly.
"You did good kid. You were everything I expected to see. Heck, you're just as good as that one kid... Hyato I think it was."
Shinryu looked at Damian, glad to take his mind off of Rose again. "Thank you. I had fun during our match."
"Same here kid. Well, its getting late. And I have a few more challengers to investigate before we call it a day."
Knew it. Cameras. Shinryu thought, grasping Damian's hand to shake it. "Have a good day, and I'll be back for the Crest later."
Damian smirked, but nodded. "I expect you will."
When the two released their grip, Shinryu took a path that had just recently opened with Rose to come back to the door that bypassed the Gym Puzzle.
"Hey, how many points did you win by?" Rose asked Shinryu as they left the Gym.
Shinryu looked at Rose out of the corner of his eye. "32... to 13."
Rose's eyes widened. "What?! You did that good? How?!"
"Tactics you wouldn't understand." Shinryu said bluntly, Night holding back a giggle.
"Well, I won 30 to 28."
Obviously Kohl took it easy on you. Was Shinryu's thought, and he could tell when he glanced down at Night that she was thinking the same thing. "Good job." He said noncommittally.
Rose beamed, seeming to be glad that he had 'complimented' her.
That stupid bitch has a lot to learn... Wait, who am I kidding? She is dumber than a drunken Magikarp. Night thought as she glared at Rose. The blonde was too tunnel-visioned on Shinryu, in Night's opinion.
The Pokémon Center was within view now, and Shinryu increased his pace. It was getting dark now, and he knew that if he tried to leave for Skymarsh now he wouldn't get far before it was too dark to do anything.
The doors of the Center slid open as they detected him and Night, leaving Rose to wonder why Shinryu went as he walked up to the counter.
Shinryu knew the routine. He handed his belt of pokéballs, minus Night's, to the Nurse who took them back for a well earned rest. "Can I get a room for the night?" He asked.
"Certainly. First stay is free now, because we are getting more traffic from Trainers." Joy registered Shinryu into the computer, and smiled. "Alright, your ID is now registered to room 35. Here is your key."
Shinryu took the key wordlessly, and walked down the hallway. Coming to the room that was his, he opened the door and let Night inside. "I'll be back." He said, closing it. He looked down the hallway just in time to see Rose walking up, his eyes hardening.
"Hey, Richard." Rose began once she was standing next to him. "I know we've had our fights, and I know you don't like me... But I was wondering if you'd give me another chance?"
Shinryu blinked, staring at Rose. I knew she wanted to talk to me, but I didn't realize that was what she was going to say. Its good to know she isn't as air headed as I originally thought. "What brought this around?" He asked gruffly, staring at Rose. "You've created a scar in my heart that will probably never fade away when you cheated on me." His gaze was softer towards her, but not by much.
"Well... I won't deny what I did anymore." Rose had a sad look. "I have been behaving like a child, ignoring what I did. I have hurt you, yes. But I am sorry, and am asking for your forgiveness... And another chance."
"Two things, Rose." Shinryu crossed his arms, leaning against the door of his room. "One, I can forgive you for cheating on me. But I can't forget it, I respect you for finally admitting this to yourself. And two, I am in a relationship now. She isn't in Trema, but I have been in contact with her for some time." He lied. "I can't accept your request to go out at all, but I will accept your friendship." He was stern, but his voice didn't hold the hate he used to have for Rose.
Rose stared into Shinryu's eyes, the silver orbs keeping her attention. "I – I understand." She hung her head.
"Now, you need to apologize to Hyato and Lydia when you meet up with them again." Shinryu pointed out. "Hyato isn't crazy, trust me I know crazy when I see it."
Rose nodded, looking back at Shinryu. "I will if I see them again."
"Good. Now, seeing as that is out of the way... Arthur likes you. I can see it in his eyes whenever he looks at you. What are you going to do?"
"I..." Rose faltered. "I can't think of being with anyone but you, but I'll try. He is someone I can get along with."
"Don't try, just do." Shinryu turned and opened the door. "Because trying implies room for failure on purpose." He then shut the door as Rose had turned away.
"What was that all about?" Asked a soft voice from the bed.
Richard looked at Night, who had taken up her Anthro form now that she wasn't out in public. The covers were just barely over her breasts, as she laid there watching Shinryu.
"Rose asking me out again."
"Should I kill her?" Night asked, holding back a dark anger.
"No. She relented after we talked. Rose isn't as dumb as we both thought." Shinryu was taking his shirt off, tossing it down on the ground. The moment the shirt had passed over his head, his eyes were crimson. "And she won't be bothering me again."
"How?" Night looked confused.
"Like I said." Shinryu unbuttoned his pants, letting them slide down. "We talked. And it was actually kinda pleasant." He walked over to the bed, and sat down on top of it next to Night. He placed a hand on her hip, because she had turned onto her side to face him.
Night couldn't help but smile at Shinryu, his form pleasing to look at. "Mmm..." And his touch... She was addicted to it. "That feels good." She purred.
"Everything about me feels good to you." Shinryu pointed out.
Night giggled, shifting her legs. "You have no idea." She growled, pulling Shinryu on top of her to kiss him.
(Lemon Warning)
Shinryu kissed Night back, wrapping his arms around her waist. She opened her mouth in a moan, and his tongue darted inside.
Night placed her hands on either side of Shinryu's face, deepening the kiss while sliding her tongue along his own. Feeling mischievous, Night began to gently suck on Shinryu's tongue, eliciting a moan from the powerful Dark Trainer on top of her. When he pulled back for air, Night had a evil grin on her face as she giggled.
"Why you..." He growled, his eyes almost glowing with a primal fury. "Bitch."
Night giggled. "Why thank you." She whispered, reaching up to bite Shinryu's neck gently.
"Mmm..." Shinryu closed his eyes, feeling the pressure of Night's fangs on his neck didn't freeze him in fear or worry. He trusted her, and all he felt from it was pleasure. Just like *chomp* he was sure she felt from that.
"Ohhh!" Night moaned as Shinryu had bit the point where her shoulder and neck met. She growled softly, closing her eyes.
Beneath him, Shinryu felt her legs shift more often. A sign from his time looking up some rather... Discriminating videos online when he was younger. He knew it meant that Night was getting aroused, because she was subconsciously trying to scratch an itch she just couldn't scratch alone.
Well... If you wanna go there, I am sure that she could. Shinryu thought, smirking as he maintained the bite. But I doubt she would. She's just not that kind of girl.
"Ooohhh!" Night grasped the bedsheets, clawing. She had already released Shinryu's neck, and couldn't help but moan.
Shinryu released, pulling back once again. "Got you back." He teased, smirking.
"Oh..." Night wrapped her arms around Shinryu's neck, smiling. "You tease."
Shinryu and Night rolled over, the blanket all but forgotten as she was on top of Shinryu kissing him passionately. "Mine. Mine. Mine." She growled in between each kiss.
Shinryu couldn't agree more. After so many failed relationships... He was free in a sense. Free from the bonds of human relation for the carnal pleasure of a Pokémon's. Looking up at Night, he still couldn't believe it.
Slowly, Night slid down along Shinryu, her breasts dragging along his skin tantalizingly. But he knew what she was after, and he wouldn't deny her. Not now...
She looked up at him, her face resting just above his boxer-clad waistline. Her eyes sparkled with an intensity that would make others blush with embarrassment. Shinryu tilted his head, a 'you have to ask?' look on his face.
"Point taken..." Night purred, grabbing the hem of his only article of clothing and with a yank, jerked him up and she tossed the garment into the pile with the rest of his clothes. Now nothing was between her and her goal. She slowly licked along his penis, bringing a shiver from Shinryu. Another lick, another shiver. Grabbing the base of it loosely with her hand, Night raised up a bit higher and the head of his dick vanished within her mouth.
"I... I swear... that you... are... addicted... to... doing... that." Shinryu was panting, Night's head bobbing up and down.
All he got in response was her to quicken her pace, winking at him.
I swea- His thought wasn't even close to finished, Shinryu's train of thought had long since deboarded of its crew and passengers and sped off into the distance. Groaning, he tightened his grip on the bed to the point where his claws began to shred the covers.
(Lemon End)
Arthur stood on the roof of the Pokémon Center, looking out to the night display of Tectra City. A ringing from his phone drew his attention, and he answered it. "This is Agent Onyx. Initiate the raid on the road to Section Gamma at 1600." Closing the device, his eyes flash deep black before returning to their normal green.
"So why are we doing this?" Hyato asked.
"You won right, so we have to celebrate." Lydia explained again.
"Celebrating I get... but. Why does it have to be this?" Hyato complained. The boat they were in continued down the artificial river through the city. Hyato fidgeted restlessly in his seat, unable to contain his unease.
"I don't see what the problem is, its just a boat cruise." Lydia said, disappointed that Hyato disapproved of her idea. "What's your problem with boats anyways?"
"I don't have a problem with boats..." Hyato began. They were coming up to the latter half of the cruise, which took place in a long tunnel. "That's what I have a problem with."
"What? The tunnel? But you dived into that cave in Tectra..." Lydia said.
"Caves are fine, but caves with water? No way. Bad things happen in caves with water." Hyato said.
"Your crazy, it'll be fine." Lydia said.
"You'll see, don't complain when things go wrong." Hyato insisted.
"I wish you wouldn't complain so much." Lydia said.
The boat had gone deep enough into the tunnel that only the light within illuminated the way. The light was dim, to exaggerate the murals that decorated the walls. Lydia decided to ignore Hyato's fidgeting and focus on the murals.
A large mural show a massive horde of Pokemon. They all faced one direction, as if looking at something. Further ahead was a group of people who seemed to be Pokemon, standing at the head of the horde. They faced forth to a large mass of swirling colors, which shot forth rays of both light and dark beams. At the other end of the mural was another group of Pokemon, but there was something wrong.
This group was dark, twisted, and beyond recognition. The Pokemon here looked like twisted horrors that sprang forth from nightmares. They looked to be moving toward the light, clawing and eating their way through the Pokemon around them.
"Interesting..." Lydia said, "Hey Hyato, you should..." Lydia was cut off by the sudden stopping of the boat.
"So, you've finally arrived." Said a familiar voice. A man with blue hair and a tuxedo stood on a Lapras that blocked the boat's progress. "I need to have a word with the two of you."
"Laz?" Lydia said, more in surprise than a question. "What are you doing here?"
"I was sent here to detain you, or capture you." Laz answered.
Hyato gave Lydia a look that said 'I told you so' before turning his attention to Laz. "If you think you'll be able to stop us, you're in for a startling revelation." Hyato said calmly.
"Don't think I don't know who I'm dealing with. Anyone who can out swim a Blastoise and Grapple a Machamp is out of my league... however."
"However what?" Hyato demanded.
"However, I have no intention of following orders. For now I merely want to talk." Laz finished.
"We have nothing to say to you." Hyato said.
"Is that right... Hyato Tidon." Laz's words caused Hyato to flinch.
Hyato glared, "How do you know that name?"
"The Agency I work for knows a lot, but I know even more about you." Laz said, "In fact, I have a little piece of your past right here." Laz pulled a crinkled old photo out of his pocket, but it was too dark and far away to see.
"You have no business in my past." Hyato warned, "back off." Lydia looked at Hyato with curious eyes.
"I'll back down for now, but don't think my superiors will be so lenient. They have evidence of your participation in an... unforgivable act. They tell me that they want to bring you to 'Justice' but I don't think that is their true motive." Laz sent out a Noctowl. "I have my own business with you, but it can wait." Laz gave a critical look at Lydia before withdrawing his Lapras and departing down the tunnel in the arms of his Noctowl.
After a few moments of silence the boat started again of it's own accord. Lydia looked at her thumbs, then inspected Hyato's expression. His mouth was drawn taut, and his eyes narrowed. "So, what was that all about?" Lydia asked.
Hyato snapped his head toward her, causing Lydia to freeze up under his glare. Hyato realized what he was doing and relaxed his face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.." He seemed tired.
"It's okay," Lydia said, "you don't have to tell me." They sat in silence for a while, neither of them looking away from their own knees.
As the boat exited the tunnel and started on the last stretch Hyato spoke. "Every few years I travel around, looking for something. I don't know what it is, or where I'll find it, but I know it's there. I don't have any family, or a hometown. Wherever I go, no one knows who I am. I don't either. I woke up one day, and knew nothing. I was in some kind of accident, an explosion or something."
"When I got out of the hospital I didn't know where to go. No one had any idea who I was, there was only one clue..." Hyato pulled out a slightly weathered Trainer Card that was faded and had worn edges. "An I.D. With the registration number of all Zero's. I was listed in the registry, but some sort of bug kept erasing all the files they had on me. So I traveled the world and challenged the Pokemon League's."
"I thought that if I traveled enough then I'd be able to figure out who I was, or at least find someone who knew me. But no one did, and no one I met wanted anything to do with me. I was alone..."
The boat ride ended, and Hyato stopped talking. Both Hyato and Lydia departed the boat solemnly and walked wordlessly through the streets. They spoke no words, until they got to the motel they were staying at and said goodnight as they went to their separate rooms.
Lydia didn't find sleep easily. Her thoughts were plagued with Hyato's story, but something darker was on the brim of her mind. "I know I've seen it before..." She whispered, before turning over to try to doze off again. As she drifted off into another uneasy sleep, images of the mural rose to the surface, and the words 'Os fillos de Arceus debe prevalecer, para protexer da Sombra antiga.'
Well, I am done for this chappy. Interesting development... Who knows what will happen next?
EDIT: Added Lemon Warnings
MAJOR EDIT: Added in Hyato's section instead of posting a brand new Chapter.
EDIT: Changed the saying because of a mistranslation on my part.