Authors' Note: If there are any questions, please leave a review and we will do our best and try to answer it!
Disclaimer: We don't actually own Pokemon.
Chapter Fourteen: Shadows of War
"Everybody's present," Mayor Airavata stated. "Let's start where we left off."
"Where did we leave off?" Mayor Akhelios asked as the Revolutionists and the three mayors crowded around the long meeting table.
"Who knows?" Jason munched on a poffin.
"Agreed," Mayor Mack said from the PC screen, ignoring the two. "We need to find a way to fend off the aerial bombings and attacks, retake Striaton, and get a lot more organized about this war business," the Mudkip stated. "That's a lot of things to do in a short time. I believe the Shadow Force will be anticipating our movements as well. We must act before they do."
"If only our military force was big enough to blast them apart," Jason said.
"How large is our military force?" Ralph asked, scratching his head.
"You're the leader―how can you not know that?" Jason yelped in surprise, throwing poffins into the air.
"What? Do you know?"
"Um... no, but..."
"Stop it, you two," Lumiere said sternly. "We have approximately 5,143 Pokemon in our attack force, including the ten Revolutionists here, but not counting the hospitalized ones. It's a small force compared to the Shadow Force's army, but we've done pretty well so far."
"So with these numbers, how do we do all of that?" Rachiel asked sensibly. "Also, our attack style is so out of fashion. One big group rushing towards the enemy is not smart at all. And half of them don't even get commands or battle formations."
"I have an idea," Charnette said. "And all the answers to the situation."
All eyes turned towards the Liepard, who was lying gracefully on the only couch in the room. She smirked, snapping her jaws together with relish.
"For the aerial attacks, we could have part of our army patrol the skies above the cities we've freed. I mean―some Pokemon in our army already know magic and some of them are Flying types or can levitate, right? Why not just use that?" Charnette pointed out.
"You mean, create a special unit just to combat the aerial attacks?" May inquired.
"Yep."
"Is that... Will that work?"
"I have absolutely nooo idea, but it's worth a try, isn't it? They could specialize in deactivating bombs with magic and engaging flying enemies in battle. I hope that all of you realize that our battlefield isn't just on the land―it's in the sky as well," Charnette replied.
"It could work," Rachiel admitted. "But do we have enough Pokemon to do that?"
"Dunno." Amethyst shrugged. "But worth a try."
"We can check on that later," Ralph decided. "What about the other situations?"
"Well... one flaw about our army is that it's all clumped up in a big, chaotic mess, right?" Charnette asked.
"Yeah," Ralph replied.
"What if we actually use our brain cells and learn from history by dividing the army into regiments or units of nine hundred to a thousand Pokemon each?" Charnette suggested sensibly. "Then it'd be an actual, organized military force. Each regiment can specialize in a certain type of attack or strategy. That way, we don't risk the danger of being annihilated all at once in one charge. We can also get backup just in case something goes terribly wrong―like it usually does―this way, correct?"
"Smart," Lumiere agreed, with a bit of excitement. The ghostly purple flames that wreathed around his body flared brightly. "We can also have a medical unit!"
"And we could also have lieutenants and generals!" Xeno cheered.
"Poffins and waffles!" Jason added.
"What has that got to do with anything?" Mark asked.
It was clear that the Revolutionists were getting mighty excited about the dividing-into-regiments plan. Charnette had a pleased smirk plastered onto her face as the others chattered excitedly. Jason tossed poffins into the air.
"But..." May frowned. "Doesn't that mean we have to split up?"
Everyone settled down quickly after May's words. It was true. Turning one massive army into dedicated regiments meant separating, and nobody wanted to separate from each other after planning, teaming, and fighting together.
"Do we really have to?" Mark asked hopelessly. "Can't we all stay in the same force?"
"No," Lumiere replied reluctantly, but without any hesitation. "Each regiment will need a general and lieutenant, and they would have to be Pokemon that we could trust... and none of us know the other soldiers well enough to do that. Those ranks will need to be filled in by us―it's inevitable."
"No it's not!" Trent said forcefully, "I no wanna separate! We stay and fight together!"
Everyone stared at him, probably because he actually spoke in a semi-grammatically correct sentence and it was the longest dialogue they'd ever heard from him. The big guy had tears in his eyes and as terrifying as the Tyranitar looked, his pleading eyes were more than the others could take.
"Those are some serious puppy eyes," Mark mumbled.
"I don't want to separate either," Jason said in a very small voice. He pulled out a waffle and munched on it anxiously.
"Let's worry about that later, I guess..." Ralph cleared his throat. "First of all, we need to get the aerial unit established first―Rachiel, Charnette, and Xeno―"
"If Charna's going then I am too!" Amethyst argued.
"―and Amethyst, could you guys take care of the aerial unit?" Ralph finished. "Lumiere, May, and Victor―you three take care of the other regiments. We'll separate the Force―not including the mayors, the aerial force, or the ten of us here―into four regiments. Set up stands for each regiment where the Pokemon can sign up."
"Roger that," Victor said.
"I thought you said we were gonna worry about that later," Jason pointed out. "So this means we're separating, after all."
"We have to," Ralph said. "For the greater good."
"I hate the greater good," Jason mumbled.
Mayor Airavata pointed to a map of Accumula Town that was hanging on the wall. "The Town Square is the biggest open space we have. There's also a platform there you could use to gather the soldiers and set up the sign-up sheets. It's just two blocks away from the Town Hall."
"Hold on a moment―" Mayor Akhelios said. "Your Town Square is two blocks away from your Town Hall?"
"Your Town Square is on the other side of the city from your Town Hall," Vata pointed out. "Or―sorry―it was."
Akhelios flared up immediately at the disrespectful remark. "How dar―"
"Gentlemon―keep your dignity," Mayor Mack said in his very official mayor voice. "I've started a video conference with the Council of Unovian Mayors"―the other two mayors groaned audibly―"so we can discuss this Revolution business. As you know, some of the other towns and cities―such as Nimbasa City and Nimbasa Town―have already started their own respective Revolutions. We need to separate the neutral from the rebelling from the anti-rebelling, got that?"
"We need to what to what to what?" Vata repeated.
"So basically, we need to know who else is rebelling, who's staying neutral, and who's on the Shadow Force's side," Mack explained, his image flickering on the screen.
"Oh. Right."
"Why the Council of Mayors?" Akhelios groaned.
"You suggested it last time," Vata reminded.
"That was before I realized my precious citizens weren't dead."
"What a―"
"Gentlemon!" Mack snapped. "Cool it!" He gestured at the gaping Revolutionists. "Don't mind us. We do this all the time with the Council of Mayors―"
"Except with cupcakes and food fights," Vata muttered.
"And pranks and whipped cream," Akhelios added.
"Aren't mayors supposed to be serious?" Jason whispered.
"Do you have a problem-iski, little kid?" Akhelios asked.
"―so go about your duties as we join the council through cyberspace, please." Mack finished.
"What he said." Ralph turned to the Revolutionists. "Charnette, Amethyst, Xeno, Rachiel, Lumiere, May, and Victor―remember what I said. The rest of you try to organize and help them at the signing stands. We'll meet back here after all that has been sorted out..."
"That might takes days," Lumiere pointed out. "Or even weeks."
"Which part of 'after all that has been sorted out' do you not get?" Victor asked.
"What? I'm just saying we should have quick meetings every now and then to catch up..."
"We'll meet back here tonight at eleven, then. Is that okay?" Ralph finalized. Nobody objected. "Okay, good. Now―"
"Ralph!" The door flew open and Jebodiah, along with a fluttering Vindictus, stormed in.
"What is it?" the leader answered.
The Raichu's cheeks were sparking electricity―either he was hyperventilating or excited. "We've found the missing citizens!"
It turned out that the citizens, led by Mayor Akhelios' brother―Vulcan―had found themselves sleeping in a cave deep in the forest near Accumula Town. After waking up, Vulcan had led the citizens to Accumula, since Striaton was teeming with Shadow Force officers. The citizens were scared, cold, and hungry, but mostly unhurt except for a few bruises.
"It's a miracle!" Akhelios cheered as he embraced his brother along with his sister, Pagina. "You're alive!"
"Yeah, miraculously," Vulcan grunted.
"Who saved you?" Pagina asked worriedly, checking her brother. "You barely have any wounds at all!"
"I don't remember..." Vulcan said distantly. "It seems as if we were all teleported seconds before the magic fire hit us. I remember seeing some snake-like Pokemon and some other robed creeps talking near me while I was half-sleeping, but I didn't catch their conversation. I'm sorry."
"It's fine, as long as you're safe!" Akhelios hugged him joyfully. "Come on! You must be hungry! Go eat; I'll meet you after this meeting." Akhelios hurried back into the Town Hall as Pagina pulled Vulcan along and the siblings raced off.
"I've never seen him this cheerful before," Vata said drily. "Proof that miracles can happen."
"Vata!" Charlez snapped, walking up from behind him. "You're the very respectable mayor of Accumula. Do stop acting like a child, will you?"
"Yeah, whatever. I'm gonna go join the meeting now," the Dewott mayor muttered and trudged off.
Ralph watched as he disappeared, a smile on his lips.
"Ralph―you called for me. Jason said you wanted to talk to me?" Charlez turned towards Ralph, her face a worried frown. "What's wrong?"
"It's about my parents," Ralph said calmly, though his voice carried traces of sadness. "About them being murdered. Can you give me the full story?"
"Do you want the full story? Can you take it?" Charlez asked.
"Yes."
Charlez sighed. She hated talking about her close friends' deaths, and she had dreaded this coming moment. She steadied her breath and started. "Do you know how the Supreme Leader―the rank Darkrai now holds―has a term limit unless you're an immortal legendary?"
"Yeah." Ralph remembered his civics lessons. "The rank saps your life energy purposely so no Pokemon can be Supreme Leader forever and to insure that there would be no 'former leaders' that would start rebelling against the government."
"Yes. The last leader―Madam Francie the Granbull―grew weaker and light-headed as the rank sapped her life energy. The rich Pokemon families started using that to their advantage and basically turning the world upside-down―it's like most stories―they taxed the poor and made them do forced labor. Can you imagine that? The Pokemon who worked and sweat and bled to make food never got to taste the food―the rich just took it away. Your parents wanted to stop that, and thus started gathering supporters to stop this process, which was mainly in Southern Unova – the rich's headquarters were in Nimbasa City."
"Nimbasa?" Ralph shook his head with disbelief. "But I remembered that they sent us stuff from other regions too..."
"Nimbasa City is the center of entertainment and leisure―merchants love travelling there as well. They bought stuff from the foreign merchants and sent it to you to disguise the fact that they were actually so close to you." Charlez took a deep breath. "And they were close to overthrowing the rich too. A night before the final assault―some assassins who worked for the rich snuck into your parents' hotel room and... that was that."
"I don't believe that..." Ralph said, trembling. "They had good fighting instincts. They should've sensed them..."
"They were the legendary Royal Assassins," Charlez mentioned darkly, "a family of Eevee and its evolutions that have worked for the rich since the word "rich" was created. They never fail, and they are masters of disguise. Even Pokemon with aura-sensing abilities stand no chance. They are not just plain Eevees, or Flareons, or Sylveons, or whatever, you know? I've heard that they were able to change themselves into their own elements―sort of like Vaporeons into water, Flareons into fire and magma, Glaceons into ice and such. They're a special breed of killers."
A special breed of killers. A chill went up the Lucario's back. Why did those assassins have to be a special breed? Why are there even special breeds of killers? "You don't suppose they're working for Darkrai?" What if they're coming for us?
Thankfully, Charlez shook her small head. "I don't think so. The rich were put down by Madam Francie herself, and the assassins started working for her. Then about a year and a half ago, sometime after the Madam's death and before the voting results were out, Darkrai asked for the assassins to work for the Shadow Force, and they openly refused him. Their identities were revealed, and Darkrai killed them himself. Not even special assassins like them could face the full fury of a legendary Pokemon."
Ralph sighed, partially with relief, but mostly out of fear of Darkrai's strength. "Thanks," he murmured. "That's all I need to know."
Charlez placed a claw on his shoulder briefly. "In the end it was their victory, you know. The Madame did find out about the exploits of the rich, and they were imprisoned or executed. You should be proud of them."
"I am," Ralph replied, swallowing back a wave of emotions. He glanced at the clock that hung from a wall of the Accumula Town Hall. "Wow..." Time had passed surprisingly slowly. He decided to go check on the returning Striaton citizens. "Let's head for the hospital." He looked imploringly at Charlez. Don't bring this up, he seemed to say. I don't want to think about this again.
"Okay" was the Kricketune's short answer, and the pair went off.
Few hours later...
"Surprisingly, we were able to divide them up pretty quick," Lumiere reported dryly.
"Thanks to Charnette," Xeno added.
"Why? What'd she do?" Ralph asked.
"She went to the platform and said something like, 'Sign up for one of the regiments ASAP! There are only a limited amount of spaces and those who miss the opportunity will be labeled as the Sanitary Force and clean bathrooms!'"
"I did not say that!" Charnette protested.
"It was close, wasn't it?"
"Not even!"
"Whatever she said―it worked. We cleaned up in a matter of hours," Lumiere interrupted. He glanced at the mayors. "Anything to report?"
"The meeting's on hold. We're still arguing," Mack reported. Even from the computer screen, his face looked rather green. "But do go on."
Lumiere nodded. "Each Regiment has around nine hundred Pokemon. The First Regiment specializes in front-line battles and hand-to-hand combat. You could say that it's our regular hit force. The Second Regiment excels in ambushes and strategic counterattacks―sort of like a backup force or one that we send ahead of the enemy to weaken them." the Chandelure informed, "The Third Regiment specializes in last retort attacks and backup. The Fourth Regiment is our moving unit―instant-backup or a force that can be used to cut off the enemy's supplies. Most of the Pokemon in that one specialize in some kind of magic, mostly teleportation."
Xeno took over from there. "Then they're the fancy flying units―Aerial Protection 1 and 2, or NV for Nuvema and AC for Accumula―ranging from around a hundred Pokemon, specializing in flying or magic in each force. The forces are also each respectively divided into 12 to 13 smaller units," the Breloom continued. "The rad thing is, each unit contains only Pokemon from each of their respective hometowns. Isn't that cool?"
"So the Nuvema AP would be protecting Nuvema and the Accumula AP would be protecting Accumula?" Mayor Airavata asked.
"Yep. Isn't that obvious?"
"Hold on―what about Striaton? I mean, after we retake it and rebuild it, of course," Akhelios demanded.
"You mean, if we can retake it," Jason reminded him. "We might not be able to! Isn't that just epic?!"
Akhelios glared at him. "You little..."
"Chill," Xeno replied levelly. "We'll recruit the Striaton citizens tomorrow, after they've healed up and stuff."
"Fine."
"And we have four medical units―but each only has around ten or so Pokemon. It's not much, but there are only so many Pokemon that know how to heal," May added.
"That's fine. I'm sure more medics will join as the fight goes on," Ralph assured her.
"Now―what about the generals?" Jason asked. "'Cause I wanna be one!"
"Jason," Charnette said drily. "If you were a general, your army might as well go to the blazes. I'm picturing an army of Pokemon holding waffle and poffin cannons and being pathetically destroyed by bombarding enemies."
"Hey!"
"Besides," the Liepard continued, "each Regiment already specializes in something."
"Darn it."
"I already thought of the generals and lieutenants," Lumiere chimed in. "The AP units already voted their leaders, and the medical units work together, so there's no need for authority. For the First Regiment, I thought it'd be suitable for Ralph to be general and Charlez to be lieutenant. Any objections?"
"Nah, that's cool," Amethyst said. "Suitable too!" Nobody else made a comment, so May wrote the names down on a crisp piece of paper at Lumiere's nod.
"Second Regiment―General Rachiel and Lieutenant Xeno," Lumiere continued. There were no vetoes, so May wrote this down also.
"Third Regiment―General Mark and Lieutenant Victor."
"Hold on―I'm a general?" Mark yelped. "I can't even make Jason stop eating waffles―how am I supposed to control an entire army?"
"Nobody can stop Jason from eating waffles," May countered.
"You'll get the hang of it," Victor soothed. "Plus, I'm there to help!"
"Ugh... but..."
"Besides, the Third Regiment is only backup and final surges," May added helpfully.
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"Um... yes?"
"Agh... fine..." Mark sighed. "I'll do my best. I do wish Marcus was here, though..."
"He'll be back soon. Hopefully," Charnette informed him.
"Hmm? Did you hear from him?"
"No, but I've seen glimpses of him in dreams or while I'm meditating. Assuming the psychotic rapper serpent hasn't killed him yet, I think he'll make it back here in one piece."
"Psychotic rapper serpent?"
"Fourth Regiment―General Charnette and Lieutenant Amethyst," Lumiere finished. "Any objections?"
"Cool. We got a mystical death-bringing army of wizards!" Amethyst cheered.
"No objections... but are you sure that's safe?" Rachiel asked.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Lumiere replied.
"We could teach our coordinates to boil the flesh from the SFP's bones!" Amethyst yapped.
"We could show them how to send enemy forces to the Spirit World!" Charnette added.
"Yes," Rachiel said. "Safe. I see that."
"We could turn our rivals into sock puppets!"
"Totally," Xeno muttered.
"Hold on―what about uniforms? Are we suppose to go off fightin' in our bare skin?" Amethyst demanded.
"We're working on that," Lumiere replied. "We've made some uniforms out of tough material to protect the Pokemon from sharp objects. But we haven't decided on a color yet..." He looked expectantly at the others.
"Blue," Jason said.
"Blue," Mack agreed.
"Blue," Vata joined in.
"Blue," Akhelios stated.
Mark looked at Ralph. "I guess that's official then. I'll go with blue too."
"Why blue?" Amethyst grumbled.
"Well, the SFP uniforms are black... so I guess we're going with bruise colors," Charnette pointed out.
"So it'll be black and blue?" Victor asked. "Well, then... whatever." He shrugged.
"We're going to make them magical, so they can fit on any Pokemon with any body shape," Lumiere explained. "So it's blue uniforms for the regular soldiers, and the medical unit will have white uniforms with blue crosses. Any vetoes?"
"Nope," Mark replied.
"Then that's decided," General Ralph said, determination flashing in his eyes. "Tomorrow, we set up the Striaton AP Force and start training our battalions. Agreed?"
"Agreed!" the others cheered.
At the Northern Kingdom Palace...
Matilda was pacing her throne room thoughtfully when a bright, blue flash caught her attention. A slender Pokemon stepped from the supernova of silver and blue and bowed stiffly before her.
"Who are you?" Matilda asked, preparing a destructive Hyper Beam. She wasn't surprised, being the dignified queen of her age. She was used to this sort of stuff.
"My name is Lunis Aetis, Your Majesty," the shiny Umbreon said evenly. "From the Revolutionists."
Matilda stared at him. Is this tiny creature stupid or what? she wondered. "A Revolutionist?" she asked slowly.
"Yes."
"What is a Revolutionist doing in the heart of Shadow Force territory?" the queen asked, evaporating her Hyper Beam out of curiosity. "Are you offering your services?"
"No, ma'am," Lunis replied coolly. "I only bring news."
"News of what? What is there to know?" Matilda replied.
"Well, what do you think Darkrai plans to do with you?"
"Why is this your business?" Matilda countered. Are you asking to be blasted into ectoplasmic dust?
"Do you?" Lunis pressed.
Matilda felt her fists clench with anger. She was royalty, after all. How dare a little peasant from the wrong side of the war talk to her this way? "What are you pointing to?" she demanded, trying to take in shaky breaths to calm herself down. Calm down! If he attacks or puts his nose in the wrong place, then you blast him.
"You do understand Darkrai plans to do away with you as soon as you cease to be helpful, yes?" Lunis asked.
Well, duh. The queen knows all. "Of course," Matilda muttered. "And I also know that even my most loyal subject―Xiawa―is plotting to overthrow me as well."
"And what do you plan to do about that?"
"What can I do?" Matilda considered blasting this insolent creature in front of her to dust. She shook her head. Jumping to conclusions and vaporizing the Umbreon was not the thing a dignified lady should do. Then she frowned. "And may I ask―how would a random stranger like you know?"
Lunis kept his head bowed. "I am a spy, like Xiawa..." He hesitated just the slightest of moments as he spoke the Weavile's name, but composed himself quickly. "I'm good at researching things and analyzing them. I've come to the conclusion that Darkrai is using you, like a pawn."
"A pawn." Matilda glanced at the chess set that was placed primly on a table next to her throne. "Indeed..." She didn't plan to trust the spy yet, but perhaps she could use him... "I can only watch, or Darkrai will turn my entire kingdom against me," she said quietly.
"I doubt that, m'lady," Lunis said confidently. "Do you not see how much your subjects adore you and despise the Shadow Force rule? At a single word from you, they will turn against the Shadow Force and destroy them. Do not ponder their loyalty to you. You should know that you've ruled this land for many peaceful decades. There is no reason why your Northern Kingdom would turn against you. Some of the corrupted ones may, but the majority will follow your command."
"Really." Matilda had never considered that thought before. A plan started forming in her brilliant mind. "I see..." She suppressed a smile. It was all too easy, this plan was. All she needed to be was careful, and Darkrai would be out of her way forever. "Thank you for mentioning that, then. I already have a plan myself. What else do you want?" She kept a straight face. Letting this little rebel see that he had aroused her curiosity would not work out well for her.
"I want an exchange," Lunis stated. "We will both benefit from it."
"And what is that?"
"I kill off Xiawa for you"―Lunis locked eyes with the queen, quite a dangerous thing to do―"and you hand over the Griseous Orb."
The queen froze, and her huge paw went to the jeweled fan hanging on a velvet cord around her neck. "How did you―"
"It's your last line of defense if Darkrai ever threatens you, isn't it?" Lunis asked sensibly. "You were keeping it just in case he does manage to overthrow you."
"That's right." Matilda touched the gleaming yellow gem hidden in the folds of the gilded fan. "I've heard him talk about this gem quite often. It happened to be a family heirloom as well, which is why I possess it. Why do you want it?" she demanded defiantly.
"Madam, it's no use to you if it's in your possession. It will only endanger you. If Darkrai ever finds out about you having this jewel, he will kill you himself and that would be the end of your reign over the Northern Kingdom," Lunis said. "Moreover, it's only a matter of time before Xiawa himself finds out about this jewel and and tells Darkrai. It's a risk keeping it with you."
Matilda glanced at the precious gem, her mind echoing with the thudding truth of Lunis' words. She did not hesitate at all with her decision. She handed over the Griseous Orb immediately. "Fine. But I want to see Xiawa dead as soon as possible. I will aid you in that. And after that, you will send me the latest news of Darkrai's plans against me should you ever hear more of it."
"Deal." Lunis took the gem, bowed deeply, and slipped it in a indigo pack, tying it securely to his body. "I hope your plan works out alright, Your Highness."
"Thank you," Matilda said darkly, fanning herself lightly. "It will."
On the march, in the Desert Resort...
"Of all places," Lieutenant Robert Shaw grumbled, "why through the Desert Resort? We'll run out of energy before we get to Striaton."
"Oh, come on." General Hyper Nova nudged him playfully. "Don't be grumpy about that failed spy mission. I'm sure Lord Darkrai didn't hear of it yet. Even if he did―there's nothing for him to punish you for anyways. It was a side mission, after all. Besides, after we retake Accumula and Nuvema using Striaton as an attack base, he'll only be pleased with us."
"I hope so." Rob glanced to his side, where Jazz and Annie were riding on Demo's head. "Are you okay, Jazz?"
"I'm weak and dizzy and I feel like barfing all over your spiffy new lieutenant uniform over there, but I'm fine." Jazz snorted. "That potion did its magic. How'd you get it, anyhow?"
"It's a secret." Rob marched on, a bit more cheerful now. "Where's Gran?"
"He's..." Annie did a three-sixty turn, looking around. "I think he went off to help bring up the rear."
"Ah." Rob turned around worriedly. Had the army decreased, or was it his imagination? The desert's heat waves must be making him hallucinate. He shook his head and turned to General Nova. "Is it really okay for your forces to leave Nimbasa City?"
"The rebels there won't last. I heard a new general's coming to finish those partygoers off," Nova replied easily. She looked behind her as she flew. "There's an oasis ahead!" she shouted. "We can rest when we get there. Keep your hearts light and stay with the army!"
The army cheered half-heartedly. The desert's heat and stinging sand was obviously taking a lot out of the army. Rob hoped that they would make it to the oasis. The desert was a bad place to take a stroll. Rob narrowed his eyes, surveying the army. It had really shrunk. He was pretty sure it wasn't the hallucinating heat waves that made it seem like the numbers of soldiers had decreased... but how?
"I don't get why Darkrai didn't just let us teleport," Jazz grumbled. "We have a whole buncha enchanters and whatnots. Why can't we just teleport into Accumula and put a foot in those mangy rebels' faces?"
"This was part of General Doomsday's new training program, I heard," Nova replied cheerfully. "Darkrai is going along with her plan to toughen us up. It's a good idea! I love taking walks!"
"Hold on." Rob wasn't sure if he heard wrong. "General Doomsday is a she?"
"That's what Ranark said."
"Oh." Rob momentarily experienced several flashbacks during which he called General Doomsday a he. Embarrassing. He stared at the ground. The sand was swirling strangely beneath his paws as he gazed over his shoulders. The heat waves made his vision blurry, making the army's size increase and decrease. I'm definitely hallucinating,he decided. After all, who could pull off such an insane trick and take out half the Shadow Force army?
As they walked on, with Nova singing and the army grumbling behind them, Rob's mind wandered off to Melodia's words. Like the rogue Zamza, she had mentioned that he was being used as well. Could it be true? Was he really fighting on the right side, or was he only fighting with the Shadow Force because of Kona? Had his judgement been swayed by the Shadow Force? What if they were evil? What if he was evil? In this war―who was the good side? Who was the bad side?
I've really got to stop thinking about this. He shook his head, but a small, slithery voice at the back of his mind still whispered on. But what if...
"Ah!" He jumped at the screech and turned to see Demo sinking down, the sand wrapping around him as if it were alive. Jazz and Annie were off his head and trying to pull him out, but his weight was dragging them into the sand as well.
Quicksand!
Nova quickly shrieked an order to stop, and charged at Demo, her claws extended. She grabbed him by the shoulders and flapped her wings frantically, trying to bring him up. Demo made a whimpering sound and flailed around in a panic, sending Nova flying away. Annie and Jazz jumped back as the sand beneath their paws gave away. Demo stared around in horror as his teammates seemingly abandoned him.
"Demo! Stop move!" Annie barked. For once, Demo didn't seem to hear her orders. He made whining, yapping sounds as he thrashed and fought the animated sand. Nova let out a hiss of annoyance as she circled around him, trying to figure out a way to snatch him from the jaws of the dangerous quicksand.
"Demo!" Rob darted over. The sand beneath his paws started dragging him in. He paddled with his paws, struggling to get to the panicking Exploud's side. He made eye contact with Demo. "You have to stop moving!" he said firmly. "That way, Nova can save you!" Demo whimpered, but stopped flailing. The sand started churning around Rob. He gritted his teeth, and stopped moving as Nova swooped down.
Huh? Rob's paws were suddenly hanging in open air, as if there was an air pocket underneath the sand. Confusion swept over him. Maybe it was a den... or...
With a grainy, ripping sound, the Noivern pulled Demo and Rob free and deposited them at the side. Sand exploded from the ground, encasing them in a fine layer of sand and salt, and Annie rushed over anxiously.
Rob's pelt felt as if it had been through a blender, but he didn't care about that at the moment. He decided to try a little experiment. Walking cautiously around, near the quicksand area, he suddenly realized that the sand was actually moving underneath his feet, like a mini whirlpool. It wasn't a regular quicksand that just sank down, it was as if the grains of sand had come to life. He tried pulling away from the sand, but it clung to his paws like glue. As he tugged at his paws, a shock went through his mind. Everything suddenly made perfect sense. Narrowing his eyes, he remembered how the army seemed to have shrunk, and a chill went up his spine. It really wasn't the desert's heat waves! I wasn't hallucinating, either! This can't be... An old strategy trick Kona had once taught him blazed its way back into his mind. How could I have forgotten? This is...!
"Quicksands these days. I'd better warn the army," Nova said absent-mindedly and turned to address the army, but Rob jumped in front of her, barely escaping the swirling sand that was slowly dispersing.
"It's not quicksand," he said darkly. "This is the ability Arena Trap! We're being ambushed!"
In Accumula Town Square, the next day...
"... and the entire back half just tripped. Just like that. Pokemon these days!" Xeno complained as she plopped down at the picnic table the new generals and lieutenants were using. "That stupid little Piplup! If you're gonna join the army, then don't trip the entire back battleline during the first march!"
The general of the Nuvema AP Force―a Dragonite named Drake―and the general of the Accumula AP Force―a Pidgeot named Penny―flew by, nodding respectfully at the original Revolutionists as they went about on their duties.
"Lame. Ya shoulda seen our group!" Amethyst argued. "None of them knew how to transform a rock into a wrecking ball! Fools!"
"Half of my army didn't even know ultimate moves! And they're in the last resort army?!" Victor complained. "What kind of final surge group is this?"
"Calm down, mates. I'm sure they'll get better," Mark soothed.
"They nearly set me on fire with that pathetic excuse for a Blast Burn!"
"I'm sure they'll get hang of that soon..."
"Don't you talk like that! You know those idiots nearly wiped you out with that misguided Hydro Cannon!"
"Now, now," Charlez said. "It's been a long morning. Why not rest and help yourselves?" She gestured at the steaming plates of food laid out on the picnic table.
"Rest sounds good," Victor muttered, reaching for an Oran Berry Poffin. "I'm just about beat."
"Waffles! MOTHER OF ARCEUS! THEY HAVE WAFFLE-FLAVORED POFFINS!" Jason's whoop could be heard all the way from the marketplace. "What planet is this?"
"Earth, good sir. Now can you pay for that or are you going to tango with it all day?" the annoyed Ampharos merchant said in a barely controlled tone.
"Do you have poffin-flavored waffles, then? Do you? Do you?!"
"Sir, this is a poffin shop. No waffles."
"What? Then how come―"
"It's a waffle-flavored poffin, kid. Are you going to buy that?"
"Fine..."
Jason came walking over with a wounded look on his face. "An entire market," he groaned, "and not a single waffle." He dumped his bag of poffins on the table. "What a joke," he mourned as he munched pitifully on a poffin. "Oh, hey. This actually tastes like a waffle!"
Ralph walked over, his throat sore from shouting at the subordinates. It had been an exhausting but definitely full morning. The First Regiment soldiers were fast learners and had a strong sense of duty. They also respected and revered him and Charlez, which was a good thing―since they followed the general and lieutenant's orders without question.
"How was your morning?" he asked cheerfully as he plopped down next to Jason, taking one of Jason's poffins as he did. "Oh hey. Poffin-shaped waffles."
"Wait―so this is a poffin-shaped waffle, not a waffle-flavored poffin?" Jason yelped.
"What?"
"What?"
"You're weird." Ralph took another poffin-shaped waffle (a.k.a. waffle-flavored poffin a.k.a. nobody knows but it just tastes like waffle pastry) and took a bite out of it. "So how was your day, everyone?"
"I spent almost all morning yelling at the newbie mechanics. They can't build for their life!" Ron grumbled.
"I was setting up the Striaton AP Force with Jebodiah and Morfient," Jason said. "We've got around two hundred fliers and magic-folks, so I think Striaton is gonna be just fine."
"Morfient?" Xeno asked.
"Morfient?" Trent yelped, nearly chopping the table in half as he spun around frantically. "Morfient where?"
"Morfient here, buddy!" The Munchlax popped up from behind Jason and flew at his friend, hugging him tightly. "I missed you, dino-head! How have you been?"
"When did you get here?" Ralph asked. "Why didn't you call us?"
"Ah, sorry 'bout that. I was in a hurry to get here and meet up with you guys, so I forgot. It's a nice surprise, isn't it?" Morfient chuckled.
"Surprise!" Trent patted him on the back and the Munchlax nearly pitched overboard into the dirt. "Trent likes surprises."
"By the way, guys." Ron forked a piece of Pecha Berry into his mouth. "I fixed the Mudkip Tank so it's usable and less dangerous now. There's now a new lever that'll pop the top of the tank and shoot you out thirty meters!"
"That does not sound safe," Charlez murmured.
"Calm down. I've installed a mechanism that calculates your fall and shoots out a throw pillow so you can land with style."
"I'm sure landing with style is the first thing on my mind as I escape an imploding, malfunctioning tank." Xeno commented frigidly, making a face. "What if the throw pillow gets vaporized or hits an enemy or ally? Have you thought about that?"
Ron looked depressed. "I guess the operators are going to have to wear parachute packs, then?"
"Sounds like a plan," Lumiere muttered. "Those new recruits for the medical unit are driving me insane."
"New recruits. IQ level―extremely low. Cannot tell difference between Cheri Berry and Leppa Berry. Dolts," Vindictus muttered under his breath. "Super Potion; Sitrus with sour factor removed. Oran Berry. Shoal Shell dust. Regain health points numbering― 20+."
"Well, at least some of the Nurse Audinos from the hospitals around got their children to enter," May offered.
"They might be able to heal, but their children sure can't." Lumiere sighed.
"I'm sure you don't mean that, senpai."
"Who mixes up a Healing Pulse with a HYPER BEAM?" Lumiere demanded.
"Well..."
As May fumbled for an answer, Ralph took in a deep breath of fresh, clean air.
It will get better, he promised himself. We will win!
At an outpost...
"Is he here yet?" Ranark looked around as Doomsday materialized next to him, her robes swaying gracefully. Ranark snarled with distaste.
"Not yet," the Greninja replied. "I'm going to check on Stary." He turned to tap on the PC sitting in a corner of the room. The screen flickered to life immediately, with the shivery image of the Staraptor general outlined in it.
"'Sup, comrades?" General Stary hailed them. "I'm heading to Unova. I guess I'll arrive two days after. Are you gonna be throwing a party for me?"
"Nope," Doomsday said, without hesitation.
"What? Did you take Hoenn already?" Ranark asked, surprised.
"Um... no. But Lord Darkrai gave me the order to let Hoenn go, so I'm coming back. I can't say I'm disappointed, though. I really don't like fighting aerial battles here," the Staraptor confessed. "They combine air and water as one, and let me tell you―I'm sick of ocean water."
"I... see." Ranark stared at the ground. My Lord... what are you thinking?
Apparently Doomsday had the same thought. "Pardon my rudeness, but is Lord Darkrai mad?"
"I don't think it's a smart move..." Stary admitted, "But right now it's the best move. We need to stop the new Revolution before dealing with the old one."
"So that's the Lord's plan," Ranark stated suspiciously, unconvinced.
Stary shrugged. "His plans always benefit us in the end. Have faith in him."
"Sure... have faith," Doomsday muttered.
"Anyhow," Stary continued. "Is that moron here?"
"Almost," Ranark grunted.
"Whaddya mean, almost?" A blaring voice exploded, and the three generals hissed simultaneously. "It's me―the greatest general of all..." An audio speaker buzzed with the sound of an intense drumroll. Ranark looked like he was going to die from the loud commotion. "... General Otri!" Random flashes of light burst into existence, framing the silhouette of a well-defined Krookodile. "Ta-daaa!"
Stary snorted and ended her video conference.
"Bravo," Doomsday said drily. "Your appearance was as entertaining as a piece of shiny trash."
"Burn in hell!" Ranark added. He didn't like Otri one bit. Stary had informed Doomsday and him of Otri's past, her being the only one knowing about Hoenn and Kalos' rebellions. Otri had been a general in Hoenn, but had failed to do anything against the rebels there, so Darkrai had fired him. Unfortunately, as Otri was so popular, a good amount of the Shadow Force's supporters threatened to rebel when Otri was fired. So Darkrai had invited him back.
Otri beamed and held up his fingers in a V pose as if he was a superstar, which he formerly was. "I know you love me, Unova! Prepare to get Otrriiiiiiieeeddd!"
"Idiot," Doomsday uttered, annoyed.
"Agreed. Let's kill the upstart," Ranark growled.
"General Otri!" A Sneasel appeared. "Lord Darkrai wishes to see you!"
"See ya later, losers!" Otri waved and pranced off in a hip-hop fashion.
Ranark watched him go with seething eyes. "Fool," he muttered.
"I wonder, fellow general, if we could work together for once," Doomsday murmured.
The Greninja snarled. "You know how much I despise your presence, Doomsday."
"And vice versa," Doomsday returned, her arctic eyes glittering. "But let's just say we happen to have a common enemy now, right?"
"Well..." Ranark scowled as he heard Otri's loud voice ringing through the halls. He started to understand where Doomsday was aiming at. "I see..." His mouth split into a dark smile. "What a malicious plan we have."
"What a dangerous pair we make," Doomsday responded, a smirk overwriting her usual glum expression. "Don't you agree?" She brushed against him, but Ranark didn't flinch this time. They made a silent agreement together. They would destroy Otri utterly. As ridiculous Ranark was in his ninja uniform and Doomsday in her dark robes, any sane creature could sense the dangerous aura they emitted. It was a dark alliance, one that would only benefit themselves or nobody. They were a cruel, merciless pair separately, and together, they were undefeatable, cold, and calculating.
And they would never let their prey escape.
In a dark room, now known as Darkrai's Throne Room...
"What do you think of General Otri?" Darkrai spun around on his throne as General Doomsday approached him. "After all, he is your senior, having participated in activities with the Shadow Force for a long time."
"I find him very amusing and delightful," General Doomsday said lightly, and a malicious note to her voice. "I would love to work with him in the future."
"You sound as if you're planning something."
"My Lord." Doomsday bowed respectfully. "I am constantly planning something."
"Very well." Darkrai gazed at his dark throne, which was composed of pure Dark and Ghost gems. "Do you know of the three Guardians' awakenings?"
"Every object with a sense of clairvoyance sensed that, Lord," Doomsday replied.
"I've recruited a new general to destroy the lakes before they fully awake," Darkrai informed her. "Sinnoh is our home territory. We cannot let them wake up."
Doomsday smiled, clearly hiding vital information. "I'm positive your plan will go through, Lord."
Darkrai didn't seem to think much of Doomsday's strange behavior. "Also... since you're the most trustworthy general other than Stary here, I trust that you would keep what I am about to tell you a secret."
"What is it?"
"I am collecting the Elemental Plates," Darkrai declared. "I already have the Spooky Plate and Dread Plate, along with the two timespace orbs―the Adamant Orb and the Lustrous Orb. With the orbs, I can find Dialga and Palkia and reveal their locations to Giratina so he can destroy them once and for all. With the plates, I shall wake the mighty god Arceus and use his power to control the universe!" A wave of insanity seemed to be corrupting the leader. "I will become a legendary god myself!"
"What if those objects were to be stolen?" Doomsday asked sensibly. "You do understand that if you keep those objects in your possession, all of the legendaries will wake and turn against you."
"No matter. I have asked Hallows to take the Spooky Plate and entrusted Xiawa with both orbs."
"Is that wise? Xiawa is not strong enough to protect them."
"But he is under the protection of Queen Matilda. No one will dare to attack him, as long as he does not go on with any of those spying missions," Darkrai concluded. "I told him to go hide himself in the Northern Palace until the time comes for me to use the orbs."
"Very well. But what about the Dread Plate? Who is protecting it? Surely you're not asking me to," Doomsday inquired.
"No. But I wish to acquire your subordinates Yubabah and Shadow's help to protect it."
"Sure thing," Doomsday agreed. "I'll inform them immediately."
Darkrai pointed to a corner of the throne room, where a glass pillar was standing. "You will find the Dread Plate there. Also, if you can sense the whereabouts of the other plates, do tell me."
"Okay." Doomsday walked over and picked up the plate, which seemed to radiate a mild sense of despair and misery. "But are you sure about this? Getting Pokemon to guard it when you can guard it with magic and other whatnots?"
"I'm sure," Darkrai growled, his mood suddenly shifting. "Tell those two that their very lives will depend on the protection of the plate. Understand?"
"Of course." Doomsday bowed and left the room with the plate.
Darkrai moved away to recline on his throne. The sparks of his marvelous and surely perfect plan swirled through his mind.
Soon... he thought darkly. Everything will fall into place... He smiled malevolently.
Little did he know that far away from where he was, in the Northern Kingdom, his plan was already unraveling...
Credits:
alpha2275: LoG Representative on Fanfiction and Fanfiction Manager
MarcusUCOD: Dialogue Writer
Esther Hung: Chief Writer, Editor, Video Maker, and Character Creator
Anisa Krieg: Writer, Artist, Character Creator, and Tweaker
(More TBD...)