Read and Review Guys!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Xxx
Uncertainty
"No," Cynthia uttered. Gary's head whipped back to her just as he mounted Arcanine.
"What?" He asked again.
"I'm not interfering in all this," Cynthia clarified. Seeing Gary's look, she sighed. "I already tried to get justice for someone, it cost me too much." Luxio looked at her with slight guilt.
"What do you mean by that?" Gary didn't quite get it. "What cost? What are you even talking about?"
"You won't get it Gary! Let the League and authorities handle it on their own." Cynthia replied, petting Luxio to calm him down.
"They'll be too late!" Gary snarled.
"What if it all backfires on us? What then?" Cynthia's tone sharpened. "What if the league blames us to be the poacher? What if we get into something above our heads?"
"I'm not going to let another Nidorino die, not if I can do something about it." Gary stated emotionlessly.
"And I cannot pay such a heavy price once again," Cynthia replied back calmly. Gary simply mounted his Arcanine. "Don't go Gary, it's too risky."
"Let's go Arcanine," Gary mumbled. Arcanine growled and sped away. Cynthia watched Gary go with a disheartened look.
"Why can't he understand?!" She fell down on her knees and whimpered. Luxio growled in distress and licked her cheek consolingly. "It isn't that I don't want to help them. I just don't want to hurt anymore…" She continued.
Luxio growled and nudged her playfully. "It's not my burden, I know." Cynthia admitted and scratched Luxio under the chin. "If Gary wants to go play hero, let him. I'm not putting my family in risk again."
She stared longingly at the waterfall. Luxio growled questioningly. "But… Gary is also my friend. I cannot just let him die," Cynthia clenched her eyes shut. "I don't know what to do… I- AH!" She let out a scream of frustration.
"What should we do?" The blonde asked her Luxio. Luxio was a bit taken aback by that. "You decide," Luxio took a few moments to realize what was happening.
Cynthia, a trainer (a class which was shared by his ex-trainer Damien as well) was asking for his input in a crucial decision. She trusted him despite his very apparent inadequacies?
Either Cynthia had gone really crazy or she really trusted him.
"You get the final say Luxio. We both will be involved if any fighting occurs anyway so…" Cynthia rubbed his fur gently. Luxio considered the pros and cons.
A part of him selfishly wanted Cynthia to let Gary be and preserve the kind angel of a trainer for himself. Why risk the only trainer who treated him with love and care for a guy he just met and some wild Pokémon?
He had been abused both mentally and physically all his life by that monster of a trainer they called Damien. Abused, tortured, degraded, hurt, and so much more! The only relief he got was in the form of Cynthia and he didn't want to risk losing her as well!
No! He wouldn't let her pass! He was not going to lose her for some random people they had met!
But…
The sane part of his mind argued otherwise. If Cynthia decided not to intervene for Gible just for the sake of Riolu and her team, would they be free from the hellish existence they were under Damien? Would they ever meet a trainer like Cynthia, someone who treated them with nothing but love and adoration?
Cynthia had nothing to gain by intervening in their matter! She was happy and better off without the added load of so many new Pokémon she decided to rehabilitate, let alone the entire story of obtaining them!
She was raped, hurt, abused, tortured, her entire team suffered! She was still suffering from PTSD, from the poison Damien had given her (Arceus knows where he obtained that from!), from mental issues due to molestation, and so much more.
Luxio didn't know the perfect answer to the question Cynthia had presented, but he did understand one thing:
The world was a better place because Cynthia was Cynthia. He didn't know about anyone else, but his life certainly was. If he stopped Cynthia from interfering today, he might be denying others a happy life and dooming them to a much darker one.
Mind made up, Luxio gestured towards the waterfall. "Go help Gary?" He nodded.
The Electric Type made a few rough gestures and growls that Cynthia managed to translate. "I know, I know. If I don't help them, who will?" She sighed and got up. "But who will help me?" She clenched her eyes shut as flashbacks burst in front of her.
Luxio growled in concern as Cynthia began to breathe heavily. "I'm fine, let's go." Cynthia told her Electric Type, quickly typing in a distress text to the helpline. She mounted Luxio. "Don't just rush in directly, okay? We need to see what's happening first." Luxio nodded.
The two began their trot towards the waterfall at a steady place, a place where gunshots and explosions were beginning to resonate.
'I hope I'll be there in time!' Cynthia gritted her teeth.
Xxx
"Fire Fang!" Ash ordered decisively. Charmander opened his flaming fangs and snapped them down on the poor Rattata caught in his grasp. Rattata struggled and flailed around as Charmander savagely shook his body.
"Rattata!" His trainer cried out before returning his unconscious mouse. He sighed and gave a complimentary gesture to Ash before walking away.
"Awesome job Charmander!" Ash beamed at his first ever infant Pokémon. "You're getting stronger day by day! At this pace, you'll give Erika a run for her money!" Charmander's chest swelled up with pride at that.
"That was amazing Charmander!" Leaf cooed, running forward and enveloping the fire lizard in a hug. Charmander growled in the hug adorably, nuzzling Leaf.
Ash grinned at the interaction. Leaf had been getting livelier in the recent days, something he had oddly been missing. Maybe because Ash was getting back to his old self too?
"Can't wait until you become a Charizard," Leaf's eyes gleamed. "Your opponent, no matter who or what, will be quacking in their boots at your sight!"
Ash couldn't help but think about it too. His Charmander would be a Charizard, a ferocious fire dragon whose mere presence scared even the strongest of Pokémon.
With wings that allowed it access to the skies, flames that burned anyone who dared to oppose it to a crisp, fangs and claws to tear the strongest of armors to pieces, Charizard was a Pokémon revered and feared by even Dragons.
"But you'll always be a baby Charmander for me," Leaf giggled. Charmander cooed in response, too busy by her pampering him to pay heed to her words.
"Stop spoiling him," Ash commented. "And stop trying to steal my team!" Leaf stuck her tongue out at him childishly. Ash couldn't help but laugh at her antics.
This… this was the Leaf he loved. The happy, adorable, childish, caring Leaf. Sure, he liked when she switched her characters to the sexy, dominant Leaf, but it didn't seem her.
Sure, he didn't mind the brunette taking the reins every once in a while and help relax his mind from training, but something always felt off from that side of hers. The first time they did it, Ash did notice something strange, but now he felt it.
Especially her words the last time around. They were playful and meant to be seductive and arousing in a twisted sense, but something in him doubted them to be just words. It was as if there was a layer of reality under the words she uttered.
Maybe Ash's brain was tired from everything that had been happening, from Lavender Tower to Sabrina. Maybe Ash needed a reality check. Maybe he needed to just accept that things were finally going his way.
Maybe his doubts were correct.
His eyes glanced over to Leaf and the way she played with Charmander. It all came so naturally to her. Ash couldn't help the smile on his face and adjusted her cap.
Maybe some training will help stop him from overthinking.
Primeape and Skylar appeared in bright flashes of light. "Alright guys!" Ash told them. "Leaf, we're stopping for rest for a few moments okay?"
"As Champion Ash desires," She winked. Ash just rolled his eyes playfully.
"Primeape, I and Skylar will be battling against you, okay?" Primeape grunted at that. "I need to have a proper read of your battling style. Your move pool is limited too but we'll work on expanding it later." The Pig Monkey Pokémon smashed his fists together in excitement.
Finally Primeape gets the chance to show this trainer where he belongs!
"Skylar, ready girl?" Skylar squawked and spread her wings to their full span. Ash was planning to use Charmander, Primeape and Skylar against Erika. If need be, Haunter would also participate.
The Kantonian knew his selection wasn't exactly the strongest, given Charmander's inexperience, lack of synergy with Primeape, and Haunter's limited move pool. Only Skylar was a solid choice against Erika.
But Ash wasn't gunning for victory against Erika. No sir, he wanted experience. Ash couldn't rely on his strongest Pokémon, namely Luna, Zeus, Viper, and Lairon. Others also needed experience and time.
It had been a while since he fought properly with Skylar. Lavender Tower didn't count since it was more of a battle for survival. The last time he had fought with Skylar in a Gym Battle was against Misty in Cerulean.
Boy was that a long time ago!
"Alright Skylar, take to the skies." Ash told his bird. The Palletian remembered the advice May had given him for Skylar.
Be unpredictable while striking hard and fast.
Primeape let out a battle cry and leapt towards the airborne Skylar. The Pidgeotto simply flapped her wings and a Gust pushed Primeape back down. "Quick Wing!" Skylar blurred and slammed a Wing Attack into Primeape's side, knocking him off balance. "Aerial Ace!"
Skylar quickly gained momentum and slammed into Primeape's back with Aerial Ace. Primeape grunted in pain as he was thrown face forward into the grass and Skylar again blurred into the skies.
"Harass him," Ash mumbled. Skylar's sharp ears picked his command and she began to slam Wing Attacks from random directions into her adversary.
Primeape tried Night Slashes and Fury Swipes to catch the bird but Skylar always managed to stay one step ahead. Ash grinned at her progress. The Flying/Normal Type had really put the pedal to the mettle at Oak's lab.
Primeape had enough and let out a Screech. Skylar winced and Primeape managed to clip her with a Night Slash. "Evasive Maneuvers!" Ash ordered sharply. Skylar's form split into a Double Team and all blurred into Agility.
Primeape shrieked in anger as a dozen Pidgeotto flapped above his head. "Sky Attack Skylar!" All of Skylar's copies disappeared as she focused on storing her energy into one single strike. Primeape looked around before breaking a tree into multiple pieces with Cross Chop.
He grabbed pieces of the wood and threw them at Skylar who easily dodged them. She flapped her wings together, a Whirlwind which caught Primeape and forced him to stay at one place.
Fiery white flames surrounded Skylar's form as she shrieked and descended down on the trapped Primeape. Leaf, who had been playing with Charmander and wasn't paying any heed to the battle, yelped as the ground shook from the Sky Attack.
Ash wasn't surprised at the results. Primeape had no orthodox way to counter a fast flier like Skylar. All its punches, muscles, and whatnot failed against an opponent it couldn't touch.
Primeape had one chance to change the match, the moment he had used Screech and managed to clip Skylar. But he failed to press on the advantage and Skylar slipped away.
Skylar squawked and landed on Ash's shoulder smugly. It still remembered its defeat against Paul's Staraptor and wasn't pulling any punches anymore!
"Good one girl," Ash praised. "The charging time for Sky Attack has lessened too. And where did you learn Whirlwind?" Ash was impressed a lot from his second capture.
Skylar squawked proudly, telling him about Oak's Dragonite and how it helped her learn Whirlwind and even Hurricane to some extent, though at the moment it was more like a juiced up Gust. Hurricane was a destructive technique, but it needed a lot of energy and control, something Skylar would have once she evolved.
A Pidgeot could utilize all of that and more pretty easily but a Pidgeotto lacked the raw energy the attack required. But that didn't mean Skylar couldn't use her newfound control on winds to a better extent.
Ash planned to teach her Tailwind and Air Slash next. Skylar relied too much on physical attacks. Air Slash could give her a much needed mid-range move. Tailwind would double her speed, her greatest asset.
Besides that, the raven haired trainer wished to teach her Feather Dance and Roost. Both were passive techniques which Skylar could no doubt utilize nicely. Currently though, Ash planned for her to master Tailwind and Air Slash.
They would help loads against Erika.
As Leaf raced over and showered Skylar with encouragement and praises, Ash walked over to Primeape and parted his lips to crack a Revive in his mouth.
Revive only healed physical wounds, not punctured egos.
It was evident as Primeape got up from his unconscious state but didn't wreak havoc or sneer arrogantly at Ash. It just stared at Ash and Skylar with a glare, one less of arrogance and anger but more laced with vengeance.
"Aerial opponents are a nightmare for you." Ash told the Pig Monkey Pokémon. "You work best against grounded physical fighters, and even then you lack the appropriate move pool for them. We have a lot of work to do, but I'm sure you'll be one of my strongest Pokémon."
Primeape grunted before getting up. Ash followed suite. "I want you to learn Fire Punch first. It'll help us a lot against Erika since I'm using you. Also Iron Tail. Your tail is an asset but you have no way of utilizing it."
"Fire Punch and Iron Tail are the priority moves to learn. After that, we'll focus on Ice Punch and Thunder Punch. Endurance training daily as well as combat against Ivysaur. It'll help you get a hang against Grass Types, the Pokémon we'll be facing at the gym." Primeape grunted. "Here, look at this…"
Ash showed Primeape the basis of Iron Tail and Fire Punch. He kind of wished Luna and Viper were here with him. Luna could teach Primeape Iron Tail while Viper could give him some experience against Grass Types.
Ivysaur and Viper were two Grass Types of different fighting styles. Viper was a nimble, agile attacker while Ivysaur was a Pokémon relying on tanking attacks and depending on trapping his opponents instead, finishing them off with heavy damage dealing tactics.
Oh well, Ash would just have to make do with what he had.
"Skylar," Ash called out his avian. "I have an idea I would like to discuss with you…"
…
Ash pursed his lips as Charmander futilely tried to teach Skylar how to access fire energy. Leaf's Vulpix was with them as well, though she was inexperienced as well.
"Hey, ease up." Leaf told Ash. "We still have a couple of days before we reach Celadon," She smiled.
"I'm chill," Ash grinned. "I'm just dreaming of how strong Firestorm could be if we manage to succeed in it."
Firestorm, as the name suggested, was a storm of flames meant to bathe the entire field in fiery winds of fire. Ash wanted to combine Hurricane's deadly winds with fire, a move which could prove devastating for Grass and Ice Types.
From what Cynthia had told him, Erika had bulky Grass Types. Skylar could just Firestorm them into submission and nab them an easy victory.
That was, however, if Skylar managed to get down Firestorm down. Ash wasn't in a hurry to challenge the Celadon Gym but Firestorm would no doubt be a taxing technique. Skylar wouldn't be able to use it more than once, maybe twice in a battle.
A Last Resort for now, but anything was better than nothing.
"Skylar's training really hard." Leaf commented as Skylar aptly listened to Charmander and Vulpix's rather amateurish description of the Fire Energy. "Wish she had more experienced teachers though," She winced.
"Heat Wave is a new technique for her," Ash sighed. "Of course she'll have a lot of difficulties." Leaf rubbed his shoulders soothingly.
"Chill," Leaf whispered. "You can challenge Erika anytime you want Ash, it doesn't have to be right now." Ash nodded.
"Yeah," He cracked his neck and whistled. Skylar quickly flew over to him making him smile. "Made any progress?" Skylar shook her head in frustration. "Don't worry; we'll get it down sooner or later, kay?" She nodded. "How are Air Slash and Tailwind coming along?" Skylar took to the air and Ash got his answer as a blade of air left a gash into a tree trunk.
"Already got it down huh," Ash grinned. It wasn't a surprise though; Skylar already knew how to manipulate air as evident by her use of Whirlwind. She just had to channel it into different forms.
Gust was the most basic manipulation of air.
Whirlwind was basically Gust, just concentrated into a particular area to trap or blow the enemy away.
Air Slash was a compressed, sharp blade of air.
Tailwind was air used to boost your speed. Ash had a headache as he tried to understand the aerodynamic behind it.
Ash scratched Skylar under the beak as she preened from the praise. "We're practicing whistles next. Kay?" Skylar nodded and took off to the air.
"Shouldn't you call it a day Ash?" Leaf questioned. "It's dark already, and Skylar must be tired too." Ash passed her a smile.
"Rest can wait, Erika won't." Ash joked. "Besides, I'm all good to go." Ash gestured to Primeape who was stubbornly punching a tree, trying to learn Fire Punch. Charmander and Vulpix had walked over to him to help, Ivysaur keeping a close eye.
"You and your Pokémon," Leaf chuckled. "Same as their trainers," Ash leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
"You rest up; I'll wind up things soon. Kay?" Leaf nodded and Ash whistled for Skylar again.
'Aw, all alone today,' Misdreavus mocked. Leaf ignored her. 'What is happening Leafy? Is Ash finally getting fed up from you?'
"You're getting weaker Misdreavus…" Leaf mumbled. "I can feel your influence fading,"
'Whatever helps you sleep at night Leaf…' Misdreavus trailed off. Leaf sighed, running a hand through her hair and stared at the training Ash. She smiled softly and sat down under a tree, deciding to spectate his special training with Skylar.
Xxx
Gary grabbed onto Arcanine's fur as the Legendary Pokémon raced towards the waterfall. Gary could see a couple of men, no doubt poachers, pulling nets from the water.
"Fire Blast at one of the jeeps!" Gary ordered. Arcanine growled and spat the destructive sphere of unforgiving flames. The jeep that was targeted exploded as the heat from Fire Blast reacted with petroleum.
Some of the poachers were thrown away from the blast while others noticed the incoming Gary and Arcanine. One sneered and pulled out an automatic rifle. Gary's eyes widened.
"Extreme Speed! Knock him out!" Gary tightened himself completely to Arcanine in preparation. Even then he almost fell of as Arcanine blitzed through the distance with speed his species was famous for, and tackled the poacher.
The impact threw the poacher flying into the air. The momentum and the hit easily shattered many of his bones as he hit the ground and skidded to a stop, unconscious.
"Get him!" The other poachers ordered and unleashed their own Pokémon. Arcanine burst into speed again, circling around the various Arbok, Wheezing and Golbat released.
"Flamethrower! Burn them into a crisp!" Arcanine opened his maw and unleashed his fiery wrath. The poachers all shouted in panic as the flames licked at their skins and clothes. Their Pokémon futilely tried to counter.
Arcanine kept the Flamethrower up for a few more moments before relenting. The poachers and their Pokémon were all knocked out from the flames. Gary grinned and ordered Arcanine to stop.
"Good job boy," He smiled and rubbed his Fire Type's head while getting off. His legs felt like jelly and Gary nearly fell. Arcanine offered his support which Gary logically took and managed to stand.
"Not so strong now huh," Gary frowned. He looked at the dude Arcanine had tackled a good distance away and winced at his bent limbs and bleeding head.
Arcanine's ears pricked and he tackled Gary away-
-as a Hyper Beam blasted the Legendary Pokémon and sent him skidding near the waterfall. Gary hit the ground with a gasp, looking around for the attacker.
"Pesky trainers," A feminine voice rang out. "Alakazam, drown that Arcanine into the water." She commanded icily. Gary got up quickly and stared at the attacker.
A woman in her late twenties with sky blue shoulder length hair, dressed in expensive leather and high heels, a gauntlet on her right hand, approached the trainer and his trainer. An Alakazam stood beside her.
"Look what we have here," She commented as her eyes scanned Gary. "You're cute," She grinned.
"And you're an old hag-" Gary gasped as Alakazam applied pressure to his windpipe. The lady just shook her head pitifully and gestured to Alakazam.
"Watch your pathetic puppy drown to death," Her voice was emotionless. Gary's head was twisted towards the downed Arcanine. The Legendary Pokémon was blasted into the lake.
Gary struggled against his psychic prison as Arcanine was pulled out of the water and then sent crashing back in. Alakazam grinned evilly, mirrored by his trainer, as Arcanine was held underwater for an extended amount of time.
"Don't kill him just yet Alakazam!" The lady giggled while looking at Gary's horrified expression. "We haven't even begun yet. Torture that pup and squeeze the life out of him please…"
"N-no-" Gary gasped as Alakazam pulled Arcanine back out. The poor Legendary Pokémon was shivering and trembling. Gary remembered his Nidorino and struggled against the hold, trying to reach out to Arcanine.
"Aw, so you do care about him." The lady sneered sinisterly. "Cry dear, there's nothing else you can do…" She commented as Gary's eyes watered.
"Leave him alone!" Gary felt the psychic hold weaken on him as Alakazam was bombarded with a Roar and a Thunderbolt. The Psychic around Arcanine weakened and he began to free fall through the air.
Luxio leapt and slammed into the Legendary Pokémon, managing to push him over to dry land. Gary took full advantage of the moment and slammed a punch into the lady's face.
Cynthia quickly ran over to Arcanine and checked for any vital signs. Finding a couple of them, she sighed in relief. "His pokéball!" Gary threw said device at her.
Alakazam tried to intervene but Luxio bit into his arm with Bite, disrupting his psychic powers. Cynthia caught the pokéball and returned Arcanine, stashing away the pokéball in her pocket.
The lady produced a baton from her sleeve and whacked Gary on his cheek. Gary stumbled back, gasping as the lady relentlessly struck him. Cynthia raced forward, trying to tackle the lady.
She spun on her heel in a practiced manner, easily avoiding Cynthia, and kicked Gary on his butt. Cynthia lunged at her but the lady stabbed her baton into her gut, knocking the air out of the Sinnovan, and grabbed her by the throat.
"And where did you appear?" She sneered tightening her grip. Cynthia slammed her fist on her forearm trying to loosen her hold but the lady was barely bothered. "Die," The lady grinned and tapped her gauntlet.
Cynthia shrieked as electricity danced through her skin and overloaded her neurons. "Cynthia!" Gary called out in alarm. He looked around in alarm, trying to spot something to pick and hit the poacher with.
Meanwhile, Alakazam and Luxio were locked in their own dance. Alakazam easily controlled the pace of the battle, intentionally toying with Luxio so he couldn't help his trainer.
Luxio growled, trying to bite his way through his tactics but lack of battle experience showed. Alakazam taunted him repeatedly, claiming him to be an oversized puppy who was all bark no bite. The Spark Pokémon retaliated with a Roar which the Psychic easily blocked.
The lady saw Cynthia's eyes droop and grinned sadistically. "Aw dear princess-" She growled and turned around; using her baton to smash a rock Gary had thrown at her.
"How did you-" Gary felt his body tighten and looked at Alakazam. The Psi Pokémon threw Gary into Luxio, sending the two sprawling near the lake.
The lady turned back to Cynthia, the blonde almost out, and released her. The blonde fell on her knees, almost collapsing. The lady grabbed her by the hair roughly and forced her to make eye contact.
"Ready to die?" Cynthia's eyes blurred in exhaustion. Maybe she was about to die now… luck could save her only so much. As the lady cackled in her victory, Cynthia felt a peace settle in her stomach.
Death was frightening. She didn't know what will come after the sweet darkness swallowed her, but at the very least she wouldn't have to suffer from the haunting image of Damien. The reoccurring thoughts of him having his way with her body, her failure to stop him from hurting her family…
Death seemed like a good option.
However, the shot never came.
The lady was tackled by a yellow blur, lifted into the air. Cynthia jumped in surprise, falling on her butt. She saw Alakazam get buried into the ground with a Dragon Rush. What the-
"Are you okay?" Cynthia heard a comforting yet stern and hard voice ask her. She looked up to see a towering man easily 7 foot tall, with a shack of red hair and a cape. Cynthia could've sworn she was dreaming but the heavy thud of a Dragonite landing near the trainer and the ease with which it handled the lady and her Alakazam confirmed it.
"C-champion Lance?" She asked. Her exhaustion caught up to her, however, and she let out a little gasp as dizziness swallowed her and she fell down.
Darkness swallowed her even as her Luxio licked her cheek anxiously.
Xxx
A couple of days later…
"Tailwind!" Ash called out. Skylar shrieked and her speed doubled as she blasted through the clearing, driving a Wing Attack into a boulder. She broke through the boulder, zipping past Leaf and back into the air.
"Amazing…" Leaf mumbled.
"Alright now Sky Attack!" Ash called. The bird charged up, fiery white flames swallowing her form within a few moments, the glow lighting up the dark night sky. She shrieked and dropped at a tree. A heavy explosion occurred, breaking and blasting the tree into the air.
Skylar took to the air again, firing off Air Slashes and shrieking as they cut gashes into the ground. She took a moment of breather before speeding away again with Tailwind enhanced Agility.
"She's really riled up," Leaf commented. Ash grabbed his hat before it could fly away from the winds and nodded.
"It's not only the gym battle," He grinned. "She's nearing evolution. The hormones are acting up and trying to push her over the edge."
"Maybe a battle will do it?" Leaf asked, smiling ear to ear. "Fearow is itching for a good fight you know,"
"Can your Fearow keep up?" Ash poked and whistled. Skylar descended from the air quickly, landing on his outstretched arm with a shriek. The Palletian noted her heavy panting and frowned.
"You should let her rest for a few moments," Leaf commented, scratching Skylar under her beak. Skylar squawked a negative. "Oh c'mon birdy, relax."
"Want to have an aerial battle Skylar?" Ash asked. Skylar nodded. Leaf sighed and released Fearow. The Beak Pokémon shrieked, staring at the smaller Pidgeotto. "Off you go girl, don't overdo it." Ash told her.
Leaf took a few steps back as the two birds took to the sky. "Agility!" And then, the battle began.
Leaf's flier blurred into speed rivaling that of Skylar. Skylar also slipped into Agility, letting the larger Pokémon give chase. Ash whistled and Skylar quickly duplicated herself into a dozen copies. Leaf arched her eyebrow at that.
"Our unique way of communication," Ash grinned and whistled again. The copies all slowed intentionally, letting Fearow pass through them, and the real Skylar sent a couple of Air Slashes at the Beak Pokémon.
Fearow avoided the first few Air Slashes but one of them struck his foot making him growl in pain. Skylar heard Ash whistle again and burst forward with a Wing Attack.
"No! Not that!" Horror dawned on Ash's face as Skylar misunderstood the whistle. Unfortunately, Fearow capitalized and met her with a Take Down.
Skylar was easily overwhelmed and sent crashing towards the camp location. "Skylar!" The Bird Pokémon activated Tailwind and quickly righted herself, pausing just for a moment before slipping into Agility and away from Fearow's talons.
"Oops," Leaf joked at Ash's mishap. "Haven't gotten it down?" Ash shook his head. "Fearow! Aerial Ace!"
"Quick Wing! Don't engage him directly!" Ash opted for a direct command system. Skylar shrieked and easily out sped him, smashing into him a couple of times with Steel Wing. Fearow growled as he was unable to catch the pesky flier.
"Let's even the playing field!" Leaf decided. "Mirror Move!" Ash blinked as Fearow activated Tailwind as well and blurred away. Ash could hear Skylar's pained cries as Fearow kept on slamming into her, easily overpowering her and dealing heavy damage to her.
"Double Team!" Ash ordered. Skylar needed a moment of respite otherwise Fearow would tear her apart. Unfortunately, Leaf's way of fighting was brutal.
"Fury Attack! Take all of the copies down!" As Skylar formed many copies, Fearow sped forward and relentlessly attacked her copies one by one. Skylar soon found herself targeted and had to burst away or get mauled by a Fury Attack.
"Fearow is really strong," Ash frowned as Fearow gave chase. "He really suits you,"
"Our fighting style is similar," Leaf winked. "Tri Attack!" Ash's eyes widened. A ranged attack would prove devastating for his second capture.
"Evasive Maneuvers!" Skylar panted as the extended use of Tailwind really caught up to her. But she pulled through and quickly split into various copies, most of which were torn through with the Triple elemental beam.
"She's really stubborn," Leaf commented as Skylar was grazed on her wing with the Tri Attack. "She suits you in that manner," Leaf saw Ash's worried expression and frowned. "We can end it now if you want to," She offered.
"Nah," Ash shook his head. "Skylar! Use the foliage! He can't target you there!" Skylar dropped down towards the trees.
"Bad move," Leaf grinned. "Show them what your Gust is like!" Fearow squawked and beat his wings together. Ash's face paled as a mighty gale raced downwards, catching up to Skylar and messing up her steep drop. "End this! Take Down!"
"Skylar!" Ash cried out.
'You're really dominating him…' Misdreavus commented slyly.
'Was wondering when you'll show that ugly face of yours!' Leaf chimed. She could hear the ghost growl in anger. 'Oh, go ahead and do whatever you can. You're losing control over me. You're slowly banishing back to the Distortion Realm aren't you?'
'How do you-'
'I know everything that you know Misdreavus…' Leaf replied. 'I can fear your fear, your panic, as you slowly lose your control over me and Ash,' She could feel Misdreavus struggling for a retort. 'Sabrina hurt you more than I imagined being honest, you're nothing now.'
Fearow slammed into Skylar's back and smashed her into the ground. Ash winced at his bird's squawk. Fearow took back to the air at Leaf's order.
He would've loved to maul that pesky flier to unconscious and probably the ICU.
"Skylar," Ash bit his lip as his bird struggled to get up. "It's okay girl," The bird stared at Ash. "I know, we lost to Paul pretty badly. His Staraptor humiliated you and your pride but we will get revenge soon. It doesn't mean you will burn yourself out in training!"
"I know, I had been neglecting you in Gym Battles. We didn't have any proper battle after Cerulean Gym. But I promise, I couldn't have gotten any better Pokémon to be my primary flier." Ash expressed. "I know, I know. I was focused on Viper and then spent so long in Rock Tunnel without you. The last time I properly spent time training and battling with you was at the beginning of my journey… and I'm sorry."
Skylar just stared at Ash. "We will fly to the moon together, don't worry." Ash passed her a smile. "We will, right?" Skylar gave him a small smile.
A bright light enveloped the Bird Pokémon. Leaf shielded her eyes from the light. Ash couldn't tear his eyes off her changing form though. Skylar let out a mighty cry as her form expanded. Ash smiled as the light faded.
In place of the once Pidgeotto stood a large and proud Pidgeot. Skylar squawked at Ash in greeting before shooting to the skies. "It's on!" Ash told Leaf with a wild grin.
"As you wish," Leaf grinned back. "Fearow! Get her!"
It soon turned out that Fearow was outmatched.
Skylar outflew Fearow with large amounts of speed, intentionally harassing him with an overpowered Gust and Air Slashes. Fearow found himself to be at the defensive end as the newly evolved Pidgeot kept him at edge.
"It says you've learned Hurricane!" Ash called out to Skylar as he read the pokedex entry. Skylar shrieked and slammed her wings together, a mighty gale of destructive air smashing into Fearow and throwing it wildly spinning downwards. "Alright!"
"Fearow!" Leaf called out as her flier crashed into the ground. Skylar descended down with a heavy thud, shrieking into the air and disturbing the calm solace of the night.
"Damn girl…" Ash was in awe at the firepower Skylar had. He was drooling at the thought of how screwed Erika was about to be. Leaf returned her Fearow after healing it and quickly ran over to Skylar.
"That was amazing girl!" She preened over the mighty bird. Ash couldn't help but laugh at how Skylar nuzzled Leaf, accidently knocking her on her rear. He approached the bird.
"Skylar," Ash smiled. Skylar cocked her head at him to which he laughed. "Erika is going to be so fucked," He laughed. "Proud of you girl, really proud."
Skylar cooed and gestured to her back. "Huh?" Ash blinked. "You want me to fly on you?" She nodded. The bird gestured her wing to Leaf as well.
"Me too?" Skylar nodded and lowered herself. "Uh…" She looked at Ash who had already climbed upon her.
"I trust you girl," Ash told his newly evolved Pokémon. He extended a hand to Leaf. "C'mon, we won't die, promise." Leaf took the hand and climbed atop the bird, wrapping her arms around Ash's waist tightly.
"I want to raise my grandchildren too Skylar!" Leaf yelped as Skylar rose in the air. "Fly slow okay?!"
"Crybaby," Ash rolled his eyes, hands tightly gripping Skylar's neck. "Let's go girl, towards Celadon!" Skylar took a few seconds to adjust, the seconds seeming like death moments to Leaf and Ash both.
Leaf shut her eyes close while burying her head in Ash's back. Ash himself was tense as Skylar slowly sped up before adjusting to a leisured pace.
"Hey, open your eyes." Leaf did as he asked, cautiously opening her eyes. As she did, however, she was taken aback from the beautiful scenery.
The Palletian could spot Celadon at a distance, only a few hours of travel on foot. Around it was nature's finest beauty. The cold breeze brushing against her face was comforting.
It was… soothing.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Ash asked Leaf.
"Yeah," She admitted. "Amazing actually." Leaf smiled and nestled her head on Ash's shoulder. It was a peaceful moment. No tension about Misdreavus, no training for Erika, no worry about the future… just Ash, Leaf, and Skylar enjoying in air.
The trio traveled in peace, enjoying the silence. Eventually, they reached Celadon and Skylar cooed. "Tired huh," Ash gave her a comforting smile and scratched her neck. "Drop by the Pokémon center," Skylar nodded and carefully dipped down.
"I guess you don't need to worry about Erika now huh," Leaf commented.
"Skylar alone can take on all of them." Ash grinned. The bird landed down carefully, lowering herself so her trainers could climb down. Ash jumped down, almost falling down since his feet fell asleep.
He helped Leaf down gently. "You're amazing Skylar," He praised while returning her. "Hey," He turned to Leaf. "I was wondering we'll go on a date tomorrow? I don't have to worry much about Erika now anyway, and we haven't explored Celadon together at all."
"Sure thing," Leaf giggled. "But I need to sleep right now, the flight made me drowsy."
"Same Leafy, same." Ash grinned and the two entered the Pokémon center.
'It isn't gonna end well Leafy…' Misdreavus warned.
'We'll just see about that,' Leaf retorted.
Xxx
"Thank God you woke up!" Was the first thing Cynthia heard as her eyes opened up, fluttering as light struck them. She was lying in a standard hospital bed, in a standard hospital room.
"Huh?" Cynthia gasped. Her head hurt. Actually, her entire body did. As she tried to pull herself in a sitting position, her head expressed that she shouldn't, as her surroundings blurred and spun.
"Hey- let me near her!" Cynthia could hear Gary complain as a familiar growl rang.
"Calm down Luxio," Cynthia managed. Luxio growled but relented at her command. "H-how long was I out?" The blonde asked.
"A day," Cynthia blinked at that. "What the fuck is happening with you Cynthia?"
"You wanted to play hero and I couldn't let you die, that's what happened." Cynthia retorted dryly. 'Why was I unconscious for an entire day?!'
"Doesn't explain why you were out for a complete fucking day!" Gary retorted. Cynthia clutched her ears as his voice rang sharply in the sensitive organs.
"Shut up Gary!" She angrily countered. Luxio growled and fired off a stray bolt of lightning at him as a warning. Gary yelped at that staring angrily at the two.
"Are you sick?" Gary asked softly.
"Yeah, I have cancer," Cynthia retorted sarcastically.
"Look, I'm trying to be civil here-" A knock on the door interrupted their banter.
"Hope I'm not disturbing?" Gary and Cynthia froze as Champion Lance appeared from the other side.
"Champion Lance!" Gary called in recognition. Cynthia winced again at the loud tone.
"I'll keep it down if I were you, she's hurting." Lance gestured to Cynthia. Gary had the decency to blush in embarrassment. "May I come in?" Gary stepped away and Lance entered.
"Champion Lance," Cynthia tried to get up in respect but Lance stopped her.
"No need for the formality," He grinned and sat down on the visitor's chair. "Cynthia Carolina and Gary Oak, right?" He laughed in amusement at their expressions. "Oh don't give me that look, I've read your trainer profiles."
"Gary Oak, grandson of Professor Oak." He began. "Cynthia Carolina, daughter of Sophie Carolina. You have adopted a lot of Pokémon under a small period of time Cynthia," Lance asked her.
"Yeah," She winced at the look Gary gave her. Lance noticed their interaction and gave a small nod of assurance.
"Now tell me, why did you both think it was a brave idea to attack those poachers, especially The Lady?" Lance questioned. Gary was quiet for a few seconds. When he did open his mouth to answer, Cynthia interrupted.
"It was my idea," She replied. "I left a distress signal for the Pokémon Rangers around and went ahead to save the Safari Pokémon." She felt really small under Lance's gaze. "Someone had to interfere or those Pokémon would've had a really worse life."
"While I appreciate the bravery and course of action you did, I would advise against it." He began. "You are not trained to interrupt in such matters, leave it to the professionals."
'The same professionals who let a monster like Damien loose, let him abuse Gible, Luxio and the others, and let him rape me. Also the same professionals who let Gary's Nidorino die.' Cynthia rolled her eyes mentally.
Of course, she didn't let it all out. Only a fool would talk smack against the Champion of Kanto-
"The professionals are doing a shitty job apparently," Gary muttered.
Why Gary?!
"Can you repeat that louder?" Lance requested him. Gary fumbled under his gaze. "I didn't quite get that,"
"You may have understood it," Cynthia piped in.
Ride or die friendship.
"You both were lucky I was nearby and managed to stop The Lady from hurting you." Lance stated. "Any other time, you won't be so lucky."
"…you're right," Gary relented. "It wasn't Cynthia's decision to go attack the poachers, it was mine. She only followed me so I wouldn't die in my stupidity."
"And yet she was the one hospitalized for an entire day," Lance pointed out.
"I don't have much time left anyway," Cynthia joked. Lance looked at her and so did Gary. "It was a joke," She clarified. Her childhood friend glared at her while Lance obviously didn't buy it.
"Can you give us a moment?" The Champion looked at the Oak. He nodded and walked out of the room, leaving the two be. Lance looked at Cynthia and the blonde felt really uncomfortable under his gaze.
"He deserves to know," Lance began.
"Know what?" Cynthia questioned.
"That you have the virus," Lance began. Cynthia's eyes widened. "Your weight has really fallen, you're anemic, suffering from leukocytosis as if your body is fighting a virus. Your body is really sensitive now, and your actions, thinking, movements everything is sluggish."
"…where did you get all that?" Cynthia inhaled sharply.
"Extensive Medical Report," Lance tossed a file at the foot of her bed. "You don't have much longer to live Cynthia, you should tell-"
"-What do you mean I don't have much longer to live?" Cynthia was startled. "Sorry to interrupt you," Her face flushed in embarrassment.
"Janine didn't tell you?" Lance asked. Cynthia shook her head. He sighed. "I'm sorry to tell you this but… no one really recovers from the Rěnzhě virus. Their immune system is so weakened that they cannot fight against the opportunistic infections,"
Cynthia remained quiet the entire time. "You could've died today. That shock could've proven to be fatal for you. It's a miracle your body is still fighting against the Rěnzhě virus as it is." Lance sighed and got up from his chair. "How did you get infected Cynthia?"
Cynthia was silent at the question. Lance patiently waited as she gathered the will to answer. "Damien," She replied at last. "He infected me somehow…"
"That is not possible," Lance shook his head. "The Rěnzhě virus had been destroyed centuries ago. In no way can Damien, with all his cash and influence, get the virus. It doesn't make sense,"
"What part of him wanting to hurt me doesn't make sense?" Cynthia questioned bleakly. Lance sighed and sat down at the foot of the bed. Cynthia let him take her trembling hand in his calloused hands. Luxio didn't intervene.
Even he was awed and scared of Lance's aura.
"Even if Damien's family somehow got the Rěnzhě virus," He began gently. "They wouldn't waste it on you." Cynthia blinked. "I spoke to Janine, she told me the entirety of the story." He carried on. "Damien had you trapped. In no way was he smart enough, in all his rage and messed up psyche, to have a contingency plan. You really think Damien's family would risk their name by letting you walk?"
"The Rěnzhě virus doesn't work immediately Cynthia, it eats the patient from the inside out." Lance continued. "Damien wasn't planning to let you live. The police was on his tail and he couldn't have evaded capture for long."
"…I don't understand…" Cynthia felt tears swell up in her eyes. "If not from him, then from where?"
"Did you ever talk to your mother?" He asked. Cynthia nodded.
"What kind of question is that?" She asked, sipping water from the bottle Lance graciously offered her.
"…alright," The Champion relented and got up. "I wish you a speedy recovery Cynthia," He said and prepared to leave.
"Wait!" Cynthia called. "What do you mean my mother?" Lance paused at the question. "Answer me please," Cynthia pleaded.
"You're adopted,"
Xxx
Alright! Wanted to roll this out way sooner but was busy in life. Do read and review guys!