Pokemon Adventures: Where Legends Cross
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon Adventures/Special.
Hopefully, the pace will quicken by the time I'm finished with this. Wish me luck! Oh, and we'll start from figuring out just who that guy from the end of Chapter 15 really was.
Began writing on June 7th, 2011. Currently drafting Chapter 33. See what I mean by a block? :(
Chapter 17. Vs. Haxorus (Part 2): Contact, Established
- Opelucid City, Cynthia's House -
Crystal stared acrtoss the large room in shock, as the man standing fifteen feet apart from her, Platina and Cynthia slowly walked forth, bringing under the light a most familiar and respected face.
"Gr-Green-senpai?" She couldn't help but stutter, bewildered to find the senior Dex Holder in Unova, in company of the Champion of Sinnoh.
"Crystal.." said Green, his viridian eyes widening slightly upon noticing her before returning to his usual icy gaze. "Hm... I see. So you've received the revelation as well."
A second jolt of surprise caught Crys at the word 'revelation'. That would mean...
"The dream!" Platina suddenly exploded from beside her, causing Crystal to jump as the younger Dex Holder took a step toward Green, who glanced at her with the same cool eyes. "You mean the dream that warned us about the disaster in Unova! You've had it to, hadn't you?"
A third jolt. Platina as well?
"Yes and yes," replied Green cooly, blinking once in mild interest. "But who are you, and how would you know about the dream as well?"
"Ah yes," said Cynthia as she swiftly walked in between Green and Platina, although the confusion was evident in her own face as well. "Green, this is Platina Berlitz, one of the Sinnoh Dex Holders that I told you about."
"Berlitz..." Green muttered quietly. "Yes, I remember Gramps talking about the name. Professor Rowan's assiatant, yes?"
Platina nodded. Feeling that it was her turn now, Crystal stepped beside the younger girl as she spoke up: "And Platina, this is Green Oak, grandson of Professor Oak and our senior Dex Holder. He's also the current Gym-Leader of Viridian City in the Kanto region."
Platina's eyes widened in recognition. "The strongest man in Kanto," she whispered in awe.
"Is that how I'm known in Sinnoh?" Asked Green with a displeased frown. "Exaggerating fools. But a Dex Holder of Sinnoh... I see. It appears that more of us were here than I had expected."
"But senpai, Cynthia told us you've been here for a year!" Crystal exclaimed. "Then what about the Gym?"
"I have enough Pokemon to fight on their own," Green replied nonchalantly. "By schedule I should have returned a month ago, but then I caught several Team Rocket activities here and there. So I've been trying to track them down, until the dream came to me last week."
"Do you think any others might have had the dream as well?" Crystal asked concernedly, reminded of her two friends she had left behind in Johto... or at least, she thought she did. Now she wasn't so sure.
"Who knows?" said Green with a shrug. "But we must concentrate on what we can do right now. I assume you're aware of what's going on right now?"
"We have just been with the Gym-Leaders, " Platina informed him. "Brycen explained everything. What do we do now?"
"Wait for a moment," Green told her. "I've already planted an informant within Team Rocket, and he's been passing information to me daily. It's almost time for him to report again."
"An informant?" Asked Crys, blinking.
"I doubt you'd fail to recognize him," said Green in an amused tone as he walked over to the videophone set up at the side of the wall. As soon as he faced the large screen it flared into life, allowing the other three Trainers to come up beside him and see: a face of equal coolness as Green, hidden under a messy cascade of burnt-red hair that came down to the back of his neck.
"Silver," Green curtly acknowledged the younger boy with a nod.
"Green-nii," the reply was just as short, although there was also respect for the senior Dex Holder.
"Silver!" Crystal exclaimed as she instictively jumped onto Green's side as she stared at her friend's face in shock. " What are you - you've been working here with Green-senpai?"
"Crys?" Silver's eyes also widened in shock, but before he could carry on the screen was suddenly blocked by another very familiar face.
"Why, Crys! What a delight to see you here, and with Green too!" Blue trilled, her face virtually ablaze with joy. Behind her Crys could hear muffled protests from Silver, followed by a female voice she didn't recognize.
Now it was Green's turn to stagger in utmost shock - yes, he actually staggered - as he gaped with dismayed eyes at what Crys knew he considered to be the most annoying face in the world.
"Noisy woman, you... what in the world are you doing here?" He growled into the screen.
"Aww, you haven't changed a bit!" Blue cooed teasingly at his irritated expression. "Fancy getting a cold shoulder from an old friend one hasn't seen for over two years! You know I missed you, hon, really did."
Green muttered something that sounded like "Shut up" under his breath.
"Crys, is this the senpai Elesa said that was travelling with White?" Platina asked Crystal curiously. She nodded back as Blue turned her attention to the younger girl with glinting eyes.
"Why, hello there!" She said sweetly to Platina and Cynthia standing behind Green, that typical sly grin of hers on her face. "Are you with Green as well? Who are you?"
"Blue-senpai, this is Cynthia, Champion of the Sinnoh region," said Crys quickly; she was less surprised than Green thanks to Elesa's little slip. "And this is Platina Berlitz, Dex Holder from Sinnoh."
"Oh, really? Charmed!" said Blue happily as Cynthia and Platina both made their greetings. Taking a step back and allowing another girl - wearing a white hat over her ponytailed brown hair and garbed in a black vest and a pair of hot pants - to enter the screen she added: "Well, my name is Blue, Dex Holder from the Kanto region. This is White, Dex Holder of Unova and the one who blabbed Team Plamsa's plan all over the region. And - " As she spoke she reached a hand out of the screen and pulled a madly-blushing Silver back in - "this cutie here is my little brother, Silver, Dex Holder from Johto."
As Platina and Cynthia exchanged some more formalities with Blue and White, Crys was more interested in the fact that Silver was beginning to squirm uncomfortably under his sister's arm - looking extremely embarassed, obviously. It was such a change from his usual cool manner that she couldn't help but find it a little amusing despite the crazy situation Blue had pulled them all into.
"Umm... Blue-san?" It was White who came to her friend's rescue. "Isn't there a report Green-san is supposed to hear...?"
"Oh, right!" Blue remarked, giggling sheepishly as she finally released a relieved Silver, quickly retreating behind her brother along with White.
"...Well, that being taken care of," muttered Green with an annoyed cough, finally rejoining the talk. "It looks like you won't be going back to Team Rocket, as you'll want to go with your sister and White. No, don't try to deny it," he said quickly upon seeing Silver opening his mouth to protest. "I'm not saying you're irresponsible. You've already told me much, like the breakout among Team Rocket members. You had joined the rebels, I suppose?"
"Yes, but I didn't find out much; it was all too confusing," Silver admitted. "They claimed that they're under Koga's command, and thus under Giovanni, but how can they be when others claim that he's the one behind all the acts done here in Unova?"
A jolt travelled through Crystal's spine as she realized her friend's motivation: in addition to his dream, he had still not given up on searching for his father. She quickly sent a warning glance at Platina, lest she mentions their fight with Giovanni in Route 8; it wouldn't do at all to inform Silver that his father had attacked them in the way he did.
"I wonder..." Green muttered as he listened to Silver's report. "Well, no matter. Team Rocket can wait. I see you're in Mistralton. We're in Opelucid."
"Opelucid?" White blurted out from behind, only to flinch at Silver's annoyed glare.
"Right," he muttered as he turned to Green again. "She wanted me to ask you if Black had reached Opelucid yet."
"Probably," Crys answered for Green with a nod. "Burgh told us that he'd be here by now. He might be challenging the Gym right now."
"Thank goodness," said White, sighing in relief.
"Hm," said Silver thoughfully, the normal sharp look returning to his face. "Assuming that he succeeded in receiving the badge today, he'll be through the Victory Road by tomorrow to challenge the Elite Four - and the King, supposing he has already arrived."
"We can only guess," agreed Green. "Meanwhile, by then you'll be able to arrive at Opelucid as well, assuming that White has a flyer of her own."
"She does," confirmed Silver. "But won't we be too late? We can't let you stay behind and rejoin us."
"It doesn't matter," said Green. "By the time Black is through the Elite Four Team Plasma will make its move, as well as the other gangs of criminals. If you don't arrive in time to help Black, you can still stop the resy of the thugs from nearing the Pokemon League. But even so, try not to be late."
"We won't," vowed Silver grimly, his expression making everyone present solemn.
"Then it's decided," said Green firmly as he turned back to Crys, Platina and Cynthia. "Tomorrow we go to the Pokemon League, and that's where we''ll join the others. Cynthia, you can act with the Elite Four once you join them."
"Do be careful, guys," Blue told them from the other side of the screen as the other people murmured agreement, her words serious despite her still-lingering smile. "This is a dangerous game we're playing here, and we've got so much to lose."
"Now you're fretting, in addition to being noisy," said Green as he turned his back on her, looking back with a taunting smirk. "If you're so worried about us, then I suppose you should come quickly and give us a hand."
"I'll keep that in mind," said Blue, winking at the watching Crys with a sly grin.
Crys knew that they'd be seeing her again soon enough.
- Opelucid Gym -
They had returned to ground zero.
Black looked on with gritted teeth as Poka and Haxorus still faced off in the middle of the staduim, just like the moment when they had begun the match almost an hour ago. Just that fact wouldn't have concerned him so much, if it weren't for the fact that Poka was in a much worse shape than Haxorus.
After his initial plan involving Substitute had failed, he tried various strategies that he managed to devise hurriedly, but Iris was uncannily quick in anticipating his tactics, always managing to nullify them before they could take full effect. That, plus the Axe Jaw Pokemon's superior dexterity, made things difficult for him and Poka.
"Well, Black?" Iris asked in a confident tone. "What are you gonna come at me with this time? I'm really starting to enjoy this match!"
Black tried not to let his agitation show. He couldn't lose here after all the adventures he'd had; had he not vowed to the heavens that he would conquer the Pokemon League? Had he not promised both N and Alder that he would meet them there? Had he not sworn to himself and his Boss that he would stop Team Plasma? How was he able to do so if he was to be brought down here, right at the front gate of his destiny?
He shook his head vigorously. Why was he thinking like this? Maroon had always told his apprentice to believe in himself. It was no wonder he was losing now if he had strayed so far from his teachings.
What a stubborn apprentice I was to you, Master, thought Black as he looked at Poka's heavily-heaving back. You seemed to like that in me, but now I'm disappionting you once again. Help me, Master. I must bend my pride and remember...
"Master! Did you just see that?" An eleven-year-old Black yelled in joy as the wild Whirlipede collapsed onto the ground, leaving him and Musha victorious.
"Every move," chuckled Maroon, clapping quietly as he walked over to his excited apprentice. "That was a daring tactic, having Musha charge against a Pokemon in an attacking advantage instead of keeping distance and wearing the opponent down."
"That's what the Whirlipede would've expected," Black pointed out smugly. "That's why I caught it by surprise, right?"
"Very true," answered his master, a thin smile on his face as he took a sit on the grass beside Black. "That having been said, I've noticed that you're very fond of those unorthodox strategies, like that time you made War hide underground to follow that Drilbur instead of taking to the sky."
"There's no reason for me to act the way the enemy will expect me to act, is there?" Black replied confidently.
"From the Trainer's point of view, that's certainly true," acknowledged Maroon. "But what would that mean from the Pokemon's point of view?"
"What do you mean?" Asked Black, blinking in incomprehension.
"Your opponent expects you to strategize in ways that are fit for your Pokemon," explained Maroon. "For example, they'll expect an Emolga to fight using speed, not strength, because by doing so you can bring out its full potential. Going against that expectation will catch the enemy off-guard, but it will also end up making your Pokemon go against its nature."
Noticing Black's confused expression, Maroon gave another low chuckle before adding: "Well, I don't expect you to understand that right now. In time, you'll see what I mean."
"No, I think I get it," Black insisted, offended that his mentor would consider him incapable of learning. "I need to understand my Pokemon, right?"
"Essentially, yes." His master replied with a smile.
"I was wrong," Black spoke out suddenly.
"Huh?" Iris spoke from the other side, apparantly confused by his abrupt outburst.
"I didn't get it at all back then," said Black, laughing self-mockingly as the memory came rushing back to him. "And when I became experienced enough to understand, I couldn't remember his words. Man, I've let him down too much."
"Black, what are you talking about?" Asked Iris, beginning to sound frustrated by his mutterings.
Letting his eyes regain their confident edge, Black lowered his body again as he replied: "I'm saying that you won't have to hold back anymore, Iris. I've learned my lesson, and I'm ready to take your fullest!"
At first the Gym-Leader loked surprised by his sudden rebound, before her eyes narrowed in anticipation and excitement again.
"You had better keep your word, Black!" She cried energetically with a quick sweep of her hand. "Haxorus, charge in and use Slash! Let's see what you have in mind this time!"
"Poka, leap back and use Bulk Up!" Black shouted, wishing that his renewed will would pass to his partner as Haxorus let out an energetic roar as it prepared to charge. Using his powerful legs to jump back and land in front of his Trainer, the Emboar let out a loud huff and his muscles began to expand, ready to unleash their energy to the fullest.
"You won't be able to dodge this one, Black!" Iris yelled confidently as Haxirus shot forward heedless, its tusks aiming for Poka's head.
Her naivety almost made Black smile.
"I'm done running," he replied with finalty, enjoying Iris's surprised look for half a second before shouting: "Grab!"
With a focused bellow Poka planted his feet to the floor, bracing himself with his ready arms reached outward to face the incoming Axe Jaw Pokemon. As soon as Haxorus came within jumping reach the Emboar suddenly drew back, absorbing the shock of the impact this grasping the opponent's bladed tusks with his hands and effectively stopping it in its tracks.
Noticing Iris's eyes widening at the sudden change of strategy, Black gave a satisfied smile as Poka and Haxorus engaged in a fierce pushing match.
"Poka's an Emboar," he said, Maroon's words finally making themselves clear to him. "Emboars are natually slow, but with incredible strength and endurance (#1). Up to now, I tried to make Poke use his speed, not strength, which might have screwed your expectations but also crippled his potentials. Point being, neither of us have been fighting to our fullest." Looking back at Poka he shouted: "Let's finish this, Poka! Show'em your true power!"
"Haxorus, don't give up! Push on!" Iris crie out to her Pokemon as it let out an angry screech, struggling to make headway against Poka's iron grip. Now both Pokemon were pushing in earnest, the ground starting to give way beneath their feet and their nostrils flaring to eject steam.
A perfect stage for the next part of the plan. It was about time he started giving surprises instead of receiving them.
"Poka, stop!"
At once the Emboar halted in his advance. Unable to stop in time, the Haxorus let out a startled cry as its own strength propelled it forward, falling face-down to the ground as Poka slipped out of the way.
"Hammer Arm!" Black bellowed in succession. Before the fallen Haxorus could recover and retaliate, Poka shot one bulky arm high up in the air, bringing it down upon his opponent's back with a mighty roar, creating a large crash and a small crater through the incredible impact.
"Haxorus, Dragon Tail!" Iris cried hurriedly; Black felt a moment of admiration for her, for being able to keep her head when her Pokemon just got floored in front of her. The Axe Jaw Pokemon's long tail swung viciously, again striking Poka (this time he blocked the blow with his arms), sending him skidding acrodd the floor and giving time for the drake to return to its feet.
"You can knock us back a thousand times," said Black as Poka immediately returned to fighting stance. "But Poka and I are both infighters. However reckless it may be, we'll charge for our destiny. We WILL win this! Let's finish this, Poka! Use Head Smash!"
"Hold'em off! Dragonbreath!" Iris yelled urgently as Poka launched himself at his opponent blindly, his rock-hard head aimed straight for the Axe Jaw Pokemon's belly. In desperation the Haxorus shot a heated breath of fire from her haws which struck the Emboar head-on, but it was nowhere enough to step the Mega Fire Pig Pokemon's reckless onrush.
"Haxorus!" Iris cried out in horror as Poka's head barrelled straight into her Pokemon's belly with an incredible smash, the momentum of the impact carrying both Pokemon several feet and sending Haxorus tumbling back some more. It eventually landed in front of its dismayed Trainer in a large heap, managing to utter a mournful howl before collaping on the floor defeated.
"Poka, we did it!" Black yelled out in pure joy as he rushed into the ravaged stadium to the exhausted Emboar, who was panting heavily with one knee on the floor. Putting a hand on his partner's shoulder as he took a more serious mood, he added: "Sorry about the earlier blunder, fellow. I could've saved you a cartload of trouble."
Poka let out an understanding rumble as he took his Trainer's hand.
"Wow, I actually lost..." Black looked up to see Iris walking over to him, a thin smile on her face despite her somewhat-vacant look. "Thanks, Black. I needed that loss. It looks like I've still got a lot to learn."
"And you will," assured Black kindly as he faced the young girl. "In any case, I should be thanking you, Iris. I might've forgotten an important lesson forever if it weren't for you."
"Well, it was a fun battle anyway, right?" said the Gym-Leader happily, looking more like her cheerful self again. Taking out a small object out of her clothes, she handed it over to Black as he recognized it immediately: "Thanks for the amazing battle, Black. You have every right to take this Legend Badge. Now the Pokemon League is open to you. Congratulations!"
"Thanks, Iris," said Black sincerely as he gladly received the token of victory from her, beyond joy as he put it in his badge-case; his gate of destiny had finally opened. His path was still forward.
Just then the Gym's door opened again, shedding bright light onto the dimly-lit platform. This time Maroon walked in first, one hand on the edge of his hood and wearing an extremely pleased smile, as if he had seen something delightful while he was gone. Drayden followed close behind, making an odd contrast with a shocked expression.
"After all this time," Black heard Drayden mutter as the two men stepped up to the platform. "You never told us that you were - "
"I felt it neccessary, sir," said Maroon quickly, ending that conversation. Looking at Black and Iris standing together, his smile got wider as he added: "And would you look at that? It looks like Black is ready as well."
"Hm!" Remarked Drayden as his eyes fell upon the Legend Badge within Black's hands. "That was quick; I guess I was right about you after all, young fellow. So, do you plan to leave for the Victory Road right away?"
"Just after I drop by the Pokemon Center, sir," Black replied, unable to suppress his joy at finally entering the Pokemon League. I wonder if N had arrived yet?
"I see. Then what about you, C - Maroon?" Drayden asked hastily.
"I'm sorry, Black," said Maroon apologetically to his apprentice. "But I won't be able to watch your battle with the Elite Four; the Gym-Leaders told me many... important things. Now there are some people I need to go find quickly."
"Oh, okay," said Black, only slightly surprised; after all, he was quite aware of his mentor's occasional air-headedness. "Good luck to you, then, Master. I hope you find whoever it is you gotta find."
"Good luck to you, Black," Maroon replied with his trademark smile. "Trust me, you'll be needing that more than me."
- Unova Pokemon League, Chamber of Dread -
"Oh?" Spoke Grimsley from his luxurious sear as the sound of moving conveyor belts reached his ears. "This is a pleasant surprise... it's been so long since I last had a good match," he whispered excitedly, turning to face his challenger with his Liepard's Poke Ball already in hand. "Ah... so it's you."
N stood facing his first Elite Four member, all his Pokemon except Zekrom spread out behind him in a wide arc; due to a matter of convenience the Deep Black Pokemon had insisted on resealing himself temporarily within the Dark Stone, despite N's strong protests.
"We've been told by ol' Alder that you'd come for us eventually," drawled Grimsley in an irritating snaky voice that got on N's nerves. "The renowned King of Team Plasma... well, well, what have you got to show me, then? Hm?"
"My dream," N replied coldly, sending out his Klinklank first with a wave of his hand. "And if you are not wise enough to see it... then some humility first."
- Lacunosa Town -
"And now... for the final task," said Ghetsis, the half-spectacle on his right eye gleaming dangerously as he reached the last destination for the completion of his plan.
OMG, in addition to my current slow pace, this happens to be one of the longest chapter I've written so far. *dies* Apologies for the delay.
#1: Meaning a lot of HP, not Defense. Emboar's defense is awful, as far as I know...
And yes, finally! We now welcome the Mr. Cool-guy into the story. Three cheers (or more) for Green! Woot! And it looks like this time I've thrown some Oldrival hints into the mix. I usually try not to be judgemental on the shippings, especially rather controversial ones; personally, I like both Oldrival and Chosen. Silver and Blue make great siblings, and it's a pretty popular belief that Silver sees Blue as more than just a sister... or he's just a naughty boy. I vote both. XD
I've also thrown a lot of hints concerning other stuff. Like the conversation Maroon had cut off with Drayden. I wonder what he was trying to say? :)
Anyway, on the next chapter we finally move on to the Elite Four! We'll begin right where Black exits the victory road and... after that, leave it to your imagination! Don't know when I'll update this one, though. Most probably within the week, but eh... until then, R&R!
Writing completed on June 12th, 2011. This is Yowl of Time, out.