May 14 2:19 p.m.
The road trip across Sinnoh was eventful, to say the least, and not in the pleasant sight seeing kind of way. The weather continued to act crazy with random rain and snow storms scattered as they drove. Once they drove into a lighting storm and had to pull over, ducking as low as possible into their seats. Thunder was a constant reminder of the clouds that now blocked the sun completely from view. Night was nearly pitch black without the dim light of the moon and stars overhead.
They drove through town after town, each crumbled and shattered from the Dominion assault, with no living souls anywhere to be found. Dominion's assaulted them at random times, sometimes in one of the towns, other times while they were out on the road. Never more than three at a time, it was as if the small groups were search parties of some kind. Probably looking for living beings to kill...
It was a surprise to all of them the jeep was still intact as is. It was covered in gashes from the sharp claws, scorch marks from the lightning, and every window had cracks running across them. Save for Lance's window, which was completely shattered out, with fragments of glass littering the floorboard. The hood was dented in from a Dominion Bayleaf had tossed onto it. Dawn's door would no longer open, having been slammed into by Mamoswine being thrown into the air, and tarp covering the back was shredded with the tattered flaps of fabric whipping in the wind.
They were nearing Canalave City, and so far they had been fairly lucky, or maybe they were finally getting good at fighting Dominion's off...it probably was a good idea if they didn't try to figure out which. Their last gas stop had been the day before, around noon, or so they guessed. It was hard to tell without ever seeing the sun hiding behind the clouds.
"Ten more miles" Kyle announced, "good thing too, because we are-".
The jeep sputtered, and vibrated roughly before the engine killed itself and they rolled to a stop.
"About out of gas...".
"Looks like we're walking the rest of the way" Lance stated, flinging open his door.
"Oh joy" Dawn's voice dripped with sarcasm, "we get to trek to another destroyed city, and fight more of those dicks".
"Someone needs a nap" Kyle commented from the front, pulling his rifle up from the floorboard.
"What was that K"?!
Dawn lunged forward, her hands wrapping around the drivers seat and snatching at Kyle, who yelped and dove out of the jeep just in time to avoid being grabbed, "I said you need a nap"!
The bluenette's retaliated with a growling roar, and fiercely climbed across Misty's lap and into the front seats. She flopped onto them and whipped herself out of the vehicle, rounding the front end as she chased after Kyle.
"I agree with him" Ash whispered to Misty as he opened his door, "she does need a nap".
"Techincally we could all use one" Misty noted, "it's been a crazy couple of days".
"Some real sleep does sound amazing".
"Alright! You two are the biggest children I've ever seen" Lance's shout cut across the open road, but it did not stop Dawn from continuing to chase Kyle in circles around the jeep. The Dragon Master gripped his side and leaned against the vehicle, heaving a ragged breath. Shouting didn't do his rib any good, figured he would of realized that by now.
"After you" Misty beckoned to the door, motioning for Ash to get out. He did so, turning back to offer his help. Using her good arm to grip onto his, she hauled herself out into the breeze. The humidity was incredibly high with the never ending storm, but the air itself was cool. She readjusted her arm in the sling, placing it in a more comfortable position, "ten miles huh? That's going to be a few hours walk".
"Unfortunately, so keep your senses peeled" Lance sighed as he raised up off the jeep, "let's get going. They'll catch up eventually".
He threw a thumb Kyle and Dawn's direction, not looking back as he did so and leaning back over into the vehicle. Pressing the release button on the glove box, Lance let it drop open and removed the covered Darkin from inside, stuffing it in his pocket. Then he marched off, his spiky hair blowing sideways in a gust of wind. Misty's hair blew across Ash's face, and for a moment he was standing on the hill overlooking Viridian City as he helped an injured Misty walk. Wow, that was a long time ago...
He took her hand, squeezing it gently as he began to follow Lance, and at first she winced but then returned the gesture. Skin contact still made her feel dirty, but that feeling was going away, besides holding Ash's hand somehow always made her feel safer. So she was going to make herself get over it. They walked on, leaving the jeep behind, and that included Dawn and Kyle, which they quickly noticed.
"Hey" they both shouted at the same time, and raced after their group.
"Do you think we'll find food this time" Kyle asked as they caught up, "I'm starving".
"We're all hungry" Misty pointed out, and at the mention of its regular cue, Ash's stomach announced itself.
"Maybe if you wouldn't have blown up that last gas station we could have taken some of the food from inside" Dawn rebuked, throwing her arms in the air for emphasis.
"I said I was sorry" Kyle defended, "there was a Dominion standing by the gas pump, what else was I supposed to do"?
"How about let one of us with Pokemon handle it"!
Lance visibly winced as Dawn raised her voice, and his expression fell to the ground. Realizing what she said, the bluenette immediately softened her tone, "I'm sorry Lance, I didn't mean to say it that way".
"It's fine" the Dragon Master waved her off, not lifting his eyes, his voice shaking. Ash felt for his friend. Losing all of your Pokemon to Dominion's had to be rough. The red head stumbled, clasping his side and sucking air in through his teeth.
"Here" Dawn scurried forward, grabbing his arm and placing it over her shoulder, "let me help".
Lance didn't protest, merely swallowing and locking his dark eyes ahead of them. She looked down and blinked once, hurt evident on her face, but she said nothing else. So they walked in silence, ignoring the occasional booms of thunder overhead. Misty's legs were on fire by the time they reached a sign reading 'Canalave City - 5 Miles'. How on Earth did they used to walk everywhere?
Kyle brought up the rear while Ash was now leading. Lance's pace had slowed immensely the longer they went, his breathing becoming harsher. No one suggested stopping though, he wouldn't go for it anyway. His hand was now firmly grasping his rib, a pained scowl across his face, but he kept going. Kept pushing.
Ash took a glance down at his once broke hand, curling his fingers in and out. On the outside everything looked normal, but he could tell they hadn't healed right. They just felt funny, but at least they were usable. The majority of his cuts and bruises were gone, and Misty's once massive purple bruise on her temple was now only a speck of yellow.
All in all, considering everything, looking around they all looked normal. They were just incredibly dirty. Ash could live with that, better dirty and physically healthy than what else could be. Lance was being a good example of that. Stubborn. Much like himself, guess that's why they were good friends.
"Ash".
Misty's hushed voice snapped him from his thoughts, and he cocked his head to listen.
"How do you think the others are doing? Not just Brock and them, but the League, and Iris"?
No point in lying, "I don't know. I can't imagine they are doing very well. Every place we've seen has been decimated. Hopefully they're still putting up a fight though".
She didn't respond right away, biting her bottom lip gently as they walked on, and after a moment saying, "I hope so. I'd like to see them again".
And his heart clenched. How he would too, but that wasn't a guarantee. Of course being Ash he promised anyway, "we will".
"Won't they be shocked when they see Gary" Misty joked half heartedly, gently shaking Ash's hand with her and he smiled, "it will be awesome to see their faces".
"That'll be something"!
And then they fell silent again, making sure to keep their eyes out for any kind of trouble, which thankfully never came as they reached the city limits. Just like all the others they had passed through, it was an abandoned battlefield. Ruined buildings with gaping holes, debris lined streets, cracked pavement, and the occasional streak or stain of blood.
"Is it bad I was kinda hoping Canalave wouldn't look like the others" Dawn muttered grimly, adjusting herself under Lance's shoulder as they walked down the street, heading towards the taller buildings
"Eyes up" Kyle called from behind them, raising his rifle to aiming height. Rounding the corner of 8th street onto their's, a woman stumbled and fell onto the cracked pavement. A woman! The first living being other than a Dominion they had seen in months.
"Hey" Ash called, and took off ahead of the others, his fingers slipping from Misty's and leaving them cold. He slid to a halt beside the woman, throwing dust into the air, and dropping to his knees. "Ma'm"?
He carefully turned the face down woman on her back, no, girl! She couldn't have been older than fourteen or fifteen. She had blonde hair littered with dirt and grime. Her clothes were worn and tattered, too dirt covered to ever tell what color they once had been. Multiple scars lined across her body and face, as if she had been assaulted multiple times in the past, and a fresh cut bleeding across her stomach. Aside from those, dozens upon dozens of bruises were scattered on her skin. She opened her eyes slowly at his touch, looking up at his face unbelieving. Like she wasn't really seeing him. Thunder clapped.
"Let me die in peace" she begged, "please don't hurt me anymore".
"We're not going to hurt you" Ash cooed softly, "just take it easy. Try not to move, you look really hurt".
Her already confused expression turned even more bewildered, "are you an angel? They say one takes you away when you die".
"No I'm not an Angel" he smiled, "my name is Ash, and we're going to help you ok"?
She nodded silently, closing her eyes and seeming to relax under his hand. The others reached him, Misty and Dawn audibly gasping at the sight.
"Is she ok" Dawn asked as Kyle scanned the surrounding area with his rifle.
"No, I don't think so" Ash replied, "but we'll make sure she is. Lance do you have-".
Something streaked by Ash, close enough it knocked across his cheek and left a burning sting. The girl twitched under his hand and fell still. Dawn shouted in panic as Ash swung his head around to check on the girl, only for his stomach to harden in fear and disgust. An arrow was lodged deep in her temple, blood trickling out along the wooden shaft.
"GET DOWN! ON YOUR KNEES"! The shout echoed from the top of the closest building, and came again along with another person shouting, "DO IT NOW"!
Battle whoops of some kind began to ring out from all sides, filling the air with terrifying high pitched cries. Kyle swung his rifle every which way, desperately trying to locate a source. Another arrow knocked across the ground at his feet, making him yelp and jump back.
"LAST WARNING! ON YOUR KNEES"!
"Get down" Ash hissed, grabbing Misty's good hand and pulling her down beside him. Dawn quickly helped Lance down, and Kyle followed suite, laying the rifle in front of him.
"DON'T MOVE HEATHENS"!
Lance leaned over ever so slightly and whispered into Misty's ear, "we're not taking any chances. As soon as I give a signal, release Gyarados".
She swallowed nervously and nodded. Hopefully these people, whoever they were, only had arrows. Gyarados could handle that no problem. Ash's elbow nudged her side and he nodded to the rooftops. Following his gaze she spotted twenty or so men and women lined along them, bows pointed and ready.
"Not yet" Lance whispered as Misty's fingers twitched for her PokeBall's.
The front door to what was once a bakery flung open, throwing shattered glass into the street. A tall, burly man with long, shaggy dark hair strolled out. In his hands he was twirling a bloody and chipped baseball bat by the tip, carelessly swinging the wide end around and around. Behind him three other men stepped out into the dimly lit day, each with their own bow, and knives hanging from their belt.
The man with the bat calmly walked in front of the group, stopping ten feet away with his guards behind him. Kyle's eyes flickered between his rifle and the rooftops, stopping at each individual person. If Misty had to guess, he was counting them, matching them to how many rounds were left in his clip. If there was one thing she had learned about Kyle on this trip of theirs. He might be goofy, and unwilling to, but if needed he could take anyone down in a heartbeat.
The muscular man before them stopped twirling his bat, resting it across his shoulders and lying his hands over it. Then he spoke with a deep voice, "what brings three men and two women to my city"?
"Your city" Lance asked, "what makes it yours"?
"Simple answer, I took over" the man smiled, "chaos erupted, people fled, and I organized the remaining hooligans. Anyone who fought back, or broke my rules, payed the price".
The man patted his bat, alternating with both hands and widening his smile, "that makes it mine".
"And you took over a city with noting but bows and a bat" the Champion pressed, his voice flat and emotionless.
"Aren't you perceptive" the man reached over the bat and scratched the back of his hair, "kinda had too since the League took all the firearms when they left, except for yours I see".
"Aren't you perceptive" Lanc repeated with a smirk.
Misty's eyes shot from the man to the Dragon Master, back and forth, waiting for the inevitable signal. This man had no idea what he was in for, hopefully he didn't have a strong electric type on his side, better make sure actually, so she critized "like you took over a city without the help of Pokemon".
At this the man burst into laughter, removing his bat from his shoulder and using it to lean on as he doubled over. His three guards behind him shifted unneasily, but remained quiet. Ash noticed the rooftop people shift as well.
"Pokemon?! Oh I suppose they helped at first" he stood back up, scratching the tip of his bat across the pavement in random circles.
"At first"?
"What outlives its usefulness we make sure becomes useful" he told her, "have you had Squirtle soup"?
Misty thought she might vomit. Ash on the other hand, had had enough, "you sick fuck".
"People eat Pokemon all the time" the man defended, placing the bat at his chest like he had been insulted, using it in place of his hand, "where do you think meat comes from"?
"You talk about others like they are a means to your end" Ash spat, "you're no better than the Dominion's".
"Those dark creatures that fly and kill everything in sight" he asked curiously, "no I suppose not".
That threw Ash for a loop, he hadn't expected the man to agree with him.
"The name's Rorik" he informed them, gesturing wide with the bat, "and welcome to my city. Where you're either useful, useless, or a toy".
And he pointed to the dead girl beside Ash using his bat, making a 'tsk tsk tsk' sound as he did so.
"What do you mean toy" Misty demanded, her voice shaking obviously, no matter how hard she tried to mask the fear behind it. If this man men't what she thought he did...
"My toy, his toy" Rorik pointed to man on his left, "our toys. Whatever you prefer. She was a bad toy, couldn't stay on her knees with her mouth open at the same time".
Dawn shifted from the fear radiating from Misty, and the pure rage flowing off of Ash. He looked terrifying! Like if he got ahold of the man he would rip him apart.
"So now, what brings you to my city" Rorik asked, starting the twirling of his bat back up and take a few steps closer. Misty shot a glance to Ash, who's jaw was locked tight, unmoving as he glared at the man in front of them. Lance on the other hand, spoke up, "we were looking for a friend of ours. And it's obvious he's not here".
"Mm? Why's that? What's his name? Perhaps he is and I simply added him to my toy box".
Lance took a long breath, and said, "his name is Nowmisty".
"NowMisty? That's an odd one".
It took a minute for Misty to registure what Lance had said, he had spoken it so fast and jumbled together, but when she did a small gasp escaped her and she snapped her finger to her PokeBall. In a bright flash and an earth shattering roar, the Water Dragon emerged ferociously, making Rorik collapse onto his rear as he tried to step back swiftly.
"STOP THEM GYARADOS" Misty bellowed, and of course her Pokemon obliged.
Arrows let loose as Gyarados roared once more, but they merely deflected off his scales, only serving to agitate the beast. He blasted the rooftop archers with torrents of water from a HydroPump, sending them slipping and sliding. Lance was on his feet, powering through his broken rib, "LET'S GO"!
It took every ounce of strength Ash had not to sprint forward at Rorik, who was scampering to his feet and running back into the bakery. Gyarados blasted a HyperBeam after the man, ripping up the concrete and sending pavement all directions. It exploded the front of the store into the street, scattering more debris and dust into the air.
Kyle snatched up his rifle and aimed up as one braver archer reappeared and notched an arrow, pointing down at them. He pulled the trigger and the man dropped back out of sight.
"This way" Lance called, waving for the rest of them. They followed, Ash staying directly behind Misty to intercept a stray arrow should one fly her way. The area was filled with them now, soaring at Gyarados, them, or clinking against concrete as they missed.
The Water type was only more frustrated as more arrows bounced off him, and he shook the buildings with another roar, blowing the top off a flower shop with another HyperBeam and sending archers into the air. Kyle brought up the rear, walking backwards and assisting Gyarados with his rifle. Picking off the archers taking aim at him and the others. One bullet per archer, no use wasting ammo.
When they were at the end of the street, Misty recalled Gyarados, kissing his PokeBall in gratitude. Lance led them further away from the hostile group, turning down an alley and cutting across street after street. Planning on throwing them off their trail for now.
The further into the city they ran, Misty began to smell the ocean, saltwater smell swirling into her nostrils. How it helped relax her at a time like this she would never be able to explain why, it was just simply the water. Finally they found it, the harbor running through the middle of the city and out into the sea. Maybe they could find a boat after they searched through the library?
"Boom, there it is" Kyle pointed across the harbor to a somewhat tall building with stained glass windows, "Canalave Library".
"Hurry, we need to get out of this place fast" Lance unnecessarily told them, "to which Dawn replied through breaths, "gee, ya think"!?
Ash's rage was still running wild, his heart pounding in his ears. God help the man who EVER tried to use Misty as a toy again...he would almost rather fight a Dominion everyday for the rest of his life than to discover more people in the world like Giovanni and Rorik. Twisted men, who only had their own interests at heart. Using people and Pokemon for selfish gain. Everything Ash couldn't stand! Everything he was against...maybe he really was a pure heart?
His thoughts blocked out the conversation of the others and before he knew it he was standing at the entrance to the library. Coming back to reality, he saw the building and the state it was in. Colored glass shattered and splayed across the road, doors busted and cracked off their hinges, a giant hole blasted into the roof. Here's to hoping the books were all intact.
They took the stairs up to the arching doorway two at a time, though Lance grunted with each step up. Kyle smashed himself shoulder first into the remains of the big door, crashing it open and pulling it completely off the hinges. It thudded to the floor, the bang echoing around the massive room. The inside was a major contrast to the outside. Books were put away neatly, chairs were tucked under their tables, and there were no signs of fighting, save for the hole in the roof. Which also happened to knock down two bookshelves on the upper floor.
"You all read fast" Kyle told them, "I'll guard the door".
"Shout if you see anything coming" Lance agreed with a curt nod, then faced the others, "alright split up. Search for anything that might contain a clue to the shrine. Old history books, recorded diaries, anything of the sort".
"Right" the other three's voices rang out together, and they were off. Ash blindly picked an isle and ran halfway down, grabbing a random book and thumbing through it. Misty on the other hand, went behind the librarians desk. She looked up to see Lance follow the hanging signs and go into the isle marked, 'historic'. Dawn raced after him, and with a little smile to herself, Misty pulled open drawer after drawer. Searching for a documented list of everything the library had catalogued.
Not in there, nor in here, or there either! Here it is! She snatched a binder out of the bottom drawer, which was surprisingly heavy with only one arm, and plopped it onto the desks top. Turning over the front cover, her finger rand down the index of pages. Thousands of books were organized in this library, by numerical, alphabetical, and category. Stopping her finger at 'historical myth's, legends, and facts' she ran her eyes down the subcategories. Somewhere...there! Ancient Sinnoh Legends!
Off she ran, using her good arm to swing herself around the desk faster, and raced off in the direction of the isle. It was two rows down from Ash's, so at least if something happened they could assist each other. The raven haired man tossed book after book over his shoulder. Not a single one pertaining to anything that might even be considered relevant to Arceus. He groaned aloud in frustration as he tossed another book to the growing pile behind him, slamming his hands against the shelf.
Deciding he'd try another isle, he hopped over the cluster on the floor and headed for the end of his. Left or right? Wait? What's that? A seperate room with large square windows was to his right. Through the glass he could see comfy looking chairs, a coffee table, multiple toys for small children, and even a couple video phones. His heart skipped, what are the odds those still worked? One way to find out.
He opened the door, letting himself into the small lounge area, mentally crossing his fingers as he walked across the room. Stumbling over one of the toys and cursing as he did so. Slowly he sat down in the wooden chair in front of the phone, staring at the blank screen. The 'on' button glaring at him from the top right of the machine. Moment of truth! Please work! He pressed the button.
A melodic tone greeted him and the screen lit up. Holy shit! He could've done a dance! Rapidly his fingers danced over the keypad, typing in the number he had dialed so much before the wedding, and then it was ringing. It was an odd sound actually, to hear something so normal as a ring tone.
"Hello"?
And his face lit up, the giddiness of his luck taking over, "Iris"!
"Ash! Holy shit, thank God" the Unovan girl exclaimed loudly, relief washing over her bewildered face, "we were afraid you were dead! Where's Misty"?!
Her relief turned to panic, and Ash couldn't help but chuckle. It was good to see her, it was good to know she was still alive to be worried about them.
"She's just fine" Ash told her, "well, she's got a broken arm and is a little shaken up, but we're fine. How about you? And Cilan"?
Iris' expression relaxed once again as she heaved a long, happy sigh, "we're alright. Cilan's out helping train up the others and-".
"Others" Ash interrupted, "how are they doing? Who do you have? Brock? May, Delila and Cameron"?
"I'm sorry Ash, but we haven't located them" she sorrowfully informed him and his heart sank, "we've gathered quite a few, but there are still some we can't find".
Her brow furrowed and she reached for something offscreen. When her hand returned, she was holding a list and she started reading, "Ritchie, Todd, Trip, Paul, and Dawn are a few still missing".
"Dawn's with us" he told her, "she's helping us through Sinnoh".
"That's a relief" Iris breathed, scribbling on her list, "I'm glad you've got some help with you guys, but what are you doing in Sinnoh"?
"Long story. Can't get into it right now. Listen, we've been out of the loop. What's been happening? Please tell me we're winning"?
"Every Region is in pretty bad shape" she told him heavily, "Kanto is as good as gone and Johto isn't far behind. Sinnoh has a few resistance pockets that send us regular reports on Dominion movements. Hoenn and Orre have stopped communications completely, we don't know if they are totally gone or not. Kalos and Unova are holding fairly well, mainly because most of the world evacuated here and Kalos has all the Mega Evolutions, I would not want to mess with those guys. And the Orange Islands were completely evacuated with minimal casualties".
He had not been expecting all that information, and he whistled, "how did you learn all that"?
"Hm? Oh! The League caught wind of what we were doing and tracked us down, they were impressed with how well Cilan and I organized this little army and decided to join our ranks".
"Collaborate Ms. Ariusu" a female voice cut in off screen on Iris' end, "the League is still officially in charge".
"For the last time Lorelei, don't use my last name" the violet haired girl fumed, glancing offscreen.
"Lorelei" Ash asked, "she's there"?!
"Yes I'm present, who is-" the Elite member appeared beside Iris, "Ash?! You're alive! Is Lance with you"?
"Yea-hold on a second"! He jumped up from his seat, dashing back to the door to the library. Throwing it open he called, "Lance! Come quick! You'll want to see this"!
Hearing a book drop and the running of feet, Ash quickly returned to his seat, "he's on his way".
And sure enough, Lance burst into the room as if a battle were going on, but he paused when he saw the working video phone with Lorelei and Iris' faces onscreen.
"Thank God you're alive" the Ice Elite breathed a sigh of relief, "I was beginning to think I'd be running the League by myself".
The Champion was in shock for the briefest of moments, but snapped out of it and was shoving Ash over to force him to share his chair, "Lorelei, good to see you still around too. How's the war advancing? What are the Dominion activities"?
"Straight to business" Iris chastised, "no, hey glad to see everyone is still alive".
"Hey, glad to see your still alive Iris" Lance said quickly, "details Lorelei"!
Iris' eyes flashed to Ash and she shook her head exasperatedly.
"We're surviving, but barely" Lorelei informed, "if it hadn't been for Ms. Ariusu and her reinforcements, the League would likely be gone".
The girl in question turned pink, and Lorelei continued, "still, we are outnumbered and outmatched. No matter how many Dominiom we take down, more just keep appearing. Their brutality is unmatched, and their leader is ever allusive".
"The green eyed one" Ash interrupted, his eyes snapping to Lorelei.
She nodded, "we've had a few run ins with that one. He's...archaic, to say the least".
Ash's gut wrenched at her use of definition, remembering the pleasure in the things eyes as it gutted his mother.
"We have been able to gather that they are searching for something" she pressed on, "and from the few who have talked with us, they appear to be searching for you Ash, and a Mew".
"That's typical".
"They also destroy anything that produces light" she informed them, "we've avoided them at night by shutting down anything with a light source".
"That explains the group of them that attacked us on the road the other night" Lance grumbled, "they followed our headlights".
"Resources are running low, and moral is dwindling Lance" Lorelei said with a grim expression, "if we don't come up with a plan soon, we may not live to see a new year".
Ash glanced at the Champion for a moment, only a moment, but Lorelei caught it.
"You have a plan" she asked cautiously.
"Well" the red head started, "kind of".
She raised her brow waiting for an answer, but he only offered her vague instructions, "just hold tight until we arrive. Which could be a while. Broadcast your coordinates on emergency channel 1-45-8 at midnight every night. When we're ready to meet up we'll be there".
"That's the best you can tell me"?
"For now, yes" he nodded, "it's crazy what we're doing, and frankly if it doesn't work I don't want you to have it over my head".
She scowled at him but sighed, "very well. I'll continue gathering forces with Ms. Ariusu and we'll be sure to have an army raised by the time you are ready".
"Excellent, stay alive Lorelei" he told her, and she responded with a, "you too Lance".
Then with a last glance and nod to Ash, she stood up and left the screen. Lance did so too on their end, rubbing his rib as he did.
"Hey Lance" Ash began, "mind sending Misty and Dawn in here? I think they'd like to see Iris".
"Oh yes please" she called through the speaker.
"Fine, but make it quick, we still have to get the Hell out of here" he snapped, and swiftly walked out of the room.
"So, unofficially" Iris asked, leaning over to make sure the Ice Elite was gone, "you think Lance and Lorelei ever hooked up"?
"Really Iris"?
"Oh come on? Did you not catch that sexual tension"?!
"Really Iris"?!
"Just saying".
The door flew open with a snap, and Dawn sprinted in, throwing herself in front of Ash and filling the screen with her face, "Iris! I'm so happy you're alright"!
"Dawn! Wow, you're hair has gotten so long"!
"Really? I hadn't noticed"!
Misty rushed in, pausing at the scene of Dawn practically shoving her face into the camera and completely blocking Ash from view. The bluenette shifted just a bit to allow Misty a glimpse of the Violet haired woman onscreen, and Misty beamed wide, "Iris"!
She too raced up to the screen, squeezing herself into view beside Dawn and further pushing Ash out of the way.
"Here I'll just get up" he commented, and both girls immediately took his seat.
"Misty! Ash said you broke your arm? How'd that happen"?
Instant fear rushed into the red heads eyes, spreading to her facial expression as she relived the moment Giovanni groped her and snapped her forearm to pin her down with.
"It's ok" Iris immediately took back, "don't tell me, I'm sure it was awful".
"Yea...".
Ash's hand found her shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze, and her good hand reached up to rest on his.
"Are you still in Unova" Dawn asked, trying to move the conversation away for Misty's sake.
"Yea, we are" Iris answered, giving the red head an apologetic look then focusing on the bluenette, "the region is practically perfect for avoiding and fighting Dominion's. But when the time comes, we're ready to ship out wherever".
"Man, you guys are hardcore" Dawn awed, "who all do you got there? Anyone I know"?
"Some guy named Kenny has been going batshit over the fact that we had no idea where you were" she told her, "he'll be glad to know your safe".
"Tell him no need to worry" Dawn sighed, "I'm with Ash and Misty".
"You got it"!
Ash blocked out the rest, losing himself in thought as he listened to the three girls voices. It was a sound he had almost forgotten, and a sound he didn't realized he missed. Something he used to roll his eyes at when he would walk by a group of women. It was something normal, from a life he was forgetting more and more each day. He smiled gently as he saw Misty's smile, her teeth showing bright. Then came the guilt...he they were, smiling, living, while that fifteen year old girl was lying dead in the road...
Lance peered out the busted entrance doorway, locating Kyle searching the city line through narrow eyes. "All clear out here"?
"So far so quiet" Kyle replied, "though I'm positive they're watching us from somewhere".
"I wouldn't be surprised" Lance agreed, stepping out into the dull day. Thunder boomed across the sky as he did so. "I got in contact with the League just now".
Kyle's head snapped to his friend, "really?! How's everything going"?
"As bad as we figured" the Champion sighed, "we need to hurry".
"Then what are you doing out here"?
"I...Ash got in contact with Iris" he explained, "I figured they could use a moment. Their sense of purpose, humanity, they can't lose that. Talking with an old friend will do them good. Rekindle their hope, even if just a little".
Kyle eyed his friend, his lip curling into a half smile, "look at you"!
Lance turned to him curiously.
"As long as I've known you Lance, you've been a loner" the blonde continued, "it's nice to see you caring about others. Well, physically showing that you care. Dawn must have really done a number on you".
"What?! What do you mean" the Dragon Master asked a little too quickly.
"I would of asked sooner, but I knew you'd deny it anyway" Kyle started, "and don't deny it this time! But what's up with you and Dawn? Do you liiike her"?
"What are you Kyle? 5"?
He said nothing, merely smirking at Lance widely. The Champion looked back, his eyes dancing between Kyle's, and he finally heaved another sigh, "alright fine. I'm trying to figure that out, ok"?
"I knew it" the blonde pointed his finger excitedly, "she's a good girl, and she seems to be interested, what's there to figure out"?
Lance said nothing, averting his eyes to the ground in front of them. Thunder rolled overhead, lightning flashing far in the distance.
"Still with the Lorelei thing" Kyle guessed exasperatedly, "that was a long time ago buddy".
"I don't want to make the same mistake twice" replied Lance quietly, a gust of wind ruffling his red hair. The blonde nodded understandingly, and gazed off to the constant storm overhead, "I hear ya. Just...don't wait to long to figure it out. I know it sounds cliche', but everyone always says things like you don't have forever. And in our current state, now more than ever that's true. If we aren't taken out by the Dominion's, then this storm could very well do it when it really gets going, and even if not that...who's to say you won't bite the dust today, or tomorrow? Time is a bitch, and it plays by its own rules. So, don't wait on time to do things for you, because you'll be left with nothing".
Lance turned his face up to the clouds as Kyle talked, taking in every word. Sometimes even he had to admit Kyle could be wise...sometimes. The form of a smile tugged at his lips, and he said, "you're right Kyle".
The blonde made an over exaggerated surprised expression, bringing his hand to his heart in response, "Lance admitted I was right? Now I know the world is ending".
"Shut up Kyle" he fully smiled now, then turning to him, "thank you. For everything".
"Thank Claire" Kyle waved it off casually, "if she hadn't been so pretty, I wouldn't have put up with you when we were kids".
"I think I was the one who put up with you". They shared a light laugh, letting the breeze roll by as more thunder clapped across the ruined city.
"Hey girls" Ash interrupted the fast paced chatting, and the three faces turned his way, "we really should get back to searching".
Misty's expression turned to horror, "how did I forget about that?! He's right Iris, we need to go! Be careful over there ok"?
"You guys too" Iris nodded, "survive so that we can have a shot when this is all over".
"I'll drink you under the table" Misty challenged, and Iris laughed, "we'll see about that! Dawn maybe-".
"Hey"!
"Anyway, stay safe guys. You too Ash" the Unovan called, and he nodded as he replied "tell the others we'll be there soon as we can".
She acknowledged him with a smile, and the screen went black. Misty stood up, her eyes glancing to the shelves upon shelves of books through the lounge window, "guess I'll go back to the isle I was in".
"I'll go with you" Dawn sighed, rising to her feet.
Ash scratched his cheek, "I think I will too, you probably picked a better isle than I did".
"I know I did" the red head told him playfully, and proceeded to lead the way out back into the library.
Searching, reading, scanning, paper cuts, over and over and over to the point Ash was sure his eyes were going to explode. It felt like hours, though he was sure it wasn't. Each word insulted him just by being printed, chastising him from the page, telling him this was not what he was looking for. Between the three of them, half the isle was now lying in a small mountain of discarded books, and Ash was beginning to feel grey headed when Misty shouted, "I got it"!
Throwing his current book into the air, he hopped the pile and ran to her side, Dawn right on his heels. Misty rapidly ran her finger across the page, reading fast, her lips moving as she processed the words.
"It mentions the Shrine of Arceus" Dawn asked, stopping behind the red head to peer over her shoulder.
Misty read for a second longer, then nodded, "yes! It does in an old legend...it was first constructed when Sinnoh was founded, and when Sinnoh fell the first time it became lost. Hundreds of year later, a trainer found the Shrine by being granted access from the Unown...it is said to be underneath the Solaceon Ruins"
"But we've been there before" Ash stated, "we didn't see anything of the sort".
"There's supposedly caves underneath the Temple" Misty continued reading, "only a Pokemon Master can apparently get in, a true Pokemon Master. Not one by definition".
"So Ash can get in" Dawn asked, looking at Misty curiously.
"Me" he pointed to himself, "I'm not a Master".
"Not by definition" the bluenette reasoned, "but I've never met anyone else like you when it comes to Pokemon".
"She's right Ash" Misty agreed, "you're the only one among us who has a shot".
"If that's even where the Shrine is...".
"It is Ash" she affirmed confidently, "it has to be".
He looked at her, her face so full of passion and dedication. When he needed it, she was there, never letting him doubt himself or what needed to be done. So he said, "doesn't look like we have any other options".
"Nope" she concurred, "so let's grab the other two and get going".
She spun to move around their pile of books, but an arrow slashed close to her face and lodged itself into the bookshelf.
Dawn screamed from inside the library, a bloodcurdling, goosebumps raising scream. Lance and Kyle shot back inside the building, racing towards the now rising sounds of fighting and more shouts. An arrow stuck into the bookshelf next to Lance's head, splintering little chips into his hair. Dozens of Archers swarmed around them, appearing from seemingly no where as Ash's voice rang out in anger. Lance dove to the ground as an arrow flew overhead, and ignoring the throbbing in his ribcage, lunged from the ground at said Archer. He shoved the bow into the air and tackled the man to the floor, pressing his elbow into his throat. Kyle burst fired his rifle at the Archers who dared show themselves, accurately picking them off one by one until his gun clicked.
"STOP! Or the blue haired one dies"!
Lance locked up, and the man below him smashed his knuckles into the Champion's face, putting him on his back. Two pairs of rough, dirty hands gripped and hauled him to his feet. Kyle was pushed beside him, flanked by two guards of his own, while Dawn was shoved to her knees before them. Rorik towered over her, his bat positioned at the back of her skull. Fear flooded her eyes as she looked up at Lance, the chips on the wooden bat pricking her skin.
"No! Those are mine" Misty shouted as her PokeBalls were snatched from her belt and she too was shoved to her knees beside Dawn, grunting as she hit the floor.
Ash growled and broke free from his captives, charging the men holding Misty. Rorik, however raised his bat high, and glared straight at Ash. He stopped in his tracks, hoping beyond hope that the man wouldn't strike the bluenette, and he didn't, but he remained poised to do so until Ash was back in the guards clutches.
Waiting a moment with his bat still raised to swing, Rorik examined each of them carefully, a sly grin spreading across his expression. Then he lowered the bat and motioned for Misty's PokeBalls, "let's play civilized this time".
The Archer handed the Balls over and Rorik walked over to the librarian desk, setting the six of them down carefully in a line, one by one.
"Give me back my Pokemon" Misty demanded through grit teeth, enticing a laugh from the shaggy haired man.
"No, no. Not yet" he told her, his back facing them, "play along and you'll get some of them back".
She jerked against her guard, but he pushed down hard on her shoulder for the broken arm, and she squeaked in pain. Ash growled once again, but did not reataliate because an Archer notched an arrow, pointing it at Dawn's head. Rorik placed the last ball, and ran his fingers along the shaft of his bat slowly.
"Ok" he turned back to them swiftly, "who else has Pokemon"?
None of them answered, causing Rorik to sigh, "you know this would be much more fun if you just cooperated. Search them".
Multiple hands groped over them, even checking Misty once more for good measure and she whimpered inwardly as hands ran across her body. Ash and Dawn's PokeBalls were removed from them, and placed on the table opposite Misty's. Lance and Kyle were searched over too, the only item being removed was the cloth covered Darkin.
"What? The tough guy doesn't have any Pokemon" Rorik taunted Lance, cocking his head to the side and scratching his temple with the bat, "isn't that surprising".
"Fuck off" the Champion spat, jerking his arm against his guard just to keep him on his toes. The Archer who searched Lance handed the Darkin over to Rorik. He snatched it up and discarded the cloth cover.
"Well, this seems valuable" he marveled as he turned the thin diamond like artifact over, "I think I'll hold onto this"!
And he pocketed it then gripped the handle of his bat tight, placing the wide tip over the first lined up Ball of Misty's. "What Pokemon is in this one"?
Huh? Why did he care? And if he really wanted to know, he could just release it...of course if he got Gyarados then that would end his reign here and now pretty quickly. Speaking of which-Misty opened her mouth to call for her beast, but the Archer tightened his pulled string of the bow pointed at Dawn, waiting to release the arrow should Misty call the Water Dragon out. Dammit...
SMASH! "NO"! Misty's heart locked and shattered as fragments of her PokeBall exploded to pieces under the swing of Rorik's bat. Red energy flew out in all directions, dissipating as it went, a high pitched cry dying with the energy.
"Here's how this is going to work" Rorik instructed, placing his bat hovering over Misty's second PokeBall, "I ask what Pokemon you have. You answer me. If I deem them to dangerous, I smash it. If they are harmless, you'll get them back. If you don't answer me, I'll smash them anyway. Get it? Now, what do you have in the second one"?
Her heartbeat pounded in her ear, nearly drowning out the mans instructions. That cry, it was Corsola in the ball...and that energy? Where did her Pokemon go? Was she dead? Oh no...Corsola...
SMASH! "STOP" Ash roared, elbowing his captors and receiving punches thrown back. Another burst of disappearing energy, and a cry of pain. Horsea! The bat hovered over her third Ball, "this one"?
"P-Ps-Psyduck" she stammered weakly, her body shaking from the sadness and rage building deep within.
"Now she gets it" Rorik jeered, "I suppose a duck isn't that much of a threat".
He moved on, hovering over the fourth Ball, Gyarados' Ball...he would surely smash that one. She couldn't let him do that! Her poor Corsola...Horsea...She couldn't let this man control her or her friends!
Lance, however was one step ahead of her. He slammed his heel down onto the pinky toe of the guard on his left, jerking his shoulders harshly forward and breaking free. He charged forward, weaved around another on of Rorik's men, and crashed his body weight into the Archer leader. The Champion landed four hits before he was hauled off his victim and thrown to the ground. Two pairs of feet kicking his sides roughly, a worn boot hitting against his broken rib.
"Stop" Dawn screamed, throwing her head forward. Blue hair flying in her face, "stop! Stop! Stop! Leave him alone"!
"That's enough" Rorik called, rising to his feet, rubbing his chin and curling fingers around his bat, "the lady said stop".
The two men kicking Lance ceased, each giving one more for good measure. The Champion hacked up air from his lungs, blood sputtering out with each cough. He rolled onto his front, resting on his hands and knees, strings of bloodied saliva trailing from his lower lip.
"Lance" Kyle asked worriedly, cocking his head to see his friend better. The two Archers hooked their arms beneath Lance's and pulled him up, not caring if they hurt him, "hang in there buddy".
"It seems we have a hero among us" Rorik taunted, his voice low, "funny, I for sure thought it would be him".
He pointed with his bat to Ash, "he screams the hero type. Oh well, I was looking forward to one of you acting up".
Rorik tightened his grip on the bat, "now I can show you what happens to trouble makers in my city"!
A step forward, positioning his other hand on the handle. Dawn's breathig becoming eratic as the man walked towards Lance. Slow, carefully. Cherishing each step he took.
"Don't you dare" Ash bellowed, fighting against his captors, but more ran up to hold him in place. Misty opened her mouth once more to call Gyarados, but the arrow pointing at Dawn made her hesitate. No, nononononono! This couldn't be happening, was she really having to choose between saving Lance or Dawn?
Rorik was within striking distance, pausing long enough to tilt his head down and catch Lance's bruising eye. The Dragon Master smiled through his pain, taking his eye off the glowering Rorik and instead looking into Dawn's fearful dark blue ones. Even scared out of her mind, covered in dirt, and wearing ragged battle worn clothes...she was beautiful. Still the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Always in bright spirits, confident, sweet, and loving. She was perfect. Now, only now, did he finally understand how he felt, but it was too late. At least the others would keep her safe, Ash and Kyle wouldn't let anything happen to her. He was sure of it.
"Lance" Ash's voice roared as Misty's command for her Pokemon remained lodged in her throat. A single tear slipped from Dawn's eye as Rorik raised his bat.
And he swung-cracking Kyle across the head with a resounding crack! The blondes body crashing to the floor.
"NO" Lance's voice broke as he surged forward, nearly breaking free, but taking a fist to his snappe rib.
His body shutdown from the final dose of pain, and he could no longer fight back. Hearing the cracking, and thudding of Rorik's bat as he bashed it into Kyle's head. Again and again, over and over and over. Rorik's grunts of glee with each swing. Ash roaring, shouting, growling. Cursing that he would kill them all. Misty and Dawn screaming, crying out to Kyle hopelessly. Another crack, Kyle's skull splitting open. The bat suddenly hitting softer material, squishing nastily and thudding against the floor. And finally, it stopped.
Rorik straightened himself up, breathing heavily, covered in blood, and grinning from ear to ear. He wiped his face, only succeeding in smearing more fresh blood across his crazed expression. Dawn refused to look at the mess of Kyle's body, sobs cascading out of her like a tidal wave. The Archer leader turned to the crying girls, ignoring the still enraged Ash, "no reason to cry! Someone had to be punished"!
Nooooooo! Just when things start to somewhat look up I have to go and do that? And to poor innocent Kyle? Why must I be so cruel?! I'll get back to you on that one.
Humor is how I deal, and the same is true for a lot of people. Including our group. Without their comic relief, I'm afraid things will look much darker in their near future.
I do hope everyone enjoyed Kyle. I certainly did and will miss him going ahead. I'll miss his antics! The only regret I have concerning his character is we didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with him. Compared to some of the other ones. Maybe one day I'll go back and write some kind of prequel revolving around Lance and Kyle's adventures with the Indigo League... :)
See ya'll next chapter!