Good catch with the Star Wars reference ;)
August 27 10:45 a.m.
Somewhere in Johto
"Come on!" May urged. "We're getting out of here!"
She took his hand and went to lead him out of the little concrete room, but Cameron pulled his hand back. Her sapphire eyes locked onto his bright green ones, which were filled with a deep sadness, as she turned back to him curiously.
"I...I can't May," he said quietly in an uneasy tone.
"What do you mean you can't?"
She took a step back, a twinge of fear piercing her heart. Had Brock been right all along? He was the Rocket?!
"They..." he paused, bringing his hands together nervously and not meeting her gaze. Missing the scared look developing in her eyes. "They told me they'd kill you if I tried to escape...ever."
That was it? He was scared they'd kill her if he acted up?...that still didn't answer the question that had been itching in the back of her mind since Pallet Town...and now she couldn't avoid it any longer.
"Cameron," she said, forcing her voice not to shake and instead be firm, but gentle. His eyes traveled to hers, and his brow furrowed when he saw the look behind her eye, silently demanding he tell her the truth. "Were you with Team Rocket?"
He frowned while his brow went up on surprise.
"May-," he took a step forward and she took a step back. That hurt his heart..."I am not with, nor have I ever been apart of any crime organization. Pokemon are my friends, not my tools."
"And me?" She felt relief, but of course he could be lying. So she had to be sure, and depending on how he answered her now, the way he said it would make the difference. He looked her straight in the eye for a silent moment, his flashed with thoughts behind them. Slowly he raised a hand out towards her, and took a careful step. She didn't move, only eyeing his movements in her peripherals cautiously.
As his fingers gently touched the tips of hers, he said, "You? Are more than my friend. You're the woman I've fell in love with"
No hesitations, no pauses, his eyes didn't waver, and his fingers closed around hers as he spoke. She didn't breath, or had she ever been breathing? It was hot too, her cheeks more so than anything else.
"But that's why I can't go," he added somberly. "If they executed you because of me..."
Entei and Raikou roared from somewhere else in the base, and she wasn't sure why, but for some reason the sound of them rampaging put the words in her mouth. "You're scared, I'm scared too. I've been terrified from the moment I stepped foot back in Pallet Town. The reason has changed multiple times since then, but it's always been there. We can't let our fear take control, we cant let Team Rocket use it against us. In here, out there, we guaranteed to die if we do nothing. So come with me, and let's get out of here so we can fight. So I can love you too without the threat of death around every turn. So we can see what it's like to love after a war."
She squeezed his hand, her blue eyes sparkling as water filled them, but never fell. Eyes filled with determination and fire the likes which he had never seen. Filled with compassion and love. For him...and their friends fighting out there somewhere. She was right, Team Rocket threat or no, he had to try!
One quick nod was all it took from him, and May was finally fully convinced he was never a bad guy. She had been right all along! One quick kiss to his lips and then she was pulling him out of that awful room, racing down the hall in pursuit of Entei and Raikou's roars.
They mainly followed the trail of knocked out Rocket's who had attempted to re-capture the Legendaries. Cameron started to read overhead signs as they ran, and a certain word was growing more prominent. 'Assets'.
More specifically...'Asset Containment'.
Following the bodies and roars was leading right that direction. Wonder what was in there? Because he was convinced that's where they were headed. They passed another sign, this time on a door. He slid to a stop. "May!"
She looked back, slowing her pace to see what he was looking at. 'Poke Storage/Processing' the sign read. He reached out and turned the knob, slowly peering into the room, ready to turn and run should a gun be waved in his face. None did, though he couldn't see into the depths either, the lights were off.
Carefully feeling on the wall for a switch, he found it and the room lit up. Their mouths opened as their eyes adjusted to the sight before them. Rows upon rows of PokeBall's lined the room, tall shelves filled to the brim with various types. UltraBalls, GreatBalls, DarkBalls, HeavyBalls...
"This makes me sick," May growled. "How many trainers have lost their Pokemon to Team Rocket?"
"Too many," Cameron added. "I bet ours are here. We need to find them!"
There didn't seem to be any form of organization they could understand. Just sequences of numbers and letters beneath each Ball. They couldn't possibly open them all to find theirs.
"Hey, over there," Cameron pointed. A computer sat in the corner, two file cabinets on either side of it. "Bet that will help."
May reached it first, taking a seat at the chair and wiggling the mouse to bring the computer from its sleep. When the monitor lit up, she crossed her fingers they wouldn't need a password, and thankfully they didn't. Instead they were greeted with a search box and a series of filters to apply. Perfect!
"May Maple," she recited as she typed. "Hoenn, age 24, female."
Two pictures appeared after she pressed enter. One was the same picture on her Pokedex ID, and the other was a blonde female she had never seen before. She clicked her's and a list of her achievements and Pokemon came onscreen. Scanning through the information, a pain of anger swirled in her gut when she read, 'Blaziken - Terminated.'
Beneath her achievements was a detailed documentation of everything Team Rocket had ever recorded on her...and even a sequence of numbers with the description, 'Storage ID.'
"Here," she told Cameron, getting to her feet. "Find yours!"
Quickly down the isles she ran, searching for the sequence. MM-H-24-PS678-684. Her eyes flicked from sequence number to sequence number until...there they were! Her PokeBalls! There was an empty slot amongst the five there, and she had the same anger wash over her. Matilda would pay for what she did to Blaziken...May would make sure of that!
"I've got mine May, Brock and Delila's too" Cameron's voice rang out. "You?"
"Got em," she hollered back, scooping up her Balls and shoving them in her pockets. He was waiting by the door when she relocated him. "Come on!"
And back they were, rushing towards the 'Asset Containment' room, and roars of Entei and Raikou. Her mind wanted to desperately think over the dozens of thoughts swirling in her head like a tsunami. From her anger, to her sadness. From Cameron here beside her, to Ash wherever he was. Brock, to the world in general. She forced all of them away for now, making herself focus on running. Finding the Legendary Dogs and making sure they escaped. Then, she recalled, Mew and the Elemental treasures were somewhere in this base too. They would have to locate those also, and when all that was done, there was still finding where Team Rocket had the other Legenedary Pokemon they had captured...
Or not...as her mind raced, so did they down the halls, and May had not noticed them come upon the door labeled 'Asset Containment'. Cameron charged through it, smashing it open with a bang and barreling into the massive room.
Massive...was right. May's jaw dropped wide open as she took in the sight. A single row of cages, varying in type, ran down the center of the room. Some were solid glass, others electrified bars, and even a few psychic shields. Rockets, an army of Rockets, filled the area on either side of the cages. Armed to the teeth and sneering May and Cameron's direction. Roughly twenty feet ahead of the duo were Entei and Raikou, subdued and restrained by electrified nets.
And none of that was the reason May's jaw hit the floor. No, that was the contents of the cages. The Legendary Pokemon, the ones Team Rocket had captured. Kyogre, Latias, Rayquaza, Deoxys, and many more that May could not name. Cameron's fists clenched as he spotted his Groudon at the far end of the line, its eyes closed and massive scorch marks along its body. It was breathing, slowly, but it was a relief all the same. Notably a few were absent, May realized quickly. Ho-oh, Celebi, and thankfully she didn't see Lugia or the remaining Legendary Birds. Suicune was nowhere to be seen, which hopefully men't it was alongside Professor Oak somewhere.
From the sea of Rocket troops, Matilda emerged, waltzing to the forefront and glaring straight at Cameron. "Didn't I warn you I'd kill Miss Maple if you tried to escape?"
"We kinda figured we'd die anyway if we didn't try," he shrugged.
Silver eyes flashed angrily, "I've underestimated the lot of you."
Her body language changed, she relaxed back and crossed her arms as she continued, "It's not very often I am impressed, so..."
She eyed up and down Cameron, one corner of her mouth tugging upwards, "You both can live, Brock included, and May can go free. IF. Cameron stays here with me and uses Groudon under my command."
"What?!" The duo exclaimed together, frowning the same too. Then Cameron added, "Dream on."
Though they may have made the same expression, and used the same tone. May's thoughts had taken a side turn. It clicked...after Matilda left out one of their names, God did it click. If Cameron for sure wasn't part of any crime organization, and she knew both her and Brock were certainly not...then Delila was the odd one out. And since Matilda didn't offer for her to go free, that solidified it for May. Delila was the former Rocket! Oh no, Brock? How would that effect him?!
Cameron and Matilda were speaking back and forth, but May could not hear, her brain was fried with worry and guilt. She left Brock all alone, to discover this and deal with it by himself. They had to find him, get away from this army of Rocket's and help their friend...no, friends! May clenched her fist. Delila was still her friend, she'd proven to May she was no Rocket, at least not anymore.
Just then her eye caught something on the far wall to their left. Three palm sized spheres glistening in the florescent lighting. They were on three separate stands, wires attacked to them via suction cups. A computer analyzing different readings coming from each of them. Did Team Rocket analyze everything?
"Enough!" Matilda cut Cameron off with a growl, pinching the bridge of her nose and sighing deeply. He was fuming, a deep shade of red tinting his face. May took her opportunity and nudged him, nodding to the Elemental Treasures against the wall.
"I've gave you very ample opportunity to either be useful with your life, or join us," the Rocket Leader looked back up at them, searing anger behind her silver eyes. "These games are officially over, kill them."
A hundred clicks echoed around them as the Grunts readied their rifles. May's first instinct of reaching for a PokeBall kicked in, but she stopped herself. Scanning the front line of Rocket's she knew none of her Pokemon could help. They couldn't take on that many, even if her and Cameron released all of them. He seemed to be following the same train of thought, his hand found hers, fingers interlocking together. At his touch warmth spread from her fingertips, up her arm, and throughout the rest of her.
This marked the millionth time May had stared death in the face since the first day she started her Pokemon Journey, and she was no less scared than any other time. Except there was one different factor. Before, Ash had made her feel safe. Brock had made her feel safe. Even Max at his age, made her feel safe. This time, it was Cameron. Staring down a hundred barrels of a hundred guns, somehow the fear of death was once again calmed simply by him holding her hand. If this was how it ended, then she could only be proud of the life she had and the friends she loved.
Behind all the Rocket's, at the end of the row of massive cages and tanks, Groudon cracked open an eye. Seeing its Master surrounded by Rocket's preparing to open fire, and Matilda raising her hand to give the command, the Legendary roared fiercely. Shaking the entire room, and quite possibly the entire building. The army of Rocket's forgot what they were doing as they jumped in terror and re-aimed their guns at the giant Pokemon. Groudon head butted its cage, the bars must of been electrified because sparks exploded in all directions upon contact. This didn't seem to have any effect, because Groudon roared again and blasted a bright orange beam against the bars.
"GET THAT THING IN LINE," Matilda bellowed, waving an arm to a group of Grunt's. The Legendary had attracted the attention of the other Legendaries, who were watching it curiously. Groudon slammed, bit, clawed, and assaulted its cage with physical and energy attacks. Ignoring the surge of intense volts it received upon each strike.
Forgetting momentarily about May and Cameron, the Rocket's rushed to various computers and other controllers. Throwing switches and pressing buttons in a frenzy. Gas, more electricity, even fire doused Groudon repeatedly from valves above its cage, but nothing was stopping it. The behemoth was on a rampage.
Seeing their oppurtunity, May elbowed Cameron hard to snap him from his awed trance. He knew Groudon was kind of a loose canon, but to see it acting this way to help its owner was something he had never predicted would happen. She jerked his wrist and they swiftly raced over to the Shamouti Treasures, taking care to keep an eye on the Rocket's. Hurriedly they yanked off the stuck wires and stuffed the three spheres into May's pockets.
Kyogre, seeing its counterpart retaliating so fiercely, joined in. Slamming with everything it had against the thick glass of its tank. Another Legendary, a white dragon with robotic looking arms if May had to describe it, followed the weather duo's lead and roared. Firing a beam of white hot energy at its barrier. Still being restrained against the floor, Entei and Raikou roared along with the others, causing the Rocket's around them to step back.
"Dragonite, let's go," Cameron shouted, throwing a PokeBall from his pocket. His Dragon emerged, soaring straight into the air in a massive burst of wind. Too late did Matilda realize her mistake, and as she turned to command their deaths, Cameron added, "Help Entei and Raikou! HyperBeam!"
The Grunt's scattered manically as the orange beam exploded at their feet, shorting out the voltage in the nets.
"KILL THEM! KILL THEM ALL," Matilda tried, but once again was too late. The Legendary Dogs pounced, roaring and swiping at any Rocket in their vicinity.
CRASH! The floor quaked so fiercely beneath them, May nearly lost her balance. Dust blew across the room, clouding her vision, but there was no mistaking the behemoth of a shape roaring in victory as it stepped from its cage. Groudon was free!
Its leering eyes turned down upon the sea of Rocket's, who were now either frozen in fear or carefully taking steps backwards. Matilda herself stood rigid as the situation around her had completely collapsed, her silver eyes flashing in terror. Swifter than May would have believed, Groudon swung an arm down, cratering the floor in an earth shattering boom and crushing multiple Rocket's.
Then it was a frenzy of panicked Rocket's scurrying every which direction, plowing passed each other, and trampling the ones who had been shoved to the floor. Entei and Raikou struck down their own fair share of Grunt's as they ran for the exits, and another deafening crash revealed the white Dragon had now escaped.
"Time to find Brock," Cameron shouted above the chaos, grabbing May's hand to help gain her attention.
"What about Groudon?"
Multiple Grunts flew into the air as Groudon's foot stomped another crater into the floor.
"He'll be ok," Cameron reassured. "I'll track him back down once this is all over."
Not that he didn't want to bring Groudon with them, but he was sure his Pokemon would be of better use amongst the other Legendaries, not to mention he never found Groudon's MasterBall.
Glass shattered behind them, and the sound of rushing water told them Kyogre broke through. Which men't...May screeched as she spotted the tidal wave of water enveloping the Rocket's and rushing their way.
"DRAGONITE," Cameron shouted. With a gust of wind, May felt the back of her shirt yank as she was lifted off the ground. Speedily they zoomed for the door they had entered, Cameron raising his arms to brace for impact. They crashed through it, Dragonite not slowing down and turning down the hall to their right. The sound of rushing water grew quieter as they sped through the base. Turn after turn, May hitting her heels against the wall once. Only when Dragonite deemed it safe did it drop them back to the tile, landing beside them with a thud.
"Thanks buddy," Cameron exhaled, patting his Pokemon. May rummaged through her pockets, checking to make sure she had not lost anything. PokeBalls, check. Treasures, check. Her shoulders slumped in relief as she breathed out. Distant roars and explosions echoed from far down the various halls. Telling them more of the Legendary Pokemon were now free and wreaking havoc.
"Looks like we've accomplished one of our goals," Cameron slightly chuckled.
"Now let's find Brock so we can do the others."
He wept, and sobbed, leaning against the bed for support. Baby Brent screaming in his ear and Darcy crying in his arms. Multiple times he attempted to stop, but to no avail. Somewhere in the Rocket base he could hear explosions and roars, but neither did he care nor was he curious. He wasn't sure how long he had been crying, all he knew was he couldn't stop. The woman who had stolen his heart was lying before him, her body limp and lifeless. Pink hair falling across her face, blood soaking into her sheets.
The sheer amount of emotion flooding him was unbearable. Guilt being the most prominent. Guilt for not reaching his love in time. Guilt for thinking he could abandon this war. Guilt for doubting May...
But amongst the self blame and loathing storming inside of him, in the back processes of his mind a single thought was swirling. How was he going to get his babies out of this place? He had no Pokemon, and...no friends. May and Cameron would surely leave him behind. Especially after his behavior...and he deserved it. Though his babies did not. So the question remained, how was he going to get them out?
"Mew?"
His head shot off the bed, further startling Darcy in his arms. Above him, floating only feet away, Mew had its head cocked to side in a saddened, curious way. It seemed to be unbothered by the wailing infants, and only stared straight into Brock's watery eyes. It flew a little closer, turning its attention to Brent still lying beside his mother.
Mew was still here? It must of been following him through the base the entire time! But why didn't it leave like he told it to?
The little pink Pokemon mewed at Brent, then waved its tail back and forth, tickling the infant under his chin. Soon he was giggling instead of screaming. Happily, Mew squeaked and spun a circle in the air, it's big blue eyes resting once more on Brock.
He had no right to ask, no favor he was owed, but the answer to his predicament was right in front of him. And the babies needed to be taken somewhere safe. So with a cracked, hoarse voice, he asked, "Help me?"
Mew squeaked once, nodding its head as it did so. Without letting Brock say thanks, the Legendary waves its tail, producing a bright pink bubble around each baby. They lifted into the air, and Brock could feel the warmth radiating from the balls of energy. Mew was keeping them warm too...more tears fell from his eyes.
Mew placed the hovering babies close together and moved them behind Brock so he could see only Delila's limp frame on the bed before him. With one more squeak, and pat on Brock's head with its tail, Mew nodded to the pink haired woman. He understood, and that caused more sobs to escape his chest.
"Delila..." He spoke softly, leaning over and taking her lifeless hand in his. "I'm so sorry I couldn't save you...but I promised you I'd take care of our babies, and I will. Until the day I die and join you my love, I will not let anything happen to them."
He raised her bloodstained hand to his lips, and softly placed a kiss on her knuckles. Clasping her hand between the two of his, he looked over her pretty face once more. Her expression was peaceful, relaxed. Almost as if she was in a deep sleep. He could almost block out the blood on her, almost...he gave her knuckles one last gentle kiss. "Goodbye..."
Her hand fell back to the sheets, the tips of her fingers dangling off the edge. Brock did not look back as he followed Mew to the door, knowing that if he did, what little courage he got from saying goodbye would falter. The base shook and more roars echoed from somewhere else as he stepped into the hall. At least whatever chaos was happening was far away for the moment.
May sprinted down the hall, sticking to Cameron's heel like glue. Dragonite led the way, using its keener senses to avoid any Rocket's, but no matter how fast they ran, the sounds of fighting behind them were growing closer. The Legendary Pokemon were ripping through the base apparently, and had no intention of stopping. They had to find Brock and Delila fast!
Cameron turned around the corner after his Pokemon, quickly glancing back to make sure May was directly behind them. She nodded to show she was doing fine, which probably got lost in the jerking movements of her running. Suddenly Dragonite stopped, and both humans crashed straight into its back, squishing Cameron between the Dragon and the Brunette.
"What's up buddy?" He asked, leaning around his Pokemon, ready for a fight. May did too, a hand going into her pocket and gripping a random PokeBall, but it was unnecessary.
"Brock?!" She exclaimed, rushing out from behind Dragonite.
He had walked around the corner, stopping just short of having a Dragon Pokemon barrel into him. Mew and the two pink bubbles of babies floated around after him, halting May in her tracks, her mouth fell open.
"Brock-you-are those-but-um-Delila-Rocket-Mew-" were some of the babbles she stammered while Brock took his own time to soak in the sudden appearance of his friends. He blinked a few times, and couldn't help the tears that formed as he registered it was May standing in front of him. Quickly he reached out to her and pulled her close, hugging her as if it was the last time he would see her again.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled.
Her brain clicked, making the connection with his apology. The pink bubbles behind Mew drifted lazily closer as her eyes scanned over them. Babies, and no Delila? Only could mean...
Brock felt her arms return the embrace, and her voice croak, "It's ok Brock. I'm sorry too...she was my friend."
"And mine," Cameron added, taking a step forward with a nod to Brock.
He was sure there would be no more tears to cry, that he had wept them all from his body, but as he heard his friends and felt May holding him, Brock knew how crazy he had been to think they would despise him. That they would cast him aside for his actions. How dumb Brock...
The base exploded, rocking violently and even the sprinklers activating in response. Threatening roars from angry Legendaries echoed down the halls, chilling their spines.
"I think it's time to go," Cameron commented.
"You're not going anywhere!" The angry shout was maniacal. Terrifying in its own right. May turned to the source, hate searing into her heart. Matilda stood at the corner of the hall, rifle pointed straight at them. Her jet black hair was frizzed and strung about crazily, various gashes covered her body and ripped through her clothes, blood spots were splayed down her arms and across the gun in her hands, dripping to the tile below.
Mew squeaked in fright and flew behind Brock, taking the babies with it. He didn't notice, his heart pounded in his ears. Blood surging through his veins, screaming at him to kill that woman.
May grit her teeth, a hand gripping a PokeBall, but it was Cameron who made the first move. The time for talking had come and gone, "Dragonite, Twister!"
The Dragon roared and flapped its wings viciously as Matilda's eyes flashed with glee and she opened fire. Air swirled fast, ripping paint from the wall, and uprooting a few of the loose tiles. Spinning way off track, the bullets penetrated random points along the wall, not even coming close to the group. Matilda shrieked as she was launched backwards from the indoor tornado, her back cracking against the wall with a loud pop.
As her body bounced against the tile, the intercom burst to life, "Warning. Biochemical Lab 4 has been contaminated. Facility wide breach. Self destruct sequence initiated. All employees are advised to evacuate within the next ten minutes."
To follow the warning, the base vibrated once more from a Pokemon attack elsewhere.
"We need to go right now!" May shouted.
She spun on her heels to run, but Cameron's voice stopped her in a shaky tone. "We aren't getting out of here in ten minutes May."
Her adrenaline was pumping, her hair and clothes were getting soaked under the sprinklers, and Matilda sat up laughing on the other end of the hall...but she knew he was right. They didn't know the layout, or where they were, or if they were even underground.
"Mew! Mewmewmew!" The Legendary swooped in front of them, waving its arms and tail frantically. She looked at it curiously, wandering what on Earth it could be trying to tell them.
Ding! Brock got it!
"Teleport!" He shouted. "Mew can teleport!"
The Pokemon nodded in relief, and May's face lit up. "So what the Hell are we waiting for?!"
"NO!" Matilda's scream of rage made the lot of them jump. The thought of that group escaping after EVERYTHING didn't sit well with the Rocket Leader. She charged forward, ignoring the searing pain in her spine, and the roaring of Dragonite.
"Mew, now would be good!" Brock yelled, backing up to his pink bubbled babies. The Legendary squeaked and its eye lit up, emitting a soft glow from its tiny body. It enveloped their group, making the ends of May's hair rise up slightly. Matilda raced at them, nails forward to rip at their flesh.
"Dragonite!" Was all Cameron said, and the Dragon fired a Dragon Rage at the frenzied woman. It hit her square in the chest, burning her clothes and sending her back down the hall.
"YOU HAVEN'T YET SEEN THE WRATH OF TEAM ROCKET!" She bellowed furiously, spittle flying from her lips. She rose to her feet, mindlessly whacking at the tiny flames on her chest. May had just enough time to glare at the silver eyed woman before Mew squeaked and in a flash, her body jolted harshly.
Teleporting had never crossed her mind as a mode of travel, and now she realized why. It was sickening, the rush of nothing yet everything around her. Colors flew by, various shades she had never seen before, sparkling and streaming through the very particles in the air, and just when she thought she was about to puke, it ended. The rushing sensation replaced by a sweeping cold. Her breath cut off and she gagged on a fluid of some kind, sputtering for air and creating bubbles around her.
Bubbles?
Water! They teleported into a lake! Pointing up, she swam rapidly for the glistening surface, her lungs constricting from the lack of air. If only she had been warned they would be underwater...
As she broke the surface her lungs filled with the sweet relief of oxygen. Large heavy gulps of air, one after the other, and once her lungs were no longer burning she did a quick glance around to search for the others. Brock was there, clinging to the two pink bubbles for dear life, Mew shaking itself off just above them. Cameron broke the waters surface, gasping for air much in the same manner as May had. Dragonite soon followed, flying high into the air and sending a light shower down on them.
The stormy sky was growing worse, the sunlight peaking through dimming steadily fast. She took a look at their surroundings, spotting trees lining the entire edge of the large lake, and yellow lights. Then a pair blinked. No!
A metal screech pierced the air, ringing across the water harshly. May opened her mouth to shout something at the others, but forgot what as she screamed in pain and was yanked out of the water violently. Her shoulder burned with agony as sharp claws stabbed through her flesh and scraped bone. Higher she rose in the clutches of a Dominion, able to see the surrounded lake. Pairs upon pairs of yellow death glares boring up at her and looking at her comrades in the water as Cameron's voice rang out, "After her Dragonite!"
Thunder boomed across the sky as the Dragon snatched its trainer from the water and raced after May. Dozens of metal screeches hurt his ears, but he clung to his Pokemon's back. The Dominion's buzzed through the air like wasps, swiping at him and diving towards Brock. Eyes flashing, Mew created another, bigger, pink energy bubble around him and the babies. Dominion's ricocheted off the surface, hurtling away from a blast wave emitted upon each impact. A few who had stopped just before smashing into the energy barrier blasted their yellow lightning, streaking it across the pink bubble in a yellow web.
The babies screamed in Brock's ear, their tiny voices slightly muffled from their protective bubble. Mew's eyes flashed once more and the lightning shot back from their larger bubble back at the dark creatures. They screeched and scattered to avoid the hot strikes.
Up high May screamed in terror as the Dominion carrying her ripped its claws from her shoulder and she plummeted back to the lake. Tumbling through the chilly air, no control over the spinning of her body. Sky, water, sky, water. Rotating continuously, furthering the sickness in her stomach. Warmth spreading from the seeping blood on her shoulder.
Then a hand gripped her shirt and she was hauled onto Dragonite's back, her neck popping from the sudden jolting stop. The movement was too fast for her to keep up with, but streaks of yellow eyes and dark claws zoomed by as Dragonite swooped through the assaulting Dominion's. Cameron ducked quickly, pulling May to the Dragon's back, but he was not fast enough. Claws raked down her spine, ripping her shirt and leaving deep gashes in her skin. Violently she was yanked from the Dragon Pokemon's back as the claws sank into her lower back with a vice tight grip.
Unable to scream from the sudden burning pains, May was falling once again to the lake. Dominion after Dominion swooped past her, eyes glaring with hate, claws cutting her skin. They bounced her back and forth as she fell, howling in delight as the scent of her blood trailed behind her.
Dragonite spun sharply, nearly unseating Cameron, and dove after the girl. Shooting HyperBeam after HyperBeam, keeping back as many Dominion's as it could. Reaching into his pocket, Cameron tapped the button of a PokeBall and his Charizard appeared in the flash. Without a command it took action, launching white hot flames at the nearest creature.
A sharp impact slammed into the trainer, slicing a gash across his chest and knocking him from Dragonite's back. The Dominion swiped at him once more, missing by mere centimeters as Cameron fell away. Charizard Body Slammed into the abomination, following swiftly with a massive Flamethrower. It screeched and flew high, away from the flames.
Cameron turned to call for Dragonite, but his Dragon was too far ahead, too focused on saving May to realize its trainer was gone. Charizard attempted to fly after him, but a Dominion cut him off with lightning on each attempt.
Down in the water, Brock was furiously swimming to shore, wincing each time a Dominion struck the protective bubble. Mew was panting at this point, sweat pouring from its little body. Never before had Brock ever been in a situation that perfectly fit 'out of the frying pan and into the fire'.
A loud splash behind him caught his attention, and he turned in time to see Dragonite crash into the water after whatever had hit it first. Then Cameron hit the water, disappearing beneath the glossy surface. Every fiber of Brock's being wanted to swim back and help, but he couldn't leave his babies alone...thunder roared, and lightning flashed.
Under the ripples, Cameron finally was able to gain control of his motions and swirled around. Squinting in the dimming light. It was much darker beneath the surface. His eyes searched quickly in the illumination the lightning provided. Then it was gone, and his breath was fading. Unable to hold it any longer he swam up, cracking the surface with a loud inhale of of the lungs. Instincts firing up, he quickly ducked back under water as a Dominion sliced at his head, parting the water with its claw. It scratched his cheek, but otherwise missed.
A bright orange light it up just behind the shimmering coating of the surface, and he could feel the heat from a foot below it. Charizard cleared the immediate area so his trainer could come up for air. Gasping for another quick breath, Cameron dove back underwater, furiously scanning the depths for May and Dragonite.
After a moment of searching another breath was needed so he surfaced, his fear rising higher. The sky was filled with the swarming of Dominion's, most of which were now focused on attacking the large pink bubble heading towards the surface. Mew was rapidly growing more tired, and Brock's muscles were on fire from the constant swimming, but they were almost there. Of course, what to do when they made it to shore? There were too many Dominion's to take on in a straight fight.
Behind Cameron the water burst high in a fountain, showering the back of his head as Dragonite flew up. Carrying a non moving May in its arms. A handful of Dominion's broke from the main group and screeched at Dragonite. Charging lightning to fire at the Pokemon.
BOOM!
The very air shook around them, and the Earth rumbled so hard the water rippled into foot high waves. Far in the distance, hiding behind multiple trees, a cloud of smoke billowed into the air. That must of been the Rocket Base...
The Dominion's were momentarily distracted by the detonation, giving Dragonite enough time to zoom by them, heading towards land. Something gripped Cameron by his collar and pulled him up. He swung to fight, but his Charizard roared at him in response. Shouting a quick apology that got lost in the wind, he scrambled to position himself on the Fire type's back. Ahead of him, Dragonite landed by an emerging Brock and his babies as they stepped onto dry land. The giant pink bubble was fading as Mew sank to the ground, exhausted.
"Ok Charizard," he started. "We need to-".
Both of them roared in pain as multiple blasts of Dominion lightning struck them, coursing through their muscles and leaving a scorching smell behind. The Fire Pokemon went limp and they dropped down at an angle, it's outstretched wings gliding them closer to land. Cameron's skin twitched, still feeling the course of the electric current flowing through him. His body gave up as they crossed over the grass and he slipped from Charizard's back, hitting the ground with a dull thud. A larger thump told him his Pokemon had landed beside him. Forcing his eyes open, he noticed they had made it inside Mew's protective barrier.
"Cameron!" Brock called from May's side. He stirred enough to show Brock he was still alive, and forced himself to sit up.
"May..." Barely escaped his throat as a hoarse whisper. With one blurry glance he immediately could see something was wrong. She was still limp, hair was covering her face, and blood was seeping into the ground around her. Brock's hands were pressed firmly against a wound on her shoulder, and he was whispering to himself frantically.
Lightning cracked across the clouds, illuminating the flurry of Dominion's circling them. Their dark bodies contrasting greatly against the bright light, then they were gone in the darkness. Only pairs of yellow eyes glaring down at them. In surprising speed, a group of them smashed into the barrier, destroying the last bit of strength Mew had. The bubble flickered and vanished around them, even the two around Brock's babies. Leaving them screaming on the cold grass.
Dragonite stood tall over them, spreading its wings in an attempt to shield May and the infants. Yellow eyes closed in, sharp teeth baring in wicked grins. Cameron shakily reached into his pocket. If they had to go down fighting, then he was going to release ALL of their Pokemon. After all, he still had Brock's and Delila's in his pockets too.
With one last look to May, heartbreakingly wishing she just might be dead so she wouldn't have to listen to the rest of them die, he found the first PokeBall...
A mighty roar halted the Dominion's and Cameron in their tracks. It was long, and reverberating, bouncing deep into their chests. Then a bright blast shot through the air, scattering Dominion's in a panic. It was followed by a few more, driving the dark creatures away. The roar came once more as they fled, disappearing into the darkened sky.
Cameron barely heard Brock whisper something, but couldn't make out what. His energy was rapidly declining. His vision becoming blurrier by the second, and his eyes fighting to stay open. A large silhouette of a dog with a flowing mane stepped up to them, a man seeming to be riding the creature.
Then his eyes shut.
August 27 1:46 p.m.
Sinnoh - Solaceon Ruins
Once the storm subsided, and the rain slowed to a mere sprinkle, did only Ash, Misty, and Dawn dare venture out of the large tree. Thankfully the Dominion's had moved on, and they proceeded with caution onto Solaceon Town. Now they stood hidden in the underbrush outside the Solaceon ruins, staring at the building curiously. So far there was no sight of any kind of threat, but that didn't ease Ash's mind. Those Dominion's had been there for a reason...the question was why?
"I still don't like this," Misty huffed, crossing her arms like a five year old.
"Well you're outvoted, so deal with it Preggo," Dawn smirked.
"Don't call me that..."
"But I like it better than Blue."
"I don't."
"Girls," Ash cut in, turning to them. "We can't survey anymore. We need to get inside."
"I'm coming too-" Misty started, but Ash cut her off, "No you're not! We've been over this Misty. 5 months is coming up and you need to avoid dangerous places."
"Because it's not dangerous outside these days," she huffed again sarcastically.
"I'm leaving Mamoswine with you to help with protection," Dawn sighed. "But we can't risk taking you somewhere that might be crawling with Dominion's."
The red head turned her nose up, pursing her lips in the process.
"Dawn and I will handle it Misty," Ash said softly. "And when we come back...we'll have Gary with us."
Knowing that their logic about her was accurate, Misty finally caved at his gentle tone. She couldn't let him go in there thinking she was upset..."You better come back Ketchum."
She fake glared at him, and he smiled at the old use of his name.
"You got it Mist."
He leaned over and kissed her forehead quickly, brushing hair from her face as he did so. Then he was sprinting out of the brush and racing to the building.
"Hey, wait up!" Dawn cried, hurrying after him with Lance's cape flowing behind her.
What a few places to leave off eh? Anyone got a guess as to who showed up at the last minute with Brock's group? It shouldn't be too terribly hard to figure out. But you'll only know for sure when we see them next!
The tension is rising! Huh...that's saying a lot considering Part 3 as a whole lol
As always, let me know what ya think! See y'all next chapter!