Light's Adventures
Chapter 27: The End of the Storm
Light's heartbeat increased and he took a step back from Blaze. He had never seen Blaze show fear. Showing any fear would have got Light's attention, but this was scaring him. Blaze looked as though he was about to face his worst fears.
Light took another step back and Blaze's frozen state stopped. Blaze flipped around and grabbed Nick's pants leg with his teeth. Nick yelped and Light guessed he had got some of his skin also. Nick spun around, ready to give Blaze a lecture, when his gaze landed on Light. He face also turned grave and attained a light, white tone.
Light's fur rose at the reaction of his trainer. He glanced over at Ace and Azul, who had noticed the disturbance, but they were looking at him normally. He relaxed slightly as he realized only Nick and Blaze were giving him the horrible looks, but he still stayed tense.
Nick crouched down in front of Light, who took another step back. "Where's it coming from?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly. He seemed ready to leap at anything.
Light tilted his head at the strange question. Err . . . what do you mean? Light asked.
Nick gave a small sigh of frustration. "You don't know. Great," he muttered. "Are you feeling some strange feeling?"
Light slowly nodded, still confused at his trainer's actions.
"Where's it coming from?" Nick asked.
Light hesitantly pointed toward the clouds with his snout. The clouds over there, Light answered.
Nick and Blaze slightly relaxed. Nick jumped up and ran over to Blaine and the announcer. "Quick; we have to warn the others. A dangerous storm is coming. Everyone needs to take cover," Nick said quickly, with more authority in his voice than Light had ever heard before.
Blaine nodded while the announcer looked slightly hesitant. However, as the respected gym leader agreed, he also nodded. "Harry, show them where the shelter in the gym is. I'll go convince the weather warnings to sound the alarm," Blaine said, moving away at a surprising speed.
Harry nodded, though Blaine didn't see it. "Okay, err . . ." he started.
"It's Nick," Nick said quickly.
"Okay, Nick, come with me. I don't know how you know that those clouds are a storm, but I trust Blaine's decisions. We'll take shelter in the safe part of the gym," Harry said, going into the gym.
Nick followed into the gym, returning Azul, who couldn't fit through the small door. Light followed Blaze, still confused. At least Nick and Blaze weren't looking at him with those fearful faces anymore.
Harry led them down a set of stairs within the building and then through a few more doors. They stopped in a solid concrete room with only one door that they had come through. It was a steel door that had magnetic locks. There were several boxes in the back that had small, white boxes with red crosses on them, cans of food, and bottles of water. Light wondered why they had constructed the room.
Harry shut the door, but didn't lock it yet. Nick sat down against a wall and Harry took the one opposite. Light saw his chance for some answers. Nick,he thought, getting Nick's attention.
Nick looked up at him. "Yeah?" he asked.
"I didn't say anything," Harry said.
"Sorry, I was talking to Light," Nick said.
"Umm . . ." Harry started, looking at Nick strangely.
"Light knows telepathy," Nick explained. "So what is it?" Nick asked, turning his attention back to Light.
What was that? What do I not know? Light asked.
"Yeah, I better explain that. See, by the way you felt the storm coming, and the look on your face, we realized you were a seer," Nick said.
What is a seer? Light asked.
"A seer is a Pokemon that has the abilities of an Absol, without being one. See, as a seer, you can sense catastrophes just like an Absol, but are a different species. Once in a great while, an Absol will be born without the ability to sense disasters. As it does, the ability it should have had goes to another Pokemon that isn't an Absol. So, an Absol were born around the time you were, giving you the ability," Nick explained. "That's how we knew that the storm was some kind of natural disaster that was coming."
S-so, I'm just like an Absol? Light asked.
"Yes," Nick answered.
But I don't want to be like an Absol. There hated creatures that people avoid. I don't want to live like that, Light said, backing up a few steps and shaking his head.
"It can't be helped. It's a natural ability that you can't just turn off. However, I'm sure others won't do that to you. For one, it's not like they'll instantly know that you're a seer. Also, you're a captured Pokemon," Nick said.
Light sighed and went to sit against the wall by himself, thinking over this new predicament. He didn't want to be a shunned Pokemon, hated by an ability normally given to Absol only. He wouldn't be able to stand being avoided by others. Maybe he would be able to keep it secret, like Nick said. He would have to keep it secret if he wanted to live a normal life.
Suddenly, a thought came to Light. How did you know what my reaction would be when I felt a disaster? Light asked Nick.
"Oh, umm . . . let's leave it with experience," Nick said quietly, petting Blaze sadly.
Light was curious about what he meant, but didn't push the subject.
Light's head swiveled to the door as it opened. Blaine came in, breathing slightly hard. He shut the door behind him and locked it. A few seconds later, a loud ringing noise reached his ears. It seemed to be coming from above the ground. It was probably the alarm Blaine had been talking about.
"Good, you got here. Now, I guess we sit and wait out the storm," Blaine said. He sat down next to Light.
They sat in silence for a while before Blaine spoke up. "So, what are you planning to do after the Pokemon League?" Blaine asked.
Nick shrugged. "I don't know. I may try to settle down, or I may go on to another region like Johto and collect more badges," Nick said.
"That pretty much sums up the plans of most trainers," Blaine said.
"How long have you run this gym?" Nick asked, his curiosity removing his manners.
Blaine chuckled. "More years than I care to count," he said with a smile. But his shoulders sagged, and he let out a sigh after he finished. "However, I'll have to retire soon. I need to find a suitable replacement. Many think that I'm too old for battling as it is, let alone another year or two."
Nick at least had enough sense not to ask any other rude questions. They sat in silence once again. Soon, Light heard the pattering of rain overhead. However, it wasn't a nice, calm rain, but a slinging, raging rain. Soon, they heard thunder start up. Everyone sat in silence, not even trying to communicate during the onslaught of noise. The tenseness of the moment could be felt in the air. The storm seemed to be getting worse and worse, instead of calming down. Light felt uneasy as the hours passed.
Finally, the noises from the storm raging overhead died down until there was silent. Light was going to get up, but two things stopped him. One thing was that somewhere inside him, he could tell it wasn't over. The other thing was that no one else was getting up or even slightly relaxing. Light stayed still for another twenty minutes before the storm started up again, as bad as ever.
Light muttered to himself, the noises of the huge storm overhead making sure nothing was overheard. This storm was definitely holding them back from leaving. The storm seemed as though it was never going to end. It was definitely way past the time they normally went to sleep. However, no one seemed like they were even going to try to sleep. Light knew that if Nick stayed up, he would be sleeping the complete day tomorrow. They would be delayed even more.
The storm continued above them. This time, the storm seemed to be slowly dying down. As the hours passed, Light was sure that the storm was starting to die down. After a long, long while, the noises went to just a normal rain, and finally, nothing. It was an eerie silence, stranger than the mysterious silence during the storm. However, this one at least seemed natural.
The others slowly got up and Light followed suit. His muscles felt slightly stiff from staying in the one position so long. They stretched and Blaine went over to the door. He unlocked it and let them out. "Okay, it will be dark and still be dangerous outside, so you'll stay here for the night, okay?" Blaine asked.
Nick nodded his consent.
However, Light had a question. Is there a place for Nick to heal Ace, Blaze, and Azul? Light asked Blaine, opening the channel to Nick also. He didn't want to be delayed any longer.
Blaine nodded. "Yes, there is a personal one for the gym leader's Pokemon here. I'll let you use it overnight," he said.
"Thanks," Nick said. He returned Blaze and handed the three Pokemon to him. As Blaine took the Pokeballs, he handed over a small item. "Oh, I forgot about the Volcano Badge!" Nick exclaimed.
Blaine chuckled. "Harry, will you take them to one of the guest rooms?" he asked.
Harry nodded and started off. Nick followed with Light close behind. Harry led them to a small room with only a bed, a desk, and a chair in it. The room was pretty plain besides that. Harry left them at the door with instructions to the nearest bathroom.
While Nick went to take care of his business, Light jumped onto the end of the bed. He curled up and fell asleep quickly.
(0)
Light stood at the door, waiting for someone to come. Nick still slept, as Light had guessed. Light had woken three hours ago and had mentally contacted Blaine. While Blaine checked on Nick's Pokemon, Light promised to himself that if Nick didn't wake by the time the others healed, he would wake Nick himself.
A soft knock sounded on the door. Light opened the door and saw Blaine in the entrance, three Pokeballs in his hands. "They're all completely healed," Blaine whispered, seeing that Nick was asleep.
Light wasn't going back on his promise. Light jumped up onto the bed. The mattress shook roughly and Nick started awake. "Uh, wha- What's happening?" Nick asked.
Blaine chuckled. "I came to tell you you're Pokemon are fully healed."
It's time to head out, Light ordered.
"Okay, okay, I'm getting up," Nick said. He got up and started to get ready as Blaine put his Pokeballs on the desk and left. After getting prepared, Nick led Light outside. He released Blaze and Ace, both looking completely refreshed.
Light impatiently waited as Nick got the rest of his stuff from the Pokemon Center. As Light waited, he looked around at the ruined island. The large storm from the last night had destroyed trees and ruined the look of the island. The storm had knocked over a few houses even. The island seemed to be in a paused state. No one was outside and it looked like a Pokemon had used several Whirlwind on the area.
The ocean looked like the only thing that hadn't been affected by the storm. Blaze looked at the destruction bleakly. Light had never known that a storm could do so much damage. Even the Pokemon seemed scared as the usual Pokemon that would be out and about were in hiding somewhere. A silence gripped the island as not even the cawing of Wingull could be heard.
Nick finally came out and they headed down to the pier area. Nick released Azul, returning Blaze. Azul seemed hesitant to leave, wanting to go and calm all the raging emotions covering the area. Finally, Nick had to return Azul and test Ace. Ace assured him that he could hold Nick and Light for the short trip to Pallet Town.
Nick got on Ace, picking Light up in his arms. Ace hopped forward a few times before leaping into the air and starting to flap his wings. After a few struggled flaps, Ace took to the air. Nick held on tightly and looked as though he was going to get sick. He closed his eyes and gripped Ace even tighter. Light was sure Ace was going to come out of this missing a few feathers.
Ace flew through the air, his speed pretty much the same as normal. The air rushed by Light, ruffling his fur and making his ears slightly flop around. He allowed himself to enjoy it, knowing that they were finally on their way back to Cream. He would be able to see her again soon. He also finally allowed himself to smile.
Nick, however, was having a much worse time. His face was getting a slight green tint and he kept swallowing. Light wondered what was making him sick, but decided that wasn't the best moment to ask. Ace flew as calmly as possible, realizing that Nick was starting to get sick.
Finally, the mainland came into sight near sunset. They would have reached it much faster if they hadn't stopped to heal the others and let Nick sleep in, but it couldn't have been helped. Ace landed smoothly on the ground and Nick rushed off to the bushes. He barfed into the greenery and came back to his patiently waiting Pokemon.
They stopped at the Pokemon Center for the night, even though Light wanted to go on. Light could barely get to sleep from anxiousness. He couldn't wait to get back to Cream and they were almost there.
(0)
Light mostly led the group as they walked the next few days. As was expected, all the trainers they met were newbies, unwilling to test themselves against the strong team of Pokemon. Azul was able to get out of the Pokeball, the path rarely traveled heavily. People's gazes were drawn to her wherever she went as they went along. Azul seemed to love the attention, though.
Light continued to walk ahead some before stopping and impatiently letting the others catch up. He would then repeat the process, wanting to try and hurry the others. The thought of heading back to Cream gave him more energy than a Pikachu and made his walking crazier than a Zigagzoon's.
Nick estimated that they were about four days ahead of the time he had set when they left. Light didn't care as long as they kept moving. Azul commented several times on his better mood, and seemed to be in a better mood herself. Light even groomed himself, wanting to look his best when they got back.
Soon, they were leaving Viridian Forest. However, as they exited the buzzing forest and got back on the road, Nick stopped. Light looked up and saw that the sun had already set. Nick started going about getting the camp ready, while Light cursed the fact that humans couldn't see in the dark. Then, an idea struck him.
Nick, Light thought, grabbing his attention.
What? Nick asked.
I'm going on. I can see in the dark. I'll meet up with you at the house,Light told him, not caring to ask permission.
Nick chuckled. I'm not going to be able to stop you, am I? Go on, but be careful.
Light darted off the path and decided to follow it from the trees nearby. He ignored the confused glances of the other Pokemon as they helped Nick. Light loped off down the route, already knowing where to go. The air rushed by him and ruffled his fur as he went as fast as possible. Pokemon peeked out of their dens as he sped by.
Soon, complete darkness had fallen. The moon was only a sliver overhead, recently being a new moon. Luckily, his rings gathered enough lunar power to glow, making seeing easier. Light could see in the dark, but with his rings glowing, he could go faster while still being cautious.
Lights began to appear on the horizon. Light soon came upon Pewter City. Large metal trees with glowing light on top lit up the city in small intervals. Few people were outside. Light sped down the streets, ignoring the gasps of surprise from the onlookers. Nothing was going to stop him now.
The end of the city came into view and Light sped out onto the rarely traveled road to Twinleaf Village. He loped down the dusty road, finding some hidden energy as he got closer and closer to Cream. They wouldn't be apart for long.
The forms of houses appeared around him suddenly. No lights lit the small village and the inner lights of the buildings had long since been turned off as the people went to bed. Following the path they had gone down earlier, Light found himself in front of the house. Light stopped in front of it and took a deep breath.
Light walked down the little path to the front door. His heartbeat started to race faster as he got closer. Light touched it with Psychic and undid the locks. It was always a little unnerving how easy it was to get inside the house. Light opened the door quietly and slipped in. He shut the door quietly behind him. He glanced around and determined that everyone was already asleep.
Light slipped into the living room. The window in the wall allowed the little moonlight to fall onto a sleeping form on the cushions. Light stopped as he saw his mate again. The moonlight seemed to make her beautiful coat shimmer and glow. Her sides slowly rose and fell as she slept.
Light took another breath and came closer; his heartbeat was so fast, he thought it would burst. He saw that Cream was the only one in the room, signifying that Rose was sleeping elsewhere. Light stopped by Cream and stopped as he watched her sleep peacefully. He would have been content to watch her like that for the rest of his life. She looked so serene and perfect.
Light shook his head slightly to snap out of his trance. Light raised a paw and put it on Cream's shoulder. He shook her slightly and whispered, "Cream."
After a few seconds, Cream blinked open her eyes and yawned. She uncurled, but stayed lying on her stomach. She looked up and saw Light. Her face drained of color and terror replaced her sleepy look. The look sent daggers into Light.
"N-no, n-not a-again!" Cream exclaimed in a quiet tone, disbelief dominating what she said. Cream hid her face under her paws and started to shake in fear. Light could hear quiet sobbing start.
Light didn't know what was wrong, but he was at her right side in an instant. He laid his tail on her back and started to soothe her. He put a paw on her shoulder and asked, "What's wrong, Cream?"
She didn't answer, but Light did hear her saying something into her paws. Light leaned down and heard her muttering, "Not again . . . oh, please, not again . . . I can't take another nightmare . . . wake up, wake up . . . please, not again." Her sobbing continued, her shoulders shaking slightly.
Nightmare? Light thought to himself. "Cream . . . Cream listen, this isn't a dream; I'm really here," Light whispered into her ear.
Cream froze. Realizing what was about to happen, Light threw up a psychic barrier around them. "LIGHT!" Cream screamed, springing on him. If it wasn't for his barrier, she would have woken the whole house with her exclamation. Cream's sudden spring bowled Light over onto his back, Cream now on top of him. She wrapped him in a tight hug, slightly blocking his airway. Light hugged her back, glad nothing was wrong.
Light sighed with relief and he embraced his mate. "Good, you had me going there for a second," Light whispered.
Cream laid her cheek against Light's chest. "I-I'm sorry, Light, but . . . I've just had . . . these horrible nightmares and . . ." she said, taking deep breaths during her exclamation. She sniffed at the end and closed her eyes, unable to go on.
"Let it out, Cream; it's alright. I'm here and I won't be going away anytime soon," Light said.
Cream started to cry into his fur. Light calmed her by rubbing his paw up and down her back. After a while, she stopped crying and simply laid on top of him. "Oh, Light, I'm so glad you're back," Cream said, tightening her grip on him.
Light chuckled slightly. "I am, too, tough it wasn't the greeting I expected," he teased.
"I'm sorry; I really am, but I thought it was another nightmare and I was scared," Cream said quietly.
"Well we won't have to worry about that anymore, well we?" Light soothed.
Cream gripped him even tighter, nuzzling her head against his chest.
"I won't be going anywhere anytime soon, Cream; you don't need to bind me down." Light smiled at her.
"Oh, sorry," she said, releasing her death grip.
"What? No hello kiss for your mate?" he asked, putting on a pouting face.
Cream giggled and looked back at him. She reached forward and Light raised his head. Their lips met in a passionate kiss as they finally reunited. Light and Cream closed their eyes, concentrated only on the moment. That kiss seemed to be better than any other they had ever had before. Light would have done anything for that one moment as he enjoyed their reunification. They finally broke apart as their lungs started to scream for air, forcing them to take a breath.
Light embraced his mate again, enjoying the feel of her fur against his. Her tail wrapped around his, squeezing slightly. Her wonderful, nature like smell wreathed around him. Her breathing was music to his ears as she embraced his back. He was in a moment of total bliss.
Light finally broke the silence. "So are we going to sleep on the floor?" he asked.
Cream slipped off him. Light got up and got onto the cushions. Cream curled up against him, snuggling up as close as possible. Light laid his front paw over her, pulling her right up against his chest. Light laid his tail over her, even though it wasn't like her fluffy, bushy tail that he loved.
Light licked her between the ears, receiving a giggle from her. "I've missed you so much, Light," she whispered again.
"I've missed you, too. But I'm here now, so let's not think about it," Light whispered, nuzzling her head with his snout.
Cream laid silent for a few seconds, before she whispered, "I love you, Light."
"And I love you, too, Cream," Light whispered back.
They smiled contentedly as went back into a comfortable silence. Cream's breathing soon slowed and went into a regular pace as she fell into a peaceful sleep. Light soon followed suit, his first true contented sleep since he had left.