Author's Corner. Side Story: Director For a Day. (Part 1)
Slybill *cracks knuckles*: Well, time to get to work!
Awesome: Scarlet! White! Ghetsis! Get to your places!
Cast: Yes ma'am!
Awesome: Keep working on those lights, Ahuei!
Ahuei: Yes ma'am!
Awesome: And where's that sound engineer when you need him?! *Sighs* Fine, you do it, Skidz.
Skidz: Yes! *Takes a step into the control room…and accidentally destroys the audio console* Uh…oops…
Awesome *tick mark forming*: And that's why I never let brats intern here!
Scarlet: Calm down, red. Battle music isn't all that important. Also, this part seems really hectic and Sly thinks you should take a break for now and let someone else direct it today.
Awesome: …I guess you're right…*brightens up*. That's why I brought PikaMewGirl to do the directing!
Cast: WHAT?!
Scarlet: B-B-But you can't! She only directs when something REALLY terrible is gonna happen to me. Don't you remember the time when we re-edited chapter 20?!
Awesome: Yeah, if memory serves…she was the one who brought in that live Garchomp in the first place. *Yawns* Oh well, don't worry about it, Ginger. She promised me that she'll be very gentle the next time she directs. *Turns to leave* Well, see ya!
The cast watches the door close and turn to each other, clearly nervous.
Skidz: Um…I'm pretty new so this might probably sound weird but…what's so bad about PikaMewGirl?
Scarlet puts a hand on the boy's shoulder.
Scarlet: She's…crazy.
Skidz *blinks*: ….Crazy?
Everyone tenses as steps echo from behind the door.
Shadow Triad *in ominous tones*: She's coming.
Burgh: Thank Arceus I'm not in this part of the story. *Pats Scarlet's and White's shoulders* Good luck.
The latter two cringe and shuffle to their places. Soon, three short knocks catch their ears and Skidz runs up to the door.
Skidz: You guys are just being unfair. Maybe she's just under a lot of pressure. *Reaches for the door* I'm sure she's just as normal as normal can be-
BAM!
Skidz twirls as the door slams into his face before collapsing atop the nearest chair, out cold.
Cheren *makes a sign of the cross*: Arceus help that fool….and he was so young too…
A young woman with shock pink hair and cat ears stumbles into the room looking absolutely furious.
PikaMewGirl: Scar…let!
Scarlet: Oh yeah…I forgot that she had something against me. *Dodges a flying Skidz thrown by you-know-who* SOMEBODY DO THE DISCLAIMER!
DISCLAIMER: SLYBILL DOESN'T OWN POKEMON. ELSE, CRAZY FANGIRLS LIKE PIKAMEWGIRL WOULD NEVER HAVE EXISTED- GOOD GOD! MY EYE! SHE FUCKING TOOK MY EYE!
Dragonspiral Tower, Icirrus City, Unova Region.
A wild Druddigon meandered past the trees and into the tall grass surrounding the looming stone tower in search of a meal. Normally, it would've just waited in its cave but today was a slow day so not many edible critters found themselves in its home. Luckily, the rain had cleared and the afternoon sun energised its rough skin. Looking around, Druddigon spotted something approaching and with a smile, it crouched low, tensing its muscles in anticipation for the incoming prey. A foot away, the steps stopped and Druddigon shot out, arms ready to smash its prey's skull and rip it to bite-sized chunks. However, the shape below it simply drew up an arm and socked it in the gut, its general weakness. Before it could register the owner of the blow, a leg dropped down on its head before another one got it in the neck, making it reel and gasp in pain. Seven more killer blows graced its jaws before it finally gave in as a steel-plated boot lodged into its belly. As all went dark, the pokemon could barely make out the human shape of its attacker, wearing a menacing look on his young face and tightening the steel-coloured gloves sheathing his hands.
Icirrus City Gym, Icirrus City, Unova Region.
White shivered. Not from the sub-zero temperature of the ice-covered gym but from the feeling she held when she spotted Scarlet's face shortly before he left.
"Scarlet-san isn't present to support you?" Brycen asked, seeing the distracted look in her eyes as the referee read out the battle conditions.
"Eh?" she blurted, obviously coming back down to earth. "Oh! Scarly said he had to check something out and would be back in a while. But don't worry! It's not like it'll affect me anyway...I think..."
Truthful as always, Brycen commented before looking down at the yellow pokemon at her feet. "He didn't take his pokemon with him."
White crouched a little to ruffle Jolteon's fur. "He told Jolteon to stay with me for good luck." Getting up again, she gave her determined grin as the referee finished his statement. "Let's do this, Brycen!"
The ice-type master nodded solemnly. "I look forward to seeing what strategy you and your friends have mapped out."
White blinked. "Strategy?"
Facepalming, Brycen took out a pokeball. "Never mind. As Gym Leader and protector of Icirrus City, I accept your challenge!"
"You may call out your pokemon!" the referee called.
"Come! Cryogonal!" Brycen boomed, throwing up his pokeball. The pokemon from before emerged and spun around before coming to rest before its master.
"Cryogonal, the Crystallizing Pokemon. They are born in snow clouds and use chains made of ice crystals to capture prey," White's pink pokedex explained. Pocketing it, she took out a ball of her own and let out a ragged sigh as that familiar battle energy flooded her veins.
"Let's go! Scraggy!" and in seconds, her shedding pokemon pulled up his pants, ready for battle.
Slowly, the ref rose a hand and eyed the two pokemon before bringing it down swiftly.
"Let the battle begin!"
Dragonspiral Tower- Ground floor.
"Hold it! You're-"
Scarlet wasn't listening. Pulling out a pointed tooth, he stabbed his palms before breathing in sharply as raw energy up his arms and into his entire body, making him tremble. That Druddigon was definitely a strong one alright. Kicking forward, he tore through the gathering grunts at break-neck speed before bursting through the wooden doors and bounding up the stairs, going so fast that it looked like he was gliding across the stone. A little way up, Rain and Latios evaded the pack of Liepard sent at them before leaping into the air as the ground beneath them shattered thanks to a Krokorok's Bulldoze attack. Rain brought up his arm and pointed it at the oncoming pokemon, smirking as the capture styler attached to his wrist began to radiate a brilliant blue light.
"Capture on!" he cried and the disk shot forth, emitting a thick line of light from its needle like base. Spinning rapidly around its target, it didn't take two seconds before Rain's feelings were conveyed to the Krokorok, making it turn and attack its confused cohorts.
"But it's not wild!" a grunt screamed as the croc chased him around. "How did you capture it?!"
"A good friend of mine tweaked my styler a little before I came here," Rain replied, dodging a Garbodor's swing and crouching as Latios retaliated with a powerful Psycho Boost. "My styler can't capture owned pokemon but it can let my feelings known to them for a short period of time. Since this is a region were pokemon catching is allowed, she felt it best to change the features a little." He smirked as Krokorok bit the grunt's rear. "Plus, it's a one of a kind styler...but I won't go into details on that right now!"
Several more pokemon gathered and Rain recalibrated his styler.
"Latios, I'm going to do a Super Charge!" He called, multi-coloured energy flowing from his device. "Try not to get in the way!"
Huffing, Latios flew high up and smirked as the pokemon leapt at his partner from all sides. Time to show them why you're so feared!
Red eyes shimmering, Rain raised a hand to the sky and launched his disk into the air before beginning his capture. In his eyes, time slowed and his quick thinking brain analysed every single pokemon coming for him. Ten Trubbish, Four Scraggy and Two Liepard with a Garbodor in the distance, charging a Focus Blast in its arms and clearly waiting to strike when its partners created an opening. A good plan...but not when you're facing a top ranger. On cue, the disc vibrated and ripped across the air in tune to the movements of Rain's gloved fingers.
Now that it's stabilised...Latios began.
"Vatonage Function One, Chaotic Rainbow," he breathed in an airy voice and he began moving through each opponent with fluid and yet ghostly movements, dodging, evading, leaping and crouching like a hypnotised dancer. Loops appeared around each pokemon he passed and the grunts gasped in shock and absolute surprise. His movements were sharp and precise like the edge of a saber and yet they were mesmerisingly chaotic.
"Like...rain..." a grunt muttered unknowingly. In a minute, the performance stopped and Rain spun to a halt, huffing as he smoothed his ruffled collar. Behind him, the pokemon stood frozen as the rainbow rings around them spun rapidly and enveloped them in their light. Garbodor took that chance to launch its attack and Rain watched as the orange ball whizzed towards him from the side. However, a Focus Blast from nowhere collided with the ball and the Garbodor turned to see the Scraggy heading for it with more Focus Blasts in their tiny hands. Before long, the garbage giant fell and Latios came back down again, smirking as Rain brushed the hair from his face.
Show off...
"We've still got more coming," Rain remarked and put up two fingers, instantly catching the whizzing disc from the air. Immediately after, Six large Scolipede landed from above and surrounded the two. From the ceiling, several Crobat watched them with their fangs bared, eager for blood. At the same time, four angry Conkeldurr entered the area and the top grunt laughed darkly.
"So this is the power of the Ranger Rain," he remarked. "Sir Draco was right. We'd need our all to defeat you but I felt it would be a bit of a waste. So why don't these these few spill-overs keep you company."
The ranger simply kept his creepy gaze on the man, unnerving him a little.
"What're you looking at?" he spat out. "Shouldn't you be cowering right no-"
"I'd step back if I were you." Rain got on Latios. "I don't know what it is...but there's something coming up those stairs. And from the feel of it, it's either mad...or very, very excited."
"Huh?" the grunt asked before the sound of screams echoed through the air making several of the grunts look around in confusion.
"That came from the floor below us..." one remarked before the ground started to shake. Sensing this, Latios slowly rose and set up a bubble of psychic energy around himself.
Silence.
K-K-KRACK! CRASH!
As the floor erupted underneath the top grunt, all he could see was a pair of beastly yellow eyes and the claws coming for his face. The sound of flesh ripping was enough to make the other grunts scream and Rain looked on as blood flew through the air with each passing blur. The pokemon weren't spared as whatever it was that appeared began to spin wildly, forming a tornado of wind before jumping from beast to beast, injuring some, bruising others and shredding the rest into strips in its mad frenzy. The tornado even whizzed past Rain, deflecting slightly at the bubble. Time slowed again and both the ranger and his partner pokemon caught just the tiniest of glimpses at the lethal attacker.
"Scarlet...?"
Just as quickly as it started, the massacre ended and the tornado came to a gradual stop with just a spinning shape remaining. Arms drenched in blood, Scarlet's half-lidded eyes scanned the surroundings before coming to rest on the pink bubble above. He knew he had seen that face somewhere, but he couldn't really be bothered to remember.
"M-"
Scarlet turned to see one injured grunt staring back at him in fear. Taking a fallen nail, the hunter aimed it at his forehead.
"MONSTER!"
SHLUK!
Rain stared at the boy before him. The same one who had stopped the train back in Driftveil in order to save people. That one and the demon below him looked nothing alike as the latter sported inch long fingernails and a very, very dangerous look on his face.
"Surprised, Ranger Rain?" he called, voice now a menacing slur tipped with insanity and bloodlust.
Rain whistled. "I knew you knew, Scarly. That's what White calls you...no?"
It was faint but Latios could see the hunter flinch. However, a toothy smile replaced the frown on his shadowed face.
"It's Scarlet. And you're not heading for Ghetsis...are you?"
"What does a hunter want with the boss of Team Plasma?" the ranger asked, sensing the rise in tension between them.
Silence.
"...Just business." And with that, Scarlet dashed forward and disappeared up the nearest set of stairs leaving a brooding ranger in his wake.
Did you feel it, Rain? Latios asked slowly. The rage, the hatred, the confusion and that edge of insanity? Despite the usual dull look on his partner's face, the dragon could guess the answer by the way Rain's hold on him tightened ever so briefly.
"We should head to the top," he stated and gave an apologetic look to the sick mess his target had left behind. "I might have slacked off a bit with Scarlet...and I plan to change that. He's coming with me...before he loses his mind completely."
Icirrus Gym.
"Hi Jump Kick!"
"Rapid Spin!"
Cryogonal tore across the ice field before colliding with Scraggy, who by then was still getting himself used to the slippery floor. Crying out in pain, the pokemon fell back against an ice pillar, smashing it in the process.
"Scraggy is unable to battle!" the referee stated, seeing the swirls in his eyes. "This round goes to Cryogonal!"
Brycen folded his arms. "You've lost your advantaged type, White-san. Let's see your next one."
Nodding slowly, she recalled her pokemon with an apology before bringing out another ball. From the way her eyes darted to the door every few past seconds, Jolteon could guess that something felt off with her.
"Go, Zweilous!" she called, releasing her Dragon-type. The referee nodded before bringing his arm down again.
"Battle start!"
"Rapid Spin!" the gym leader called. Humming again, his pokemon spun towards the dual-headed dragon before giving a cry of surprise as White counter-attacked with her own order.
"Fire Fang!"
Zweilous opened her mouths before sinking them into the incoming opponent. Instantly, her fangs combusted and she flung the flame-engulfed pokemon back at its master. Slamming against the wall beside Brycen, Cryogonal writhed as the flames gnawed against its icy bulk before it finally gave in with a shriek.
"Powerful..." Brycen remarked, looking at the grinning dragon. "Yet ruthless. Tone it down next time."
White laughed nervously. "Well, she ain't a part dark-type for nothing, heh heh." Her expression mellowed a little as she looked to the bleachers were Jolteon sat.
"Something wrong, White-san?" the man asked, recalling his fainted pokemon.
Being the honest girl she was, the trainer nodded a little. "I've got a feeling...that something's up with Scarlet."
"You can worry about him later," he replied, flinging his pokeball. "In the meantime, pull yourself together and face my second pokemon! Go, Vanilluxe!"
"Battle Start!"
White tugged on her hat and breathed. Brycen's right! Scarly'll just get mad if he finds out that I lost because of some stupid over-thinking!
"Ice Beam!" the gym leader ordered and his Snowstorm pokemon took a deep breath.
Even so, White thought while tugging on her gloves. I can't help but worry. He'd better be alright! "Dragon Pulse!"
Zweilous also took a deep breath and in unison, both pokemon let loose their attacks. The single beam of ice-cold air pierced through the blue ball of light and hit Zweilous in the side, making her scream in pain. However, being two-headed had an advantage as another ball that Vanilluxe had missed hit it square in the faces, creating a small explosion.
Seeing as her dragon could still fight, White took the gamble and called for the next move. "Dragon Rush!"
With a savage roar, the dragon gave one stomp before rushing towards Vanilluxe and slamming into it with the force of a truck. As it flew back, Zweilous followed and delivered a series of slashes at her opponent before grabbing its straw-shaped appendage, spinning it wildly and throwing it into the nearest glacier.
"Mirror Shot!" Brycen cried and his whirling pokemon chirped before forming a steely-gray ball in its stubby arms. Zweilous eyed the ball before stepping to the side as it cannoned towards her.
"Crunch!" White yelled though she recoiled as the gym leader kept silent. Vanilluxe took the attack, squealing loudly as Zweilous' fangs sank into its side. However,
"Explosion!"
Shit! Jolteon exclaimed, taking cover.
BOOM!
White coughed as smoke filled the entire arena. Zweilous! "Zweilous!" she cried, looking around for her pokemon. Meanwhile, Brycen simply watched the smoke clear away and took out a pokeball.
"Your pokemon is quite tough," he stated. Vanilluxe floated towards him weakly and he put up a hand to pat it as it slowly sank to the ground. "That's why I felt it right to use this move. Hopefully, this should teach you to expect the worst from your opponent."
The smoke fully cleared...but what he saw made him whistle in slight surprise. Gritting her fangs and struggling to her feet, the heavily injured Zweilous gave a loud roar that made the ice field crack and the windows shatter.
"Zweilous is still able to fight! Therefore, the round goes to White!" the referee called.
"Yes!" White exclaimed and patted her dragon-type. "Looks like Brycen didn't count on your stubbornness."
"Indeed," the gym leader mumbled. "I'm impressed. At this rate, you might just claim that Beartic after all..." He pulled out a pokeball. "You are strong! No, both you and your Pokémon are strong!"
Flinging it into the air, he called out "Beartic! Let's test the limit of their strength!"
White whistled at the big bear pokemon. "It's huge."
Brycen shrugged. "Extreme conditions really test you and train you."
Zweilous screeched defiantly at the newcomer. Sporting old scars and big muscles, it was obvious that Brycen's experienced Beartic would be the hardest one of her opponents.
"Can you still fight, Zwei?" White asked cautiously. Nodding, Zweilous glared at the tall Beartic. This was going to be intense.
"Battle Start!" the ref called and both trainers parted their lips to call forth their attacks.
Dragonspiral Tower, Icirrus City, Unova.
Scarlet hurled the screaming grunt out the nearest window before grabbing an oncoming Conkeldurr's fist and painfully sending it into its partners.
"GET OUT OF MY WAY!" he screamed, bashing through the other grunts and their pokemon. A little farther behind, Rain and Latios caught the falling grunt outside before dropping him safely back in the tower.
"He's losing it!" Rain called as they flew past the other flying grunts and pokemon. "Just why is he so mad about meeting Ghetsis?"
Meanwhile, Scarlet climbed the next set of steps and entered the next floor before scanning the area again.
"Empty," he stated and hissed as he accidentally bit his tongue. He had developed fangs now and with a ragged sigh, he took a look at his hands. The gloves were practically radiating red energy and the crystal-like gem on their surface seemed ready to burst.
"Warning! Warning! Overboost! Overboost! Promptly disable the glove functions!" it screamed in a mechanical voice. Despite knowing full well what would happen if that continued, the hunter curled his trembling hands into fists again. Like the Capture Styler he had studied, the cube could also absorb his feelings and convey them in whatever form it could manifest. However, there was one fatal flaw the hunter couldn't correct. A bug or kink if you may call it. Unlike a Capture Styler that was set on conveying one type of emotion and one type only (friendship, duh), these gloves tended to draw whatever emotions that the user was sporting at that point in time, be it positive, negative or neutral. And they amplify it in order to upgrade whatever boost they are set on. The stronger the emotion, the stronger the boost. Now let's do some math shall we? What happens when you mix in all the negative emotions you can think of with a dragon-pokemon?
"I can't take 'em off now!" Scarlet stated, pupils going slitted. "I've still gotta kill that bastard!"
Suddenly, his senses clicked and he spun around to see an ash-skinned young man sitting atop a broken pillar and smiling like a cheshire meowth.
"The fuck are you looking at?"
Draco tilted his head. "You wish to kill the king...no?"
That voice, Scarlet remarked. "You're not stopping me!"
"I don't wanna stop you~" he rolled, spinning on the pillar. "In fact, I wanna see how strong your foolish resolve is. The king's up there..." He raised a finger and pointed upwards "...since the next floor's the last one anyway."
The hunter glared at him before crouching lowly. "Mr. P..."
"Yes?" he asked before snapping his fingers in feigned annoyance. "Darn it! You caught me!" He quickly dug his hand into his coat and pulled out a black object. Tossing it, he called out "Here's your prize for being such a smart aleck!" and disappeared.
Scarlet caught the object and observed it cautiously. It didn't look like much, just a piece of something. However, its feel and dark allure seemed to hide something much more sinister...but the hunter was too blinded by his confused emotions to dwell on it. Also, there was a little note attached to it.
Poor, poor hunter, confused by his emotions!
You'll never face Ghetsis in your current state of mind!
But not to worry! Here's a little something from me to you! It'll surely help in your fight against him!
Absorb its power with that do-hickey of yours and you'll be very, very surprised by the results!
Best Wishes!
Love, Draco P. Quincy!
"Quincy?" Scarlet echoed, faintly recalling another name similar to that one. Coincidence? No. Ripping the note in half, the ravenette eyed the item he had been given before placing it in his back pocket. He would probably hurl it at Ghetsis' eye anyway. Slowly, he strode over to the last set of steps and took light steps against the stony floor. The higher he got, the more his memories piled. Screaming. Slashing. Crying. Blood. Faster. His heartbeat quickened and his steps increased to match it. Hurry! Faster! He's right there! Reach him! Catch him! Scarlet's claws scraped the stone, leaving horrid marks against the wall. Just a little more! There's the door! He's right behind them! Move! Hurry! Make him pay! Unforgivable! Make him suffer! Make him beg!
Scarlet slammed the wooden doors open, breathing like a deranged animal. His hair had spiked around his head and his skin was practically scaling over. A smile graced his face as he spotted his target, the dark man sitting on the stone steps leading to a large stone statue of an unknown pokemon. That green hair, that air of danger around him.
It's him! He's the one! Ghetsis Harmonia!
"Ghetsis...Harmonia," he echoed in a ghostly drawl. He never bothered to look to his side, sporting mirrors on the walls that showed a frazzled-looking demon in the room.
"Scarlet," the king stated and rose his hidden face. "You're looking...well. How long has it been now?"
Each word. Each sentence. Each little syllable that spewed from his mouth was enough to set Scarlet's blood on fire.
"Ghetsis...Harmonia," he slurred, taking slow steps toward his target. His mind was spinning, his muscles were tensing and his heart was hammering. Grab him! Punch him! Tear him! Crush him!
"What's with the face, Scarlet? Aren't you happy to see me?" the man asked. "I did come all this way just to see how you were faring after all."
"I'll rip you limb from limb," Scarlet muttered, expression maddening.
Ghetsis crossed his legs. "Eight years and that's all you have to say to your king? For shame...guilty one."
"I'LL TEAR YOU TO SHREDS!" In an insane burst of speed, Scarlet got right up to the shiny surface of Ghetsis' helmet. His claws were raised high and he swung it at the man with all the force he could muster. "GHETSIS HARMONIA!"
What the hunter had failed to notice however...was the last and final part of the letter from before.
For all its worth, Scarly, I think you should know.
You'll never beat Ghetsis, no matter what you throw.
So keep struggling, you demonised wretch.
And keep your sanity forever stretched.
Knowing full well that when you cross that line,
The dragon king, Kyurem, shall collect your fine.
...
Smoke billowed from the windows on the topmost section of Dragonspiral Tower and Latios backed away just in time to avoid the falling pieces of ceiling above him.
Rain! he cried. I think we're getting close...but there's so much madness up there that I can't bear to go any further! Are you sure you want to proceed?
"Of course!" the ranger stated and jumped off his partner's back before giving a thumbs up. "I've saved my game anyway so I can always restart if my styler breaks."
This is no joke! Latios retorted before backing away. Come back if it get's too rough!
Rain nodded and headed up the stairs, pulling out his styler and calling, "Vatonage Function Two, Vatonage Sabre!" Instantly, his styler glowed and the light extended into a long, blade like object. Raising it, he sliced through the closed wooden doors and stood rooted to the spot at the ongoing fight before him.
(Author's Note: From here, you'd better put on some rock because this is where things get crazy!)
Scarlet swung his claws rapidly at Ghetsis, hissing and cursing as the man dodged every single blow. Leaping into the air, the hunter rolled thrice before bringing his leg down on his target. However, with the man simply stepped to the side and avoided the attack, making Scarlet create a massive crater in the ground.
"Hold still, fucker!" he cried, swinging his fist at Ghetsis only for him to catch thin air.
"Above you!" Rain suddenly called and the teen looked up only to see a foot smash him face-first into the crater, further deepening it. Ghetsis kept his foot on the boy's head and looked to his left to see the ranger staring at him.
"Good day to you," he greeted like he had no care in the world. "I'll just assume that you came to help Scarlet."
Unknowingly, a bead of sweat rolled down Rain's still-stoic face and he raised his weapon. "He's to be arrested alive...although at this point, killing him would just make it easier for me."
"I'll take that as a yes?" Ghetsis asked and Rain suddenly jumped to the right as a purple pincer flew towards him from above. Looking up, he spotted a Drapion hanging upside down on the ceiling. With a roar, it clanked its pillars together and launched its massive bulk at the ranger.
"It's always the hard way with you people," Rain replied and jumped away again, letting Drapion smash into the wall. "Really, I should've stayed back in Almia."
Meanwhile, a hand grabbed Ghetsis leg and he looked down to see Scarlet's head rise slowly. Blood was rushing down his head and his eyes had glazed over, giving him an insane look.
"Ghetsis!" he roared, getting up sharply and jumping high into the air before somersaulting and using the momentum to fling his target into the statue, breaking it in the process. He landed briefly on the ceiling before kicking off again and into the debris where Ghetsis lay, causing the ground to tremble and dust to fly on impact. However, the boy's expression turned to shock as his fist failed to bust a hole in Ghetsis chest.
"To have lowered yourself to fighting in this crazed manner and yet still not being able to defeat me," the man ominously began and suddenly, his hand shot forward and smacked Scarlet's face, propelling the hunter through a pillar. "Now I'm even more confident of my plans succeeding."
"Just what in the hell d'you think you're saying?!" Scarlet screamed, rushing out of the debris and towards his enemy with his fist glowing bright red. As he got closer, a crackling ball of energy formed in his hand and he launched it at the man.
"Dragon Rage?" Rain observed aloud and dodged another powerful swing of Drapion's arms. "So his gloves can allow him to utilise the power of a pokemon too...or is it just another manifestation of his own rage?"
Nevertheless, Ghetsis put up a hand...and deflected the ball upwards. In a brain-popping boom, the ball exploded, blowing the roof sky-high. However, Scarlet took that chance to get close enough to Ghetsis and sent his fist into his helmet, making Ghetsis stumble back. The hunter continued his assault, punching him repeatedly in the torso and head before grabbing his arm and flipping him over his shoulder. At the same time, he created another ball of crackling energy and sent it after Ghetsis. Both the man and the ball slammed into the wall, one against the other and the tower shook again as the wall developed another dent.
"Rot in hell, bastard," Scarlet cursed, seeing a twisted leg poke out from the debris. Rain whistled at the sight before finally deciding to end his own fight. With a huff, he swung his weapon and sliced past Drapion. Never fear, Pokemon Lovers, as the Ogre Scorp Pokemon didn't in fact get sliced in half. However, a ring developed round its middle before enveloping it in a bright light. As soon as the light dissipated, the pokemon fell to the ground looking docile.
"Sleep," Rain ordered and with a groan, the pokemon collapsed, fast asleep. Dusting his palms, he turned to the panting Scarlet. "Are you okay?"
"Shut the fuck up," he replied and took a step before falling against a pillar in exhaustion. "Damn it...that last attack took a lot outta me..."
"Swearing isn't good for your health," the ranger stated and walked towards Scarlet as blood trickled down his lips. "At least he injured you hard enough to not put up a fight when I'm gonna arrest you."
"If the sniper doesn't kill me first..." Scarlet muttered before slapping Rain's hand away. "Sorry Ranger but I've got somewhere to go right now," he stated, remembering his companions back in the gym. Rain watched him struggle to his feet and shook his head as he staggered towards the exit, leaning against the wall for support.
"I thought Dragon Boost is supposed to close up your wounds..." he remarked and earned a hiss from Scarlet.
"My gloves...are acting up a bit...besides, that bastard hit me faster than my body could regenerate..." His legs buckled and he fell back on the floor, gasping heavily. From the way his eyes dulled, Rain had a feeling that he'd need the hunter to rest a little before making his arrest.
"I should get you to a hospital," he said and de-activated his styler before rushing up to the boy. Despite his pain, Scarlet gave a small chuckle as it slowly dawned on him that it was finally over.
"I've got nothing else to live for...since I've killed him..." he muttered. "I wouldn't mind dying...at this point..."
Silence.
"Unfortunately Scarlet..."
The hunter's eyes snapped open and widened at the sound of the clearly unwanted voice.
"You will be needed alive for my plans."
Rain slowly looked over his shoulder and it was all he could do to keep his mouth from falling open.
Behind them, the King of Team Plasma stood tall with his arms and legs badly twisted and out of shape. With a sickeningly wet crack, they twisted back into position and he cracked his neck twice to loosen the stiff muscles. "So I can't have you die on me yet."
And the only question that came to both young men's minds was "What the hell?"
Icirrus City Gym.
Zweilous coughed for the final time before falling down flat, groaning painfully.
"Zweilous!" White cried, rushing up to it in fear. "Please hang on!"
The pokemon groaned again before passing out as she cradled its head in her chest.
"Zweilous is unable to battle!" the referee declared. "This round goes to Beartic."
"It was a good fight," Brycen stated and patted his pokemon. "A little more tenaciousness and we would have found ourselves in a tight spot."
White nodded slowly. Brycen was right but only partially. Deep down, she had a feeling that it might have been her fault as she had suddenly found herself drifting back to the position of Scarlet's well-being shortly after Zweilous and Beartic had begun fighting.
Jolteon barked, snapping her out of her brooding again and she promptly smacked her cheeks simultaneously before recalling Zweilous.
"Good job, girl," she mumbled softly and pulled out another ball. "I owe you one." Shifting her eyes to Brycen and his Beartic, she let out a slow breath. "I was never very good in tests. My teachers back in trainer school can give you the full story. But when it came to hands-on pokemon battles, I never failed. And I'm definitely not failing in this test either."
Unknown to her, her eyes began to glow purple and her grip on the pokeball hardened.
"I'll win that badge, Brycen! And I'll get Beartic too!" she declared and flung the pokeball into the field. The red and white sphere spun in the air before bursting open and releasing Black's Arctic Pokemon who roared in defiance at his former partner.
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear!" Brycen exclaimed and struck his signature karate pose. "Show me your determination! Come at us, White-san! Not as the champion's sister but as the hardened trainer you strive to be!"
"Battle START!" the referee cried and brought his arm down for the final time.
White pumped a fist. Brycen karate chopped. Both cried out "HAMMER ARM!" and their pokemon began their assault.
Dragonspiral Tower, Icirrus City, Unova.
Dust filled the scene. Blood wafted in the air. Rain lay, sitting down against the wall and watching Ghetsis smash Scarlet's head into the last standing pillar. The ranger would have gotten up from his position to help had it not been for the stone spike sticking through his middle and pinning him to the wall.
Scarlet stumbled to his feet again and wiped the blood from his mouth. "I should have known it was too easy for you to have just died." Raising his hand, he grabbed the man's cloak and with the last of his strength, hammered his own forehead against Ghetsis helmet, causing it to shatter completely. "Maybe the reason to why you're so strong is hidden under that -"
BAM!
The teen skipped across the ground before slamming into a mirror and gasping as blood spewed from his lungs. With the hand he had used to smack Scarlet, Ghetsis shielded his face and laughed maniacally.
"That defiance is still there, Scarlet!" he exclaimed before his tone calmed down a little and silence reigned for the next couple of minutes. Slowly, he withdrew the hand on his face and also pulled out the hand he had been sheathing in his cloak. As he did, Scarlet's eyes widened and Rain's mouth finally fell open.
"The reason for my power lies in my face," young lips stated. "It also does lie in my arm." A scaly monstrosity with claws flexed its icy-blue fingers menacingly.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" a voice asked and Rain turned to see Draco sitting next to him. "The very embodiment of Draconian Perfection. Ghetsis Harmonia."
Scarlet felt for whatever was in his back pocket. His senses screamed at him, warning him that he was making a big mistake. However, Scarlet couldn't have cared less. That face, those eyes, that arm. They struck that primal fear that only Giratina himself could implant in the heart of even the strongest Braviary.
"WARNING! WARNING! DE-ACTIVATE GLOVES NOW!" the gloves screamed but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Below, Latios got up painfully and shook the dizziness out of his head. Just what had hit him earlier? He faintly remembered black tentacles but that was it. Suddenly, he felt something spike and he looked up quickly with widening eyes as his heart suddenly started to hammer from the unknown force creeping into the tower.
Fear, his psychic mind heard faintly. It started as an eerie whisper but it slowly grew into a scary chant. Fear, Fear, Madness, Insanity, Kill Him, Save me, It hurts, Help, DIE, Power, Confusion, Jade, GHETSIS HARMONIA, Kill him, Tear him, Unforgivable!
The Eon Pokemon knew that these were human emotions. Roiling ones too. However, there was one last one that made him sweat and shiver.
I'M losing mY minD...
Draco whistled at the sight before him and patted Rain's hands, knowing how internally terrified he was despite the still-robotic look on his face.
"So he used it after all..." the knight cooed and got up slowly before stepping towards the door. "It's a fight between titans now so I'd best clear away just so I won't die."
Rain continued to stare. Not at Ghetsis, obviously. It was the boy before him. Shortly before, the teen had gotten out a black substance of sorts and had promptly stabbed his palms with it before screaming like an animal as black and red aura ignited around him, incinerating the surface of his skin and leaving them a ghostly grey. Then silence. The boy had burnt himself to death. Or so the ranger had thought until he saw his leg twitch and his arms rise. His eyes had still been closed but they seemed to flutter as scarlet energy began to swirl around him again. Suddenly, something terrifying happened.
Black blood poured from Scarlet's eyes, hardening against his cheeks until they odd marks shaped like cracks. His fingers sprouted golden 6-inch claws and...it could have been his bones...but something extended from his elbows. The scarlet aura around Scarlet swirled and danced before shrinking around his frame, forming a skin like material over his slowly shredding clothes. Lastly, his hair had developed far more spikes and two large, torn, black wings burst through his back.
"What-" Rain began as Scarlet's blood red eyes opened.
"The hell-" The beast's mouth opened, revealing scythe-like teeth.
"Are you?"
Scarlet looked to the sky and let loose the most horrific scream the world had ever heard. And all the Latios suddenly rushing in could hear was,
"I've LoSt my MinD..."
Author's Corner. Side Story: Director For a Day. (Part 2)
PikaMewGirl: Nyahahahaha! Scarlet has now taken a turn for the worse-nya!
Alphinia (in a whisper): She has speech prefixes too. Definitely Lightning's type.
Skidz: Uhhhhrrghhh...
Slybill: What did you think of this chapter? Confusing? Predictable? Oh well, it's gonna end anyway so Riolutae can't slash me with her scythe. Oh yeah, Where's Awesome when you need her?! PikaMewGirl wants to direct the next chapter!
Preview: A monster. A pricey victory. And a mirror. How will all this save the young hunter who has strayed far from the path of sanity and normalcy and fallen into the depths of frustration, fear and despair?