Author's Corner.
Slybill: The day we've all been waiting for. Well, apart from some other important days but still! Now I must warn you, this chapter will be longer than my normal word span but please bear with it! After all, it is THE retrieval day.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN POKEMON. SATOSHI TAJIRI BEAT ME TO IT UNFORTUNATELY. IF HE HADN'T THOUGH, I WOULD'VE CHANGED THEIR ART STYLE BY NOW!
How did things come to this…?
The world was hazy and reddish in Camille's dulling brown eyes and her head was terribly banging as she felt herself being dragged by her legs against the icy-cold floor. Though she couldn't see it, she had a faint realisation that she was leaving a sticky red trail in her unwilling path. Eyes rolling down, she could barely make out the shape of a green-haired man doing the not-so-tedious job of dragging her limp body across the ground with a maniacal smile on his shadowed face. It soon dawned on her that her head was bleeding heavily and as she felt that grogginess overcome her again, that same question floated back to her mind.
How did things come to this?
2 hours prior,
"It's done," the enthusiastic girl declared and lifted the bottle to her employer.
Ghetsis looked through the crystal-clear liquid and smiled. "Perfect. Excellent work as always, Miss Camille."
Blushing, the girl laughed bashfully running her small hands through her unruly hair. "So…I guess this means my job's over. You can forward the money to ORPH since I'm still not qualified to handle it and all. I'll probably just get a bigger pay check anyway."
"I've already done sent the cheque to your organisation," he stated and raised the liquid to his yellow eyes again. "I'm sure you're all ready to go back home, yes?"
"You got that right!" she exclaimed happily. "Being cooped up in a place like this would make anyone want to see their family again. No offence of course."
"I can sympathise with that."
Camille shrugged before turning and looking around the dark room. "Before I go, I just wanna know what that thing is." Ghetsis followed her pointing finger and grinned at the object she was gesturing to.
Before the two beings stood a gigantic glass tube with several thick cables poking into its sides and running along its steel-lidded top. The aqueous substance filling it to the brim gave it a pretty yet ghastly bluish hue and Camille would've thought it to have been an aquarium on first glance. But that was before she had caught sight of the ghoulish silhouette suspended foetal-position in the tube. With eyes closed and body staying dead-still, anyone would have proclaimed it dead but Camille knew that it was very much alive although in some kind of coma.
"That…" Ghetsis began and stepped closer to the tube. "…Is Unova's future."
"Unova's future…?" Camille looked to Ghetsis before turning. "Sounds creepy. Anyway, I really should get back now. My baby brothers have been pestering me to come back since Omni's shit at babysitting. I can't wait to see how they've grown."
"Itching to see them before the end, huh? You'd make a wonderful mother," Ghetsis spoke up, still facing the tube. Camille's face heated up before freezing as she caught one word.
"End?" she echoed, unaware of the yellow dots replacing Ghetsis' eyes now.
BAM!
The next split-second saw Camille's eyes widen as she felt a swift but heavy blow to the head. Another split-second later, she lying on her back against the ground, taking shallow breaths as her spinning world slowly faded to black. Just before she passed out, she saw that tall figure smile at her with mocking eyes.
"Sorry, Miss Camille but I doubt you will be seeing your family anytime soon."
Present time.
Ghetsis let go of Camille's legs and jumped up to the nearby platform to view his gruesome work of art.
"I myself can't believe she had enough blood for that. She must be drained by now. But then again, this is one masterpiece that I'd paint with blood any day."
For down below was the same massive dome-shaped hall, skilfully constructed to resemble the hellish nightmare from eight years ago. What made it even worse was the really long line of blood trailing the very centre of the icy-blue floor. Looking directly from above, you'd be surprised to see a very familiar crude shape of an open triangle with three spikes projecting from its edges. More blood lined the rounded edges of the hall and Ghetsis whistled at his bloody masterpiece.
"Now I can truly say that you've done your purpose, Camille. Young virgin maidens are so hard to find these days."
Lying in the very centre of the large triangle, Camille's deadening eyes could only look straight ahead and she inwardly cursed herself for sending Mismagius ahead of her via PC. After all, she always had this small hunch that she was in a potentially dangerous environment. But her self-condemnation halted as she felt her strength draining and heartbeat slowing.
Fuck…I'm…dying…?
I'll….dying…
But…I don't wanna die…
Tears spilled from her dimming eyes and a sudden feeling of loneliness mixed with the pain in her bleeding head as her life began to flash before her eyes. White, Scarlet, Jolteon, ORPH, Omni and the children whom she had come to love as brothers and sisters. Somehow, she had always pictured her death to have at least been in the company of friends and family. But now, it slowly dawned on her that once again, life had thrown her the short end of the stick.
"I'll…never see them again…" she sobbed hoarsely. Her body was cold now and everything was finally grinding to a slow halt. "I'm…sorry….guys….but I won't…be coming back….again…."
"Oh? Still got enough life left to talk eh?" Ghetsis sneered. "Mind repeating what you said?"
Camille willed all the strength she had left into her lips and put up a defiant smile.
"Fuck…you…"
And all went silent.
"How unique for last words…" the king huffed nonchalantly and walked towards the door. "Now then, how to send this present off to Opelucid in time."
Opelucid City, Unova.
"Happy Birthday-de arimasu!" Lightning squealed, throwing himself against his childhood friend who gladly received the hug. From over her shoulder, Lightning shot a death glare at Scarlet before releasing White and opening his bag. "I got you a present too. Hope you like it-de arimasu."
White grinned at the gift-wrapped box and greedily snatched it from his arms before ripping it open and gasping at the contents. It was a real pearl necklace with matching earrings that would've cost someone a hell of a lot to buy.
"It's so shiny. Thank you, Albert!" she cried, crushing him in a hug again. But judging by the happy look on his face, Lightning didn't seem to mind...much. After catching a quick breather, he threw a haughty glance at Scarlet before tugging on his bandana.
"So...what did Scarface get you-de arimasu?" he snickered, observing the lack of presents in his hands.
"Sorry, Dickbert, but she's getting her present after the concert," the ravenette sneered and bared his teeth as Lightning locked foreheads with him in frustration and pure malice.
"For the last time, it's Hilbert-de arimasu!" the boy growled.
"Right right. Geez, wonder why you're so grouchy today," Scarlet replied as Lightning pulled back and prepared to put the necklace on White. "Unless you're having their period today."
TICK went the cowboy's forehead and with that comical look of anger on his face, he launched himself at Scarlet. As expected, Scarlet simply stepped to the side and let his 'friend' fall into the trash can behind him. Coughing and spluttering, the boy tried and failed to clamber out and just as he thought fate had finished dealing with him, the can fell on its side and tumbled down the semi-hilly road, thus signifying our screaming cowboy's exit for that time period.
White, who all this time had been fiddling with the necklace, raised her head and looked around in confusion.
"Hey, where's Gilbert?"
"He left," Scarlet replied flatly and pocketed his hands. "Probably on his way to the concert."
"Oh," she replied and held the jewellery up to her companion. "Can you?"
Sighing, Scarlet helped her put on the necklace and stepped back to view the ornament with a small smile.
"So, what d'you think?" she asked.
"It's beautiful," he replied and backtracked when he saw her blush. "Uh...I mean, the necklace is nice and all since it makes you look shinier and accentuates your cleavage but-OW!"
The hunter sent a grateful glance at Jolteon while massaging his terribly sore leg.
"Yeah, I'll just stick with beautiful," he croaked and straightened up again. "So, you're finally fifteen now..."
"Yup! I'm old enough to watch Resident Evil now!" she declared and Scarlet sweatdropped. Was that the only thing she was looking forward to? "A-and..."
"And?"
White fiddled with her fingers again and looked down shyly. "And...mom said I could get...a b-boyfriend..."
Scarlet ignored the cheeky glance Jolteon sent him and did his best to put on a straight face. "Wow...so the airhead actually thinks about such things..."
BAM!
"I-it's not funny!" she stuttered, looking down on Scarlet's twitching frame.
"You didn't have to sock me in the gut again..." he groaned and got up again. So far, the day had been relatively stress-free and Scarlet was feeling a whole lot better than before. That infernal headache was even gone now so he didn't have to worry about passing out or skipping the concert. Speaking of which.
"Hey White, we should probably start heading to that concert."
Checking her watch, she nodded before picking Jolteon off the ground and latching herself to Scarlet with her free arm. "To the concert!"
Opelucid Central Park.
Aqua peeked through the large black curtains and grinned at the humongous crowd waiting for the show. Her smile grew even bigger when she saw two particular people sitting at the front row with a Jolteon in between them.
"Lady Aqua," the grunt/drummer whispered. "The present has arrived from King Ghetsis."
"That's good..." she replied and walked up to him as he held out a silver case. Flipping it open, she traced the vial's intricate design and sighed at its warm feel. "Looks quite potent."
"Indeed, my Lady," the grunt replied and closed the case. "Shall we get started?"
"Of course!" Aqua declared and gave his face a quick pat before turning to the other members, all Plasma grunts. "Let's make this a day to remember, boys!"
"Yes, my Lady!" they all echoed solemnly and on cue, the curtains began to draw back.
On the other side, White held her breath in excitement and everyone fell silent as the large curtains rolled back with glittering dust billowing forth and giving the entire area a mystical feel.
"This is it," the trainer muttered.
"Yeah yeah," Scarlet sighed though he too was anxious to see just how good Aqua Mareen was. Behind them, Lightning threw an envious glare and wondered why they had gotten front row seats. Luckily, his internal rant ceased as short steps echoed throughout the park and the crowd began to stir as a shapely silhouette made its way out of the smoke. Dressed in an extremely low tank-top and black patterned tights that'd make any body drool, the stunning lead singer held up her hands and struck her signature pose that made everyone cheer and scream in anticipation.
"Everyone!" she called and waved. "Are you ready?!"
"YEAH!" they screamed in a voice loud enough to nearly pop Scarlet's eardrums.
"SHALL WE BEGIN?!"
"YEAH!"
"THEN LET'S PAINT OPELUCID RED!" she cried.
"AQUA! AQUA! AQUA! AQUA!" the excited crowd cheered, clapping their hands in rhythm to the chanted name. On cue, the band kicked up their song, going slow at first but gradually increasing in tempo until their heavy but beautifully coordinated instrumentals shook the very air itself and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Equally pumped by their reaction, Aqua took the mic to her lips and took in a deep breath.
"This is for a good friend of mine who's turning 15 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WHITE!" she declared and let out the most melodious voice that Scarlet had ever heard.
The crowd's cheering decreased a little at the sound of her voice but grew again as she too began to follow the rhythm of her bands instruments. Only one adjective came to Scarlet's mind as she belted out word after word.
Bewitching.
The way her tones rose and fell in tempo. The way she seemingly controlled all attention and weaved the cheering in such a way as to give her own voice a boost. The way all eyes were magnetically attached to her movements. Even their facial expressions showed intense enchantment and it was all Scarlet could do not to fall under her somewhat hypnotic vocal chords. And the lyrics. It almost felt like they were meant for him and him alone as they entailed something pertaining to a tale of sorts about lost souls and new-found love. Then again, that was purely coincidental and with a sigh, Scarlet found himself falling into the cheering spiral, relishing in her smooth chords and skilful singing techniques. White, on the other hand, had lost herself completely, chanting, waving and dancing to the beats, totally unaware that she was swinging the helpless Jolteon around. Lightning had it far worse as he was in the very centre of the dancing crowd, taking fist pumps, hair whipping and general shoving around from the gyrating crowd.
In the midst of their enjoyment, our four heroes failed to notice how similar the band members looked with their intensely orange hair and blue eyes.
City Hall. Opelucid City.
Drayden neatly arranged his desk before rubbing his forehead at the loud distraction sifting through his shut window.
Noise.
That was what he termed such music. Honestly, what happened to the good old days when people used to gather and listen to piano concerts and operas?
"It's times like these that I wonder why I consented to such a rowdy event," he muttered through his beard and turned his gramophone's volume up to the max. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to cushion the loudness of Aqua's voice and it didn't help that City Hall was positioned so close to the central park too.
Even then, I suppose this city could use some excitement, he inwardly mused and looked at the stacks of paper before him (the most note-worthy one being the search warrant for a certain waiter in Shopping Mall Nine). Although Unova in general has been more excited than usual lately.
That was definitely true in a sense, thanks to Team Plasma's dangerous antics. He was still riled up about Skyla's untimely death and he was very sure Team Plasma was responsible for Black's passing too. And to think all this had been started by that green-haired menace called Ghetsis. The mayor stroked his beard as several questions came to mind at the mention of that dreaded name. What was Ghetsis' plan? His motives? His driving force? And why did Drayden feel so uneasy at the invitation Iris had received, stating that she come to the Red Moon Ball? A lot of unrelated yet related suggestions came to mind but one thing was clear. Ghetsis Harmonia was far more dangerous than anyone had anticipated and he surely had an army of monsters lying in wait for his plan's execution. But what really made the old man's heart pound was the new term he had come across in the last League Meeting.
Dragon Knights.
Just what were these dangerous additions to Ghetsis' army? Based on sightings and a careful analysis, they looked exactly like human beings in shape and structure. Yet they seemed to display a common animosity for their modelled predecessors. They claimed to have been the evolved forms of such humans, bluntly stating that they had no need to care for human lives whatsoever...or pokemon for that matter. That was quite evident in the Castelia incident and, more notably, the train massacre in Driftveil. Then there was the Mistralton case that dealt a great blow to all Unovans.
Even then, Drayden found them quite a fascinating group. Maybe it was the fact that they gave off draconian tendencies and monstrous attributes that clearly distinguished them from others. And possibly the observation of a particular dragon-type assigned to each of them, each one having been equipped with abnormal abilities. As a dragon tamer, it was natural to feel such curiosity but in his mind, he felt that it would be dangerous to continue delving into this new phenomenon...especially their creation. He was more concerned with another question that came up.
So assuming they attacked Opelucid. What would he do then? Even if he was confident in his abilities, could he defend his beloved city of change? Then again, Scarlet had somehow handled them though, from all indications, barely.
R-R-Ring! Phone Call! Phone Call!
Drayden was pulled out of his thoughts as the videophone attached to his desk rang incessantly. Tapping a button, the device folded open with a holographic screen on which the mayor recognised the face of Opelucid Police Force's Chief of Police and from the flustered look on his face, it looked like bad news was on its way.
"Mayor!" he saluted.
"Chief, is something the matter?"
The middle-aged man looked hesitant for a second before coming out fully. "Strange activities have been sighted at the entrance and exit terminals, sir."
Drayden cocked a brow. "Strange? Care to elaborate?"
"Sir. There're uniformed people gathering at the terminals. Based on reports and sightings from the guards...they seem to be er- techno-ninjas, according to them."
Drayden looked at him, a question mark literally forming at his head.
"I'll send you a visual, sir," the officer offered and in two seconds, a video frame popped up and the old man squinted at the several men, women and pokemon all dressed in black with flat-topped hats and tights reaching up to their faces, masking the lower half completely. The word "Techno-ninja" didn't seem to far off but Drayden nearly fell off his seat as he recognised the stylised P on the centres of their black army vests. How could he not have seen it before.
"Plasma...?" he mouthed and got off his seat. "Do not let them enter, chief. No matter what."
"Right sir! But...how come?"
"Don't you see?" Drayden yelled. "That's-"
CRRRRACCKKLLE-Fissss...
The power had gone off completely and Drayden couldn't help but notice how deliberate that had seemed to him. Somehow, the clouds were heavy and grey today and as such, the entire hall had been cloaked in near darkness with only the light from Drayden's window sparsely illuminating the room.
Danger.
The mayor could taste it in the air. And not just any kind of danger. It was the special kind that sent chills down anyone's spine and would be enough to make even him go rigid in anticipation. Slowly, he unclipped a pokeball from his belt and turned to the only entrance to his office.
"I assume you must be here to hinder me," he stated. The figure hidden by the shadows only smiled, exposing his razor-sharp fangs. From the swishing ends of his black trench-coat Drayden could see spots of red and immediately knew what happened to the guards outside. As the two men stared each other down, Drayden couldn't help but feel that cruel sense of irony at the invisible but noticeably-horrific aura exuding off his enemy's frame. Just a few minutes ago he had been thinking off a possible face-off with Team Plasma's newest weapons. Now here he was, looking at a possible Dragon Knight who no doubt was going to kill him.
"Mayor Drayden," he spoke up in a cool but deadly British accent. This was possibly the Draco-person he had heard about. Just his luck. They had sent the rumoured-most dangerous one to take care of him. "I believe you know where all this might lead to and, if your sources are correct, you should know the extent of our power. I'm normally a clean man but as you can see, I've dirtied my hands already so I'd like to make a proposition."
Drayden stayed silent but his grip on Haxorus' pokeball tightened.
Draco stepped forward and pocketed his arms. "Do not interfere and I will spare your life."
"Will the lives of Opelucid's citizens be guaranteed?" the spartan mayor asked lowly. "Can you give me your word that Opelucid shall not be harmed in any way?"
Silence.
Silence.
Draco raised his arms and stared mockingly at his target. "I'm afraid not. We plan to enjoy ourselves here and it might get messy, if you know what I mean. So...will you back down?"
Rage built up in the mayor's mind and he pushed a button on his table. Immediately, the floor beneath them sank like an elevator and Draco sent Drayden a puzzled glance.
"You should know the answer," Drayden replied coldly, yellow eyes giving off a menacing glint. "I cannot stand-by and watch you slaughter my people as a form of entertainment. If it means killing a monster like you to protect this city then so be it. Let's take this inevitable fight to the gym."
Draco sighed and shrugged. "Jeez, why can't you just do the logical thing and step down already. Oh well." The knight tugged on his gloves. "Don't say I didn't warn you, old man."
Opelucid Central Park.
"You were so awesome, Aqua!" White cried, flinging herself against the laughing brunette.
"Thanks! It felt better since I was doing it for you anyway," she replied, wiggling out of White's death grip before facing Scarlet and the panting Lightning. "I see Scarlet...but who's this friend of yours? An ex maybe?"
You are so right sister! Lightning nearly yelled but opted to bow instead. "I'm just her best friend. That aside, it's an honour to meet ya, Miss Aqua and can I get an autograph-de arimasu?"
"Sure. Where do I sign?" she asked and bit back a giggle as he tore open his shirt with an epic look on his face.
"Right here-de arimasu!" he declared, indicating his heart region. "Only your signature can mend my broken heart-de arimasu!"
"Creep," Scarlet muttered lowly, earning a glare from the cowboy. Aqua, on the other hand, couldn't help but notice his bare skin.
"You're...ripped..." she remarked. "Wow...so guys do look better without clothes."
Yes, contrary to all beliefs, Lightning had somehow developed abs. But then again, training with two bruiser pokemon and pushing himself to his limit everyday tended to do that to him. Plus, every good hero had to have abs. It was a must (at least in his hero guide). But even so, White didn't so much as give a second glance so his pride was short-lived.
After getting his chest signed with a marker, the cowboy closed his shirt up again and sent Scarlet a smug look before turning away and stalking off to meet the other members of the band, clearly oblivious of the sudden looks of pure lust emanating from the other girls.
"What's his problem?" Scarlet asked and Jolteon shrugged before skipping into White's arms again. "So...I guess you girls are going shopping now."
"Yeah!" Aqua replied and grabbed White's free hand. "And sorry, but no guys allowed!"
"Wouldn't have had it any other way," Scarlet stated with a cringe. "But how come Jolteon get's to go."
"He's a pokemon. And I meant no human guys!" Aqua hurried to Scarlet's side before putting her mouth to his ear. "And maybe now's the time to get that present of yours!"
"Right," he whispered back and waved to White. "Have fun. Take care of her Jolteon and remember, don't let them give you a make-over."
His pokemon nodded solemnly before snuggling into White's bosom as she waved back.
"See you later, Scarly!" she bid and skipped off with Aqua to Opelucid's newly-constructed mall. Scarlet watched them go before turning and heading off to the nearest store that sold C-gears. Maybe he'd get one with a custom Reshiram print or something...
Third Floor, Opelucid City Pokemon Centre.
Lightning strolled around the pokemon centre in search of medicine for the road. Now that he had gotten all eight badges, he was certainly qualified to challenge the league when the time came. For now, he'd better stock up on supplies for the extra training he and his pokemon were going to undertake.
"Wonder if I'll meet White at the championship-de arimasu..." he mused and gave a yelp as someone rushed past him. "Hey! Watch it-nya!"
"Monster!" the trainer cried, rushing as far away from the PC and knocking down as many people as possible in his mad dash. Lightning arched an eyebrow and stared at the boy's scurrying form.
"Monster-de arimasu?" he echoed before hearing a very distinctive scream. "Nurse Joy?"
Suddenly, his hero-senses started to rattle endlessly and he began to rush forward, heading for the counter where the resident Nurse was always standing behind. Almost unsurprisingly, the very back of the PC exploded in dust and smoke and the teen cursed as trainers began to run in fright. Extending a hand, Lightning grabbed the nearest person, a female Ace Trainer, and inquired as to what had happened.
"There's something there!" she screamed before wailing loudly. "It's blocking the hospital ward where my sick pokemon are kept! What should I do?!"
"Calm down-de arimasu," he hushed, shaking her by the shoulders. "Can you tell me what happened to Nurse Joy?"
From the way her eyes shrank in horror, he knew that something terrible had definitely and he was just about to press on when his intuition spiked. To the girl's shock, he looped his arms around her before jumping back. She had been lucky as the second his feet left the ground, the very floor erupted in fire, lightning and ice.
"What the-" Lightning began but halted as a fast blur burst through the hole and whipped past several trainers. The horrific thing was that as it passed the escaping people, heads, body parts and blood sprayed through the air.
"Oh my Arceus," the girl in his arms wailed and Lightning landed against a window before taking out a pokeball and releasing his flying-type, a Braviary.
"Take her to City Hall-de arimasu," he ordered and turned to the girl. "It's gonna be alright-de arimasu. I'll save your pokemon so you just go and get Mayor Drayden. Hurry-de arimasu!"
"O-okay!" she replied and got on his pokemon's back before giving him an uncertain glance. "But...what about you?"
"Don't worry about me-de arimasu." Lightning tightened the bandana on his head before taking out a pokeball. "You're talking to a hero-de arimasu."
Confused, the girl simply nodded and Braviary gave a shrill cry before lifting off. Lightning made sure they were out of sight before calling out Haxorus and his newest pokemon, a Mienshao.
"With that said, I think we need to stop this killing machine!" he declared and sharply put a hand out, grabbing the incoming blur and flipping it over his shoulder with all his might. The shape crashed into the floor below and Lightning jumped down before taking a fighting stance. "Let's see just what in the hell you are-de arimasu."
The smoke it created began to clear and what Lightning saw made his green eyes widen a little in slight shock and apprehension.
"Graaagh..." the shape growled and stepped out of the smoke, revealing a scrawny boy with greyish-white hair and a lipless mouth full of jagged fangs. Blood coated his hands, chest and chin and if Lightning hadn't known any better, he would've said that this monster was crying tears of blood from his yellow eyes. From behind him, a massive, black mass with three heads reared up and stared menacingly at Haxorus and Mienshao.
"Holy..." the cowboy whispered at the head in the boy's arm but he pushed the fear deep down and put up a stern face. "What the hell are you?"
"Joid..." the boy drawled and began to drag his feet towards the three beings in his line of sight. "Joid...Joid. Joid Joid. JOID!" With each chant he grew in speed until he kicked off at an almost-impossible speed towards Lightning with his jaws wide open. As Lightning wasn't a big fan of White's principle on attacking people with pokemon, it was no surprise that he ordered for a quick Dragon Tail.
BAM!
Joid was sent flying into a bookcase nearby and Lightning stifled the need to buckle when he remembered just how close Joid's teeth were to his face before Haxorus had come through. Senses rattling again, he did a quick cartwheel, dodging the Tri Attack sent his way by the Hydreigon before them.
"Mienshao, Aura Sphere! Haxorus, Dragon Pulse!" he ordered and his two pokemon quickly scattered in different directions before launching their attacks from both sides. The super-effective moves made a direct hit Hydreigon and it screamed before crashing into the bookcase with its partner.
"Good job guys," Lightning stated and began to run towards the hospital section. "Let's go save those pokemon-de arimasu!" Although, they seemed a little too easy-nya...
Just before he got to the door, the ground vibrated again and he looked back sharply to see Joid shoot through the debris and grab his shoulder before smashing him against the wall. Luckily, Lightning was born with a strong head so he didn't pass out but the sharp pain that shot through his arm was enough to make him wince. Joid opened his jaws and prepared to take a chunk of his shoulder but was promptly stopped by a hard hit to the face with a golden searmitar. The force of the hit was hard enough to make Joid stumble back and Lightning quickly got to his before raising the two weapons and taking another fighting stance.
"Haven't used these in a while," he uttered and put up his smirk. "But I'm sure they'd be good for beating down tough monsters like you. Haxorus! Mienshao! That Hydreigon can regenerate like its master and from what I've heard, they're the ones who killed Skyla. Let's give it our all and show them what happens when Lightning strikes-de arimasu!"
His pokemon yelled in agreement and engaged the incoming dragon in combat while Lightning skilfully blocked Joid's blows with his late pokemon's signature weapons.
"It's Hero Time-de arimasu!"
Opelucid City Gym, Unova.
Drayden huffed and wiped the blood trailing down his face. "So this is the power of a Dragon Knight..."
Beside him, his battered Haxorus took heavy pants while giving a hateful glare at their barely tired opponent.
"I did say I warned you," Draco replied and held out the broken tusk belonging to Haxorus. "Now your pokemon has just lost one of its precious assets and I very much doubt that it will grow back at his age. I'd have said give up and run but I don't really intend on sparing you two."
Annoyed, Haxorus gave a defiant roar and bared its remaining tusk at Draco.
"Haxorus is right. we wouldn't have bothered to run even if you gave us an opening. We have our pride too as humans and pokemon...unlike you." The spartan mayor tightened his gloves again. "Now that I know the full extent of your power, it makes me sad to think of how much pain you would've endured at Ghetsis' hands."
"Oh please," Draco sighed and turned around before stroking his tousled hair. "It's not your business to pry. But even so...to think that a human such as yourself feels pity for this clearly misguided young man." Draco's smile fell and he threw a dark, spiteful look at the two behind him. "Honestly...it makes me sick to the pit of my stomach."
Something about Draco's change in mood made Drayden's muscle stiffen but he quickly calmed himself and pointed at the knight. "As there is no hope for you, I shall deem you a monster and treat you as such. Come! We have a fight to finish!"
Haxorus grunted before running towards the knight who still had his back turned.
"Outrage!" Drayden cried and his pokemon took on its menacing appearance, ready to tear Draco to shreds in its intense fury. However, the unperturbed knight casually flicked a couple of pellets over his shoulder and snickered at the sudden cry of pain from the Axe Jaw pokemon.
Drayden watched in horror as a bright orange light engulfed his pokemon and in a moment, Haxorus trembled violently as sparks and energy billowed from its golden frame. Screaming and trashing from the energy surge coursing through its veins, it was only a matter of time before it tripped and fell heavily on its side, suddenly feeling too weak to get up.
"What...?" Drayden muttered before feeling the rage build up. "What did you do to my pokemon?!"
"Dragon Slayers," Draco elaborated and held up a pellet. ""It coats the pokémon in a laser field that emulates a Giga Drain. The bigger and stronger the dragon-type, the more energy it loses to the field. Struggling doesn't help as it only drains the energy faster."
"But that is cheating!" the mayor pointed out harshly. "You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"Well...I never said I'd fight fair. Besides, your Haxorus might have actually injured me with that Outrage."
"You cheat..." Drayden spat. Despite its energy drain, Haxorus staggered to its feet and growled at Draco, the latter sighing at their tenacity.
"What a pain," he grumbled. "Even with the pellets, you're still standing huh? Oh well, you won't last long anyway."
You're wrong. We will last! At least long enough to keep you here until-
"Until the Plasma grunts above are wiped off? I don't think so. And for the record, I knew your plan all along," Draco stated, much to Drayden's surprise and chagrin. "Yeah, I can read minds too. And if you think your squad of dragon tamers can help then you're wrong. Dead wrong. Especially since we've got these devices. Face it, Drayden. You can't save this doomed city no matter how hard you try and it's only a matter of time before this place gets converted to a massive graveyard...filled with the bodies of innocent young lives that you have sought to protect."
"You fiends!" Drayden cried and Haxorus executed a Dragon Tail although it missed horribly as Draco jumped away from the attack. Even then, the pokemon followed and began to throw as many blows and slashes as it could muster. "Why do you yearn for destruction and massacre? Why do you submit to that deranged master of yours? You have potential and that can be harnessed for the good of the world! Why waste your youth and humanity on pleasing a lunatic like Ghetsis Harmonia?!"
Draco froze and Haxorus used that chance to raise its tail before bringing it down forcefully on his skull.
BASH!
The very floor cracked underneath their feet and Drayden huffed at the dust cloud that ensued. Coughing, his pokemon staggered out and dropped to one knee beside its master who stroked its neck soothingly.
"You talked about how you would destroy this city...but I have absolute faith in the potential of this new generation and as such, I will do my very best to contribute to their growth and development. As Mayor of Opelucid, I will protect it with my very life! I hope you understand that, Monster!"
Silence.
"Hmph. Perhaps you were not as strong as you made yourself to be," Drayden huffed and let the breath he had been holding finally come out as a sigh of relief. "We've won, Haxorus. Let us return and see how well the police are doing."
Suddenly, his phone rang and the mayor checked the caller ID before arching an eyebrow.
"Speak of the devil," he muttered and pressed the answer button before holding it up to his ear. "Chief of Police."
"Mayor Drayden! There's trouble!" the man at the other end stated. The sounds of orders and attacks being exchanged coupled with the cries of pokemon and gunshots made Drayden worry.
"Out with it man!" he ordered.
"Sir! It's Team Plasma! They suddenly started attacking and trying to pass through the gates! We gathered our forces together, hoping to stop them but they're armed with strange weapons that drain our pokemon's strengths!"
"Then use other types!" the mayor barked.
"We tried, sir! Arceus knows we tried! But these weapons are turning our dragon-types against us! Coupled with their own forces and a possible Dragon Knight leading them, we're outmatched!"
"WHAT?! ANOTHER DRAGON KNIGHT?!" Drayden roared. One was bad enough already. "I'm on my way!"
"No sir! Things are getting bloody here and though I don't doubt your strength, it still wouldn't be enough! Especially the knight, sir!"
"I will not stand by and let you die!"
"It's okay sir! We will do our best to hold out. We will not let them touch this- AH!"
"Chief? CHIEF?!" Drayden barked, fear encroaching his heart. "Answer me, BRENT!"
"...Damn it...struck down...by my own Fraxure...I'm sorry sir...but this is as far as I can go."
"Brent! Withdraw now!"
"It was...a pleasure...defending this city sir..."
"BRENT!"
The voice was cut off totally by a scream and roars followed by the squelching and cracking of muscles and bones seeping through the receiver.
"Curses!" Drayden spat out and walked up to the platform-elevator. "I'll need to put this city under lockdown."
"That won't do, Mayor. That won't do at all."
Drayden froze and the fear finally settled in at the sound of that nefariously sinister voice. Slowly, the man and his pokemon turned to see a black shadowy figure standing before them with red dots for eyes and that oh-so-scary smile. What scared them more were the six bloody, black, red-tipped tentacles literally slithering from his back and dancing about in the air with red eyes lining their sides like paint.
"By the way, I don't take kindly to humans who insult our king."
The tentacles launched forward and Drayden watched in absolute horror as Haxorus got impaled and lifted into the air before getting ripped limb from limb with its blood and guts spraying around the field, coating the entire arena. Two minutes of disturbing violence later, Draco tossed the bloody mass aside and arched his head back as he threw a truly villainous laugh at Drayden's horrified expression.
Stopping abruptly, his expression morphed to that of hunger and his tongue dragged across his lips menacingly. "You said give your life for Opelucid, right Drayden?"
"Monster..." was all the stunned man could utter. Then his eyes widened as Draco's head morphed into a great, dark, monstrous mass and hurled itself at him with its serrated jaws forming a Cheshire Purrloins's grin. The head stopped right before his eyes and opened its jaws to reveal an endless row of teeth lining the salivary ridges of his throat and at the very end was Draco's human head smirking at him.
"I'll gladly take that life to feed my hunger," he stated and that head split open in four-sides, with more needle-like teeth lining each side.
The sight was hell. And Drayden knew now that he had lost. As he closed his eyes in anticipation for the incoming death, he recalled the four children that had made his life worthwhile and had given him hope in the next generation of pokemon trainers and the future of human relationships with pokemon and each other.
"Iris. Black. White. Scarlet," he muttered and smiled to himself. "Use my death as a stepping stone and save Unova. As for me, I think this old man has some catching up to do with Black and Skyla. I'll be joining you too, Haxorus..."
And as the jaws came crashing down, he heard Draco's wicked snicker.
"Sweet dreams, old man Drayden."
SNAP!
The Ace Trainer who Lightning had sent came down just in time to watch Draco devour Drayden's head whole and it was at that point that she finally lost it and passed out on Braviary's back. Unable to bear the horrific sight any longer, the pokemon flew away and back to its trainer, both for its life and for the girl on its back. And also to convey the message.
Drayden is dead! It screamed in its shrill cry. Opelucid has fallen!
Devon Corp Opelucid Branch, Opelucid Shopping Centre.
"Wow, I never thought that Devon Corporation had set up a branch in Unova," Scarlet said to himself while picking out the C-gear he thought White would like. Though she'd have accepted any type of C-gear, he felt it best to give her the really special one that every girl would've wanted. "And they've got the pink Reshiram skin to boot. No wonder it's so expensive."
True that. It cost a whooping 200000 pokedollars for Arceus' sake but Scarlet didn't mind one bit. Sure it wouldn't hurt his pocket or account in any way but he was more interested in seeing her reaction when he would hand her the present.
"Here's your C-gear, sir. Your girlfriend must be quite lucky to have a considerate person like you," the female attendant chirped.
"Yeah...I guess," he mumbled, collecting the boxed device. Upon leaving the store, he looked around for a shop where he could possibly gift-wrap the box. Now Scarlet didn't know why...but his eyes came to rest upon the jewellery store nearby and he recalled the smug look on Lightning's face when he had given White the necklace. Not wanting to fall behind, the ravenette decided to get something even better and with uncertain but determined steps, he shuffled into the store and suddenly felt self-conscious of the numerous breakable things around him. Slowly, he walked up to the old jeweller and suddenly got uncomfortable at the question he was going to ask.
"Can I help you, young man?" his elder asked with a kind smile.
"U-um...I need a present...for someone special..." he croaked, marvelling at how dry his throat felt. "I want it to be...well...something she'll have to remember me..."
"I see. You like this girl, yes?" This definitely wasn't the first time he had attended to such customers.
Gibberish emitted through Scarlet's lips before he calmed himself and gave a tiny nod.
"Tell me. What's she like?" the man asked and Scarlet scowled.
"Is it necessary?" A nod later, he took a deep breath and began to describe the girl in mind. "She's...beautiful, funny...and has the biggest yellow eyes I'd ever seen. She's not to good at singing, hell her voice would make even Croagunk die...but when she laughs, it's like the sounds of bells ringing. She's also got the daintiest hands that just seem to fill you with warmth and kindness every time they grip you and her smile is to die for. But the thing that separates her from any other girl...is her innocence. She's clearly not meant for this cruel world and call me crazy...but every time I watch her sleep, I'm very sure I see wings and a halo."
"So in other words...she's your angel."
Scarlet nodded slowly and felt his heart hammer again.
"You make it sound like you won't see her again,"
"Yeah...we're separating because someone like me isn't good enough for her..."
"Oh?" the man asked and turned to open a cabinet. "Why's that?"
"Because I'm bad. I'm her opposite in every way and...I don't want her to get hurt," Scarlet blurted and felt his hands tremble. "I will not taint her innocence. She's seen enough already..."
A small white box was placed on the glass counter and Scarlet arched an eyebrow before letting his mouth fall open as he slowly guessed what its contents might be.
"Y-You're k-kidding me, r-r-r-right?" he stammered in embarrassment. "It's not like we're-"
"This is a promise ring," the man explained quietly and Scarlet let out a sigh before aiming a curious glance at the box.
"What's a promise ring?"
"A promise ring is a ring given to a partner to signify a commitment to a monogamous relationship, often as a precursor to an engagement ring," he explained and lifted the box to Scarlet's face. "Open it. It might just be what you're looking for."
Carefully, Scarlet opened the box and gazed in amazement at the pure white ring sitting in its red cushion.
"This is..." he breathed. "A soul crystal..."
"Indeed it is. The rarest gem in the world, said to accentuate the pure innocence of its wearer and illuminate their souls to drive away even the darkest of emotions. Legend has it that this ring was worn by the Hero of Truth. Took me a hell of a long time to find it too."
"Wow...must be really expensive," Scarlet echoed and grew puzzled as the man closed Scarlet's hand around the box.
"It's my only treasure left...and I want you to have it, free of charge."
The hunter stared at the man. "But...why?"
Giving a proud huff, the shop owner folded his arms and turned. "My wife used to wear it. And this girl of yours sounds just like her. It'd be a perfect fit."
"I can't..." Scarlet murmured. "It's the only thing you've got to remember your wife by. I can't just take it."
"Young man. She's late now and there's no use letting it waste away in a corner. In all my years, I've never heard of such an innocent girl in all my life and it only makes sense to give this to her." Leaning, he beckoned to Scarlet before taking out a locket. "See. That's my wife. Arceus bless her soul."
Scarlet squinted at the old picture and his eyes widened in awe. For standing there was a taller, brunette version of White with yellow eyes and a pure smile.
"She looks happy," he observed.
"Yes. And that was because I stayed by her side till the very end," the jeweller laughed and stroked the picture. "I'll let you in on a secret. I used to be a pokemon hunter back in my younger days."
Oh the irony.
"I understand your shock. Truthfully, I enjoyed doing those stupid and evil things back then because I felt alone and empty. But then I ran into her and my life was never the same again. Eventually, I came clean and told her what I was, feeling ready to separate because I had felt too soiled to stand next to her innocence. But she accepted me. Sure she was sad...but she forgave me and took me as I was. It was thanks to her that I left that horrible job and enjoyed life together. Alas, she was quite sickly and didn't last too long...but I swear that I had never seen her so serene and peaceful in death."
Slowly, he rested his hands against Scarlet's shoulders and smiled at him through wet eyes.
"Stay with this girl, young man. Tell the truth and she will accept you no matter what you are. Protect her for the rest of your life and do everything in your power to see her smile and laugh and I guarantee that you will never see a life more blissful and glittering than the one you spend with her. Can you promise me that you'll stay with her forever?"
The ravenette's eyes were shadowed but from the drops splashing against the glass counter, the man could tell how moved Scarlet had felt.
"I'm so stupid," he muttered and smiled. "Now I've gone and stained your glass with my silly tears..."
"It's okay. That can be removed. But the pain of separation cannot. I can testify to that," the jeweller laughed before patting Scarlet's shoulder. "Off you go, my friend. And tell her I said hello."
Scarlet nodded before pocketing the box and walking up to the door. Slowly, he turned to the man and threw his best smirk.
"I promise." And with that, he left the jeweller's shop with a great weight lifted off his shoulders. He was going to tell White the truth. If she forgave him, he would continue with her forever. If she didn't then so be it. But at least he'd be able to sleep better at night. In his happiness, he failed to notice the Plasma Grunts sneaking into the shop he had left behind and well...we pretty much know the old man's fate now. But if there was one thing we would pick up, it was that the kind old jeweller died with a happy smile on his face, knowing full well that he would meet his beloved wife sooner than expected.
Slowly, the oblivious teen's walk broke into a small jog before evolving into a full-out sprint with only one target in mind.
"WHITE!"
Starmiebucks, Opelucid City Mall.
"Phew, that was quite the shopping spree," Aqua sighed and fanned herself before taking a sip of her bottled water. "You're quite the expert when it comes to makeovers."
White laughed before taking a look at the sulking Jolteon on her laps. "Only because Jolteon offered to be the test subject. Aww, don't be sad, who's a good boy?" she cooed, tickling him and laughing at his sounds of delight. "But how come you insisted on me keeping it on?"
"Duh! So you'll look good enough for Scarlet!" the brunette replied and winked. "Boys love lipstick kisses!"
"Kiss?" White echoed and blushed heavily at the thought. "Who said I was gonna kiss him...?"
"Oh well. That aside, I hear you two are splitting."
White nodded and looked at her cup forlornly.
"Though it looks like you don't want to," Aqua pointed out and folded her fingers together. A calculative smile was forming on her lips.
"But I have to let him go or else he could get hurt trying to protect me," the white-haired trainer stated. "I want him to be happy."
"Of course, of course. You do love him after all so it's only logical to let him free." It's breaking time. "But did you ever consider the possibility that you yourself are the cause of all his suffering? I mean, I'm just saying."
Yellow eyes widening, the girl froze in her seat.
"I...did consider it..." she murmured and Jolteon began to feel uneasy.
The seemingly-oblivious Aqua continued to ramble. "You did, huh? That's good. Shows how considerate you are. Then again, I was just pointing out that it was your possible existence that makes him so sad-faced in the first place. Ever wondered what life would've been like if you had never met him? I mean, I'm just saying."
"N-no...I never did...I don't think it would've been pleasant..."
"But he looked so much more carefree before he met you, right? Like he didn't have a thing in the world to protect and thus burden him."
"Burden...?"
Aqua put on a confused expression. "You didn't know? It's probably troublesome having to carry someone around all the time. I'm sure he probably hates you."
I beg your pardon?! Jolteon gasped, sensing trouble approaching. He had detected a slight but familiar edge in her tone and had a faint inkling of dangerous nostalgia.
"He...hates me...?"
"Maybe. Who knows, he might've been much happier without you around."
That's enough! Jolteon barked and got off White's lap before getting onto the table and growling menacingly at the grinning Aqua. Now I don't know what you're trying to imply but Scarlet has never looked more happier in his life and if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're trying to confuse White-
"Jolteon? What's wrong?" White asked, unable to process why the lightning pokemon had suddenly gotten all riled up. But Aqua knew. She knew all too well.
"Oh my, what's gotten into Jolteon?" the brunette laughed and put a hand on his head before looking him deep in the eyes. Sorry honey but I'm on a role here and I'd be grateful if you didn't spoil it.
Why you-!
Jolteon suddenly felt very light-headed and immediately caught the deadly look in her blue eyes. He didn't know what she did...but the sound of her voice had felt too lulling and with a slow groan, he fell into a deep sleep.
"Jolteon?" White asked.
"He's tired," Aqua lied and took him into her arms. "So...as I was saying, you think it'd have been better if you and Scarlet had never met?"
"But...he never once said he hated me or blamed me for anything..."
"He's just being nice," the woman said with a dismissive wave. "It's not like he'll come right out and say he hates you."
White's face fell and she felt her breathing quicken. Was it true? Did Scarlet hate her?
"Maybe he was even playing you all along," Aqua chipped in.
Playing me? After all we did?
"Or maybe-" the woman scooted closer and stared into White's trembling eyes. "-Maybe he was using you."
That seemed to hit White hard as she felt several memories whirl through her mind along with the questions that sprung up. Was Scarlet really using her? Had he been pretending and lying to her all this time? If so...then why? Why had he thrown himself in danger's way to protect her? Unless he badly needed her alive for something.
"Scarlet...would never do that..." White uttered and looked Aqua right in the eyes. "He'd never do that to me."
"Oh really. You trust him that much?" Aqua asked and smiled. "What if I said he was a hunter. A dangerous, murderous one who only needed you for a specific target, a legendary pokemon perhaps, and chose to protect you for his own benefit. Makes sense, doesn't it?"
"I won't...I won't believe that!" White stuttered and faced her laps to hide her tears. "It's not possible...is it? Scarlet can't be lying to me..."
"He could be. Then he'd probably kill you when the pokemon was good and secured. It'd be that easy, wouldn't it?"
Somehow, something cracked inside White and she put a hand to her chest as she mulled over Aqua's statement. "It hurts..."
"Wouldn't it be sad? You'd feel so stupid for being fooled and used and killed off like some doll. And I can't even begin to imagine what he'd do with that legendary pokemon..."
"It hurts..."
Aqua gently put the sleeping Jolteon down on the seat before taking out her bag. "And the fact that you fell in love with him would only make it worse. He's probably smiling to himself right now, getting his gun ready or something."
"It...hurts..."
"And just when he puts the bullet to your heart, he'll probably mock you and dump your body over a cliff or feed it to a pokemon or even shred it," the brunette pointed out and found what she was looking for.
"It hurts..."
"But that's just an assumption, you don't have to believe me. I'm just looking out for you."
Aqua pulled out an apple -a big, red, juicy apple- and held it out to White whose eyes had glazed over and looked terribly downcast.
"Would you like an apple, White?" she offered.
Now White had been told never to take things from strangers. But she was too downcast and preoccupied with her emotional turmoil to remember those simple words of advice. And as she took the apple to her lips and took a bite, she wondered just how much she had meant to the boy who had changed her life.
Soon enough, the poison started to take effect and White's half-lidded eyes looked to Aqua's smiling face in confusion.
"Is something the matter, White?"
The world was falling. Or maybe it was just her. She didn't really know as all senses dulled immediately after she had hit the ground. Taking shallow breaths, she felt her body stiffen abnormally and she realised with a start that she was passing out...or dying...
"Foolish innocence," she heard Aqua sneer along with some explosions and the sounds of chaos ensuing. "You should know better than to take food from strangers. Hey Draco, she'll be falling into null consciousness soon. Think we should let her see the real Scarlet one last time? Got it! Activate G-factor, Draco!"
A hand grabbed her arm before lifting her limp body up, bridal style. It wasn't Aqua. A grunt, perhaps. White didn't know and she barely cared. She was more concerned about what was happening to her and Scarlet. No use, everything was going blank. So so blank. Before she lost herself though, White realised one thing. She had fallen into a trap and no doubt was going to get Scarlet dragged into it. Her heart ached at the trouble she had unknowingly gotten herself into and with a slow breath, she let the darkness consume her and her head finally fell back with one word on her lips.
Scarlet...
Preview:
The innocence and the guilt. Two sides of the same coin.
When the latter reaches its highest peak in turmoil, the former shall break and they shall be rendered ready unto the beast.
Scarlet was ready to save White. But he was not ready for the unexpected confession he had to make and was very unaware of its implications in White's current state.
Will he save the innocence? Or will he be the one to break it?
Next Chapter: Lacrimabilis Separationis