Unovan Pokemon League HQ. Meeting Room. 10:12 AM.
LP and Scarlet sat calmly beside each other on the conference table while staring ahead at the four screens showing the heads of the regional presidents of each Pokemon League branch. Currently, they were on what you'd call an impromptu interrogation as flying them over to Kanto proved impossible at the moment due to Team Plasma overnight success in secretly destroying the airports and seizing control of the waterways in Unova, thus putting the entire region under complete lockdown.
"I hope you enjoyed yourselves," the one from Hoenn remarked, voice dripping with pure sarcasm. "Considering all the havoc you've caused us these past few years, you should consider yourselves lucky that execution is no longer your suitable punishment."
"Thank Arceus and human rights for that," LP scoffed, taking out a cigarette only for Rain to come from behind and lay a hand on his shoulder.
"You're in the presence of dignified heads. At least pretend to show some respect," he warned. Scarlet also shot LP a warning look and the pompadour cursed before dropping the item on the table.
"Once again, a job well done, Top Ranger Rain. You've not only managed to capture the elusive Scarlet but the ever-persistent thorn LP as well. Loaning you from the Ranger Association was a good choice indeed," the sinnohvian head stated, earning a simple nod from Rain. "Now then, I believe we must give you two what you came here for. Based on the detailed reports from Rain, LP, as usual, showed consistency in his wrongdoings though the rate of his captures seemed to have dropped considerably. As for you, Scarlet, you have gotten into quite a bit of a bind here. According to Rain, you had several run-ins with Team Plasma, your employers, most of which have ended up in destructive fights. It is quite interesting to know that you seemed to be against their wishes, usually protecting people and pokemon from their bloodthirsty onslaught. I'm not sure what to make of this."
"You could almost say he was on the good side," the Kanto head mused, earning a short, haughty laugh from his Hoenn counterpart.
"Good? Him? Let me tell you something. This little devil levelled a good fraction of our nation's prized Safari Zone some months back. We lost Hoenn's only Tyranitar!"
"And I can't forget Mount Moon's collapse at the paws of his demonic Jolteon," the Kanto head chipped in. "Along with the Tin Tower's destruction in Johto and even the Lost Tower in Sinnoh. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Scarlet gave a slightly uncomfortable cough. "Um...sorry, I guess. But we didn't come here for that. I think we should get to the real point."
The Hoenn head narrowed his eyes before clearing his throat. "Pokemon Hunters Scarlet and LP, though we are slightly thankful for your assistance in saving our Unovan sister branch, your crimes cannot be overlooked. As such, you are hereby condemned to life imprisonment in our most secure correctional facility. Have you any objections?"
"Fuck yeah-"
"LP, sit," Scarlet interjected in a voice so sharp that the older hunter found himself back on his seat. Satisfied, the redhead turned to the Hoenn head with a face that did well to mask whatever emotion he was experiencing at the moment. "Like my friend here, I too disagree with this sentence and though I know we deserve it, I can't help but try and talk it over with you."
He's up to something, Latios's thoughts echoed within Rain who merely put a finger to his lips and trained his ears on the conversation.
"We have nothing to discuss, boy," the man spat.
"Matte," came an airy voice and the heads were surprised to find their normally-silent Jhotonese counterpart assuming a thinking pose and facing Scarlet with her intense, lime-green eyes. "Courtesy demands that we at least get some words from the accused. They haven't exactly been given the chance to defend themselves though I doubt they can actually do that."
From the way the Hoenn head's moustache-covered lips creased, it was obvious that he was going to object. "But-"
"She's right," the Kanto head butted in. "Talk, hunter."
With a polite bow, Scarlet got up and began the first part of his plan. "Isn't it stated under Section 46 of the International Pokemon League Constitution concerning the arraignment of suspects that the accused can request for a three day probation under a registered Probational Officer such as Top Ranger and a high level Psychic-type Pokemon? It's only fair that our moral states be tested considering the unbalanced tendencies we've been displaying, right?"
"Arceus, he sounds like a lawyer," LP scoffed under his breath but grinned all the same as the Jhotonese head lowered her eyes while deep in thought.
"That is correct. You could request for such an action...but the final decision still rests on we the heads. You could just pretend to be good for the next three days and then quickly revert if you're acquitted. How're we sure such an event will not occur?" she asked, deflating LP's hopes. However, Scarlet didn't budge. He was expecting that reply.
"That's why you could extend the time period or better yet, have the psychic pokemon use Future Sight and find out what our true motives are."
"It is strictly forbidden to use that move in these cases as we do not like tampering with the future," she countered. "And who knows how long your pretense could continue. Let me ask you this, Scarlet. Why exactly do you seem so calm about this situation? I've seen quite a number of juvenile hunters who have acted...differently upon hearing their punishment."
Scarlet smirked a bit. "Simply because I have a certain someone I must save from Team Plasma. If I hope to do that, I cannot possibly see myself in jail. Besides, even if I do land there, I'll simply break out and rush back here to do what I must and stop them. You know as well as I that Team Plasma's quite a dangerous group and I just might be one of your only weapons capable of stopping them. I'm putting some of my hopes on my obvious value to you. After all, the Unovan League wouldn't be standing had it not been for my, and LP's, help."
"So you think you're some indispensable item to us? Don't kid yourself!" the Hoenn head barked angrily. "We are more than capable of bringing down Team Plasma without the help of some hunters!"
"...Actually, the boy has a point," the Sinnoh head stated meekly. "The Unovan League's defence force is our second most powerful branch. For Team Plasma to bring it to its knees within a day...I shudder to think of what could happen if Ghetsis turns his sights on us individually. Even if we do come together...I have a tiny bit of doubt that we'll actually succeed. More so that we know just what kind of monster he wishes to resurrect."
The overseer from Johto waited until her Hoenn colleague stopped his stuttering before returning her eyes to Scarlet. "That matter is something we can discuss later. Justice really has no space for such considerations and must still take its course. I admire your confidence and careful requests but I'm sorry to say that you must still suffer imprisonment. You are no different from every other hunter we have condemned so you will obviously not be capable of talking your way out of this predicament."
"I see," Scarlet replied and closed his eyes before giving a small giggle. "Then I'll just have to go with a new angle."
"Here it comes," LP, Rain and Latios thought in unison as the heads stiffened in anticipation.
"Now we all know how high and mighty the Pokemon League is and it even makes both the innocent trainer and non-trainer population feel safer to know that you exist to protect them." Then Scarlet's grin turned sly. "But what if the League isn't as righteous as they made themselves to be?"
Silence.
"...What does that mean?" the Hoenn head growled.
"Exactly what you think it means, my good sir," Scarlet replied and gently leaned against the table. "I'm accusing the so-called wall of justice of internal corruption."
"Are you mad?!" the man replied, clearly infuriated. "How dare a lowlife scumbag like you level such accusations against us?!"
"Easy there," the Kanto head warned his fuming colleague. "Scarlet, explain yourself."
"Thank you," the redhead replied. "Now then, I assume you all must've found out about poor Mr Charles Goodshow, your boss and the man known as the father of the Pokemon League. His demise was gruesome and probably something he didn't deserve...but...let's consider the circumstances leading to his death shall we?"
"Such matters are known to us and us only," the Sinnoh head stated matter-of-factly. "I don't think you're in a position to make assumptions-"
"Assumptions? Heh heh. Sir, I know just what happened. In fact, that statement of yours just made me realise something. Why was information on his death restricted to just between the four of you? Why won't you let the public know just yet? Please don't answer just yet. Now concerning Mr Goodshow's demise, I just happened to get a recording of an interrogation conducted in secret on your fifth colleague, Mr Ray. From what I heard, your president was working with Ghetsis Harmonia, aiding him in covering his tracks."
"How did you get that?!" the Hoenn head exclaimed and sharply cursed himself when he saw Scarlet smile. "You crafty little-"
"Calmly put the insults aside, sir," Rain cut in formally and crossed his arms. "I'm now curious as to what exactly is going on."
Scarlet drummed his fingertips on the table and looked to the Hoenn head again. "Now that I knew how serious this case was, I thought to myself that what would the public think if they found out that the organisation in charge of their safety has a head that promotes corruption? I have proof of this, just so you know. We found quite a lot of traitors in the Unovan League itself and I'm very sure there must be some within your buildings too. All I need is one phone call to the Ranger Association or in fact, the ever-troublesome media and the League will forever be labelled a den of controversy, corruption and hypocrisy led by a man who willingly betrayed his race to Ghetsis...and died for it-"
"Mr Goodshow only did it for his granddaughter so don't make him look like the bad man here!" the Hoenn head butted in sharply, unknowingly earning raised eyebrows from not only his colleagues but Rain, LP and Scarlet themselves.
"I wasn't implying that," the teen remarked and grinned. "How exactly did you know, Mr Goodshow's closest advisor?"
Realising his horribly stupid mistake, the Hoenn head swore and cut-off his link just as the Sinnoh head picked his phone and ordered for his immediate arrest. In the commotion that followed after, Scarlet calmly turned to the still-thinking Jhotonese woman on the screen.
"See my point? Ray wasn't the only guy in on this. I'm sure the rest of you were kept in the dark about it so you don't have to worry about your personal reputation. As for the League's in general though..."
"Omae...you not only succeeded in turning this whole interrogation around but you've also managed to find a suitable albeit deceitful excuse to get yourself out of your predicament. Constructive blackmail was the last thing I expected to hear," she remarked in a slightly amused tone.
"So blackmail was what he was really gunning for," Rain mused as Scarlet's grin widened.
Is that guy really just 17? Latios deadpanned.
"You really are rotten to the core," the woman stated and Scarlet laughed.
"Not really. I'll just do anything for Whit- I mean the sake of stopping Team Plasma."
"So it's for a girl eh?" she murmured and chuckled very lowly before turning to Rain. "We can't have our image tarnished in the eyes of the public now can we? You're under probation, Scarlet, LP. This guy will be the officer in charge. But rest assured, Scarlet. When we've cleared up our internal affairs, you will come back here and depending on Rain's report AND how you fare against Team Plasma...well, I'll leave the next words to you for finishing. Rain!"
"Yes ma'am."
"You just became a new babysitter. Submit your new report when this mess is over."
"Yes ma'am."
"I believe we're done here," the Kanto head spoke up in a finalised manner and gave a curt nod. "Chief Heinz Kipling, signing out." And his screen blanked.
"Likewise. Scarlet, from man to man, thank you for giving us this revelation. I leave the rest to you while I rid my building of miscreants and see to the Hoenn Head's trial. Good day. Chief Rodyard Rowan, signing out." And the sinnoh head disappeared from the monitor, leaving only the brooding Jhoto head.
"Rain, LP and Latios. You may go. I want to say a few things to this devious hunter in private," she requested and with a nod, Rain and his pokemon, along with an uncertain but no doubt happy LP, left the dark room, shutting the door behind them.
Slowly, the woman's expression softened and she gave Scarlet a long, deep stare that struck him with a vague sense of familiarity.
"It's surprising how life experiences can turn a young child into an experienced teenager. I'm surprised at your growth, Scarlet."
"You make it sound like you've been watching me," he replied and folded his arms.
"I've read your file. Apparently, your life started from when you became a hunter. Beyond that, there's a huge blank. But you reminded me of someone and I used this meeting to confirm my suspicions."
Slowly, she peeled off the wide-brimmed hat on her head and let her long, scarlet hair fall over her slender shoulders. If you stood between the stunned boy and the solemn woman, you would've thought they were near mirrored opposites with just a few gender differences.
"M...mom?" he asked cautiously. Surprisingly, he didn't feel too bad when she shook her head.
"Natsuki Takahashi," she greeted and pointed at him. "Younger sister to your mother, Rei Von Quincy nee Takahashi which makes me your aunt. Surprised?"
"Hell yeah," he whispered and felt his head feeling a bit woozy. Delight? Relief? "How?"
"Ghetsis killed off the Von Quincies but probably didn't care much about the other side of the family so here I am, almost sending my own nephew to prison. Not that I care though. I never liked Rei and her airheaded husband. It just hurts seeing how much you look like her."
Scarlet simply stared at her and pressed a finger to his head. "No, I ain't dreaming. So I guess I've still got a blood relative out there, huh?"
"I'm pretty much the only Takahashi out there and was quite proud of it until you showed up," she sighed and put her chin in her hand. "But if there's one thing I'll say, it's that I'm proud to see the sickly baby all grown up and going on to hold the entire league to ransom for the sake of a girl. In fact, I don't see a boy anymore. No...I see a man now. You've got your father's gender...and your mother's everything else."
"Should I be proud or mad?" he asked before pocketing his hands. "But I guess this puts more weight on my shoulders. Now I've got more people to protect."
"Protect, eh? Hmph, you've changed a bit, I'll give you that," she scoffed and leaned back in her chair. "So, Vincent, I'm leaving you with the task of saving the world here. As an aunt to a foolish nephew, I'll help in anyway I can to stop Team Plasma too on my end."
"Thanks, I guess," he replied with a grateful smirk. "So were you really going to send me to jail if things had gone differently?"
"Of course! No nephew of mine was going to get his hands dirty and not receive punishment! If you don't believe in miracles then you'd better change that because you'll need a lot of it to get me off your sorry hide, shounen. So if you know what's good for you, you'd better save your girl and beat Team Plasma for good. And punch Ghetsis in the face for my stupid sister."
"She's even more tsundere than me," he deadpanned under his breath and gave a thumbs up. "Got it. I'll see you around then...uh...auntie?"
"Stick with Natsuki, baka! Calling me auntie makes me sound old."
Arceus, I wonder what her kids would be like, he thought to himself and turned. "Uh...till the Red Moon Ball tomorrow then. Um...Ja ne?"
"Your Jhotonese needs a lot of work," she deadpanned, putting her hat back on. "Stay alive, shounen. Natsuki Takahashi, signing out."
And her screen faded to black as he reached the door. Slowly, he let out a deep breath and pushed open the door with his mouth curved upwards into a grin.
"Gotta hand it to ya, red. That was some fancy shit you pulled back there!" LP congratulated, giving him a hearty noogie. "The rest heard everything via CCTV. And guess what, they were rooting for you also!"
"So the members of the league approve of your release," Rain echoed and gave a small smirk. "You never cease to amaze me, Scarlet. I hope you know what you've just done."
"I just blackmailed the league," the redhead replied and gave a victory-sign. "I'm now a despicable devil who will do anything for the sake of an airhead. You owe me big time, LP. But the plan's not finished yet."
Rain arched a brow as Scarlet whipped out a phone and began to dial Icirrus City's General Hospital.
"What more is there?" he asked as the young man placed the phone to his ear.
"I just need a quick ride to Kanto," he replied and smirked as a familiar voice answered. "Yes, Professor Hale E. Finnian? It's Scarlet. Yeah, I'm doing fine. Good to know you're okay then. Hey listen, I'll need to borrow Lucky for a day. I'm coming over to pick him now. Yeah, I'm doing fine. Good to know you're okay then. Thanks."
As soon as he cut, Scarlet pocketed the phone and gave Latios a sideways glance. "So Rain...how's a trip to ORPH sound?"
Saffron City, Kanto Region. Twenty freaking minutes later.
"I'm sorry, remind me again how a Ralts could make a three minute teleportation to a region that'd take over six hours to get to by Latios," Rain asked after he, Scarlet, LP, Latios, Jolteon and Lucky had untangled themselves from the heap they made upon their semi-crash landing.
"You can only do so much with booster gloves," Scarlet replied, giving the little pokemon a soft pat on the head. "What? I never said the booster gloves were limited to humans."
"You should put that on Ebay when all this is over," LP joked and hopped to his feet before brushing off the grass on his leather jacket. "So lemme get this straight, you want to go to ORPH because you felt that we'd need all the help we could get, right?"
"Yeah. It only makes sense that Ghetsis has got a whole army of pokemon, monsters and grunts and if there's one job that specialises in handling those, its Pokemon Hunting," the redhead replied and lifted Lucky onto his shoulder while Jolteon opted to stay at his usual place beside his feet. From the way his ears twitched, you could tell he was a bit happy at seeing their city again. "Let's go."
"Are you sure about this?" Rain asked cautiously as they began their long stroll through the sparsely-filled city streets. "You leading an officer of the law into your base-"
"Ex-base."
"Right. Into your ex-base in the hopes of somehow convincing the calculative and devious Boss of ORPH to join hands with the League, ORPH's second sworn-enemy, first being the Ranger Association. Forgive my usual pessimism but I'm sure we'll be pumped full of holes before you can even make your offer."
"Boss doesn't like getting his floors dirty with our blood so I doubt that will happen," Scarlet replied casually as they passed the large Silph Co. Building. "Besides, LP and I are kind of his favorites so he'll at least let us put a few words in before having his guys shoot us dead."
"When ya put it like that, I almost wish I didn't come here," LP sweatdropped.
In time, they reached an empty alley and Scarlet stopped at the inconspicuous door with a small sign that said BAR in neat cursive.
"Is this is?" Rain asked.
"Hey, they need a good cover, right?" Scarlet replied and ushered himself into the small but certainly classy bar. Save for the two Houndoom sleeping in the corner, the place was pretty empty and Rain would've commented on it when he saw Scarlet walk up to the buff bartender and whisper a few things before pulling out a neck-chain with a tag on it. Nodding, the man jerked his head to the door beside the counter and arched an eyebrow at the blue-haired stranger.
"He's harmless," LP reassured, taking out his own tag and swiping it on the door. Humming, it slid open to reveal a set of stairs going downwards and into the darkness below. Rain was about stepping in when Scarlet's gloved left hand landed on his shoulder.
"I need you to promise me something," the redhead whispered. "Under no circumstances should you spill on what you've seen. We'll need their full cooperation so we can't afford to have you sneaking in some listening device or something."
"I anticipated you'd say that," the bluenette huffed and raised his hands." I left my styler back in Unova so I couldn't exactly do such things even if I wanted to. But Latios stays with me just in case this Boss of yours decides to do away with you."
Nodding, Scarlet led the way down the steps and into the darkness with the others disappearing after him. With that, the door slid shut and the bartender resumed his business of wiping the wooden counter.
...
"The security up there seemed a bit lax," Rain remarked once they reached an elevator. "I really wonder just how ORPH hadn't been found yet."
"When you've got tons of money, corrupt city officials and a region with a relatively crime-free atmosphere, you tend to get away with such stuff," Scarlet explained and walked into it before setting Lucky down and pushing some buttons. "Even then, ORPH's got a set of codes to crack and lots of barriers to pass if you ever hope to see its receptions. Apparently, the management team change it every day. Also, ORPH isn't really in Saffron. This is just one of the many gates that leads to it."
So where is it exactly? Underground? Latios asked as soon as the doors closed.
LP grinned. "Nope. It's on an island off Route 16. You can't see it easily cos it's under some big cloaking device too."
"Invisible islands?" Rain echoed, slightly surprised. "This Boss of yours must be quite wealthy. So we're currently going through some tunnel, perhaps?"
"You could say that," Scarlet replied and leaned against the side of the elevator. "For now, I guess we'll just enjoy the ride since it could take a while to get under Celadon."
On cue, the container stopped its descent and began to move sideways at what Rain and Latios guessed to be the speed of a standard train. They soon found out that the elevator was quite transparent as they saw themselves in some sort of underwater tunnel with Tentacruel , Magikarp, Goldeen and the occasional Gyarados drifting past them.
"I always liked this part of the ride," LP remarked, taking in the pretty view. "Makes me wanna jump into the ocean and swim with 'em."
"How suicidal," Scarlet deadpanned, earning a mocking glare from LP.
"You're only jealous cos ya can't swim ta save your life," he jeered slyly and Scarlet furrowed his brows before crossing his arms and looking away in contempt.
"So the great hunter Scarlet can't swim?" Rain asked, geuinely intrigued though it sounded more like a jab at the redhead's pride. "How...strange."
"Screw you," Scarlet replied and checked his watch. "A few more minutes to go. Get your pokemon ready in case it's guns we meet at the reception."
The men nodded spent the remaining time in silence, either mulling over what Scarlet plans to persuade Boss were or thinking about how they'd escape should Boss decide to eliminate them instead. After all, the kid/man was unpredictable. Who knew just what would come to that big head of his if he saw them after so many months and with all the news going on in Unova.
DING went the transporter.
WHIR went the doors.
And Scarlet cautiously walked into the office-like reception, mind relieved to find no guns drawn or pokemon lying in wait at the other side. Just workers moving in and out of doors and elevators. On his part, Rain was impressed with the buildings interiors. It oddly reminded him of the Ranger Union HQ in Almia.
"Scarlet? Is that you?"
Scarlet turned and found himself staring back at a familiar bespectacled, green-haired teenager with a Mismagius. Cue the involuntary snort of laughter at the fact that he was now taller than Omni.
"Yo, mosshead," he greeted once the technician had gotten a little closer. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"You got that right," Omni replied as Mismagius began its customary routine of trying to scare the crap out of the newcomers. "You look different. And what happened to your scar?"
"I tore a new one in," he replied and looked around curiously. "I always thought your evil twin was never too far. I really wanted to show Camille up, height-wise."
Omni sighed and rubbed his unruly spikes. "Unfortunately, she's still not back yet. Her mission should've ended like a week or two ago and her cell phone's not working. I won't believe she disappeared on us. She loves the kids too much to do that but she'd better show up soon or I'll go insane from taking care of those monsters. But let's get to that later. Since you're here...are you done?"
"Nope," Scarlet answered bluntly earning a raised brow from the greenette.
"So you chickened out then?"
The redhead smiled wryly. "No. I quit."
You could virtually hear everyone in the hall freeze up at the sound of those dreaded words. Omni himself let his mouth hang open before coughing nervously.
"Um...the mission, right?"
"The job too. I'm done with ORPH."
"Uh...I ain't!" LP piped up randomly. "Just this guy so don't shoot me or anything."
"But you can't just quit!" Omni exclaimed and caught himself from going too loud. "I mean, you do know that leaving means death right?"
An amused expression came to Scarlet's face and he patted the greenette's shoulder casually before pocketting his hands and heading in the direction of Boss's office with Jolteon, Lucky and the other three trailing behind.
"Just him," LP whispered, thumbing Scarlet. "I ain't gat nothing to do with it."
"Right right. Get a move on, coward," Rain deadpanned, brushing past him and earning another confused look from Omni.
"Wonder who that guy is?" he murmured and pressed a finger to his baffled head as he and Mismagius left for the workshop division. "Man...quitting ORPH. What is he thinking?"
...
Another elevator later, Scarlet was in front of a fancy door with BOSS etched into its gold plaque.
"This is it, guys. If anything happens, get ready to teleport."
Once everyone nodded, Scarlet took a breath and pushed the button on the side. "It's me, Scarlet. Open up."
All went silent at first but the door slowly slid open and Scarlet sweatdropped upon getting that familiar nostalgic effect from seeing Boss's playroom/royal throne room/classy office. He still remembered years ago when he accidentally stepped on the child/man's rather sharp lego set and dyed the blocks with blood. He visibly cringed upon seeing the same blood-stained set not too far off. At the far end of the room, overlooking the sea, was Boss's big table, nicknamed The Big Table, with all the documents (folded into various amusing shapes of course), splotches of ink (and crayon), Arcanine fur and small pokemon statues strewn across its shiny surface. Beside it lay a prim Arcanine who raised its majestic head to growl at the intruders (particularly Rain and his invisible Latios) before laying it back down again to simply watch them once a rather petite hand stroked its mane from behind. Yawning, a small steel-haired boy rose from within its fur and rubbed his bleary eyes before giving his visitors a stare.
Then he grinned.
"Ginger!" he cried, slamming into Scarlet's waist in a hug. "I missed you! You never called me to tell me how you were doing! And Jolteon's gotten so big now. Same with you. You look like a pole now."
Rain stared. Any person would've thought this to be some friendly (even cute) interaction between a guy and his baby brother and the ranger was no different.
"Is that his son?" he asked and Boss turned to him with wide, inquisitive eyes before tilting his head and grinning.
"As the boss of the Organisation of Pokemon Hunters, I must say it is an honour to meet you, Top Ranger Rain and Latios. I assume Scarly and LP led you here?"
Insert "oh-shit" face from both the newcomers and the hunters along with the pokemon.
"Surprised?" the brat asked with a rather dark look on his face as he pressed himself closer against Scarlet. "I am a well-informed person you know. Care to explain what a ranger is doing here, Mr Back-from-the-dead Ginger?"
"You've certainly gotten scarier since last time, brat," the redhead remarked and Boss giggled darkly before tearing himself off Scarlet and hopping onto his table to sit on it. "I'm sure your sources must've also told you of all the hell I went through in Unova."
"I can see it in your face, Scarly," Boss chirped, interlocking his fingers and leaning forward. "However, I don't need sources to know that you went through some sharp changes in your way of thinking. Gone were the greed, emptiness and hatred in your eyes. Now...all I see is pure stupidity, raw over-confidence, selfish determination, some nervousness, a pinch of longing...and love. Ginger went mushy for a certain airhead who is now in Ghetsis Harmonia's clutches."
He's good, Latios remarked.
"So tell me, Ginger. What gave you the gall to drag your tattered self back here with a dog of the Ranger Union in tow? And don't leave just yet, LP. I still wanna know why you ignored my orders to report back here two months ago."
"Ah fuck," LP grumbled from his position near the door.
Scarlet paused to gather his thoughts before looking to Boss with a straight face. "I'm here because of two things. One: I'm quitting ORPH. Two and more importantly: I need ORPH's help the League in bringing down Ghetsis's team of psychos in Unova tomorrow."
Boss gave him a quiet once-over before starting to giggle. This in turn erupted into a loud bell-like laugh that made their ears ring uncomfortably.
"Are you stupid? Scratch that, are you THAT stupid?" the boy stuttered in between laughs and gripped his sides before catching his breath. "Listen to yourself, Ginger. You want to leave my super-secret fun-house of criminals alive and on top of that want me to join forces with those League trash and stop someone who was virtually my client? Not only does that infringe on our strict policy on dealing with a client's personal affairs but the very request is, in itself, something a child with the brain of a Magikarp would ask! Do you expect me to say yes to any of your demands?"
"No. Not really," Scarlet replied.
"Thought so," Boss stated and turned his back on them before snapping his fingers. All at once, the sounds of multiple guns cocking caught their ears and they looked up to see armed men and dangerous pokemon lining the balconies attached to the walls of the room. "And don't even think of teleporting. We've got several powerful psychic-types placing a block on the atmosphere around my office."
Damn! He's right! Latios hissed and Lucky whimpered in fright at its unsuccessful attempt at getting them away.
"So we've walked ourselves into a hole here, eh?" Rain remarked while keeping his eyes on Scarlet. We're trusting you with our lives here so you'd better not mess this up, Scarlet.
Said redhead merely sighed and adjusted his weight to his left leg. "I kinda anticipated this, Boss. But you should know that we're at a stalemate since I'd kill you before those bullets could even touch me."
"Kill me?" Boss asked and glanced over his shoulder with a disinterested look. "Whatever happened to your new no-kill policy, Ginger? Or was Draco right that time in the Opelucid disaster?"
"Innocent people or those who're victims of circumstances are an obvious no," Scarlet pointed out and lifted his left arm, tearing off the woollen glove and revealing its true form. "As for real bad guys, my spear says otherwise. Plus, I've got my gloves and two psychic type pokemon here. Those bullets will explode before your goons even pull their triggers. The pokemon can simply be subdued by placing a mass hypnosis of my own. So yeah, we're even. Or maybe you're outclassed."
"Moi?" Boss smirked and faced the sea. "It's sad that you don't know who you're dealing with. I know how those gloves work, Ginger, and I can just as well disable them with the special pulse cannons up on the ceiling. So I hate to say it but we're pretty much even."
Silence.
Silence.
"All this fuss for a girl, Scarlet?" Boss asked in a more solemn tone. "The number one rule of manipulation was to not get that close to your pawn, wasn't it?"
"It was. But every genius has to fail in some area," Scarlet replied, smirking wryly. "That's why I have to quit ORPH. I need to move forward with her and I'm sorry to say but this fun-house of yours is holding me back."
"And you want to save her with our help?"
"The league can't do it alone. Neither can a small group of crazy humans and super-powered animals. But if we have people and pokemon who're experienced in handling monsters then I'm sure we can kick Ghetsis's ass to hell and back. Screw policy issues, this is the world we're talking about. If that man destroys humanity then you'll get no clients. That's basic."
"Indeed it is," Boss chipped in and closed his eyes. "So what should we do, guys? Engage in a death-brawl and waste ourselves here or join hands with our predators and stop a fabulously rich and powerful client from destroying us all keeping in mind that if we do succeed, the League will turn on us and snap at our hides?"
LP inwardly face-palmed at the thoughtful looks on the men's faces. This was supposed to be a no-brainer!
"Since they're mixed about this then I'll answer," Boss replied and his smile increased. "Shoot 'em."
"Wait!" Scarlet barked sharp enough to make them pause. "So you don't care if you get killed?"
"We'll simply slaughter Ghetsis if he tries," Boss replied casually and looked to his men. "The hell are you waiting for? I thought I said-"
"You cannot beat Ghetsis Harmonia, no matter what pokemon or weaponry you wield," Rain stated in his ever-cold, matter-of-fact voice that made Boss turn to him inquisitively. "More so that he plans to use the world's strongest Dragon for the sake of his mad cause. You must've heard how his group brought Opelucid and the Unova League HQ to their knees. He's even got those officials who're backing you under his iron grip. Shoot us if you want but know that you're sealing your fate by making such a stupid and undoubtedly-childish decision."
"O-Oi! We're here to get on their good side not nag at 'em!" LP barked nervously, hands holding tightly to the pokeballs in his pockets.
"I'm sure you guys must be uncertain too!" Scarlet called out to the men and pokemon on the balconies. "Do you want to be destroyed by Ghetsis?"
"Or spend the rest of your lives in prison?" Boss chipped in harshly. "Think hard about this, boys."
Cue the light murmuring, tensing and shifting.
"Plus, I can't just let you go, Ginger. There's a high chance of you spilling. Even Mr Ranger is enough of a threat already and don't give me that crap about making him promise not to spill," Boss growled.
"He came unarmed and we don't have much on us either," Scarlet snapped and grit his teeth. This was getting harder than he thought. "Plus, if you lend us a hand, I could get the League to give you guys a breather after the fight is over. You've got other hideouts, right? Many of which I don't know. All you have to do is relocate once this ruckus is over and you'll be just as elusive as before. Hell, you could wipe the ranger's memory too if it helps."
That last statement earned a sharp glare from Rain.
"So suppose I agree. What about the question of letting you go alive?" Boss asked, making Scarlet go silent. "I can't take your word that you won't spill on us. Also, remember that your life isn't the ONLY one at stake. You've still got a sister to protect, ne?"
"I was coming to that," the redhead replied and grinned. "Say Boss, how about I give you something of more value than me and Violet and possibly LP put together?"
Greed. That was his last shot at this and he desperately hoped Boss shared that vile trait with his underlings.
"Oh? And what exactly do you want to offer?" Boss asked, curious as to what his next answer would be.
"...Kyurem's golden crest," was the young man's reply and everyone including Rain felt their jaws drop.
Unperturbed, Boss tilted his head and gave Scarlet a serious look. "That is a rather valuable item. The strongest dragon's crest would make for a rather nice and expensive piece on my wall. The question is, how am I sure you'll get it?"
"Join forces with the league and you'll find out," Scarlet stated and silence reigned once again. He could see that Boss was weighing the pros and the cons here. Kyurem's valuable crest, said to give everlasting power to its wielder, was quite a fabled item given the controversy surrounding the monster's existence. It was obviously much more than some hunters who lost their passion for the occupation long ago.
"...And you're sure you won't talk about us to anyone?" Boss asked. "Pinkie promise? Cos you'll have to eat a thousand needles if you break it. Trust me, the men I did that to didn't find it a very pleasant experience."
"You should know by now that I'm a tight-lipped guy. Violet will obviously comply and Rain doesn't talk much so he could be okay for now. LP...uh..."
"Hey! I'm a loud guy but I certainly ain't gat a basketmouth!" LP snapped comically.
"...Then I guess I can bend the rules a bit. After all, you've paid for your freedom I guess," Boss said quietly and furrowed his brows as Scarlet dropped a card on his table. "And this is?"
"Nearly all the money I earned in my lifetime," the teen stated and smirked. "What's a 17 year old gonna do with 17*%&*-llion pokedollars? I'm not stupid enough to give you everything though but know that this is quite a sizeable hole in my account."
"Thought you loved money," Boss mused, accepting the card.
"Not as much as I love my friends and family...and her," Scarlet replied solemnly and stroked Jolteon. "So...deal?"
Boss toyed with the card before holding it up to his eyes. "It's strange. When I first brought you in, I saw a small, sickly little child that looked like he just came out of Frankenstein's toilet. You couldn't exactly care for anyone else and only focused on the work I put in front of you, desperately hoping to kill yourself in the course of a failed hunt though all you got were just more scars. But who'd have thought a 49.5 million pokedollar quest would bring back a young, strong guy pushing 6' 2' with the confidence and sneakiness to get himself outta my grasp through the simplest way possible. You really did take a turn, Scarlet. And I don't know whether to be proud or mad. But let me ask this before I give you my answer. In the Red Moon Ball...will there be cake?"
Rain, Latios and LP blinked in confusion.
"Yep. Lots and lots of different flavoured cakes," Scarlet replied, earning a grin from the man-child.
"Get your asses outta here and never come back again," he replied cheerily and picked up his phone as Scarlet gave a thumbs up and turned. "Hello Luca? Cancel all my appointments tomorrow and see if you can have my jet ready for tomorrow."
"It's official, you're badass," LP remarked as they headed towards the doors. "Manipulating the League, getting Boss to bend. Man! I am so jealous! And just so you know, I didn't ask for my freedom. That crest was for you and Violet. I'd rather pay for my freedom in my own way."
"Have it your way then," Rain replied and actually smiled a little. "Again, I'm impressed. But know that you're still under probation. By the way, I thought it quite noble of you to sacrifice most of your riches given your disposition to money affairs."
"Noble..." Scarlet echoed and froze as soon as they entered the elevator. Unconsciously, a manly tear rolled down his cheek and he banged his head on the wall repeatedly while chanting stuff about what he could've done with all that money, much to Jolteon's bemusement. Apparently, that noble act took much more out of him than expected.
"Come on then. Let's head back to Unova," Rain stated and Scarlet stopped before shaking his head.
"There's still one more person here I've gotta see," he said and took Jolteon and Lucky to his arms before heading off in another direction once the elevator had stopped. "Wait for me at Saffron 'kay? We just need a quick dash to our den in Celadon."
"Make it fast," Rain called and headed in the direction of the other elevator to Saffron. "Wonder what he's up to now."
...
Scarlet's residence. Outskirts of Celadon.
Someone knocked on the door and a dishevelled Violet, clad in a simple shirt and shorts, stumbled off the couch before making a lazy stroll to the door, rubbing her bleary eyes and wondering just who exactly would have found the way to Scarlet's underground residence. Yawning, Espeon followed after her and murmured to itself that if it was some lost trainer or salesman, it would blast them straight to Saffron since they'd had quite a lot of that in Violet's apartment.
The knock came up again and with some incoherent grumbles, the purple-haired woman opened the door...and shut it back with the speed to match a Hitmonchan's punch.
"Oh my..." she muttered and held her beating chest. What was a tall, devastatingly handsome, red-haired young man doing at the door? A trainer? Probably not. A salesman? He didn't carry a briefcase so most likely not.
"Uh...Vi?" his deep yet gently resounding voice came from behind the door.
Oh Arceus, he knows my name! she mentally screamed and held her warm cheeks. Was he some sort of stalker? Or worse...a closet-pervert secretly lusting after her each time they unconsciously brushed against each other in the city streets? Thoughts of what he would do practically made her face go red and Espeon sweatdropped as blood trickled down her flared nostrils.
"Vi, open up already!"
He was demanding for her to let him in?! He wanted to corner the poor, unsuspecting girl alone (technically) in her younger brother's house and make her submit to his unlawful actions?!
"Ah...so forceful..." she moaned, beginning to sway. "What ever should I do?"
For starters, you could call a psychiatrist, Espeon deadpanned. At this point, the young woman's thoughts had gone into overdrive and it was all she could do not to scream "TAKE ME!" at the handsome stranger.
"I know you're in there, Vi! You'd better let me in or Jolteon's Double Kicking the door down!"
He wanted her! Oh Arceus, he wanted her so badly that he was going to have his Jolteon break the physical barrier between his lustful desires and her innocent and unwilling body-wait, Jolteon?
"S-Scarlet?" she asked and pulled open the door to see her slightly peeved baby brother towering over her with an equally peeved Jolteon at his feet and a fidgety Ralts on his head. Her perverted thoughts deflated. "Aww man..."
"What? Expecting someone else?" he asked in confusion before making a mock gasp. "You didn't bring a guyfriend into my house, did you-OW!"
"Trust your big sister more, will ya?" she remarked, stopping her pinch and looping her arms round his chest (as that was where she could reach). "Welcome back, bro! I really didn't expect you so soon though. What I did expect was your little girlfriend. Or wait...is your mission over? Did you get Reshiram? Did you...do anything to White?"
"No to all three questions," he replied and slumped on the couch with a sigh before looking around the living room. "Arceus, what did you do to my wall?"
"This place needed a woman's touch, didn't it? Be grateful," she remarked cheerfully and tossed him the soda from his fridge. "Sorry the place is such a mess though. As always, I can't be too bothered with putting things away."
"Is that my shirt?" he mumbled, seeing the item lying carelessly in a pile of other clothes belonging to him. "Jeez, I knew you were disorganised but not this disorganised. And why did you were my clothes?"
"I like your clothes," she whined, hopping beside him and taking Jolteon off his lap. "Hi Jolteon. Did you miss me? Did you miss mommy? Who's a good, widdle baby? Yes you are, yes you-"
Somebody help me, Jolteon thought to himself, unused to her frequent babying.
"So Scarly, tell me what's going on. I heard some rumours in ORPH that Unova's been having some crazy days with those Team Plasma freaks."
"It's a long story," he replied but gave her a quick summary of all that had happened, skipping only the part about his death as he didn't want her to worry. He did tell her about White's kidnapping and all the efforts he was now making to get her back, going down to the details of the events that had happened today. Including his surprise present for her.
"So wait...you got Boss...to let us go?" she asked and felt her eyes go misty as Scarlet nodded. "B-but...Arceus, I can actually be what I wanted to be now..."
"Yeah. You can become a professor if you wanted," he remarked and smiled as she threw herself against him happily.
"T-thank you, Scarlet! It means so much to me! I mean, I never thought you'd go so far..." she spluttered and gripped his shirt tightly as a fresh thought popped into her head. "But...more importantly, you said you guys are going to fight those Team Plasma monsters. Knowing the extent of their power...it's very likely that some people and pokemon aren't gonna make it out alive..."
"I have to go, Vi," he replied gently and took her hands in his. "I know how much you keep telling me to avoid reckless stuff but this is for White's sake. It's weird but every second away from her is like torture on my mind and the very thought of that Ghetsis touching her is enough to drive me insane. I have to save White...because I love her. So please, Vi, don't stop us."
Violet stared at him thoughtfully before chuckling a bit and resting her forehead against his. "You idiot...who said I was stopping you?"
"So you won't slap me if I come back hurt?" he asked and winced as she pinched his cheek.
"Don't push it," she giggled. "You know, what I'm reading in your eyes is different from before. Much different. The hole is filled now and you're so much happier. But it's obvious that you're at your happiest when White's around. I also can't believe you're brave enough to admit that you loved her. I saw the sparks flying but hey, this old girl just had to let her baby bro figure it out for himself."
"Uh...thanks?" he replied and relaxed as soon as she drew back and brushed her messy locks down.
"So, can I come too?"
"Of course not. I'd hate myself if you got dragged into this. It was bad enough in that Castelia incident already."
"Ha, right. I wouldn't have been able to make it anyway. Apparently, I sprained my ankle some days ago and though it's healing fast, the doctor said I shouldn't do anything too stressful. That's why I'm stuck here with Espeon, not that I'm complaining much."
Slowly, she lifted her hands and patted Scarlet's and Jolteon's heads like she used to do when they were much smaller.
"Espeon and I will be rooting for you so come back alive okay? And I want to see White with you guys next time. Also, be sure to give this Ghetsis guy a good kick in the nuts for me."
Jolteon barked a determined affirmative and Scarlet simply nodded with a small smile.
"We're off then. Enjoy your freedom sis. Oh, and Boss said you should keep ORPH a secret," he stated.
"What have I been doing for the last few years of my life?" she deadpanned, rolling her eyes."Go on then, big guy. Shoo! It's weird talking to you now since you're so big."
Laughing, Scarlet jumped to his feet and scooped up Jolteon before prying Lucky away from Espeon and heading towards the door. Violet looked over the couch at his back and was suddenly struck with a wave of pride. Scarlet was a man now. No longer a lanky boy of before and now he had the weight of the world on his shoulders to boot. Yet he could still have it in him to do her this tremendous favour of setting her free and somehow getting several people to follow him in his dangerous mission to save White and the world.
"Vermiculo reborn..." she murmured and smiled. "You and White had better not die on us though."
Scarlet turned as he reached the door and gave his usual grin and a victory sign. "We're off, Vi. Espeon, make sure to take care of her. And Violet, settle for Vann. You two look cute together."
Eyes widening, she squealed and chucked several pillows at him, forcing the teen and his pokemon to stagger out the door and take off to avoid her hour-long scolding on why she and the Lech would never fit together. As she watched him go though, she decided to spare him the lecture and sighed dreamily upon the thought of Scarlet going through such lengths for White,
"She's a lucky girl," the woman mused aloud and carried Espeon before shutting the door. "All we can do now is hope and pray for their safety. But I'm sure you know too, Espeon. Those guys are definitely coming back. That's just how men work, after all."
...
Saffron City.
"Took ya long enough," LP remarked as soon as Scarlet, Jolteon and Lucky teleported back into their midst.
"I just got a call from N," Rain stated. "He says that Ghetsis is having a conference call with Cynthia and the others at the moment."
That alone mad Scarlet's heart start to beat furiously and he caught himself smirking at Lucky. "You know, today's been a pretty good day thanks to this guy. I got to twist the league, got Boss to bend, freed my sister and now, I get to trash-talk Ghetsis too? Lucky, if only you were my pokemon."
Shyly, Lucky chirped and pressed its hands to its glowing horn before receiving the booster gloves from the redhead.
"So what're we waiting for? Let's go guys!" Scarlet declared and with a crackling boom, they disappeared back to Unova.
Unova League HQ.
For the first time in a long time, Cynthia was slightly nervous. Who could blame her when she had Ghetsis's odd face staring back at her with Black's smile on it?
"You stole his body too? Now you've easily topped Cyrus Akagi on the weird scale," she remarked, showing little emotion in her voice.
"You flatter me, Champion Cynthia," he replied coolly and sighed. "If only we could've met directly, I would've loved to feel your trembling skin."
"Careful buddy. I'm married," she warned, flashing her ring. "I know you have a thing for blondes but cross me out. Now onto business. Where is White?"
"Safe. Relatively," he answered and from the smile he was giving, she knew he was either lying through his teeth or implying something else. "Please don't give me that look. My skin starts to rot under such an intense human glare."
"She'd better be alright or-"
"Or what exactly?" Ghetsis asked, feigning confusion. "It's not like you could come here and get her yourself. I suggest you be a good little sacrifice and simply let things play out on their own without trying to make threats. White is safe. So long as she doesn't die, that's all that matters, right?"
"Omae," Lightning growled but was instantly surprised to see Ghetsis's face turn to him. Even through the screen, the cowboy could feel his intimidating madness wafting endlessly.
"Ah, my dear little hero-boy. Did you have fun playing with Chaos? I assume you were the one who landed the finishing blow. You know, this may be the first time we're talking but I feel like I can relate to your little complex. I too wished to be a hero. That cost me my wife and sanity though so I advise against it. Ah and those ears never cease to make me smile."
His voice was virtually fuel to the blonde's fire and had it not been for Alphinia's restraining hand on his shoulder, he would've smashed the screen right there and then.
"If I find out that something happened to White, I'm putting your head on a platter-de arimasu," he growled darkly and Ghetsis stopped his laughing to poke his tongue out at Lightning before arching a brow at Alphinia.
"Alphinia," he drawled and smirked. "My precious, little doll who refused to break no matter how hard I bent her. Won't you please come back to us? Your family misses you ever so much."
"You should know that I'm never coming back to you, Ghetsis. What happened yesterday was proof of that," she replied sternly and the man actually recoiled at the Felicia-like glare he was receiving. However, his grin only widened and laughed even louder before pointing his deranged eyes at her.
"I wouldn't have accepted you anyway, my weak and useless reminder! You've served your purpose. Hell, I never really liked you to begin with. You should be happy you were born with my wife's face on you else I would've devoured you like I'd do to any other worthless person. Don't think for a second that you're safe where you are. Those humans will do away with you once you're not needed!"
"You shut your mouth-de arimasu!" Lightning snapped angrily upon feeling the way Alphinia stiffened upon hearing Ghetsis's last statement. "Don't listen to him, Alphy. He's just trying to scare you into not coming with us-de arimasu."
"On the contrary, she's welcome to try," Ghetsis chipped in and placed a hand on his cheek. "I doubt she'd be of much use though. B'sides, if she fights too hard, she'll run the risk of losing her mind again and end up slaughtering the lot of you. She's a time bomb waiting to happen and I honestly feel sorry for you humans having the stupidity to accept her-"
"I said shut your mouth!" Lightning barked. "Or else I'll get over there and shut it for you-de arimasu!"
Ghetsis sighed and shook his head. "I really don't understand what it is about you humans and forgiveness. But thank Arceus you'll all be eliminated soon. So you can scream all you want, boy. You're still a precious piece in my plans and I will see to it that you do your job and offer your soul to Kyurem. The same goes for the rest of you with the special invitations."
"I can't believe you were my father," N growled stiffly. "What would mother think if she saw you like this?"
The green-haired man fell silent as if pondering on his son's statement. However, a dark smile came on Ghetsis's face again and he tilted his head ever so innocently and replied, "I don't care anymore about what she thinks. Felicia is dead, boy. And not even her pleas will stop me from punishing humanity. Kyurem's awakening is far more important now."
"You bastard! Wasn't this all to avenge her?" N snarled, anger evident in his menacing tone.
"Ah, that. At first it was. But after some time, I guess I forgot about her," Ghetsis replied with that cruel smile on his face that made N's blood boil. "I barely remember how important she was to me now."
"She was your wife," N murmured and cupped his face in his hand."How could you just forget about her?"
It's no use. He's lost himself to his madness. Feelings and memories are nothing to him now, Zoroark pointed out sadly as Ghetsis took his attention off N and back at Cynthia.
"There was a certain someone I expected to see here. Now I know the dead don't come back to life...normally anyway. But I'm crazy so you don't have to take what I ask into much consideration. Is Scarlet alive?" he asked.
"And if I say no?" she shot back.
"Then I'd be sorely disappointed and so would poor White here who's here with me at this very moment."
Their thoughts perked up considerably at that name and Lightning demanded she be seen.
"No can do, cowboy," Ghetsis replied, wagging his finger. "She's my new toy now and the only person I say she sees is Scarly."
"Why I oughta-"
"The name Scarly is strictly reserved for White and only White, asshole."
Ghetsis's smile froze and everyone turned to see Scarlet walking into the room with his determined frown on.
"So you're alive..." the king whispered and held his smiling face before starting to laugh again." You actually cam back from the dead! You beat death to save her! Arceus, you're the real monster here!"
"Maybe I am," Scarlet shot back defiantly. "A really powerful one who's coming to twist your neck if you don't show me White."
Ghetsis's laughter stopped abruptly and he haughtily flicked his hair back before winking. "I'm a man of my word. However, good luck recognising her."
And with that, the view instantly changed to a large, empty, dome-shaped hall with various artistic patterns on its walls and ceilings.
And in the centre of the vast hall was someone cloaked in black apparel and dancing to the rather eerie violin music playing from nowhere. Her neck-length, pure-white hair shone in the dark surroundings and a long, black hair ornament similar to Kyurem's crest similar waved about in rhythm to her Swanna-like movements. Her half-lidded eyes revealed just the slightest bit of dull-yellow too and though her movements were quite coordinated (almost ballerina-class standard) you could tell that her heart wasn't in the dance at all. Rather, black lines ran down her cheeks indicating previous tear-shedding and it was probably from the tightly bandaged spot on her neck. But the biggest impact Scarlet had was the single darker-than-black streak of hair running down the right side of her face.
And only then did Scarlet feel his blood burn. For this was White. Beautiful, broken and most likely the least bit tainted.
"A truly artistic vision of perfection," Ghetsis's voice echoed and Scarlet's fist clenched when the greenette came up from behind and held her shoulders, stopping her dance abruptly. "Did you enjoy yourself, my little doll?"
"Yes..." she replied in a voice so dead that Scarlet could've smashed the table he was leaning on.
"Look White. We have all your friends here watching you?" Ghetsis stated pointing to the camera. "I'm sure you missed them terribly."
"Yes..."
"Your pokemon too. They worked very, very hard in protecting your friends."
"Okay..."
"Also...we've gotten a very special person to see you." Ghetsis's grin widened. "It's your dear little hunter, Scarlet back from the dead. Won't you please smile and greet him?"
"White! Are you okay?" Scarlet asked, relieved at least that Ghetsis had now released her to face the screen. "He didn't hurt you, did he? Don't worry, okay? Tomorrow, I'll save you and everything will be back to normal. It'll be you, me, Jolteon and your pokemon just like before-"
"Scarlet..."
He instantly shut up upon seeing her lips curve upwards. Slowly, stiffly until they formed a rather ghost-like grin.
"Scarlet...who?"
Everyone froze.
"W-what d'you mean?" the redhead murmured, pressing himself against the screen. "It's me, remember? Scarlet, Scarly, scarface. Don't tell me you-"
"Scarly..."
"Yeah, Scarly! I-"
"Scarly..." And just as soon as she said that, her dull eyes flickered just the slightest bit and her lips quivered as small sounds began to escape her throat. It was obvious that she was going to say something and she looked just about ready to let it out when a needle sank into her neck and sent her so far into null consciousness that her body fell limp against Ghetsis's hands.
"Bastard! What did you do to her?!" Scarlet roared.
"Wow, love is really a powerful thing isn't it? I honestly thought she would break out of null consciousness there and then to say something to you," he remarked coyly and held her up again, this time choosing to let his hands fall at her sides. "But as you can see, she's quite safe and sound. Physically anyway. Only Arceus knows what sort of state her mind is in."
"Why is that black streak there?" Scarlet growled, getting angrier as Ghetsis rested his head on her shoulder.
"Oh this? It appeared yesterday when I succeeded in making her forget you, temporarily as it seems. Apparently, her sense of loss and suffering was so much that even her snow-white hair developed a black mark. A taint, if you will. Oh but don't be mad. It makes her look so beautiful."
And Ghetsis ever so gently dragged his tongue against her neck.
Yeah, at that moment, something snapped inside Scarlet and he resolved to shove that tongue down Ghetsis's throat when they'd eventually meet.
"Angry?" the greenette asked upon seeing Scarlet's semi-maddened expression. "Don't fret. That was merely to tease you. Although, as for what I do when we're alone-"
"You psychotic pervert-"
"Lightning, he's just winding us up," Scarlet stated sharply, surprising everyone with his rather calm reaction. "Even if he's a monster, he doesn't want to repeat the tragedy that befell Felicia years ago."
Lightning clamped his mouth shut and settled for glaring hatefully at the screen. That wasn't White he was staring at. It was a mere doll now, a horrible shadow of her happy self and he knew that inwardly Scarlet was bubbling even more than him at the sorry sight she was in.
"I've seen enough Ghetsis and after hearing all the crap you spouted, I think it's time I gave you a reply," Scarlet stated and pointed to himself. "You see this? This is the thing you created in that torture facility of yours. You dyed me in blood since I was three. You killed every thing precious to me as a kid and made me see just how horrible life could be. You even had your pack of rejects kill me and give my blood to some drooling, brain-dead cadaver and for that...Thank you."
Ghetsis paused along with everyone in the room.
"W-what?" N echoed.
"Thank you for killing off the Von Quincy family for I'd never have realised how unrosy life could be later on. Thanks for slaying my foster mom and brother for I'd never have toughened up otherwise. Thank you for hiring me to try and catch Reshiram cos I'd never have gotten into this hell-ride. Thank you for killing me for I'd never have realised just how shitty I had been towards my friends. But more importantly, Thank you for ruining my entire life, Ghetsis. For I'd never have met White otherwise."
"...I certainly wasn't expecting that..." Ghetsis muttered and tensed as he caught that familiar look in Scarlet's eyes. Only one person carried such a glint and spouted such nonsense in a way that it made perfect sense. "Black...so even till now, you choose to stand in my way...No matter. You will fall, Scarlet. It doesn't matter how many people you bring or whatever power you attain. I will simply beat you down again and again."
"And I'll simply get up and go higher and higher if that's what it takes to beat you," Scarlet replied defiantly. "Remember that poem you told me back in Dragonspiral? Well I'm pleased to let you know that I will touch that sky, Ghetsis. With these big wings on my back which you can't tear off no matter how hard you cut."
"Wings? Unless you're delusional, you should know that humans don't have those," Ghetsis growled and was surprised to see a smirk from the redhead as he thumbed the people and pokemon behind him.
"If you're looking for wings then I've got my wings right here behind me, ready to kick my ass forward even if I'm gonna fall. And now that I know just how limitless the sky is with these guys on my back, nothing is stopping me from reaching White. Nothing. So be prepared and put on your best tuxedo, Ghetsis Harmonia. By this time tomorrow, I'll be seeing you at the ball."
Turning to White, his expression softened and he pressed a firm hand to the screen. "I'm coming, White. Please be strong for me and I swear we'll be together again."
And to Ghetsis's shock, White's pale hand twitched and rose before lightly touching the part of the screen where Scarlet's palm was and falling back limp again.
Thoroughly baffled, Ghetsis ground his teeth and huffed contemptibly before shutting off the link, leaving only the black screen for Scarlet to stare at.
"...So what're we gonna do now?" LP asked and Scarlet turned with a rather wide grin on his face.
"It's a big party tomorrow evening. What better thing to do than get our best suits ready."
Author's Corner.
Slybill: And that's the second to the last filler chapter before the big fight begins. One more to go guys!