I just had an epiphany. If "Destined Explorers of Legend" was part of the canon PMD universe and had its own game – and that would be awesome – then you could say I've figured out who the final boss is.
The original idea for the final boss was a Beldum named Gladys (a cake to anyone who correctly guesses what I'm referencing), but I've decided to send her to the scrap heap and replace her with someone we already know well…
-.-.-.-.-.
Shadepelt shaded her eyes, so to speak, and cursed quietly. She could see the telltale white wings of Smatt coming closer and closer to the Windchaser. If only she could form a telepathic connection with him or whatever the heck those Psychic-types did, and tell the Pelipper that now was not the time.
The crews of the Windchaser and Seasearcher were all a-bustle, cleaning and repairing and doing whatever else needed to be done. They were well on their way to Seaside Village – indeed, only another day or so and they'd reach it. But none of that mattered to Shadepelt right now.
What did matter was that Smatt wasn't supposed to be seen by anyone other than her, and here he came, coming in for a landing with most, if not all, of the crew.
Everyone looked up in surprise as the Pelipper landed on the deck with a final flutter of his wings. Shadepelt realized she'd have to do something, and fast. So she forced a smile and tried to make her voice sound pleasantly surprised and not frustrated.
"Smatt, what wonderful timing!" she said with false cheer, hoping it sounded genuine. He said nothing, noticing for the first time all of the Pokemon watching him and looking both nervous and angry with himself for not being more careful.
"Who is this?" Junpei asked jovially – he, at least, wasn't suspicious. "Name's Smatt," the Pelipper replied, touching his wing to his head in a salute. "Dunedust Desert, postal and delivery service, at your service."
Burner, however, did look suspicious. "So you and Shadepelt keep in constant contact?" he asked. "You deliver letters for her to the Dunedust Desert?" When the Moskeeteor stepped forward, Smatt suddenly grew extremely nervous. He fumbled with his beak for a response when Shadepelt stepped in to save his rear.
"Yes," she told Burner firmly. "He's been delivering letters between me and my family. I haven't been home in days, thanks to you lot. Can't a girl, even one once allied with the Life Stealers, at least tell her parents that she's not dead?"
Her surprisingly strong glare intimidated Burner. "Y-You make a good point," he finally muttered, slightly embarrassed. "I apologize, Smatt. I shouldn't have spoken so harshly."
The Pelipper waved off his apology. "Don't mention it," he said kindly. "Now, Shadepelt, I've got a letter here for you…" He reached into his huge beak with his wing, trying to find it. The Purrloin could clearly see that he was stalling for time.
At last, everyone lost interest and went back to their jobs around the ships, seeing for themselves that there was nothing to be alarmed about. When the last Pokemon had left, Smatt finally spat out a dripping wet envelope.
"Yuck," Shadepelt said with disgust. "Don't you worry about it, the envelope's waterproof," Smatt replied dismissively. "It's kind of a required thing, since we Pelipper do all of our mail-carrying with our mouths."
He went silent as Shadepelt tore open the envelope and read deeply. There wasn't much scribbled on the parchment:
"Shadepelt,
I'm sending Rudy and Sylvester to tail you alongside Smatt. That way you'll lead us right to the Guardians. Keep a low profile and you shouldn't get caught.
Niwri"
Shadepelt frowned. If Rudy and Sylvester were coming along, then Niwri must be serious about finding the Guardians' isle. Although what would he do when he found out? Probably nothing good.
Wait, why am I even thinking this? Shadepelt thought to herself. I'm a Life Stealer. When we take down the Guardians, then no one will stand in our way. We'll be able to get the Shards and take over the world of Pokemon. Of course Niwri's intentions are good – just not for anyone else.
She stole a glance at Miranda, Amanita, and Sinestra, who were cleaning. The Purrloin watched as the Vaporeon grabbed the scruff of Sinestra's neck and held her up to a spot on the mast that she was having trouble reaching. Shadepelt didn't want to admit it, but she really liked the sweet, innocent Sinestra. Ever since she had saved Sinestra's life during the Abyssal Raider attack, the Eevee had started following her around like a little sister.
"Ahem," Smatt coughed, bringing her back to reality. Shadepelt shook her head to clear her confusing thoughts and said, "Alright, tell Niwri that everything's going well so far, and that we're taking a small detour before heading to the Guardians' isle."
The Pelipper saluted before rising into the air and wheeling away out over the ocean.
-.-.-.-.-.
Across the sea, the mood in the Abyssal Raiders' dungeon was very grim. Wyvern, Okami, Arthur, and Cenric had all been taken from their cells and made to fight again in the arena. Overhearing some of the guards muttering to each other, everyone knew that it was more of the Carvanha Squad that were their opponents, and apparently General Fang wasn't too happy about that.
Gaby was slumped in a corner with her head buried in her arms and her legs drawn up in front of her. She had been like that ever since she had been brought back from her fight against Kraken the Octillery. Ashamed of what she had done – everyone had gasped when they heard that she had killed the fierce warrior – she had retreated into this little corner and refused to come out. Everyone felt sorry and worried for her, but most of all was Luke.
When the prisoners' food had been brought that morning, it was Luke who had taken some to the Kirlia, begging her to come out of her shell and eat. He had gotten no reply. The Victini was so distressed that he couldn't eat, either. All of the other Pokemon now watched him sadly as he floated over to try again.
"Gaby, please…" Luke said softly, looking close to tears. "Please come out. You don't have to feel so ashamed of yourself."
As bitter as it was, he allowed himself to feel proud of his small victory as Gaby finally spoke to him. "Yes I do," she mumbled without raising her head. "What would Mother say if she saw me kill him?"
Luke considered his next words before floating down to sit beside her. "Gaby, you didn't have a choice," he told her. She raised her head and revealed her tear-streaked face. "I know," she croaked. "But I still did it. I killed a Pokemon in cold blood." She lowered her head again.
"And what would your mother think if he had killed you instead?" Luke asked, causing Gaby to pause. Seeing the opportunity to press on, Luke seized it and continued, "Sure, I know I wouldn't be proud of a girl who did what you did… but I'd be happier knowing that the girl killed to save her life instead of getting killed herself."
The Kirlia looked up once more and met his gaze. "I… guess you have a point…" she muttered, raising an arm to wipe the tears away from her eyes. Luke only smiled and put a tiny hand on her shoulder.
"Gaby, you don't know how thrilled I was when you came back safely," he said quietly. "I had been so worried that you would die out there. But when you came back and said that you killed that Octillery, I didn't care. All I cared about was that… was that you were safe and that he didn't get you instead."
He blushed from his own words even as Gaby sniffled and smiled. "You're amazing, Luke," she murmured, picking him up and hugging him gratefully. Luke froze, then blushed even harder and hugged her back.
When Gaby had let go, Luke floated off of her and took her hand. She smiled and let him pull her onto her feet, and they both went to join their friends sulking around the cell's entrance. "Look who's finally up and on her feet," Cliff remarked, wincing from his injuries sustained during his earlier battle.
"What're they gonna do once they run outta warriors for us ta fight?" Pteryx demanded. "Are we gonna hafta start fightin' each other?" At these harsh words, Terra shivered and drew her flaming tail closer around her.
"What if that actually happens?" the Charmander asked, letting out a small sneeze. She was clearly worried that she'd have to fight her friends. "Don't worry," Jowl muttered. "I'm pretty sure that once El Nino gets bored of us, he'll have that pink nutcase finish us off."
At the mention of the Gyarados' executioner, everyone seemed to tense. Even Lady Sapphire's name tended to have that effect.
Terra shuddered and admitted timidly, "I think I'd rather have that than have to fight you guys." Jowl and Cliff looked at her, amazed that she'd say such a thing.
"It's flattering to know that you'd rather die than battle us in the arena," Luke said with a smile. Terra beamed back at him, and, just like the Victini, she seemed to gain strength from her bonds with her friends.
But just then, there was a huge crashing, clattering sound that echoed from across the tunnel. All of the Pokemon peered past the cell door in shock, and saw Lancelot and Fireclaw standing there, stepping over their battered cell door. Two Crawdaunt guards came to pacify them, but they were easily beaten by two strokes of Lancelot's Leaf Blade.
Fireclaw snorted and advanced forward, using Fire Spin to melt down the others' cell door. "What's going on?" Jowl asked, mildly startled by the commotion.
The molten and mangled door hit the ground with a strange noise – it was half-clang and half-splat. "We're busting you guys out of here," Fireclaw said with a grin, but it fell short as his injured leg gave a huge stab of pain. Lancelot's mouth tightened at the sight, but he forced himself to ignore it for now.
"Let's go, everyone," the Gallade said, motioning for them to come along. "I've figured out our escape plan. We're breaking out, picking up Wyvern and the others, and then getting out of this trench once and for all." Nodding, Fireclaw added, "And we're going to keep as quiet as possible so we don't alert the Abyssal Raiders."
Pteryx raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Yeah?" he challenged. "And how're we gonna do that when me brother and our friends are currently fightin' for their lives with the entire Raider population watchin' 'em?"
At these words, Fireclaw paled slightly. "Look, our plan isn't perfect," Lancelot said hesitantly, "but it's the only one we've got. If we wait for the others to come back, then we'll have to sneak our entire group past a trench swarming with Abyssal Raiders. This way, at least we have more of a chance with them all cooped up in that arena."
Gaby nodded, in full support of her father. "We have no choice but to try," she put in. Pteryx gave a reluctant sigh and replied, "Alright. I'm in." Everyone else gave nods of approval – they were all willing to escape or die trying.
"Let's move out," Fireclaw said, pointing down the corridor and toward the arena. "Those guards won't be out forever, and although they definitely don't have much in the strength department, I hate leaving a mess behind."
-.-.-.-.-.
Only three more Carvanha remained of the eight originally sent in to do battle with the prisoners. Wyvern and Arthur had easily disposed of the other five, with help from Cenric and Okami. Right now, the Archeops, Escavalier, Sylveon, and Buizel faced not only the snarling faces of their remaining foes, but also the excited crowd of Water-types.
In the boxed-off ledge, the moods were varied. El Nino was calm, observing the battlefield with mild interest. The two Frillish seemed to be in particularly good moods for some reason. General Fang, however, grew more and more bad-tempered as his Carvanha fell one by one to the four prisoners.
"Ready to end this, fellow knights?" asked Arthur, readying his lances with a flourish. "Ready as I'll ever be," Okami replied, while Cenric replied with a furious, determined nod. "Let's make these fishes sleep with the fishes," Wyvern smirked, earning exasperated glances from his teammates.
Within moments, it was all over. Arthur baited them while increasing his already-amazing defenses with Iron Defense, so that he could act as an effective shield for his comrades. Okami and Cenric dazed them with Moonblast and Razor Wind, and Wyvern dealt the finishing blow with Rock Slide, burying the three Carvanha under a literal ton of boulders.
But before the crowd could even take a breath to begin cheering, the door leading to the dungeons exploded outwards, sending rubble splashing into the shallow water. Lancelot, Pteryx, Fireclaw, Jowl, Terra, Cliff, Gaby, and Luke all rushed into the arena in single file, all of their eyes already locked on the four.
"Guys, it's time to go!" Terra called, earning a glare from Pteryx. He still thought that this plan was akin to announcing their departure by yelling into a megaphone.
"What?" Okami asked, dumbstruck by their sudden arrival. "We're escaping!" Terra called back, louder this time.
Pteryx sent another, fiercer glare her way. "You want ta do a song and dance while yer at it, lass?" he snapped. The crowd of Raiders was now completely silent, allowing every word to ring out loud and clear.
Suddenly, the group became aware of the presence of two others. "How in the name of Giratina's shadow did you break out of the dungeons?" General Fang asked, simultaneously angry and impressed. Lancelot just folded his arms and replied, "If I were you, I'd consider hiring stronger guards next time."
El Nino laughed, his ornate whiskers jingling softly. "Of course, of course," he chuckled. "I should have known that no cell would be enough to hold an equipo de rescate of your calibre, O Mighty Lancelot."
Fireclaw snorted. "You flatter us," the Charmeleon growled. "A Fletchling would be able to get past those losers you stationed in that dungeon." Pteryx nodded in agreement and added for good measure, "Poisoned, confused, and with one talon tied behind its back!"
The Gyarados only grew more amused at their remarks. "Words, words, words," he laughed. "You're so good with words, when it's acciones that matter. Now, I believe it is time to either rendirse or be killed where you stand."
But then, General Fang broke in before Lancelot could give an answer. "Wait a second," he growled, perplexed. "Where did Sapphire and Neptune go?"
His words caused El Nino to look behind and around him, surprised. The Frillish couple was nowhere to be seen. "Where indeed?" asked El Nino, bewildered. The two Water-types looked around some more, completely confused, when they suddenly and simultaneously raised their heads to gaze up at their boxed ledge. Indeed, neither Sapphire nor Neptune looked like they had moved.
"What is the big idea?" El Nino frowned. "Why not join us in confronting this patetico group? I thought you enjoyed a potential lucha." Adding to his point was General Fang, who growled, "This group is obviously begging to be ended, so why not join us in the ending?"
Sapphire's giggle echoed through the massive cavern. "You're right, that would be fun!" she agreed. Her eyes were bright with lunacy as she giggled again and added, "But why should Neptune and I dirty our tentacles, when we have allies of our own to do it for us?"
She swept an arm around the arena in a wide gesture that accompanied her perplexing words. As she did so, to the shock of the hundreds present, at least two hundred Tentacool, Tentacruel, and Frillish melted out of nowhere, rising up out of the water and completely surrounding the group, save for a few dozen feet on either side of the exit.
"El Nino!" a jovial voice bellowed out from nowhere. As the spectators watched, a pair of huge Jellicent materialized in front of them, floating just above the water. The blue one extended a tentacle in greeting and spoke again. "It's jolly good to finally meet you in person, my good sir. My wife and I have heard so many spiffing things about you from our dear daughter."
The Gyarados froze as the Jellicent King's words wound their way through his ears and into his mind, causing a frightening and seemingly obvious realization to slowly dawn on him. "So Lady Sapphire…"
Pearl floated forward and nodded understandingly. "So you finally see it," she said in her rich voice. "Our daughter and son-in-law did not join you on a whim – we heard that you were aiming to take over the four oceans by force, and Khan and I were rather insulted when we found out that you don't even have a smidgen of royal blood in your veins! So Neptune, bless his dear heart, suggested that he and Sapphire join your ranks and weaken you from the inside, allowing us to swoop in and wrest the western ocean from your sorry grasp."
All non-Jellicent Kingdom-allied ears that heard this were shocked to their cores when they heard this. Pteryx's beak was hanging open even as Terra tried to hide behind him. Wyvern and Team Knights looked grim as they digested what they had just heard. I had never even heard of the Jellicent Kingdom before this day, Lancelot thought, and indeed they were all thinking something along those lines. They must be cunning foes indeed if these Water-types have existed without the Guardians' knowledge. But no matter, they must be stopped.
But how? On the bright side, him and his comrades probably no longer had to worry about the Abyssal Raiders, not when this new group was done with them. But on the darker side, they'd only be replacing an already-powerful threat with a much more powerful one. However, none of this mattered to Lancelot. All that mattered was that he and his friends had to escape this place and warn the Guardians.
A high-pitched, girly titter reached all of their ears. "We heard you were smart, Nino dearest!" Lady Sapphire giggled, floating over with her husband to join the monarchs. "But we never had to worry, did we? You fell for my cover story like a blind Magikarp into a whirlpool!" Her giggle rose in volume until it had become an evil, maniacal cackle.
"Now, shall we settle this like proper gentlemen, old bean?" Khan proposed courteously. "I'm sure that there is a perfectly clean and bloodless solution to be found in this dire situation." El Nino only opened and closed his gaping jaws without making a sound, so shocked was he.
The Jellicent Queen was definitely proving herself to be Sapphire's mother – she had a malicious grin stretching her bright red lips farther and farther by the second. "But where's the fun in that, my king?" she asked Khan, dark laughter embedded deep in her voice.
On an invisible cue, the army of tentacled deep-dwellers attacked. They fired Shadow Balls, Poison Stings, Bubblebeams, and more in all directions, causing instant chaos. "ABYSSAL RAIDERS! DEFEND THE FORTRESS WITH YOUR LIVES!" General Fang roared, prompting the hundreds of Water-types to spring into action and fight back. In just another instant, the chaos had grown into a massive battle worthy of that between Groudon and Kyogre all those centuries ago.
El Nino, finally, overcame his shock. A look of deepest fury twisted his already monstrous face even as purple fire built up in his mouth. "Furia del Dragon!" he called, spitting the flames right at Khan, Pearl, Sapphire, and Neptune. The Dragon Rage attack hit powerfully, and all four of the Drifting Pokemon came through with bad burns.
The Gyarados didn't let up. "Colmillo de Hielo!" he roared, fangs freezing over as he lashed out with Ice Fang at Lady Sapphire. Khan darted in front of his daughter and took the hit with a grunt. In that instant, a ghostly aura infused El Nino's body, and his fangs instantly thawed.
"Cursed Body," Khan chuckled. "A gift from Arceus, that. Recover!" he added dramatically, and a sparkling light rapidly emanated from him. In mere seconds, all of the damage he had sustained had been healed.
Roaring in fury, El Nino launched a massive Hydro Pump at his foes – it was big enough and powerful enough to severely injure them, despite their Water-type affiliation. But a smug Pearl guarded her family by using herself as a shield, allowing the blast to strike her dead-on. When the water faded, she too had been completely healed, thanks to her Water Absorb ability.
Before El Nino could execute another futile attack, Khan and Pearl were upon him. The blue Jellicent used Hyper Beam, and the energy scorched the Gyarados whilst slamming him into the wall. His wife finished their assault with Psychic, using the mystical power to twist El Nino's head at an unnatural angle. His neck snapped like a twig.
The huge serpent crumpled to the floor, instantly dead. Lancelot, Wyvern, and the gang looked on in amazement and horror as Sapphire and Neptune left to terrorize the other Raiders, and Khan and Pearl advanced on General Fang, ready to end him as well.
-.-.-.-.-.
Sigh… sorry that this was so late. I'm trying to squeeze in as much of every fanfic as possible before summer ends and school starts again… *Groans loudly and buries head in hands*
Anyway… El Nino meets his maker, slain by none other than the monarchs of the Jellicent Kingdom themselves. Will the Raiders survive without their leader, and will our heroes escape their newest foes' grasp?
Part 2 coming soon!
Khan: "I humbly request that you review, good chaps!"
Chapter Question #21: I already mentioned that I've thought of the "final boss" of "Destined Explorers of Legend". Which Pokemon do you readers think would give our heroes a fitting final fight for the fanfic?
(Alliterations for the win.)