Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. That right belongs to Nintendo and Game Freak.
A/N: To my fellow readers: I'm terribly sorry for the hiatus! Hopefully you haven't lost interest in the story! I've been busy with college and life! Now that summer is here, I can update! However, it won't be every day. Speaking of which, I need to update my other stories. They're collecting dust! Aack!
A/N: Okay, I want feedback and constructive criticism, etc. You know the drill.
A/N: While I was away, I got Pokemon White! I actually finished playing Pokemon Firered and Pokemon Ruby! I restarted Pokemon Black, too. Right now, I'm training my Pokemon in the Moor of Icirrus.
A/N: Anyway, I think that's it, so I'm going to continue with the next installment. Enjoy!
N's PoV.
"Zebstrika . . . ," I heard White whisper.
I stared at the equine Pokemon, her silhouette becoming clearer, sharper. Zebstrika had seemingly collapsed and fainted at the hands of Swalot's SLUDGE BOMB, for she had fallen flat on her back, her legs skating through the air feebly.
"ZEBSTRIKA!" White screamed, clenching her fists impulsively, completely forgetting about the injury she'd received back at the castle. She had to stifle a hiss before relaxing her hands once more. She shook her head before darting into the haze, which was fading away drastically. "GET UP!"
Swalot was chuckling, jiggling up and down violently, reveling in its triumph. It loomed over Zebstrika before looking at Bethanne, wondering what to do next. I tried to tune in on Zebstrika's thoughts, but they were well-shielded from me. It made me half-upset, half-skeptical for some reason.
I peeled my eyes off the Pokemon to see White pointing Zebstrika's Great Ball at her, biting her lip. Her whole body was shaking uncontrollably.
Then it happened. At the speed of neutrinos, Zebstrika dealt a devastating kick to Swalot's face. Instantly, Swalot cringed, cupping its face, stifling a moan.
Zebstrika struck the iron while it was still hot by climbing to her feet, swishing her mane about gracefully. Now that I'm done with the feint, I have to attack, I heard Zebstrika state while hearing White yell, "You're okay! Hahaha!"
I directed my gaze toward White, seeing her beam at Zebstrika. For reasons unknown to me, my face glowed with heat just by seeing that sunny smile. Then, to my dismay, it melted away, replaced by a frown. Turning on her heel, White marched back to my side. "NOW, USE GIGA IMPACT AGAIN!" White roared, completely oblivious to me clucking my tongue.
Zebstrika began to neigh, swishing her mane to and fro as if it were a whip, raising her front legs high into the air before plopping them back down, bolting over to Swalot, who had barely lowered its meaty hands to survey a charging Zebstrika. Its eyes widened before Zebstrika crashed head-first into Swalot, the force of the blow causing Swalot to sail through the air.
Bethanne and White were staring at an airborne Swalot, White's eyes widening, her mouth forming unintelligible words whilst Bethanne was pokerfaced, albeit her eyes were aflame with desperation.
Lucario came into my midst right then and there, twirling the doggy bone in her hands. What should I do, boss? she asked me, a hint of confusion in her high soprano voice.
I mouthed, "Hang on."
Lucario was unhappy with my lack of attention, but she handled it by playing with the bone, flinging it into the air lazily. Any moment, that tub of goo would land near the witch's feet, she stated matter-of-factly. The bone descended to the earth, upright in position. Without looking, Lucario snatched it out of the air.
What makes you say that? I demanded.
A smile crept onto my face once I realized my Pokemon was correct. Grinning, I turned to White, intent on telling her what Lucario had predicted.
A strangled scream coming from Bethanne answered my question.
She wasn't there.
"WHITE? WHITE!" I thundered, wildly spinning around in circles, searching for her. I didn't realize I was making myself dizzy until I heard Lucario mumble, Boss, she ran over to Zebstrika! Something happened! Lucario must've interpreted my pleading facial expression correctly, because she continued, Lady Snow is out on the battlefield - Hey! Wait up, boss!
I had taken off once I glimpsed White. Her hairdo was falling apart, for a few strands of her hair hung limp over her face. She seemed to be ignoring them, for she'd fallen to her knees, her dress pooling out. "Oh, my God," she said in a voice so low that her words were almost inaudible.
Chapter 21: The Descent Part II
White's PoV.
I couldn't believe how thoughtless it was of me to tell Zebstrika to use GIGA IMPACT. I was so determined to take Swalot down that it had totally slipped my mind that Zebstrika would be lethargic for an entire turn. Again. And I never, ever used GIGA IMPACT twice in a row. It didn't matter how powerful the foe was. As long as my Pokemon had the strength to dwindle their health to zero, that was fine by me.
My hands must've apparently developed minds of their own because I was staring at my palms. A moment later, I found myself wiggling my fingers, a pang of agony flowing through my hand. I had to bite back yet another hiss. Why am I making mistakes? I thought dejectedly. I never treated Zebstrika as a tool where I'd disregarded her. For the love of God, I've become the person N detests more than anything! "I'm not . . . I feel . . ." I couldn't form the thoughts running through my head into words. I was too upset.
"MIGHTYENA, USE ROAR!" I heard Bethanne scream.
No way! Why didn't I hear her release her Pokemon? A deafening roar interrupted my thoughts, making me clap my hands to my ears in order to keep my hearing intact. I barely had time to look up and scrutinize a black-and-gray canine with vivid red eyes before seeing Zebstrika's form shimmer. I saw her capsule soar into the sky, opening up wide. Zebstrika returned to her ball before plunging into my purse. I eyed Bethanne with malice, noting that Evan was next to her now. He too had a Mightyena out, except its facial structure was broader than the Mightyena Bethanne had out.
My Master Ball zipped out of my purse, pulsating. A moment later, Reshiram appeared into being, almost losing her balance. "The very Pokemon I wanted to see," I heard Bethanne purr. "Reshiram and -"
A roar, more powerful and ancient than Mightyena's, came from behind me. I instantly noticed Reshiram's body tense. "And Zekrom," Evan finished. "So that was the game plan, Bethanne?"
I narrowed my eyes, wondering why in the hell Bethanne would want both Zekrom and Reshiram on the battlefield at the same time. If N and I are lucky, then maybe Reshiram and Zekrom will be willing to cooperate together, I thought. Who am I kidding? They would be at each other's throats before they work together! "You're insane!" I spat. "What makes you think they'll work together to take your Pokemon down? Are you trying to rip your head off, woman?"
Zekrom roared again. "Zekrom, get back into the Ultra Ball!" N commanded. "Honestly, how could you tolerate Reshiram back at the castle? Don't tell me you only cooperated with me just to get me out of Ghetsis's clutches." I heard Zekrom dragging its feet, its footsteps echoing loudly. In my mind's eye, I imagined N chasing after the Pokemon of Idealism, irritated and confounded. "Yeah, I can see Reshiram's trying to be peaceable and agreeable for White's sake, Zekrom."
"Shocking," said Evan. "Bethanne, you underestimated Reshiram and Zekrom. Maybe the bitter rivalry's one-sided." Reshiram turned around, eyeing Zekrom with distaste and repulsion, before regarding me with a strange look. "Or maybe not."
"A rivalry can't be one-sided," I snapped. "Reshiram and Zekrom do hate each other!" I remembered the hostile expressions both Pokemon wore before facing off against each other for the first time in millennia. They seemed so uncontrollable and carried away by emotion back then, although Reshiram did show her bitterness slightly less than Zekrom. "It's Zekrom who takes it to the next level."
"I'd hate to agree with you, but yeah, he does take it to the next level," N said from behind me.
N came into my midst then, Zekrom's shadow towering over both of us. I wasn't an empath like N is, but even I could feel the intense emotions radiating from the Pokemon. For some inexplicable reason, I found that beautiful, exciting and terrifying in an ancient, exquisite way. What am I thinking? I shook my head, feeling my bangs uncurl and plaster to my forehead. Thank God, I said mentally.
"Should we switch out our -?" N began.
Brushing my bangs carelessly out of my face, I said flatly,"No. I think I can handle Reshiram and Zekrom out on the battlefield together. Besides, we have a common enemy, whether they like it or not." I glanced at Reshiram, hoping for a nod of agreement. Instead, Reshiram gazed at me with her eyes, filled with endless sorrow for some reason.
Why did I suddenly feel a sense of foreboding? That never came about unless a catalyst was coming my way on swift wings. White, I chastised myself, you're being paranoid. Calm down and think rationally! Ghetisis's face cropped into my mind then, wearing his permanent scowl, his eyes dancing with malice.
"Leave me alone!" I said louder than expected, causing Evan and Bethanne to survey me with shock. They were probably even questioning my sanity. I know I definitely was. Dammit, I'm letting Ghetsis get to me about Red and Mother! My mother, Red and my friends were counting on me. N was too. Letting them down was not an option.
"You're looking at me as if I'm crazy," I said tonelessly.
"White, I think you should pull back," N told me sternly. "Having Reshiram on the field is a bad idea."
I shot a glance at Reshiram, feeling the sense of foreboding washing over me again. It almost managed to captivate me in its grasp. "Are you ready, Reshiram?"
Reshiram gave no indication she heard me. N, on the other hand, clapped his hand on my shoulder, attempting to whirl me around. "Lemme me go, N!" I hissed. "I've got this under control!" Despite my best efforts to shake N's hand off, he only tightened his grip even further.
"No, you don't understand," N tried to reason with me. "Reshiram's aura is -"
I clenched my fist. "Reshiram is Reshiram," I told N bossily. "Now, watch and learn about how Reshiram and I perform in battle!" Forcing a smile, I remarked, "Reshiram helped me defeat Alder. There's no way she'd let me down, N! So how dare you suggest that?"
"I'm not suggesting anything," N said patiently, "and if you're looking for an argument, forget about it."
I said nothing in response. "This is for my mom," I said confidently. "For Cheren! Bianca! And Red!" I did a pirouette in a last ditch effort to make my hair even untidier, and to give Reshiram the authority to attack. "Reshiram, use FIRE BLAST!" I pumped my fist in the air and pointed at Mightyena. "SCORCH EVAN'S MIGHTYENA!"
"NO!" N shouted. His cry of rage was enough to force me to look in his direction.
I stared at N, cocking an eyebrow. "What is your problem?" I asked him. "Reshiram is doing magnificently!" I saw N looked upset.
From behind me, I heard Reshiram release a shrill roar.
Any moment now, the flames of victory would shoot out of my dragon's mouth and dwindle Mightyena's health to 0, thus knocking Evan out of the Tag Team Battle.
I wheeled around, expecting to see the sidewalk ablaze.
Instead, I was thunderstruck at the sight that was before me: Reshiram hadn't budged at all.
N stepped in front of me, yelling at Zekrom to use DRAGON CLAW. Zekrom rocketed towards Evan's Mightyena, slashing furiously at him with his vicious-looking claws. "White, recall Reshiram!" he instructed me while Bethanne shouted, "Pathetic!"
I was about to grab Reshiram's Ultra Ball when I heard a hauntingly familiar voice sing behind me, "Are you sure that's the best idea, Miss Snow?"
I turned around.
He looked the same as I remembered. His face was enchantingly beautiful, with slightly tanned, translucent skin. A crimson and black cap rested above his unruly, jaw-length brownish-black hair. His eyes were shockingly chocolate brown. I surveyed his athletic body, clothed in a barely visible black t-shirt, a light blue hoodie jacket and black jeans. He regarded me with a cold look before pushing down his cap.
"What are you talking about?" I said faintly.
The boy smiled all-knowingly.
"Who are you?" Bethanne demanded. "This is a Tag Team Battle, so move off the field before you sustain wounds!"
As Zekrom retracted his claws from Mightyena, N whirled around, glowering at the newcomer. "Who the hell are you?"
"I could be your best friend," he began seriously.
"Or I could be your worst enemy."
A/N: Please tell me you know who this is! I know I said Red was the last main character to be introduced but I decided to add one last character from Pokemon Black and White! Anyway, please review! PM or say on your reviews who you think the new arrival is also! I'm terribly sorry for the short chapter.
This chapter was reedited for grammatical and spelling mistakes. No major changes were made to the plotline in this chapter at all. No content was added nor removed. For the Love of a King: Eventide is coming soon, so that is the reason why its predecessor is receiving editing.
Edited On: 11/04/15