Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 39: Lurking in Silence
The battle for the Soul Badge continued.
With Arana still trapped in her slumbering state, Neo resumed the battle using his Dusknoir and Chase's Gardevoir. "Novus, Ice Punch on Dragalge! Faith, use Psychic on the others!"
Standing in front of the sleeping Chandelure, Faith closed her eyes and raised her arms while concentrating her psychokinetic energy. When she reopened them, they shone with brilliant blue. At the same time, Marr's Muk and Ode's Nidoqueen became outlined in a similar glow and were consequently lifted off the ground and hurled over a good distance, tossing the sludge-like pokemon into the water and crashing the armored one against the corroded stalagmites.
Meanwhile upfront, Novus closed in, his fists bursting into freezing temperatures and his blood red eye locked on to the enemy.
Despite the approaching opponent, the Dragalge remained completely still. It merely glared in brimming anticipation from the watery edge. On the final minute, Iago signaled his pokemon for a Twister attack and his Dragalge instantly unleashed a roaring vortex that pushed back the attacking Dusknoir.
Novus was forcibly blown away, but he managed to brace himself by planting his icy fists unto the arena floor. The frost quickly built up and secured the Dusknoir to the floor.
"Muk, bombard him with Gunk Shot!" Marr commanded with the added motion of pointing the tip of his steel blade in the Dusknoir's direction.
Just as soon as the Twister receded, random violet-glowing debris were hurled towards Novus from another direction. Neo hurriedly called out to warn his Dusknoir and was fortunately heard in time.
Shifting his blood red eye over to the poisonous projectiles, Novus broke free from the ice and consecutively shattered the Gunk shot using his ice-coated fists. When the onslaught ended, he shook off the disintegrating frost and glared at the attacker.
Neo breathed, but only for a moment when he heard another assault directed at his team.
"Nidoqueen, flood the battlefield with Sludge Wave~"
Ode's Nidoqueen produced a thick violet sludge-like substance from its body and hurled it towards Faith and Arana. Chase's Gardevoir gasped in horror as the toxic torrent surged towards them. With no time to dodge, she raised her arms and braced for impact. Suddenly, Arana woke up and saw the attack coming towards them.
Neo saw his Chandelure conscious and immediately reacted, "Arana, hurry and use Flamethrower!"
With no time to waste, the chandelier-like pokemon zoomed up front and unleashed a massive blazing stream of fire. The attack surged upwards and clashed with the thick goo, preventing the advance. The Sludge Wave crashed unto the head of the fiery inferno and globs of the poisonous substance rained down at different directions, corroding the desecrated arena floor further, but ultimately avoiding its intended targets.
When the assault finished for the meantime, Neo heaved and he clenched his fists. So far, the three gym leaders of Fuchsia City have proved to be formidable adversaries. They displayed well-planned attacks and fluid teamwork, systematically executing their respective roles. Each member had their own personality and battle-style which they relied on make up for the other's openings or weak points. It was this that made the battle that more challenging than he had ever anticipated, but he was not going to give in; not to the Dolosa Trio nor to his frail condition.
"We can do this! Novus, Shadow Punch on Dragalge! Faith, Arana, Psyshock and Flamethrower on Muk and Nidoqueen!"
Bolting into the fray, Novus charged towards Iago's Dragalge once again, fists empowered by a pitch black sparks. Faith and Arana worked together and launched two radiant energy balls coated in a stream of spectral blue flames. Under orders, Ode's Nidoqueen fired another Sludge Wave, negating the attack targeted on itself, while, Marr's Muk used Protect and created a violet barrier that completely shielded it. Iago's Dragalge, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. Even after launching another Twister attack and striking the Dusknoir, Novus' Shadow Punch maneuvered around and slammed unto the mock kelp pokemon, knocking it out.
"Dragalge is no longer able to battle!" The referee announced, leading to Iago recalling his pokemon and sending out his next and final one, a Seviper.
Neo took a moment and checked the newest adversary.
Seviper
The Fang Snake Pokemon
Seviper shares a generations-long feud with Zangoose. The scars on its body are evidence of vicious battles. This Pokémon attacks using its sword-edged tail.
The pokedex indicated that it was a pure poison-type. Compared to Muk's slow maneuverability and Nidoqueen's heavy weight, Seviper had a more flexible body-type. But that was not all that should be watched out for. The fangs and tail were Seviper's most distinguishing and most likely most dangerous features. Neo noted that and called his team's attention.
"Good work, everyone. Let's keep it coming!" He cheered as he exchanged encouraging looks with his battling team. Then shifting his sights unto his opponents once again, she cried out, "Novus, Ice Punch on Nidoqueen. Faith, Arana, both of you, use Psychic!"
As Novus readied a flurry of icy fists, Faith and Arana emitted a vivid blue glow. Chase's Gardevoir was first. She levitated Iago's Seviper and Marr's Muk into the air before Neo's Chandelure followed up by firing cerulean energy blasts at them. The two posion-types were then dropped to the ground, shaken by the damage, but still conscious and able to battle. Meanwhile, Novus was now in front of the enemy. Ode's Nidoqueen raised its arms to block, but Novus managed to land powerful hits with consecutive Ice Punch.
There was a price though.
"Nidoqueen, scatter unto the battlefield, Toxic Spikes~" declared Ode with a fluid gesture of his arms.
Thrusting the Dusknoir aside, the blue armored pokemon roared and unleashed an ominous dark sphere from its maw. The sphere then rose upwards and burst into dense streams of deep purple clouds that loomed over the battle field. Finally, bright violet spikes rained down and settled unto the arena. At that moment, surges of purple sparks streaked across the Chandelure and the Gardevoir's body. The two cried out in pain as poison entered their systems.
"Arana! Faith!" Neo yelled in horror, before once again looking on and gasping when Novus, his Dusknoir, was also poisoned due to Nidoqueen's Poison Point ability. With all three pokemon poisoned, things were looking bad, especially when Iago and Marr followed up their attacks.
"Seviper, use Poison Fang on the Dusknoir," Iago instructed.
"Muk, fire Gunk Shot on the other two!" Marr slashed the air horizontally, bringing his katana towards the center.
Iago's Seviper swerved across the desiccated battleground, towards the unsuspecting Dusknoir and planting its long sharp glowing fangs unto the ghost-type's arm. Novus groaned in agony as he slammed across the cold hard floor. Simultaneously, Faith and Arana were bombarded by random glowing debris. They braced themselves as much as possible but the damage dealt was still severe, especially to Faith who was weak against poison-types due to her secondary fairy-typing.
"Hang in there, Faith!" Chase yelled from the back, along with Percival, his Grovyle.
Gazing at his team, Neo grew frustrated. The pressure was building outside and inside of him. The battle was nearing the end, but neither side seemed to have the upper hand. And for that reason, Neo won't give in. He had the chance to win it. "Just little more! Novus, Ice Punch on Nidoqueen again! Faith, Arana, use Psychic!"
"Seviper, use Wring Out on the Dusknoir," ordered Iago.
"Muk, Giga Impact!" Marr commanded.
"Nidoqueen, lend a Helping Hand to Muk," Ode added.
Novus lunged for the large armored pokemon, Iago's Seviper came around and coiled its body around the bulky brownish gray ghost. Novus struggled to break free but the black viper-like pokemon only strengthened its grip.
Neo hurriedly redirected his teams' new targets and cried out to his Dusknoir, "use Ice Punch on the Seviper instead!"
Novus complied and started pounding his frigid icicle fists against the serpent's sleek scaly body. Meanwhile, Ode's armored pokemon powered up his comrade by placing its hand outlined in a red light on the sludge pokemon's body. Marr's Muk glowed in a similar light before bursting with surging white energy and hurling itself towards its two blue glowing targets. At that time, Arana and Faith's combined Psychic did their deeds, casting cerulean psychic energy waves, but their assault was only able to knock out the Nidoqueen. The sludge-like pokemon was still rocketing towards them. Arana and Faith split ways and attempted to dodge the powerful attack as it rapidly closed in on them.
The resulting impact was explosive and the whole arena was shrouded in a blanket of white. Neo and the others shielded themselves from the brightness. Gradually the light receded and the battlefield was once again visible. Novus was able to break free of Iago's Seviper who was now half-covered in frost, but it was no cause for celebration. Neo's Dusknoir was visibly exhausted. Streaks of purple lightning ran across its bulky body, indicating that Novus still suffered from the effects of poison. In the mid-area of the challenger's side, Marr's Muk groaned wearily. It was conscious but left to recharged its power. On the left side was Arana, unconscious and over to the right was Faith, same, lying motionlessly on the ground.
"Nidoqueen, Chandelure and Gardevoir are unable to battle!" the battle overseer declared.
Ode chuckled at himself for being the first one out of the three of them. After retrieving his fallen pokemon from the field, he bowed at Neo and wished his comrades good luck.
Neo acknowledged him and returned Arana and Faith to their respective pokeballs. Taking a moment to breathe and drink his special medicine, he then cast a glance back at Chase and muttered his apologies.
Chase, in return, waved a hand back and smiled to show he had no ill feelings towards his friend. Percival, on the other hand, was glaring and visibly agitated.
Seeing his friend's comforting response, Neo vowed that he'd win it. He told himself that wouldn't let the efforts of Chase and his pokemon, as well as his own be all for naught. Tossing a pokeball up, Neo sent Chase's Gallade back into the arena. "Vince, let's do this for Faith!"
Vince materialized and and extended his blade-like elbows. Suddenly, he collapsed on one knee, making Neo and Chase shocked. It wasn't the injuries that he had prior but the effects of Toxic Spikes that lingered. Neo and Chase both cheered him on and urged him to get up. Novus also looked unto him with a determined look. Resolved, Vince staggered to his feet. With violet sparks running up his body, he once again drew his swords in preparation to battle.
Chase smiled at his pokemon's determination and glanced sideways at Percival who seemed very fidgety. He tapped his Grovyle arm, jolting the green gecko who turned to him with a questioning gaze. "It's okay, Percival. You'll get your time to shine too. That way, you can impress Faith." Percival flushed and stepped back, surprised by his new trainer's words. The silver-haired boy merely chuckled in amusement before focusing back on the battle which was now two on two.
Neo began the final battle rounds. "Vince, Psycho Cut on Seviper! Novus, Ice Punch on Muk!"
"Seviper. Poison Fang," Iago commanded.
"Muk, Gunk Shot!" Marr followed.
With arms glowing blue, Chase's Gallade darted across the corroded terrain and lunged towards the black serpent-like pokemon. Iago's Seviper charged in as well, baring his long poisonous fangs. Vince swiftly swung in an horizontal slash but was met with the Seviper's open jaws and sharp fangs.
Cleanly evading the Psycho Cut, the fang snake pokemon seized the opening and its crimson incisors dug deep unto the Gallade's glowing arm, forcing a painful cry from the Gallade.
Vince, though, was not going to let his opponent have it way. Swinging his other arm, he attempted to land an attack but was blocked by the Seviper's tail. The serpent-like pokemon grinned slyly and proceeded to sink its fangs deeper, inflicting more pain to the already poisoned pokemon.
Novus, on the other hand, was shattering Gunk Shot after Gunk shot, slamming his icy fists unto the poisonous projectiles, shattering them or freezing them until finally, he was within close range of the purple sludge-like pokemon. With nothing more to lose, Novus unleashed a flurry of Ice Punches, but his fists simply sunk into the opponent's amorphous body. Marr's Muk didn't seem to feel the damage. Then the areas that Novus struck began to ice over, eventually trapping the sludge pokemon. And with one final blow, he knocked the frozen enemy into the purple pool.
"Muk is unable to battle!" declared the announcer, much to Marr's disappointment.
It was now just between Iago and Neo. With one opponent left, Vince in trouble, Neo wasted no more time and pressed the attack. "Novus, help Vince! Use Thunder Punch!"
With the painful effects of poison bearing down on him, Novus rushed towards Iago's Seviper to aid his comrade. As he drew nearer, yellow lightning bolts sparked from his knuckles and surged violently up to his wrists. Within range, he drew his arm back as his lone eye met the sinister gaze of the Seviper.
"Use Coil," Iago spoke calmly and flatly.
Keeping a firm hold on its current prey, the fang snake pokemon quickly forced away Vince's other bladed arm using its tail. Then proceeded to coil itself around the Dusknoir's arm, preventing Novus' fist from landing. Neo's Dusknoir attempted to pull away but the Seviper's grip only worsened. Attempting to swing another Thunder Punch from his other arm, the black serpent only looped its body around, creating a pair of massive handcuffs for its second prey. The maneuver was merely tactical. The true intent was to boost the Seviper's attack, defense and accuracy.
"Vince! Psycho Cut!" Neo followed up, seeing his Dusknoir was immobilized and Chase's Gallade had one arm free.
Pushing through the harsh toxins and strength-sapping injuries, Vince desperately brought his arm up. Seeing the attack, the Seviper quickly dodged but only by a hair's width. Vince ended up missing the enemy but he was finally released from the opponents fangs. Still, he was growing ever weaker. His legs quivered and his white face was slightly tainted with the shade of violet.
"Vince!" Chase called out. "Just a little longer!"
Hearing his trainer's voice, Vince smiled and shifted his semi-blurry vision at the black serpent coiled around the Dusknoir's arms. Novus was angrily trying to escape the serpent-like pokemon's hold, but it was all futile, given his poison state. Time was running till they both would succumb to the poison.
"Hurry, Psycho Cut! Neo yelled, cuing Chase's Gallde into action. "Novus, use Shadow Punch!"
"Poison Fang, Seviper," Iago commanded with a more forceful tone.
Vince lunged towards his target just as it bared its hazardous fangs. The Seviper dove it for the final strike, but Vince twisted to one side, earning only a deep scrape that ran down from his hand to his elbow. Then Vince continued to pivot around until his back was now facing the enemy. Finally, he extended his blade-like elbow and struck his opponent. With that, the Gallade's legs gave in and he collapsed unto the floor.
The Seviper hissed furiously and redirected its attack on the Dusknoir, only to be blind sided by Novus' pair of Shadow Punches that flew through the air and u-turned back, striking its target without fail. The fang-snake pokemon finally reached its limit. Its grip on the Dusknoir's forehands loosened and it fell to the floor with a loud echoing thud that silenced the entire gym. Only one voice filled the stillness.
"Seviper is unable to battle! The winner is the gym challenger, Neo!" announced the battle overseer.
It was a long and well-fought battle but before congratulations and celebrations could ensue, the situation of their pokemon came first. Neo rushed to his barely conscious Dusknoir while Chase rushed over to his fallen Gallade. Thoughts of victory were pushed back behind their priorities. What mattered to them most at that time was the state of their pokemon. As Iago returned his pokemon to its pokeball, Neo and Chase busied themselves with Antidotes, Revives and Hyper Potions.
Before spraying the healing item on his Dusknoir, Neo unclipped his pokeballs and set them on the floor so he could treat the rest of his team later on. After a few thorough spritzes, he watched as Novus moaned hoarsely and steadied himself. He had regained his strength but was still visibly exhausted. When Novus was finally steady enough, Neo smiled in gratitude and wrapped his arms as far as they could go around his late father's pokemon. "Novus, thank you..."
Restraining a grin, Chase feigned ignorance at his friend's display and proceeded to heal Faith as well, after applying the needed first aide for his Gallade.
At the sight of the Gardevoir, Percival hurried over and helped Chase by handing the items that the boy pointed to. His new trainer didn't seem to question his actions, just smile and chuckle.
Once Faith regained consciousness, the Grovyle as well as the Gallade fawned over her before locking piercing glares at each other. The Gardevoir blinked blankly and focused on her surroundings. She noticed Vince and then saw Percival, but before she could utter a word, a sweet smelling scent instantly drew her attention.
"Faith... For a job well done." Chase waved an unwrapped chocolate bar in front of his Gardevoir.
Faith hurriedly got up, ignoring the two rivals, and proceeded to mellow in the bliss of chocolate. Vince and Percival looked on with disappointment before once again locking eyes and glaring.
After healing all their pokemon as much as possible, Neo got up and turned to the Dolosa Trio who were already standing behind him, Iago being the one font and center while the two stood at either side. Slightly taken aback by their sudden appearance, Neo regained his composure and faced the threesome properly. They firstly exchanged formal bows and moved on the the conversation.
"That was a grand display of your battling prowess. I was very much entertained~" Ode commended.
"For a frail-looking guy, you are tougher than you look," Marr added.
"All in all... it was an honor to battle a trainer such as yourself and we humbly accept our loss." Iago bowed once again, followed by his younger comrades.
Once they straightened up again, Ode stepped forward and presented Neo a pink heart-shape trinket. "We the Dolosa Trio of the Fuchsia City gym, hereby, award you with the Soul badge."
Neo accepted it and bowed back. "Thank you... for everything."
"We wish you well on your journey. And may we once again cross blades," Iago concluded with a formal tone, in which Neo was too familiar with that he failed to really notice.
Early that evening, Neo and Chase retired to their room in the local inn. They already had their pokemon healed at the pokemon center and fed with the best pokemon food Fuchsia City could offer, they deserved it after all. Now, all that was left was to get some proper rest which both pokemon and trainer desperately needed after that grueling gym battle.
Chase was already fast asleep in his respective futon, dressed in his black and white robe. His three pokeballs were positioned cozily next to his pillow. Neo's pokemon, excluding Arana, were also in their pokeballs, fast asleep atop of a large pillow, beside their trainer's futon.
Neo, although tired, stayed awake. He had pushed himself to such an extent that his nerves had yet to completely simmer down. He could still feel himself shaking somewhat from the adrenaline. Garbed in his navy blue kimono, Neo sat by the half-open window and stared at the peaceful night in order to calm his thoughts. Arana hovered by, providing needed company as well as a comforting light source. Neo thanked his Chandelure and decided to call up Naomi to pass the time.
Nodding in agreement, Arana eagerly fetched his phone using her new found psychic capabilities which Neo and Chase had trained her as part of their gym battle strategy. She levitated the communication device and skillfully dropped it unto her trainer's hand. Once again, Neo thanked her, delighting the chandelier-like pokemon further. Her arms curled and her flame danced more energetically as she moved back to give her trainer some space.
Neo scrolled through his contacts: Gremio, names of several business partners, Arc and finally Naomi. He dialed her up and waited for her to answer.
"H-Hello? Neo?" Naomi murmured in a nervous voice.
"Good evening, Naomi. Is everything alright?" Neo inquired, sensing her agitation.
"Ah! Y-YES!" Naomi immediately replied, her Infernape's frustrated voice vaguely audible in the back. "S-Sorry. I was just not expecting your call... s-so soon."
"I apologize as well, if I interrupted you," Neo said with a calm tone.
"N-NO! I-I wasn't doing anything important. I w-was just thinking about you." Realizing what she just said, Naomi immediately panicked. "WAIT-! That's not what I meant. I mean, I was just wondering if you've won your badge yet."
"As a matter-of-fact... yes," Neo confirmed with tinge of pride in his tone.
"REALLY!? THAT'S AWESOME!" Naomi yelled in burst of fiery energy. "I knew you could do it!"
Neo had to back the phone away due to the loudness, but he was delighted by Naomi's enthusiasm. After hearing she had calmed down, he re-positioned his phone back near his ear. "That aside, did you safely arrive in Cinnabar Island yet?"
"Still on our way there," replied Naomi as Natsu's chattering followed up in the background. "We'll likely reach land by tomorrow morning."
"I hope our little journey together didn't get in the way of your duties as a gym leader..." Neo wondered with a slight pang of guilt.
Naomi was struck speechless for a few moments after hearing our little journey together. "...I-It's no problem. I chose to go... d-didn't I?"
"Alright then. Still, if there is anything you need, anything that I can help in return... Don't hesitate to call me," Neo added warmly.
"A date would be nice..." Naomi muttered in a very quiet voice.
"Hmmm?"
"NOTHING!" The girl jolted and bid him farewell before she could accidentally say something else. "A-Anyway Neo, y-you get some rest. You're probably tired."
"Alright. Take care of yourself and pleasant dreams..." Neo concluded.
"Yeah. You too..."
Neo ended the call and placed his phone away. Then a yawn suddenly came over him, suggesting that he should get some sleep. Sliding the window close, Neo stood up from his spot and called Arana over. He then said their good nights and retired for the remainder of the cold night.
As the tranquil silence came over the room, a shadow in the trees outside shifted. The evening breeze bellowed and the leaves rustled. The entity's eyes gazed upon the once open window before shifting towards the two set of eyes that glowed in the darkness behind him. His lilac orbs narrowed as the two opposing pairs stared back at him.
"So it begins..." The mysterious stranger whispered. A low growl and soft screech answered back as he shifted back towards the inn, only to be drawn away yet again by the appearance of several unexpected arrivals. Under the light of the almost full moon, he turned his head and narrowed his eyes at the strangers that stood atop of the roof of the houses across the street.
"My, my, my... What do we have here?" A masked ninja garbed in a violet floral embroidered robe chuckled as he stood on the rooftop beside five other figures, including a Roserade that stayed beside him, rose arms crossed.
"No matter how you look at it, everything is very much suspicious..." The second individual, clothed from head to toe with heavy armor, added. With a fluid hiss, he unsheathed his katana which glistened in the moonlight. Behind him, a large maroon centipede-like pokemon loomed, its golden eyes glaring.
"..." The one in the middle of the group didn't speak. His blue eyes simply focused on the stranger in the trees as a Seviper protectively coiled around his feet.
"I have no business with you..." The mysterious person reached for his back, waiting patiently to grab the hilt of the blade behind him. His two pokemon cried out in low aggressive voices at the three ninjas as they poised themselves for battle.
"That may be true for you..." Ode brandished his throwing knives between his fingers. "But as the gym leaders of Fuchsia City, we have every right to defend the locals and esteemed guests from anyone who might do them harm."
"Don't think that we're just for show. Underestimate us, you may just find yourself at the wrong end of my blade," Marr warned while positioning his blade upfront, ready to strike.
"Six against three is not that fair, is it?" The stranger answered back and tightened his hold on the violet hilt.
"Hmm... Perhaps~" Ode commented with a carefree tone before shifting to a more serious one. "So it's better that you leave while you can." He then leaped into the air and hurled his three throwing knives directly at the unknown intruder, his Roserade following suit and launching swirling streams of rose petals using Petal Dance.
As the sharp daggers rained down in a shower of spiraling petals, the shadowed entity murmured to one of his pokemon, "Frost, Icy Wind..."
From the dark shroud of the treetop, a Sneasel leaped out and unleashed a flurry of blue ice crystals that froze the petals until they fell limp and shattered unto the empty street. The throwing knives were also covered in a layer of ice but the attack was not good enough to completely stop them. But just as fast as the Sneasel negated the Petal Dance, it agilely maneuvered in mid-air, striking down the sharp projectiles with its equally sharp claws.
"Don't get cocky!" Marr then followed up in the cover of the first assault, lunging forward with his katana and Scolipede using Megahorn. He easily sliced his way through the cluster of leaves and branches and closed in on the target. His brown eyes met with the cold lilac eyes of the stranger, glimpses of the person's violet locks billowed beneath the shroud of flying leaves.
A deep ominous chill settled in the air. Ikari rapidly unsheathed his blade and blocked Marr's attack, just as a surging pitch-black ring burst forth from his feet, forcibly knocking the armored ninja away along with his maroon megapede.
Marr slammed against the concrete wall that lined the vacant street, while, his Scolipede regained its balance in time, landing on all fours a couple of feet away from him. Ode jumped down and inspected his comrade. With only a dark char staining his sleek metal sword and purple armor, Marr shrugged off his younger comrade's concern and stood up, just as Iago appeared in front, holding a crescent dagger. The Dolosa Trio eyed their intruder together.
Ikari stood firm, atop of a thick tree branch, black katana in hand, his Mightyena by his side, along with a Sneasel, a floating Frosslass and a Darkrai that was probably responsible for the black energy surge that sent Marr flying back. Ikari raised his midnight katana and eyed the three gym leaders.
End of Chapter 39
Well there's my surprise, tossing Ikari into the mix.
His purpose? Secret~! (No, no one will die...)
Ikari will continue in a flashback after Semira (which will start in the next chapter).
I'll be looking for time to make CK's character. ;)
Advance Happy Valentines Day~!
Read and Review. Please and Thank you.