Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
This is in collaboration with WrittenWhim. She's the one who submitted Aspen.
Thanks so much! This was really fun!
Chapter 57: Scuffle of Legends Part 4: Goals and Purpose
After healing his pokemon, Neo didn't return to the stands nor the tournament but lingered in the lobby to clear his head. Novus was still with him and Kashu had found her way to his side after the battle. The three strolled, or floated in Novus' case, around, wordlessly passing time.
Neo took sips of his medicine every now and then, trying to keep the stress at a bearable level. It worried his Wigglytuff and Dusknoir but they didn't comment on it, deciding that their trainer was the only person to overcome the ordeal.
Just then, Neo and his pokemon heard a commotion of sorts. They walked over to investigate and saw Kaye with her Froslass. They were breaking up a couple of male trainers who were locked in some sort of argument about a who lost a bet. The scene looked vaguely familiar. There was even a layer of frost coating the floor space separating the two hotheads, evidence of the ice-type's interference. Although, judging from the yelling, the argument was not over.
Kaye tried to calm the two down before her Froslass would take matters into her own hands again and freeze the area. But her efforts gave the opposite effect as one of the male trainers turned towards her with an annoyed look.
Fearing what could happen, Neo and his two pokemon came over to help. He called over the one guy just before he could snap at Kaye. And as soon as the fuming trainer turned around, he caught the sight of the huge bulky ghost with the glaring red eye behind Neo. Gulping, he averted his eyes and scoffed before storming off, his would-be companion soon running off as well.
With the issue resolved faster than he expected, Neo cast a look at golden-haired trainer. "Are you alright?"
Waving passively with a smile, Kaye nodded. "Yeah I'm fine, thanks for the help though. I'm sure a Dusknoir is much more intimidating than a Froslass."
At her trainer's comment, Skadi gave an offended cry as she floated closer to the two, frost trailing behind her in a veil of glittering crystals. Sending Kaye a sharp look, the girl held her hands up in surrender.
"Ghost-types have that scary effect, it seems," Neo spoke up and looked up at his Dusknoir. Novus placed a hand on his shoulder and Neo returned the gesture by placing his on top. "But honestly, I don't find them that intimidating. Novus is actually very kind."
The Dusknoir squeezed slightly and shifted his gaze towards the white ghost-type and her trainer, his crimson eye looking over the Froslass.
"Agreed," Kaye answered lightly. "Skadi here tends to be a mother-hen, though she'd never admit her 'mom' traits." A sudden chill filled the air as the Froslass looked disapprovingly at her trainer. It had little effect though. Shaking her head, Kaye gently patted her ice-type, "Oh don't look at me like that, you know that's true."
Neo chuckled softly at the sight. It was kind of pleasant to see another trainer get along with a ghost-type, besides the fact that the two interact like they have a parent-child, similar to his own relationship with the Dusknoir. "That's quite the coincidence… Novus is sort of fatherly figure, although, he's not as strict as they come." The last bit was his vague idea of what fathers were like, given Gremio's treatment of him. A groan rumbled and Neo amused smile was met with a light glare, but it had no effect on the young noble.
A quiet pause brought a comfortable silence between them. The roaming trainers and tourists as well as the blaring speakers resonated in the background. It was then Neo spoke up again.
"Before anything else, I should introduce my pokemon properly since I've formally met Skadi before." Neo stepped aside and motioned to his Dusknoir. "Like I said, this is Novus. You'll probably see him later in the arena," he added, recalling that they had a scheduled match later on.
The large ghost gave a small bow before he was interrupted by a protesting squeak. A pink bunny-like pokemon peered from behind Neo and Novus and stared at Kaye and her Froslass with a sulking pout.
"And this is Kashu…" Neo motioned to the Wigglytuff with the nurse's cap.
Offering a friendly wave, Kaye greeted the pink pokemon. "Nice to meet you Kashu, Novus," she said, inclining her head to the two pokemon. There was a brief pause as Kaye nudged her Froslass to do the same. Hesitating, Skadi finally bowed her head to the other pokemon present.
Kashu spun her head away and pulled on her trainer's leg as if trying to say she wanted to leave. Neo sighed and tried to persuade the Wigglytuff but Kashu wouldn't budge as she shot a glare at Kaye and Skadi, bewildering the two latter. With no other choice, Neo gave in.
"I apologize. Kashu is not really fond of girls," he explained as he was slowly being led away. "Farewell for now. I hope to see you and Skadi again at the match." And with that, Neo began to walk away, more likely dragged off.
His Dusknoir lingered a bit, casting another look at Kaye and her Froslass. Skadi met Novus' gaze and the two briefly stared at each other in silence before the Dusknoir looked away and followed his trainer.
Looking slightly puzzled at the two ghost-types apparent interest in each other, Kaye sighed and beckoned Skadi along with her as they departed. After taking a few steps, she turned back to call to Neo from over her shoulder, "I look forward to our match! Both Skadi and I will meet you again in the arena!"
Having heard her, Neo waved back but then Kashu pushed him away and glared once again in the female trainer's direction. Once they reached a suitable distance, the Wigglytuff simmered down and trotted alongside Neo and Novus. They continued to take their leisurely stroll around the lobby, casting curious looks at the variety of pokemon that were there along with their trainers.
Neo didn't know how much time had passed and wondered if it was already over. They passed by a wide TV screen, which they wished they hadn't. On it was Kiba emerging as victor after defeating Ariann Roman or Ari, the girl in the blue hoodie, officially winning his second battle in a row.
Exhaling heavily, Neo thought back on his loss and inwardly cursed himself. What was wrong with him? He had nothing against losing to Arc. It was a privilege to have battled against him. He had fun. It wasn't about winning. It was a sheer display of ability between trainers and their pokemon.
Turning towards his two pokemon, he smiled at them. "Did I worry you two? I'm sorry."
Novus groaned lowly while Kashu squeaked and hugged his leg. They were glad that their trainer was back.
Neo laughed softly and patted the Wigglytuff on her head. "Let's go back before the 15-minute interval is over."
The two nodded and they returned to the tournament hall, just as the TV screen shifted, displaying a victorious battler in the fourth group, a teen with violet hair and eyes, alongside a Mightyena.
Neo had arrived with time to spare. He parted with Kashu who bounded back to the stands before he went to the arena. With a calm smile lingering on his face, he waved at Chase and the others who returned the gesture with equal, if not more, enthusiasm. Mind settled and emotions in check, he turned and approached his spot.
Stepping up to his respective place at the field, Neo faced his opponent who stood directly across him from the other side of the arena. Kaye's golden hair swayed slightly as she gave small wave in his direction. Neo waved back just before the screen lit up and displayed their name, picture and below that were three pokeball lined up vertically.
With the battle nearly underway, the floor opened up and a thin layer of white haze glazed over the surface before dissipating and revealing a sleek icy field with jagged stalagmites and piles of slush bordering the rectangular arena.
Neo thought that Genbu would be right at home in that, Novus can just float over it with no problem, and Scourge, that would be slightly questionable due to his pointed toes. They weren't going to provide much anchorage in that slippery terrain.
Thinking that it would be better to get that scenario over with, Neo held out Scourge's pokeball just as Kaye did the same with her own pokeball. The referee gave the signal and simultaneously, both trainers summoned their first combatants into the field.
"Go for it, Scourge!"
"Let's do this, Harena!"
Kaye released a Flygon who hovered overhead just as Neo's shiny Drapion appeared on the slippery field, slipping and stumbling on the ice. Scourge clumsily tried to regain his footing, failing consecutively. It wasn't until he got frustrated and planted his pincers into the ice, securing him in place. On the other hand, Kaye's Flygon, buzzing above, shivered from the cold air and let out a small sneeze as it flapped its wings, trying not to touch the icy terrain.
The crowd stifled their laughter but it was still audible to the occupants of the arena. Neo couldn't help but give a half-smile at the situation. Kaye seemed to think in a similarly amused manner, letting a small giggle out from behind her hand.
"Quite the scenario we have here, isn't it Neo?" She asked her opponent, waving a hand at her sniffling Dragon-Ground type and the still wobbly Drapion.
"Quite," Neo emphasized, earning a sour look from his Drapion as he looked back at him. "Sorry, Scourge." With a small chuckle that didn't do much to back up the apology, he turned his attention back to Kaye. "Ladies, first."
"Oh?" Kaye seemed pleasantly surprised by his polite manner and grinned. "In that case..." she snapped her fingers up to the air, "Harena, whip up a Sandstorm!" Kaye ordered.
Her Flygon responding swiftly and launching itself high into the air and beginning to beat its wings harshly, sand flying about, mixing with the powdery snow that was also send upwards due to the wild winds. Scourge grumbled at the mix of snow and sand filling up his vision as he maintained his stagnant position, awaiting his trainer's instructions. Fortunately, he didn't had to wait long as Neo called out to him.
"Alright, Scourge! Use Hone Claws, get to the edge and follow up with Night Slash."
Scourge's pincers glowed bright white as he forcibly crawled his way to the arena's border by planting his sharpened pincers into the ice before moving forward. The thick ice cracked with every strike but didn't shatter completely. With much effort under the buffeting mix of snow and sand, Scourge arrived at the ice stalagmites and scaled them with equal difficulty even with his tail adding support. Finally his hard work bore fruit as the silhouette of Kaye's Flygon was now within his sights. Fiercely, he launched into the air with a tail radiating dark energy.
Unexpectedly though, just as Scourge neared Harena, the Flygon let out a large sneeze at the last moment, sending herself flying back, catching Scourge and the rest of the witness by surprise. But despite the unprecedented manner of dodging, the Drapion's tail managed to nick the edge her wing, sending her off-course and unbalanced. Meanwhile Scourge tumbled in the air and landed into a ball that rolled across the ice before crashing into a pile of snow, tail up and arms sprawled at either side.
The crowds once again swelled with laughter. Neo covered his mouth and stifled his while Kaye was chuckling wholeheartedly, obviously entertained by the klutzy pokemon. The two pokemon though were unamused by the whole situation.
Kaye soon collected herself and snapped her fingers again, this time directing them to the right. "Harena, get yourself balanced and go for a Dragon Breath attack!"
Her Flygon tilted to the side and glided over to the side as directed. And for the second time, another cold spell tickled the Flygon's senses and she let out another small sneeze, causing a misfire of Dragon Breath, still heading towards the crimson Drapion.
"Scourge, dodge!" Neo cried out but it wasn't needed.
His Drapion just stood his place and the Dragon Breath struck right in front of him, creating a crater but missing completely. Neo blinked and cast a blank look at the Flygon that was mirrored by his shiny Drapion. Kaye was also struck in disbelief at the stroke of bad luck.
"Okay…" Neo muttered to himself and thought that it would be a good chance to counterattack. He eyed the ice and thought that it was impossible to dig through. His gaze then shifted towards Scourge who was steadily being buried in sand and snow. It was then he got the idea. "Scourge! Use Dig but don't go underground. Fire the snow and sand back at the Flygon!"
The crimson Drapion looked at him with mild shock before complying. Using his strong arms and pincers, he scooped through the surrounding pile and hurled them at the hovering Flygon. Harena soon found herself caught in an onslaught of snow and sand, some causing another series of sneezes where she launched a few stray Dragon Breaths, turning the whole situation into some kind of sand/snowball/dragon breath fight.
"Time to mix it up, Scourge!" Neo cued his crimson Drapion.
Scourge complied and doused the snow with a purple substance from his pincers before flinging them again at the Flygon. Harena dove to the side in an attempt to avoid the now purple, most likely toxic sand/snowballs. Sneezing again, she flinched and several of them made impact, inflicting a poison status.
Kaye shook her head at the two pokemon. "Harena, use Earth Power to interrupt that Drapion!" Kaye called out, signalling again with a sharp snap of the fingers.
Quickly, the ice covered ground around Scourge erupted with harsh power, turning over the snow and sand while cracking the area around it as well. The attack dealt significant damage to Scourge but he was still conscious due to the fact the terrain was not actually soil but solid ice, dealing lesser damage than it should.
Neo grit his teeth at the sight of his pokemon's health gauge, plummeting due to the attack and the continuous buffeting sandstorm. A few more hits and his pokemon would be down for the count. "Scourge! Lets make this count! Night Slash!"
With his pincers anchoring him to the now rugged terrain of ice, Scourge scrambled to a more stable block of ice before launching himself at the Flygon and swinging his tail enveloped in tendrils of dark energy. Unable to move fast enough, Harena took the brunt of the attack and fell to the ground, crashing into a pile of snow and sand where she popped out moments later, shivering before letting another loud sneeze.
Kaye looked appraisingly at the current situation, not at all pleased with how things were turning out she smiled wryly. "Well, now this isn't good," she murmured to herself, deciding to take a more offensive stance she snapped again, this time with her arm directly extended in front of her and aimed at Scourge, "Harena, use Hyper Beam before he can regain his footing!"
The insectoid dragon swiftly began to charge up for a finishing blow, taking careful measures not to sneeze. As Neo's shiny Drapion skidded across the arena littered with large ice chunks as it landed clumsily, it slipped onto its side and dug its pincers into the one of the blocks to prevent himself from sliding any further. While Scourge tried to regain his footing, the opposing Flygon fired the beam of condensed energy it had been charging in a straight line towards the Drapion. With little energy remaining and barely enough maneuverability, Scourge was knocked out by the attack, ending the round in Kaye's victory.
Neo expected as much, given the terrain and the type disadvantage. Still, Scourge managed to deal a considerable amount of damage to Kaye's Flygon, not to mention poisoning it. And besides that, Scourge also complied with each command no matter how difficult the situation was. Recalling his Drapion to his pokeball, Neo gazed at the capsule with a smile.
"You did very well, Scourge. Thank you." After putting it away, he took out a second pokeball and sent out his next combatant. "It's your turn, Genbu!"
With a bright burst of crimson light, Neo's Wartortle materialized on the field, landing on a stable block of ice. At the sight of the terrain, his eyes widened and his maw broke into a wide grin, not even caring to lay his eyes on his opponent.
Neo could see how excited he was in the ice arena and smiled at that. As soon as the referee gave the signal to begin, he immediately took the initiative. "Alright Genbu! Show them what you can do! Ice Beam on the Flygon!"
Brimming with liveliness, Genbu locked his gaze on the fluttering green dragon before firing a blue freezing bolt of energy at Harena who was still recovering from her previous attack. Kaye's Flygon was immobile and completely powerless to dodge. She was forced to take the super effective move right to the chest. Already weakened and most likely down with a cold of sorts, she crumpled to the icy arena in a heap, unconscious.
Kaye sighed and recalled her pokemon. "You did well Harena, take time to recuperate." Drawing out her second pokeball, she set out her next choice in a flash of crimson light. "Ignis! Take flight!"
The newly released pokemon soared up into the air and appraised its opponent carefully. Sizzling cinders glittered the air with every stroke of its wings. Neo recognized it from Kaye's previous battle. It was a Talonflame, a fire/flying-type pokemon which was an odd choice, given Genbu's water-typing. No matter. Typing was just a single factor in a match, not the overall decider.
As soon as the referee signaled the next round to commence, Neo and Kaye launched into the battle, issuing their commands, once again igniting the heat of the battle.
"Genbu, use Water Pulse!"
"Ignis, counter with Acrobatics!"
Standing firm on the block of ice, Neo's Wartortle immediately hurled whirling spheres of water at the Talonflame but Ignis maneuvered through the air with grace and speed, evading the aquatic projectiles as he closed in on the indigo blue turtle below.
"Genbu! Duck!" Neo yelled out as Kaye's Talonflame swooped in with his razor sharp talons. Genbu managed to tuck into his shell and slide down the ice to a lower platform, avoiding Ignis' razor talons. "Alright, go after it with Aqua Jet!"
On cue, Genbu popped out and summoned a veil of water that encased his entire form. He was then lifted off the icy arena and into the air where he pursued the flying orange bird. It was a midair battle with a flaming avian, swerving and spinning with finesse and a living water spout that spiralled through the air, attempting to close in on the Talonflame.
As Ignis rolled and dove in evasive maneuvers, Kaye had another idea in mind. With a cracking snap of her fingers she further instructed her Talonflame. "Ignis, meet his Wartortle with Flame Charge!"
Quickly grasping his trainer's plan, Ignis swiftly launched himself into a sharp turn, this time on a direct collision course with the water-shielded Wartortle. Feathers smoldered and embers fell from his wings as the Talonflame became swathed in fire.
Water and fire clashed, causing streams of white steam to roll off their elements. Genbu let out a determined cry as Ignis replied with an equally fierce caw. None was willing to give in to the other until finally Neo's Wartortle felt the surrounding waters boil, causing him to wince. Kaye's Talonflame was not doing any better either due to the typing. The water was steadily dousing the flames as fast as it was evaporating it. Both attacks negated in an instant, pushing each pokemon back, but Ignis remained in the air while Genbu began to plummet.
Despite the rough situation, Kaye remained calm. A second passed before she snapped abruptly. "Steel Wing!"
Her snap and brief command alone were enough for Ignis. Without missing a beat, the Talonflame swooped into a nosedive at the quickly falling Genbu.
"Hurry and use Protect, Genbu!"
As the icy ground drew near and Kaye's Talonflame lunged towards him from above, Genbu braced himself and conjured a greenish blue energy that outlined his form. Ignis swiped the midsection of the Wartortle's underbelly, dealing no damage but forcing the turtle pokemon to fall even faster. Genbu crashed into the area, shattering ice and sending clouds of frost into the air. After it cleared, Neo's Wartortle emerged from a crater with web-like cracks, shaken but conscious.
"Genbu!" Neo called out, meeting his Wartortle's gaze. Genbu grinned, reassuring his trainer. "Alright. Let's try this again. Use Water Pulse."
Determined, the indigo blue turtle leaped back into the fray, firing a volley of aquatic projectiles at the flying orange avian. Since the momentum from his dive had yet to stop, Ignis could only turn on his side and lessen the number of hits from the orbs of water. The Talonflame cawed angrily, the damage it was taking quickly accumulating.
"Ignis! Flame Charge into one of the ice pillars to buy yourself time and use Roost!"
Shaking itself back into shape, Ignis once again coated himself in flames, this time charging straight through several of the cracked ice columns. Breaking through with ease, shards of ice rained down on the field and steam permeated the cold air. Landing on one of the higher standing pillars, the Talonflame tucked in its wings and began to recover.
"Genbu, press on the attack!" Neo called out quickly. "Water Pulse again."
Eyes focused once again on his opponent, Genbu locked his gaze on the stationary orange avian and hurled several more whirling water spheres at it. Interrupted before it could fully regain its health, Kaye's Talonflame took off from its perch, several of the projectiles clipping its wings, causing it to falter in its escape.
A snap resounded in the air, Ignis coming to a complete halt, awaiting his trainer's next orders. "Ignis," Kaye spoke steadily, "Acrobatics, this time knock his Wartortle out."
With a determined squawk, her Talonflame launched into a complicated dance of swooping movements, nimbly maneuvering across the air as it drew closer to its target. Genbu did his best to try and keep his eyes on his opponent as he waited for his trainer's command.
"Aqua Jet on my signal," Neo instructed, keeping a focused gaze on the rapidly approaching orange avian. Once Kaye's Talonflame was near enough, he gave the signal, "Now, Genbu!"
Without missing a beat, Neo's Wartortle enveloped himself in a case of rushing blue water and charged towards his opponent. Ignis didn't falter and continued to barrel towards the opposing Wartortle, talons brandished in front of it, intending to deal the heaviest amount of damage possible on this one strike. Genbu made an explosive impact on the Talonflame's feathery underbelly but was slashed by the avian's sharp talons as they pierced through the rushing water.
Ignis was forced back by the burst of water, vapor rolling off its amber feathers. Genbu, on the other hand, was sent rolling back into the rugged ice arena after the Aqua Jet was cancelled out due to the stinging pain of Ignis' talons. Neo's Wartortle was once again shaken up by the attack but still able to stand. The Talonflame fared worse, damaged quite harshly by the water attack, Ignis had been knocked into one of the ice pillars and was struggling to recover its footing and get back into the air.
"Genbu," Neo called his Wartortle. Genbu turned to him with a wry grin as he held a small ice cube to the shallow slash marks on his head. Neo tried to return the smile as he redirected his attention to their opponent. "Alright Genbu. Let's keep going. Ice Beam!"
Tossing away the cold compress, Neo's Wartortle fired a jagged freezing bolt directing at Kaye's Talonflame. Despite Kaye's snapped order to try and slide out of the way, Ignis was simply too injured to comply. The beam of cold hit the avian directly, freezing part of its wing. Weight off balance, Ignis fell to the side, wing completely out of commission.
"Ignis, melt the ice with Flame Charge," Kaye instructed coolly.
Her Talonflame cringed, but it slowly summoned the strength to create the blazing crimson-orange flames as it took to the air. The fires enveloped its body, rapidly melting the ice until it formed into water and eventually vapor. Returning to its usual flying prowess, Ignis swooped down into a dive bomb, aiming for its opponent.
"Final move, Genbu!" Neo exclaimed, noticing that their opponent was on its last legs. "Water Pulse!"
Conjuring one last huge aqua sphere, Neo's Wartortle took aim and hurled the huge projectile at the Talonflame. The water ball burst like a bubble on impact, dousing the fiery avian and sent it falling to the ice arena where it crashed into a heap of discarded sand and snow.
"Good job, Genbu," Neo complimented as his Wartortle met his gaze with a pant and a weak smile.
Smiling wryly, Kaye returned her fallen Talonflame to its pokeball. "You did well Ignis," she said softly, quickly swapping out her final pokemon's capsule. With a bright flash, she sent out her last combatant. "It's up to you now, Skadi!"
In a small flurry of snow, the hovering Froslass took to the field, looking quite at home among all the ice. Genbu studied his newest opponent. It had the aura like that of his ghost teammates but it was coupled by the cool air that could only be from an ice-type.
This time around, as soon as the referee cued the round to start, Kaye took the initiative. Snapping forward, she called out her first move, "Skadi! Use Shadow Ball!"
The floating ice-type reacted instantly, conjuring a blobby mass of dark matter and hurling at Genbu before drifting to the side. Genbu stood his ground and countered with a Water Pulse as soon as Neo issued his command. The two spheres clashed but the Froslass' attack dominated the other, negating it before once again hurling towards the Wartortle.
Caught by surprise, Genbu was stuck by the void energy sphere and sent tumbling across the ice. Neo watched on with awe. It was either Genbu was already exhausted or her Froslass was stronger than she looked. "Genbu! Retaliate with Water Pulse. Keep it coming!"
Neo's Wartortle complied and unleashed a series of whirling blue energy spheres at the elegant snow land pokemon who didn't seem fazed at the slightest as she awaited her trainer's cue.
Snapping twice in succession, Kaye quickly countered, "Skadi, use Icy Wind to freeze his attack!"
With elegant movements, Kaye's Froslass summoned a glittering cold breeze that crystallized the aqua spheres into balls of solid ice, making them drop to the floor like heavy bowling balls. After rendering Genbu's attacks useless, Skadi focused her calm gaze at the Wartortle with a demure smile.
Neo and Genbu grit their teeth at the futility of their attack. Water-type moves weren't going to work that well, not to mention ice-type were practically the same. A physical move might work, Neo thought, hoping the force would be enough. "Genbu, let's go with Aqua Jet!"
Undeterred by the result of the prior attack, Genbu wrapped himself in a cocoon of clear flowing water and spiraled straight for his opponent.
Kaye chuckled at the attack, again she snapped twice. "Icy Wind! Freeze the water around him!"
Skadi floated back to gain some distance, unbothered by the Wartortle speeding toward her. Once again, she brought forth a gale of twinkling ice and snow. Focusing the attack on Genbu, Skadi directed the wind into a harsh stream of arctic air.
Neo's Wartortle tried to maneuver through the freezing winds but he soon found himself surrounded by solid ice, trapped in a crystal dome. Swimming in the cold waters, he tried to find an opening but there wasn't any. Then he tried pounding the walls of the dome but it wouldn't crack. Finally, he headbutted the ice, which was a big mistake. The injury that Kaye's Talonflame had inflicted came in full force. Recoiling in pain, Genbu settled in the middle, clutching his head and whimpering like a kicked Lillipup.
Deciding that Genbu had enough and any future attacks would be useless against the Froslass, Neo called out to the referee to withdraw his pokemon. After gaining the consent, he approached the arena and attempted to cross over towards Genbu but the terrain was too treacherous. Huffing out a white breath, he sent out his Dusknoir and Novus went in his place to free the Wartortle.
The bulky dull gray cyclops approached the dome and laid a hand on the surface. He then drew back his other arm and smashed a Fire Punch against the icy walls. The dome shattered and water flowed out, allowing Genbu to escape.
Once outside, the Wartortle threw a pitiful look at at the ghostly cyclops, feeling disheartened by his loss. Novus didn't speak. He merely gestured him towards Neo. The Wartortle looked towards his trainer, who in turn, smiled at him as if to say he did well. A moment pass for the gesture to sink in. Contented, Genbu allowed himself to be called back so Novus could continue the final battle in his place.
After that, the Dusknoir shifted towards his opponent and his sole eye laid focused on the white floating ice-type with a rose-red ribbon tied around her waist. Skadi looked back at the Dusknoir with a similar curious gaze just before the the referee initiated the final round to begin. With that, the two ghosts broke off and moved to a more suitable distance to begin the match.
Neo started off with a fiery move. "Novus, use Fire Punch!"
In quick retaliation, Kaye once again called out for an opposite move. "Skadi, slow him down with Icy Wind!"
Igniting the round with flaming fists, Novus charged towards the Froslass just as she was summoning swirling gales of ice crystals. The freezing, howling winds circled around the Dusknoir but Novus was undeterred. Bringing up his blazing fists to shield himself, Novus persevered through the cold gales, his bulky arms still sizzling and crackling with undying crimson flames.
Once within range, Neo's Dusknoir swung the first strike but Skadi elegantly twirled to one side, evading the attack and retaliating with a air wave of icy glitter which Novus negated with his blazing fists. Fire and ice clashed in a spontaneous display of red and blue as the two ghost-types locked themselves in a dangerous dance of the elements.
Seeing as Fire Punch was going nowhere, Neo decided to try something else. "Shift to Thunder Punch, Novus!" He instructed, hopping to disrupt the Froslass with paralysis.
On cue, the crimson flames sizzled out and yellow sparks shot out of the Dusknoir's bulky arms, running from his palm and reaching up to his elbows. Armed with a new elemental arsenal, Novus drove a thunderous fist towards his opponent.
"Shadow Ball," Kaye called out, snapping her fingers once, close to her chest.
Taken aback by the attack, Skadi barely conjured a Shadow Ball in her hands to cushion the attack. Novus struck the void sphere and it shattered instantly, causing a mild shock wave and sending yellow and black sparks to scatter through the air. Novus and Skadi were forced back, both slamming against blocks of ice.
Neo's Dusknoir recovered quickly and shook traces of debris while Kaye's Froslass stumbled to the cold white ground, shaken but conscious. The two then glanced at each other, momentarily showing signs of concern over the other. Novus unexpectedly floated over and extended a hand to help Skadi up. The Froslass paused but accepted the gesture, floating back once again over the icy terrain.
Neo blinked at the sudden feat but shrugged it off, thinking that Novus was merely being courteous to a lady, a manner that was taught to everyone in the household back in the manor. He called out to him and the Dusknoir looked at him, pausing a bit before withdrawing his hand and returning to a respectable distance.
Sharing a similar look on her face, Kaye watched in disbelief as Skadi shyly retreated back. "Erm...you okay over there?" she asked tentatively. The ice-type merely nodding slowly.
"Novus," Neo called out again, trading looks with the Dusknoir and silently exchanging unspoken words. "Alright." He oddly hesitated, sharing the same air of uncertainty with the ghost pokemon. "Use Shadow Punch."
Rearing his arm back, Novus fired a translucent gray projectile in the shape of a fist. Neo was once again puzzled at that moment. His Dusknoir used only one arm instead of two. Did he hold back on purpose?
"Shadow Ball!" Kaye instructed with a snap.
With a momentary pause, Skadi conjured a void sphere and hurled it straight towards the impending projectile. The two attacks clashed but Novus' attack overpowered the Froslass' Shadow Ball, dissipating it before barreling towards the ice-type pokemon. With no way to dodge, Skadi closed her eyes and braced herself her the impact.
A crash reverberated in the air, sending clouds of snow and frost into the air. Kaye feared that her Froslass took a direct hit but much to her surprise as well as everyone else who saw, Skadi was unharmed. She floated in the same place, bewildered slightly but otherwise completely fine.
Neo was struck speechless. Shadow Punch never misses unless Novus was aiming at something else. The white dust cleared up and behind the Froslass was a sizeable crater with a fist-shaped impression in the middle of it. At a loss of the occurrence, Neo looked back on his Dusknoir who had calmly lowered his arm and silently stared back at him. Was something wrong with Novus?
At the same time, Kaye had snapped out of her shock and took the initiative. Extending her arm in an arc, she snapped sharply. "Skadi, use Blizzard!"
The Froslass seemed somewhat hesitant on using the move, but eventually summoned forth a storm of ice and snow that enveloped the field in a veil of white. Everything seemed to be normal again, but Kaye took notice on how light the winds and cold seemed compared to their other battles where most of their opponents froze in an instant. This time, Novus only appeared to be hindered by a coating of frost.
"Novus, fend off the cold with Fire Punch." Neo quickly returned to the battle at hand, shrugging off the earlier events as a fluke of some sort. "Then close in and follow up with the attack."
In the midst of the hazy winds, a dual crimson shade glowed. A sizzling noise mixed in with the whispering gales. With each passing moment, the flames became more and more visible as Novus closed in Kaye's Froslass.
Seeing an opportune moment approaching, Kaye waited until Novus drew closer and snapped thrice. "Draining Kiss!" she called out.
Skadi was almost taken aback by her trainer's order, but complied nonetheless. A pinkish aura radiated around her, not going unnoticed by either trainer, nor were her slower movements.
Novus drew near but his flames were oddly becoming dimmer, much to both trainer's additional confusion. Neo thought it was because Novus used more power earlier on, therefore it was steadily draining. But it didn't seem like the case.
Seemingly wanting to get the move done, Skadi suddenly shot forward to peck Novus on the side of his head, the fairy-type move taking affect and damaging Novus and restoring Skadi. However it wasn't the actual attack that seemed to be having an effect on the two pokemon.
Novus froze momentarily, his flames sizzled out like a candle in a blizzard. He then floated back a few inches but kept his gaze on the Froslass. Skadi herself was acting unusually shy, hiding among the strongest gales in the blizzard.
"Novus?" Neo called out for the nth time in the round. There was something wrong yet he couldn't quite place a finger on it. "Are you alright?" The Dusknoir glanced back at him and then back to the Froslass. There was no concrete reply which made Neo wonder more and more. Should he still try to attack? Would it still end the same?
Meanwhile, Kaye was starting to attempt to put the pieces together. As the best theory came to mind, she quickly covered her mouth to stifle her giggles. There was after all, one very good explanation for two overly flustered pokemon after Draining Kiss.
"Kaye?" Neo was suddenly drawn to her unexpected reaction.
Unable to hold in back any longer, Kaye broke out laughing, snapping Neo as well as the two ghost-types' attention. Taking some time to collect herself, she smiled giddily. "Neo...haven't you noticed how they've been behaving throughout the battle? They're acting like two teenagers who both really like each other~!"
A lump got caught in Neo's throat as he tried to process the statement that Kaye was implying. His eyes shifted to his Dusknoir and he gathered up his wits to confirm it for himself. "Novus… Do you by any chance…?"
The ghostly cyclops didn't look at him which was the least likely thing Novus would do when Neo was addressing him. He was usually very composed especially in a battle. It was as if he was shy to admit it. Kaye's theory was becoming more and more concrete. The two ghost pokemon shifted uncomfortably in their spots as the crowd gained mix reactions of 'awww' and laughter.
Neo lightly rubbed his own face as he felt heat rushing to his cheeks. He had never expected such a thing to happen in the tournament, let alone to the pokemon who helped raise him when he was a child. At that thought, his face grew even more red. "I… So… Now what?" He stammered unintelligently.
"That's up to Skadi and Novus I suppose," Kaye said, eyes glimmering excitedly. "I'd love to continue our battle but if those two aren't up to it I won't force anything."
Neo cast an awkward smile. "I-I don't want to force them either if… That is the case."
The two ghost-types looked at their respective trainers as if they were now waiting for the conclusion. They certainly didn't have it in them to battle each other and both their trainers were willing to negotiate the end result of the match.
"If Novus doesn't want to continue the battle, then I won't either," Neo gave his consent, still casting a flustered smile. "We withdraw from the match."
"As do I," Kaye agreed, looking to her Froslass with an encouraging smile. "I guess this means it's a draw."
Neo nodded, gaining a pinch of his composure back. "I guess it is."
As the referee announced the decision of the match, the crowds rejoiced at the unusual yet sweet ending of the battle. Neo then stepped into the arena to approach Novus. Kaye soon followed and the four now faced each other in the middle of the icy landscape.
Neo looked at his Dusknoir with a kind smile before glancing at Skadi and Kaye. At the sight of them, his face erupted once again with a bright red hue and he turned away in order to collect the pieces of his composure. He had zero idea how to address the situation. He felt like a child watching his parent with his future stepparent. It was awkward to say the least.
"Don't think too hard about it Neo, just go with it and I can assure you everything will work out," Kaye said softly to him, lightly patting his shoulder. "I'm sure you can see it, those two seem to be quite happy together right now." She gestured to the pokemon with a hand, indicating the closeness of the ghost-types.
Neo covered his face but peeked between the gaps of his fingers. Novus and Skadi were gazing at each other contentedly, the Dusknoir's large hand gently holding on to the Froslass' own. No matter how normal it seemed for most people, Neo couldn't shake off the awkwardness of the situation. Then again, as a child in the apparent relationship, he had little say in the matter. Besides, who was he to break off his pokemon's happiness.
As soon as the silence became comfortable, the four left the arena together. Neo and Kaye let the two ghost pokemon float ahead of them while they maintained a respectful distance and exchanged numbers for future use. It was unlikely that they could spend enough time together in the tournament. Neo decided that they might as well meet up in the future for possible dates. The word made the young noble go red once again as Kaye giggled at his innocent reactions.
End of Chapter 57
This was a crazy and sweet battle. :)
Heheh. The shipping is Google's fault. If you google Dusknoir, you can see some pics with a Froslass.
Plus, their personality really fits. Novus is the pokemon of Neo's late father and acts like a fatherly guardian.
Skadi is more of a strict motherly pokemon. It was mere coincidence and we decided to go for it.
Did anyone catch the cameo near the end of the first part? Dun-dun-dun.
I'll explain it in the future. Heheheh.. lol.
Next Chapter is already written.
Read and Review so it can be posted faster.
Please and Thank you~
Thanks Vikeila for Proofreading.