Chapter 7: Awakening
Slash! Sylveon was struck by the power of Gallade's poison jab crying in pain and left a scar on her chest and started to bleed.
"Hmph. I do apologize for having to claim the lives of two of your pokemon. Now please step aside." He said as he walks towards the throne.
No… not like this. They did not deserve it. Do not let this be the end! I can't let this be the end.
"Do you have faith?"
Wh…What?
"Go forward and your wish will come true."
I turn towards the throne as I see Crescendo fending off Gallade with Winter backing him up with supportive moves. Thank you both. I rush towards the Masked Man as his Gallade starts to notice me running towards his trainers. As he attempts to rush me, Crescendo body blocks Gallade from reaching me. The masked man notices me catching up to him and stops in his tracks.
"Oh? Do you not care enough for you're dying pokemon to be there for them in their last moments?" Said the Masked Man.
"Don't lose hope. Keep going"
"They are tough pokemon who will survive the odds. If I don't stop you here and now the world that N cared for and loved will be turned into a nightmare! I can't let you have it!" I yelled as a light engulfs the room.
The orb on the throne risen from its seat and started glowing a brighter light than the engulfed room. The sheer raw power is incredible… with no doubt about it being the legendary Reshiram. The orb transformed in a pure snow-white dragon with blue eyes as it roars in anger. What the hell is this intensity? I've encountered it before but, why do I continue to feel too intense? Reshiram looks down at us two as his Gallade trembles in utter fear. Crescendo decides to stay behind me in case of the worst with Winter and Canon on his back for support.
"Ah, the dragon of truth. We meet once again. Two years ago, you ran away from me and decided to be taken in by a young trainer. I learned of everything where they hid you that lead to the day we would cross paths again. Now, let destiny be done and reveal the world the truth that they deny!" said the Masked Man as he holds an ultra ball in his hand.
"Are you insane?" I yell out despite the intensity of the situation.
"Keep going!"
Reshiram roars as it open's its mouth to shoot out fire. The Masked man was seemingly shielded by the flames as I was scrapped and felt the intense heat in front of me. Don't lose focus, it's to protect… protect them...
"You are getting close to your answer!"
Reshiram, I'm sorry that you are angry. Please don't rampage again. I understand your anger about lies and ideals but, there are truly innocent people and pokemon's lives at stake here. This is not what you truly desire right?
"Now, the preparations are complete. Be my partner Reshiram" he said as I see the reflection of the Master ball.
No way a Master ball? Reshiram can't escape it if he gets hit with that ball just once. I've… got to… Damn it I feel so weak and exhausted. Protect it…
"Keep going until the very end."
I crawl to the Masked Man and before he could throw his Master ball I grab his hand which forced him to drop the master ball. Thank… god.
"You Fool! All you had to do was just step aside like the good young man that you were and instead, you got your pokemon killed and even yourself as well. You have no one to blame but, yourself for what happens next." Said the masked man as he kicks me in the face keeping a grip on his left foot.
"I'm… not… letting… go! You… won't… hurt… anyone… anymore." I said coughing violently.
"Good! Just sleep now and let me finish the work."
Where am I? Is this a dream… Sunlight… Moon? Did they make it? Please God… I can't bear it and never forgive myself if they died because of me. It is just a continuous glimmering light in a void of darkness. What will happen next?
"Have you fallen asleep?"
"What are you?"
"I would rather keep it a secret for now."
"What happened to my pokemon? Are they okay?"
"Yep! They are healthy and will recover. You were brought here for a reason. This is a subconscious of your mind that only a particular group of pokemon can achieve and enter for humans. What you will hear and see is the truth and ideals combined into one. I and some special people have been looking for the 7 trainers who will prevent the threat that will plaque the lands of Galar. We concluded that you are capable of finding these trainers to make it happen."
"Whoa hold on a minute… isn't this a little too much to say right off the bat to someone who you just met?"
"Oh, we've met alright. Now, in order- "
"Not to mention I don't even know if I am still alive, to begin with, if Reshiram hasn't turned me into a damn BBQ!"
"You are fine! Look, if this threat isn't taken care of Galar might befall into something worse than the darkest day…"
"On top of not even knowing who and what the hell is talking to me and now dropping me onto a mission to find 7 trainers in the world capable of stopping this ancient threat that I have even no clue about or where to start searching for these damn trainers when I should be focusing on reaching the end goal of my rehabilitation so I don't lose what is my family anymore!"
"Calm down! We understand this is plenty to put on you when you have plenty on your plate and you are absolutely worried but, we promise you that if you do this task you will be rewarded for your actions. We will be watching over you Liam and good luck on your rehabilitation."
"Wait… what are you?"
"Do not worry about us. We will meet again Liam. Until then I will return you to the living realm for now."
"WAIT!"
The room's light, the pokemon in the room, and even the people within the room stopped moving. It's like time stopped completely. Sunlight and Moon are they okay? I look back to them to see the wound Sunlight has completely healed up and the poison affecting Moon's skin completely vanish. My wish… came true. Reshiram completely returned into a slumbering white orb. I walk to the orb and hold on to it with my hands. Its flames… became soothing?
"I see. You've managed to return Reshiram to its slumber. Hand over the orb, child of Serene." Said the Masked Man.
This is it. I hold Reshiram literally in my hand. The same pokemon that killed Solar and the same pokemon that caused all my pain. I could make him suffer but… even a benevolent pokemon such as you do not deserve a cruel fate just for being used.
"I refuse. If you want it you're gonna have to rip it through my fingers." I said.
"So be it then. Gallade! Psychic!" He commanded.
Just before Gallade can attempt to focus he noticed slim white hands grabbing onto both of its arms with glaring red eyes in the background. Moon!
"Moon, Psychic!" I said as I cover my ears.
With a huff, she immediately warps onto Gallade's mind to affect Gallade's concentration immediately and throw it off balance.
"Moon, Thunderbolt!" I commanded.
Moon channeled her psychic powers to charge electricity towards her hands and rush towards Gallade's body. Gallade was stunned immediately from making a move as it's on the ground unable to move.
"I see. I could use that…" said the masked man returning his Gallade to its pokeball.
"Give up. You can't escape with my pokemon surrounding you." I said.
"I underestimated your skills to a small degree child. I won't hesitate to use such a powerful pokemon to take you out. This is your last warning child. Surrender the White Orb." Said the masked man.
"Since, when were you allowed to make such threats? You have balls to step on these temple grounds and ambush us with your team like that. Shall I pay you back?" Said an aggressive voice coming from the temple gates.
Gabrielle. Hell yes, the situation has gotten favorable.
"Oh? The Tamer of the wind? The one rejected by the Dragon Clan?" Said the masked man as he turned his attention to Gabrielle.
Dragon clan? If I am not mistaken that is the same clan as Champion Lance and Blackthrone gym leader Claire. Who knew she had connections to the dragon clan?
"Heh. Claudius begins! We shall see each other again Child. Next time I will get the White orb for myself." He said as a dark light engulfs him disappearing into the darkness alongside his fainted Aggron.
Damn it. I let him escape.
"Good job kiddo. You have shown me that you had grown from this experience. You are still an idiot though for almost getting yourself killed again though." Said Gabrielle as I return all my pokemon into their pokeballs.
"Gabrielle… What do we do with the white orb? It's clearly not safe here anymore." I ask.
"Oh? Don't worry child, Reshiram will decide to go on its own eventually." Said an old scruffy voice as an old man comes from the shadows.
Where the hell was he when Reshiram was threatened? Oh man, this is completely not what I expected from a rehabilitation program. It's good at least that my pokemon was completely healed from those injuries… I feared so much of them dying. It's a blessing that a miracle occurred for Reshiram to be saved.
"I've witnessed everything that you have done here sonny and I can say that you are indeed interesting. You reminded me heavily of a trainer who ran away from their duties years ago and trained here. You both were stubborn, aggressive, and reckless when it came to your lives completely but, you both shared a complete care and love for your pokemon." Said the old man.
"I want to ask about something. I don't know if it was my hallucinations or not but, these beings stated for me to go find these 7 trainers that will stop some ancient threat that will plaque Galar's lands. Do you anything about this?" I asked.
"Yes. The carvings here are the depiction of said trainers ace pokemon. It was here for quite some time and has been here since the legendary pokemon arrived here for sanctuary. If you heard of this story then it's likely that the legendary pokemon found what they were searching for. I'd advise keeping an eye out for these types of trainers when going into the ultra and master cups. For now, though, we also noticed that one of your pokemon is capable of using that power. As someone who's been searching for trainers worthy of this power, I suspect that your pokemon's bond with you will become strong enough to unleash the hidden power deep inside." Said the old man laughing.
Hidden power? Is he talking about Gigantamax that Crescendo can achieve? At least, there was a start to where to find these trainers. Damn it, I should have promised myself to never get involved in world-threatening situations after dealing with the stuff I witnessed with that damn monster of team plasma. Well, we will have to take this one day at a time for a while at least.
"Elder! Are you okay? Oh… the White Orb!" Said Saki dashing towards the elder pushing me aside.
Ow… Ya know that hurts, right?
"Oh, so you handled yourself, fine mate. We took out a lot of them. Your sister was a super pain in the rear man. She certainly was a challenge. Thankfully, they backed away, or else we would be in more trouble." Said Raihan smiling.
"How's Aurea? Is she alright?" I asked.
"Yeah, she'll make it. She's just not in a good mood after this whole situation went down. We should head back and rest up. Gabrielle and Saki will handle the situation. I'll treat you to something awesome." Said Raihan as he leads me out of the temple.
After the situation with team Clover Gabrielle had the trainees assemble at the front of the gate. She had us go through a unique training exercise with our dragon pokemon specifically. However, she wanted me and Raihan to stay put after instructing the trainees. I have a feeling it's relating to the situation with Clover. The trainees went into the temple with their dragon pokemon while Gabrielle turns her attention to the both of us.
"Raihan… Sally's test subject. I separated you two from the rest of the trainers for a special lesson. Raihan I'm proud that you stood your ground hard enough to fend off elite trainers from multiple regions to protect the temple… you have grown very much since your last match with Leon. Test subject, if you are going to conquer the ultra cup then you must adjust to the big problem on your team. Your Sylveon clearly cannot withstand battles due to the frail body she has. You are going to need another pokemon to act in the front line." Explained Gabrielle bluntly.
I cannot just replace Sunlight. She is the reason I was able to hold pokemon again and is my best friend. I cannot do that to her. It does not help as well that I have 6 pokemon fully now with canon joining but, will take a long time just to evolve into a Dragonair. In addition to that, Winter has not evolved yet into an Aurorus. This is going to be a struggle.
"It was no problem. It felt good to find more powerful trainers to test my limits with." Said Raihan smiling.
"I like that Raihan. Kid, if you are worried about what I just said, you can carry an additional pokemon if you follow the official league's rules of only having a maximum of 6 chosen to battle. My trial for you is to choose your final pokemon. You will achieve this by using the gifts granted to you that formed the bonds you have with your pokemon." Explained Gabrielle.
Gift? What gift? Telepathy with Moon? Resistance to the cold from being flash freeze frequently by Winter? Voltage resistance from Illuminate's nuzzles.
"You'll figure it out with this training session. As the evening descends you may discover the hidden potential of the party you possess." Said Gabrielle as she heads into the temple.
I must think carefully about this. What will I encounter as my final pokemon to this party? What would mom choose if she was in the same situation as me?
"Oi, if you are going to think about this how about a spar? I need to test something out with an old buddy." Asked Raihan holding an ultra ball.
Of course, Gabrielle wanted me to battle to attract wild pokemon again. Alright, Raihan this time I will not lose.
"You're on. I'm going to win this time." I said holding Winter and Canon's luxury balls.
"2 on 2 like last time. Let's go!" Said Raihan as he summoned out a Flygon and Excadrill.
I have faith in the two of them. This is a true test of how far I've become as a trainer as well as the strength of the potential they carry. I summon out Winter and Canon who are immediately intimidated by the sheer power coming from Raihan's pokemon.
"Let the battle begin! Flygon, Sandstorm. Excadrill, Hone Claws!" commanded Raihan as Flygon flaps it's wings.
Flygon's wings flap hard enough to have created a deadly storm of sand that separated Canon and Winter from each other. Damn it, I can't see what's happening in the eye of the storm. I have to go on the defense.
"Winter, Reflect! Canon, Dragon Dance!" I commanded.
From within the sandstorm, I can see a faint pink light forming. That must be where Winter is in the storm. I can feel something surging within the storm as well. Is this the sheer power of dragon dance building up?
"Flygon, Target his Amaura with Earth Power! Excadrill attack Dratini with Earthquake!" Commanded Raihan.
"Winter, Light Screen! Canon, Dragon Dance!" I commanded as a yellow light glows within the eye of the storm and the pressure of the surging power has gotten greater.
I can feel the Earth shaking from the sheer power of Flygon and Excadrill's combo attack. Winter… Canon don't give up. I know that you two can achieve the impossible.
"So, they withstood the first onslaught. I'm sure this next one will finish them off. Flygon, Target Dratini with Dragon Pulse. Excadrill finish off the Amaura with Iron Head." Commanded Raihan as his pokemon prepare to advance.
"Winter, Ice beam on Flygon! Canon, use extreme speed to avoid the attack!" I commanded.
From my vision, I see a faint blue light striking upwards into the storm making the area much more visible than before. Canon immediately sees the incoming dragon pulse and avoids the attack with blinding speed. Winter took a vicious attack from the Excadrill barely standing. Winter!
No… I know you at this point. You have been waiting for this moment to finally overcome the fear of losing. You do not have to worry about losing Winter, it's part of becoming stronger.
"Winter! Do not give up! I know you will be able to achieve the impossible. You won't be abandoned ever again!" I yell.
Winter looks back to me crying lightly. It must have been words she's been wanting to hear for such a long time. She lets out a light cry as a blue light starts surrounding her. No way… she's actually going to evolve? Immediately I can see Raihan's duo starting to look worried upon seeing the light get bigger and bigger. Finally, in front of my eyes was a very huge Winter looks down at his duo.
"Whoa! That is incredible. I have never gotten the chance to fight such a rare pokemon like Aurorus!" Said Raihan excited.
I can see Canon more determined to win this fight. I've only gotten to know her for 2 days but, I will unlock your potential and teach you to follow the passion you carry in your heart. This is the moment to become triumphant.
"Canon! Do not fear defeat. It's only the beginning to the path you seek. Do not leave your dream as only a dream. Let's make it a reality!" I said as another glowing blue light surrounds Canon.
A double evolution? Is this the gift they have been trying to tell me? Out of the blue light came a long, blue, slim dragon with angel wings on the top of its head. This is the mythical Dragonair. It's incredible to see such a moment as both Winter and Canon let out a harmonious cry.
"Ah, double evolution? The exact same situation that I pulled on Leon in our champion match. Even though I unlocked the potential they both had, it was not enough to defeat such a powerful opponent. I'm ready to take on the power you carry with all my might! Prepare yourself!" Said Raihan getting pumped.
"We don't plan on losing. Winter, Ice beam on Flygon! Canon, Attack Excadrill with Dragon Rush!" I commanded.
"Flygon, Crash into his Aurorus with Iron Tail! Excadrill, Clash with his Dragonair with Iron Head." Commanded Raihan as a clash is about to begin.
Flygon dives straight into Winter's Ice beam as it's tail slams right into Winter's head. However, Flygon is noticeably slowed down due to tanking such a powerful attack. Excadrill and Canon immediately butt heads into each other in a contest of raw power. This could be anyone's match at this point.
"Winter, Go for another Ice beam! Canon, Dragon Rush!" I commanded.
Winter's attacked the Flygon once again with a powerful blast of ice as it fell to the ground weakened and its sandstorm was gone now. Canon continues to clash with the power of Excadrill.
"Heh. Not bad… I've got to end this now. Excadrill, Earthquake!" Commanded Raihan.
Excadrill pushes down Canon immediately as he unleashes a powerful earthquake throwing Winter off balance completely and being trapped in the earth. Canon was struck with such deadly power.
"Winter, Canon are you two okay?" I ask.
Winter is knocked out cold by the looks of it but, Canon is barely hanging on there. Due to the collision from his Excadrill's earthquake, it took out his own Flygon. This move maybe the last but, I know we will win this battle.
"Canon, Dragon Rush!" I commanded.
"Excadrill, Iron head!" Commanded Raihan.
The two clashes once more in an intensely concentrated strike that both landed on each other. At the moment, their eyes meet each other as they wait for the other to fall in defeat. At the end of the long stare down canon fell from the damage she took from the Excadrill. Looking at Raihan, I can see his left-hand shaking lightly. Raihan was stressed out? I return both of my pokemon into their respective pokeballs as Raihan does the same.
"That was close… it tells me clearly where I need to focus on now. Thanks for the match mate. I know now that you can pass the Ultra cup with flying colors if you keep up the powerful combinations within your team." Responded Raihan leaving his right hand out.
"It gave me the idea of what to do next. Next time we meet Raihan, I will win! Thank you for the match." I said returning the respect by shaking his right hand with my left.
"I'll like to see you try when that time comes. I will always be ready to kick your butt." Said Raihan.
Suddenly from within the front of the temple's entrance, I can see a variety of pokemon watching closely to me and Raihan's conversation. It's those pokemon from before the masked man's attack. Were they interested? Scared? Worried. A Variety of reactions indeed.
"Oi… looks like someone was watching very carefully." Said Raihan pointing behind me.
Behind me was a quadrupedal dog looking pokemon with a huge leaf attached to it's head carefully watching me and Raihan. I've heard about this pokemon before… famously sought out in the medical and psychology fields of study for their soothing scents. A Chikorita was there.
"Hey there…" I said awaiting a response.
Chikorita gets closer to the both of us. Immediately, Sunlight comes out of her own Luxury ball and stares down the Chikorita. Chikorita looks worried to get any closer with Sunlight keeping careful sight of the grass pokemon. Sunlight then slowly extends one of her feelers to tap Chikorita on the back lightly. Sunlight must have learned something about her feelers that can read others in one way or another. I summon Moon from out her luxury ball to see if she can get any info about Chikorita. I give her a pink capsule to consume as she attempts to read Chikorita's mind.
"That Chikorita was abandoned. Her trainer said they resembled you slightly but, more feminine. It would also appear that she was abandoned due to being considered weak and having no potential to become strong. It lacks confidence completely."
I see it now. My sister's involved in the abandonment of this pokemon. I feel angry… how could you Laurie? How could you abandon a pokemon into the wild like that and destroyed their ability to protect themselves? Damn it all!
"You can stay with us if you wish Chikorita. Sunlight and Moon seem to like you." I said attempting to get closer.
The Chikorita seemingly still holds resistance as it slightly backs away again. Sunlight keeps her feelers on Chikorita as it continues to learn more about the Chikorita.
"Chikorita… I'm sorry that you felt abandoned by your trainer but, I can't stand by while you feel helpless. Please, I will help you achieve your dream." I said trying once more to get closer.
Chikorita finally stops moving as it looks up to me this time with tears in her eyes. I signal for Sunlight to release her feelers from Chikorita as I return my focus to the little one. I take a light cloth from my jacket pocket to wipe away the tears from her eyes.
"You don't need to feel like your weak. I'm sure that even if you don't wish to join me that there will be a trainer one day that will not only care for you greatly but, unleash the potential you carry." I said as I finish wiping away her tears.
Chikorita tears flow once more. Once Sunlight approached us both,
Chikorita borrowed her head onto Chikorita's chest for comfort. Sunlight extends her feelers to soothe and provide support for Chikorita.
"Oh? It looks like you have connected to the youngling. As expected, from someone who indirectly challenged the mythical pokemon. Take good care of it as it is quite a delicate pokemon to handle." Said the old man coming out of the temple.
Ah, so begins another task that I didn't sign up for… Arceus is this punishment I'm given for the errors I have achieved? Well, I'll take it one day at a time for now at least.