Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! And here we'll be finishing up the Mirage Tower Arc, with Naruto and May confronting Mukade, along with some more Phantom Trainers, as well as some more surprises. So, without further ado.
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After leaving Sāra and Honoka, Naruto, May and their Pokémon had begun making their way straight to the top of the tower. Being able to make much better progress, now that they were rested and recovered from their previous battles. Managing to avoid any other traps they encountered, with Zorua and Trapinch locating and disabling them. Though they still encountered a few Phantom Trainers, but were able to defeat them much faster than the other ones they ran into.
"I think we're getting close to the top." May said as they headed up another flight of stairs, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, while we can't exactly see outside, there weren't any Phantom Trainers on that floor or many traps. And if that's any hint, then we must be getting close the top floor." Replied Naruto, relieved that they were getting closer to the top of the tower and escaping.
"I'm just worried about what we'll encounter at the top. I mean Sāra and Honoka said Mukade was there, along with how he's been making sure Trainers can't leave to make them into his followers. What if we'll be running into a bunch of Phantom Trainers?" Questioned May, concerned that they may end up having to battle multiple Phantom Trainers with a lot more Pokémon than they had.
"If that's the case, then we just try to fight them off the best that we can and try to make it towards the exit. At least then, once we're outside, we'll be safe from them trying to follow us." Naruto said, the brunette nodding at this, since if they can get outside they'll be safe.
Though before either of them could say anything, Zorua suddenly jumped in front of them.
"Zor! Zorua-rua-Zorua-Zor!" Zorua quickly got in front of his Trainer and companion, causing Naruto and May to stop in their tracks.
"Did you find another trap, Zorua?" Naruto asked, looking around for any sign of a trap, before noticing a large amount of sand on the ground in front of them.
Something that wasn't exactly out of place, having seen several floors covered in sand, but the Uzumaki couldn't help but feel the sand was purposefully covering something.
"Ralts. Ralts-Ralts-Ralts-Ralts." Ralts moved forward as well, sensing something wasn't right as she felt negative emotions nearby.
"Is it more Phantom Trainers?" Said May, looking as well, while Torchic did the same, narrowing her eyes for any sign of attackers or trap.
"Trapinch-Pinch-Pinch-Trapin-Trapinch." Trapinch stepped forward before his eyes glowed a light blue, causing the sand to start swirling in the air.
Only to suddenly disperse, revealing two spiked chains on the ground in front of them, making Naruto and May tense at the sight.
"Woah, I'm really glad you all stopped us." May stated, relieved they hadn't gotten near those chains, not doubting they were meant to restrain and rip them apart.
"Ralts." Ralts' eyes glowed blue with the chains being surrounded by a blue outline, before she forcefully ripped the chains the apart.
"Good job, Ralts, better to destroy those than risk leaving them lying around." Said Naruto, smiling at the Feeling Pokémon, only for them all to tense when they heard a menacing chuckle.
"Yes, good job in spotting our trap." Someone said, with Naruto, May and their Pokémon looking around for where it was coming from.
"But it won't do you any good against us!" Said another voice before two men jumped down from the ceiling in front of the group.
Both of them looked identical, having fair skin, dark-colored eyes, and dark brown hair, though ones was straight and shoulder-length while the others was messy and long. With both of them wearing rebreathers on their faces, short-sleeved, white and blue striped suits, bluish-grey pants that were ripped along the bottom, a black sash around their waists, black gloves, black and blue shoes, and black bandannas with white symbols on them resembling a skull and crossbones in the shape of an A.
"Who are you guys supposed to be?!" May said, looking at them warily, not sure if they were supposed to be pirates with their clothes or part of a gang with how they were matching.
"I am Gōzu." Gōzu said.
"And I am Meizu." Said Meizu.
"And we are the Demon Brothers of Team Aqua!" Gōzu and Meizu said together, making Naruto and May frown at the name Team Aqua.
"Never heard of Team Aqua before, but I'm just gonna guess and say you're bad guys. The fact you're getting in our way of escaping doesn't help. So, let's take them down Ralts!" Said Naruto, with Ralts moving forward, a determined look on her face to defeat the two Phantom Trainers.
"Same with you Torchic, let's show 'em what we can do!" May said, the Fire Chick Pokémon jumping beside Ralts with a determined expression of her own.
"Foolish children, we are the ones that will save this world and destroy human civilization!" Gōzu retorted, glaring at them.
"We'll start by wiping you arrogant brats off the face of the planet! Go Lombre!" Said Meizu, throwing out his Pokémon.
"You, as well, Poliwhirl!" Said Gōzu throwing out his Pokémon as well.
"Poliwhirl!"
"Lombre!"
Poliwhirl is a blue, bipedal amphibian Pokémon with a spherical body. It has bulbous eyes that protrude from the top of its head. A black and white swirl covers its belly. It appears to have white gloves on its hands and rounded, digit-less feet.
While Lombre is a bipedal Pokémon that is mostly green with some light blue markings. Its face, ears, arms, and back are light-blue. It has stubby, round ears, large eyes with small pupils, and a red bill-like mouth. There is a large lilypad on its head, which has a notch in it and resembles a sombrero. Lombre has long arms with four red fingers and a thumb on each hand and feet with three toes.
Naruto frowned at seeing them send out two Water-type Pokémon, before looking at May.
"Do you want me to handle this, May?" Naruto asked, willing to send Zorua in Torchic's place, given she'd be at a serious disadvantage against them.
"No, I'm not gonna back down, especially not when we're so close to getting out of here." Replied May, determined to win this battle so they can make it to the top, the whiskered blonde nodding in response before turning back towards their opponents.
"Enough talking! Water Gun on the Torchic!" Ordered Meizu, annoyed at that they were talking during a battle.
"Lom-bre!" Lombre's cheeks puffed out before he unleashed a spiral of water at Torchic.
"Dodge it, Torchic, and use Peck on Lombre!" Said May, with Torchic jumping out of the way of Lombre's Water Gun before charging the Jolly Pokémon.
"Don't forget there's two of us, girly! Poliwhirl use Body Slam!" Gōzu said.
"Whirl!" Poliwhirl jumped into the air and threw herself right at Torchic.
"Take your own advice! Ralts use Confusion on Poliwhirl to throw them into Lombre!" Said Naruto, Ralts' eyes glowed blue before she grabbed hold of Poliwhirl, stopping the Tadpole Pokémon in midair.
"Ralts!" Ralts then threw her arms out, launching Poliwhirl straight at Lombre.
"Get out of the way Lombre!" Meizu said, Lombre jumping out of the way of Poliwhirl crashing into him, only to cry out when Torchic slammed into him and began pecking Lombre.
"Tor-chic-chic-chic-chic-chic-chic-Torchic!" Torchic pecked Lombre rapidly, giving a final peck that launched Lombre back.
"Lombre, now use Teeter Dance!" Said Meizu, causing Lombre to suddenly flip in the air and land on his feet.
"Lombre-bre-bre-Lom-bre-Lombre-Lombre-Lom-bre-bre-Lombre." Lombre then began doing a hula-like dance with a blue glow surrounding him, before a blue glow appeared around Ralts and Torchic as they began dancing as well.
"R-Ra-Ralts."
"T-Tor-To-Torchic."
Neither Ralts nor Torchic were able to resist the sudden urge to dance as they watched Lombre's own dance, before their eyes began swirling around as they lost focus of their surroundings.
"Snap out of it, Ralts!" Naruto said, hoping to snap Ralts out of her confusion.
"You too, Torchic! Snap out of it!" Said May, seeing their Pokémon start stumbling around while still trying to dance.
"It's no use, they've fallen for Teeter Dance! Now make them regret it, Poliwhirl, use Mud Shot!" Gōzu said, seeing their chance to start attacking.
"Poli-whirl!" Poliwhirl unleashed multiple mudballs at Ralts and Torchic, neither of them managing to dodge the attack due to their confusion, crying out as the mudballs threw them back.
"Ralts use Growl, now!" Said Naruto, knowing that'll at least disorient Poliwhirl and Lombre a little.
"Ralts!" Ralts let out a loud, piercing cry, making Poliwhirl and Lombre both flinch as their attack went down.
"You use Growl too, Torchic!" May said, seeing they'd be able to try and keep them from attacking until Ralts and Torchic snapped out of their confusion.
"Chic!" Torchic let out a loud shriek as well, with Poliwhirl and Lombre both flinching again at the shriek, with their attack power going even lower.
"It doesn't matter how many Growls you use! We'll just do this, Lombre use Rain Dance!" Said Meizu, with Lombre starting to dance around again.
"Lombre-Lombre-bre-bre-bre-Lom-Lom-Lombre." Lombre continued dancing, causing dark storm clouds to start appearing overheard before heavy rain began falling from them.
"Now use Body Slam again, Poliwhirl, on Ralts this time!" Gōzu said, with Poliwhirl jumping into the air before throwing herself at Ralts at high-speed, going even faster thanks to her Swift Swim ability.
"Ralts get out of the way!" Naruto said, hoping the Feeling Pokémon will be able to dodge in time.
"Poli-whirl!" Poliwhirl though slammed right into Ralts, making her cry out as she was sent crashing into a wall.
"Torchic, try to use Ember on Poliwhirl, quickly!" Said May, sending Torchic to help Ralts before she could be attacked again.
"Torchic! Tor-chic-Torchic-chic-chic-chic-Torchic!" Torchic tried steadying herself and launched multiple fireballs at Poliwhirl, only for the rain to cause them to start shrinking in size and power.
"You'll need to do better than that! Lombre use Scald and boil that Torchic!" Said Meizu.
"Bre!" Lombre unleashed a stream of scalding hot water surrounded by steam at Torchic.
"Ralts, use Disarming Voice on Lombre!" Naruto said, with Ralts shaking her head as her vision slowly began steadying again.
"Ralts!" Ralts then let out a loud shriek and beam of purple hearts that slammed straight into Lombre, the Jolly Pokémon crying out as he was launched into a wall while cancelling his attack.
"Alright! Now your turn Torchic, use Peck on Lombre again!" Said May, relieved at Naruto's intervention, while Torchic also began shaking off her confusion before charging at Lombre.
"Not so fast! Use Water Pulse, Poliwhirl!" Gōzu said, with Poliwhirl creating a blue energy ball in front of her mouth.
"Whirl!" Poliwhirl then fired the energy ball at Torchic, with it speeding towards the Chick Pokémon on a current of water underneath it.
"Ralts use Confusion to stop the Water Pulse and launch it back at Poliwhirl!" Said Naruto, Ralts' eyes glowed blue as she reached out to grab the attack.
"I don't think so! Use Thunder Punch on Ralts, Lombre!" Ordered Meizu, as Lombre was getting up from being hit by Disarming Voice, narrowing his eyes as he recovered a little thanks to Rain Dish.
"Lom-bre!" Lombre then launched himself at Ralts as his fist glowed yellow with sparks of electricity surrounding it.
"Dodge it, Ralts, and use Disarming Voice again!" Naruto said in worry of Ralts getting hit by Thunder Punch.
"Ralts!" Ralts let out a loud shriek and beam of purple hearts at Lombre, though was unable to dodge the Thunder Punch in time, leading to both Pokémon striking each other.
While Torchic cried when she was hit by Poliwhirl's Water Pulse attack, sending her crashing into a wall.
"Torchic!" Said May, looking at her Starter in worry from the damage she's taken.
"Ralts, are you alright?!" Questioned Naruto, looking at Ralts in worry as well.
"R-Ra-Ralts." Ralts shakily stood up, her spasming slightly from the electrified punch.
"T-To-Torchic." Torchic stood as well, feeling drained from the attacks along with the rain coming down on them still.
"They won't be getting up after this! Use Ice Beam on Ralts, Poliwhirl!" Gōzu said, intending to finish things with the next attack.
"And you use Scald on Torchic, Lombre!" Said Meizu, knowing the next attacks will end things.
"Poli-whirl!" Poliwhirl formed a light blue ball between her hands, before thrusting it forward, unleashing light blue beams that froze anything they touched as they charged towards Ralts.
"Bre!" Lombre released a stream of scalding hot water surrounded by steam at Torchic.
"Dodge it, Ralts!/Torchic!" Naruto and May shouted, not wanting their Pokémon to be hit by such powerful attacks after the damage they've already taken.
Only to be surprised when Torchic suddenly jumped high up into the air, completely dodging Lombre's Scald, before flipped through the air towards the Jolly Pokémon.
"Torchic!" Torchic slammed her feet right into Lombre, sending him crashing into the ground, before she began repeatedly jumping on top of him.
"Woah! That was Bounce!" Said May in shock, recognizing the move from the Contest before smiling happily at Torchic being able to use it.
"Ralts!" Ralts' eyes glowed brightly before she unleashed a multicolored beam that slammed into Poliwhirl's Ice Beam, triggering an explosion as the two attacks collided.
"And that was Psybeam!" Naruto said with a smile at seeing Ralts also managed to use one of the moves they've been working on.
"Grrr, it doesn't matter what moves, you have! This battle will be over in an instant!" Meizu shouted in anger at their attacks being stopped.
Only for the four Trainers to be shocked when Ralts and Torchic were suddenly engulfed in a bright blue-white light before both Pokémon began changing.
"They're…evolving?!" Said Naruto in disbelief, not expecting Ralts and Torchic to both evolve, with the evolutions soon being completed, revealing the new Pokémon.
"Kirlia."
"Combusken!"
Kirlia is a bipedal, maiden-like humanoid Pokémon that appears to be wearing a tutu. Most of its body is colored a very light purple, and there are three ruffles on each hip. Beneath the ruffles, it has skinny blue legs with long, pointed feet. Its arms are also thin with two digits each. It has blue hair that covers most of its face and reaches its shoulders on either side, resembling two ponytails. Large, orange eyes are visible on either side of the hair that covers its face. On each side of its head is a flat, orange horn that resembles a hairpin.
While Combusken is a bipedal, chicken-like Pokémon. Most of Combusken's upper body is yellow, while most of the lower body is orange. An orange, pointed design adorns the center of its waist at the dividing line of the two colors. It has orange eyes and a short, wide beak. There is a feather crest on top of its head with three orange points. Its tail is short and pointed. It has three, sharp claws at the ends of its long arms, and scaly, gray legs with well-developed thighs covered in shaggy feathers.
"Wow…alright! Way to go, you two!" May said, smiling brightly at seeing Ralts and Torchic had both evolved, happy to know their time in the Mirage Tower has really paid off.
Before she and Naruto quickly pulled out their Pokédexes to scan them and see what other moves they've managed to learn.
"Kirlia, the Emotion Pokémon. Kirlia uses the horns on its head to amplify its Psychic powers, and when this occurs, reality becomes warped, and future events can be seen."
"Combusken, the Young Fowl Pokémon. Combusken is the evolved form of Torchic. Its quick, powerful kicking legs can deliver as many as ten kicks per second."
Kirlia:
- Gender: Female
- Ability: Telepathy
- Moves: Growl, Disarming Voice, Double Team, Confusion, Hypnosis, Misty Terrain, Shadow Sneak, Psybeam, Future Sight, Psychic
- Egg Moves (Locked): Confuse Ray, Destiny Bond, Disable, Mean Look
Combusken:
- Gender: Female
- Ability: Blaze
- Moves: Ember, Peck, Growl, Bounce, Night Slash, Fire Spin, Sunny Day, Will-O-Wisp
- Egg Moves (Locked): Feather Dance
"And got plenty of new moves to use, too!" Naruto said, smirking at seeing all the new moves Kirlia could now use.
"S-so what?! We still have the advantage! Lombre use Zen Headbutt on Combusken!" Said Meizu, hiding his nervousness at seeing Ralts and Torchic evolve into much stronger Pokémon, but still feeling confident they could win.
"Lombre!" Lombre's lilypad began glowing blue before he charged at Combusken.
"Not anymore, you don't! Combusken use Double Team!" May said, with Combusken's body glowing white before multiple copies of her began appearing.
"Combusken-Combusken-Combusken-Combusken-Combusken!" Combusken began moving around along with all her copies, making Lombre stop and look around with wide eyes as he lost track of the original Combusken.
"Now use Night Slash!" Said May, the Young Fowl Pokémon then suddenly appeared behind Lombre, with her claws surrounded by a purple glow.
"Com-busken!" Combusken rushed Lombre, slicing him with her claws, the Jolly Pokémon crying out as he was sent crashing into a wall.
"You'll pay for that brat! Poliwhirl use Body Slam and Water Gun!" Gōzu ordered.
"Whirl!" Poliwhirl jumped up before launching herself at high-speed towards Combusken.
"I don't think so! Kirlia use Shadow Sneak to get in front of Combusken!" Said Naruto, with Kirlia sinking into her shadow, which sped towards Combusken.
Before rising up just before Poliwhirl could slam into Combusken, the Feeling Pokémon striking Poliwhirl repeatedly before giving a final strike that threw her back into the ground.
"Now use Psychic on Lombre and Poliwhirl!" Naruto said, causing Kirlia to cross her arms while her eyes glowed light blue.
"Kirlia." Kirlia then opened her arms up, releasing two light blue waves of energy at Poliwhirl and Lombre, hitting both of them before they could dodge.
With Kirlia then lifting them into the air and slamming the two into each other, while the whiskered blonde looked at May and nodded. The brunette returning the nod, understanding what meant to do next.
"And…drop them!" Said Naruto, Kirlia canceling her Psychic, sending Poliwhirl and Lombre falling to the ground.
"You're turn Combusken, finish it with Bounce!" Said May, the Young Fowl Pokémon leaping high up into the air and flipping before diving down towards Poliwhirl and Lombre.
"Com-busken!" Combusken slammed her leg into both of them just before they hit the ground, making Poliwhirl and Lombre cry out at the increased damage.
"Po-Po-Poli-Poliwhirl…"
"L-L-Lo-Lom-Lombre…"
Poliwhirl and Lombre struggled to get up, only to end collapsing back to the ground with swirls in their eyes.
"Alright!" May cheered, smiling happily at seeing they've won the battle.
"NO! You little brats think you've won?!" Meizu shouted, glaring at the two Trainers.
"This isn't over yet, neither of you wil get past-" Said Gōzu.
"We get it, we've heard it all before! Kirlia use Hypnosis and really put an end to this!" Naruto said, tired of hearing the same thing from all the Phantom Trainers they've beaten.
"Lia." Kirlia's eyes glowed red as she looked at the Demon Brothers, causing their eyes to glow red as well before falling to the ground asleep.
"Yes! We won, we really won! You were amazing, Combusken, and you really showed how strong you've gotten to be able to evolve!" Said May, smiling proudly at her Starter.
"Combusken!" Combusken beamed at her Trainer, happy that they won the battle and that she's grown strong enough to evolve, knowing she'll be able to help her Trainer that much more, now.
"You were amazing too, Kirlia. I already knew you were plenty strong as a Ralts, but now you'll really be able to show everyone what you can do. You also look just as great as I knew you would when you'd evolve." Naruto said, smiling at the Emotion Pokémon and patting her head.
"K-Ki-Kir-Kirlia." Kirlia smiled shyly at her Trainer, happy at his confidence in her and the positive emotions making her feel warm.
"Pinch! Trapinch-Trapinch-Trapinch-Trapinch-pinch-Tra-Tra-Tra-pinch-Trapinch!" Trapinch ran over to them, looking at Kirlia and Combusken in amazement that they were able to evolve.
"Zorua-Zor-Zor-Zorua." Zorua walked over as well, looking at the newly evolved Pokémon in surprise and amazement as well, before lowering his head in disappointment, having hoped he'd be the first of his Trainer's Pokémon to evolve.
Only to look up when he felt Naruto patting him on the head along with Trapinch's, the Uzumaki smiling at both Pokémon.
"Don't worry Zorua, Trapinch. You've both also done a lot of battling in here too, so I'm sure it won't be long before you both evolve as well." Naruto said, the brunette nodding in agreement.
"Definitely. You both have gotten just as strong as Combusken and Kirlia, and you'll both still have plenty of opportunities to grow stronger and evolve once we're out of this place." Added May.
"Trapinch!" Trapinch nodded in agreement, eager for the chance to evolve as well, imagining when he'll become a Vibrava and then a Flygon.
"Zor…Zorua!" Zorua looked at them and nodded, feeling happy at the chance to evolve as well, curious of how he'll even look once he evolves due to his changed form.
Naruto and May then used some healing items on Kirlia and Combusken, wanting to make sure they were completely healed from the battle. Once that was done, the two Trainers and their Pokémon ran past the sleeping Demon Brothers, continuing onwards to the top.
*Later*
It wasn't long before Naruto, May and their Pokémon arrived at the final flight of stairs, not hesitating to run up them, prepared for anything they may find at the top. When they reached the top though, they found themselves standing inside a large ritual-looking chamber, Naruto's and May's eyes widening as they recognized it from when Sāra and Honoka told them what happened.
"Ah, my two newest playthings have arrived at last." Someone said, making Naruto, May, and their Pokémon look to see someone standing in the center of the chamber.
Seeing a middle-aged man with a sickly appearance, being severely emaciated to the point his ribs were showing, while having dark brown hair, sickly pale skin, and grey-green eyes. With his attire consisting of a simple high-collared brown vest, open at the chest area, light-colored pants, and gauze wrapped around his waist area.
"Wait…you're Mukade?" May said in confusion, given how he didn't look anything like how Sāra and Honoka described him.
"I am the ruler of this tower and the soon-to-be ruler of all of reality itself, and you insolent brats will show me the proper respect!" Shouted Mukade, glaring at them madly.
"Really? Cause all I see is a fat pig that's been reduced to nothing but an empty shell, filled with delusions of grandeur. You're not the ruler of anything, Mukade." Naruto said, with Mukade actually snarling at them in anger.
"You worthless insects are nothing compared to me!" Mukade retorted before stopping and taking a few moments to regain his composure, smirking arrogantly at the two Trainers.
"I have actually observed you two the moment you entered my tower, seeing you defeat my followers with such ease and even still managing to keep pushing forward despite your exhaustion. It's a shame really, you might have actually had places in my future world if you were smart enough to side with me. Unfortunately, you listened to that puppet queen, Sāra, and her lapdog, Honoka. So I'm afraid, the only thing you'll both receive here is death!" Mukade said wickedly.
Before several openings appeared on the floor and eight Pokémon emerging from them, with Naruto and May seeing all of them were wearing armor and had glowing red eyes.
The first Pokémon appears to be a stylized personification of the Grim Reaper. Its body is a black robe with two bones on its back. It has a mask that resembles a skull and has a single eye that floats between the eye sockets.
The second is a shadow-like Pokémon. It has two shadowy, tendril-like arms and large, purple eyes. It also has a small tail-like appendage that holds an ancient clay tablet with red markings.
The third is a bipedal, mushroom-like Pokémon with some kangaroo-like qualities. Most of its body is green, but its head to its neck and its tail are beige. On top of its head is a green, mushroom-like cap with beige gills underneath and a round, red berry-like growth with a hole in the middle on either side. It has oval, black eyes, a beak-like mouth, and frilled segments around the base of its neck. There are two red claws on each of its hands and feet. At the end of its tail, there are seed clusters made of hardened toxic spores that are horrible to eat.
The fourth is a purple, bipedal, bulldog-like Pokémon. It has a prominent lower jaw with two long, fang-like growths. Its upper jaw has two small fangs. The jaws are so heavy that the Pokémon has trouble keeping its head up. On the sides of its head are flat, curved ears, and its small nose is black. There is a black collar around its neck with two small white markings on it. Around its wrists are two black band markings, and it has a short tail.
The fifth is a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon covered in gray skin. It has a vaguely reptilian face with a short snout, narrow red eyes, and four pointed teeth visible inside its mouth. Two of these teeth are in the upper jaw, while two are in the lower jaw. On top of its head are three brown ridges. Its arms are muscular with dark red, vertical stripes on them. The lower part of its body has black markings that resemble briefs. It is always seen wearing a black and gold power-save belt resembling a championship belt. It possesses large pectoral muscles that protrude slightly over its belt.
The sixth is a serpentine Pokémon that is usually depicted scrunched up like an accordion. It is mostly covered in black scales, but it has several markings on its body. It has yellow hexagon markings that run from its head to its tail, small yellow bumps where it touches the ground, and various purple scar-like marks. It has elongated red fangs that protrude from its upper jaw and fierce red eyes. Its tail is partially red and has a blade-like shape.
The seventh is also a serpentine Pokémon that resembles a cobra. It has narrow eyes and several sharp teeth. Just below its head is a large hood with a face-like pattern. This pattern has over 20 possible variations. The pattern typically has two red and yellow eyespots outlined in black, a wide black streak resembling an upturned mouth, and a black V-shaped stripe above the eyespots.
And the final Pokémon is a large, blue, draconic Pokémon with medium-sized wings shaped like thistle leaves, although it is never seen flying. Its bright red head is harder than rock and is very rough. It has a set of glaring, ferocious pale yellow irises. Its arms are longer than its legs, giving it the appearance of a hunchback. It has a thick, moderately-sized tail and sharp claws on both the hands and feet. It also has tall, conical, red spikes; three on each arm, one on each shoulder, two on each leg, and four on its tail. It has a blunt, brutal snout, bearing a maw with no discernible teeth; instead, small fang-like protrusions sprout from its jaws. It has a series of olive, ellipsoid scutes running across its belly.
Naruto recognized them all as a Duskull, a Yamask, a Breloom, a Granbull, a Machoke, a Seviper, an Arbok, and a Druddigon. With May also recognizing some of them as well from all the research her brother's done on different Pokémon.
"What did you do to these Pokémon?!" Naruto demanded, glaring at Mukade, seeing the armor the Pokémon were wearing along with their eyes glowing red, and how they weren't even moving after forming a line in front of Mukade.
"The same thing I intend to do to your Pokémon! I've placed them all under my control with the armor restraints I've placed on them, the same ones your own Pokémon will soon be wearing! As while you brats insist on being a thorn in my side, your Pokémon will prove very useful in my plans of escape!" Mukade said wickedly, making Naruto and May scowl at hearing he's enslaved these Pokémon.
With Zorua, Trapinch, Kirlia, and Combusken also being angered at hearing what he's done, even more so that he intended to do the same to them.
"We won't let you anywhere near our Pokémon!" Shouted May, refusing to let the madman near their Pokémon.
"How adorable, you children think you can stop me. Tear them apart and make sure it's painful!" Ordered Mukade with a cruel gleam in his eyes, eager to see his enslaved Pokémon rip them apart.
The order causing all eight Pokémon to cry out before charging at the two Trainers and their Pokémon, with Naruto and May tensing at the sight of the charging Pokémon.
"Kirlia, keep them back with Psychic!" Naruto said, knowing it'll be bad if all those Pokémon get close and surround them.
"Kirl!" Kirlia crossed her arms while her eyes glowed light blue.
Before she opened her arms up, releasing two light blue waves of energy at the charging Pokémon, stopping them in their tracks. Though Kirlia grunted as she had trouble stopping this many Pokémon at once, feeling them fighting against her hold.
"Zorua now use Snarl and Trapinch use Mud Slap on them!" Said Naruto.
"Zor!" Zorua let out a cry and unleashed a beam of purple and black rings at the Pokémon.
"Pinch-pinch-pinch-pinch-pinch-Trapinch!" Trapinch shot multiple mudballs at them along with the rings.
"You too Combusken, Ember!" May said.
"Com-busken!" Combusken released several fireballs at the Pokémon as well.
With the three attacks slamming into the controlled Pokémon, just as Kirlia was forced to release her Psychic, unable to hold them any longer. The three attacks sending the Pokémon flying back, only for them to immediately get back up.
Arbok and Seviper instantly slithered across the ground before lunging up into the air, before both of them unleashed multiple brown sludge globs at the Trainers and their Pokémon.
"Dodge it you three! And Kirlia use Misty Terrain!" Naruto said, with Zorua, Trapinch, and Kirlia jumping out of the way of the sludge globs.
"Use Bounce to get out of the Combusken!" Said May, with Combusken jumping high up into the air to avoid the sludge globs as well.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia, meanwhile, released a large amount of light blue thick mist from her body that soon covered the entire chamber.
"Busken!" Combusken then dived down, landing on top of Arbok slamming its head into the ground before jumping on top of Seviper and doing the same.
"Alright! Now use Fire Spin Combusken!" May said, with Combusken jumping up before opening her mouth and ting a ball of flames.
"Combusken!" Combusken unleashed a vortex of flames at Seviper and Arbok, trapping them inside and burning them.
Only for the Young Fowl Pokémon to suddenly be tackled and slammed into the ground by Machoke, who began punching and kicking Combusken repeatedly.
"Kirlia use Psybeam on Machoke! And Trapinch you use Dig!" Naruto said, with Trapinch quickly digging his way into the floor.
While Kirlia fired a multicolored beam from her eyes at Machoke, knocking the Superpower Pokémon off of Combusken.
"Now you use Swift Zorua on all of them!" Said Naruto, the Spiteful Fox Pokémon jumping into the air and began swinging his tail around.
"Zor-ua-ua-ua-ua-ua-Zorua-rua!" Zorua swung his tail around, unleashing multiple waves of yellow stars that all zeroed in on the eight Pokémon, slamming into each of them.
Though Duskull and Yamask weren't affected by Swift before quickly flying towards Naruto and May, both of them charging up black and purple balls of energy to fire at the two Trainers.
"Trapinch, come out and use Bite on Yamask!" Naruto said, causing the Ant Pit Pokémon to shoot up out of the ground underneath Yamask, slamming into it.
"Tra-pinch!" Trapinch then bit down onto Yamask, dragging it to the ground with him.
"Combusken, you use Night Slash on Duskull!" Said May, with Combusken getting up from Machoke tackling her, before charging at Duskull with her claws glowing with purple energy.
"Busken!" Combusken slashed her claws across Duskull, sending it crashing into a wall.
Before Breloom charged forward and slammed its head into Trapinch, making him release Yamask, with the Mushroom Pokémon then charging Trapinch again, slamming its palm skidding across the floor.
"Quickly Combusken, use Ember on Breloom!" May said, knowing Breloom was a Grass-type and likely the easiest for her and Combusken to take out.
"Hold Breloom still with Confusion Kirlia!" Said Naruto, with Kirlia's eyes glowing red before Breloom was surrounded by a red glow, leaving it unable to move.
"Combusken-busken-busken-busken-busken-Combusken!" Combusken unleashed several fireballs at Breloom, with each one slamming into the Mushroom Pokémon before Kirlia released it when the last one hit, sending Breloom crashing into the wall.
Though suddenly Granbull rushed Kirlia, slamming into her before picking the Emotion Pokémon up and slamming her into the ground. While Druddigon charged at Combusken with its claws surrounded in a dark blue aura with arcs of red energy surrounding them, slashing Combusken with them. The Young Fowl Pokémon grunting at the hits before jumping back, not taking much damage due to Misty Terrain weakening Druddigon Dragon-type moves.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia though cried out as Granbull then stomped on top her, before grabbing her and throwing her against a wall.
"Kirlia! Zorua use Bitter Malice, now!" Said Naruto in worry for his Pokémon, before sending Zorua to hopefully knock the enemy Pokémon back.
"Zor…" Zorua leapt up into the air with his eyes glowing a dark blue while black, purple, and dark blue energy began emitting off his body.
"…RUA!" Zorua then slammed into the ground, causing the energy to explode off his body, expanding around the entire chamber and engulfing the enemy Pokémon, throwing them back.
But before Naruto and May could think the battle was done, Zorua and Trapinch were both suddenly covered in a blue glow and lifted into the air. The two Trainers looking to see Duskull's and Yamask's eyes glowing blue as well, before throwing their hands forward. Sending Zorua and Trapinch crashing into the wall, leaving them both pinned there.
"Zorua! Trapinch!" Naruto said in worry at seeing his Pokémon were restrained.
Only for them to look back when Granbull suddenly tackled Combusken, creating a cloud of thick, white smoke around them before it began repeatedly hitting Combusken. While Druddigon's claws glowed white before rushing Kirlia and started rapidly slashing the Emotion Pokémon.
"Combusken!" Said May, worried at seeing Combusken being hit repeatedly, before Granbull gave a final punch that sent Combusken crashing into the ground with a grunt of pain.
"Kirlia!" Naruto said as Druddigon slashed Kirlia once more, making her cry out as went flying back.
Before Duskull and Yamask grabbed them as well, holding all four of the Pokémon in place, leaving them unable to move. While Naruto and May backed up and looked around, seeing that while Arbok, Seviper, Machoke, and Breloom were down. Druddigon, Granbull, Duskull, and Yamask were still standing, with the former two now approaching them while the latter two restrained their Pokémon.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yes, your Pokémon will make wonderful additions to my growing army! And I'll have them properly conditioned, starting by making them watch you two die!" Mukade said madly, pleased that he'll soon have such powerful Pokémon under his control.
"You aren't going to do anything to our Pokémon!" Retorted Naruto, glaring at Mukade, while slowly moving in front of May to try and protect her, only for the brunette to stand beside him.
"Yeah! And at least we're not a cowards, hiding like you!" May added, also glaring at the mad man, with Mukade looking at them murderously.
"Finish the brats off and make it slow and painful! Let their Pokémon watch what happens to those that defy me!" Ordered Mukade, with Trapinch, Kirlia, and Combusken struggling to break free from Duskull's and Yamask's hold over them to help their Trainers.
While Zorua was frozen as he watched Druddigon and Granbull approach Naruto and May, his body shaking at the sight of seeing them die. The first person to show him any kindness and want to protect him, and someone his Trainer cared about and also was nice to him. The Spiteful Fox Pokémon shook more as memories started flooding back to him.
*Flashback*
"What kind of pathetic battle was that?!" The Trainer demanded while holding Zorua in the air by the scruff of his neck.
"Z-Zo-Zor…" Zorua shivered in fear at the angry look on his Trainers face, not expecting this kind of reaction just from losing a battle, only to cry out when his Trainer threw him against a tree.
"I'd heard you stupid Zorua were supposed to be strong and had useful abilities to create illusions! And that you evolved into much stronger Pokémon! That's the only reason I even caught you, but all I've seen is a waste of my damn time! You can't even handle a fucking Taillow!" Yelled the Trainer, glaring hatefully at the shivering Tricky Fox Pokémon.
"Z-Zo-Zor-Zorua…" Zorua hesitantly approached his Trainer, hoping to apologize for his apparent failure, only to cry out again when they viciously kicked him away.
"What?! You're trying to say sorry for being such a weakling?! I don't want you begging, I want you to be stronger! Otherwise you're useless to me! So either start getting stronger or I'll get rid of you for good, but not before letting the rest of my Pokémon smack you around. So you'll at least be a little useful in helping them improve! Got it?!" The Trainer shouted, with Zorua nodding fearfully at the threat, promising he'll get stronger
With things soon changing, as Zorua ran through the woods as fast as he could, while covered in injuries that were slowing him down. The Dark-type Pokémon looking back with a terrified expression, before crying out when he suddenly tripped and went rolling down a hill. Zorua cried out in pain each time he hit the ground, aggravating his injuries.
"Z-Zor…Zorua…" Zorua whimpered in pain once he came to a stop, struggling to stand up only to fall back to the ground, only to feel him be grabbed by his tail.
"No more running runt." Said Rico with a cruel smirk, only to grunt in pain when Zorua managed to move his body enough to bite his hand.
"AH! Little fucker!" Rico shouted before throwing Zorua where he crashed into the ground.
"Z…Zor…ua…" Zorua tried standing again to escape, only to feel his eyes grow heavy as he fell back to the ground.
"You're gonna regret that! Now you'll be Tyranitar's chew toy until-" Said Rico only to stop and scowl in anger.
"Fucking runt! Now you've waste my time and cost me a decent bounty!" Rico yelled before turning around and leaving, seeing he wouldn't be getting anything for Zorua, now.
Things changed again as Zorua reappeared, looking around in confusion at where he was.
"Z-Zor…Zorua?" Zorua moved back slowly with a fearful expression, only to stop when he suddenly saw a tree in front of him, confusing Zorua at what just happened.
Only for him to then notice his different colored fur, seeing light grey fur with red and white accents, rather than his normal slate grey fur with red and black accents.
"Z-Zor-ua…" Zorua looked around in confusion and worry at why he looked different, before slowly approaching the tree and touched it.
But when his foot went right through the tree, Zorua jumped back in panic, shaking at what just happened. Only to look down at himself, realization slowly dawning on Zorua about what happened to him and why he looked the way he did.
"Zor…Zorua…" Zorua lowered his head sadly before simply laying down, wondering why this happened to him, why no one seemed to cared.
Before things changed once more, as Zorua entered the room at the Mauville Pokémon Center along with Naruto, May, and Torchic. With Zorua curling up on the floor to go to sleep, only to feel himself picked up and placed on the bed.
"Zor?" Zorua looked up at his Trainer in confusion, wondering why he lifted him up off the floor.
"You don't need to sleep on the floor Zorua, the bed's probably comfier anyway. And this way you don't have to worry about sleeping alone or anymore nightmares, because I'll be here to make sure you're safe." Naruto said smiling at his Starter while patting him on the head.
"He's right, Zorua. You don't have to worry about being alone anymore, we're here if you ever need help. Even if you don't really trust me yet, I'd like it if you knew that I'll help you if you ever need it. Just like Naruto, I will always help you." Added May, smiling at the Spiteful Fox Pokémon.
"Torchic-Torchic-chic-chic-chic-Tor-Tor-Torchic!" Torchic nodded in agreement with her Trainer.
Zorua looked at them in surprise, before leaning into Naruto's hand and slowly began laying down on the bed. The Normal/Ghost-type starting to feel something he never felt before, warmth and care from someone.
*End Flashback*
"Zor…" Zorua let out a growl as the memories came to him.
How his former Trainer abused him and called him weak, being hunted and killed by Rico, coming back in his current form and wondering why no one seemed to want or care about him. And then being found by Naruto, how he showed concern care for him, protected him from Rico, wanted him as his Pokémon. Along with meeting May, who also started to care about him and was sad to hear what happened to him, and wanted to help him.
"Zor…Zorua!" Zorua let out a loud cry, as he suddenly broke free from the psychic hold him, getting everyone's attention.
"Oh, what's this? Seems this one is particularly determined; I'll enjoy breaking that spirit!" Mukade said with a wicked smirk, seeing Zorua had a strong will to break free from two Psychic attacks.
"Zorua, stay back! Try to free the others!" Said Naruto, not wanting Zorua to get hurt trying to fight Granbull and Druddigon alone, preferring if he instead saved their other Pokémon.
"Zor…" Zorua stood up shakily before a dark aura began surrounding him.
"And now it's absorbing the negative energy around the tower to make itself strong. A pointless effort, though, as I've already won. But what a fascinating Pokémon you brats have brought me; I might even make it my personal pet once I've regained my freedom. I'm sure it could provide me some entertainment." Said Mukade, shrugging off Zorua's attempts to empower himself, believing he's already won the fight.
Only for his confidence and arrogance to vanish, being replaced by shock and fear when Zorua's head snapped towards him. The Spiteful Fox Pokémon's eyes glowing red, along with the wisps of red fur across his body. Along with the dark surrounding Zorua, making his appearance rather demonic, unnerving Mukade at the sight.
"Zorua!" Zorua then let out a loud cry as he was then engulfed by the dark energy, which was soon joined by a dark glow with arcs of golden energy around his body.
"Wh-what's…what's happening?" May asked in surprise and some worry at what was happening to Zorua.
"I…I think Zorua is…evolving." Said Naruto in disbelief as they saw Zorua began changing shape and growing.
It wasn't long before Zorua's evolution ended, with the dark energy erupting off his body, actually unleashing a wave of force that pushed back everyone. With it also breaking Duskull's and Yamask's concentration, freeing Kirlia, Trapinch, and Combusken. The three Pokémon quickly running over to their Trainers, before they all looked at Zorua's new form.
"Zoroark." Naruto muttered in surprise and disbelief, having heard of Zorua's evolved form and saw just how different the Hisuian Form was compared to the original.
With Zoroark having a ghostly appearance, his main body color is disheveled with light gray with red and white accents. Zoroark's head and face are similar to his original counterpart but colored gray. He has gray ears with black insides and two white markings on both sides of his face. The ears also have light red split parts. The long mane has is now a longer mane that is colored white with the ends of each tips being colored light and dark red, while covering the right side of Zoroark's face. The arms and legs have several red spots and light red fur that dangles around. The claws and toes of Zoroark are colored black. The eyes are also red with yellow sclera.
The whiskered blonde now understood why Hisuian Zoroark's were considered embodiments of death, now that he's seeing one in person.
"S-so wh-wh-wha-what?! It doesn't matter if all your Pokémon evolve, you'll never-" Mukade shouted, while trying to hide his growing fear at how Zoroark was simply looking at him with a dark gleam in his eyes.
Only for the traitor to fall silent when Zoroark suddenly appeared right in front of him, with Mukade screaming and stumbling back as he fell to the ground.
"Zoro-ark." Zoroark's eyes glowed red along with the red tips in his mane before fire erupted all around Mukade, making him scream in panic at the sight.
Only for his entire surroundings to change, as rather than being in the ritual chamber, the mad man was instead what could only be described as a literal hell. With fire and ash everywhere, the sky being blocked out by smoke, and jagged spikes and rocks everywhere.
"What is this?! What the hell is this?!" Mukade screamed as he scrambled to stand up, looking around wildly at what was happening, only to scream in agony when he felt a knife shoved into his back.
Turning around, Mukade's eyes widened in fear when he saw Sēramu, the former Queen of Rōran and Sāra's mother, who he had killed when she learned about his plans. Even more horrifying was how her body was decaying and rotting, yet looking at him in pure hatred.
"You killed me. Tried to turn my daughter into your puppet, before killing her and her friend. And then destroyed my kingdom for your own selfish desires." Said Sēramu before Mukade screamed again when another knife was shoved into his chest.
"You cursed us all, damned us to live half-lives, unable to move on. You not only took our lives, but now have denied us the chance to find peace." Sāra said, causing Mukade to turn again seeing her and Honoka, only to scream when Honoka then slashed open his stomach.
"Now you'll get the feel the same pain we did, the pain of dying, the pain of feeling your life slip away. But you will never die, just as you have cursed us to, you will never pass away, never know peace, pig." Sneered Honoka as the three continued to stab him, soon being joined by everyone else he'd betrayed in his lust for power.
"NO! NO YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! YOU'RE DEAD, ALL OF YOU ARE DEAD! AND I WILL BE FREE, I WILL BE FREE AND TAKE MY PLACE AS RULER OF THE WORLD! NONE OF YOU CAN TAKE THAT FROM ME!" Mukade screamed madly and in agony from the constant stabbing and cutting, only to start gurgling when his throat was sliced open.
"If we're dead, then what are you?" Sēramu asked before Mukade was suddenly grabbed by a giant hand.
The traitor tried screaming, only to choke on blood, looking in horror at seeing a giant, demonic version of himself. His previous fat appearance, smiling wickedly at him.
"Oh, what a delicious little morsel. I was just looking for a nice snack." Said the giant Mukade, before he suddenly threw the smaller Mukade into his mouth.
Mukade choked and gagged, feeling nothing but pure agony as he was chewed into pieces before being swallowed. The mad man soon finding himself able to scream again as his giant versions throat turned into an endless dark tunnel. Before it became worse as dozens of clawed hands reached from the darkness and grabbed him, before they started pulling Mukade apart.
"Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine! MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! IT'S ALL MINE!"
Mukade could only continue scream until he was hoarse as the hands forcibly ripped him apart while chanting "Mine" over and over again. With it becoming even worse as his body kept regrowing, leaving them always more to take and take. And they always seemed to want more no matter how much they ripped away from him.
Until finally they stopped and Mukade hit the ground, whimpering in pain and fear, only for his horror to return tenfold when he looked at himself. Finding his body was beginning to rapidly age and turn to dust, the traitor crying out as he felt his legs break away.
"N-no-no-no-no…No! I-I-I-I c-ca-ca-ca-can't…d-di-di-di-die…" Mukade said weakly as he tried crawling away, as if to escape his own dissolving body.
"I-I-I-I-I-I….I…a-a-a-a-am…th-th-the-the-the-th-the…m-ma-ma-ma-mas-master…o-o-o-o-o-of….s-s-sp-sp-s-sp-s-sp-space-and-t-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-tim-time…I-I-I c-ca-ca-can't…d-di-di-di-die…" Mukade cried out delusionally, only to soon collapse to the ground, his entire body exploding into dust.
Before everything vanished, showing Zoroark standing in front of Mukade, with the traitor suddenly letting an ear-piercing scream of pure pain and agony. Only to immediately fall backwards with his eyes rolling into the back of his head staring blankly up at the ceiling.
"I-is…is he…" May asked, looking at Mukade, wondering if Zoroark really just did what she thought he did.
"Y-yeah…I think he is." Replied Naruto, before they quickly steadied themselves when the tower started violently shaking.
Only for a bright light to spread in the room and to the rest of the tower, Naruto, May, and their Pokémon looking at it in shock.
*With Kin and Dosu*
Meanwhile, back on the ground floor, Kin and Dosu grunted as they pulled themselves out of the sinkhole, angry at Zaku for abandoning them, swearing they'll make him pay. Only for the two to gasp when the bright light moving across the tower soon reached them. The light causing a black miasma to suddenly expel itself from them, with the two Trainers falling to the ground panting in disbelief.
"Kin…are we…are you…" Dosu muttered as he stood up and looked at himself, with the ravenette doing the same.
"I feel…better…like…myself, again." Said Kin as they looked at each other in disbelief before they quickly began running to the exit, sending out their remaining Pokémon to help move the rubble out of the way, wondering if this meant they were finally free.
*With Naruto and May*
Back at the top of the tower, the whiskered blonde and brunette watched in surprise as the armor bonds on all the enslaved Pokémon suddenly shattered. The now freed Pokémon blinking in confusion before shaking their bodies free of any armor pieces, and began exiting the ritual chamber.
"I…think that…the curse on the tower is…gone." Naruto stated in surprise, realizing what that light must've been.
"Yeah…then that means…Mukade was the source of the curse. And that he's…gone, the curse is lifted so…everyone trapped in here…can finally leave. We don't have to worry about being trapped, anymore!" Said May as she soon smiled brightly, happy and relieved the curse was broken and they now could leave whenever they wanted.
"Combusken!" Combusken smiled along with her Trainer, also happy to know they no longer had to worry about being trapped, along with having freed the enslaved Pokémon.
"Pinch!" Trapinch scurried around in excitement that they were able to win and free themselves and everyone else.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia smiled happily that they were now safe.
"Yes! Did you hear that Zoroark, you broke the curse by defeating Mukade! You really did it!" Naruto said, smiling at his Starter, amazed that he's not only evolved but was able to free everyone from the tower.
"Yeah, way to go Zoroark! You've really gotten stronger! Now we can all get out of here!" Said May before they approached the Normal/Ghost-type Pokémon.
Though as they got closer to Zoroark, the two Trainers and their Pokémon couldn't help but start growing concerned with how he hasn't moved from his spot.
"Zoroark? Are you okay?" Questioned Naruto going up to Zoroark, only to quickly move back when Zoroark suddenly turned his head towards them, his eyes still glowing red.
"Uh…Zoroark?" May said, feeling a little nervous at the way Zoroark was looking at them, even more so as he slowly fully turned towards them.
"…Zoroark!" Zoroark then suddenly roared at them and released a beam of black and purple rings, much to their shock before Naruto and May quickly jumped out of the way.
"What's he doing?! Why's Zoroark attacking us?!" Said May in shock that Zoroark attacked them, while Naruto's eyes widened.
"The energy he absorbed! Remember, Mukade said that he absorbed the negative energy around the tower before the curse was broken! And it's still inside of him!" Naruto said, realizing he must be in a berserker state from all the negative energy he absorbed.
"Ark!" Zoroark's eyes started glowing a dark blue while black, purple, and dark blue energy began emitting off his body.
Before he lunged at Combusken, with the Young Fowl Pokémon quickly jumping back as Zoroark tried swiping at her.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia quickly used Psychic to stop Zoroark and hold him in place, so he wouldn't hurt any of them.
Only to be shocked when Zoroark's head snapped towards her, the Baneful Fox Pokémon roaring loudly as the dark energy exploded off of him, throwing the Pokémon and two Trainers back. With Naruto grunting as he hit the floor, before quickly pulling out Zoroark's Pokéball.
"Zoroark return!" Naruto said, knowing he needed to get Zoroark back in the Luxury Ball, so he could calm down, only for Zoroark to jump out of the way of his attempt to return him.
The Uzumaki was then forced to jump out of the way when Zoroark lunged at him, with May helping him up as they looked at Zoroark in worry. But before either of them could react, the Ghost/Normal-type Pokémon's head snapped towards them, his eyes and red fur glowing. With the two suddenly finding themselves in a dark and twisted looking forest.
"Wh-what just happened?!" May said looking around, wondering how they were now in a forest.
"It's an illusion! We have to move quickly since whatever illusions Zoroark casts on someone, they're strong enough to become real and cause actual damage!" Said Naruto, the brunette's eyes widening at this before they started running through the forest.
"How're we supposed to get out of here?! If it's an illusion, then Zoroark could just keep us trapped here for as long as he wants!" Said May, worried that Zoroark may do something to them, like he did to Mukade.
"If it's an illusion, then maybe Zoroark is in here somewhere with us! And if we can find him, maybe we can try to get through to him!" Naruto replied, with May nodding at this as they ran through the forest, dodging anything in their way.
"Z-Zor…"
Though the two suddenly stopped when they heard a faint cry, making them look around for where it came from.
"Zor…"
"I think that's…Zorua." Said Naruto with a frown before heading in the direction of where the cry was coming from, May following alongside him.
The two Trainers moved closer to the cry, until they soon came to a hollowed and broken tree stump, where they saw Zorua curled up inside.
"W-why does he look different?" May asked, seeing Zorua didn't look how he normally did, while Naruto's frown turned sad as he looked at Zorua.
"That's because…that's what Zorua normally look like. This is Zorua…when he was still alive." Naruto revealed, causing May to gasp before looking at Zorua sadly, with the sudden gasp making Zorua look up.
"Zorua!" Zorua quickly moved back as far as he could away from the two Trainers, a fearful look on his face, which only saddened them further at the sight.
Before Naruto knelt down and smiled softly at Zorua while holding a hand out.
"It's okay, Zorua, it's me remember. Naruto, I'm your Trainer and your friend. We aren't gonna hurt you." Naruto said reassuringly, with May kneeling down beside him smiling as well.
"Yeah, we're your friends Zorua. And we just want to help you." Said May, with Zorua still looking at them fearfully.
"I know you've been hurt by Rico, by your old Trainer, probably by others too. You've been hurt a lot, Zorua; mentally, emotionally, and physically." Naruto said, causing Zorua flinch at the reminder of everything that happened, feeling tears in his eyes.
"Z-Zo-Zor…Zorua…" Zorua looked away, not wanting to remember what's happened to him, only to flinch again when he felt a hand on his head.
Only to not feel any pain, instead feeling himself being petted, making Zorua look to see Naruto still smiling at him.
"But you never deserved any of it. You're a smart, kind, loyal, strong, and amazing Pokémon, one that anyone would be lucky to have, and one I'm happy to have as my first Pokémon. You're not weak, worthless, a waste, or anything else, you're my partner and my friend. And maybe you're still hesitant about wanting to trust people; even us, fully. But I promise that no matter what, I'll never let anything happen to you ever again." Said Naruto while petting Zorua gently, with Zorua slowly leaning into his touch before hesitantly moving on Naruto's lap, with May soon starting to pet him as well.
"The same goes for me too, Zorua. Even if you aren't my Pokémon, I'll be here to look out for you too, along with all the others. You don't just have me and Naruto, you also have Kirlia, Trapinch, Combusken, and all the other Pokémon we'll catch along the way. No matter what happened, just know that you'll never be alone again." Said May, smiling comfortingly at Zorua.
"Zor…Zorua." Zorua slowly began relaxing in their embrace, for once feeling kindness and joy at having those that care for him.
With everything around them slowly fading away, changing back into the ritual chamber, with Naruto and May standing beside Zoroark who'd fallen to his knees. The Baneful Fox Pokémon's eyes returning to normal and losing the dark gleam in them. With Kirlia, Trapinch, and Combusken approaching them, seeing that Zoroark has calmed down, only for him to suddenly jump back.
"Ark." Zoroark looked away from his Trainer and the others, remembering what he did to them and tried to do if they hadn't gotten through to him, feeling remorse that he would've hurt the first people to show him kindness.
"Hey, don't think you can run away. We promised nothing would ever happen to you again or that you'd ever be alone. And nothing's going to change that." Said Naruto, going over to Zoroark and patting him on the head, while May nodded in agreement.
"Naruto's right. We still care about you Zoroark, and we know that you weren't in control of yourself. Besides, nothing bad really happened, you even saved us and everyone else in the tower as well." May stated, smiling at the Ghost/Normal-type Pokémon.
"Kirlia."
"Trapinch."
"Combusken."
Kirlia, Trapinch, and Combusken all nodded in agreement with their Trainers, not holding it against Zoroark since he wasn't control of himself. Making Zoroark look at them in surprise before lowering his head and nodding.
"Zoroark." Zoroark nodded at them, thankful they weren't angry at him and wouldn't leave, while swearing he wouldn't lose control again.
Naruto and May then returned all of their Pokémon to their Pokéballs, the Uzumaki also scanning Zoroark's to see if his stats changed.
"Hisuian Zoroark, the Baneful Fox Pokémon. With its disheveled white fur, it looks like an embodiment of death. Heedless of its own safety, Zoroark attacks its nemeses with a bitter energy so intense, it lacerates Zoroark's own body."
Hisuian Zoroark:
- Gender: Male
- Ability: Illusion
- Moves: Swift, Shadow Sneak, Bitter Malice, Snarl, Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse, Extrasensory
- Egg Moves (Locked): Detect
Nodding, Naruto pocketed his Pokédex and looked at May, the brunette looking at him as well. Both of them feeling relief at how close they were to getting out, but at the same time they felt…different. Not in a bad way, with the two simply thinking over everything that's happened since they entered the Mirage Tower. And now what they did to help calm down Zoroark.
"We should…get moving." Naruto said after a few moments, with May quickly nodding in agreement..
"Y-yeah. We're basically at the exit and even if there's now worry of being trapped, I'd like to get outside again." Replied May before the two headed for the other doorway across from the one they came in, only to stop when Sāra and Honoka appeared in front of them.
"You two actually did it. You were able to beat Mukade." Honoka stated, glancing at Mukade's braindead body, feeling vindictive pleasure at seeing him brought down.
"Yeah, we did. And…we think that actually broke the curse on the tower, freeing everyone." Naruto said, with the two women smiling and nodding.
"We know, we knew all along that Mukade's defeat would break the curse and free everyone." Revealed Sāra, making Naruto and May looked at them in surprise.
"You knew? But why didn't you tell us?" May asked, wondering why they didn't say anything.
"We didn't think you'd be able to defeat Mukade and his enslaved Pokémon, and we didn't wish for you both to feel obligated in breaking the curse. The only thing you should have concerned yourselves with, was freeing yourselves." Replied Honoka, Sāra nodding in agreement.
"Indeed. We chose to keep a knowledge a secret, not wanting anyone to risk themselves in a hopeless effort to break the curse or take the risk of anyone trying to usurp Mukade, themselves. But now it's over…after so many years it's finally over. Thank you for releasing us. Though we can't repay you ourselves, you're welcome to anything you wish in the treasure room, but nothing can repay what you've done for us. Farewell." Sāra said before she and Honoka faded away entirely, both of them finally able to move on.
With Naruto and May watching them fade away, glad that they were able to help them find peace, before continuing on their way. Only to be shocked as they looked around the treasure room, seeing everything that was inside.
"Wow…I can see why people would come here if they knew about all this." May said in disbelief, seeing it was filled gold, jewels, relics, and so much more.
"Yeah, no kidding. There's even Evolution Stones, along with a few other evolutionary items in here." Said Naruto picking up a Fire Stone, seeing several Evolution Stones lying around.
"Well…should we really take anything from here? I mean they did say we could, but should we?" Questioned May, looking at the whiskered blonde, who looked around thoughtfully.
"Maybe just…enough, in case of an emergency, to make sure we'll always have money to get more supplies. Along with some extra cash for anything we'd want, ourselves. Plus, it'd never hurt to have some Evolution items on hand for any Pokémon we get that'd need them." Naruto replied, with May nodding in agreement since it would be good to have an emergency fund to fall back on, in case they're running low and getting anything they'd want to get on their Journey.
The two Trainers each filling up decent sized bags with gold and a few jewels they'll be able to sell, along with several Evolution Stones and other evolutionary items, grabbing multiple ones just in case. Along with other items that would be useful on their journey. Once they'd filled up their bags they went to leave, only to stop when they spotted two strange looking rocks.
"What're these doing here?" May said in confusion, grabbing one of the rocks, seeing it looked like it had part of a plant, while Naruto grabbed the other that looked like it had a claw inside it.
"Hey! I think these might be Pokémon Fossils!" Naruto said as he grinned, realizing what they were.
"Pokémon Fossils? Like from…ancient Pokémon or something?" May asked, surprised that these were fossils, now understanding why they were here since they're likely pretty valuable.
"Yeah, they're sometimes found in places like underground tunnels, mines, mountains, or in ruins like this." Replied Naruto, looking at the fossil in amazement.
"Huh, they are pretty cool. Definitely interesting souvenirs to have." Stated May with a smile, as Naruto nodded in agreement as they placed the fossils in their bags, happy to also get some souvenirs as well.
Before the two then spotted another doorway, which they guessed was the secret passage that Sāra and Honoka told them about. Going to the door and opening it, Naruto and May found it was a long spiral staircase.
"Stairs, it had to be more stairs." May muttered in annoyance, having hoped for something other than more walking.
"Well, let's just start-" Said Naruto, only to stop when he saw something moving behind them, making May look as well.
"What is it?" Said May, looking around warily, wondering if there was some final trap Mukade might've set for them.
Only for them to be surprised when they saw the Duskull and Yamask that he had under his control, hiding behind a pile of treasure and looking out at them.
"Hey, it's alright. We aren't gonna hurt you two, like that bastard, Mukade. But why haven't you left yet?" Naruto asked looking at them in confusion at why they're still here, with Duskull and Yamask coming out.
"Duskull." Duskull moved over and looked up at Naruto.
"Mask." Yamask did the same and went over to May, surprising and confusing both Trainers.
"Wait…did you two…want to come with us?" Said May, surprised when Yamask and Duskull both nodded.
"Really? You want to come with us?" Naruto said, not expecting them to want to join them.
"Dusk!" Duskull nodded in response and floated up in front of Naruto.
"Yamask-Ya!" Yamask smiled and nuzzled against May, making the brunette smile slightly and pat it on the head.
"Well, alright then. We'd be happy to have you both join our teams." May said, Naruto nodding in agreement.
The two Trainers then pulled out Pokéballs and tapped them against Duskull and Yamask, sucking the two inside before both Pokéballs pinged showing they were successfully caught.
"Not the way I expected to catch my first Pokémon, but woohoo! I caught my first Pokémon!" May cheered, happy at catching her first Pokémon.
"Yeah! You'll definitely be a great addition to the team Duskull!" Said Naruto with a smile, happy to have a Duskull on his team, before the two pulled out their Pokédexes and scanned them.
"Duskull, the Requiem Pokémon. Duskull can pass through any wall no matter how thick it may be. Once this Pokémon chooses a target, it will doggedly pursue the intended victim until the break of dawn."
"Yamask, the Spirit Pokémon. It's said that this Pokémon was formed when an ancient clay tablet was drawn to a vengeful spirit."
Duskull
- Gender: Male
- Ability: Levitate
- Moves: Shadow Ball, Psychic, Shadow Sneak, Astonish, Confuse Ray
- Egg Moves (Locked): Haze, Skill Swap, Ominous Wind, Destiny Bond, Pain Split
Yamask
- Gender: Female
- Ability: Wandering Spirit
- Moves: Protect, Shadow Ball, Psychic, Sandstorm, Haze
- Egg Moves (Locked): Memento, Skill Swap, Nightmare, Disable
Seeing what their new Pokémon could do, Naruto and May smiled at how strong they were, before pocketing their Pokédexes and putting the Pokéballs with the others. Before they started making their down the stairs and out of the tower, eager to get outside and continuing on their way through Route 111.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto and May being confronted by Gōzu and Meizu, who are members of Team Aqua before battling them with Ralts and Torchic. Leading to a tough battle, with Torchic being at a disadvantage against their Lombre and Poliwhirl, that is until both of them evolve into Kirlia and Combusken, unlocking some of their Egg Moves and getting the hang of the moves they were training to learn. Allowing them to beat the Demon Brothers, before Naruto has Kirlia use Hypnosis to put them to sleep.
Then we see Naruto and May reaching the top of the tower where they confront Mukade, who's become a shell of his former self and grown even more delusional. Before sending out several Pokémon he's enslaved to kill Naruto and May, while planning to enslave their Pokémon as well. Though they're able to take out half of the Pokémon thanks to Kirlia's and Combusken's new strength, only for them to be defeated and restrained, with Mukade ordering his Druddigon and Granbull to finish them. Only for this to lead to Zorua remembering his abusive Trainer, being hunted and killed by Rico, coming back as a Hisuian Zorua, and then his time with Naruto and May.
All of this leading to Zorua absorbing the negative energy around the tower and evolve into Zoroark, before trapping Mukade in illusions of a literal hellscape where he's tortured by those he betrayed and demonic manifestations of his vices, lust for power, and always wanting more. Until Mukade is rendered braindead, which breaks the curse on the tower freeing everyone trapped inside along with the enslaved Pokémon, with us getting a short look at Kin and Dosu who've been freed from the towers influence.
Before we go back to Naruto and May who're relieved the curse is broken, only to be attacked by Zoroark who's gone into a berserker rage from the negative energy he's absorbed, while dodging Naruto's attempt to return him to his Pokéball. Before trapping him and May in an illusion, where they encounter Zorua as he was in life after being abused and hurt mentally, emotionally, and physically. Leading them to comfort and assure Zorua that they'll be there for him and won't let anything hurt him again, which also helps pull Zoroark out of his rage. With Naruto, May, and their Pokémon waving it off when he feels remorse for his actions, while swearing to not lose control again.
Finally we see Sāra and Honoka appear, revealing they knew defeating Mukade would break the curse but kept it hidden to not have anyone endanger themselves trying to stop, before expressing their gratitude and allowing Naruto and May to take anything they want from the treasure room as a reward before finally passing on. With Naruto and May being stunned at everything in the treasure room, before deciding to take enough for themselves as an emergency, plus Evolution Stones and other evolutionary items just in case. With them also finding the Claw and Root Fossils, with Naruto taking the former and May taking the latter as souvenirs.
But then they get another surprise when the Duskull and Galarian Yamask Mukade controlled show up, wishing to go with them, with Naruto catching Duskull and May catching Yamask. Before the two finally make their way out of the Mirage Tower and back to Route 111. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out