I am back for a nice, gentle, breather chapter after the finale of the Gym Exam Arc. With absolutely no plot-relevant events. At all.
"I won."
The two words were met with a few moments of silence, and then a veritable squeal from the other end of the Pokedex call.
"Marcus, I'm so proud!" Sarah's words were perhaps redundant, but they brought a giddy smile to Medicham's face as she saw a similar expression on Marcus's. "Oh, should I be calling you Gym Leader Marcus now?"
Medicham hid a chuckle at Marcus's suddenly nervous expression. After the battle with Gholdengo, he'd remained at the Pokemon Center while his team was treated, clearly especially nervous about Medicham and Kriesh. But once they'd finally gotten out of the Pokemon Center, practically the first thing Marcus had done was call his parents to drop the news. Hence why the entire team was gathered around Marcus as he spoke through the Pokedex with his parents. Medicham glanced around to see most of them snickering also - even Pangoro's expression was slightly amused.
"No, Mom, you don't have to call me Gym Leader Marcus," said Marcus. "You know, I'm starting to understand why all the other Gym Leaders didn't want me calling them that either…it makes me feel a little awkward."
"We'll call you whatever you like, don't worry," said Sarah.
"Regardless," said James, "we can't possibly put into words how proud we are of you."
"Thanks, Dad," said Marcus.
"So what happens next?" Sarah asked.
"Well," said Marcus, "I'm going to be meeting with Valerie after the other contestants leave, and then…well, to be honest, I'm as curious as you are."
Sarah smiled widely. "Well, we won't take up any more of your time. But please tell us what happens. I'm so excited!"
Marcus returned the smile. "So am I."
"I suppose this had to happen eventually," said Cloyster.
"We knew it would," said Brambleghast, looking out upon the still-ruined lawn of the apartment building. Ramos had already been called to help repair the area - apparently it was widely known among the Kalos Gym Leaders that one called Ramos whenever they needed landscaping done - but it would still take time to return to the state it had once been. For now, it was effectively a layer of torn-up dirt pockmarked with craters and filled with scattered bits of metal.
Cloyster and Brambleghast were sitting on a balcony together, taking in the view. Raymond, Jaya, and Ilima were getting ready to leave with their Gym Trainers, but had allowed their Pokemon time to say goodbye before departing.
"I hope we see each other again," said Cloyster.
"So do I," Brambleghast replied. "You know, it's kind of weird. Even after everything Gholdengo's done…it'll take me a while to adapt to life without him around."
Cloyster nodded in agreement.
"It'll take even longer for Ceruledge, I bet," said Brambleghast.
"Oh, yeah," said Cloyster. "Wasn't he working with Gholdengo?"
Brambleghast nodded. "He didn't know about the 'mass murder' thing. But he knew everything else. He went along with it because he was too scared not to."
"But he turned on Gholdengo in the end, right?" Cloyster asked.
Brambleghast nodded. "That's why he's not going with Gholdengo to the rehabilitation facility," she said. "But Raymond knows everything. We'll all be keeping him on a very short leash…and to be honest, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fully trust Ceruledge again."
"So what are you going to do now?" Cloyster asked.
"We're going back to Paldea," said Brambleghast. "Resuming work as one of Ryme's Gym Trainers. And honestly…we'll just have to see what happens next."
"I wish you and Raymond luck," said Cloyster.
"Thanks." Brambleghast smiled. "Same to you and Marcus. I know you won't really be part of his Gym Leader team…but all the same, I'm glad it was your Trainer who got the win."
"Thank you," said Cloyster.
Bramblghast sighed. "You know what? Let's just stop thinking about the future and enjoy the moment, okay?"
Cloyster leaned back, allowing the sun to shine on his face. "Okay."
A good few hours later, the Trainers were gathered in the lobby of the apartments. The last goodbyes were being said, the last Pokemon recalled into their various Pokeballs in preparation for the trips back home. The three other contestants and their friends were each returning to their respective regions - Ilima to Alola, Raymond to Paldea, and Jaya to Unova. Jaya and Raymond both had an attitude of 'we'll just see where things go from here'; Raymond himself had spent much of the time since the tournament apologizing profusely for the attempted sabotage of the tournament, no matter how many people told him the blame rested squarely on Gholdengo's shoulders.
It still unnerved Kriesh slightly that Gholdengo was being transported back to Paldea in his Dusk Ball on Raymond's belt, as if nothing had happened. Raymond had assured the group that he'd ensure Gholdengo was transferred to a rehabilitation facility, but all that had done was make Kriesh remember the last time she'd seen a Pokemon transferred to a rehabilitation facility. And if Gholdengo went the route of Heliolisk…
She shook her head. Raymond could be trusted.
Speaking of Heliolisk, the gang of wild Ghost-types had finally been released back into the wild. At least the ones who wanted to be released back into the wild - several had chosen to go with Raymond, not wanting to leave the Golurk who, from what Kriesh had heard, had taken over as their guardian not long after Marcus's encounter with them. Raymond had accepted them, allowing them to occupy several long-disused Pokeballs, and had let them know that those who wished to join his team would always find a spot open.
Judging by the eagerness I saw on some of those faces, his team's going to be pretty well filled out soon enough.
Her attention was attracted in time to see Raymond, with a last called goodbye to Marcus, exit through the door, his Gym Trainers following him. Ilima, Tupp, Zipp, and Rapp followed close behind, and Jaya's Gym Trainers moved after them. Jaya departed last of all, casting a last glance at Kriesh as she left. She raised a hand in a wave, and then was gone.
Kriesh smiled. I spent so long dreading the moment we'd meet again…but now, looking back, I wish I'd revealed myself to her far earlier.
Behind her, Marcus exhaled. He looked around at his team, both Trainers and Pokemon.. Medicham and Kriesh, both fully recovered from their battles with Gholdengo. Cloyster, staring wistfully after Raymond, or rather Brambleghast's Dusk Ball on Raymond's belt. Trevenant and Kamado, standing together. Liepard, Houndoom, Pangoro, and Drapion, the four Dark-types of Marcus's Gym Leader team. Connie, Theo, and Serena, standing nearby in a group, all three turned towards Marcus, waiting to see what the prospective Gym Leader would do next.
Not prospective Gym Leader. Not anymore. Kriesh felt a flash of pride. He's a true Gym Leader now.
The Trainer in question smiled softly. "Well…that's it," he said. He shook his head. "Even now…it feels surreal. I still remember when I faced these people during my Gym Challenge. Part of me thought I'd never even approach their level. And now…now I'm one of them."
"Indeed."
Kriesh jumped; she hadn't even heard Valerie coming. She turned to see the former Laverre City Gym Leader leaning against the back doorway of the apartment lobby. Valerie was smiling as well. "Don't get too cocky, Marcus," said Valerie. "Currently, you are by far the weakest of the Kalosian Gym Leaders. This will change with time, but you must not rest upon your laurels."
"I don't plan on it," said Marcus.
"Good," said Valerie. "Now, if you don't mind, would you come with me? Alone, please - this is for your eyes and ears only."
Marcus nodded, turning to Medicham. "Can you take the others outside?" he requested. "Get in some training while I'm doing…whatever this is."
"All right." Medicham turned to the rest of the team and beckoned for them to come outside. As the whole group stepped out of the apartment lobby, Medicham looked back in time to see Marcus disappearing through the other door after Valerie, shutting the door behind him.
"Battle Armor: Slam!"
"Pure Power: Aura Shield!"
Medicham brought up her arm, encasing it in a circular barrier of Aura, and took Drapion's powerful blow on her forearm. "No Escape!" Drapion snarled, unleashing a swift Pursuit from his gaping jaws, but Medicham raised her other hand and retaliated with an Aura Blast that blew the seeking rays out of the air.
As Marcus had requested, the team had begun a short training session while he and Valerie did whatever they were going to do. Drapion had approached Medicham asking for a battle, one which Medicham had been happy to give him.
"Battle Armor: Slam!" Drapion spun, coming at Medicham's side with his other arm.
"Pure Power: Aura Sweep!" Medicham swung her left leg up, driving it into Drapion's oncoming arm. "Battle Armor: Tail!" Drapion growled, spinning again. Medicham tapped into Aura Avoidance, swaying out of the way of Drapion's lashing tail. Twisting in midair, she flung an Aura Blast at Drapion's exposed side, but with a snarl of "Block!", Drapion materialized a Protect to neutralize it.
Medicham landed on the ground and instantly kicked back off, springing towards Drapion with a fist drawn back. "Pure Power: Aura Strike!"
"Blast!" Drapion unleashed a burst of Poison energy at Medicham's oncoming fist. As Medicham's fist slammed into the Cross Poison, Drapion leaped forwards, jaws open wide, Dark energy glistening on his teeth. "Rend!"
Medicham couldn't react in time to stop his teeth from sinking into her shoulder. Pain pierced her and she bit back a scream. "Pure Power: Aura Wave!" Medicham swiftly unleashed a shockwave of Aura that sent Drapion staggering backwards, ripping his jaws away from her shoulder. Blood sprayed as Drapion reeled; quickly, Medicham threw both her hands out in front of her. "Pure Power: Aura Beam!"
"Block!" Drapion snarled, digging his claws into the ground. Medicham's Aura Beam shot out and exploded against the Protect Drapion raised; for five long seconds the Aura Beam yearned to break through, until at last Medicham ceased fire and Drapion dropped the barrier.
He was panting from the effort of maintaining it, eyes narrowed. "How do ya do this?" he snarled.
"What do you mean?" Medicham asked.
"We do the same trainin' ya do," Drapion growled. "And yet ya always seem ta be improvin' so much faster than us. Ah'm barely keepin' up with ya!"
Darkrai. Medicham clenched her fists. She knew Darkrai's training was making her stronger, but had it made her too strong?
Was she leaving her teammates in the dust?
"Pierce!" Drapion bellowed; Medicham reacted swiftly, an Aura Wave more than sufficient to dissipate the flying Bug energy-infused spikes. Drapion hurled himself through the Aura Wave, ignoring the energy as it licked at his chitin, a furious roar emanating from his maw. "Battle Armor: Slam!"
"Pure Power: Aura Strike!" Medicham threw a punch straight into Drapion's oncoming arm, stopping it cold with an explosion of Aura. She held against the Poison/Dark-type's raw strength, her Aura bracing her stance and enhancing her muscles.
Drapion pushed. Medicham pushed back. Both shifted at the same time. "Rend!" Drapion snarled, once more lunging forward with a mouthful of Dark energy-enhanced teeth.
"Pure Power: Aura Sweep!" Medicham spun and roundhouse-kicked him in the face, knocking him sideways in a spray of spit and dissipating Dark energy. Drapion's body skidded across the earth for a good several feet before coming to a stop.
"We're on the same team," Drapion growled, rising shakily. "We got caught at the same time. So how come yer so much stronger than ah am?"
I wish I could tell him. But that secret must stay with me and Kriesh.
"Answer me!" Drapion roared. "Blast!"
"Psychic Blast!" Medicham blew apart the Cross Poison with a burst of Psychic energy, then flung her hands outwards. "Pure Power: Aura Blast Barrage!"
"Block!" Drapion snarled. It wasn't enough. The Aura Blasts flew up into the air and came down like a rain upon his body, and not even the Protect barrier could cover the entire length of his form. Drapion snarled in pain as several Aura Blasts slammed into his body and exploded, enveloping him in a cloud of blue-colored Aura.
Medicham watched warily as the Aura dissipated. The instant she didn't see Drapion inside, she knew where he was. She tapped into Aura Avoidance, and instantly the Aura jerked her body to the side as Drapion exploded out of the ground.
"Blast!"
Medicham staggered as the swiftly-fired Cross Poison slammed into her side. Drapion pounced, raising both his arms overhead. "Battle Armor: Double Slam!"
"Pure Power: Aura Shield!" Medicham raised both her arms to counter it, generating a single large barrier of Aura. As Drapion's attack slammed into hers she felt her legs buckle under her; she dropped to her knees, gritting her teeth and straining to keep the shield up.
"Battle Armor: Tail!"
Drapion spun faster than Medicham could react; she'd only barely registered he'd stopped pressing down on her when his clublike tail drove into her gut.
"Inject!" Drapion roared as Medicham staggered; his claws clamped around her midsection, lifted her off her feet, and slammed her into the ground. Medicham could feel poison beginning to flood into her system. "Pure Power: Aura Sweep!" she cried, lashing out with a leg at Drapion, but Drapion raised a shield of Battle Armor in front of his face, taking the attack with barely a stagger.
Undaunted, Medicham kicked out twice more, shattering chitin under each kick, each blow staggering Drapion a little more. As she drew back her foot from the third kick, Drapion snarled, raised his arm, and tossed Medicham bodily across the field.
Medicham twisted in midair and landed on her feet in a crouch. She knew she would have to end this quickly, before Drapion's poison overcame her. Once more she launched herself across the grass, aiming an Aura Strike for the stumbling Drapion.
"No Escape!"
"Pure Power: Aura Strike Barrage!"
Medicham flung her fist forwards, punching one of the oncoming rays out of the air. The other rays fell swiftly as well, no match for Medicham's onslaught of fists. Drapion snarled and lunged again, claws outstretched. "Rip!"
"Aura Wave!" Medicham cried.
"Block!"
Medicham smirked as Drapion used his Protect to dissipate the shockwave of Aura she' sent at him. Gotcha.
"Pure Power: Aura Beam!" she cried as the Protect faded.
"Battle Armor!" Drapion roared, but the Aura Beam was far too powerful for his chitin to absorb. His roar filled with pain as the Aura Beam impacted, piercing through his chitinous defenses and sending him flying away. Medicham released the Aura Beam after about five seconds; as it dissipated, she gazed upon her handiwork, trying to ignore the poison still running rampant through her system.
Drapion was still standing. But he was sagging, his legs trembling with the effort of supporting his wounded frame. The Poison/Dark-type's expression was unreadable as he gazed upon Medicham. "Thanks fer the battle," he growled. "Ah learned a lot."
Turning, he stalked away, leaving Medicham standing alone on the battlefield.
Medicham sighed. Sure, he landed hits…but it never really felt like the outcome of that was in doubt. Am I getting too strong? Advancing too quickly?
A fresh wave of pain reminded Medicham that she'd been poisoned, and she swiftly called for healing, trying to banish thoughts of Drapion's mood from her mind.
"So, Medicham," said Marcus, stepping into his room, "want to know what Valerie and I talked about?"
"Sure," said Medicham, smiling slightly from her position inside her Luxury Ball on Marcus's belt.
Marcus smiled too. "Being a Gym Leader is going to be…interesting. I'll just put it that way. Some of it I'm not even allowed to tell you. What I can tell you is that it's not just about the battling - I basically have to manage all of Laverre. Making decisions, doing paperwork…Valerie will be helping, at least for the first month or two, but she suggested I get an assistant. Most Gym Leaders have at least one."
"Does she have one?" Medicham asked.
"Her Clefable," said Marcus. "Turns out that Clefable can write just as well as she can talk. Shame I don't have someone like that…not to demean you, Medicham, but your Psychic powers are far more offensively suited."
"I understand," said Medicham. "It is not demeaning."
Marcus nodded. "So, Medicham," he said, "any idea what's gotten Drapion so worked up?"
Just like that, Medicham's good mood was gone. "No," Medicham answered. "I mean…we battled. I won. And I know he's competitive. But he's taken losses before much more smoothly…and it's not like it was anything but a standard practice battle."
Marcus nodded. "Well, as long as he stays inside, and as long as he at least gets some sleep, I've got no problem giving him some extra training time. Arceus knows it's not going to hurt him. At least in theory."
"Indeed," said Medicham, though the worry pulsing through her belied her casual response. Drapion had specifically requested (through Medicham) that he be allowed to stay downstairs for a couple more hours to train some more.
He'd never done anything like this before. And so Medicham was worried. Was it her fault for defeating him today?
"Good night, Medicham," said Marcus. "I'll talk to Drapion in the morning."
"Okay," said Medicham, doing her best to just relax against the inside of her Luxury Ball.
She was excited for what lay ahead. But at the same time, anytime one of her friends, her teammates, was suffering, it felt like she was suffering too. She was responsible for them, wasn't she?
Medicham shook her head. Worries could come tomorrow. Right now, she needed sleep.
Quickly, she dug her head into the comfortable gel and felt her body began to ease into the sweet release of the Dream World. But as Medicham felt as if she were on the edge of sleep, a quiet humming penetrated her consciousness.
In an instant she was wide awake, sitting upright, eyes wide, for she recognized both the voice that was delivering the humming noise and the nature of the humming itself. No…not now. Why now? Why, when I feel the most peace I've felt for such a long time?
Medicham bowed her head, knowing there was no escape. She forced her body to relax, squeezed her eyes shut, and allowed the Perish Song to take her.
There was a momentary rush of air, then silence. Medicham opened her eyes and gazed upon the white-furred form of Bringer-Of-Visions, stark against the black backdrop of Oblivion.
Bringer-Of-Visions smiled. "It's been some time. Hello, Spirit."
Medicham sighed, clenching her fists. "What do you want?"
Bringer-Of-Visions cocked her head. "I would have thought you'd be happier today. Is this not a joyous occasion?"
"I was," Medicham growled.
A slight chuckle escaped Bringer-Of-Visions' throat. "Walk with me, Spirit," she said, turning and beginning to step away. For a moment, Medicham considered staying right where she was, but then Bringer-Of-Visions cast a glance back at her, and she knew from the look in the Absol's eyes that wasn't an option. Quickly, she followed Bringer-Of-Visions as the leader of the Heralds stepped into the endless wastes of Oblivion.
"I simply came here to congratulate you on a job well done," said Bringer-Of-Visions. "With Marcus successfully installed as a Gym Leader, his path has progressed to a point where we no longer need to make as much of an effort to guide him." Bringer-Of-Visions smiled broadly. "We make a good team, don't we, Spirit?"
"We're not a team," Medicham snarled. "And don't call me Spirit."
Bringer-Of-Visions swung her head around to face Medicham, her expression abruptly cold. "Must I remind you of your place in all this, Spirit?" she asked. "I come bearing compliments, and you respond with abrasiveness and hostility? It seems you have forgotten the power I hold." Her horn glowed with Mind.
"No!" Medicham cried, feeling a sudden surge of panic. "No, I haven't. I promise."
"Are you sure?" Bringer-Of-Vision's eyes glinted as she stepped slowly closer to Medicham. Her body expanded as she moved so that she loomed over Medicham, her mouth distended into a terrifying grin. "Are you sure you need no reminder of my capabilities? Because…how do I put this? Quite a few of your memories seem to be a little…unnecessary. Maybe I should remove any memory you have of your friendship with Kriesh? Or possibly your memories of Elle? I could do so much…all it takes is just a little touch…"
"Stop it!" Medicham shouted. Bringer-Of-Visions glared down upon her; swiftly, Medicham lowered her head. "Please, I promise, I won't speak like that to you again, I promise, please…"
Bringer-Of-Visions' calm smile returned to her face as quickly as it had left; she shrank down so swiftly Medicham wondered if she'd been seeing things. "Better," said the Absol with a smirk. "Now, where was I…ah, yes, guidance. The point I am trying to make is that with Marcus firmly set on his path towards stopping the apocalypse, we can now turn our attention towards…contingencies."
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Medicham asked.
"What that means, Spirit, is that we're going to go ahead with implementing our desired paths for a few other Trainers," said Bringer-Of-Visions. "So that we have backups in case Marcus…how shall I put this…trips at the finish line. He may be upon the home stretch now, but that doesn't mean he is out of danger. So it would be prudent to at least have a couple of backup Trainers. At worst, they'll distract Betrayer-Of-Kin for a little bit."
Medicham felt a sickness come into her stomach. The way she talks so casually about condemning Trainers to a likely death…it disgusts me. But she held her tongue. She knew that any protest of the Heralds' methods in front of Bringer-Of-Visions would likely end with her memories erased.
"But the point is," said Bringer-Of-Visions, "that I'm going to be leaving for a little bit. Seeker-Of-Endings will remain, as arranged. Kindly refrain from…rudeness…in his presence."
Medicham nodded sullenly.
Bringer-Of-Visions released the Song, and Oblivion faded away around them. Medicham glanced around; they were now standing just outside Laverre City, the lights of the town twinkling through a small network of trees.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Spirit," said Bringer-Of-Visions, turning to walk away.
"Aren't you going to take me back?" Medicham asked.
Bringer-Of-Visions twisted her head to glare at Medicham. "I have better things to do with my time than escorting lost Pokemon home like they're babies. Find your own way." Whirling, she stalked into the trees, disappearing from sight in a matter of moments.
Of all the petty things…Medicham bit down her protests. They would get her nowhere. Fuming, she turned towards the lights of Laverre City. At the very least it wouldn't be a long walk.
She began to step through the trees and bushes, pushing branches aside. Looks like I'm a couple minutes out. Hopefully I can get back to Marcus's room without anyone seeing me…I really don't want to have to answer any questions.
A branch snapped behind her.
Medicham whirled in time to see a large Drapion stepping through a cluster of bushes, eyes gleaming in the moonlight. Other Drapion and Skorupi followed him. Medicham's heart leaped into her throat as recognition came to her. She took a step back, coming up against a nearby tree trunk, mentally cursing Bringer-Of-Visions once more.
"I warned you." The Swarmlord's voice held an edge of vicious satisfaction. "I warned you to watch your back. That one day I would come for the Marked One."
"He's not here," Medicham retorted, summoning blue Aura across both her hands in preparation for conflict.
"Maybe not." The Swarmlord's claws bubbled with poison as he raised them threateningly. "But he will come to rescue you."
"Slam!" Drapion raised his right arm and flung it downwards, slamming it into the floor of the unoccupied hallway. The ground cratered under the sheer force of the blow, leaving a gash in the floor a good foot deep.
Drapion frowned. Again.
Once more his left arm rose and fell. Another crater. He knew repairing damage like this would be expensive, but at this point he didn't care.
Snarling, Drapion raised and lowered the arm swiftly, and then repeated the exercise again, trying to make each swing faster and more powerful than the last, however minutely.
"Trouble sleeping?"
Drapion glanced over to see a face he hadn't at all expected to see. Valerie's Sylveon was standing at the end of the corridor, looking just as serene as when he'd seen her last - had that really been all the way back when Marcus was still taking his Gym Challenge?
"I find," said Sylveon, "that late-night training is often undergone by those who are upset. Why are you upset?"
Drapion turned to face Sylveon fully. "What are ya doin' here?"
Sylveon's eyes glinted. "Late-night training," she said. "You didn't answer my question."
Drapion sighed. "Ah feel like, no matter how strong ah get, everyone else is gettin' even stronger around me," he growled. "Sure, ah beat Ilima's Kangaskhan…but ah only beat Jaya's Unfezant 'cause she threw the match, an' every other match ah get in always seems ta be close. Always down ta the wire. An' now ah just fought Medicham today, an' ah threw everythin' ah had at her, an' she still had gas left in the tank by the time she beat me. It all…it all just makes me feel so weak…"
Sylveon nodded understandingly. "I train late at night because it enhances my connection to the moon," she said.
"Yer point bein'?" Drapion asked.
"Think outside the box," said Sylveon. "For example: Earthquake. I've seen you battle. You look like you could do with that technique. So why haven't you learned it yet?"
Drapion glared at Sylveon. "Ah can only learn it by TM. An' Marcus hasn't found the TM yet. Until he does, ah'm stuck with Dig."
"I know Dazzling Gleam," said Sylveon.
"What does that have ta do with anythin'?" Drapion growled.
"Sylveons learn Dazzling Gleam by TM," said Sylveon. "I didn't."
"How?" Drapion asked.
"Look at it this way," said Sylveon. "An Ember attack is different from a Flamethrower attack. But they use the same kind of energy. A hundred Embers coalesced into a stream is, essentially, a Flamethrower. Other energies work the same way. It takes practice, of course, and a lot of skill, but once you know one technique of a specific type, in a way, you know every technique of that type. You just need to learn how to apply it…and, let's be honest, some are so fiendishly complicated that it's almost impossible. I'm never going to be able to use Eruption. I simply don't have enough control over my fire to do that. But you, Drapion…your situation is different."
"Ya think ah can learn Earthquake from Dig?" Drapion asked.
"I know you can," said Sylveon. "Think about it this way - you hit the ground to use Dig, right?"
"Right."
"And the ground collapses under you," said Sylveon. "Pitching you into the earth and allowing you to start digging. What if you told the ground to erupt instead of collapse? Erupt in, say, a circle around you?"
"Sounds hard," said Drapion.
"When was anything in Training ever easy?" Sylveon asked. "Think on that, Drapion. And do yourself a favor and get some sleep. Unless you're like me, and can regenerate stamina from the light of the moon itself, I would not recommend late-night training. It'll only reduce your efficiency come morning."
"All right," said Drapion. "Thanks. Ah'll work on it."
Sylveon smiled. "See you tomorrow, Drapion."
Drapion had a slight smile on his face as he stepped down the hallway towards Marcus's room. She's right. If I can learn Earthquake, that would be huge. My power would increase drastically. I have to admit…I can't wait to get started.
Drapion's good mood lasted about as long as it took to get into Marcus's room. For that was when he spotted the team's Luxury Balls. All except two were lit, indicating that they were occupied. One of the unoccupied ones was his.
The other was Medicham's.
And it was at that very moment - that moment when Drapion was standing in the entranceway, staring at Medicham's unoccupied Luxury Ball - that he spotted a flash of blue Aura out the window.
In the midst of a copse of trees just outside Laverre City.
Drapion was running back down the hallway before his mind had properly caught up to him. Sylveon, Earthquake, all was forgotten. He didn't know how, or why, Medicham was outside Laverre. All he knew was that she was fighting something…or someone.
And though he desperately hoped it wasn't, the worry that it could be the Swarmlord - that after all this time, he'd found them again - drove Drapion's legs even faster.
Please don't be him, he thought as he ran down the stairs and out the door, streaking off in the direction of where he'd seen the flash of Aura, not even checking if Sylveon was nearby. Please don't be him.
Medicham bit her lip, trying to figure something out. She could see four Drapion, in addition to the Swarmlord, and about a dozen Skorupi standing before her. Despite her confident demeanor, these were odds she did not want to test her luck against.
But it was looking increasingly like there was no alternative.
"Do me a favor, Medicham." The Swarmlord glared at her. "Scream for me."
Medicham stared into the Swarmlord's eyes. "No."
The Swarmlord bared his teeth. "You will. Swarm…immobilize."
The Drapion and Skorupi began to advance on Medicham, their evil grins and glistening claws leaving no question as to what they planned on doing to her. Medicham glanced from side to side, gazing at the Drapion, then at the Swarmlord, then the Skorupi, then the Swarmlord once more…
An idea sprang into her mind.
"What's the matter?" she asked. "Too weak to defeat me yourself?"
Every single one of the Drapion and Skorupi froze in place. The Swarmlord's eyes glinted dangerously. "Weak?"
"Yes," said Medicham. "Weak. That's all you are."
The Swarmlord stepped forwards, roughly shouldering two of his Skorupi aside. "Look around you, Medicham. You are outnumbered, outmatched-"
"Oh, I have no doubt that your Swarm can overwhelm me," said Medicham. "But let me put it this way…the Marked One? The one you call a weakling?"
The Swarmlord curled his lip.
"I sparred with him today," said Medicham. "And he gave me a good fight. If you're so much stronger than him, then prove it."
The Swarmlord stared at Medicham for a few more seconds. Then he nodded slowly. "Swarm, back," he growled; he turned back towards Medicham, fury in his expression. "I'm going to enjoy this."
Medicham smirked. "We'll see."
The group of Drapion and Skorupi drew back into the trees, leaving Medicham and the Swarmlord in the center of a small clearing. The Swarmlord crouched, readying himself for the fight. "You think you can win a battle against me?" the Swarmlord asked. "I am the Swarmlord. I lead the wild Pokemon of Kalos. My strength is unmatched among the Swarms. Who are you, that you think you can possibly stand against me?"
"I'm Medicham," said Medicham. "I'm the strongest Pokemon of a Gym Leader of Kalos. I'm a Pokemon who's faced Legendaries. I'm a Pokemon who's stared death in the face and walked away." She matched the Swarmlord's crouch with her own. "And I'm Drapion's friend. So leave. Him. Alone."
The Swarmlord charged with an enraged bellow, hurling a slow, clumsy arm-strike at Medicham. Medicham tapped into Aura Avoidance, ducking the overhead swing. The Swarmlord spun, aiming to catch Medicham with his tail, the spikes on it glistening with poison. Medicham leaped into the air, flipping over the sweeping tail, and landed on the ground; twisting, she lunged for the Swarmlord, fist drawn back. "Pure Power: Aura Strike!"
She'd expected the Swarmlord to simply raise or lower an arm to block. But somehow, he was too slow to react, and Medicham's fist connected with the Swarmlord's chitinous face. The Swarmlord staggered, arms flailing wildly, and fell onto his side. He was up in an instant, snarling furiously, but the impact had clearly done some damage.
The Skorupi and Drapion surrounding them gasped. "Swarmlord?" one of the Drapion asked nervously.
The Swarmlord spat. "That one was free," he growled. "The next one won't be. Battle Armor!"
A wave of chitin spread over his arms and tail, hardening them into clubs. Medicham narrowed her eyes. So he's unlocked his Ability. But all that extra power doesn't mean anything if you still can't hit me.
"Battle Armor: Club!" The Swarmlord sprang again, lashing out with his clublike claws. Medicham again evaded with Aura Avoidance, ducking and dodging every swipe the Swarmlord sent her way. A few came closer than the others, and these she parried with swift Aura Strikes.
The Swarmlord was fast, she could tell. But not nearly as fast as she was.
As he lashed out with another wild swing, Medicham leaped backwards. "Pure Power: Aura Blast!" she cried; the Swarmlord snarled in pain as the sphere of Aura impacted against his armor. "Death Volley!" he roared, unleashing a volley of Bug energy-tipped spikes from his body.
"Pure Power: Aura Wave!" Just as she'd done with Drapion, Medicham blasted the spikes out of the air with a shockwave of Aura. Growling, the Swarmlord leaped at her again. "Battle Armor: Blade!"
Medicham's eyes widened slightly as the chitinous covering of the Swarmlord's right arm shifted to the tip of it and extended into a chitin-formed blade, one which the Swarmlord slashed downwards at Medicham with. He's got greater control over his Ability than Drapion? A wild thought came into Medicham's mind. Once I get out of this, I'll have to tell Drapion about this...maybe it can help him improve...
Forget that. Fighting now. Once more tapping into Aura Avoidance, Medicham neatly sidestepped the Swarmlord's wild charge, his bladed arm gashing through empty air.
"Pure Power: Aura Sweep!" Medicham unleashed a sweeping kick that tripped the Swarmlord, sending him tumbling to the ground in another burst of Aura. Medicham leaped after his rolling body, feet pounding across the earth. She leaped into the air. "Pure Power: Aura Finisher!"
Her flying kick slammed into the Swarmlord and tossed him straight into a nearby tree. He bounced off, landing on his side; Medicham was disappointed, but not entirely surprised, when he quickly rolled to his feet.
"How could this be?
"Is he…losing?"
"Swarmlord, are you-"
"I'm fine!" the Swarmlord snarled, glaring at his increasingly worried-looking audience. He swung his head back around towards Medicham. "I have had enough of you!" Ground energy began to gather around his forelegs as he crouched once more.
The Skorupi and Drapion gasped. "He's using it!" "His ultimate attack!" "Take cover!"
Take cover? Medicham readied herself. A wide-reaching, Ground-type attack, utilized by a Drapion?
She knew exactly what was coming.
The Swarmlord reared up. "Earthen Upheaval!" he roared, slamming his forelegs back onto the ground. The ground before him exploded outwards, a surging tide of Ground energy erupting towards Medicham.
He's like Kriesh…a single Trainer technique, honed over time to become even more powerful than usual. Was he once a Trained Pokemon? Medicham clenched her fists, knowing now was not the time to wonder over the Swarmlord's origins.
She could not allow him to gain the upper hand.
Tapping into Aura Avoidance, Medicham leaped into the air, her Aura jerking her even higher. The wave of Ground energy swept below her, plunging to the ground in a sea of kicked-up earth. As it dissipated, Medicham landed where she'd started in a crouch, completely untouched.
The audience gasped. "She…she avoided his ultimate technique?"
The Swarmlord bared his teeth. "Death Volley!" he roared; he lunged after his own barrage, just like Drapion liked to do, arms upraised. "Battle Armor: Blade!"
"Pure Power: Aura Beam."
Medicham unleashed the beam from her outstretched hands, scything through the oncoming Pin Missile and slamming straight into the Swarmlord's face before he could form his Battle Armor to at least deflect some of it. The Swarmlord reeled, bellowing in rage and agony as Medicham's Aura ripped into him. Medicham finally released the beam, allowing the Swarmlord to land back on the ground on all fours, panting heavily.
"Swarmlord, stop toying with her!" one of the Drapions cried.
The murmurs of the Skorupi especially brought a smile to Medicham's face. "Tell me, Swarmlord!" she cried. "All that talk about weakness…where's that now? I'm guessing you're not used to being the weak one!"
"I am not weak!" the Swarmlord howled. "Earthen Upheaval!"
Again Medicham leaped over the Earthquake, landing smoothly on the ground. The Swarmlord had learned from his previous mistake; he was already rushing her, this time aiming for a blunt attack. "Battle Armor: Club!"
"Pure Power: Aura Strike!"
Medicham met the Swarmlord's oncoming fist with one of her own. Battle Armor and Aura clashed with an audible thwoom. Twin shockwaves lanced out from the epicenter of the clash, sending anyone who was nearby flying. Medicham held against the Swarmlord's raw strength, straining to push more and more. The Swarmlord pushed too, but he was slowly losing ground, his claws ripping through the dirt as he slowly skidded backwards.
And then the Swarmlord grinned. "Battle Armor: Blade."
The chitinous armor changed shape in an instant, coalescing at the tip of the Swarmlord's claws and spearing out in one fluid motion. Medicham felt a sudden searing pain on the palm of her hand, another at the back of her elbow; she felt bones shatter and blood begin to flow everywhere as the Swarmlord's suddenly-forming chitinous blade ripped through her forearm, from palm to elbow, tearing through flesh and bone alike.
Shock and pain overwhelmed Medicham as she gazed upon the tip of the blade poking out of her elbow. The realization that she'd just given him the one opening he needed was lost in agony. Even as her mind screamed at her to get up, to keep going, she felt too weak to do so. She collapsed to her knees, trying desperately to stop her head from spinning, trying desperately to not look at her ruined arm.
"Battle Armor: Club."
A vicious chitinous blow rammed into Medicham's chin, sending her tumbling to the ground in a spray of blood. "Who's weak now?" the Swarmlord asked furiously. "Battle Armor: Club!"
The next hit drove into Medicham's stomach. She folded around the strike, blood spraying from her mouth as the blow landed. With a series of exertions, the Swarmlord slammed three more Battle Armor-enhanced blows into Medicham's body, each strike breaking bone. Medicham crumpled, the pain nearly sufficient for her to black out.
Claws clamped around her neck and lifted her bodily off the ground. She could barely even stir, only faintly aware that she was dangling helplessly in the Swarmlord's grasp. "No wonder that weakling gave you a good fight," the Swarmlord growled. "If anything, you're just as weak as he is…if not weaker. In this world, the strong survive and the weak die. That is how this world works. And that is why you will die here and now."
Medicham reached up with her left arm and tried to force the Swarmlord's arm away, but his grip was too strong. It was just loose enough that she could, with difficulty, still draw breath, but that was it. The Swarmlord's eyes were black pits. "The outcome of this fight was never in doubt," he snarled, just as much to his watching followers as to Medicham. "This is what happens to those who oppose me. This is what happens to those who oppose the Swarm!"
"He won!" "I knew he could do it!" "He was just playing with her the entire time!" "That's our Swarmlord!"
As if! Medicham glared over the Swarmlord's shoulder at the others. I was winning that fight!
"Now, Medicham," said the Swarmlord, "I will give you one last chance. Scream for help. Scream for the Marked One. My quarrel is with him. If he comes, you may still live."
Medicham worked up enough energy to spit in his face. It was a lot more satisfying than she cared to admit.
The Swarmlord's eyes narrowed to slits. "Hmph," he growled. "In that case…" His grip tightened around Medicham's neck. "I wonder how he'll react when he finds your body tomorrow morning," he said. "Perhaps it will stir him to leave on his own accord. If not…then we'll just have to keep waiting…and keep killing…until he does."
Medicham's struggles were already weak, and grew weaker as she began to run short on breath. The Swarmlord chuckled darkly, tightening his grip even further. I can't believe this! If I'd just kept dodging…if I hadn't gotten cocky…I could have easily beaten him. But now…
I'm going to die here. Medicham closed her eyes. I'm really going to die here.
"That's enough."
No…Medicham opened her eyes to see Drapion striding into the clearing, eyes locked on the Swarmlord. "Put her down," he growled. "It's me ya want."
The Swarmlord took a moment before he opened his claws and let Medicham fall to the ground in a crumpled heap. Gasping for air, Medicham turned her head to look at Drapion. "Don't…" she whispered between gulps of breath.
Drapion gazed at her for a moment, then turned back to the Swarmlord, ignoring the Drapion and Skorupi who had swiftly shifted to cut off his escape. The Swarmlord rose up to his full height, glaring down balefully at Drapion. "Marked One," he hissed, voice filled with venom.
Drapion glared back up at the Swarmlord with equal venom in his gaze. "Father," he snarled bitterly.
Well...maybe aside from that plot-relevant event...