Chapter 36
Alister
Alister, along with the others, locked eyes with Tusk and Ommni. Both groups seemed poised, anticipating each other's moves, like predators sizing up their prey. The atmosphere grew tense, the weight of impending conflict pressing down on Alister. This was his moment—the crucial opportunity to defeat Tusk. Deep down, he knew that if anyone from their group had the strength to overpower Tusk, it was him. Flexing his muscles and cracking his knuckles, Alister dropped to all fours, ready to spring into action.
"Let me handle this," he growled.
"What?!" Inari's voice was a mix of surprise and concern.
"Watch me bring him down." Alister prepared to make his move, but before he could, a vine wrapped around his waist, yanking him backward. Turning his head, he met Shawn's determined eyes. "Let me go," Alister demanded, trying to wriggle free from the vine's grip.
"No," Shawn snapped, his eyes narrowing. "Rushing in without a strategy is precisely what they're expecting."
Inari chimed in, her voice urgent, "Remember our last skirmish with Tusk? We barely held our ground as a team. He's formidable. We need to strategize."
Tusk, growing impatient, dropped to his knees, raising a fist in defiance. "Enough of this idle chatter!" Without warning, he slammed his fist into the ground. The earth shuddered in response, knocking everyone off balance. As the dust settled around them, Tusk taunted, "That's just a taste. Keep dawdling and see what comes next."
Pushing past his limits, Alister sprang to his paws, shaking off Shawn's restraining vine. He zeroed in on Tusk, only to catch the sinister grin that spread across the Nidoking's face. In a swift move, Tusk struck the ground with force, sending rocky spires jutting upwards. Alister maneuvered swiftly, narrowly evading the jagged pillars. Seizing an opening, he lunged, ramming his horns into Tusk's face. The impact sent Tusk sprawling. Not wasting a moment, Alister leaped and brought his tail crashing down onto Tusk's already injured visage.
"Oooohhh!" Tusk's growl rumbled like thunder. Before Alister could retreat, Tusk's powerful grasp ensnared him by the waist, hurling him violently onto the rocky ground below. The impact sent shards of rock flying.
"Aaah!" Alister's cry echoed through the cavern.
"Alister!" Panic seeped into Inari's voice. From the corner of his eye, Alister spotted a dark orb hurtling towards them, striking Tusk with enough force to send him sprawling. Almost immediately, Shawn's arms were around Alister, dragging him to safety.
Gritting his teeth, Alister said, "I almost had him!"
Inari's eyes flashed with anger. "Bravado isn't a substitute for wisdom, you idiot."
"Someone has to act!" Alister retorted.
"Try using your head before leaping into danger!" Inari snapped, nipping at Alister, who swiftly sidestepped her advance.
"Well Inari if you want to put your mouth on me-" Alister snickers.
"SHUT UP!"
"Alister, among your motley crew, you appear to be the only one with any semblance of courage," Ommni remarked with a mocking chuckle. "Here's a proposition for you: face off against my brute. Triumph, and Meadow is yours, unharmed."
"Alister..." Inari's voice wavered, her strength clearly drained. Shawn lay motionless, causing Alister's heart to race and his paw to clench involuntarily. With a burst of defiance, Alister lunged at Ommni, only to be halted mid-swing by an unseen force.
Ommni sneered, "That's it? Rather disappointing. TUSK!"
"You summoned, my Lord?" Tusk strode forward, every step echoing with menace.
"It seems you'll be squaring off against our impulsive friend here." At Ommni's snap, Meadow materialized, ensnared within a luminescent psychic bubble, her form limp and lifeless.
"Meadow!" Inari's heart-wrenching cry pierced the tense silence. Alister's gaze darted back to the Zorua, noticing her frantic attempts to rouse Shawn, whose faint stirrings brought a glimmer of hope. With fierce determination, Alister bellowed, "Let her go you snobby asshole!"
"Language! You're speaking to your betters. She's yours if your audacious companion can best my champion," Ommni sneered. With a dismissive gesture, he flung Alister toward Tusk. The impact jolted Alister, his chin bearing the brunt of the fall, but the blow to his pride stung even deeper. Rising shakily, Alister became acutely aware of the translucent psychic barrier that had encapsulated the battleground, spacious enough for maneuverability, yet inescapable.
"Ready for a real challenge, whimp?" Tusk taunted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Rise and face me, as if your very existence depends on it—because, believe me, it does."
Alister, seething with rage, pushed himself onto his hind legs, eyes locked onto Tusk. "Fuck you Tusk! I'm going to make you regret ever wanting to fight me."
Tusk's laughter rumbled like distant thunder. "Your words are as feeble as your strength." With a swift motion, he thudded his tail against the ground, sending tremors that made Alister stagger. Wasting no time, Alister lunged at the imposing Nidoking, throwing a punch. However, Tusk deftly evaded it, leaving Alister off balance. The ensuing tail swipe from Tusk forced Alister to dodge with all his agility.
Seizing the moment, Alister leaped onto Tusk's tail, using it as a springboard to propel himself forward. With all his might, he threw a punch that landed squarely on Tusk's snout. The sound of Tusk's pained roar filled the arena as Alister nimbly somersaulted, landing gracefully behind the Nidoking. However, Tusk quickly regained his composure, and with a powerful stomp, unleashed a tremor that knocked Alister off his feet.
"Thought you could best me, runt?" Tusk sneered, swiftly ensnaring Alister by his tail. With a cruel flick, he sent the Minccino soaring skyward. The force of the throw propelled Alister until he collided with the energy barrier, taking his breath away as he crumpled to the ground.
"ALISTER!" The combined voices of Inari and Shawn echoed with raw concern and fear.
Tusk's menacing laughter rang out, dripping with malevolence. "Don't fret. I'll make sure to save some of this torment for you two, once I'm done pulverizing your companion."
Inari's voice trembled, "Alister, retreat! He's too powerful for you to handle alone."
Through gritted teeth, and with sheer willpower propelling him, Alister managed to stand. Pain coursed through every fiber of his being, but he refused to be defeated, especially not by someone who'd forsaken his allies. "I won't back down," he murmured defiantly.
"Still on your feet, I see," Tusk mused, an edge of surprise in his voice. "Let's remedy that." With predatory intent, Tusk lowered his head, preparing for a charge. As Alister braced himself, squeezing his eyes shut, an unexpected sensation enveloped him—a feeling of familiarity and strength.
It was his Omen Neo. The profound presence of the dragon resonated deeply within Alister's consciousness. ~ I'm with you, Alister. ~ In his mind's eye, he saw the majestic dragon standing beside him, the Jango-mo stood proudly, his chest puffed out, emanating an aura of unwavering resolve. ~ Victory won't come easy, but together, we can achieve it. ~
Bolstered by Neo's encouragement and the strength it brought, Alister's eyes snapped open. An invigorating surge coursed through him, rejuvenating his weary muscles. The world around him seemed to lapse into slow motion, heightening his senses and focus.
"Ready or not, Tusk." Alister's voice held a determined edge. With swift agility, he sidestepped Tusk's oncoming charge, causing the Nidoking to inadvertently crash his horn against the energy barrier. The surprised gasp from Tusk was palpable; he hadn't anticipated the impact. Seizing the moment, Alister vaulted onto Tusk's arm, using it as leverage to propel himself upwards. With a powerful swing, he brought his tail crashing against Tusk's face, sending the formidable creature reeling backward. As Tusk hit the ground, the impact dislodged nearby rocks, scattering them like shrapnel. Without missing a beat, Alister leaped onto Tusk's exposed abdomen, driving the wind out of him.
"Ugh!" Tusk's gasp was almost a growl, his patience clearly fraying. In a swift reflexive motion, he swiped at Alister, dislodging the Minccino from his perch. Alister skidded across the rough terrain, tumbling to a halt several feet away. Shaking off the dizziness, he managed to rise just in time to witness Tusk, fury evident in his eyes, charging once again, this time with his fist pulsating in a menacing glow.
"Face my wrath!" Tusk bellowed.
With a defiant yell, Alister met Tusk's challenge head-on, countering the Nidoking's glowing punch with his own empowered strike. The collision of their fists sent a reverberating shockwave throughout the arena, dispersing the accumulated dust and debris in its wake. Despite his best efforts, Alister found himself overpowered, and the resultant force hurled him backward, causing him to land ungracefully on his backside.
As he tried to regain his bearings, Neo's presence manifested beside him. In a mix of frustration and disbelief, Alister mentally questioned, 'How did I end up on the losing side of that clash?'
Neo's voice echoed in his mind, gently chiding, ~ Remember, Alister, my energy boosts your strength, but it doesn't transform you into an invincible being. Consider it a significant boost, not a transformation. Always prioritize defense and agility. After all, you're a Minccino, not a battle-hardened Kommo-o. ~
'Appreciate the insight,' Alister responded, a hint of sarcasm threading his thoughts.
Neo's voice carried a mix of urgency and conviction, ~ Alister, this is a battle of strategy and wit. We have the advantage of speed. Target his face and horn with precision strikes. Stay nimble, stay focused, and never yield! ~
Taking a moment to center himself, Alister silently acknowledged Neo's guidance. Refocusing, he locked onto the approaching Tusk, who moved with a deliberate menace, his fists pulsing with gathering energy.
"Prepare to be shattered," Tusk threatened, each word dripping with intent.
With a defiant gleam in his eye, Alister responded, "Bring it on!" Concentrating deeply, he channeled his spiritual energy, causing his paws and tail to glow brilliantly. As Tusk lunged, aiming to grasp him, Alister's agility shone through. He darted to Tusk's flank in a blur, leaving the Nidoking taken aback by the swift maneuver.
"Impossible!" Tusk growled, clearly taken aback.
With a smirk, Alister retorted, "Thought you were the only one with tricks up his sleeve?" In a burst of acceleration, Alister lunged at Tusk so swiftly that he seemed to split into multiple forms, leaving a trail of afterimages. Before Tusk could react, Alister's focused attack hit him squarely in the midsection, causing the Nidoking to stagger. Seizing the moment, Alister repositioned and launched himself into Tusk with renewed force, toppling the giant beast onto his back. Hovering over Tusk's prone form, Alister's tail radiated an intense luminescence.
~ Now's your chance! Unleash everything! ~ Neo's voice echoed with determination.
"This ends NOW!" With all his might, Alister brought his glowing tail down onto Tusk. The impact resonated like a thunderclap, sending tremors throughout the cavern and dislodging stalactites from the ceiling. As the settling dust obscured vision momentarily, when it cleared, Tusk was sprawled on the ground, a vivid mark marring his visage, and the very earth beneath him appeared concave from the force of the blow.
"Inconceivable..." Ommni's voice trembled with disbelief. The Alakazam's fingers rested against the barrier, almost as if seeking reassurance from its stability. As the aftermath of the impact settled, Alister slid off Tusk's defeated form, collapsing to the ground, fatigue weighing heavily on him. His limbs trembled, and despite the adrenaline still surging within, he struggled to muster the strength to rise.
'Why am I...?' His thoughts trailed off, clouded by exhaustion.
Neo materialized beside him, the Jangmo-o's presence providing a momentary anchor. ~ Drawing on our combined power takes a toll. ~ He gently nudged Alister, offering both support and solace. ~ But sometimes, that final push makes all the difference. ~
"Alister!" Inari's voice was the first to reach him, followed closely by Shawn. The pair raced to his side as the barrier dissipated, their arms supporting him. Alister looked up, a weary smile spreading across his face, drawing strength from the bond he shared with his companions.
"Curses!" Ommni's voice, dripping with frustration, echoed through the cavern. The group's gaze shifted to the Alakazam, whose facade of confidence had crumbled, revealing sheer dismay at the unexpected turn of events. Inari, bristling with determination, took a bold step forward, her snarl echoing the group's collective sentiment.
"Return Meadow to us. Now."
With a resigned sigh, Ommni acquiesced, "Very well." A snap of his fingers and, in a shimmering glow, Meadow materialized before them, the little Shaymin's serene slumber a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere. "She served her purpose," Ommni remarked dismissively.
Drawing from a deep reservoir of willpower, Alister managed to find his voice, "Your schemes end here, Ommni. You've lost." Even as fatigue threatened to claim him, Alister's spirit remained unyielding, knowing the end of their ordeal was in sight.
Ommni's laughter echoed hauntingly throughout the cavern, each note dripping with a malevolence that sent chills down their spines.
"What's amusing you so?" Shawn's voice held a mix of confusion and indignation.
Ommni's eyes gleamed with twisted amusement. "You think that by besting Tusk, you've achieved something grand? He was but a tool, and he served his purpose to perfection."
Alister, reeling from Ommni's cold words, turned his gaze to the fallen Tusk. "How can you be so heartless? Regardless of his allegiance, he gave everything for you. His loyalty, his passion, his very essence." A surge of emotion welled within Alister, and as it did, a familiar energy coursed through him. Neo's presence, always a beacon in the darkest times, bolstered his resolve.
With eyes blazing with conviction, Alister declared, "You're the true beast here, Ommni."
"Your flattery is noted," Ommni responded with a sardonic grin, stroking his beard. "Eager to challenge me, are you? Very well. Meet me in the throne room. There, we'll bring this dance to its conclusion." With a snap of his fingers, the majestic doors through which he and Tusk had previously entered swung open, revealing the path forward. Casting one last mocking glance their way, the Alakazam gracefully retreated, disappearing into the dim corridor beyond.
As Alister, driven by a mixture of anger and determination, tried to follow, Inari swiftly interceded. "Hold on," she cautioned. "We need to regroup and strategize."
But before Alister could voice his protest, a wave of pain engulfed him, causing his legs to buckle. "Alister!" Shawn's voice was a blend of concern and alarm as he rushed to support his friend.
Inari, her voice laden with worry, began, "If you need to rest, then—"
Cutting her off, Alister managed to say, "I'm not backing down now. Just... give me a moment." He settled beside the slowly rousing Meadow, whose emerald eyes flickered open, reflecting a myriad of emotions.
"Meadow, you're awake!"
Meadow blinked, her gaze sweeping over the group as she pieced together her surroundings. "What happened? Feels like I missed quite a bit," she murmured, her voice soft yet filled with curiosity.
Inari, overcome with relief, gently nuzzled Meadow before pulling her into a tender embrace. "It's been quite an ordeal," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "We were terrified for you."
Alister saw tears brim in Meadow's eyes, and before they knew it, she was sobbing uncontrollably. Gently placing a paw on her quivering back, Alister spoke softly.
"I failed you guys. I—I gave into his influence."
"That's not true," Alister assured her, his mind swirling with images of Ommni and Tusk. The lives they had damaged, the pain they had caused. But Tusk wasn't the one to blame. He was just another victim of Ommni's machinations, another pawn in his cruel game.
As if sensing his thoughts, Inari and Shawn leaned in, embracing both Meadow and him. "You're not alone, Meadow. You never have been," Inari murmured.
Meadow sniffled, looking up. "Chip?"
"You can call me Inari for now," the Omen chuckled. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Chip's other side—his Omen."
Meadow managed a weak smile. "Oh, that's right. Chip is a Shadow Pokemon. It's been a long time since I last spoke to someone's Omen. Pleased to meet you, Inari."
Alister gently extricated himself from the group hug, his body weary but his spirit invigorated. He glanced at the open doorway—the path to their ultimate confrontation. Doubts about defeating Ommni weighed on his mind. But doubt was a luxury they couldn't afford.
"Whatever it takes," Alister mumbled, grappling with the idea of making the ultimate sacrifice.
~ Don't even think about it, ~ Neo's voice echoed in his mind. ~ We'll find a way to win, but let's focus on a strategy first. ~
"Are we all set?" Alister asked, stepping forward.
"Don't rush," Inari cautioned, brushing against him. "You're still recovering."
"I know, but time isn't on our side," Alister replied.
"Ommni wants us to come to him," Shawn interjected, joining them. "We'll be fighting on his turf. Give me a moment; maybe I can devise a strategy."
"You would?" Alister looked at Shawn, genuinely surprised. "When did my boyfriend become a tactician?"
Shawn blushed. "I didn't know we'd reached 'title' status yet. But let's table that for later, okay? Focus."
"Allow me to assist," Meadow declared, stepping in front of them all. "As the General of Fertility and keeper of the Grass Plate, it's my duty to protect you and bring Ommni to justice. And let's not forget..." Her eyes flamed with righteous anger. "He has a lot to answer for, to you and to me. He will pay, one way or another."
With resolute nods, Alister and the group took their leave of the dragon's den. Each step forward felt lighter than the last. His nerves steeled, and Alister had only one destination in mind: Ommni's defeat. Crossing the threshold, an eerie energy enveloped them. It was Ommni's aura, taunting and powerful. They proceeded further, and the door behind them not only closed but vanished entirely.
"No going back," Alister observed.
"We've got this," Inari assured.
"Yeah," everyone else chorused, and they continued.
Soon, a light at the end of the tunnel revealed a grand chamber, complete with an altar framed by stairs. Atop it lay a large, green plate inscribed with mysterious text. Small waterfalls trickled down walls, grass blanketed the ground, and an air of serenity filled the space. Statues of various Pokémon flanked the path toward the altar. There, standing at the base of the stairs, was Ommni's shadowy figure.
"The Grass Plate," Meadow whispered.
As they fully entered, an invisible barrier sealed off their exit.
"Welcome," Ommni greeted, turning to face them with a contemptuous chuckle. "I half-expected you to flee. Not that I'd blame you—you're marching towards your own doom, after all."
"Enough!" Alister snapped. "I'm here to take you down, just like I did with Tusk."
"Alister!" Meadow's eyes flashed. "We fight as a team."
"I know, I know," Alister grumbled, fists clenched. His urge to single-handedly floor Ommni was overwhelming.
"No matter. This will be over quickly, and then I'll ascend these stairs to claim what's rightfully mine," Ommni scoffed.
"Before we battle, answer me this," Meadow probed. "Why the Grass Plate? You're not even a Grass type. Wouldn't the Mind Plate be more your style?"
Ommni's gaze returned to the Grass Plate. "My physical form is aging, weakening. The Grass Plate is said to emit a rejuvenating aura, to turn back the hands of time. I seek eternal life. Once rejuvenated, I'll collect the remaining plates and ascend to godhood."
"So, you aim to rival Arceus and Giratina," Shawn mused. "It's said that possessing all the plates bestows power akin to Arceus himself."
"Exactly. And under my rule, the world will be nothing short of magnificent," Ommni chuckled.
"We can't let that happen," Meadow declared. Alister sensed a surge in her energy, her fur bristling and eyes glowing an intense green. "Arceus relinquished his power to ensure balance. As the Guardian of Fertility, it's my duty to stop you." She glanced at the others. "Shawn, assess the situation and provide tactical support. Inari, back me up. Alister, go easy; you're still recovering."
"No way!" Alister barked, only to be met with Meadow's stern glare. Reluctantly, he fell into place.
"It's just you and me, Guardian of Fertility," Ommni smirked. "Shouldn't you be somewhere else, presenting like the canine you are?"
"Fertility is about more than what you crudely suggest," Meadow retorted, her voice seething with conviction. "I embody the force of life itself, something you'll never understand. Time to show you the true power of a Legendary Pokémon." With that, Meadow unleashed a concentrated orb of life energy. Ommni responded in kind, a sphere of psychic force rocketing from his own form. When the two met, an explosion of energy catapulted everyone but Meadow and Ommni out of the immediate area. A new barrier rose, sealing them in their own combat arena.
"Oh no," Alister muttered as he picked himself up. "Meadow's on her own now."
~ Worry not, young Alister. ~ It was Ommni, telepathically taunting him. A clone of Ommni materialized near the path leading to the Grass Plate. ~ This plate will be mine regardless. Care to try stopping my clone? ~ Ommni's laughter echoed in the minds of Alister and the rest.
Alister clenched his paws. Whether it was Meadow's one-on-one showdown or their own collective battle against Ommni's clone, the stakes were sky-high. For a moment, he felt a weight on his chest, his own doubts and fears making it hard to breathe. Then, he looked around at his friends, at Inari, at Shawn. They had come so far, risked so much. Failure was not an option.
"Alright, let's do this," Alister said, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "For Meadow, for all of us, we'll take down this impostor and prove we're not to be trifled with."
As he moved into a battle stance, ready to engage the clone, he couldn't shake off the unnerving thought: What was happening inside that barrier? What was Meadow going through? But questions had to wait. Now was the time for action, and so, with hearts pounding and spirits aflame, they prepared for the battle that would define them.
The final battle starts now.