Pokémon Radiant Sun
HOLY. SHIT.
Over 200 reviews in five months, and just 1/8th of the way through the story.
That's bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
This is a pretty big milestone for this story and it's one I can't thank you all enough for. Praise, criticism, questions, suggestions, and more have lead to this point that's all because of you, my loyal and awesome readers. I know I do this quite a bit, and it's got to wear on some of you just a little but...Thank you for your support. Your feedback. Your guesses and speculation. Every single thought and emotion you feel while reading this all contribute to this story. And I thank you all for making this as fun as it is.
Now, two points I'd like to make, since they've been brought to my attention recently and I figured it's about time I've officially addressed it.
1. If you're reading this story and have NOT beaten Pokémon Sun and Moon, then I will officially warn you now. This story will spoil everything that game has to offer. There'll be times where I explain information to the readers in story that is revealed to the main characters later. Meaning that I might have a scene in chapter 52 that spoils something that isn't revealed in game until chapter 107, to give an example. So if you're okay with game spoilers, then by all means continue. But if you're still playing Sun and Moon and don't want some of the plot twists ruined for you, I'll highly recommend that you please take the time to finish that game (or at least get to Island #4), before returning to this story. Trust me, it's good enough of a game to warrant doing that.
2. Next point. Guns. Yeah, there's guns in this story. Why? Because criminals use guns pretty frequently. Cipher is, in my mind, one of the more brutal and serious criminal organizations in all of Pokémon. Why would they NOT use guns? Yeah, they could just rely on Pokémon to do their dirty work. By why use one when you can use both? Especially since they don't care about their image or have a lofty goal they're trying to build towards.
Also, just as a point of reference, some of the best Pokémon stories in the entire archive have characters who use guns with no problems. Check out "Pedestal" by Digital Skitty, or even "The Road to be a Pokémon Master: Kanto Arc." Guns are used a few times to great effect in both of those fantastic fics. Same thing in this story. There's even been guns in the actual Pokémon show once, before that episode got banned.
Anyways, just figured I'd finally address that. I've gotten a few remarks about that in the past and just think that's kind of an odd thing to comment on in a story. I'm sorry if I come off as rude and I mean no disrespect to those who voiced concerns or disapproval over guns in the story. Just figured I'd address those who raised questions and offer my stance on why I've done things how I have. Hopefully that explanation helped a little.
I would also like to take a moment and apologize for the brief delay on this chapter. It would've been up earlier, but my grandmother (who I spoke of a few weeks back), passed away this week and I needed to attend her viewing and funeral, which took up a great deal of my time this weekend.
Thank you for your patience and all of the support that you all have given me.
Shoutout to those who reviewed since the last chapter, which includes Anasazi Darkmoon, Technetium2, Madame Rodoshe, Sai Og Sus, FedoraGalaxiez, BouncingFish, Cottonmouth25, skyguys, Raikou927, a new guest reviewer known as anonymous, BraviaryScout, Ignaci0, a Guest reviewer, as well as two new reviewers known as Gokan123 and Kmburn. You all are amazing. Just figured I'd throw that out there.
Here's to another 175 chapters of sheer awesome.
Enjoy.
Chapter 26: The Angel of Death
Tapu Koko darted forward faster than the bullet, effortlessly snatching it out of thin air as the Pokémon lunged at Amber, swiping at the assassin with an arm charged with lightning and a furious cry escaping the Guardian Deity. Amber reacted just as quickly, jumping backwards to dodge the initial attack but was surprised by the lightning that Tapu Koko hurled at her, sending her crashing into a faraway tree with a scream of agony as she writhed in place as the electricity coursed through her body.
"I WARNED YOU." Tapu Koko intoned through Sun's Z-Ring, getting in a fighting stance and rushing at the woman. Tapu Koko reared an arm back and threw a strike aimed at the woman's head-
Only for Amber to throw herself to the ground and fire a shot into the Guardian's back as she rolled to her feet. The bullet bounced off of the arm of Tapu Koko who whirled around with a growl and flung an arm down. The act released another blast of lightning that struck down the assassin, making her howl in agony and fall to one knee.
And then Amber smiled. A horrifying grin that made the Tapu's eyes narrow in anger. He wasn't just doing battle with a human.
He was fighting a monster.
"Let's make this an even fight." Amber hissed as she forced herself to a standing position as Tapu Koko rushed at the woman again, only for an Xatu to appear in front of it and release a massive wave of psychic force that sent the legendary hurtling backwards through a tree, sending it toppling to the ground. Amber snatched up two Poké Balls from her waist and released a massive Infernape and a Kingdra and pressed a finger to her temple.
"Command. This is Admin Amber. Looks like I got my wish. Expect that unique Pokémon you were wanting me to get…Understood. Admin Amber out." The assassin reloaded her pistol and drew a knife from her armor, twirling it in her hand expertly.
"Avis, sync up. Everyone else, get ready!" Amber commanded as Tapu Koko burst out of the trees with a battle cry escaping its mouth. The Infernape leapt forward, with fire and a swirling torrent of water flying forwards and slamming into the legendary protector with a massive explosion of force and creating a thick cloud of smoke. Tapu Koko barreled through the smoke with a yell, firing off two massive Shock Waves that crashed into both Pokémon, making them scream in pain. The Kingdra snapped out of its first, firing off a Hydro Pump that just barely missed the Tapu. However, the Island Guardian stiffened as a harsh blue glow surrounded its body and made the Pokémon screech in pain and shut its eyes tightly, subject to the Psychic attack being administered to it by the Xatu floating below. Amber's Infernape unleashed a Fire Blast while Kingdra fired off a massive Hyper Beam, hitting the immobile god Pokémon with ease and creating an almighty explosion of force within the sky.
"Come on Tapu Koko! You can do it!" Sun yelled to the legendary Pokémon. At Sun's words the smoke cleared, revealing Tapu Koko standing tall, glaring down at its opponents as it's electrical aura fired up again. With a yell as it threw its arms apart, the legendary protector's entire body exploded with lightning that rained down from above, striking Amber and her three Pokémon. Amber fell to one knee, clutching her head and extending a hand towards Tapu Koko.
Without a command, the three Pokémon reacted quickly. Infernape unleashed a torrent of flames from it's mouth while Kingdra spewed out a Water Pulse. The Xatu teleported and reappeared behind Tapu Koko, allowing the Guardian Deity to hit it with a blast of lighting before soaring downwards, dodging the other two attacks with an elegant twirl and landing right in front of Sun and Lillie.
"Lillie, do you see Oliver or Penny?" Sun asked his friend quietly, looking around for his Pokémon. He wanted them to help Tapu Koko if at all possible. Sure, the Island Guardian was holding its own and was incredibly powerful, but it was still four against one, if you included Amber.
"I haven't seen them Sun. They vanished into the trees when we walked into the clearing." Lillie whispered, shaking with fear at the horrific battle before them.
"DO NOT INTERFERE." Tapu Koko said suddenly, its voice echoing out from Sun's Z-Ring.
"I want to help!" Sun tried to argue.
"I WILL DEAL WITH THIS MATTER. REMAIN HERE." Tapu Koko said to Sun, offering him and Lillie a glance within its wild eyes before turning forward, just in time for an Ultra Ball to hit it square in the face. Tapu Koko was sucked into the ball in a flash of light.
"NO!" Sun screamed as the ball clattered to the ground, shaking once.
"You're an idiot if you didn't think I wasn't going to try that." Amber remarked with a chuckle, taking that moment to apply Full Restores to her Pokémon as they drew closer to her. Amber watched the Ultra Ball warily as it shook a second time with a strained smile on her face, pausing to look down at her fingers and flex them with a wince. Amber looked up again as the Ultra Ball shook a third time, but yelled out as Sun raised his foot up and stomped down on it as hard as he could, shattering it on the ground and releasing Tapu Koko with a massive explosion of light.
"Oh, you little brat." Amber sighed, shaking her head as Tapu Koko shook with fury. The legendary protector got into a fighting stance, growling softly.
"FOR THE RECORD, I WAS ABOUT TO BREAK FREE…BUT I APPRECIATE THE ASSISTANCE, YOUNG ONE." Tapu Koko remarked, giving Sun a small nod before it turned forward and held out both of its hands, charging up a sphere of lightning before hurling it forward, where it slammed into Amber's Xatu and made the Pokémon screech in pain as the attack shocked it beyond all reason.
"Damn it. Should've figured you'd be hard to get...that's alright. It's more fun this way!" Amber muttered before snapping her fingers. Infernape and Kingdra both responded by firing off two Hyper Beams, both of which were blocked by Tapu Koko shifting into its shield-state to protect both itself and the children behind it.
"This thing really is tough, though. It'll make a wonderful Shadow Pokémon…" Amber mused aloud while her Xatu flared its wings with its eyes glowing bright blue, hitting Tapu Koko with another Psychic attack. A few moments passed with nothing happening, but soon enough Tapu Koko's arms were flung apart, revealing itself to its opponents and allowing the Tapu to be hit with a Flamethrower, driving the Pokémon back with a snarl. The Island Guardian replied by leaping high into the sky, dodging another Hydro Pump and a Shadow Ball, before plummeting towards the ground with red flames erupting around it, making the very air shudder with power. Then, as it reached the ground, the legendary protector's body exploded into a fiery blue aura as it rushed towards Amber's Infernape, slamming into it with Brave Bird and hitting it hard enough to send the Pokémon to the ground unconscious.
Amber scowled and snapped her fingers, making her Xatu and Kingdra lunge forward. Both of them began shooting water and orbs of darkness at the Tapu while Amber sprinted to her downed Infernape, sliding under an Electro Ball thrown at her and reaching into a pack on her hip and pulling out a strange spiky rock that Sun recognized as a Max Revive. She pressed it against her Infernape and it began to glow and then dissolve, but it also made all of the fire monkey's wounds heal before their very eyes. The Infernape hopped to its feet and charged at the Tapu as Amber pulled a small box off of her back and set it on the ground. The assassin opened it, quickly drawing out two black pistols and a pulling out a series of parts to something bigger. That something was quickly assembled by the assassin, and turned out to be a very lethal-looking shotgun. Amber shuddered, flexing her fingers and rolling her neck for a moment before slinging the shotgun's strap over her back and stowing one pistol in her belt, firing the other on the Guardian Deity repeatedly.
Tapu Koko raised its shields to block the bullets, drawing its attention away from the Xatu and Kingdra that both launched a Psychic and a Hydro Pump at the Tapu's back, knocking it forward into a Flame Wheel from Infernape. Tapu Koko was knocked through the air with a cry, burn marks seared into its body and making the Pokémon cringe in pain. As the Infernape leapt into the air to attempt a second Flame Wheel, it was caught in midair by Tapu Koko, who stared down at the Pokémon with thinly veiled fury.
"What!?" Amber shouted in surprise as Tapu Koko suddenly hurled the fire monkey sky high into the air and pointed up at it, releasing a deadly arc of lightning that struck the airborne monkey repeatedly. Tpau Koko dropped out of the air to dodge a Shadow Ball and slammed a hand onto the ground, creating a strange circular pool of pink energy at its feet that suddenly reappeared beneath Kingdra, exploding outwards and making the Pokémon scream in pain. Tapu Koko felt another stream of bullets slam into it and the Guardian Deity fired an Electro Ball at Amber in response, making the woman leap back to dodge the attack with a fierce grin on her face. Sun wondered how she was even alive after getting hit so many times. It was...horrifying to think someone could continue to fight like she was after being hurt so badly.
As if reading Sun's mind, Lillie muttered, "That armor is the only reason she's survived this long. No way could a normal human survive so many direct attacks from a Pokémon like Tapu Koko. But this is really scary...what is this woman?"
Amber's Infernape landed on the ground with a harsh crunch, shakily getting up as Kingdra and Xatu continued to launch attacks at the nimble legendary protector, who continued to elegantly dodge the attacks and rain lightning down on the three Pokémon. Amber watched the display with an eager smile, as if she wasn't in a duel to the death with a powerful Pokémon but watching an exciting game. The woman straightened after a moment, making a swift hand gesture before her Xatu swooped above the Tapu and opened it's mouth wide before releasing an almighty beam of raw energy that rocketed towards Tapu Koko, enveloping it completely and creating a massive explosion that sent Sun and Lillie tumbling backwards. Sun caught the injured Growlithe with a yelp, and kept it from moving further by carefully bracing himself against it as the shock-waves from the Hyper Beam settled. Sun could have sworn he felt the Puppy Pokémon stir in his arms, but he figured he was imagining it.
"Haha! This thing is really tough! Haven't fought a legendary with this much moxie since…Ever." Amber remarked with a laugh, leaning against her Xatu with a small sigh of relief, only to step away from her bird as the smoke cleared and revealed Tapu Koko standing tall, panting slightly and looked a bit ragged but otherwise fine.
Tapu Koko tilted its head for a moment before holding out a hand, creating a black shimmering rift within the air itself. Amber swore loudly as a Hyper Beam erupted from the rift and soared towards her Xatu, slamming into the Pokémon and making it scream in pain as it crashed onto the ground before the Pokémon was enveloped in an explosion. Tapu Koko then raised both of it arms, both of them sparking wildly, only for an Infernape to ram into it with a blazing inferno known as a Flare Blitz roaring around it. Tapu Koko tumbled back into the forest with a yell, getting hit by Water Pulse a moment later and sending it further away from the battle. A raging Flamethrower hit it a moment later as the Infernape chased after the Island Guardian. Wordlessly the Kingdra began to follow the pair of fighting Pokémon deeper into the forest, leaving the clearing much less crowded. The Xatu slowly rose to its feet with a wince before looking at Amber and then vanishing without another word.
"I wonder…is she using her Xatu to command those Pokémon without yelling out orders?" Sun wondered before Amber spoke again, cutting off his train of thought.
"Alright, so Avis is helping the others and combined, that'll keep the giant rooster god thing out of the way. Good...Let's get back to business." Amber said as she turned around, aiming her pistol at Sun and Lillie, cracking another smile as she fired her weapon. Just as the assassin pulled the trigger of her weapon, Sun felt something collide into him with hellacious force.
However…it was not a bullet. But rather an owl moving faster than it had ever moved before.
Lillie and Sun crashed onto the ground as Oliver tackled them both, knocking them just out of the way of Amber's bullet as her gun fired. The furious owl released a barrage of blade quills with a flap of its wings, disarming the woman.
"Huh. Should've expected that." Amber remarked as she eyed her fallen weapon carelessly before turning her attention to the Dartrix that had landed on the ground, glaring at the murderer as he stood protectively over Sun and Lillie with his wings flared out. Amber shrugged before pulling out her second pistol again and aiming it at Oliver, who remained still, staring down the barrel of the gun pointed at him. Sun was amazed that Oliver had not only saved their lives, but was now staring death in the face to protect them.
"That's adorable. You really think you can stand up to me?" Amber asked the owl. Oliver gave the woman a horrifying look of pure rage in response and hissed, a sound that made even Sun flinch at the harshness of the noise and was all the answer the woman needed. The woman fired her gun at Oliver, but the bullet was sliced in half by an expertly thrown blade quill. Amber sidestepped the quill as her smile widened.
"Daaaaartix! Dar dar dar trix!" Oliver screeched at the woman.
"Really now? Well, I commend you for your bravery, but bravery didn't stop the last thing I killed." Amber remarked lightly, gesturing to the bleeding dog Sun was trying to check on as she spoke. Sun growled at the woman, trying to burn a hole through her with his gaze.
"Dar…trix." Oliver replied, bending a little lower and making the woman in front of him tilt her head in confusion before a white and red blur slammed into the back of her head, sending her toppling to the ground and knocking the woman's helmet off of her head.
"Penny!" Sun yelled as he saw his smaller bird flying above the downed woman, chirping triumphantly. He had been wondering where the other bird had gone, and was curious as to whether or not she had been lurking within the trees and waiting for the right moment to strike. Sun realized that was exactly the case and that Penny and Oliver had figured out a plan of attack somehow and he felt a fierce rush of pride in his Pokémon for that. The little bird soared over to Sun with a twitter and landed on his shoulder.
"Nice work you two! Come on, we need to get out of here." Sun said to Lillie and his Pokémon, wondering where Hau was at the moment before shaking his head and turning his attention to the injured Growlithe beside him. The dog was regained consciousness and was weakly breathing fire on its chest. Sun watched the dog in fascination as it burned the horrifying wound shut, cauterizing it and stopping the bleeding. If the situation wasn't so terrifying and dire, he would have thought the dog was really cool for doing something so…hardcore to save itself.
Sun made an attempt to lift the Puppy Pokémon, but Lillie stopped him, having regained her senses after being paralyzed with fear for most of the encounter with Amber.
"S-stop, Sun. You'll hurt him. He needs medical attention, fast. He may have stopped the bleeding, but that Growlithe has lost far too much blood. It won't be conscious for much longer and it may not wake up a second time." Lillie said softly to her friend, pulling out a Super Potion from her bag. Sun grabbed it from her and prepared himself to apply the healing substance to the Growlithe's wound when a gunshot rang out, making the bottle explode in Sun's hands as Lillie screamed.
"That hurt…I'll kill you all slowly for that." Amber grunted as she staggered to her feet, clutching the back of her head with a dazed expression. Oliver and Penny both flew at the woman with glowing beaks without needing an order from Sun, forcing the woman back even as she began firing at the two birds, her disorientation showing as she wasn't able to land a shot. Amber ducked under a Peck from Penny and leapt backwards to avoid a series of Razor Leafs from Oliver, dodging the expert aim of the Dartrix as she glared at the two birds swooping overhead.
"Ugh, I forgot what being knocked out was like. That said…" Amber growled as she fired her pistol at Oliver, who intercepted the bullet again with a blade quill.
"I'm not letting a few kids get the better of me!" Amber yelled out as she suddenly lashed out with her foot, connecting with Penny as the bird attempted to attack the assassin from behind again. The Pikipek tumbled to the ground just outside of the clearing without a sound as Oliver screeched in fury, darting towards the woman with a Peck. Amber sidestepped the attack and pulled out a small purple ball from the belt on her waist.
"Catch!" Amber yelled as she squeezed the ball and hurled it at the Dartrix. The owl tried to dodge the ball, but it exploded in his face and engulfed him in a cloud of purple smoke. The bird fell out of the sky and crashed onto the ground, eyes shut tight in pain as a strange pale fell over the owl. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the gas from that ball had poisoned the Dartrix.
"Oliver! Penny!" Sun screamed as he got to his feet, running forward to help his Pokémon despite the yell from Lillie.
To Sun's surprise, the Xatu from before flashed into existence in front of him, flaring its wings with a horrifying laugh. Its eyes began glowing blue as Sun was lifted into the air against his will, a strange force taking hold of him.
"That was fun. You definitely put up more of a fight than Erika did, that's for sure. But I don't like being knocked out, even if for only a few moments. Avis…Let's make our little friend here scream." Amber said lightly, almost playfully as she held out a hand in front of her.
"DAAARR!"
Amber ducked as Oliver soared back through the clearing, barely avoiding having her head impaled by a Peck attack. However, the attack still managed to collide with Avis the Xatu, who was knocked out of the air in surprise and was hit with a barrage of super-powered Razor Leafs due to Oliver's Overgrow ability kicking into effect. The Mystic Pokémon screeched in pain before Oliver smashed into it with a vicious Tackle, sending it to the ground. The Xatu landed on the ground with an audible crunch and looked up at Oliver with a furious glare.
"Oliver, use Astonish!" Sun called out as he picked himself up off of the ground, having been dropped by the Xatu. The Dartrix widened its eyes and made a horrifying face as shadows surrounded it. The Xatu was so surprised by this that it didn't even move as Oliver flew forward and slammed into it yet again with the Ghost-type attack, knocking it backwards with a cry. Oliver released another flurry of leaves at the Xatu before being flung through the air by a Psychic attack from the furious Xatu.
"I'm surprised you let that bird do so much damage to you, Avis." Amber remarked as she watched Oliver crash through the trees and slam into the ground, shuddering with pain as it looked over at them before passing out.
"He won't do much more." Avis replied as she began flying over to the Dartrix, but Amber stopped her with a wave.
"Nah. I'm having fun. If I actually cared about this, I'd make the kid give me half of his money, since he just lost that fight…" Amber turned her attention fully to Avis. "With that Tapu Koko thing gone, I can actually enjoy myself. I haven't let loose and really gone nuts in a while. Once we're done here I'll have to wash the blood off though and get back to HQ for that status report. Borlath hates it when I track blood inside the buildings." Amber remarked with a shrug, pointing at the small splotches of crimson on her boots.
While the woman was chatting with her Pokémon, a soft growl caught Sun's attention and he turned forward in time to see that the Growlithe that Amber had shot was now on all fours, panting and looking like it was in indescribable pain but looking at Sun with an intense expression that Sun recognized after a moment.
It wanted to fight.
"You're hurt..." Sun said quietly to the dog, amazed at its will to keep fighting. The Growlithe crouched down to the ground, a grunt escaping it as it turned towards Amber. It was obvious what that meant, even to the younger Trainer. Sun wracked his mind for what attacks a Growlithe might know, trying to overcome his amazement that the dog was still conscious after being shot. A voice from behind him almost made the boy jump in surprise.
"Sun, that Growlithe can use Bite, Roar, and Ember. Use that to your advantage!" Rotom whispered from Sun's backpack. "You can do it buddy! I know you can! Kinda trying to stay hidden, since I'm not very strong in this state. Just let me know if I can help in any way! Zz-zzt!"
"Use Ember on the ground! Keep your distance and distract her!" Sun commanded the Growlithe. The dog nodded and opened its mouth wide, spewing a flurry of fire at the assassin as she turned back around, eyes widening in surprise as she jumped back.
"I'm done with this and you." Amber said calmly as she walked forward, through the flames and drew a silver knife from her belt, a deadly smile leaping to her face as she advanced towards Sun and the Growlithe. Sun felt guilty for even ordering the wild Pokémon to do this, to try and attack while so badly hurt, but he didn't have a choice. Sun then remembered something and smiled as Amber's Xatu floated above her Trainer.
"Use Roar!" Sun yelled out. The Puppy Pokémon let out a loud, powerful roar of fury as the Avis the Xatu rushed towards them with bright blue glowing eyes. The Pokémon stopped in her tracks, blinking, before it was suddenly whisked away back into her Poké Ball to the dumbfounded surprise of Amber.
"Seriously…Did you just…" Amber muttered, amazed that the child had been so quick-thinking. Regardless, Amber hurled the knife at the Growlithe, making Sun and Lillie yell out in horror as the knife buried itself in the Pokémon's chest exactly where it had been shot before. The Puppy Pokémon fell to the ground again, remaining still. Lillie rushed forward, trying to figure out how to stop the Pokémon from losing even more blood and staining her dress with crimson.
"That little pooch stopped the bleeding from the gunshot from before with its fire. Smart. Man, you Alolans are full of surprises, aren't you? Now I can't use Avis for at least a few minutes. But I don't need her for what comes next, do I?" Amber asked Sun with a wide smile as she walked forward, unclipping a Poké Ball from her waist and calling forth an Electivire, a lumbering beast that glared down at the boy in front of him that took a step back from the Thunderbolt Pokémon.
"Psychic." Amber commanded, lifting a hand as if in benediction. Sun stiffened as he felt a strange force take hold of him again and lift him into the air, sending painful shudders down his body. Lillie watched on in silent horror as her friend floated several feet off of the ground. Amber flung her hand outward and Sun went hurtling backwards into a tree, slamming into it hard enough to make the boy scream out in pain.
"NO!" Lillie screamed as Sun floated away from the tree, only to smash into it again. Sun remained silent this time, teeth grit in pain as his body was drug through the dirt, thrown onto the ground and through the air like a ragdoll, every inch of him in agonizing pain as the Electivire dominated his movements with ease. Lillie felt nothing but horror and helplessness as she watched her friend being attacked in such a manner. Finally Sun was flung into the grass, panting and heaving in pain as the Electivire released its attack before it assaulted him anew, forcing him into the dirt as every inch of him exploded in pain, making him finally scream out before the attack was released.
"No! Leave him alone, please!" Lillie yelled at the woman, tears running down her face as she watched Sun try and get to his feet, his arms and legs bleeding from various cuts and scrapes he had acquired. Lillie felt her heart almost shatter as Sun slowly got to his feet, his expression defiant. Ready to stand against the evil woman who had caused so much pain. He didn't look the slightest bit scared, staring down the woman with his grey eyes a hurricane of emotions. Amber swaggered towards Sun, a happy smile on her face like she didn't have a care in the world, even as her Electivire threw Sun to the ground again with ease with Psychic.
"Alrighty. I'll have fun with you instead." Amber changed direction mid-step, walking towards Lillie with an even wider grin. Lillie gulped and tried to get to her feet, but with a hand gesture from its Trainer, the Electivire froze her in her tracks with a Psychic attack.
"You're a pretty little thing, aren't you? Like a princess. You remind me of someone…Can't remember who though. Ain't that funny…Oh well." Amber mused as she drew a slender dagger from her boot and leveled it at Lillie, stepping closer to the girl and knocking her hat aside and grabbing her by the hair. Sun rolled over on the ground and saw what was going on and felt pure fury course through him, white-hot anger that mixed in with the horror of seeing his friend in such danger. He rolled back onto his stomach, putting his hands in front of himself and forcing himself up.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Sun yelled as Amber cast a wide smile at the boy, holding the knife in her left hand while the right was clamped down in Lillie's hair. Lillie's expression was one of abject terror, tears rolling down her face as she shook in horror at the woman beside her. Sun got to his feet, trembling in pain but refusing to let Lillie get hurt. The boy took a step forward and stumbled, but a burst of Psychic from the Electivire sent him back into the tree with a scream of agony, his body pinned there by the Electivire before it dropped him to the ground again.
"Sorry kiddo. But like I told your owl…Being brave doesn't make you invincible." Amber said as her smile became Cheshire at the boy's fury and fear, unsure of what to do as he tried to get up.
"Nope! But it does make my job a whole lot easier!"
Amber whirled around just in time to get a fist to the face, courtesy of a familiar man wearing a white lab-coat and sunglasses. Professor Kukui's punch made the assassin stumble back with a yell of pain, only to have her arms suddenly grabbed by the Professor and yanked forward so that the man could throw the woman over his shoulders in an impressive display of strength and agility. Amber crashed onto the ground with a grunt and tried to rise to her feet after a moment, but a kick to the side of the head from Alola's Regional Professor knocked her down again.
"How's it feel to throw down with someone who can actually fight back!?" Kukui said harshly to the woman before turning around to face a furious Electivire, which flung down its arms to release a blast of lightning that was stopped by a Protect from a Magnezone that suddenly appeared next to Kukui alongside a Starmie.
"Psychic and Flash Cannon, full power!" Kukui commanded. The Electivire's body began glowing blue, a roar of pain escaping the beast before a shimmering beam of energy slammed into the Pokémon and knocked it to the ground.
"Ice Beam, Starmie!" Kukui said as he brushed past the Pokémon, even as it reached towards the man. The Thunderbolt Pokémon was then struck by an icy blue beam of energy, freezing it completely solid. Kukui walked over to Amber, snatching her shotgun off of her back and emptying it of ammunition before tossing it aside.
"Lillie, are you alright?" Kukui asked, rushing to the girl's side. Lillie fell to her hands and knees, shaking horribly in sheer terror as she began hyperventilating, throwing herself into Professor Kukui's arms with a sob as he approached her. The Professor embraced the girl, stroking her head and muttering something to her to try and calm her down.
"She'll be okay. Good work Sun." Kukui said to the young Trainer, who was struggling to stand. Kukui let go of Lillie, wiping her eyes.
"I need to check on the Growlithe. Be brave for me, okay?" Kukui asked the little girl, smiling at her. Lillie didn't reply verbally, only nodding in response as she grabbed Kukui's hand as the Professor walked over to Sun, only for a loud swear to answer them.
"I swear to Arceus. The next person who knocks me out is getting smacked." Amber growled, rising to her feet as she pulled out a Poké Ball.
"Let's see how you deal with this! Rhyperior!" Amber called out, releasing a massive Pokémon covered in armor plating that resembled a bipedal rhino of sorts…however something was off about it. The Pokémon had a glazed look to its eyes with a ferocious look on its face, one of pure fury and anger. The air seemed to distort slightly around the Pokémon, adding a feeling of inherent wrongness to the very sight of such a Pokémon.
"That Rhyperior…That's one of your Shadow Pokémon, isn't it? A Pokémon tortured by Cipher to become nothing more than a mindless fighting machine. The door to its heart shut completely…" Kukui muttered, clenching his fists tightly.
"Where's Tapu Koko?" Kukui suddenly asked the two children, not looking at them.
"Still fighting Amber's Pokémon. She's got an Infernape and a Kingdra that knocked it away from the battle." Sun explained as they eyed the Shadow Rhyperior. Kukui wordlessly released his Rockruff and a larger version of Litten that Sun later learned was a Torracat. His Starmie and Magnezone made their way over to them. As this happened, Amber's Electivire exploded free of the ice, leaping over to Amber as electricity surged around it.
"You think you can do it then? Be the big hero of the day and kill the villain? I'm a sucker for clichés, so go for it, big man. Show me what you've got." Amber said to Kukui, a small smile on her face as she slowly began waking forward. To the children's surprise, Kukui did the same, walking towards the woman with an unreadable expression of seriousness on his face.
"No. I've never killed anyone before. Never thought I'd have to either. But I'll be damned if I'll let a monster like you harm another innocent so long as I'm still standing, Miss Fontaine." Kukui said in a chilling tone that none of the three children had heard him speak in before. Amber shook her head in response, chuckling softly.
"Alright then, Professor-" Amber suddenly stopped speaking and lunged at the man with a dagger leaping into her hand. As the woman stabbed at Kukui the man swiftly dodged to the right, grabbing the woman's arm and jerking it upwards while delivering a harsh knee to her stomach in one of the less-armored areas of her body suit. Amber was bowled over as Kukui brought up both arms above her, bringing them together before delivering an axe-handle strike to the woman's back and driving her to the ground. Kukui leapt onto the woman's back, delivering several blows to her skull as she tried to fight the Professor off, and succeeded in slamming an armored forearm into his face before pulling out a Poké Ball and releasing a Breloom.
While the two struggled, their Pokémon had thrown themselves into an all-out brawl. Amber's Breloom, Electivire, and her Shadow Rhyperior all assumed positions next to their Trainer as Kukui took a few steps back, smiling grimly as he Pokémon gathered by his side.
"Starmie, sync up." Kukui said as he cracked his knuckles. Amber walked over to her shotgun, checking it over and sighing before grabbing a few shells from her belt and loading it into the weapon, slinging it over her back again before Amber returned her attention to the battle, a fierce smile on her face before both sides unleashed their attacks.
Lillie had run back over to Sun, helping the boy to his feet. Sun wordlessly pointed at the Growlithe on the ground, who had remained completely still since the knife had been buried inside of him with more blood leaking from the wound. Lillie dug out another Super Potion and Sun quickly applied it to the massive wound, stopping most of the bleeding. However, the blade was still wedged inside of the dog's chest and needed to be removed.
"We need to take him to a Pokémon Center. If he's out here much longer, it doesn't matter how tough he is…" Lillie whispered, grabbing Sun's arm tightly. The boy nodded and was about to reply when a yell caught his attention.
"Sun!" The Kanto-native whirled around in time to see Hau running towards them, with Casey riding on his shoulders and Duke running at his feet. Sun's heart leapt as he spotted Penny and Oliver soaring above him, completely healed.
"Sorry I couldn't help! I was…really scared and didn't know what to do. So I hid just outside of the clearing and texted Kukui and watched and ran around to find and heal Penny and Oliver when they got hurt and…Oh Arceus, she almost killed you both!" Hau stammered in a hurried rush, sounding absolutely horrified and like he was about to start crying.
"Hau. You're fine. It's okay." Sun reassured his friend with a smile as Oliver and Penny flew to their trainer, nuzzling him for a moment before Sun got to his feet, looking over at the battle. Kukui and Amber were still brawling, still in a deadlock of sorts as both the Professor and the assassin traded quick and furious blows with one another. While Kukui didn't have any sort of protection or weapons, he seemed to be able to dodge and hit Amber far more frequently than she could hit him. Amber, on the other hand, could easily do a lot of damage to Kukui if she could hit him, but the woman was moving noticeably slower than she had been before, after all of the attacks she had taken over the course of the battle that night and was tanking the blows with no problems.
"Let's help the Professor. Maybe we can help turn the tide of the fight. Lillie, please keep an eye on the Growlithe, okay?" Sun said to the girl, looking into her green eyes. After a moment the girl nodded, knowing that Sun trusted her to keep the Pokémon safe.
"Stay safe you two." Lillie whispered as Sun limped over to where Kukui's Starmie and Rockruff were being battered back by Amber's Breloom. Magnezone and Torracat were handling Shadow Rhyperior and Electivire more or less, with Kukui's Pokémon being slightly overwhelmed.
"Oliver, Penny! Double Peck attack on Breloom!" Sun commanded as both birds shot forward. Breloom dodged the attacks, but it allowed Starmie and Rockruff a brief reprieve before wordlessly joining their teammates in battling the Electivire and Rhyperior and leaving the Breloom to Sun as he commanded the birds to use Peck again to keep the Breloom from attacking the retreating Pokémon.
"Casey, use Disarming Voice! Duke, Electro Ball!" Hau called out, stepping up next to Sun. All four attacks rushed towards the Grass/Fighting Pokémon, who nimbly dodged every single one of the attacks and retaliated with a Seed Bomb that sent Duke and Casey flying backwards with pained expressions on their faces. As it did this, however, Penny and Oliver soared around and delivered two Peck attacks to the Pokémon, making it howl in pain. The Breloom glared at the two birds and kicked off of the ground, spinning around and delivering an Iron Tail to Oliver that he couldn't avoid, knocking the bird into the trees.
"Oliver!" Sun shouted as the Breloom landed on the ground, only for a Water Gun to blast the Pokémon, followed by a ball of electricity slamming into it and electrocuting it right proper.
"No worries buddy. I've got your back!" Hau said as Sun looked over at his friend, giving him a thumbs up and a worried little smile. Sun smiled back at his friend with a nod before noticing the Breloom was giving them a furious look.
"Bree…LOOM!" the Pokémon snarled, opening its mouth wide as energy began forming within.
"Looks like Solar Beam. Let's get it hard so that it can't finish the move!" Hau said to Sun before saying, "Disarming Voice and Quick Attack!"
"Penny, use Peck!" Sun commanded his other bird. Duke rushed forward and slammed into the middle of the Mushroom Pokémon, making it wince in pain before a pink beam hit it and made the Breloom's eyes widen. Penny soared forward and delivered a Peck to the back of Amber's Pokémon as Oliver soared back to the fight, releasing a Razor Leaf at the assassin's Grass/Fighting Pokémon. To Sun's horror, the attack continued to form in the mouth of the Breloom and even worse, the Pokémon was now moving, using a Seed Bomb to batter back Hau's Pokémon and hitting Oliver with a Mach Punch. The Breloom then looked dead at Sun with a triumphant gleam in its eyes.
Sun realized the Pokémon was preparing to unleash its attack at him.
"Piki pi!"
Penny smashed into the Breloom just as it opened its mouth to unleash its Solar Beam, shutting the mouth of the Pokémon and causing the attack to detonate within it's mouth. The Pokémon stumbled backwards with a moan of pain as smoke poured out of its mouth, only for a second Peck attack to slam into its chest from the enraged Pikipek. The Breloom fell to the ground with a pained cry before finally passing out.
"You did it…Penny you knocked it out! You saved me!" Sun said breathlessly as he ran over and hugged his Pikipek as she flew towards him. Penny chirped happily as she returned the hug before a bright glow suddenly enveloped the small bird.
Sun gasped and set the Pikipek on the ground, too stunned to do anything else but watch as his second Pokémon began evolving, slowly growing in size as swirling light filled the clearing. After several seconds the newly evolved bird's flared its wings, its new voice filling the clearing.
"Trumbeeeeeak!" Penny called out, flapping her wings and soaring into Sun's arms as the boy regarded his new Pokémon with a grin. She was much larger, with differently arrayed feathers and a longer beak that was bright orange, ending in red and black.
"Dar dar!" Oliver happily hooted as he rose from the ground.
"Alright. One down one to-" Sun began to say before a Torracat smashed into him, having been thrown through the air. Sun was thankfully caught by Hau and Penny before he fell to the ground, so Sun set down the larger cat and looked over at the battle taking place beside them.
"Shadow Smash!" Amber yelled to the Shadow Rhyperior, her psychotic smile unwavering as she dodged a punch from Professor Kukui and headbutted the man away from her. Sun felt a strange shiver roll through the air as the Drill Pokémon's body shuddered violently, the beast throwing its arms apart as it roared, a mighty cry that echoed throughout the cliffs. Sun then noticed a twisted aura of sorts enveloping the Shadow Pokémon as it began taking several steps towards Professor Kukui, slowly walking towards the man but it quickly began building up speed. Within moments the beast was charging towards the Professor as an invisible maelstrom of energy swirled around the Pokémon.
Kukui delivered a harsh backhanded blow to Amber's chest, taking care to hit her where the body armor was the least reinforced and kicking her directly in the face, making her yelp with pain. Amber staggered back for a moment before lashing out with a swift kick, making Kukui backpedal a few steps with a pained look as it connected with his chest. He then caught sight of the Rhyperior charging towards him with a gasp. To his surprise, however, his Starmie jumped in front of the beast and hit it with a Psychic attack, enveloping the Pokémon in a blue aura-
That shattered within moments, only serving to slow down the now irate Shadow Pokémon. Starmie tried to get out of the way, but Rhyperior let out a scream of fury and collided with the starfish Pokémon, creating a shock-wave of force that nearly knocked the children off their feet. Starmie let out a strange strangled noise as the massive gem in its center shattered into a thousand pieces, leaving little of the gem core behind as Starmie went hurtling towards a nearby tree, smashing into it hard enough to send it toppling down on top of the Pokémon.
"STARMIE!" Kukui shouted out as the Pokémon shuddered slightly, blackish fluid gently flowing from within what remained of the gem in its center. The Pokémon remained completely still as Kukui shook with a mixture of horror and anger. The Professor turned around with a furious look on his face just in time for Amber to plunge a familiar silver dagger into the man's chest with a victorious yell, kicking the man viciously in the chest as he staggered back with a gasp.
"Professor Kukui!" Lillie screamed as the man hit the ground, clutching the knife in his chest with a pained look on his face. Sun and Hau made a move to help but the Rhyperior moved to block them, growling mindlessly.
"Bastard. I'm going to be feeling that all week." Amber growled as she picked her fallen shotgun off of the ground and began walking towards the man, cocking the weapon with a sadistic scowl on her face. The assassin stomped down on the blade in his chest, making him yell out in pain as she aimed down into his face. She expected fear to appear in his eyes or for some other moron to show up and interrupt her kill, with the luck that she had been having that evening.
What she wasn't expecting was Kukui suddenly reaching up and grabbing the shotgun, pulling Amber to the ground on top of him.
The woman snarled in surprise as Kukui slammed his forearm into the woman and began punching her, jarring blows that rattled her head as she tried to fight off the bigger man. Amber drew back her hand as they rolled on the ground, finally finding the leverage to deliver a harsh blow to the man's face and break away from him. Kukui stumbled to his feet with a pained groan as more crimson fluid seeped down his chest, barely held back by the very blade lodged there. Amber staggered upright, panting from the combined attacks that she had endured. She caught her breath after a moment, scooping up her shotgun and taking a second to aim at the Professor-
"KO!"
The woman was snapped out of her thoughts as a flaming body suddenly crashed down in front of them with a strange yellow and orange Pokémon standing atop it. Tapu Koko looked down at her from atop the slain and very dead form of the Infernape she had sent after it, glaring down at her with hate in its eyes as it dropped an unconscious Kingdra to the ground. The Island Guardian had one eye shut and was panting heavily with massive burn marks all over its body, but it was in infinitely better shape than Amber's Pokémon.
"Rhyperior, use Rock Slide! Electivire use Fire Punch!" Amber yelled as she returned her Breloom and took a step back, wincing in pain as she flexed her arms and body. The stone beast roared as it hurled a barrage of boulders at the Tapu, who weakly raised its shield and blocked the boulders with its shield-state, only for a Psychic attack to wrench apart its arms as an Electivire rushed forward, decking the legendary protector with a flaming punch. The Electivire growled as Tapu Koko flew backwards with a yell, floating a foot off of the ground and looking exhausted but eager to keep fighting. As the Thunderbolt Pokémon approached the Tapu, a barrage of water and leaves slammed into its side, drawing its attention to Sun and Hau for a moment, ready to assist the Tapu.
"Don't take your eyes off of it!" Amber yelled to the Electivire, who turned back to the Tapu in time for the Island Guardian to launch a point-blank Brave Bird that slammed into Amber's Electivire and knocked it out, sending it collapsing onto the ground. Tapu Koko landed on the ground with a pained gasp, clutching its chest as the recoil damage surged through it.
"Rhyperior, use Shadow Break!" Amber commanded as the Shadow Pokémon returned to her side, raising a hand to return her Kingdra while dropping the Poké Ball for her slain Infernape and smashing it with her boot.
"Rhhyyy!" the beast replied, throwing down both arms with a roar as Sun, Hau, and Kukui ordered out attacks.
"Brick Break and Razor Leaf!"
"Quick Attack and Water Gun!"
"Flash Cannon, Ember and Stone Edge!"
A torrent of attacks rushed out from the group of Pokémon, all rushing towards the Shadow Rhyperior. The beast lumbered forward, black static crackling around the Pokémon as the invisible aura around it intensified. The attacks connected, creating an explosion of force that made the beast snarl in pain from within the smoke. Penny and Duke rushed into the smoke, making the Shadow Pokémon within roar again. Two cries of pain then echoed out and Duke and Penny flew from the smoke and crashed onto the ground, the Pikachu and the Trumbeak knocked out.
"That thing's tough." Kukui grunted, panting with pain now as the Shadow Pokémon, covered in dings and scrapes, walked out of the smoke with another roar of fury. The beast flung its arms down and prepared another attack when a pink circle appeared at its feet, releasing a blast of energy that made the massive Pokémon snarl in pain and fall to one knee. Amber looked over at Tapu Koko, who had both hands pressed against the ground within a similar pink circle of energy.
"Rock Slide!" Amber yelled as Rhyperior got to its feet with a roar, swinging an arm and releasing a cascade of boulders from out of nowhere. Oliver, Torracat and Rockruff tried to dodge the incoming deluge, but were quickly battered by the attack and were knocked out. Casey managed to dodge the barrage of rocks and fired off a Water Gun at Hau's command, but Rhyperior knocked it out with a Stone Edge after the water hit its side.
"I'll deal with this…" Kukui groaned, holding out his Z-Ring and taking a shallow breath as the artifact began to glow, lighting up the entire clearing. His Magnezone was soon engulfed in a harsh orange aura as the Professor began to strike a series of poses, serving to increase the amount of blood dripping down his front. "Magnezone, channel Flash Cannon...and use Corkscrew Crash!"
The Pokémon let out a loud screech in reply, glowing an ethereal silver color as it spun around like a top, too quick to follow and quickly becoming a tornado of power, kicking up a wild wind as the Rhyperior before them snarled.
"Shadow Smash! One more time!" Amber commanded as the Ryperior began charging up the attack. As it stepped forward to deliver it, the Magnezone rushed towards the Rhyperior as a tornado of force, channeled by the bond that Kukui shared with his Pokémon. Both Pokémon collided, the force of the Z-Move and the Shadow Move connecting and creating a shudder within the air as both attacks fought for dominance. Finally, after several seconds, Rhyperior was knocked back a step.
Which was all Magnezone needed to push through and slam into the other Pokémon, sending it to the ground with an almighty crash where it finally remained still, much to the shock of Amber. Tapu Koko took that moment to rise again, looking over at Kukui and nodding to the man before turning to Amber, a crackle of electricity sparking around it.
"You actually beat it…Not good. Avis!" Amber called out as she took a step back and released her Xatu from its Poké Ball. This was all Tapu Koko needed to lunge forward, intending on taking the woman out for good, but both her and the Xato teleported away just at it reached them.
"Ko…Ko ko ko!" Tapu Koko called out, an aura of raging electricity surrounding it as it leapt into the skies, determined to find the murderous woman and bring her down. The Pokémon soared higher up, closing its eyes and trying to determine where his target could be…
There.
The Island Deity flew quick and steady, despite the injuries it had sustained as a result of its battle. It was surprised that the humans had lasted so long against a superior foe, but it knew those humans were special. Perhaps that was why.
He knew the two children he had protected, as well as the one that had been hiding the whole time, were special. It sensed that much. How they were special was unclear…Maybe they would change the entire world. It wasn't unheard of. Even here on his Island, the Guardian Deity of Melemele Island had heard tales of children who had protected the weak and saved the world from ruin. He had taken a liking to these children, and thought they had potential. The Pokémon swore to itself that it would try to keep them safe if possible.
Eventually it landed on the ground, staring at the woman limping through the forest, her Xatu floating nearby. Both of them turned to face the legendary protector, but neither of them were able to dodge or block the blast of lightning that was unleashed in their direction. Amber and Avis screamed in agony and the Xatu dropped to the ground while Amber remained standing, glaring at the Pokémon before her.
She was strong. Powerful in many ways. It was a shame that such an impressive human dedicated her life to committing evil acts. It could sense the blood on her hands, the deaths that weighed down the very earth that she walked on. Dozens, no, hundreds of lives extinguished by her hands.
"Ko…Ko ko." Tapu Koko intoned, shifting in a fighting stance. Amber sighed, shaking her head before she turned around and began sprinting through the trees. Tapu Koko easily caught up with the woman as she reached the each of the cliff, panting heavily and holding her arm in a pained way.
"Heh. End of the line." Amber said quietly, turning around to face the Guardian Deity of Melemele Island. Tapu Koko growled, letting its anger show for a moment, before vanishing and reappearing in front of the woman in a burst of sheer speed. Amber whipped out her shotgun and blasted the Tapu in the chest with the weapon, but the Pokémon ignored it and grabbed the woman by the throat, sending a deadly surge of electricity surging through her body that made the woman scream in agony, as her body twitched uncontrollably.
She almost didn't deserve to die at its hands. Maybe she'd be better off with the humans. They had their own ways of dealing with monsters like this…But then again, this was Tapu Koko's Island. And it didn't like this human one little bit.
"Gonna kill me…is that right?" Tapu Koko's eyes widened in surprise as Amber opened a single eye, a distorted but amused smile on her face.
"Do it. End it. I've had a good run, and my life ain't all that great in all honesty. Put me out of my misery." Amber sighed as she closed her eyes, resigning herself to her fate. Tapu Koko obliged, floating over the edge of the cliff before unceremoniously dropping the assassin towards the water below. Tapu Koko watched the woman plunge to her demise with some amusement. Even with her armor, in her condition such a fall would kill her easily.
"NO! Amber!"
Tapu Koko looked behind it in time for a Shadow Ball to slam into its back, knocking it out of the air for a brief moment in surprise. As the Tapu regained its position, it looked downwards and saw the Xatu from before teleporting in short bursts down to the falling woman as she plunged into the water and following her Trainer into the watery depths below. Tapu Koko soared after them and dove into the water to follow, but to its horror it found nothing around him but water.
"KO!" Tapu Koko snarled in fury as it exploded out of the water, unbelieving that the woman had escaped her fate. The Pokémon whirled around and winced in pain, a hand going to its chest, where purple fluid was dripping from where the woman had shot it. The Tapu shook its head for a moment before allowing energy to engulf its entire body. The Tapu leapt into the air at a slower pace, feeling its wounds finally catching up with it.
It wouldn't let this monster escape.
"Is it finally over?" Hau asked weakly, sagging with relief as he looked around. The boy looked over at the Professor, who was limping over to his Starmie.
"Everyone…Gather around." Kukui grunted, returning all of his Pokémon save for the Pokémon that hadn't moved since being hit by the Shadow Rhyperior's brutal attack.
"What about the Growlithe?" Sun asked, bending down to check on the dog. It was totally still, save for some very shallow breathing.
"It's too injured to be moved. It may cause complications, but I'd say capture it for now so it can be easily transported to the Pokémon Center." Kukui advised as he knelt down next to his Pokémon, examining it for a moment before sighing.
"Starmie is alive, but fading fast. This is bad…Starmie, can you manage one Teleport?" Kukui asked the Pokémon, only for the two of them to vanish on the spot right then and there.
"Oh no…" Lillie gasped, looking around for the Professor. He was completely gone, and likely didn't have a way to come back to retrieve them either. Meaning they were all on their own.
"I don't know if Starmie was there enough to understand that request…You know what? Doesn't matter. We'll have to run to Iki Town now. Hala might be able to help." Sun panted as he dug out a Poké Ball and knelt down, placing it against the Growlithe's head. The Pokémon was sucked into the ball which dinged immediately, signaling a successful capture. Sun stood upright with a pained wince, recalling both Oliver and Penny while Hau recalled his Pokémon. Lillie checked on Nebby, who had been thankfully quiet and behaved during the terrifying encounter.
Hau began trying to call Hala to get his help, but as they made their way out of the clearing Hau just got his voicemail time and time again.
"He's probably in a meeting. He always does those before dinner!" Hau moaned, jogging ahead of them easily before looking back, catching Sun limping behind them while Lillie watched her friend with concern. Lillie then ducked under Sun's left arm and began helping move him forward. Hau joined her after a moment and the trio were off, both of them supporting their injured friend.
They wordlessly trudged down the dark path in front of them, exhausted physically and emotionally from the events of today and knowing that a life depended on them getting help right away. They wondered if Tapu Koko was okay. If Professor Kukui and his Pokémon were okay.
Sun looked down at his belt, where the Poké Ball containing the Growlithe was hanging, and made a small prayer to Arceus that they wouldn't be too late.
"There you are. Are you three alright?" a new voice suddenly spoke up behind them. The trio of children nearly stumbled in surprise and quickly turned around to see a strange man standing behind them. A nervous-looking Absol was sitting beside him and an Abra was sitting on his shoulder. The man himself wore black slacks and a strange looking dress shirt underneath a long white lab-coat, regarding the children in front of him with warm amusement. He had blonde hair with a strange blue cowlick that wrapped around the side of his head. His yellow eyes regarded them behind a pair of glasses, before he turned suddenly around, his coat flapping behind him.
"Abra, Dusk. Use Protect." The man instructed both Pokémon calmly. A bright green force field surrounded the six of them before a series of black orbs of darkness exploded against the shield, making Lillie scream in fear and sending cracks down the barrier's side, but the shield held strong.
"Just made it. I'll have to be more accurate next time." The man sighed, a small chuckle escaping him as he looked ahead of them, where Amber and her Xatu were floating off of the ground. Amber looked as if she was barely conscious while her Xatu wasn't much better off.
"Doctor Colress!" Lillie gasped with relief, taking a step towards the man as he offered a glance back at the children, a light smile playing at his lips.
"Hello again, Lillie. Professor Kukui contacted me as soon as he was able to and I hastened to get here as soon as possible. It's difficult to Teleport within the Verdant Cavern with the…Well, I suppose it doesn't matter. I can explain how and why I was unable to join you all later. I have an assassin to deal with." Colress remarked with a shrug before looking forward and addressing Avis and Amber.
"I don't care much for having blood on my hands, but you both have harmed several close associates of mine and killed my Beheeyem. I wouldn't recommend trying your chances against me in your current state, because I can assure you that your murderous path will meet a very swift end." Colress said simply as the Protect shield faded. The man reached forward, placing a hand on the head of the Absol.
"I know this is your first battle of this nature, but please, try your best. We've trained extensively and I believe that you can do this. Alright Dusk?" Colress said to the Disaster Pokémon beside him, a fierce glint coming to his eyes. To Sun's amazement, the Pokémon actually spoke back.
"Y-yes sir. I…I'll try." Dusk replied softly, taking a shaky breath.
"Excellent. Use Dark Pulse!" Colress commanded sharply, his smile unwavering as the Absol in front of him crouched low, opening her mouth and forming an orb of darkness within, releasing a massive crisscrossing beam of energy that the Xatu ahead of them barely managed to dodge with a Teleport. The duo appeared a few feet closer, with the Xatu's eyes narrowed at the man in the lab-coat.
"Colress…" Amber hissed, staggering off of her bird and ripping her shotgun free from her armor, aiming it at the man in question before tossing it to the ground in disgust, stumbling forward with a gasp as her Xatu caught the assassin and balanced her with a wing.
"You really shouldn't anger the Island Guardian. Electrocution is quite painful from what I've heard. I would also imagine that even for your high-grade weapons, the electricity that a Pokémon like Tapu Koko could generate would be enough to ruin your weapons with just a few zaps." Colress remarked lightly, a small chuckle escaping the scientist.
Amber smiled painfully, shaking her head as she leaned heavily against her Xatu. "I think this is the end of my rope here then. As much as I want to slaughter you all, I know when it's best to retreat. Heh...Maybe I should come back. I haven't had fun like this in ages!"
"You people…" Colress sighed, taking a moment to pat the head of the Pokémon beside him as his smile became something a little more complicated with a small quirk of the mouth. "All of you. Cipher. Team Rocket. Even my old companions, Neo Team Plasma. Each of you believe that you are above your own actions. That you can escape from your wrongdoing just because you have power…" Colress said quietly yet firmly, removing one of his white gloves and putting it into a pocket. After a moment, he reached into another pocket and pulled out a Z-Ring of his own with a strange gleaming red band embedded within the artifact, a gemstone of sorts set within the ring that Sun didn't recognize as a Z-Crystal. Colress attached the Z-Ring to his right wrist, the strange gemstone shining in the moonlight.
"However…I disagree!" Colress finished as his smile widened, stepping forward and holding out an arm to block the three children from the murderous glare of the assassin in front of them. The band attached to the Z-Ring on Doctor Colress' wrist began to shine brightly, a beacon of light cutting through the darkness of the night that had descended upon them.
"Dusk, my friend...Let's prove my hypothesis correct and kill an assassin, shall we? Mega Evolve!"
