Pokémon Radiant Sun
So, new rule. Don't believe me when I say shit isn't going to run long, because my track record is awful with that.
This chapter was supposed to be 14K. It's over 21K before edits, and I cut out two fully-written scenes because I didn't want another novella.
Shoutout to those who reviewed since the last update, which includes SpoonyAzul, Wan323, Oragonking, SonicIKE and Boy Knight. Thanks for the support and bearing with these insanely long chapters. I know it's likely wearing on some people at this point.
Anywho, time for the finale of the Tournament mini-arc!
Also, for the sake of experiencing the chapter in the best way, I've put in a few cues for people who want to listen to music that I've personally had playing while writing these fights, and were the inspiration behind how some of this chapter played out. For those on a computer, listening to them mid-fight on YouTube is pretty amazing.
"Persona 5 - Regret [Extended]" by THEONLYOCS
"Neo Fear" - By NyxTheShield OFFICIAL
"Persona 5 OST - Blooming Villain" [Extended] - by AbsurdOrpheus
"Persona 5 ost - Will Power [Extended] - by MeRuleDaWorld
So yeah, I've got cues for all of those, except "Regret". Mainly because I play that tune whenever I'm writing emotional dialogue of any kind.
Anyways, onto the chapter and the finale of this mini-arc!
Enjoy.
Chapter 90: Justice
One year ago…
Celadon City, Aupuni Residence
Charles Dawson was torn, as was becoming more and more common lately. Torn between what made sense, and what his heart was telling him. On the one hand, it would be the culmination of everything he worked so hard for. On the other...He'd basically be selling his soul to the devil.
Dawson snapped himself out of his thoughts, almost without missing a beat during the conversation he was having with a young boy he had befriended as of late. Sunshine Aupuni, or rather, Sun, as he liked to be called for obvious reasons.
Dawson had encountered the boy once while seeking out Ashton. The man was elusive at times, even in the city where his corporation was based in. After coming to his home to talk to him, the Dashing Rogue met Sun reading under a tree. After the boy had excitedly asked to pet Flappy, Dawson's Pelipper, the two of them seemed to hit it off. Dawson found himself rather fond of the child.
Sun wasn't doing too well today. He was obviously upset about his parents fighting and concerned about the health of his father. Dawson could almost feel how lonely and afraid the boy was right now, without any friends to confide in thanks to his sheltered upbringing and the controlling nature of his father. It was a shame, too. Sun was a good kid, and reminded Dawson of why he fought so hard in the first place.
So that the innocent would never have to suffer the same pain he did, when he lost his little brother. Sun was one of those people, and Dawson was once again reminded of the offer he had been given.
"People like them...Do they really deserve to die?" Sun asked quietly, with Dawson offering Sun a sad smile at the question. Kids like Sun didn't even need to consider a question like that. Adults should be the ones that shoulder that burden, not the innocent children. It reminded Dawson of his anger towards those in power who refused to act.
"Good question. Some people would say no. Steven Stone said no. The victims of the Great Downpour say otherwise. And so do I. People like Team Aqua and Team Magma shouldn't be allowed to live their lives in peace. Criminals like them deserve to be put down for the sake of others. It's the right thing to do." Dawson said as he clipped the Justice back to his belt, trying to keep his tone light despite the subject matter.
"I see…" Sun murmured, leaning back against the tree. Dawson smirked at the reaction. Sun probably wasn't convinced, but that was alright.
"Do you?" Dawson asked, allowing his amusement to show. He shook his head and said, "We'll see. See you around, kid. Take care of yourself."
Dawson began walking away from the boy, deciding to simply wait for a while before pursuing his target. Flappy happily waved a wing to Sun as they sauntered away. Sun had one last question for the bounty hunter, though, one that Dawson was happy to say that he had an answer for.
"How do you know what the right thing to do is, Mister Dawson?"
"Follow your heart, Sun, and nothing can go wrong." Dawson said as he turned around, grinning at the boy. Dawson saw Sun smiling at him now, and with that the bounty hunter gave the boy a casual wave as he walked down the road, his faithful bird resting atop his Trainer's shoulder.
"Poor kid has no idea what's going on...I don't blame him for getting depressed about what's going on. Parents fighting, bad things happening on the news, and having no clue that the world is at war. Rough…I feel for you, little buddy. I hope everything works out." Dawson mused quietly, stroking Flappy as the bounty hunter made his way down the path and off the property. With that, he began his walk towards the city proper.
Dawson wandered aimlessly, thinking about how life had played out for him. He had killed and apprehended so, so many people for the sake of justice. And yet despite this, every day there was fresh evil to confront. New crimes to foil. And there was always...always another Team Aqua.
It made Dawson feel like all of his effort and hard work was for nothing. That in the end, it was all just senseless killing. There had to be a way to actually fight for peace. A way where criminals couldn't hurt people with their wild antics anymore.
"Is this the only way?" Dawson muttered, with Flappy sighing beside him. Dawson snapped out of his daze and found himself in Celadon City Central Park, where the most beautiful of the city's flower gardens were. Dawson sat down in the grass, setting Flappy in his lap and watched the clouds just...thinking.
Dawson didn't know how much time had passed, but eventually a voice broke through his stupor.
"You're a hard man to find, Charlie." Ashton Aupuni said lightly, his rich voice deep with amusement at finding the legendary bounty hunter sitting in a park. Dawson cracked a grin at the man, patting the ground beside him.
"You know I hate it when people call me by my first name. Sit on down, Ash. It's a beautiful day outside. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming. On days like these, people like us should...Well, you know." Dawson joked, giggling as Ashton just stared at him. "Eh, it's not like you'd get it."
"Right...Anyways, I'd really rather not ruin my favorite suit. Laura had it pressed just yesterday." Ashton said with a small smile, but it looked painful.
"Sounds like you both are going through a rough patch." Dawson noted, with Ashton sighing deeply. After a moment, the tall man leaned back and fell onto the ground with a heavy thud.
"Damn. That bad?" Dawson asked, surprised at the sudden backpedaling about the suit.
"Yeah...that's a word for it." Ashton muttered.
"You know, I talked with Sun earlier today." Dawson said casually, making Ashton grunt in acknowledgement. "He had some interesting things to say."
"Of course he does. He's a child watching his parents fight without knowing the truth of the matter." Ashton snapped back, rubbing his temples with frustration. "Laura won't stop trying to pry and dig. I'm worried she'll find something incriminating soon and then…"
"And then your castle of lies comes crumbling down…" Dawson said softly, with Ashton scowling at him as he sat back up.
"I never once lied to her or Sunshine. Don't forget, I can rescind my offer." The tall man growled at the other man, who chuckled softly.
"Nah, you won't. You've been following my work for a while now. I know what someone like you is after...The question is, why help you?" Dawson asked Ashton, who smirked.
"It was a simple deal. Why ask for more knowledge than the generous amount I've given you?" Ashton asked the bounty hunter, who chuckled.
"I'm always looking to understand the world around me, especially the people I take up business with. What does your heart tell you, Ash? Is this the right thing to do?" Dawson asked the businessman, who's eyes slowly became black as coals.
"That's a dark road to travel, Dawson. This isn't about me. It's about you. You know that the ideas I've discussed with you are worth taking a gamble on. You fight for the same reasons I do. Just in different ways." Ashton said, gazing up as he started watching the clouds.
"You've done some completely awful things. I should do the world a favor and kill you before you hurt anyone else. I was honestly shocked when you reached out to me...Borlath." Dawson spat the word, drawing Justice and setting the weapon in his lap. Ashton chuckled, seemingly entertained by the threat.
"You'd be dead before you pulled the trigger." Ashton remarked lightly, though his eyes flashed a dark gray as he glanced at Dawson. "Besides, I think I've passed that point. I'm not going to die. I've given up far too much to fail or give up now. This world...it needs to change, Dawson. And I know you agree with me. Otherwise, this conversation wouldn't be happening."
"I agree with many of the points you brought up in some of our earlier talks. I think that the Pokémon Leagues should focus more on doing their jobs, and actually start protecting people. I think that anyone associated with criminal groups need to be heavily punished by the law. And I'm completely fine with using harsher methods to achieve results. I've killed more than my fair share of scumbags in my short few years as a bounty hunter." Dawson replied quietly, clenching his fists.
"And yet…?"
"It doesn't feel like I'm doing enough. People are still getting hurt. Evil still runs rampant all around the world. I can't help protect everyone all on my own, which is why I was so thrown off by your offer. Even without the details, promising worldwide reform by using one of the most twisted crime organizations ever to achieve your goals is...out there." Dawson remarked, almost amazed at the sheer inventiveness of it.
"I don't want to destroy this world. I don't want power. Money and wealth means almost nothing to someone as rich as I am. I simply want a world where my wife and child can live happily. I want my little boy to live his life in peace, without knowing the hardships I had to face when I was younger. I want peace, but peace is something that must be fought for. I've learned that lesson well." Ashton said, glancing away from Dawson as his eyes changed color again. Charlie couldn't see what color they were though.
"Your Trainer days...So is that why you won't let Sun become a Trainer? Why you pushed the Pokémon League to up the age for becoming a legal Pokémon Trainer in Kanto?" Dawson asked Ashton, who nodded.
"It's a shame I can't get them to act proactively unless it's through something trivial like that." Ashton lamented, something which made him sigh. "That life of struggle, violence and hardship...I hated it. I am a Pokémon Trainer now and have been for years, but not through choice. I don't want to risk Sun suffering any of the same crap I did when I was a Trainer in Alola." Ashton explained, though Charlie could have sworn he heard the man mutter, "I think I nipped that problem in the bud with Nova, though."
"Your offer...Let me be clear on this. You want me to join Cipher as a leader within the group to provide extra muscle and keep an eye on things. Am I following?" Dawson asked Ashton, who nodded. "You do realize my goal is to destroy criminals, right? Why would I join you? Hell, what would you even have me be doing? I can't delegate for shit. I'm a lone-wolf sorta guy. I kinda need more info here."
"I have some doubts about the group. Greevil is foolish at times, but wily. I'd prefer someone who has their heart in the right place, rather than be in it for power or greed. I trust Amber, but she cannot feel empathy." Ashton said, standing up at last with a small grunt. The tall man took a few steps away, thinking hard, before he turned around. His eyes were blue, now, and his smile seemed more grim.
"Our world is dying, Dawson. There is so much darkness within our planet, just waiting for some fool with a dream to act on it. So much corruption, crime, and death. Cipher can be a tool used to end it. I can't go into the specifics now, but in time all will become clear. My question to you is this...What are you willing to do in order to protect people?" Ashton asked the man, extending a hand out to him. Dawson stared at the hand, thinking over the man's question.
"I sought you out because we share similar ideals. Peace is a wonderful thing, but as I said before, it must be fought for. Cipher is a tool that can be used to create a peace that will last forever. I want to save this world and protect those who cannot stand up for themselves. But first, we must change the system. We must tear it down, brick by brick, and if people must die…" Ashton trailed off, his eyes becoming black once again.
"Then so be it…" Dawson finished in a whisper, shivering at the implications. The Dashing Rogue stood up, with Flappy cawing from the ground at her Trainer. It was a gamble. Charlie had seen what Ashton was capable of in Unova. He had done his research, and this was a man driven to change the world. Ashton was powerful, with a lot of resources and the cunning to use them masterfully. He was too aware of what others had done in the past and was determined not to make the same mistakes. He was a bit like Dawson, though without the money or changing eyes. They both believed that sometimes, the most harsh method was sometimes what needed to be implemented in order to achieve the desired result.
"Help me, Dawson." The bounty hunter looked up and saw Ashton staring him down, his eyes slowly becoming gray again. "I need someone who has seen firsthand the consequences of what happens if we continue to sit around. Someone who understands that the world needs to become more proactive, and that the government needs to protect its people from those who wish to rob them of everything. More people will die from worldwide catastrophe than Cipher could ever kill in a thousand years. Team Flare, Team Galactic, Team Aqua...they all tried to end the world as we know it."
"What of the thousands...no, millions you've killed? The families you've torn apart?" Dawson asked Ashton, who smiled slightly.
"That's a small price to pay for an era of unprecedented peace, Charlie. And what are a few millions, compared to the fate of the entire world as we know it?" Ashton asked, making Dawson look away. He had a very valid point. Dawson could see the bigger picture here, but he didn't like the thought of more death at the hands of a criminal organization.
"I've had to make sacrifices of my own as well. The stains on my soul...Sometimes I wonder if I can shoulder the burden of my sins. But then I remember what I'm fighting for. My little boy...I have to protect him from the darkness. And if I must immerse myself in that very darkness, then that's what I'll do. Or have you not learned that from your own travels? The people you killed and tore apart for the sake of justice?" Ashton asked, stepping forward with a flicker of fire in his eyes. It was almost inspiring, to Dawson. It rekindled the flames of anger and hate he harbored for the Pokémon League and Team Aqua, despite the latter being scattered to the winds.
"The Pokémon League was content to let criminals who threatened the world simply walk away. They were content to stand by and let children take on the burdens we should be carrying on our shoulders. I refuse to let this world continue the way it has been. Something must change, Dawson. I'm asking you to help me change the world for the better...And join Cipher." Ashton said, thrusting his hand out towards Dawson.
"Help me protect this world...So what happened to your brother doesn't happen to my little boy."
That's what it all came down to. A father doing what he had to in order to make a world of peace for his family. It wasn't a decision he wanted to do, but felt he had to do. Ashton was a good man, Dawson knew. And he was willing to taint his soul for the sake of protecting the world from evil.
Whatever awful trouble Ashton had caused in Sinnoh and Unova, at the end of the day they weren't so different. They both fought for change...And for the ones they loved.
Dawson fought for the justice Jamie had been denied. While Ashton used the darkness of the world to force those in power to change its ways. Was this really the best way to create change? Could Dawson achieve his dream of protecting the world from evil, simply by joining Ashton's side in Cipher?
Maybe...Maybe a different direction was required. Dawson had killed so many people. Criminals of all types, from naughty to downright demented. And yet, for every bad guy that he apprehended or killed, there were two more to take their place. Over the endless months that he fought against evil, the man had slowly become disillusioned to the idea that he was really making a difference. At times, the Dashing Rogue of Hoenn felt like it was hopeless. Every day, people were still getting hurt. Every day, more and more evil ran around almost unopposed by the Pokémon League while kids risked their lives to help others. It was disgusting...And it made Dawson grit his teeth as he imagined an innocent like Sun, Ashton's child, dying at the hands of another group like Team Aqua.
No...he would protect him. Protect everyone. That's what he carried him through this path, and he would continue to stride down it with no regrets. Perhaps what this world didn't need a hero. They didn't even need a rogue who walked the line between good and evil.
Perhaps all it took was a single step further…and become a villain to save it.
"I guess if you can't beat 'em…" Dawson muttered, looking up at Ashton and grabbing his hand, shaking it once. "One way or another, we'll see where this rabbit hole leads. I won't let what happened to Jamie happen to your kid, Ashton."
Ashton grinned, his eyes flickering gold for a moment as he broke the handshake. "Then we have a deal. Welcome to Cipher, Admin Dawson. I have a feeling you'll feel right at home in no time."
Sun emerged onto the battlefield as he forced his way up the stairs, seeing a showdown taking place between two powerful beasts. Dawson's Shadow Articuno and Adrian Battlestorm's Dragonite, both of which looked badly damaged as a result of their showdown thus far. Dragonite was shaking in pain, with several charred chunks of skin seared off, whereas Shadow Articuno looked simply battered and sporting burns, but in better shape.
Sun looked back and forth between the two men, and saw Dawson standing there calmly, looking smug as he gripped his hand-cannon tightly in his right hand, all too prepared to use it again. Meanwhile, a glance at Adrian Battlestorm showed that the man was panting heavily, looking somewhat frazzled.
"He tried another Z-Move...I can feel it. He hasn't battled in so long, he's not used to the stress of handling that kind of power." Sun thought worriedly as Adrian punched out with his fists.
Cue "Neo Fear"
"Dragonite, Fire Punch! Don't let up!" Adrian shouted with a scowl as Dawson grinned at him from across the battlefield. Overhead Shadow Articuno and Dragonite were slamming into each other hard enough to create shockwaves in the air, making the arena reverberate with the force of their attacks as flames and ice and darkness seared across the battlefield.
"How'd you like that? Good enough for you?" Adrian asked breathlessly as Dragonite decked Shadow Articuno, sending it reeling back. "Heh. Bet you wish you stopped your villainous ways, don't you? Just a bit more, and the entire world gets to see you get your sorry ass kicked to the curb!"
"Heroes aren't as cool as the villains we love so much, Mister Battlestorm! That's why I decided to walk that line! I became someone who could do more! A dashing rogue that fought for justice! And I think I'm getting tired of you being so damn tenacious...Shadow End!" Dawson shouted, with Shadow Articuno darting forward with a screech and ramming into Dragonite, knocking it backwards with a roar of pain as he slammed into the barrier. The Dragon Pokémon fell towards the ground, barely able to land on his feet.
"Come on, Partner! We're not gonna take that sitting down. Everyone's counting on us!" Adrian yelled out, punching forward as Dragonite glared ahead at their enemies. The dragon nodded once, letting out a powerful roar. "We've got the world cheering us on, buddy! We've just got to push through! Flamethrower!"
"Blizzard!" Dawson shouted, leaping forward as Shadow Articuno swooped around, allowing Dawson to leap atop the massive bird with a wide grin.
"Showoff…" Adrian muttered as Dragonite released a massive blast of flame at the bird ahead of him, with the torrent of fire wavering in the fierce howl of ice that kicked up around them. Sun was grateful he was far enough away from the attack for it not to bother him, but Penny and Oliver both shook from the cold.
"Let's stop that right in its tracks. Shadow Oblivion!" Dawson shouted, throwing out a hand as Shadow Articuno's eyes flashed purple before it let out a shrieking cry. Sun clamped his hands over his ears while his Pokémon flinched, but Sun saw to his horror that when the attack met Dragonite's Flamethrower, the attack simply extinguished. Dragonite jerked back, surprised.
"Did you just cancel out his attack?" Adrian asked, looking bewildered as Dawson giggled, taking a moment to pat the icy bird on the head.
"Yep, that's basically what it does in a nutshell. Shadow Oblivion, much like Shadow Salvation, is a one-time use move for a while. I definitely wouldn't be able to use either one again today. But considering you're the only person who's tried to stop me and actually stood a chance, I figured I'd honor you with that tidbit." Dawson remarked, standing tall atop his mount with a wide grin of malice.
"Bastard…" The media mogul spat, glancing worriedly at his trusty Dragonite. The poor thing hadn't battled in so long, and putting up this much of a fight against a Legendary was taxing his strength to the limit.
"You're strong, Adrian. But you're not as good as you used to be. I can see it. I've seen it dozens of times!" Dawson said smoothly as he dropped down from the Shadow Pokémon in a crouch, with Shadow Articuno hovering overhead and glaring down at Adrian.
"You talk too much. And this is coming from me! Dragon Pulse into Twister!" Adrian shouted breathlessly as Dragonite kicked off of the ground, becoming a massive raging tornado that shot towards Shadow Articuno as a blast of draconic energy rushed forward and struck the bird in the chest. Dawson scowled and aimed Justice, firing at Dragonite multiple times and forcing the Dragon Pokémon to halt its attack and fall back, lest he be brought down by the deadly weapon.
"Yeah, I definitely talk to much. But I'm right. You know I'm right. Not just about you...about everything. My resolve to change this world and protect people from harm is greater than your desire to stop me. You know you're going to lose...So walk away. I'll grant you that. Walk away, and live." Dawson challenged Adrian, who looked at him for a moment before glancing away.
"Maybe you're right...I haven't battled in years. I haven't needed to battle in years. I came into this knowing there was a good chance I'd end up getting killed." Adrian remarked with a small sigh, but to Dawson's surprise a wide grin flickered across the media mogul's face.
"Aw well. That's showbiz, baby! I won't ever give up! It goes against everything I know!" Adrian said with a wink, his Z-Ring flaring brightly as Dragonite hit the ground beside him, heaving with exhaustion. Adrian put a hand on his Partner's side, smiling up at him.
"I think we're both at the ends of our ropes...Let's give it one last shot! Maybe a second Z-Move can end this! It's risky, but that's how we've gotten this far! Taking risks, treating employees right and staying ahead of the curve!" Adrian said as removed his hand and stepped forward, a shark-like grin on his now as Dawson took a step back. The first Z-Move had surprised him, with the Admin amazed at the power behind it. A second one would prove to be disastrous.
"Channel Dragon Rush...and use Devastating Drake! One more time!" Adrian bellowed, striking the movements with a determined glare as Dragonite roared in fury. Their souls touching, the transference of power happened once again. The media mogul let out a scream of agony, shutting his eyes tight as sweat began to drip down his face.
"Wha-what's happening to him? He looks like he's in pain." Sun muttered, watching as Adrian and Dragonite both grimaced and shouted out in pain. Even Dawson looked taken aback, even seeming worried about the other man's pain. Rotom beeped from Sun's shoulder, wearing a frown.
"Zzzt! There'zz a reason Professor Kukui warned you not to use Z-Movezz twice in the same battle. The backlash from doing so izzz really intense from using just one Z-Move. Using two izzz...asking for trouble. It'zzz enough to put the human body under dangerous levels of strezz. Especially in regards to the heart, bzzzt!" Rotom informed the boy as he watched the media mogul let out a scream as Dragonite flared with energy, firing off the massive and powerful Z-Move yet again.
"Shadow Storm!" Dawson barked, a flicker of fear in his eyes as the Z-Move raced towards his Legendary Bird. Shadow Articuno screamed as its eyes glowed purple, with the bird flared its wings and releasing a massive howling gale of force around it. The Z-Move smashed through the storm, knocking Shadow Articuno to the ground before imploding. Dawson was thrown backwards, though he managed to catch himself and land on the ground in a crouch as Shadow Articuno hit the ground hard, screeching in agony. But that was nothing compared to what was happening to Dawson and Dragonite.
Adrian was clutching his chest with an alarmed expression, falling to his knees as foam dripped from his mouth. The man was now shaking violently as a white glow shone from his eyes, with him hitting all fours and throwing up blood. Dragonite looked even worse, glowing white veins visible on the Dragon Pokémon as it struggled to remain standing, it's eyes rolling into the back of its head. Dawson stared at the two of them in confusion, and then a smile came.
"So...that's the extent of your Z-Power. While it's definitely something special, I don't think that was a successful last ditch effort to stop me. I'm sorry to say that it was in vain." Dawson said as he snapped his fingers. Shadow Articuno shuddered in pain, but slowly began to rise from the ground as it flapped its wings, launching itself into the air once again. Dawson grinned, drawing Justice with a small laugh before aiming it right at Adrian Battlestorm, the barrel of the gun glowing bright.
"I...I can't...lose…"
Dawson blinked, lowering Justice as Adrian Battlestorm looked up, his eyes gaining a bit of awareness in them. The man took jerking, shuddering breaths that sounded strained, but after a few moments he grinned at Dawson. The Cipher Admin smiled back at Adrian, tipping his hat to the other man.
"You still won't give up? You're determined, then. Articuno, Shadow Salvation." Dawson ordered the bird, which began to glow a bright purple color, the aura around the bird flaring up brightly as Dawson sauntered forward, smiling as he twirled Justice around in his hand as he eyed Adrian and Dragonite, with the duo trying desperately to get back up.
"You tried to step up to the plate to protect your region. Your home. Even if I'm the guy leading the charge today, I want you to know that I appreciate what you did. We might be enemies… But I respect you, Adrian. I'll make your death quick. I'll make sure to remember your sacrifice." Dawson said as Shadow Articuno stopped glowing, and Adrian saw to his horror that the Shadow Pokémon's injuries were all healed now, with not a trace of damage visible on the Legendary Bird.
"Articuno...Shadow Chill. End them!" Dawson commanded the bird, his expression becoming fierce as the beast above him cried out, throwing out its wings as a black sphere of icy energy formed within its mouth. Shadow Articuno fired the attack, which raced towards Dawson and Dragonite and exploded around them, creating an explosion of mist as ice enveloped that side of the battlefield. Dawson grinned savagely, aiming Justice into the cold mist and curling his finger around the trigger, prepared to end the two of them right then and there.
This shocked Sun out of his stupor, making him run forward. The boy rushed over to the front of the explosion, staring down a surprised Dawson as his Shadow Articuno hovered above him. Sun shivered at the cold in the air, as did the two birds flying beside him, but the boy remained strong.
"S-sun?" Dawson sputtered, looking stunned enough to nearly drop his weapon to the ground. He stared at Sun in bewilderment, as if unbelieving that the child was actually there. Sun stared at Dawson for a few moments, trying to take in the sight of the man. His posture was completely off, looking surprised and shocked and confused. The man seemed to forget about the monster flying above him and the weapon in his hands. Sun saw, to his horror, that the bounty hunter was drenched in blood. Cynthia's blood, with the woman herself still ensnared in the ice behind him, looking practically dead.
"Yeah...it's me. Dawson, why are you doing this? You're hurting people. You're putting so many people's lives at stake. Why? Don't you understand that what you're doing is wrong?" Sun asked the man, who stared at the boy in disbelief.
"No. It can't be wrong, Sun. How is wanting to protect people wrong? Don't you want to protect the people you are about? That's all I've been doing, Sun." Dawson sighed then, shaking his head. "Borlath was right. You really don't understand."
"What's to understand? You're a criminal trying to overthrow the governments of the world and creating as much destruction as possible. You came to a peaceful region that has nothing to do with Cipher and started attacking it. I think I understand the situation pretty clearly, even if I am only 11." Sun said coldly, making Dawson actually flinch from the child's harsh and blunt words.
"Sun…" Dawson sighed, standing up straight. "What are you even doing here? I warned you to stay away from this place. If you had listened to me, you wouldn't even be in this mess."
"And if it wasn't for you, my friends wouldn't be hurt and people wouldn't be getting put in harm's way. And for what? Is what you got out of this worth the pain you're causing, Dawson? I thought you were someone who hated criminals. Now you're leading them while they destroy my new home!" Sun shouted at Dawson, who glared at the boy.
"Watch it. I might be fond of you, kid, but I'm not to be trifled with." Dawson said firmly, drawing Justice from his side and allowing the gun's tip to glow.
"Are you going to hurt me like you did Cynthia, Dawson?" Sun asked the man, who scowled darkly.
"Don't make me cross that line, Sun. I'm fighting for justice in my own way. If joining Cipher is what it takes to smother the darkness of the world, then so be it!" Dawson barked, with Sun looking surprised at his level of anger.
"He's delusional…" Penny chirped, looking disgusted. "Just because you're claiming to be a good person doesn't make it true! You're still hurting people! You're still helping those who only wish to cause suffering! How is that justice?"
"Because I can see the bigger picture, which no one but me seems to be able to do. You haven't seen the true darkness of this world. The criminals, the gangs, the monsters that humanity breeds time and time again and that never end, no matter how many times you put them down! And they all deserve to suffer!" Dawson shouted, throwing an arm out.
"I've seen it. I've seen what happens when the League turns a blind eye. I've seen them put their own interests above doing what is right for the people. And I took a stand. I became stronger. And now I'm going to force the world to change, because it needs to change. So a few people die? I've watched hundreds upon hundreds die, Sun. It doesn't matter much to me...Not anymore..."
"Why? I don't understand what happened with you, Dawson. You fought the bad guys. You protected people. You stood up for people who couldn't protect themselves...Why are you hurting innocent people now?" Sun asked the man quietly, making the man's fire fade slightly.
Dawson sighed, leaning forward and crossing his arms. "Because I was so sick of it. All of the fighting, killing, and bloodshed. I became disillusioned to my own purpose. You're right, Sun, I was different. A few years back, I didn't hold this...hatred inside of me. But the world kept throwing me monster after monster, tragedy after tragedy. It never ended. And then there's the endless crime syndicates trying to dominate regions and hurt people. I hated that even more. And I was so sick of the hate around me, manifesting inside of me that I finally realized it with Ashton's offer…"
"If you can't beat them? Join 'em. Maybe playing for the other side might get some results. And I can't argue with the fact that your father is one hell of a genius." Dawson said quietly, smiling despite the bitterness held within.
"Look at what you're doing!" Sun shouted at the man, who blinked at this level of fury coming from the boy. "You're hurting people! Trying to kill people! Causing pain and suffering and all for what!? What does this do to help protect the world?"
"Because of fear. Fear is what you have to use to get results, Sun. To get people to act, you have to create a believable threat. You have to twist the masses to your whims." Dawson replied, grinning darkly as Sun looked at him in disgust.
"That sounds exactly like something my father would say." Sun said quietly, crossing his arms. "He told me that exact same things. That people are cattle, easily manipulated. That with enough pressure, you can make people crack. I bet that's how he got them to increase the Trainer age-restriction back in Kanto."
"It's true enough. Sun, don't you get it? People like you shouldn't have to play the hero. You shouldn't have to try and save the day-" Dawson said, but Sun cut him off.
"And here I am, because you wanted to hurt people! Do you know why me and Mom moved to Alola? To get away from Cipher. To try and find a better life, where people won't try to kill us because we know Dad's secrets! Because my Dad's lost his mind and wants to burn down everything and build it back up again, no matter how many people die! You're hurting people, Dawson...You're hurting me." Sun said quietly, and the effect on Dawson once he heard those words from one of the innocents he swore to protect was immediate.
The man seemed to crumple inwards, looking ashamed of what he had done. He hadn't even considered something so obvious. Sun was a direct example of one kind of people he wanted to protect with his actions, and yet her he was hurting the boy.
"Sun I...I'm sorry. This isn't a pretty or easy solution. Sometimes people have to get hurt. I don't like it...I really don't. It's a necessary evil. You're a smart boy, Sun, a lot smarter than Borlath gives you credit for. You know what I'm talking about." Dawson said to Sun, taking a step forward as he clenched his fists. He knew he was right. Dawson knew that this method, the method of Cipher and Borlath and razing everything until things made sense and worked again was the only way forward. It was the only way he had tried so far that seemed to have an effect on the world...right?"
"Dawson...Sorry doesn't cut it. You're a good person, but you're acting like...like a monster. Look as yourself. I mean, actually look at yourself." Sun said to the man, who did as Sun asked and looked down at himself.
Dawson's shirt and pants, and even part of his cloak, were coated in blood. Dawson turned slightly and saw the limp form of the Champion shuddering slightly from the cold, and Dawson felt a pang inside of his chest. He had done that to her. It was her blood staining his clothes and body. Dawson had done awful, terrible things to her. Dawson glanced to his side, averting his eyes from Cynthia, and was surprised to find a pillar of ice beside him that reflected himself like a mirror.
He didn't recognize the person looking back at him. Someone who had allowed his hopelessness to consume him until he lashed out at everything for the sake of his justice. Dawson thought that if he had encountered what he saw in the mirror a few years ago, he would have killed them without a second thought. He looked like a criminal. Someone who just caused pain because they enjoyed it. It reminded him of Amber.
"You see it, don't you? What we see." Oliver asked the man, the bird preening his feathers as Dawson's eyes flicked towards the Dartrix. Dawson turned his attention to Sun, scowling.
"I did what I had to, Sun. I told you...This...This is for justice. For everyone who's ever been hurt by the awfulness this world harbors. Team Aqua should've never been allowed to get as far as they did. With Cipher's help, I'll make sure no one ever does again." Dawson said to the boy, but it was Penny who chimed in.
"That seems a bit weak, doesn't it? It feels like you know that you're wrong." Penny remarked, making Dawson growl angrily and aim Justice at the Toucannon. Sun stepped in front of her, staring down the barrel of the gun. A defiant expression of anger on his face stared back at Dawson's wavering glare, the man's green eyes staring into eyes resembling stalwart steel. The justice that he had clung to for so long, using it to drive his path of violence and carnage...was crumbling away in front of the sort of person he wanted to protect. Dawson felt a series of conflicting emotions then, as he stared down at Sun, with those familiar gray eyes boring a hole right through him.
Concern about the boy, who had told him about how badly Cipher had hurt him.
Fear within himself, as the fact that he had turned his back on his own ideals had become plain as day.
Anger at the boy putting himself in harm's way despite Dawson's warning, and the scathing words directed at him.
Shame, at what he had done to the innocent people of Alola.
And hurt...but the hurt had always been there. Ever since...ever since...
"Dawson?" the man in question was surprised when Sun's voice changed, becoming more quiet. His expression softened and his eyes becoming a light blue, but the strength in his voice only grew. And then, Sun delivered the armor-piercing question that brought Dawson's walls crumbling down completely.
"What would Jamie think if he saw you right now?"
Dawson took a step back, the question chilling him right down to his soul. That was the tipping point for Dawson. A simple question that allowed the man to take stock of just how far he had fallen in quest for justice...
How would his little brother feel about everything? The people he saved? How Charlie had adopted his team and trained them to become stronger. Would he have wanted this life for his Pokémon? Would he be proud of what Dawson had done in Jamie's name? Would he have approved of how Dawson slaughtered Team Aqua completely, and nearly wiped out Team Magma?
Would Jamie be disgusted by the deaths, good and bad? Would he have agreed with Dawson selling his soul for a chance at achieving his dream, consequences be damned? Would he have wanted his brother to join the bad guys?
These questions tore through Dawson's mind like a storm, making the man's hand shake as he struggled to keep his aim steady. After small doubts here and there, small cracks in the infallible attitude of the Dashing Rogue...and all it took was one bit of perspective to make Dawson doubt. The guilt began to claw its way into his heart, making him relive everything he had done tonight. How many people were hurt because of him? How many had died because of his plan to get information out of Cynthia, while striking fear into the heart of the world?
What had changed...besides the fact that he was just hurting people because of his own pain?
The man let out a scream of fury, surprising Sun and his two birds before the man threw Justice onto the ground, shaking violently before dropping to his knees.
"Dawson?" Sun asked as the man looked down, his hat hiding his expression. Sun jumped slightly as Dawson suddenly burst into laughter, looking genuinely happy for the first time that day. Sun smiled at the man, thinking he had finally gotten through to him. Dawson spoke after a moment, with the man wiping his eyes as he smiled at the boy.
"Sun...You're so much like your father."
Dawson stood back upright, his grin was now something different. It was something sharper, more dangerous, and it scared Sun. Because Dawson no longer looked like the man that had kindly offered him advice when he was upset. Now he looked like a killer. Someone who needed to be stopped before it was too late.
"You really think that just some strong words and good logic can really save the day? You're naive, Sun. You really are. You might have finally gotten out of your daddy's overprotective clutches, but you don't know a damn thing about the real world." Dawson said coldly, his gaze hardening as he sauntered over to Justice and picked up the weapon and casting his gaze back to Sun, who's expression became just as serious.
"I can't live in that world, Sun. Yes, what I'm doing is terrible. Trust me, I'm very aware. But I also know that change comes at a price. And it's what's necessary so people like you don't have to worry about some psycho trying to fill the world with fire." Dawson said to the boy, who clenched his fists.
"He's actually delusional…does he really not understand?" Penny muttered.
"You know it, Dawson...What you're doing is absolutely awful. You used to be someone who strayed the line of good and evil so you could stop the bad guys and protect people. Or are you just a liar like my father, and you've always been bad?" Sun asked Dawson, who looked away from the boy. Dawson could feel the boy's righteous anger. It was mollifying. Sun was more like his father than he realized, to have that cowing effect on him. But Dawson wouldn't be shown up like this.
"Then I'll make a deal with you. Just like I did with Adrian. I'm a reasonable guy, after all." Dawson said after a long pause, holstering Justice with a click in his belt. "Right now, we're at an impasse. I've already got what I wanted out of the Champion, but we stand to gain a lot by cranking up the carnage here for Phase 4. So here's what I'll do. If you can beat me in a battle, I'll call of the attack and have everyone pull out of the city. Cipher will retreat, for all intents and purposes."
"What?" Sun asked, taken aback at the sudden change. Dawson cracked a small smile, but his eyes flashed.
"But if I win, you're coming with me. I'll be taking you right to your father, and the game's over." Dawson said coldly, making Sun shiver at the threat.
"You raise a lot of good points, Sun. And you're right on some levels...For the first time in a long while, I'm genuinely doubting myself, thanks to you. Maybe I've always had doubts about what we've done, but was too much of a coward to realize it. Who knows? But what I do know is that right now, you're the only one left that can stop me. Adrian failed to do anything, and this barrier is still going strong. And Cynthia probably doesn't have much time left, either. So come on...battle me." Dawson said with a smile as he held his hand up, the barrier fading away for a moment as Shadow Articuno took flight and shot into the air and out of the stadium, with the barrier reappearing a moment later. Sun glanced behind him and saw Adrian and Dragonite lying limp on the ground, half frozen to the ground much like Cynthia and Garchomp. Sun towards turned Dawson, his eyes flickering to blue.
"Why do you want me to fight you? I don't understand. I've only been battling for a few months, and you've been a Trainer for years. What do you get out of this?" Sun asked the man, who chuckled softly. It was obvious Sun had been rattled by the possibility of being sent back to his father.
"It's been long theorized that Pokémon Battles are a way to share feelings and emotion. A way for Trainers to connect with not only their Pokémon, but with each other as well. And most importantly, battling is a way of understanding one another." Dawson said, shifting his leg slightly and leaning back. "I'll admit to thinking there's some truth to those theories. And I always strive to understand those who I let get close to me."
"So...you want to understand me?" Sun asked, his eyes turning gray again.
"I want to see what you believe in, Sun. Show me the power of your resolve to change the fate of these people. Show me, Sun...What justice means to you." Dawson said quietly, adjusting his hat as he steeled himself for what came next. The Cipher Admin leveled Justice at Sun, aiming straight for the boy's heart. Penny and Oliver prepared themselves to attack, ready to intervene at any moment.
"Dawson…You're really going through with this?" Sun asked the man, who's expression hardened.
"Yeah, I'm going through with this. You went through the trouble of coming here, despite the risks and how incredibly stupid it was. Trying to talk some sense into me...It's so hopelessly idiotic. It was so dangerous! What...just what the hell is wrong with you!?" Dawson shouted, surprising Sun with the anger in the man's voice. "I'm a Cipher Admin, you stupid brat! You really think someone like me can be talked out of this?! I'm almost insulted that you think I'm that weak." Dawson practically snarled, clenching his fists.
"To hell with that. I want the endless cycle of violence to end, damn it. And you acting like you know so damn much about this tainted world when you really haven't experienced true suffering...That's enough to piss me off. You want to make me out to be the bad guy so much? Alright then. I can play that role. But my question to you, Sun, is this...Can you bring this criminal down? Can you save the day and stop the bloodshed?" Dawson asked Sun with a grim smile, who faltered for a moment. And then a voice by his side spoke up.
"Of course he can. He's our Trainer after all. And he's a lot stronger than you are!" Penny shot back, making Sun look at the Toucannon in surprise.
"Sun hasn't led us astray yet. He'll show you exactly how misguided you really are." Oliver hooted, glancing at the boy as he stared at his two birds in amazement.
"Bzzzzt! Sun, let's show this guy not to mess with Alola! I'm with you all the way!" Rotom Dex called out cheerily, with Sun smiling at the support from his team. Sun turned towards Dawson, his eyes flickering black for a moment before becoming gray again. Dawson could see his determination.
"I accept. I'm going to make you understand how twisted your sense of justice really is!" Sun said quietly, stepping forward with a wince, clutching his broken ribs with a groan. "Oliver, Penny, get ready. We're in for a rough battle. Let's knock some sense back into him!"
"As the Dashing Rogue of Hoenn takes the stage...cower before the howling darkness!" Dawson bellowed, throwing back his cape as a wicked grin split his face, with a powerful screech echoing through the night as the two Trainers prepared themselves to battle in the abandoned stadium.
"Manectric, Hariyama, let's go!" Dawson shouted, tossing out two Poké Balls. Light erupted from the devices, sending out two Pokémon that Sun had never seen before. A strange yellow and blue canine and a massive hulking humanoid Pokémon.
"Bzzt! Two new Pokémon detected!" Rotom cried out, flipping around in front of Sun.
"Manectric, the Discharge Pokémon and the evolved form of Electrike.. Manectric is constantly discharging electricity from its mane. The sparks sometimes ignite forest fires. When it enters a battle, this Pokémon creates thunderclouds." Rotom explained as the creature growled softly, bolts of electricity surging outwards.
"Hariyama, the Arm Thrust Pokémon and the evolved form of Makhita. It is known for its fantastic strength, but as it grows older, it focuses more on training Makuhita. Hariyama that are big and fat aren't necessarily strong. There are some small ones that move nimbly and use moves skillfully." Rotom said as it hovered above Sun, landing on his shoulder.
"Rotom, I'm counting on you to back me up. This is our biggest battle yet. Everyone's depending on us...Let's show Dawson how we really feel. Let's show him everything we've learned during our journey. Oliver, Penny, let's go!" Sun shouted, with Rotom floating into the air and beginning to play some sort of intense song.
Cue "Blooming Villian"
"Hariyama, Manectric! Don't hold back! Show Sun the strength of the justice we seek! That we've fought so hard for!" Dawson shouted, adjusting his fedora with a wild grin.
"Oliver, Razor Leaf! Penny, use Pluck on Hariyama!" Sun called out, throwing out a hand as his two birds shot forward. Oliver screeched as he flapped his wings hard, releasing a massive wave of leaves down at the two opposing Pokémon. Both Hariyama and Manectric cried out in pain, but Dawson made his move.
"Shock Wave on Toucannon! Hariyama, use Rock Slide!" Dawson barked, with both Pokémon leaping into action. Manectric let out a snarl as it leapt forward, charging up electricity around its body before unleashing it at Penny as she shot forward. Penny swerved to dodge it, but the attack arced towards her new path and she was struck in midair. Several portals opened up above both birds and stones dropped down on the two of them, making them both cry out in pain as the super-effective attack struck them.
"Come on, Sun! You've got to do better than that!" Dawson barked, drawing Justice and aiming it at Oliver as the Dartrix shot forward, dodging several stones in quick succession and slamming into Hariyama with Pluck, sending the Arm Thrust Pokémon staggering backwards with a groan of pain. Dawson pulled the trigger and Oliver screeched as a flaming rush of energy rushed past him, nearly burning his wonderful feathers. The owl shot the man a look of absolute loathing.
"Hey, that's cheating!" Penny shouted angrily, her expression pained as she flutters to the ground. Two super-effective attacks right off the bat had already winded her.
"Is it? Heh. You three need to do better than that if you're gonna take me down!" Dawson shouted, taking aim once again. "Manectric, use Shock Wave on Dartrix!"
"Oliver, use Leafage and Pluck to intercept, then keep going and nail that Manectric! Penny, use Rock Blast on Hariyama!" Sun called out, grinning as the idea popped into his head. The Dartrix nodded and flapped his wings hard as Penny landed on the ground and began to pelt the Fighting-type with rock pellets. Manectric bounded towards Oliver as he released his attack, a whirlwind of leaves being sent forward that he soon dove into, creating a swirling vortex-like drill that smashed through Shock Wave and rammed right into Manectric, sending the Pokémon flying backwards with a cry.
"Damn it. He used that Leafage to negate the electricity. Not bad." Dawson muttered before shouting, "Hariyama, use Focus Blast on Toucannon!"
"Yaaama!" the Arm Thrust Pokémon shouted out, charging up a sphere of energy within his hands and firing it off. Penny flapped her wings hard, barely managing to dodge the powerful attack as it struck the faraway barrier and exploded violently.
"Bzzzt! Sun, did we ever decide on a name for your Leafage and Pluck combo?" Rotom asked as Manectric was hurled backwards by a Tackle from Oliver, hitting the ground with a harsh thud.
"I honestly don't remember." Sun replied before calling out, "Razor Leaf on both of them! Penny, use Pluck on Hariyama!"
"Then I'm gonna call it Leaf Drive! Bzzt!" Rotom called out before Manectric leapt back onto the battlefield, growling softly in anger as another wave of sharp leaves pelted the both of them. Penny shot forward, flying close to the ground before she nailed Hariyama in the stomach, sending the powerful Pokémon skidding backwards across the battlefield, holding his stomach. Oliver followed up with a Pluck of his own, and soon the two Pokémon were double-teaming the Arm Thrust Pokémon in perfect sync, showing of their teamwork.
"Flamethrower! Stone Edge!" Dawson shouted furiously, with the Electric-type releasing a blast of flames at Oliver, making him and Penny disengage from Hariyama. The Arm Thrust Pokémon was finally able to breathe from the relentless assault and slammed a palm down on the ground. Both Oliver and Penny split apart, dodging the stones as they jutted out of the ground. However what they didn't see was a Manectric leaping from stone to stone to get level with them.
"Discharge!" Dawson shouted as the Manectric let out a shriek of fury, releasing a massive wave of electricity through the air that shocked both birds heavily. Oliver used Protect to stop the blast of lightning after a few moments, though Penny wasn't spared by it and neither was Hariyama. The Arm Thurst Pokémon groaned in pain as lightning filled the field, dropping the mighty Pokémon down to one knee before the attack stopped.
"Oliver, hit him with Pluck! Penny, use Roost on top of one of those pillars." Sun ordered the birds, with Oliver darting forward and knocking Manectric off of the stone. Penny sat down on one of them and sighed, glowing a soft white color.
"Hariyama, destroy the stone with Focus Blast!" Dawson shouted, throwing a hand aside as the Fighting-type rose to its feet with a powerful cry, throwing another Focus Blast forward and blowing apart the massive stone.
"Penny!" Oliver screamed as the Toucannon crashed onto the ground, her glow fading away. Oliver flew towards his friend, only for a blast of flames to strike him from the side and send him tumbling onto the ground, covered in burns as he screeched in agony.
"Arm Thrust on Toucannon while she's down!" Dawson called out, with Hariyama nodded and leaping forward, thrusting a hand towards the stunned bird.
"Charge up, Penny!" Sun shouted, with the bird opening her eyes and focusing all of her energy into her beak. Hariyama proceeded to pound the Toucannon with the palms of his hands, striking her repeatedly with incredible force. But Penny endured each of the blows, using her increasing hot beak to block each of the attacks and slowly but surely damage the massive Pokémon until…
"Y-yaaamaaaa!" Hariyama bellowed, taking a step back as tears of pain rolled down its face. The massive Pokémon looked down at the large burns on his hands with a pained expression, making Dawson gape in surprise.
"Blast Beak!" Sun shouted, with Penny opening her beak and releasing a massive explosion of heat. The explosion hit Hariyama at close-range, sending the Arm Thrust Pokémon flying backwards with a cry.
"What!?" Dawson yelped as his Hariyama hit the ground, unconscious. Sun sighed with relief, glad that Penny had endured the pain and managed to take out Dawson's powerful fighter. The Dashing Rogue returned his Hariyama with a scowl.
"Bzzzt! Interesting. His Pokémon are strong, but I don't think they're all that stronger level-wise than your own, Sun. This may be a pretty even fight!" Rotom remarked, with Sun nodded silently.
"Tch. Beginner's luck." Dawson grunted, crossing his arms. "You know, I really didn't get an answer out of you earlier. But what possessed you to actually break to this building knowing the risks. Why would you do something like that?"
"Because I know you're running this operation, or whatever you call it. I had a feeling I could talk you out of this. You're hurting thousands of people Dawson. This isn't justice. It's just evil. I know you're better than this!" Sun called to Dawson, who frowned and shook his head.
"It's stupid. Really, it is. You can't save everyone, Sun." Dawson said dissapointedly.
"You're included in everyone Dawson. I know you're better than this...Please, just understand. I don't want to fight you." Sun said to the Admin, who scoffed and shook his head.
"And I didn't want to fight you. But here we are. Your recklessness has consequences Sun." Dawson remarked coldly, the man smiling now. "Seriously...you thought you could just convince me to stop? To save the day with some words? Get real. What were you thinking?"Sun remained silent for a moment, reeling from Dawson's attitude towards him. After a few moments, Sun replied to Dawson's question with one of his own.
"I'm following my heart, Dawson...What's yours telling you?" Sun asked quietly. Dawson remained silent as he clipped Hariyama's Poké Ball to his belt and snatched up another one, tossing it forward with a scowl.
"Slowking, come on out!" Dawson shouted, sending forth another Pokémon that Sun actually did recognize. Rotom floated forward, beeping several times.
"Slowking, the Royal Pokémon and the evolved form of Slowpoke. A poisonous bite reacted with its system, blessing it with the enhanced intellect of a genius. It has full control of its psychic Pokémon is so famed for its intellect that a proverb still persists in some regions: 'When in doubt, ask Slowking.'" Rotom said as the Royal Pokémon smiled at Sun, inclining his head slightly. Sun took stock of the fact that his two birds were looking exhausted, but he didn't recall them.
"Oliver, use Razor Leaf!" Sun called out. The owl obliged, sending another wave of spinning leaves at the two Pokémon ahead of them.
"Use Psychic to block, and Manectric use Shock Wave on Toucannon!" Dawson called out. Slowking's eyes glowed a harsh blue color, sending out a wave of force to repulse the leaves as Manectric released a quick blast of lightning towards Penny.
"Oliver, Protect! Penny, get behind Oliver and use Roost!" Sun called out, with Oliver flapping forward and casting Protect as Penny shut her eyes and began to recover.
"You okay? That looked pretty rough." Oliver quietly as Penny.
"I'll be fine...You worry too much…" Penny murmured, smiling at his concern. Oliver chuckled softly at her stubbornness, turning his attention ahead as the lightning struck the shield. It held firm, however, and Penny straightened up after a few moments looking far better off.
"Trainer, I'm ready!" Penny shouted, with Sun nodded.
"Oliver, Penny, use Pluck on Manectric!" Sun called out as Oliver threw apart his wings, dissipating the shield and allowing both birds to soar forward.
"Ice Beam! Thunderbolt!" Dawson barked, spinning Justice in his right hand before firing at Penny.
"Protect Charge!" Sun screamed, but Oliver as already moving in front of Penny and casting Protect again, allowing the two attacks to blast off of his shield. Dawson's eyes widened as the barrier-covered owl smashed into Manectric, sending him down to the ground as Slowking watched on with surprise. This allowed Penny to suddenly swerve and slam into the Royal Pokémon, knocking him back several steps.
"Ice Beam, Slowking!" Dawson called out, with the Pokémon nodded before firing a beam of icy energy from the jewel on its head. Penny was struck head-on by the attack, making her scream in pain.
"Echoed Voice, Penny! Get out of that attack!" Sun called out.
"I'm sorry it has to be this way." Slowking said calmly, smiling sadly as he pumped more and more power into his Ice Beam. The Royal Pokémon's eyes widened when Penny let out a massive scream and blew apart the attack with a blast of sound before darting forward, hitting Slowking with another Pluck.
"Good job, Penny!" Sun called to his bird as she took flight. Sun took stock of Oliver dodging several Flamethrowers from nearby, with the capable owl managing to evade the attacks.
"Manectric, use Charge! Slowking, Water Pulse on Dartrix!" Dawson shouted, with Manectric nodding and focusing his power to charge up his next attack. Meanwhile, Slowking fired a sphere of water at the owl and blasted him in the side, succeeding in driving him away as Manectric finished his move.
"Oliver, Penny, regroup! Razor Leaf and Echoed Voice on Slowking!" Sun called as the two birds rejoined in the air and converged on Slowking.
"Slowking, use Protect! Manectric, jump in front of Slowking and use Discharge!" Dawson shouted, taking aim once again and firing at Oliver, On instinct, the owl threw out Protect to shield himself from the burning shot. Penny soared forward, releasing a blast of sound at Slowking as he smiled and held out a hand, a sphere of light blue energy forming a barrier around the Royal Pokémon that easily withstood the attack Penny unleashed on him. Manectric then let out a scream and released Discharge, a massive wave of lightning filling the battlefield.
The two Pokémon using Protect were spared from the ravages of the powered-up attack.
Penny, however, wasn't so lucky.
The Cannon Pokémon screamed in agony as Discharge shocked her, the electricity surging through her body as she convulsed and twitched as Oliver and Sun watched on in horror. After what seemed like an eternity, the attack ended and Penny began to fall forward, only for a Psychic from Slowking to blast the unconscious bird all the way back towards Sun. The boy gasped and ran forward, catching Penny and falling to the ground with a scream as he broken ribs burned with pain.
"Sun! Penny!" Oliver yelled out before turning towards Dawson with a look of abject rage. "You're going to pay for that."
"Make my day. This world isn't all sunshine and rainbows, Sun. I want to make you understand that. I tried to warn you, but you just didn't listen to me." Dawson growled, taking aim at Oliver and firing Justice. The Dartrix repulsed the attack with Protect as Sun gently set Penny on the ground. He was amazed when the Toucannon opened a single eye at her Trainer as he held up her Poké Ball to return her.
"Not yet...Let me see Oliver take them down…" Penny said quietly, with Sun frowning in concern before nodding.
"Okay, Penny…" Sun nodded once and called out Finn, with the Poliwag grinning as he prepared himself for battle. The Poliwag saw the state Penny was in and frowned before facing forward, looking more serious.
"Finn, use Scald on Manectric! Oliver, Razor Leaf! Keep your distance!" Sun commanded them, with Poliwag firing off the boiling hot water on the Discharge Pokémon and making it snarl in pain. Oliver added to this by pelting both of Dawson's Pokémon with leaves, doing extra damage against Slowking.
"Slowking, hit that Poliwag with Psychic! Manectric, Flamethrower on Dartrix!" Dawson ordered the two Pokémon, with Slowking nodding before his eyes flashed blue. Finn was lifted into the air and screamed in pain as Manectric bounded forward, releasing a torrent of fire from his mouth that raced towards Oliver.
"Fly high and use Razor Leaf to free Finn! Follow up with Pluck on Slowking! Finn, Hypnosis on Manectric!" Sun shouted as the Dartrix soared high into the air, barely dodging the Flamethrower before he flapped his wings hard, releasing a barrage of leaves onto the two Pokémon yet again. Slowking stumbled backwards, wincing at the several cuts on his skin as Manectric flinched, bleeding badly in several spots on his body. Finn dropped to the ground with a relieved sigh before leaping forward, his eyes glowing as he hit the Discharge Pokémon with Hypnosis, making it fall asleep.
"Hey, this isn't time for a nap! Wake up!" Dawson yelled out as Oliver shot forward, slamming into Slowking and knocking it to the ground.
"Finn, use Scald! Oliver, Leaf Drive!" Sun shouted, with both Pokémon rushing Manectric. Finn grinned before spewing boiling hot water on the Discharge Pokémon, waking it up as it screamed in pain. Oliver released Leafage before diving into it with Pluck, becoming a leaf-like tornado that rammed into Manectric and sent it crashing to the ground senseless.
"Manectric...Hmm. Alright. Roserade, I need your help!" Dawson shouted, returning Manectric and calling forth his final Pokémon. After a flash of light, Sun saw a Pokémon he had seen once in a book. It resembled Dawson's Roselia from a few days ago, except much taller and wearing a leaf-like mask and with red and blue bouquets at the end of his arms instead of roses. Rotom was quick to give Sun a rundown of what this new arrival meant for the battle.
"Roserade, the Bouquet Pokémon and the evolved form of Roselia. With the movements of a dancer, it strikes with whips that are densely lined with poison thorns. Luring prey with a sweet scent, it uses poison whips on its arms to poison, bind, and finish off the prey." Rotom explained as Dawson grinned.
"Roserade has become my ace as of late." Dawson said, twirling Justice in his hand for a moment before aiming at Sun. "And he'll be what I used to end this farce."
"Dawson, what happened to you? You used to be so much different...Has working with my Dad really changed you this much?" Sun asked the man.
"I don't have to answer any of your questions, Sun. I just need to shut you up." Dawson growled, shifting his aim to Finn and firing Justice. The Poliwag yelped in surprise, but Oliver reacted and threw up Protect to shield the Poliwag from harm. Dawson grinned at that.
"Stun Spore!" Dawson shouted, with Roserade aiming both arms forward and firing a massive cloud of yellow powder forward. Oliver's shield faded and Dawson fired at the spores just as they reached Oliver.
The resulting explosion as Stun Spore ignited and exploded was deafening, with Sun screaming out for his Starter and feeling his heart clench in horror as Oliver was sent flying backwards and hit the ground right by Sun hard, smoking and looking singed. Finn managed to leap out of the way in time, but was still thrown back by the force of the attack.
"A-agh…" Oliver wheezed, slowly opening his eyes.
"Oliver...you okay…?" Penny asked weakly, with the owl coughing.
"Just...give me a minute…" Oliver hissed, struggling to get up. Sun shook his head in mock distress, knowing that Oliver was being stubborn and that he wasn't able to battle anymore, before sending out Brago. The canine growled fiercely as he crouched low and hit both Roserade and Slowking with Intimidate, making both of them flinch as their attack lowered. Sun grinned at that, glad that despite recent events, Brago was still just as fierce as ever.
"Brago, use Flame Wheel on Roserade! Finn, hit Slowking with Double Slap!" Sun called out, with the canine bounding forward and leaping into the air, using the burning attack to knock back Bouquet Pokémon before it could dodge. Roserade cried out in pain before throwing both hands together.
"Hyper Beam on Growlithe!" Dawson roared as Roserade screamed, a massive beam of energy erupting from its hands that struck Brago head-on. The canine snarled in pain as he was thrown backwards by the attack.
"Leave 'em alone, you jerk!" Finn yelled out as he bounded forward, hitting Roserade with a Body Slam, only for Roserade to let out a yell and swing its arms around, shifting the Hyper Beam as it traveled across the stadium and blasting Finn back with the attack, making him scream as the attack engulfed him.
"Finn! Brago!" Sun shouted out in worry.
"Slowking, use Water Pulse on Growlithe!" Dawson ordered the Royal Pokémon as Roserade took a knee, panting slightly as he recharged. Slowking nodded and formed a sphere of water in his hands, firing it towards Brago.
"Brago, hit the ground low and then use Bite!" Sun shouted as the canine slowly rose to his feet. Brago spotted the attack heading his way and lay down on his belly, narrowly avoiding the attack before dashing forward. Slowking's eyes widened in horror as the canine leapt at him, clamping his jaws around the hand of Slowking before suddenly throwing him high into the air.
"Now hit him with Thief!" Sun shouted.
"Roserade, use Energy Ball!" Dawson called out as Roserade stood up again. Brago spotted the attack even as it was fired his way, leaping backwards and dodging it as it exploded against the ground. Finn slowly rose from the ground, using his tail as a crutch of sorts.
"That one...really hurt…" Finn wheezed, with Brago scowling as he crouched low. Slowking managed to land on his feet, looking winded.
"Stand strong. We can't let Alpha down." Brago grunted, gritting his teeth as Dawson grinned at them.
"Such loyalty. Your Pokémon are so dedicated, Sun. But so are mine. And like me they fight for a world where no one has to suffer anymore. And all it'll take is a few more minutes before you understand exactly why this act of defiance means nothing!" Dawson called out, holding out a hand. "Energy Ball! Psychic!"
"Finn, use Hypnosis on Slowking! Brago, hit him with Thief!" Sun commanded the duo, who leapt into action. Literally in Finn's case, blasting himself into the air with a Water Gun and flipped over an Energy Ball that Roserade sent his way.
"Stay still!" Dawson shouted out angrily as Finn descended, his glowing eyes succeeding in putting Slowking to sleep.
"Body Slam!" Sun commanded the falling Poliwag as he rolled through the air, flashing white before smashing down into Slowking and knocking the Royal Pokémon to the ground hard. Slowking remained still on the stadium floor, making Dawson clench his fists.
"Well done, Finn. You're definitely getting better at this." Brago said to the Poliwag as he flipped backwards, with the canine shooting the semi-graceful Poliwag a smile.
"You haven't seen anything yet!" Finn replied, grinning as Roserade braced itself for a two-on-one fight.
"Shit…" Dawson growled, returning Slowking as Roserade bristled slightly, facing down the two other Pokémon with annoyance. "Petal Blizzard!"
"Eraaade!" the Bouquet Pokémon screamed, throwing out both arms and releasing a torrent of petals towards Brago and Finn.
"Finn, dodge it! Brago jump back and hit that attack with Flame Burst!" Sun shouted as Brago breathed out a gush of fire, which coalesced into a massive fireball. As Petal Blizzard reached the fireball, it exploded violently, scattering the attack the neutralizing it in a cloud of burning petals and ash-
Allowing Roserade to dash forward and blast Brago with Sleep Powder, making the canine stumble backwards as he forced himself to try and stay awake. Meanwhile Roserade turned towards Finn, grinning darkly.
"Finn, use Body Slam! Brago, hit your head on the ground to clear it!" Sun commanded the two Pokémon. Finn blasted the ground and flopped forward, knocking Roserade back a few steps with a cry. Brago whined for a moment before slamming his head repeatedly in the stadium floor, cracking it open and succeeding in keeping himself away through the pain. Dawson wasn't sure to be impressed or disturbed as the canine grinned at him with blood seeping from his forehead.
"That's metal as hell...Seed Bomb on Poliwag!" Dawson shouted as Roserade held out both hands, blasting Finn backwards with an explosion of seeds and energy. The Poliwag tumbled through the air and hit the ground hard, wincing in pain.
"Finn!" Sun called out as Finn struggled to get up. The Poliwag looked distinctly annoyed, writhing around with a sigh of frustration.
"I swear, I'm fine. This doesn't happen all the time." Finn deadpanned, flopping around on the ground as he struggled to get up. "Just get that thing, Brago!"
"Looks like it's one-on-one. Just a bit more and I think I'll have proved my point." Dawson said smugly as he put his hands on his hips, with Roserade mimicking his Trainer.
"We've almost got him, Alpha! Roserade is tiring! I can do this!" Brago growled, baring his teeth as Roserade ran at him, firing blasts of Stun Spore and Poison Sting at Brago.
"Keep it away with Flame Burst! Then Sunny Day!" Sun commanded the canine as Roserade attacked, with Brago leaping to the side and spewing more flames forward to keep away Roserade. Dawson took aim and fired at Brago, who barely avoided the shot that vaporized a few hairs on his body. Brago's eyes flashed white as he threw up his head, firing an orb of sunlight into the air. Both Dawson and Sun flinched as the moon vanished, replaced with a harsh sunlight.
"There we go! Brago, Flame Burst!" Sun commanded the canine, who grinned widely as Roserade stood its ground.
"Roserade, Petal Blizzard!" Dawson shouted, gripping Justice tightly in his hands before taking aim. Suddenly an object slammed into the hand-cannon, knocking it out of the man's hand and surprising him. Dawson glanced over at Oliver, who had fallen back to the ground, but was grinning smugly at him.
"Unlike you...I don't miss. Take him down, Brago!" Oliver screeched at his friend as the canine spewed a massive torrent of flames forward to meet Petal Blizzard. The two attacks connected again, though the result was different this time. The flames exploded outwards, tearing through the attack completely thanks to the boost from Sunny Day. Roserade let out a scream as the Fire-type attack slammed into it, searing its body and flinging it backwards.
"Brago, Flame Charge to finish it off!" Sun called out, punching his fist forward as Roserade hit the ground hard. The Bouquet Pokémon slowly got up, shaking in pain as it rose to its feet.
"Stun Spore to stop it!" Dawson shouted, with Roserade taking aim at Brago, but Sun shouted, "Ember! Then hit him with Flame Wheel!"
Brago grinned before releasing a small fireball ahead of him a few moments before Roserade fired a blast of yellow spores forward. The spores had only traveled a few feet before the Ember hit the attack head-on, creating a massive explosion that threw Roserade flying into the air with a scream of pain.
"Are you kidding me!? That...Sun used my own trick against me!" Dawson shouted as Brago leapt into the air, tucking his body inward and becoming a burning wheel of fire that hurtled towards Roserade and smashed it downwards, driving the Bouquet Pokémon into the ground. Brago landed lightly on the ground and snorted, seeing the downed and unconscious form of Roserade ahead of him.
"And that...takes care of that." Brago panted, grinning with pride as Dawson mutely returned his last Pokémon.
"Was that good enough for you? We beat your team. Our resolve...our justice is stronger than yours. It's over, Dawson. Please, just end this." Sun begged the man, who scowled angrily at the boy and shook his head.
"It's not over...Not by a long shot!" Dawson snarled, looking even angrier. "You think some tricks and some luck mean that everything I've worked so hard for means nothing?! Not after everything I've been through! Not after what I had to give up in order to keep people safe!"
"Dawson…" Sun breathed, seeing the man slowly consume himself in his own fury. "What happened to you? You weren't like this a few months ago. What happened to my friend?"
Dawson slowly raised a hand into the air, making Sun raise an eyebrow in confusion. And then the barrier around them fell. A piercing screech echoed through the night as the barrier surrounding them vanished, allowing a massive blue bird cloaked in shadows to crash down onto the battlefield around them.
"As I said before...I was hoping it wouldn't come to this." Dawson said as Shadow Articuno flapped its wings, sending a wintry chill through the air. "I won't allow this to end. Not without proving my point." Dawson continued, stepping over to Justice and scooping it up off of the ground, wrenching out the blade quill embedded in the side of it. Dawson snapped his fingers and Shadow Articuno let out a scream of fury, releasing a harsher blast of freezing cold air that made Sun and his team shiver in the cold...or rather, most of them were shivering because of the cold.
"B-brago?" Sun said quietly, seeing the canine slowly back away from the furious Legendary in front of them. The monster flared its wings as Dawson leapt onto its back, grinning widely as the evil aura of the Shadow Pokémon shimmered in the light of the stadium as the cameras around them continued the live feed of their battle to play across the world.
"This place got crowded rather quickly." Gladion muttered, scowling at a rather large man who bumped into him, despite the boy leaning against the wall. The crowd of people who had sought shelter inside of the Thrifty Megamart was a bit overwhelming to be honest, but the two siblings were managing. Lillie was currently leaning against Gladion, who was glaring at anyone who came close to them.
"I'm glad we're out of the fighting, at least." Lillie piped up, smiling as she moved over and looked at her big brother. She had really missed him, and being able to at least talk to him after so long made some of the hurt in her heart feel a bit more manageable.
"The most important thing is that you're safe." Gladion said to his sister, though he did smile a little. Now that all of the horror was out there inside of all around them, Gladion actually take stock of the fact that he was reunited with the only real family he had left. The love the two siblings shared was still strong.
"I can't believe you managed to get so powerful. I saw you in the tournament, and even out there." Lillie remarked, making Gladion chuckle.
"I've still got a long way to go. But I'm glad you think so." Gladion remarked fondly, taking a moment to wrap an arm around his sister and give her a one-armed hug. Lillie laughed happily, hugging Gladion around the chest.
"I really missed you. When you left, I was so worried. I didn't know where or why you had left, and Miss Wicke wasn't explaining anything. And mother was…" Lillie trailed off, separating from Gladion. The older teen looked away, guilty about leaving his sister behind. Especially with their psychopath of a mother.
"I didn't want to leave home, but I didn't have a choice. I'm sorry, Lillie." Gladion murmured, with Lillie smiling softly at her brother.
"It's okay. We're together again, though, right? That's all that matters." Lillie said to Gladion, who's smile returned. With that, the two siblings shared a comfortable silence, simply enjoying being in the company of family and with someone who loved them unconditionally.
The silence was broken by the arrival of Demi, who had changed out of her Team Skull gear and into a bright blue dress and with her pink and blue hair tied into a ponytail. Gladion stared at the girl's bare legs before averting his eyes, but Demi chose that moment to run forward and hug Lillie. Lillie returned the hug, glad to see her friend properly after so long.
"It's really good to see you again. Though maybe not in this mess, huh?" Demi remarked, smirking a bit. "You two enjoying being back together?"
Lillie nodded, glancing at her older brother. "Seeing him again in a place like this might have been a shock, but it's definitely a pleasant surprise." Lillie turned to Demi, frowning slightly. "How do you two know each other, though? You're in Team Skull, aren't you?"
"Yep. And Gladion does a lot of side jobs for Team Skull. It's kinda complicated." Demi remarked, shrugging. Lillie whirled around, staring at Gladion in surprise.
"Those creeps are who you work for? Gladion, what...I...how? Why?" Lillie sputtered, completely thrown off by this.
"Trust me, it's out of necessity. It's a smokescreen to keep mother off of my trail. So far, she hasn't come marching into Po Town with her brainwashed army to take me back home, so it's working so far." Gladion explained, scowling deeply. "That absolutely doesn't mean that I like or approve of Team Skull. Besides Demi, most of them are insufferable and treat me like dirt."
"I...I guess that makes sense. You're not going to tell them about me, are you? I know they're trying to track me down." Lillie asked, with Gladion staring at her in shock.
"I'd never sell you out! Though...that does raise the question of why they're looking for you in the first place. Any idea what they're interested in, Lillie?" Gladion asked, with the girl biting her lip. She knew the real reason why Team Skull was after her. They wanted Nebby, a very rare Pokémon from another world. But she didn't want Gladion to know that. Even if she loved and trusted her brother, the fewer people that knew about Nebby, the better.
"Hey Gladion, back off a bit. She doesn't want to talk about it." Demi said quietly, putting a hand on Lillie's shoulder. Gladion looked at the dark-skinned girl for a moment before sighing, nodding once.
"Fine. I'll make sure they don't get to you though. With Demi helping me, I should be able to manage that until I sort out everything." Gladion remarked, with Lillie raising an eyebrow.
"Is...is there something going on between you two that I should know about?" Lillie asked, smiling a little. Gladion scoffed and looked away, but Demi's blush told her a bit more about their situation.
"It's complicated. Especially since I kinda have to crash at his place for a while on account of the whole rain phobia thing." Demi explained to an increasingly confused Lillie.
"Rain phobia?" Lillie asked.
"Remember Brooklet Hill? I'm...still getting over that." Demu muttered, with Lillie's eyes widening in surprise. She had nearly forgotten the awful ordeal the other girl had went through. Lillie stepped forward and gave Demi a hug, which her friend returned. The two girls separated, with Lillie turning to her brother with a smile.
"That's really nice of you, Gladion, for helping out someone in need. Thanks for looking out for her." Lillie said happily, with Gladion sighing a moment later. He was hoping everyone would just sort of forget about that whole Demi becoming his roommate thing. Suddenly a loud crash alerted them to someone lurking just around the corner. A rather robust man wearing overalls with a crazed expression on his face.
"You!" Gladion barked, stepping in front of Lillie and Demi protectively as the Fossil Man giggled, his bloodshot eyes wide with mania.
"I'm not going to let you steal my pumpkins!" the Fossil Man declared, leaping over the stand of food and promptly face-planting, sending the contents of the stand scattering everywhere. Everyone stared at the man in surprise before the gray-haired manager of the store stormed over, scowling angrily at the sight.
"Damn it all to hell! I can't believe Kiawe talked me into making our store a shelter from the attack. That boy has it coming for this disaster!" the man shouted, making the trio scatter as he went to deal with the Fossil Man. They could kind of see what the man meant, as the store had been somewhat torn apart by the influx of people. It was definitely beyond its maximum occupant capacity, and there was quite a few items that had been stolen from the shelves by the hungry Trainers that had sought refuge into the supermarket.
They trio spotted Lana standing amongst a group of Trainers near the back of the store, all of whom were watching their phones with rapt expressions on their faces, with some of them wearing smiles.
"The little guy actually did it!" one teenage boy whooped, grinning widely.
"Yeah, but now he's gotta deal with Articuno!" a young girl remarked.
"What's going on?" Gladion asked Lana, who was watching her phone with a worried expression. Lana was about to answer when suddenly a pained shout alerted them to a commotion in the side of the store, where the Fossil Man knocked out the manager with a watermelon and was fleeing through the back entrance. Everyone stared at the exit for a few moments before Lana brought them all back on track.
"Sun's battling Cipher Admin Dawson in the stadium." Lana said grimly, showing the screen to the siblings. Lillie paled while Gladion scowled.
"So, I guess that settles the debate as to whether or not I picked a good rival. The hell possessed him to take on the guy leading the attack?" Gladion asked, with Lana frowning.
"Apparently he believes that Dawson's good nature will overcome his twisted desire of justice. It's hard to explain, mainly because I don't understand most of what they're talking about out of context. I just know that Sun's team beat Dawson's...but he still has to take down Shadow Articuno." Lana said worriedly, looking down at her phone. She was surprised when Lillie suddenly snatched the phone from her hand, staring down at the screen with a fierce expression on her face.
"Get him, Sun! You can do it!" Lillie suddenly shouted at the screen. This call of support seemed to rally those inside of the Thrifty Megamart, as shouts and calls of support rang out all throughout the building. Gladion watched his sister as she stared at the screen intensely, wondering just what her connection was to the boy who, on some level, seemed to understand him.
"I told you, Sun. But you didn't want to listen to me. You wouldn't have been in this position if you just stayed away!" Dawson roared, clenching his fists as Sun stared down the man. Dawson felt the revulsion inside of him, at what he was planning on doing, but he knew he couldn't back down. Not with so much riding on this. Not when a mistake like this could ruin everything he had given up for the sake of peace.
Sun took a step forward, only to hear several clicks from behind him, and glanced backwards to see three Cipher Peons aiming guns at him.
"You dirty little…" Oliver hissed, trying desperately to get up. Penny and Finn did the same, despite the immense damage they had taken. Brago remained still, continuing to stare ahead at Shadow Articuno with an expression of horror on his face. Meanwhile Dawson's look of fury had slowly changed into amusement.
"How bold of you, Sun...to assume that I won't have the last laugh." Dawson cackled, shaking his head. Sun felt the cold chill of fear creep into him. With only Brago able to fight right now, he had no idea how he'd be able to stop Dawson's armed Peons. And even then, the canine was scared stiff of the Shadow Pokémon ahead of him. Sun slowly put a hand on Brago's head, stroking him to calm him down.
"You're really going to go back on your word?" Sun asked, looking upward at Dawson as the Admin shrugged, leaping atop Shadow Articuno after a few moments.
"I'll admit, I'm amazed you were able to beat my team. But again...You're hopelessly naive if you think I'm really going to hinge the rest of our plan on a single battle. You think this proves anything?" Dawson asked harshly, stepping forward as he drew Justice and aimed it at Sun.
"It proves that my father is more manipulative than I thought...For years he had me wrapped around his finger, unable to see how much he was hurting me. Unable to see through his deceptions and lies as he tried to control the world because it wasn't perfect like how he wanted it. And you're falling for the same lies...Why did you let him control you, Dawson?" Sun asked the man quietly. Dawson's expression hardened.
"Because I don't want anyone else to lose what I lost. Because I'll never get to see my little brother grow up and become a man. To challenge for the Championship, with me cheering him on. Because of justice, Sun. There is no justice in this world, where criminals like Cipher and Team Aqua and all the others can run around unchecked by Leagues who don't give a shit. It's about time someone took a stand. I couldn't do it alone. So your father had an idea. And it's too beautiful of a future to ignore. So...You're coming with us quietly. Or else your Pokémon will end up having this battlefield become their grave." Dawson said coldly, with Sun gritting his teeth in anger and frustration at the man ahead of him, his eyes flickering red...before slowly becoming black...
"Get away from my ohana, you creeps!" cried out a familiar voice that made Sun smile with relief, his eyes becoming bright gold.
"Who the hell-" Dawson began to say, but the voice that just cut him off with a yell.
"Duke, channel Thunderbolt...and use Stoked Sparksurfer!" cried out a boy's voice. The three Cipher Peons whirled around in surprise as a massive blast of lightning rushed their way, with a speeding Alolan Raichu charging right at them. The three men were thrown backwards by the attack, screaming as the lightning shocked them and Duke floated past them. The Mouse Pokémon's eyes glowed bright blue, making the fallen weapons the Peons had dropped rise into the air.
Hau sprinted up the steps, wearing a tired grin as he snapped his fingers. Duke let out a yell and the guns snapped in half, dropping them to the ground in pieces as Hau ran over to Sun, grinning at his best friend.
"Hau...You came…" Sun breathed, smiling widely at the other boy.
"Of course I did. No way I was going to let you take all the fun. What good is the big hero without the handsome and lovable sidekick anyway?" Hau joked, making Sun giggle and Dawson scowl angrily.
"What was with that Z-Move?" Sun asked, with Hau putting his hands behind his head with a wide grin.
"Yeah, that was a Aloraichium Z and a special Z-Move that only Alolan Raichu can use. Lana gave it to me for my birthday, and it was supposed to be my secret weapon when we ended up facing each other in the Tournament. But that kinda didn't end up happening because you lost to Spooky Girl. And because life doesn't let me have nice things, so I lost too."
"What about malasadas?" Sun asked.
Hau grinned. "I said nice things. Not amazing things."
"That's better." Sun grinned back at his best friend, turning to face the Cipher Admin ahead of him. "Looks like we outnumber you two-to-one. Dawson, give it up." Sun said to the man, who sighed deeply as he placed a hand against his head.
"Did you forget the fact I've got a Legendary at my beck and call?" Dawson asked Sun, gesturing to the bird he was standing atop. "Most of your team is down and the only thing you've got left is shaking in fear. Admit it...You're out of your depth and don't stand a chance against me."
Sun looked down at Brago again, seeing that the canine had lowered his head. The Puppy Pokémon was trembling at the awful aura of malevolence that was pouring from Shadow Articuno, and Sun knelt down to the Growlithe as he tried to avoid the gaze of the monster that loomed ahead of them.
"Brago...It's okay. We're all here. Alright?" Sun whispered to the canine, who seemed to whimper.
"I can't...it's too much...I'm so sorry…" Brago muttered, shutting his eyes and as he hunched over.
"Aww...Is the little puppy too afwaaid?" Dawson mocked the canine, twirling Justice as he took aim at Sun and Hau, with the latter looking at Brago with a pitying expression.
"Poor guy...That thing really is freaking him out, huh?" Hau asked before he heard the sound of shuffling behind him.
"H-hey...we're not out of the fight yet!" Hau turned around and saw the three Peons he had taken out were now standing again, wincing in pain and paralyzed, but able to move enough to call out a squad of Shadow Pokémon.
"Craaaap...Sun, I might not be able to give you that backup!" Hau said nervously, calling out Cassy and Kaha. Both Pokémon readied themselves to fight alongside Duke, but Sun simply nodded.
"We'll...we'll figure something out." Sun said quietly, feeling a less sure of himself now. Taking in everything now, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to make Dawson see any kind of sense now. Sure, Sun had beaten him in a battle, but so long as he had Shadow Articuno up his sleeve, Sun couldn't make him understand anything. And everyone except Brago was badly hurt, and Brago was…
"I'm so sorry...I'm just not strong enough…" Brago whispered, apologizing again for his weakness and curling into a hunched ball. Sun hugged the canine from behind, knowing that this wasn't the time for such things, but knowing that he couldn't let the dog stew in his helplessness.
"Brago...I know it's overwhelming...It's okay to be scared." Sun said soothingly, with the canine stiffening at the boy's embrace.
"How...can you say such things at a time like this?" Brago asked.
"Because he's our Trainer, you silly dog. He's just like that." Penny replied weakly, smiling at Sun as the boy pet Brago.
"It's a shame, Sun. You really did put up a damn good fight. But I guess since that worthless canine of yours can't do shit against my Shadow Articuno, I win by forfeit!" Dawson called as Shadow Articuno let out a shriek of fury. "At the end of the day, your desires and resolve means nothing compared to my justice!"
Finn finally managed to flip himself over, landing on his feet with a pant. The Poliwag hopped forward, stepping in front of Brago protectively. "Don't worry, buddy! I've got this, Brago!"
"Finn? You...you can't stop that thing. None of us can." Brago grunted, shaking in anger and in fear.
"Have you tried?" Finn asked, grinning as he stared towards Shadow Articuno. Brago didn't answer, so Finn continued with, "Then what's there to fear? We've at least got to try! And if you're not strong enough to fight, then I'll help!"
"You're not alone Brago...We'll take down this thing together." Penny chirped, struggling to get up.
"Don't let that thing scare you...you're better than that." Oliver said bracingly, slowly lifting himself off of the ground. Brago shut his eyes, surprised and overwhelmed at the support his pack was giving him, despite his weakness and cowardice.
No...not his pack.
His family.
"Seriously? Damn it…" Dawson scowled as he saw that Sun and his team still wouldn't back down. "I don't get it. They're facing a Legendary Bird, and get they still have that much drive to win?"
"It'zz because we know what we're fighting for izzz worth it! Unlike your so-called justice!" Rotom Dex cried out. "We've got people to protect, and we're not giving up yet!"
Sun nodded, smiling at Rotom as he continued to pet Brago. The boy looked ahead at Dawson and saw the anger in his eyes, but also saw that his resolve had been shaken. They were so close!
"No...No! Not after everything I've been through! I'm not going to let anyone spit on my ideals like this! Justice is the only thing that has kept me going all these years! Through all the death, the suffering, and doubts! I fight for the justice that was denied me and all those others just like me! That's why I have to do this! And it's why I have to prove to you, Sun, why my justice is pure!" Dawson shouted, his voice a guttural roar.
"I've had to kill so many people! So many awful, terrible people who wanted to hurt others! I've had to hurt innocent people who...Who stood in my way! I can't let all of this go to waste! We have to succeed!" Dawson shouted, sounding almost desperate. Sun stared at the man for a few moments before speaking, stepping front of Brago to stare down Dawson.
"How does that make hurting innocent people okay? Dawson...You're the exact same thing you swore to destroy. Complete with the misguided motive and lack of thought for the people you're hurting." Sun said to Dawson Dawson, who's fury exploded as he took aim at the boy with his glowing hand-cannon.
"I…I…" Dawson wavered for a moment, looking down as his aim shook. He looked back up and said, "Shut up. You don't know a goddamn thing, Sun. And you're an idiot if you think you can stop this. You think that you can save me? That I can be redeemed!? That's a lie and you know it! And you're...you're nothing! Nothing more than a foolish brat who can't get his head out of the clouds-"
"ENOUGH!"
Dawson stopped speaking, surprised as the furious shout that had cut him off. Sun looked behind him to see Brago slowly uncurling from his ball, looking upwards until he finally locked eyes with Dawson. The Cipher Admin grinned as Brago's gray eyes met his green ones, gleefully taking in the angry gaze in the Growlithe's expression.
"Mock me all you want. Rave about your demented sense of justice however much you feel like. But you will NOT insult that child further! Not after what you monsters have done to him!" Brago shouted, taking a step forward. Shadow Articuno let out another shriek, flaring its wings and sending out a wicked chill through the air. All of them winced, especially Brago, as the wave of hate and pain and cold wind washed over him.
The Growlithe took another step forward, staring down Dawson.
"Ever since I met him, this boy has proven to me just how much good there is in this world. He saved me when he had no reason too. He's shown all he meets nothing but kindness and compassion, even if they don't deserve it. And you...you have the nerve to turn your back on him. You insult my Alpha, and threaten him like this…" Brago snarled, with Dawson bursting into laughter.
"Yeah, I did insult Sun. What are you going to do about it? As long as I have Shadow Articuno and my sense of justice, you can't do a damn thing to me! I'm bulletproof!" Dawson laughed, making Brago take another step forward.
"You call this justice? You're truly a fool...this is nothing more than self-righteousness. Combined with a twisted desire for revenge on a world that hurt you!" Brago shouted at Dawson, who's eyes went wide.
"What did you say?" Dawson said quietly, his expression unbelieving.
"You stained your soul with so much blood that you don't care who you hurt anymore! You admitted it yourself! You can't differentiate between good and evil. Why else would you threaten a child that only wants to make you stop hurting people?" Brago called to the Cipher Admin, who's expression twisted into something truly awful. A mixture of abject rage and indignation.
"If that's what you think, then come at me little pup! You were a sniveling little wretch a few minutes ago! I'll freeze you down to your soul!" Dawson shouted, throwing out a hand as Shadow Articuno flapped it's wings and took flight. The snow began to fall harder around the room, making everyone except Brago shiver. The Growlithe inhaled deeply, exhaling after a few moments.
"It's true...even now I'm scared." Brago muttered, shaking his head. "But I can't cower in fear while there's evil like this around. Not so long as they threaten this world. And despite what the child by my side thinks, right now you're a threat. And right now you're a threat to the creatures that have stood by my side, despite my cowardice in the presence of your twisted Pokémon. Right now, these wonderful creatures believe in me."
"Of course we do, you stupid mutt…" Oliver sighed, shaking his head. "You're being...what's the word?"
"Melodramatic?" Penny suggested.
"That's the one."
"What do melons have to do with anything?"
"Shut up, Finn."
"Okay Penny."
Brago smiled at the remarks, even as he felt a comforting hand on his head. His Alpha stood by his side as well, offering support and kindness when a lesser heart would have cast him aside. He saw Brago's true worth, and now...Now was a time for Brago to take a stand. For his own justice, and the justice that his Alpha stood for. The strength of kindness and compassion, and strength of heart.
"Well, this is an interesting turn of events, but it doesn't change anything. Shadow Articuno, use Mind Reader and follow up with Sheer Co-" Dawson began to say before a shout cut him off.
"You will not harm my them! Not so long as I stand!" Brago roared, his proclamation filling the stadium with his furious defiance. Oliver, Penny and Finn were smiling with pride at the canine, seeing that he was back to his usual fearless self. Even more so, now, as the intensity in his eyes was brighter than ever. Even Dawson seemed taken aback, which Brago acted on.
Brago turned to Sun and said, "Alpha, the stone! The time is now!" Sun blinked in surprise, but nodded and took off his backpack, digging through it and easily pulling out a reddish-orange stone with a flame flickering in the middle of it.
A Fire Stone.
"Are you sure Brago?" Sun asked the canine as he held out the evolution stone to him. The Growlithe nodded, grabbing the stone from Sun's hand with his mouth and turning around to face Dawson and Shadow Articuno.
"I am a warrior of flames. I will take this stand, against all odds. And I will never lose heart again! That is my promise to all of you!" the canine thought, biting down on the Fire Stone as it glowed bright white as its glow transferred to him, with Brago now glowing blue from evolution. The stone shattered in Brago's mouth, disintegrating into nothingness as flames began to envelop the canine. Around and around flames of red, blue and white spun around the canine before exploding outwards in a mighty inferno.
"Whoa!" Finn yelped, laughing at the spectacle.
"That's one way to evolve." Penny remarked, eyeing the firestorm warily.
"Such a strong reaction." Oliver mused as the flames slowly died down.
"Bzzzt! Evolutions that are delayed past a time when a Pokémon is ready to evolve usually have stronger reactions, like a whirlwind of colorful fire! And Brago has been ready to evolve for some time now!" Rotom cried out as the flames surrounding Brago faded enough to reveal the canine's new form.
Gone was the small puppy, in his place now stood a massive hound that stood proudly on all fours, his powerful new form being a far more imposing presence. His orange pelt was marked by jagged black stripes. His tail, ankles, chest and head were covered in cream-colored fur and two sharp teeth jutted from his snout. Brago shivered for a moment before he slowly lifted his head, opening his fierce gray eyes to glare at Dawson, who looked surprised.
"Brago…" Sun whispered as the canine glanced at him, smiling slightly before facing forward again as his anger returned. Gone was any fear. Before them stood a powerful creature that had been reawakened by the support everyone had given him. Before them stood a Pokémon that stood for courage and justice. Rotom Dex beeped before flipping to the new entry, grinning at Brago all the while.
"Arcanine. The Legendary Pokémon and the evolved form of Growlithe. The fire burning inside its body serves as the energy to fuel it as it runs great distances. Overflowing with beauty and majesty, this strong Pokémon appears in ancient Eastern folklore." Rotom explained as the flames swirling around Brago flared again, with the canine baring his teeth at Dawson.
Cue "Willpower"
"YOU WILL NOT HURT MY FAMILY!" Brago roared defiantly in a much deeper voice, shaking the battlefield with the sheer force of his battle cry. The canine spat out a burst of fire before crouching low on the ground, the flames continuing to dance around the massive hound. Sun stared at the newly evolved Arcanine, amazed at the power he felt from Brago before turning forward with a wide grin.
"Sic 'em!" Sun commanded Brago, pointing forward.
Faster than any of them could see, Brago shot ahead with an incredible burst of speed, bounding across the battlefield in seconds with his powerful legs easily carrying his larger body across the way. Dawson let out a shout of surprise and horror as Brago leapt into the air, jaws opened wide and lunging right for him.
"Fire Fang!" Sun called, with Brago's mouth igniting with flames as he sank his burning teeth into the neck of Shadow Articuno, glaring into the horrified eyes of Dawson as he did so. The Freeze Pokémon shrieked in pain, but Brago didn't stop there. To everyone's surprise, Brago swung the massive bird around in the air with a muffled snarl, doing the feat three times before hurling her back down the stadium floor with an almighty crunch.
Dawson hit the ground with a similar impact, being thrown from the bird's back and landing from a thirty feet drop onto his right arm. Sun heard a loud crack reverberate through the stadium as Dawson howled in pain, writhing on the ground for several moments while Brago hung there in midair, glaring down at him.
"Flame Wheel!" Sun shouted, with Brago tucking in his body as a whirlwind of flames encircled him, with massive hound launching himself forward and striking Shadow Articuno in the back as it lay there stunned on the ground. Despite the difference in power, it was obvious that Brago's massive jump in strength and his type-advantage was making the Legendary Bird hurt. Brago stopped the attack after several seconds and jumped back, landing lightly on the ground.
"That was for insulting my Alpha." Brago growled before spewing out a massive tongue of flame. Sun shivered in awe as a colossal fireball hung above Shadow Articuno before exploding outward, sending seven streaks of fire smashing into the downed Legendary. Shadow Articuno shrieked as Flame Burst hit it with incredible force.
"So much power...is this what I have to look forward to when I evolve?" Finn asked, bouncing up and down on his feet in excitement. Sun smiled as he glanced behind him, seeing Hau as he stood closeby. The boy had been focusing on fending Dawson's backup, but seemed to be holding his own.
"Hau, you got my back, right?" Sun asked his best friend, staring down Dawson as the man slowly stood back up. Sun felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder. Sun could feel Hau's pride and happiness, as well as the genuine warmth in the boy's voice as he spoke.
"Always and forever, my brother. Now kick that guy's butt!" Hau shouted as the two best friends stood back to back, the stadium's live footage showing the entire world the strength of their resolve as they fought to save their home.
Dawson finally got back to his feet, his right arm held awkwardly. Sun figured the Admin had to have at least broken his wrist while falling off Articuno. Justice was lying discarded on the ground, but Sun knew that the Dashing Rogue would reclaim it eventually.
"Shadow Freeze!" Dawson shouted, with Shadow Articuno slowly rising from the ground and firing off the blast of ice before flying into the air.
"Dodge it!" Sun called out, with Brago dashing to the side so quickly he seemed to blur, leaping around with a grace his size shouldn't have allowed him too. Sun felt so proud of the canine.
"Penny, Roost! Oliver, Synthesis! Recover as much as you can!" Sun commanded his two birds, who nodded and began to heal. Finn hopped forward eagerly, despite the injuries he had.
"Finn, come back so I can heal you!" Sun called to the Tadpole Pokémon, who simply shook his head.
"No time! Brago needs some backup, and I'm just the Pokémon for the job!" Finn said as he looked ahead, with Sun sighing after a moment.
"Alright. everyone...Let's do this!" Sun shouted as Finn hopped up and onto Brago's back, smiling widely. Brago matched his comrade's smile with a grin of his own, preparing to pounce forward as Shadow Articuno let out a powerful screech.
"So that's how you wanna play...FINE THEN!" Dawson snarled, throwing aside a hand. "Mind Reader! Sheer Cold!"
"Brago, Flame Wheel! Oliver, get into the air and get ready!" Sun shouted, with Brago speeding forward as he became a massive spinning ball of flames. The attack soared forward and Brago crashed into Shadow Articuno, despite the fact that it's gaze was now trained on the canine. Meanwhile Oliver, now fully recovered thanks to Sunny Day powering up Synthesis, flapped his wings hard to gain altitude.
"Die already!" Dawson roared as Shadow Articuno released a massive blast of icy energy at Brago, the strongest Ice-type attack rushing forward him and freezing the battlefield as it streaked towards them. Brago stared at it with a glare, even as Oliver shot past him with a cry as he shot right towards Shadow Articuno.
"Oliver, intercept with Protect Charge! Smash right into it!" Sun bellowed, punching forward and wincing because of his ribs. Oliver threw out a shield just before the attack met it, instantly freezing the barrier solid. However, Oliver's momentum carried him forward, and just like with Totem Wishiwashi, Oliver managed to create a sphere of ice around him that smashed into the face of Shadow Articuno, sending it reeling backwards.
"What the hell was that!?" Dawson shouted in disbelief.
"Brago, use Flame Wheel! Penny, use Brick Break! Oliver, Pluck! Finn, Scald! Stay apart, hit it from all sides! All-out attack!" Sun called out, grinning as his team charged the falling Legendary Bird, with Dawson gritting his teeth.
"Come on, damn it! Shadow Freeze! Shadow Chill! Something! Anything!" Dawson shouted as Brago smashed into Shadow Articuno's chest, making it scream in pain before a Brick Break and Pluck silenced her, though boiling hot water hitting her in the face made the bird screech again. Dawson could see the skill that Sun had over his Pokémon, despite how young he was.
"Borlath was an idiot...This kid is a natural." Dawson thought grimly, grimacing as his arm pulsed with pain.
"Brago, leap into the air! Get airborne and hit that thing with Hypnosis, Finn!" Sun called out, with Brago bouncing forward and leaping into the air as Finn rode atop his back.
"Nice trick. But that's not happening. Shadow End!" Dawson snarled angrily, with Shadow Articuno soaring forward past Finn and slamming into Brago. The canine flew backwards through the air and hit the ground hard, bouncing across the battlefield with a roar of pain. Shadow Articuno winced from the recoil.
"Penny, let's go!" Oliver shouted, flying forward to strike Shadow Articuno in the chest, with Penny doing the same. Finn looked at Brago with worry before turning towards the massive bird with anger in his gaze.
"Brago, you okay?" Sun asked the canine as the Arcanine shakily rose to his feet.
"If I were a Growlithe, that move would have killed me. Such power...even now, I'm…" Brago winced, with Sun realizing how much a direct hit from a Legendary Bird had done to him.
"It's alright. Let's power through!" Sun called to the canine, who nodded firmly before turning forward, seeing Oliver and Penny fly apart to avoid a Shadow Chill.
"That's it! Make me understand, Sun. Show me that there's still hope left in this goddamn world!" Dawson screamed, looking almost deranged now. Sun took a step back as Shadow Articuno's aura exploded outwards, with the beast screaming in agony.
"W-we've got it on the ropes! Just a little m-more!" Penny shouted before a sudden beam of ice struck her, throwing her backwards as Shadow Articuno hit her with Shadow Freeze. Penny smashed into the barrier and dropped onto the ground senseless.
"Penny!" Oliver screeched, looking down at the downed bird. Dawson grinned and threw out a hand.
"Shadow Chill!" Dawson shouted as Shadow Articuno charged up a purple-colored sphere of icy energy and fired it at Oliver, who barely swooped out of the way. Oliver flung a Razor Leaf at Shadow Articuno, which it didn't even register.
"Argh! I'm still too weak!" Oliver spat, flapping downwards and landing near Brago, who was panting in pain.
"I may have evolved...but that monster is still far stronger than me. Still, we cannot stop now." Brago remarked, looking up at Shadow Articuno. The beast was covered in burns and injuries, but it was still faring well against them.
"We've got this! Keep at it!" Finn cheered, leaping back onto Brago's back. Sun smiled at this, but then noticed that the bright sunshine that had filled the stadium was now fading.
"Brago, Sunny Day!" Sun called, with Brago firing another sphere of light into the sky.
"I think it's about time I used our secret weapon. Dawson may have healed Shadow Articuno with that Shadow Salvation, but it's taken two Z-Moves and all of the attacks from my team. It's not invincible, and it certainly can't keep fighting like this forever. Maybe one last Z-Move can end this…" Sun thought as he looked down at his Z-Ring.
"Alright everyone! Brago, Fire Fang! Oliver, Pluck! Finn, Scald!" Sun commanded his remaining Pokémon, who split apart and moved towards the corrupted Freeze Pokémon. Sun looked at Dawson, who caught his gaze.
"Stop looking at me like that!" Dawson snapped, aiming Justice at the boy and firing, with the shot going completely wide and missing.
"Why is your aim so off?" Sun wondered aloud as Shadow Articuno shrieked with pain as an owl slammed into its chest while boiling hot water was blasted in its face. Brago sank his burning teeth into the neck of Shadow Articuno again, bringing it down to the ground with a slam. "You're so used to shooting that thing with your right arm you can't aim with your left, huh?"
"I...I don't need this. I don't need any of this! None of you get it…" Dawson growled, before noticing that Shadow Articuno had taken more damage while he was distracted, with Brago hitting it again with a Flame Charge.
"You mentioned to me once that even though you're good at fighting with your Pokémon, you're not great at battling with them. A good Trainer wouldn't get distracted like that…" Sun remarked, reflecting on how he had let his issues with his father distract him from his last Grand Trial. He felt so much more calm now, after all of the support he had been given.
"Shadow Freeze!" Dawson shouted, flinging out a hand as Shadow Articuno flapped her wings and released a whirlwind of black icy wind. Brago leapt backwards with Finn while Oliver used Protect, but the move flickered and failed much to Sun's horror. Oliver let out a scream as he was blasted back, falling backwards onto the ground as he fainted.
Brago landed on the ground, wincing in pain as the cold air swept over him. Sun could see that Brago was tiring, and his injuries were slowing him down. And if Finn wasn't riding on Brago so much, he knew that the Poliwag would've already been knocked out.
"We need to end this. One last effort…" Sun breathed, clutching his chest as he steeled himself. "Brago, get Finn close to Shadow Articuno! Hit that thing with Hypnosis to ground it, and then get ready to hit it with everything you've got!"
"You ready?" Finn asked Brago, using his tail to grab some of the Arcanine's mane to make sure he didn't fall off. Brago simply nodded before bounding forward, his powerful legs propelling him across the ice-covered battlefield.
"Hit them with Shadow Freeze!" Dawson shouted as Shadow Articuno released a wave of icy wind, which Brago leapt high into the air to avoid. Brago released an Ember into the face of Shadow Articuno to make it recoil in pain. Finn leapt off of Brago and flipped through the air, landing on Shadow Articuno's face.
"Wait, what!?" Dawson yelped as Finn's eyes glowed blue, making Shadow Articuno let out a small chirp before its head drooped.
"No! Don't you fall asleep on me!" Dawson shouted as Shadow Articuno's eyes snapped open for a moment. The Freeze Pokémon let out a screech, swinging out a wind and smacking Finn hard with it.
"Finn!" Sun shouted as the Poliwag soared through the air, hitting the ground hard and passing out from the strike, fall, and landing. Brago landed on the ground, growling angrily as yet another member of his family was struck down by the two monsters ahead of him. Meanwhile, Shadow Articuno had landed on the ground, trying to stay awake despite the effects Hypnosis was clearly having on it.
"Alright, Brago. Let's end this with a Z-Move. Get ready!" Sun said as he began to strike the movements, though he began to have trouble because of his broken ribs. Brago looked back and saw the boy struggling to move.
"Alpha, push through it! Let's take him down together! Let our flames of justice turn their evil to cinders!" Brago called encouragingly to Sun as the boy fought to complete the sequence, rising a hand to the sky before aiming it at Shadow Articuno. Energy flowed from the Z-Ring and Sun to Brago, who bared his teeth at Dawson. The man took a step back, wincing at the light from the boy's Z-Ring.
"Brago...channel Flame Burst...And use Inferno Overdrive!" Sun screamed as the Arcanine glowed a harsh orange color, the Z-Power surging through him. Brago allowed himself a fierce grin as the energy his Alpha, his Trainer and inspiration, flowed into him. The hound felt Sun's pride. His joy. His hope. And his love.
Brago opened his mouth as a fireball formed, but it was one that quickly grew in size and power. Ribbons of flames quickly swirled around the sphere of tightly compacted fire, a high-pitched humming sound filling the air. The fireball grew to double Brago's size before shrinking for just a moment, and then firing off towards Shadow Articuno as the massive bird let out a defiant screech as it flew into the air towards the canine. Dawson let out a shout of horror and covered himself with his cloak as the attack struck Shadow Articuno, creating a massive explosion of flames that imploded within itself, creating an attack that completely obscured the Legendary Bird.
Brago let out a sigh as the Z-Power left him, leaving the newly-evolved Arcanine feeling exhausted and drained. Sun leaned against him, panting heavily as the two of them watched the smoke slowly clear up ahead. After a few moments, they saw the floating form of Shadow Articuno drifting in the air, suspended by the force of the brutal attack it had just endured. And then…
It began to fall.
With a faint chirp, Shadow Articuno drifted down to the stadium floor before dropping onto the ground with a massive thud, its shadow aura vanishing completely. The cold that had been present in the stadium for the past few hours vanished entirely, leaving Sun feeling very warm next to Brago.
Dawson was lying down on the ground a short distance away from his fallen Pokémon, looking at Sun and Brago with wide eyes. For the first time that evening, he looked truly vulnerable. Shocked, confused, and genuinely awed.
"Way to go Sun!" Hau cheered, making the boy look back and see that Hau had beaten the Cipher Peons that had ambushed them. All three men were knocked out on the ground, being watched over by Kaha and Cassy. Sun grinned at the boy before turning his attention back to Dawson.
"So...that's the strength of your ideals." Dawson whispered, pushing himself up off of the ground. The man looked down at Justice in his hand, and for the first time in his life felt disgust for the weapon that had made him so infamous. He stowed it away, shutting his eyes as he kneeled on the ground, clutching his arm.
"Why were you so angry with me?" Sun asked, walking towards the man. Brago padded alongside him, his regal presence serving to deter the Admin from acting towards Sun. Even then, Brago knew he didn't even need to be there. Dawson had been soundly defeated, and had no fight left in him. Right now the man looked lost.
"Because I…" Dawson sighed, putting a hand over his face. "Because I didn't want to admit how far I had really fallen. That there was a chance I was wrong all this time. That I was wrong...I really was trying to push you away to protect you Sun. That's why I got so mad. Because you got involved anyway, and I didn't think you understood any of what I had told you about the world." Dawson explained tiredly. "I'm done fighting. So ask away, kid. Whatever you want. I'm an open book and right now, I'm spent." Dawson breathed, shaking his head.
"Dawson...tell me. What's the difference between Cipher and Team Aqua?" Sun asked the man, who stared at him.
"I...What?" Dawson asked, bewildered by the question.
"I want you to explain to me what the difference is between what Cipher does and what Team Aqua did. Because right now...I'm not seeing anything except the fact that what Cipher has done was a thousand times worse on every level." Sun said to Dawson, who scowled at that.
"Absolutely not. Team Aqua tried to end the world! They killed my brother! They-" Dawson said, only to be cut off by Sun.
"Had a positive goal for the world, and were misguided in their execution. Cipher has never had a good goal. They care only about power and control. And that's still the same, even if my Dad does really believe the end result will be helping people. What's the difference between them and you? The truth is, there isn't one. And you joined Cipher, knowing this. You really did become the very thing that killed your brother, Dawson." Sun said to the Admin, who simply stared at the boy with widening eyes. Brago smirked as Dawson's face became sheet-white.
"We're...we're worse than Team Aqua ever was..." Dawson whispered, the realization hitting him. Just like that, Charles Dawson fell backwards onto his rear from shock. The Cipher Admin placed his hands over his face, the horror creeping in. Sun's eyes widened as a single tear rolled down Dawson's face.
"W-what...What the fuck have I done?" Dawson whispered, shaking as everything seemed to catch up with him them. The deal with Borlath, the attacks and killings, torturing Cynthia, and his battle with Sun. He wasn't fighting for justice...Much like Borlath, he had become the very thing he was trying to stop. And much like Team Aqua, he had made justifications about why the death and destruction was worth it.
Dawson had literally become the very thing he had despised so much. It was never about justice. Or rather, it wasn't entirely about justice. It was about the revenge he wanted on the system that had left a stain on his soul. It was about striking back at the world...And now everything that Sun had been trying to convey now hit the Cipher Admin in the heart, and he felt the guilt of his sins catching up with him at least.
"I still don't understand why you got so angry at Alpha. He was simply trying to get you to listen to reason and stop assaulting his home." Brago snapped at the man, who sighed shakily.
"I just wanted you to understand Sun...I wanted you to see what you were up against." Dawson said quietly, allowing himself a bitter laugh. All of his anger, his pain, and everything else had vanished after Shadow Articuno had fallen. Now he felt...acceptance. And guilt for what he had put so many through.
"I already knew that…" Sun replied softly, putting a hand against Brago as the canine snorted softly.
"Alpha has seen the depths of evil this world has to offer many times over." Brago growled at the Dashing Rogue. "Yet despite this, he remains kind. It takes so much more strength to remain good in the face of overwhelming darkness. His justice is of a more pure-hearted sort."
"True. I...I guess I was too wrapped up in what I was doing, that I didn't see that you understood exactly what I was going through Sun. I underestimated you, just like your dad always seemed too." Dawson remarked, making Sun sigh.
"I wish you guys wouldn't do that...Dawson, what changed? You weren't always like this." Sun asked the man, who looked at him for a few moments.
"Once upon a time, I was different. I had hope. I had dreams...I had that torn away from me when I realized that everything you care about is temporary. That real heroes don't exist in this awful world. And I couldn't ignore that fact...that fact that never left my mind after I lost Jamie. That's why I decided to be different. That's why I took a stand. I became a rogue, one who strayed the line between good and bad for the sake of justice...But I stained my soul along the way. The deaths. The killings...It may have been helping people, but I slowly started to become numb to it all." Dawson whispered, shutting his eyes.
"That's all it takezz. To lose sight of what you're doing and how it effects each individual person." Rotom chimed in wisely, making Dawson hang his head.
"It's not too late to make amends, you know." Dawson looked up to see Sun smiling at him, extending a hand to the Dashing Rogue.
"Even after everything I did?" Dawson asked, dumbfounded. Sun nodded, and the man said, "You're...you really are too kind-hearted for this world. That's kinda why I tried to keep looking out for you." Dawson couldn't help the small smile on his face as he spoke, reaching for the boy's hand-
Only for a green and orange figure to flicker into existence, making both Sun and Brago stiffen in horror. Especially because Sun recognized the creature and what it meant.
"Deoxys? Then that means…" Sun whispered, only for a floating sphere to appear beside the DNA Pokémon and project a hologram of his father. Borlath's eyes were gray, but he didn't seem happy.
"I can't believe you've come this far in so short a time. To take down a Legendary Bird with just under 6 months of training under your belt...You really are my son." Borlath said quietly, crossing his arms.
"Dad...No. Borlath! Get away from here! I beat Dawson fair and square. Get out of my home!" Sun shouted at Borlath, who frowned.
"Deoxys?" Sun's father said curtly, with the DNA Pokémon gently lifting both Sun and Brago into the air. Sun screamed in agony as his ribs seared with pain, making Borlath's expression of anger vanish.
"You're hurt? You're already hurt…" Borlath whispered, looking horrified.
"Amber...blame her…" Sun hissed, with Borlath scowling.
"I'm losing control of her...Fine. We'll discuss things once we arrive back in Celadon. Dawson, kill Sun's team and bring him back to HQ." Borlath instructed the man as he got to his feet. The Cipher Master caught sight of Hau and his team running forward to help and snapped his fingers. Deoxys hummed, shifting into its Attack Forme before firing off a massive beam of energy that exploded at their feet, knocking out Hau's entire team with a single blast and sending the boy crashing to the ground unconscious.
"Hau! N-no...Dad, I...AH!" Sun screamed as the pressure on him and Brago increased, with Dawson's expression hardening. The man took aim with Justice, pulling the gun out of its holster with a practiced movement.
And then shot Deoxys in the head.
"WHAT!?" Borlath shouted, as the DNA Pokémon groaned, its body dissolving away completely until a large purple stone remained, falling onto the ground. Sun and Brago dropped onto the floor, the latter panting furiously but still very much able to fight.
"Dawson...you…" Borlath hissed before Dawson fired again, obliterating the device projecting Borlath and making the hologram vanish. Dawson reached up to his head and tapped his earpiece.
"This is Admin Dawson. All Cipher personnel fall back. We're pulling out of Royal Avenue, ensure all assets are taken with us. Get out of the city now!" Dawson ordered through the earpiece before tapping it once, ending the communication.
"You...you saved us. Why?" Brago asked Dawson, who offered the canine a smile.
"I don't know. I definitely made my life with Cipher a whole lot harder. But at the same time...I'm glad I did that. And it wasn't just because that was the terms of our little deal if I lost." Dawson said with a smile, walking forward to help Sun sit up.
"D-dawson...You…" Sun cried out then, holding his chest. Dawson stood up again after a moment, looking down at the gem on the ground that was Deoxys.
"Sun, I want you to get stronger." Dawson said, glancing at the boy for a moment before walking forward and picking up the crystalline organ with his good arm and gently placing it within his bad one. "Your father is far more out of it than I was but...Maybe he can still be saved. Regardless, I'll be heading back to Cipher and take whatever consequences I deserve for this, but I'm done dancing to their tune. Things will change, mark my words."
"Can we really trust you to keep to that? We should just take care of him now, Alpha." Brago growled, with Dawson shrugging.
"I wouldn't stop you. I deserve to be punished for what I've done. But I think a voice of reason might help Cipher not be complete bastards." Dawson replied carelessly. Sun stared at the man for several long moments before the boy nodded.
"I knew...I knew that deep down, you were still a good person." Sun breathed, grinning at Dawson. The man didn't return the smile, but instead chose to tip his hat as a gesture of respect to the boy.
"I need to do some thinking. But I'll keep your words in mind, Sun. My justice isn't some infallible thing. It has consequences, and the people I hurt are very real. You made me realize a few things that aren't very pretty today, kid. But at the same time…" Dawson trailed off again, looking towards the boy. The child that had stood up to him, defeated a Legendary Bird, and had changed everything.
"I'm okay if we just so happen to fail. If Cipher is destroyed, I don't think it'd upset me one bit. Because it means that you were right in the end. That there's a way for peace to prevail. I think I understand things a lot better now...Kinda funny, huh?" Dawson said warmly as his shadow slowly pulled him down into the ground. The Dashing Rogue of Hoenn began to vanish before their eyes, but not before the man offered Sun a smile. Not one of malice, but one of something that Charles Dawson hadn't felt in a long, long time.
Hope.
"Thanks kid...I'm rooting for you." Dawson said quietly before he vanished completely, leaving Sun and Brago alone in the stadium as the barrier surrounding them faded away, and the battle of Royal Avenue came to a close.
So that chapter wasn't short. Oh well. Thankfully the Tournament Mini-Arc is done! Hooray for somewhat decently-sized chapters coming in the future, because damn it this crap is stressful! That said, Brago's evolution was one I was looking forward to for a while. I'm really happy with it.
Next up we've got the Festival, a Kahuna Battle, and the Aether Foundation at long last! Plus some fun to have along the way.
In the meantime, please review the chapter and show your support. After these past few massive chapters, I'd love to hear your thoughts on them. Favorites/Follows (if you haven't done so already) are also greatly appreciated, as well as questions in the review section.
That's all for now, I've got to get some sleep because after my fantastic weekend in Scotland, I'm running on Taco Bell and willpower. Next chapter WILL be a shorter one.
Speaking of, if you do happen to listen any of the soundtracks I've listed throughout the chapter, please let me know what you think! Also, join the Discord server if you haven't already for more updates and chats about the story and stuff.
Stay safe and stay awesome.
Until next time, FlygonNick out!
