Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 127: Overshadowed
Location:…
Where multiple attempts to spread chaos nearly came to fruition…
Unown Ruins…
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…
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Previously…
"Why are we here?" Chapel asked.
"The Unown will spell out where the most powerful Shadow Pokemon are. The more time that passes, the more pokemon are being possessed by the Shadows. The anomaly in this world that is the Shadows must have something to do with the Unown-something to do with their TRUE Hidden Power." Wes explained.
"And why do you need me?" Chapel asked.
"…Missingno…"
Minutes Later…
Within the Unown Ruins, was an old man, head shaven, and wearing a lab coat. He was accompanied by a Metagross, trying to decipher a stone tablet of Unown hieroglyphics.
"Meta…" Metagross groaned, unsuccessful at the task given to it.
"You obsolete relic." The old man was annoyed, and proceeded to scold Metagross, "So even the 'Super Computer' Pokemon is unable to decipher the Unown letters."
This man's name was Zeno, and he was a researcher employed by Team Neo Snagem…at that moment. We had yet to make it known that he was in the Ruins, and made no formalities when addressing Zeno for the first time.
"Enough, Zeno." Wes closed his eyes. Not even a second passed before he opened them again and addressed the scientist again, "It is useless to put blame on a Pokemon because YOU couldn't get the job done."
Silent. Zeno was silent. As was Wes, and Chapel.
Nothing being said, Wes couldn't help but grin unceremoniously. "Looks like you're off the hook," Wes started, "A scientist who is unable to do his job is useless to Team Neo Snagem. You're fired. I'll be accepting Metagross now."
"Have you the authority to banish me?" Zeno questioned "I follow the orders of Atticus alone."
"You seem to have misled yourself, Zeno. I'm not giving you a choice to follow my orders here." Wes then took out 2 Pokeballs, "Hmph. Go."
"On!"
"On!"
Emerging from the Pokeballs, were Umbreon and Espeon, ready to attack Zeno.
This spelled the defeat of Zeno, in his only appearance to date.
"Leave now, or die." Wes showing mercy on that day, it appeared as though Zeno was eliminated, and the Unown Ruins were left in mystery…
Until…
Some time later…
"Molly…Molly Hale. It's my name. My Papa is Spencer Hale. He's a researcher who came in contact with the Spell of the Unown five years ago."
"Spell of the Unown?" Yumi was confused.
"The woman you call Commander 03 wants to know how to awaken the Spell of the Unown again, so she kidnapped Papa." Molly explained. "The Spell of the Unown is in the Unown Ruins, near Violet City."
Molly Hale and company were able to traverse the realm of the Unown, en route to the Ruins near Violet City.
After the trek, and an venture through a number of the Ruin's chambers, Molly Hale and company found themselves face to face with Commander 03.
She silver-haired Commander had all others preoccupied with fighting, while she approached a box filled with Unown-scribed tiles.
She calmly approached the box. She stopped and looked for a moment, before placing her hand on it.
"And so it begins," she said as she removed the lid, "The Age of Team Neo Snagem."
The many tiles started floating in the air. At this moment-the moment Commander 03 believed that she'd achieved ultimate victory, she'd just sealed her fate.
The Unown all surfaced, and 03 was in awe. They floated to Molly, and with the exception of Spencer Hale, everybody was confused.
"What's going on?" 03 was confused.
"With the Unown released, you're in MY world now." Molly Hale's eyes narrowed. "The Unown have been my friends for five years now. They'll follow me before they follow you any day. They can do any favor I ask…including defeating you…"
It was Molly Hale's Spell of the Unown versus Commander 03's power of Shadow Illusion, granted by Missingno. The grand bout had the look of a symmetrical advantage for each side.
Molly Hale managed to rescue he father…But Commander 03 had a bigger prize: The small sarcophagus containing the many Unown tiles. The Spell of the Unown's entrance onto the world was now in the hands of Team Neo Snagem…
End Flashback…
Location: Violet City
Something big was in store for Violet City, but none knew it. Everybody was minding their own. From Falkner fighting young trainers, to the monks in Sprout Tower still in somewhat of a regroup following Neo Snagem's attack…to Zero, and his showdown with Commander 12 that seems so small in scope now.
Zero versus 12. Charizard versus Noivern.
Chatot was perched on 12's shoulder, and watched on. "Defeat of Zero, imminent."
Zero was not amused. Whatever comedy he displayed earlier was completely cleared from his character. He was almost as serious as his brother. It was as if two different personalities existed within Zero…
"Shall we get this started?" Zero didn't blink.
12 remained silent. Her periwinkle bang blew in the wind as she waited for Zero to make the first move.
"Fine." With 12 static, Zero found it upon himself to take initiative. In the blink of an eye, Zero's face became intense as his eyes narrowed. He clenched his fist as he commanded, "Charizard, Dragon Claw!"
Charizard, like Zero, was serious. The dragon was calm as his claws started glowing a cyan aura, which then extended. The attack range of Charizard was now huge.
"RM!"
How would Commander 12 and Noivern respond?
"Dragon Claw! Dragon Claw!" It wasn't Commander 12, but Chatot was close enough, giving Noivern a command.
"Rrerrn…" Noivern replicated Charizard's action with much success, his attack range just as deadly.
…
…
…
Charizard and Noivern both took to the sky, the wind from their flight brushing violently against Zero and Commander 12.
Noivern swung first, the Dragon Claw swiftly avoided by Charizard.
Next was Charizard's Dragon Claw, and Noivern replicating Charizard's evasion, with slightly better agility.
Charizard and Noivern then swung at the same time, allowing their respective Dragon Claw to collide.
People, passerby AND local, were stopping to witness the two dragons collide, as the fight proved to be entertaining above all.
Neither Charizard nor Noivern wavered. After moments of struggle between the Dragon Claw, the two dragons pushed each other back.
"Rm…" Charizard growled.
"Noivern."
"Not too often you see two dragons duking it out." More people were gathering, observing the rare spectacle.
Commander 12 had large, vizor-like sunglasses covering her face, it was hard to conceal her eyes looking around. This was an all too familiar sight. Far too often, have spectators gathered to witness the rivalry between herself and Zero.
12 did not openly acknowledge the people, and instead continued the fight.
"Hurricane."
"Veerrrn!" 12 Appeared nonchalant when commanding Noivern to use Hurricane, but Noivern responded with much emotion.
At the sound of Noivern's roar, clouds started to gather in the sky…dark clouds.
"What happened? The sun is blocked." A few of the bystanders spoke up, voicing their bewilderment at the sudden change in weather.
"Is it going to rain?"
In only a matter of moments, the sky went from clear blue to blanketed by dark grey. Everyone stared in awe-everyone except for Zero and Charizard, that is. The duo remained stoic as the wind began to pick up.
The 'calm before the storm' that was the opening drive in this battle was over now. "Veeerrr!" Noivern roared once more, his cry echoing as he flapped his wings, producing massive gusts aimed at Charizard.
"Rrr!" Charizard didn't back down. In an effort to weather the storm, he flapped his wings violently against Hurricane's wind.
Zero weathered the storm as well, his hair blowing violently. While the Hurricane continued, Zero called out a command, "Flamethrower."
While continuing to flap his wings, Charizard took a deep breath, "Rrrmm!" He then exhaled, letting out a powerful stream of fire capable of inflicting a nasty burn.
"Hmph." Commander 12 crossed her arms. She didn't bother to call a command, because she knew the fate in store for Flamethrower.
Flamethrower was strong…but so was Hurricane. In the face of Noivern's blustering winds, the stream of fire had a change in momentum-being blown back the other way, toward Charizard.
"Rrm!" Charizard's eyes grew wide. He eagerly charged into the stream of fire, letting Flamethrower engulf him completely as he continued toward Noivern.
"Vern!" Despite being clad in fire, Charizard was slowed by the Hurricane working against him. This allowed Noivern enough time to react. Hurricane was ceased, and Noivern quickly ascended to avoid Charizard's charge.
"Rrm!" Charizard was persistent though. His eyes glistened, and he adjusted his charging direction. It was as if he'd used a Lock-On attack on Noivern.
"Verrr!" Noivern was struck. He winced, and was being pushed back.
"Dragon Claw!" But while still in the process of being pushed back, 12 commanded Noivern to use Dragon Claw.
Noivern extended his claws in the teal aura and struck Charizard just as the flames surrounding him wore off.
"Rm!" Charizard was pushed back.
"Vernn!" This was the opportunity for Noivern to follow up. Both claws clad in the Dragon Claw aura, Noivern crossed his arms and flew at Charizard at impressive speed.
"Ngh!" Charizard was stricken, and began falling to the ground with great velocity.
"Use Boomburst!" To the average spectator watching this fight, momentum was in full favor of Commander 12. She immediately called for Boomburst to serve as an exclamation point to Noivern's combo.
Noivern roared into the clouded sky, before inhaling and unleashing a powerful soundwave at the falling Charizard.
"Rm!" Charizard's eye widened. The Boomburst was so fast, it caught up to the fire type before he could crash into the ground.
A large cloud of smoke was created upon impact. Dust blown, every spectator found themselves having to shield their eyes. Only Zero remained static.
"The battle is done. Charizard couldn't have survived such a combination!" One of the spectators concluded.
The dust had yet to clear.
"That Zero should call it quits," Another spectator added.
The people were all jumping to conclusions based on their judgement. Some people were locals, some passerby trainers. Maybe there were even a few veterans who trained pokemon once upon a time. The judgement of the veterans superceded those of everyone else, and they were not blamed for believing that Charizard was downed.
"We've fought like this many times, Zero, but not since joining Neo Snagem," 12 finally spoke up. She allowed for the words of the crowd to come and go before addressing Zero herself, "You've defeated me, and I've defeated you. And even in my victory, I've found myself overshadowed by you…" 12 furrowed her eyebrows, "But times have changed. You're no longer a part of Team Neo Snagem, leaves no obstacle between me and glory…I, Commander 12, have won this fight."
The dust was still settling. For the dust to be in the air for this long just shows how strong Noivern was. All Zero did was allow his blonde bangs to conceal his eyes.
"A fool whose mission objective is clouded by her small ambition…I'd like you to see the look in my eyes, when I say this to you."
"Hm?"
"What?"
Everybody was bewildered by the words that came out of Zero's mouth, 12 included.
"A Pokemon Battle, is a fight between pokemon," For some reason, Zero began walking slowly, in 12's direction, "The goal of a Pokemon Trainer is to win a Pokemon Battle, and to become the best…like no one ever was. In these days of Neo Snagem, the goal to be the very best…is stupid child's play."
Everybody gasped at the words Zero said, a few people pausing.
"What?!" 12 was angered.
"The days of battling for fun and for fame are over." Zero continued as the sound of his footsteps neared 12, "Pokemon Battling has become so much bigger than a mere contest. Pokemon Battling has become 'fighting'. You fight for the culture of Neo Snagem to change the world, while I fight to resist the culture of Neo Snagem."
"Your point?" 12 questioned.
"Hmph." Zero stopped right in front of 12, "Your lust for fame is no match for my cause for fighting."
The dust faded, revealing a Charizard who was just as calm as Zero.
"…" Noivern said nothing, but it could be seen on his face-he was surprised, as was 12.
"My goal is…" Zero paused, and for a split second…he pictured an image of his young brother, and said out loud what he believed Seth would say, "I will destroy Team Neo Snagem…"
"Rm."
"Who the hell is this guy, a wannabe badass?" One of the spectators questioned.
"Charizard?" Zero rhetorically called, "Finish Noivern."
"Rm!" Charizard roared.
Could Noivern have had time to react to Charizard and his incoming attack? No…In his time in Team Neo Snagem, Zero has achieved near unparalleled skill in battle. In the blink of an eye, Charizard became cloaked in a bluish-purple, dragon aura, and rushed at Noivern.
"?!" Noivern, despite being a fast pokemon, was not fast enough to comprehend what Charizard had done, not until it was too late. Noivern was struck by the Dragon Rush, leaving everybody in a state of disarray as far as keeping track of this fight is concerned.
"Wha?"
Noivern crash landed on the ground at blinding speed. Everybody watched and waited for the dust to clear.
"This fight is over." Now was Zero's turn to utter those words. They sound so much more decisive than when they came out of 12's mouth.
12 looked in Zero's eye, and saw…He was different. Five years ago, Zero seemed like an immature little kid who would never grow up and change. Even in Neo Snagem, he would let loose when not in the presence of Neo Snagem's more 'stiff' Commanders. But now…Zero had this hardened aura. 12 wondered whatever happened to Zero, but quickly remembered…his betrayal in Azalea Town. Or…maybe it was Neo Snagem, turning on him. Had Neo Snagem not tried to kill Zero, would Zero still be on their side? Sure, Zero was suspicious and Neo Snagem had reason to not trust him, but he'd still be cooperating…right? The hardened expression on Zero's face is just what happens when the entire world you spend your life believing in turns on you. The world you believe crumbles, and you finally see the cruel world for what it is-selfishness.
While Zero's face told one story, Commander 12's face told another. It was so much to process in the matter of a few seconds. Has Zero really found a resolve that's stronger than hers? A desire to defeat Zero and claim fame like there never was…Was it really eclipsed by Zero's goal to destroy Team Neo Snagem? Zero's scope on life was so much bigger than hers. Again, 12 had been outdone by Zero…She fell to her knees in defeat.
"We were rivals some time ago, but those days are over," Zero started, "You will never be able to defeat my resolve. Leave Violet City, and abandon any plan to take it over."
Zero's words were brutally honest- along the lines of his brother and father…But when all is said and done, Zero as a fighter wasn't a brutal as Seth or Atticus. He allowed for 12 to slowly take in the bitter pill of defeat, as he started to walk away.
The many spectators began walking away as well.
"That Zero…impressive." A veteran trainer commented.
"That was the most powerful Charizard I've ever seen!" Kids clamoured for more of Zero and Charizard.
"That Zero could be the best, like no one ever was!"
The many raves about Zero made Commander feel small. Like every other battle, she's able to demonstrate competent strength…only to be overshadowed by Zero.
The clouds of Hurricane remained, and it started to rain. It rained on a motionless Noivern, and it rained on 12.
"…"
12 remained on her knees for a moment before finally saying out loud, "…Is it not okay for a Neo Snagem Commander to act human for once?" She was a Commander, but she was still human-human enough to become depressed.
"I'll answer that question with a 'yes'."
"Huh?" Might Commander 12 have been ready to shed a tear? The world will never know. Her eyes are covered by her sunglasses, and the tears would camouflage with the rain on her face. Her human side was quickly buried as she looked to see who addressed her.
Walking up to Commander 12 from behind, was a familiar, yet distant face. He was on the elderly side, and was short in stature. He wore large glasses, a white lab coat, grey slacks, and black dress shoes.
He snickered, "Long time, no see, 12."
Zero? Not quite. This was a scientist, formerly employed by Team Neo Snagem. It's been a long time since this man has been seen. He is, Scientist Zeno.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note
Who IS Zeno? Haha, well he HAS made a prior appearance in the story. Chapter 7...posted in February of 2014. Yeah...a flashback was needed in the beginning of the chapter in order for this arc to make sense(as in, 'WHY is this happening?', and NOT a convoluted story)
Hit a bit of Writer's Block this Chapter, but that's just because I didn't know how to set up the better part of this arc. It's up now, and I have everything outlined.
~WeS RoYaL~