Chapter 34: Through Pain of Loss
Summary:
The rage of Shadows, and the intervention of the Divine.
Notes:
This is probably one of the most important battles, so far. It's gonna be big, but not the biggest. I have to save the ultimate battle for the League, after all. It's not too much longer until that point, and I feel like the big Ash vs Zeryph battle should be something to look forward to.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Mewtwo and Libra charged, they met in the middle of the field, with a shower of sparks. Despite her handicap, Libra matched Mewtwo, blow for blow. Her armor proved to be more than enough for Mewtwo's blades. The pair's first series of attacks, ended in a brief clash, then a Psychic blast that pushed them apart. Then, they began to circle.
"So much potential, yet, it's all wasted under the watch of a Trainer. You could be so much more, if you would only go off on your own." Libra broke the silence. I had only just began to notice- Giovanni wasn't here. I heard Mewtwo's quiet whisper in my head- the base beneath the Gym…it's empty. Perhaps, Giovanni had ordered the base to be evacuated, as to make sure nobody got caught in this.
"Hmmph. What would you know about freedom? You're a puppet to those who call themselves our creators." Mewtwo said.
"Puppet? Hardly, dear brother. I'm a free agent." Libra charged forward with an overhead swing, which Mewtwo caught with his blades. She spun, and smacked him in the side with her tail, causing him to grunt. He returned by shoving her arm to the side and going for a stab. Libra hopped away, using her limited powers to create some extra distance.
"Then, what about that armor? It limits you, does it not? Were you not forced to wear it?" Mewtwo asked her.
"No, I volunteered." I'm starting to think that Libra's been brainwashed, too. That makes things…much harder.
"No, you didn't. You were forced, I…I know it. You're not under free will, at all." Mewtwo growled, then shook his head. He was reminding himself to stay focused.
"Even your emotions get in your way. I have no such problem, and that makes me stronger." Libra said.
"No…because I, gain strength from those who I call my friends." Mewtwo vanished in a flash of light, and there was a crunch as his right fist made contact with Libra's chest plate. The crunch- was from the armor breaking under the force of the hit. Libra was thrown backwards, but recovered in the air. She landed on her feet, then tore the armor from her chest.
She then engaged him again, and it quickly became clear that Mewtwo had the upper hand. The power from Mega Evolution gave him a massive advantage, over someone who had been limited so heavily. But it seems that advantage was fading pretty quickly. Especially as Libra had begun to lose pieces of her armor. With one final hit to the side of her face, knocking the mask away. She stumbled with a loud grunt, then held up a hand to where she'd been hit.
"Impressive. You really are the stronger one, aren't you? But, your bonds hold you back." Libra began to levitate, before gathering energy into her hands and launching a blast at the ceiling. The roof of the gym curved upwards, before giving away as it was blasted open. "I will return, to the place from which we came. Find me, and face me there. Don't worry, I'm sure you know exactly where it is." Before we could stop her, she vanished. She'd left something behind, which, looked like a map. It was likely what would show us where to go.
"Zeryph, we've gotta go after her." Mewtwo said, after taking a moment to process everything.
"I know. But, I really don't like this." Originally, there wouldn't have even been an encounter. In fact, based on which one she is, our first encounter with Libra shouldn't have been until after we arrived for that event she would send out invitations for. Heck…had things gone right from the start, it's likely Mewtwo would've sent them out, instead of Libra.
Now, I'm not so sure. And with the Viridian City gym crew gone, how do Ash and I even get the badge? We can worry about that later. For now, we've got a bigger problem. I think…Libra, may have gone rogue. I'm not sure what her wake-up call was, if there even was one. It was most likely her encounter with the Fusion, a little while back.
Either way, she seems to have decided that she had enough of Team Rocket. At least…that's what I'm guessing, anyway.
"Any idea where she's going?" I asked.
"When I'd said something about the Mansion before, it was only partially right. Though we did stay there, briefly, it wasn't the main lab, and it most certainly wasn't a Team Rocket lab, either. Unlike the main one, on New Island." Mewtwo said. "I didn't remember, at first, but I do now. If there's anywhere for Libra to go, it's there."
"Then that's where we're headed. We might be facing a one-way trip on this one, though." I had my team gather around us. "Ash, I want you and the others to stay here, no matter what."
"But, Zeryph-"
"Uh-uh, kiddo. This is something far beyond what you can handle. Stay here with the others. I promise you, we'll be back. Mewtwo, any idea as to where to go?"
"Maybe this will help." He picked up the map and unfolded it. "Looks like we're headed south. The most likely spot is here." He traced a circle with his finger. "That's where New Island should be. The only boats that go out there are from the Old Shore Wharf, but I'm pretty sure that place doesn't really run anymore."
"Maybe not, but it's worth a try. Come on, the faster we get there, the sooner we can get to the island, and deal with her." It goes without saying, that I feel like we're walking into a trap. It's possible Libra might want to deal with us first, then, lure in others to face in battle. She could even be pursuing the original Mewtwo's plans, only altering them because of my team.
The real mystery is what happened between her and Team Rocket. Did she simply send them away, or was there more to it than that? Mewtwo has said previously that there was a large blank between him emerging in the lab, and waking up in his cell. But the question is…could his memories be altered, in some way?
We set out right away, hoping to get to the island before Libra could enact any plans she might have. Unfortunately, I don't think we're going to make it in time. If Libra's acting how the original did, then she's going to invite several trainers to the island. Which means, we're gonna have to deal with them, too, as well as her.
What worries me the most is the possibility of Ash getting caught up in this. The last thing I want is for him to be in the crossfire, especially if Mewtwo goes- never mind. If things go well, it won't come to that.
The moment we left the abandoned gym, we started to the south at the quickest pace we could manage. I think it's also worth mentioning, that all the stuff leading into the movie happened over the course of a few weeks. However, given the way things go for us, I wouldn't be surprised if it's all been happening in the background as we were going along, rather than waiting for the extra time.
I think we do still have a few days at the very least. Especially since it should take some time for all the trainers to gather at the wharf before heading to the island. Which gives us extra time to prepare. It was during our trip to the south that a Dragonite intercepted us, with an invitation. My bad feeling returned, from earlier. If he was already delivering invitations, then that means Libra has sped up her plans.
We took this as a signal to speed things up, resorting to teleporting ahead to where we were going. However, we ran into an issue- we couldn't actually get to the island. At least, not right now. It seems I was right, that the whole thing would need the other trainers to arrive first. So, we take this time to sit down and plan.
And that's exactly what we did. We began to go over every possible scenario that could come up. What worries me is the continued lack of contact from Giratina or his brothers. Even Arceus hasn't contacted us, which worries me even more. Over the next few days, more of the trainers started to arrive. Much to my horror, Ash and the others did, along with them. I'm willing to bet, Libra wants him there because of me.
As much as I want to send him away, I can't find it in myself to do so. I'm not sure why, but…I think having him along might help in the event Mewtwo goes shadow on us. And this is because Ash knows my training style better than anyone else. It's also because he's the only one besides me that my team will work with.
Problem is, we're going into an extremely dangerous situation, and I really, really hate to have him be involved. Although, I guess the same can be said for the rest of these folks. I'm actually kinda surprised Libra didn't send her invitations to Lance, or the rest of the Elite Four.
There was also the mess that was on the news. Talking about Libra blasting a hole in the Viridian City gym. As well as something else interesting. Apparently, it seems that Giovanni has gone missing. I'm not entirely sure if he's simply gone into hiding, or if Libra had done something. Either way, it's a problem for myself and Ash, but we can worry about it, later.
The boat that was supposed to take everyone to the island, was also called off, due to a massive storm that was brewing. I had no doubts about it being Libra. Which lead to the decision to get Kaorah and Evan geared up. Flying into a storm is even worse than taking a ship, but we don't have a choice here.
The other trainers decided to follow our example, too. I guess one of them had seen us take off, after we waited for nightfall. It's the first time Evan had ever broke the sound barrier, while with a passenger. It's thanks only to riding with Kaorah that I know how to position myself for this. We landed on the northern shore, and immediately, I set everyone loose, and powered all of them up into Mega form. Well, for those who we've tested it with. Cerise is the only one who hasn't taken a seed.
It seems the lights from everyone powering up, was enough to draw in the crowd. We'd already begun to head in, by the time the first trainers landed. I didn't miss their reactions to my team, either. Kaorah was the one who made the decision for us to drop weights, but we likely would have, anyway.
I had also taught Mewtwo something very important, in the days prior. Battle meditation, in order to make sure he could focus properly. He had slipped into this new form of meditation, from the moment we landed. He was the one to lead us in, with a clear mind, and his blades shining brightly in the dark.
He lifted a hand to the facility door, gathering power into his palm before releasing a powerful blast. The door crunched inwards, and quickly gave way. It landed inside with a loud bang. While I would've been worried about Team Rocket's security systems, they clearly weren't functional, so there was no need.
"I must admit…she's done a good job keeping the place in good shape." Melanie broke the silence.
"I guess. If not for all the things that are about to happen here, it would actually make a good base."
"You should take some inspiration. Our own base could use a few additions, like a battle stadium for training." Lexie spoke up. I nodded in agreement.
"We'll worry about that when the whole planet isn't at risk. We need to focus." We fell into silence once more, following Mewtwo until we found her.
Libra, waiting for our arrival, along with…one of the Joys? I reminded myself that she's likely under Libra's mind control. Mewtwo and Libra entered what's probably one of the most tense standoffs, that there has ever been.
Even as the other trainers entered behind us, the pair's eyes never left the other. It wasn't hard to figure out they were likely having a mental battle, testing the other's resolve.
"Oh, great, a bunch of-" I interrupted what the trainer was saying.
"If you want to live, do not…finish that sentence." I said. "Libra, the one across from us, is extremely dangerous. She has nothing to hold her back, and is very likely to kill you for the slightest insult." Just a guess, but I wouldn't be too surprised, either. I just hope Arceus and His sons are on standby for any sort of emergency situation. If it gets real bad, Dialga can even rewind time…hopefully.
"Dear brother, I've been waiting. What took you so long?" Libra finally spoke up.
"Preparing, for you." Mewtwo growled. "This time, you won't be getting away."
"Oh, I don't plan on it. And you even brought more along with you, excellent. I've been meaning to test what I can really do." Libra shifted her focus, to the rest of us. "Welcome, trainers of Kanto. I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here. Simple, you're here to be tested, as the strongest of what Kanto has to offer. A shame I couldn't get the Elite Four, or the Grand Champion."
Heh…if Lance was here, this would go very differently. I could explain to him what was really going on, and even have him join my team in contingency planning. He's one of the only trainers in the world who has my full respect, even without meeting him in person. And, is my second favorite overall. Behind the 'Lady In Black,' Cynthia, from the Sinnoh Region. And, along with that, one of the few trainers I would trust easily, but still plan for in case they turn on me.
"Joy, be a dear would you? Show these trainers to where they'll be staying, while I prepare the stadium." Libra said.
"Yes, mistress. Follow me, please." I placed a hand on Mewtwo's shoulder, silently reminding him to keep calm, and stay focused. As we all followed Joy, Mewtwo's eyes never left Libra, until he was no longer to look her way. But, I know his sensory abilities are still focused on her.
[There are other Pokemon 're…not normal. I think she may have been using the facilities.] Mewtwo's voice echoed.
[Then we must be extra careful. If she's been cloning Pokemon, we must prepare to face them. I'm hoping that we can free them from her control.] During the next few hours, while other trainers settled in, I decided to get some space. Pulled my phone, and began to dial a number. This is probably the toughest call I've ever had to make.
"Hello? Zeryph?" Considering what's coming, I felt like talking to my aunt for what could be the last time, was a good idea.
"Hey auntie." She's known me long enough to pick up on the worry in my voice. I felt Kaorah's arms wrap around me, and her head rested on my right shoulder. As I reached up to scratch her neck, my Aunt appeared on screen. I guess Mr. Mime got her phone for her.
"How are…" She trailed off when she saw me. "What's wrong?" Delia's one of the few who can pick up on when something's going on.
"Listen…things aren't going too well. There's a battle coming up, and it's going to be the worst my team has ever been in. Auntie, I don't think we're gonna make it out of this." I decided to just be honest.
"What?" Delia put a hand to her chest, and took a slow breath. "Zeryph…please, don't. I don't want to lose you, like how we lost…" She didn't have to finish her sentence, for me to know who she was talking about.
"I know." I sighed, "but, they would've done it, too. The whole planet is potentially at risk. Look, much as I might like to tell you everything, I can't. All I can tell you is…I have a contingency plan. No matter what happens…even if I don't make it, then I pass on with the knowledge that I saved everyone else."
"I'm not gonna stop you, huh? You're just like them, in more ways than you might realize." Delia smiled softly. "Go, save the world. I know you can do it. Just...come by and see me, you hear? If you make it out, I want to make sure you're OK."
"I will, auntie, I promise." A rumble shook the building, thunder from the storm Libra was creating. I know of her plans, but Rayquaza would NEVER let her succeed. The moment he notices the storm, her plans are done for. "If the worst case scenario comes around…" I didn't finish that. I can't reveal Arceus or His sons being involved.
"Is Ash there with you?" Delia asked.
"He is. I really wish he hadn't decided to come along, but you know how he is. I promise you, nothing bad will happen to him. I won't let it."
"I know…you'll do everything you can to make sure he gets out of the mess you're both in." The screen began to flicker, and sound started to distort.
"I think time is running out, auntie. Won't be able to talk for much longer." I wouldn't be surprised if it's Libra jamming the signal, either.
"Okay…" Delia sighed. "Just…stay safe, and good luck. I'll be waiting, either for you, or for news of…"
"I know. I'll see you soon, I promise." I cut the call off afterwards, then took a slow breath in order to settle my nerves.
"You did the right thing, ya know." Kaorah gave me a soft squeeze with her arms. "Even if it was the hard choice…calling her for what might be the last time, was a good one to make."
"Hopefully, not the last time. But, if the Creation Trio's contingency plan works, whatever it may be, then even if I die, it won't be for long." I'm certainly not afraid of that possibility, either. Even if the System tries, it won't be able to hijack me again, not with Arceus present. Which is the main thing I'm hoping for. He should be able to overpower it, and bring me back.
However, I'm still in the dark because of the fact none of them have contacted me. Not even Dialga, which is highly unusual. Significant events like this are always of some importance to the four of them, even if they only observe. It could also be a case where they're preparing to personally intervene.
"There is one…other call, I'd like to make. Maybe not the best idea, but it could help us to have a clue how to stop Libra, and especially Mewtwo if he goes…shadow." I began to dial a number I had only seen once.
"Mr. Ketchum." Although he was not in the best shape, Giovanni still managed to answer. Where he was, I don't know. There wasn't any sign of his Persian, either. Likely injured, or worse.
"Giovanni. Lose something, did we?" I asked.
"Libra, yes." He drew out the yes, then shook his head. "I suppose it would be a 'dumb question' if I were to ask how you knew of her. She did say that she was going after her brother. I would've warned you, but I was…occupied."
"Saving your own skin, of course. Not that I blame you, either. Were our roles switched, I would rather not be on the receiving end of any Legend's fury, especially one who's able to reach just under…a certain four."
"A certain four?"
"Never mind. Listen, I need a favor."
"That's a big ask, Mr. Ketchum. I hope you realize that it means you will owe me, in the future."
"I'm understand, and I'm prepared. So long as it doesn't go entirely against my morals."
"Excellent. Now then, name your request, and I'll see what I can do."
"Libra, and just in case of certain events, Mewtwo- what's the best way to stop them?"
"Both at once, hmm? Preparing for any scenario, an excellent plan." Giovanni adjusted his tie. "The best way to stop them is through overwhelming force, of course. There's nothing short that can handle them. Libra, perhaps, but Mewtwo…well, there's a reason he was in that cell. Though you may like to know, that would be divulging too much information. Which, I can't afford to do when I am unable to make a deal in person."
"I understand. So, overwhelming force, with type advantage. That seems like the most obvious answer." We have a Dark Type, and Lexie can use Dark or Ghost…not that she would like to use Ghost.
"Your team is all capable of Mega Evolution, are they not?" I didn't have to ask how he knew that, considering Libra's reports, and how she may have seen us train. Which is worrying, as that means she'll know how to fight everyone on the team…to a point, anyway. "May I suggest, all at once?" Giovanni interrupted my thoughts.
"That was our initial plan, but we've made some contingencies, too. We'll just have to wait and see. I must be going now, there's a rogue element to stop."
"Very well. And, Mr. Ketchum, good luck."
Giovanni ended the call. I would've liked to have tracked him down first, but that can wait for later. As for what I'd owe him…it's most likely going to be something about leaving Team Rocket alone. Which, is fine by me. Mewtwo might not like it, but I think Team Rocket might try and go to ground after Libra wrecked their HQ.
"C'mon girl, we should go and get ready." I said to Kaorah. "Remember, no matter what happens, stay focused on the battle." The Mewtwo balls are going to be a concern, since they're one of the two types capable of capturing a Pokemon who's already been caught. Although, I'm willing to bet, the System will prevent that…at least for us.
We made our way back to the rooms, and while everyone else was relaxing, my team was preparing. We were all very tense, as we knew what was coming, unlike the others. I'm starting to think the other trainers are picking up on it, and it's making them nervous.
Mewtwo's battle meditation had already begun to kick in. Although not quite the same without the Force, it was still an effective option. It did get boosted by his Mega form, but we're not sure by how much. I guess we're gonna find out.
"Show of hands, please. Which one out of all of you, has a Pokemon who can Mega Evolve?" I asked, out loud. "We're gonna need to go at this with full power. I'll give all of you something which can trip Mega Evolution." There was some reluctance, but after my team demonstrated what would happen, we got the trainers to agree.
There were numerous flashes of light, as many of the Mega-capable Pokemon were powered up. With that out of the way, we all started to head for the battle stadium, where Libra was waiting for us.
[No matter what happens, we've got your back. Just, be ready for anything.] I didn't have the time to respond to Palkia's voice, echoing in my head. I really wanted to know what they were planning, but it was already too late for them to explain anything.
We entered the stadium, shortly after. Libra was surprised, seeing so many Megas in one place. I had no doubt that she knew how, of course. My team dropped weights as soon as we entered the chamber, and Mewtwo began to power himself up. Libra did the same, in response. The Psychic pressure was so high, that many of the Pokemon around us began to falter. Even the ones on Ash's team.
Mewtwo decided he wouldn't allow Libra to speak, opening battle with a Shadow Ball, thrown straight at her. She countered with her own, of course…then it was on from there. While the pair engaged, some Pokemon who had sided with Libra, including the Dragonite from earlier, were sent out for the rest of us. Perhaps the most surprising, a group of Kanto starters with striped skin. Most likely, the clones.
Libra had wanted to prove that the clones were the stronger ones…but the clones lacked one thing- Mega forms. I don't know for sure what Libra's plans really were, but it seemed that her being focused on Mewtwo, meant that she couldn't exactly explain. I saw no reason for my team to interfere, and they even agreed. This was between the siblings.
That didn't stop Libra from enacting her plan, however. The deployment of the Mewtwo Balls, in order to take the trainers' Pokemon from them. With the mess going on, not many were able to react at first. The only ones who weren't able to be captured, were on my team. For…obvious reasons, really. Between their training making them the fastest ones here, and the effects of the System on all of us.
Thanks to Melanie's gravity control, they were able to be caught, and safely neutralized. However, with my attention on everyone else, it meant I wasn't paying attention to what I should've been watching.
[No! Zeryph, look out!] Mewtwo's warning would arrive too late. The most horrid, burning pain I had ever felt in my life, shot up from my abdomen, as two blades erupted from within, stabbed in through my back. Melanie's horrified scream was the worst reaction, by far. She gathered her powers, and blasted Libra with a wave of force that broke the floor, and collapsed the wall when it slammed into its surface. The whole building shook, dust falling from the rafters above.
Melanie was at my side in an instant, but a status check told me she wasn't going to be able to save me. I'd already begun to black out by the time she'd started trying to use her magic. Her voice rapidly grew distant, the sheer terror in her voice, in her eyes…just barely visible.
And as my world went black, I heard one sound more clearly than all the rest. The thumping of a heartbeat. And, I saw it. The flash of blazing red in Mewtwo's eyes…and then, the world was torn apart.
[Mewtwo]
[BGM suggestion]
[Nier: Automata]
[The Sound of the End]
Mewtwo's power exploded from within. A beam of dark purple light shooting into the sky, with a wave of energy so strong that it blasted the storm from the sky. The whole island shook, and the building was blown away, along with anyone unfortunate enough to be within its radius. All thought was gone, the only thing left was a deep, burning rage.
"LIBRA!"
He vanished in a flash, appearing faster than she could react, his hand tightly wrapped around her neck. He lifted her from the ground, felt her struggling in his grip. Libra had known her brother was dangerous, but she never imagined it would be like this. What she was facing now, was a monster, in the truest sense of the word.
Mewtwo turned, swinging her around and throwing her across the arena, only to reappear above her before slamming her into the ground with a swirling sphere of black energy. The corrupted Aura Sphere looked as horrible as it felt. Libra spat up blood from the impact, and felt the ground break beneath her as she made contact. In an instant, she was grabbed by the leg, before Mewtwo began to slam her into anything in reach.
Slowly, around them, Zeryph's team had begun to get up. They'd taken the brunt of the explosion from Mewtwo's power, and it had hurt them, too. Granted, not nearly as bad as most of the others. Libra watched them take up a formation. Whether it was to protect the human's body, or to prepare to fight the two of them, she wasn't sure. Maybe it was a bit of both, but she didn't have time to think. Melanie was the only one who didn't rise. She was lying on her back, with a blank look in her eyes.
She winced when Mewtwo's blades clashed with her own. She felt them crack under the weight of his swings. She'd been on equal footing earlier, but now- he had the advantage. His attacks felt like they were on the level of Legendaries stronger than even the pair of them. Stronger than the strange Pokemon she'd battled several days earlier.
Mewtwo's next swing would push her right arm out, then another would've separated it from her body, had it not been caught by…the Absol?
"Do…yourself, a favor…run. Run, and don't ever look back." Solais growled out. "If you want to live, that's your only choice. He will NOT stop until you're dead…and might not even stop at that."
"We planned for this, you have not. Go, if you know what's good for you." Kaorah really, really had to try to hold herself back. She wanted to tear Libra apart, but now wasn't the time. They had something far more important to deal with. Libra might've been offered a chance, but she'd never get it. She felt searing agony as a blast of energy hit her in the stomach, around the same spot where she'd stabbed the human. But, this wasn't from Mewtwo, rather, it was the Gardevoir.
Melanie's sudden attack had startled her team, too. She had the same crimson glow in her eyes. Her tears had turned black, and had begun to turn to mist in the air. Mewtwo going shadow, they had planned on. But Melanie? She grabbed the rest of the team with her gravity control, and threw them all aside. Kaorah's head would strike a wall, hard enough to knock her out. Solais was left unable to stand properly after one of her legs gave out from the impact.
With two shadows bearing down on her, Libra didn't stand a chance. Mewtwo was bad enough, but this? She didn't think the healer had it in her. Despite their minds being overwhelmed with rage, the pair fought in perfect sync, almost as if they were controlling each other.
This synchronized attack is what finally helped them break through her guard, and it put Melanie in the right position. She struck at Libra's chest with a hand coated in crimson lightning. Libra's senses were overloaded with agony, as it burned right through. She would be dead in moments, and she knew it. Mewtwo didn't even give her the time to fall to the ground, as he swung for her neck.
[Zeryph]
[BGM Suggestion]
[Yasuharu Takanashi]
[Tragic]
I opened my eyes to a familiar void. I knew what this was, the space between before I'd start another run. I sighed, and slowly sat up. I still felt sore from Libra's attack, which was unusual. I was able to watch, at least for a while, as the chaos continued. I watched Libra's head be separated from her shoulders. I saw as Mewtwo and Melanie teleported into Celadon City. The sudden appearance of a pair of shadows, sent the local civilians into a panic.
Mewtwo blasted open the door to the game corner, then he and Melanie entered. The civilians within, all fled through the front door. Police forces rapidly responded to the developing situation, stationing themselves outside the building. I heard one of them ask, where I was. Not that I could really do anything at the moment.
What followed was a series of flashes, as Mewtwo and Melanie both cut their way through every single member of Team Rocket in their path. But not just them, their Pokemon, too. As well as those who followed them in from the surface. There was no hesitation, no mercy. It didn't matter if those facing them were innocent or not.
If I had to guess, they were looking for Giovanni. They wouldn't find him in the Celadon base, of course. News crews were soon on the scene, one covering what was happening from a helicopter. They couldn't see the battle, just the smoke from the game corner. Melanie had set the building on fire, in order to deter any further interference from the surface.
This was the last I saw before the world faded to black once again. I felt the pain in my chest, falling to my knees with a deep breath. Watching Mewtwo and Mel…it hurt, seeing what they'd turned into after my death.
"̵̨̩̤̮̹̬̘͇̮̦̪̞͖̳͂̾̐̌̈̂̇̉͑̇̀̂̿͝Y̸̳͍̪̦̬̤͙͛̊́͋͘ò̶̝̗̥̬̦̫͓̔͆̈́̐͆̚͠͝ͅų̸̯̞̜̳̽̃͗̂͌̂͂͂̅̚͜ ̷̡͚̭͙̞̝̘͇̕͝D̴̨̢͙̩͓̱̱͖̬͔̠̫̊͐̅̔̎͊͌̾̽̍̏̚͜͝i̸̞͑̔̈́͊̊̄̄͐̏͋͝e̴̢͎̦͓͙̝̳̼̦̙̟͎̹̼͊̑̈́̊̌̋̊͆̀̀̑̑͒̀͜͝ḋ̷̨̛͍̪͈̀̈́̈́̾̀̈͊͜!̴̰͖͖͎͂̏͋̈́́̂̽͠"̶̡̬̣̝̹̳̜̩̣̲̺͎̥͓̏́̄͊̅̊͋̀͋̏͐̚
Well…isn't that interesting? Is it supposed to glitch like this? In fact…this was actually delayed. I thought it would've gone off sooner. Cracks began to form in the air, then the void rippled as a massive set of runes appeared on the floor. I recognized this, of course. It was the same markings as the Mystri Stage. Blue, magenta, red, then bright, almost blinding white. The brothers appeared, then Arceus between them.
"Man, am I glad to see you guys." I said, though, my tone wasn't as happy as what my words suggested. I knew what was going on, based on what I'd seen in Mewtwo's eyes. And that vision of the outside, of course.
"Yes, well…I wish it were going well." Arceus said. "Upon your death, it would seem that Mewtwo has…gone over the edge, shall we say. But, he wasn't the only one." What?
"It's true. That pretty little healer of yours, she-"
"Brother." Dialga interrupted. I kinda knew Mewtwo would, Kaorah was a maybe, and I'd seen what happened to Melanie.
"The pair killed Libra in battle, and Melanie…in her anger, injured the rest of your team. Kaorah, I believe her name was, is unconscious, after hitting her head on the wall. I fear she may have a serious injury from the impact. Solais has a broken leg, and the others aren't much better." Palkia said.
"Zeryph, we need you, more than ever now. You're the only one who can stop this, before it gets…much, much worse." Arceus said.
"It's true, because you can get them to open up again. Just…listen, you have a time limit. Melanie, I think, said something about 'shattering the heavens, and bringing them crashing to the earth.'" Giratina spoke up, next. That…sounds really, really bad.
"Melanie might snap out of it if she sees you, but Mewtwo…we will have to intervene, there is no choice. Ready yourselves, my sons. Zeryph, when you're ready, we'll take you back." The System sure as hell won't like this, and I'm sure it has also likely pinged every Monitor currently available.
I decided…I don't care what they think. I held out my hand, and Arceus placed a golden hoof within. My world went white, then black…and I slowly opened my eyes. I was still in a lot of pain, and my body felt warm and wet, but at least…I didn't have two holes through my torso anymore. Doesn't change the fact that I'm covered in blood.
Four flashes filled the air, as Arceus and the Creation Trio arrived…within a shallow crater. There was rubble everywhere. I had no doubt this was Melanie's doing. She had figured out how to re-create Shinra Tensei after all. While not quite as strong as the real thing, it did still make a mess.
"Did your future sight see all…this?" Giratina broke the silence.
"No. I only foresaw Mewtwo. I didn't see Melanie happening, until it was far too late." Dialga answered honestly. His eyes suddenly widened. "The mainland! Father, we need to hurry!"
"Go, my son, and take the others with you. I shall remain here, to bring back those wrongfully lost." Arceus said.
"Hey, could you maybe…bring Libra back, too? She might've not been good, but I don't think she deserved what happened to her, either." I could feel the brothers' approval, towards my words.
"Are you sure about this, young one?" Arceus asked, and I answered with a nod. "Very well. Now, go, save your loved ones from themselves."
[New BGM]
[Yasuharu Takanashi]
[Burial]
I felt the world shift, then we arrived near…what used to be Celadon City. The destruction on New Island was nothing compared to this. There was a massive crater that opened up into a huge underground complex, or rather, what was left of it. This was definitely Melanie's doing.
"Dear…Arceus…" I slowly fell to my knees, the pain in my chest returning.
"We will save them, don't worry." Palkia said, trying to reassure me.
I pulled out my phone, for the Emergency Broadcast alert that just sounded. News, all over the world, showing what was going on in Kanto, right at this moment, from the sky above. I had barely registered the sound of rotors, but it seems that the helicopter had caught my arrival with the Creation Trio.
"Look there! Isn't that?"
"It is! Where has he been? And who are those Pokemon? I've never seen them before."
"Stand-by. I shall begin rewinding time. We will stop this, we simply must. You have my word, the world will not remember this day. Only you, and your team, shall remember any of these events." Dialga said. He then tapped the ground, once, twice, three times. The world rippled, then, everything began to steadily return to what state it was in, revealing that Melanie's explosion had come from underground.
The world shifted again, and we got to her just as she began preparing to cast it.
"Melanie! Stop!" I grabbed her arms, just before she could push them out to the side, then turned her to face me. I saw the recognition in her eyes, then I felt myself wrapped in a pair of arms. Melanie began to sob into my shoulder, as her colors returned to normal. The shadows stopped leaking from her eyes.
"Oh Arceus, Zee…what…have I done?" I didn't say anything, choosing to hold her until she began to quiet down, her cries becoming quiet sniffles and whimpers.
"It's OK…everything will be fine." I whispered into her ear. I felt her quickly begin to grow weaker. Without her being pushed by Shadow mode, she was quickly giving into fatigue. "Where is he, Mel? Where's Mewtwo?" I asked.
"Further…in. He went to…seek…shelter." Melanie began to nod off. "I'm…so happy…you're…back…" I caught her as she fell limp, then gently lowered her to the ground. A rift opened up, and she slowly fell through. I knew it was a portal for the Distortion World. She'll be safe there, until this is all over.
"Let's go. We've got work to do." I said quietly. Palkia and Giratina went on ahead.
"Are you all right?" Dialga asked.
"No, I am not. But…we can worry about that later. For now, our priority is bringing Mewtwo back to the light." I said. We caught up to the others, and continued forward…until we found him. He turned to face us, readying himself for battle. I stepped forward, raising my hands as a sign that I meant no harm.
"Hey…it's me. I'm OK." Mewtwo began to relax, as I spoke. Slowly, but I could tell. "I promise, I'm all right. I promise, everything will be just fine." I began to slowly walk forward. With the Creation Trio at my back, I knew it would be much easier to get him to come back to the light. "Remember, Mewtwo? That night, on the roof. What you said to me?" I felt it…something clicked. Mewtwo's eyes flickered blue.
"Zer…ryph?" Mewtwo growled out, as tears began to drip from his eyes.
"Yes! It's me! C'mon, bud…I know you're in there. Come back to me, to us. You can do it." I finally closed the distance, and threw my arms around him. For several tense seconds, I thought he was going to believe it was a trick, and I'd be impaled again. But, the next sound to meet my ears was the sound of his blades fading away.
I felt his arms wrap tightly around me, and his head settled onto my shoulder. He didn't say another word, he didn't need to. His skin returned to its normal color, instead of the dark gray it had become in his altered state. His form had also returned to normal, as he dropped out of his Mega Evolution.
"Zeryph…I'm…" I silenced him, when I captured his lips with my own. I felt him go through several emotions at once, before he settled on what I was looking for. Love. I felt him lean into it, and even return it. There wasn't any hesitation, even with the audience behind us. It was several seconds before we separated for air.
"Welcome back." I said quietly. "Let's…go find the others." Mewtwo nodded, and a light blush appeared on his face when he'd realized we had an audience, after an attempt at a whistle from Giratina. I shook my head, but I was smiling.
The world shifted as we returned to New Island. I ignored the completion of the quest that had been with us from the start, pretty much. The trainers caught in Melanie's blast were all revived, and healed, but weren't conscious. The rest of my team were the only ones who were. I felt myself get tackled, as Kaorah and Lexie were immediately on me, with Solais right behind.
"Easy, girls. He just got back from the grave." Giratina spoke up, only to grunt as Dialga and Palkia both gave him the equivalent of a smack against the back of his head. I found myself unable to stop from grinning at the brothers' antics. Honestly, never thought I'd see them actually get along in some way.
"Is it done?" Arceus asked.
"Yeah, all accounted for." I said.
"I had to rewind time, as Melanie had destroyed Celadon City in the chaos." Dialga admitted.
"She…what?"
"It's…true." Mewtwo confirmed. A rift opened up, and Melanie was gently deposited on the ground. She was sound asleep by now, her body coated in dust. Fortunately, she and Mewtwo lacked any signs of blood, other than what was on Melanie's hands from trying to save me.
Mewtwo allowed them to see what they'd missed. This stunned the other girls into silence, and it took them several minutes to process it. Yet…they didn't think any less of Melanie for it. She had gone shadow, so…she wasn't in control. As the trainers and their Pokemon began to wake up, Arceus and the Trio disappeared. When the trainers rose, they were understandably scared, of Mewtwo and Melanie, both.
Mewtwo personally assured all of them, that he was of sound mind once more. But it wasn't just them, Libra was waking up, too.
She backed up into a corner as Mewtwo slowly approached, and she was clearly scared out of her mind until…Mewtwo wrapped her in a hug.
"Go. You've…caused enough trouble, today. But…take that with you, as a sign. That, I am willing to give you a second chance. Not today, but, in the future. Find us again, and…we'll see." Mewtwo said.
Libra never said anything else, weakly pulling herself up with a hand over her chest where a scar resided. She also rubbed her neck, where there was another that went all the way around. She gathered her power, and then vanished in a flash of light. I don't think we'll be seeing her again, for a long time. I have no idea what's happened to the clones she created, or the Pokemon who'd sided with her.
The other trainers had begun to calm down, upon realizing they weren't under a threat anymore. Someone suggested the idea that we should all go home. The agreement was unanimous, so…we all departed from New Island, together. The facility had been left in ruins. Officer Jenny was waiting on all of us when we returned to the shore.
"What happened out there? I could feel the ground shake from here. Not to mention the large wave that hit us."
"It's a long story, but it can wait. We all need some rest…after that mess." And I needed to get cleaned up.
True to Dialga's word, nobody seemed to remember what really happened. Instead, their memories were altered to make it seem like it was just a botched raid in Celadon, rather than the base being attacked by Melanie and Mewtwo. Melanie's explosion was instead covered by it being a hidden explosive device.
Despite that, I was still seen as a hero, once again, considering the fact that I had appeared with the Creation Trio. And, with Dialga rewinding time to before the explosion, then the three of us stopping it before it could happen again. Mentally, I applauded the work done by the Lake Trio. Their cover-up was absolutely flawless.
The same wasn't possible to do for the ones on New Island with us, so, their memories were simply wiped. It was decided that Ash, Brock, and Misty, would be allowed to keep their memories, as would those on their teams. Especially considering their importance to the timeline.
Part of me wonders…what would've happened if Arceus and the Creation Trio hadn't gotten involved. I think I would've been moved on. And without something to stop them, Mewtwo and Melanie likely would've destroyed Kanto…or worse. But, fortunately for us, the four did get involved. And it's thanks to their help, we were able to resolve this whole mess.
It was late evening when my team and I finally returned to our rooms in the Pokemon Center. We had chosen to return to Viridian City, Mewtwo teleported us. I opened a base portal once we were in the rooms, and we all stepped through. Lexie set to work on supper, right away. Kaorah and Solais had been healed by Arceus, as had the other girls, so there was no need to have them checked out. Nurse Joy was grateful for freeing her from Libra's control. The wharf crew was glad to have her back, too.
As for myself, along with Ash and the others, the four of us were asked to give statements about what happened. Officer Jenny was very concerned with everything, but Dialga had turned up once more, in order to give his own perspective, as to what really happened. On the condition it be kept off the record. The reveal that Arceus had personally been involved was a major shock, but Jenny's nerves were settled when she'd learned that Arceus and the Creation Trio were directly responsible for helping me stop it.
The truth to what happened in Celadon City was even more of a shock, but we'd gotten her to agree with the Lake Trio's cover story. Especially since the Game Corner had been under suspicion for a long time. After that was over with, was when we returned to Viridian City. As we settled in for the night, I started to think over what the fallout from this was going to be.
With his choice to resurrect me, Arceus had broken into the void that sits outside of space-time, where players go between lives. This has almost certainly alerted every Monitor there was, as I said before. In fact, opening the base portal had felt harder than normal, but it still worked…at least.
Following supper, we all headed to bed. Kaorah joined me, this time around, and I'd snuggled into her side before dozing off. Tomorrow, we'll see if we can't face the Viridian City gym…properly. We've still gotta get the badge, even after all of this.
Notes:
Wonder how many of y'all were caught off guard by Melanie going shadow. Even I didn't think of it at first, but I figured...having someone die in her arms once was bad enough, especially when she loved them.
But, having it happen twice, that would be her breaking point. And, so, she went shadow, just like Mewtwo. And with her shadow form losing all restraint, her powers became much stronger. Resulting in...well, you get the idea.
Still, I think seeing their shadow forms coming out occasionally, might become a thing for the future. If they could learn to control it, it would make them so much stronger.
Anyway, rant over. I'll see y'all in the next chapter when it's up.
