Chapter 24- Volcanic Fire
A/N: This is a original Pokemon Fan Game, made by Amethyst. if you wish to check it out and play the game download it at Reborn Evolved. search for it on your web browser if you want to get to the website.
Time: 5:00
Location: Apophyll Beach
The sun started to rise as the boat reached the dock for Apophyll Academy. Percival squinted his eyes as the light absorbed the sun. "Well about time. Victoria, did say that her teacher Kiki, was it? Had strength… got to find that."
Barely seconds after getting off the boat, Percival made his way into the academy. Wandering through asking for where Kiki might be. Until he found himself in a training ground. It was a mix of stone from the nearby volcano, and the sand that was lined with the volcano's ash. Percival soon found a group of people sat kneeling toward a person in the middle. The person seemed to be in her late twenties or early thirties. Percival assumed the person must have been Kiki. Percival made his way over stopped, as he recognized this woman from Shade's Gym a vision where she was slain by a Garchomp, a Garchomp that almost killed him just a few hours ago.
Kiki noticed that Percival was just standing there. "Greetings. Are you a new student?"
"Uh…" It was enough for Percival to regain focus. "No, but—"
Percival was cut off. "Okay, but I'm in the middle of lecture. Please take a seat, and I will talk with you as soon as we are done here."
"…" Percival was strapped for time, but understood. And kneeled in the sand like the other students.
"Now, continuing on." Kiki went on to go over the idea of Perspective. How giving people, a different view on others will change ways that they feel about them. Giving examples of Pokémon Mawile, and how it has two mouths, a sweet beautiful face and a dangerous horn (Mouth). And depending on how it is it has a greater understanding. Kiki then continued on about people, and how sometimes they seem unpleasant but, just really need help.
"…" This once again brought another memory from Shade's Gym back to Percival. The boy, who called himself a light in a black whole. A side to a person that was Percival's enemy. Though what he was nothing like the man he's faced before, Percival shook his head and refused to believe that could be true. He forcibly shut out those thoughts and listened back to Kiki's lecture.
"Perhaps a city that is sick with homelessness and unemployment is just a city that is bursting with the desire to live. That will be all for today. Thank you." Kiki bowed her head, and the lecture ended. The other students started to leave, and Percival made his way towards Kiki. "Hello again. Was there something you required me for?"
"Yes." Percival nodded as he started to talk to Kiki, "I would like to get the TM for Strength. You do have it, don't you?"
"You came seeking the Machine for Strength? It is in my possession." There was a bit of upset in Kiki's voice, which Percival didn't like. "However, it is only typically awarded to graduating students of the Academy."
"What?!" That threw Percival's plan totally askew.
Kiki, looked at Percival with some regret in her words. "I'm sorry, but I must be returning now. Please come to speak to me at the academy, we will see what can be done."
"…" Percival was left speechless for a few minutes… wondering what was going to happen now. He silently prayed for that all to end well, and went after Kiki back to the academy. As he got to the academy he was met with a girl in black hair and in a kimono. One of Percival's rivals Victoria.
"Percival! I finally caught up to you!" Victoria shouted running up to Percival
"Oh… Sorry about that." Percival just realized after he met up with Amaria he abandoned Victoria without telling her a thing. "Things just happened—"
As Percival was trying to explain, a random student noticed Victoria and shouted. "Victoria, is that you?! I thought you left for training!"
Victoria then turned her head to the student. "Yes, I was going to, but many things have been happening. We have to speak to Kiki at once. Is she in her room?"
"Uh, yes! She just came back from a lecture." The student responded immediately to Victoria.
"Okay, good." Victoria nodded, and turned back to Percival. "Come on we should hurry."
"Right." Percival said immediately following after Victoria.
In through the two started walking through the Japanese style dojo. Seeing other students practicing martial arts with their Pokémon. The Academy here was quite serene, and Surreal. It was like the opposite of Reborn City with all of its broken pavements, graffiti covered walls and a few other things. Percival was quite relaxed here, thinking he could dose off while walking… though that could be because hadn't gotten any sleep last night. They eventually arrived in front of the Head Sensei's room. The two entered and explained the situation to Kiki of what was happening.
"I see. So, you need the Machine to save the kidnapped Children." Kiki said rubbing her chin. "And you're working with this young trainer."
"Yes! This is Percival, a very good friend of mine." Victoria said bowing Her head to Kiki.
"Right. Truly, I am moved by your plight." Kiki said.
Percival read the situation and sighed. "However…"
"Percy!" Victoria gave Percival a judgmental look.
"Vitoria." Kiki's voice was stern. "that however was correct. As you know well, I can only award the Machine to a graduating student of our Academy. One must attain inner strength before acquiring worldly strength. And to disregard that procedure is to disrespect every student who has followed it before."
"Ugh…" Percival groaned as he knew what was happening.
"Then, Sensei, I wish to apply for graduation." Victoria boldly stated.
"So, you will." Kiki seemed as if she already knew Victoria would make that declaration. "This may be best, given my worsening condition."
"sensei…" Victoria's eyes turned to worry as she heard that.
"Worsening condition…" Percival's ears perked, remembering his grandfather as he got sick…
"Never mind that." Kiki waved her hands in a dismissive fashion. "We mustn't let inner turmoil complicate affairs. Victoria, were you successful in your challenge of the Reborn League, as I had asked you?"
Victoria looked to the floor uncomfortably. "… I admit, Sensei, I was not. So much was going on that I had other priorities."
"I see. That is unfortunate, being that the Machine requires a certain Badge." Kiki sighed as she told Vitoria this. Kiki then turned her head to Percival. "And how about yourself, Percival?"
"Does it matter, you've practically already said that you won't let me have Strength." Percival said, annoyed. But even so, he showed the badges he had. "I just recently got the Omen Badge from Shade."
"I know what has been said, but I understand that Victoria is most likely to hand off the Machine to an outsider Regardless." Kiki explained. Victoria looking off to the side, guilty. "So, I must test you as well. Vitoria, you will stay here and test for graduation."
"Yes, Sensei." Victoria nodded.
"Percival, your challenge lies elsewhere." As Kiki said that, Percival just sighed annoyed. "As you should know, Apophyll lies in the shadow of one Pyrous Mountain—a volcanic mountain. After all, it is the ash from there that grants the beach its grey hues. A top Pyrous Mountain is one of my newest, though finest, students."
"That's—oh, goodness." Victoria was surprised to hear who Kiki was talking about.
Though she was quickly scolded by Kiki. "Have faith in your companion, Victoria. Climb the mountain. Find my student. Challenge him. If you are successful, you may have the Machine. Good luck."
Time: 8:30
Location: Pyrous Mountain
So, after hearing what Percival had to do to as a test to acquire the Machine Strength. He set off to climb the volcanic mountain, Mount Pyrous. But just before He left, Victoria gave Percival a quick, yet helpful rundown on his opponent. Cal Whitaker, Reborn's Ex-Fire type Gym Leader. Apparently, something in the past occurred that made him quit. But none the less, Percival went to face him. Though Fire type experts weren't something that Percival particularly liked. But this time Percival saw a familiar side to this expert.
At the top mountain Percival found the Ex-Gym leader on the ground meditating. The man had hair obviously dyed red, as tints of blue poked through. And wore a red uniform. "..."
"Um, hello there?" Percival called out to Cal.
It took the man a minute to respond. Before he looked over at Percival. "…Hi. Can I help you?"
"Yes, You teacher… Rather Sensei, Kiki, sent me here for a battle." Percival explained.
"…Oh, Kiki sent you here too, huh?" It took Cal a second to register the full reason. "To battle me… I haven't had a serious battle since I resigned as Gym Leader… And even then, I was misguided."
"Misguided?" Percival looked at him confused.
"I had let anger drive and control me." Cal responded with a sigh. "That's why I came here: To learn to let go of the rage I felt towards my brother…"
"…" As Percival heard this, he tensed… reminded by his own hatred toward his own brother, sister, and father.
"Everything I'd ever done was just to try and prove myself better than him…" Another sentence that just hit Percival hard. Noticing a shift in how Percival was, Cal tried to change subjects. "You're challenging the Reborn League now, correct? Have you met a leader named Shelly?"
"Yes, I actually just got her badge a few days ago." Percival responded.
Cal gave Percival a half smile. "…So, you have. How is she?"
"…" This was a question Percival did not know how to question. From, what he could tell Cal and Shelly were friends… Percival was wondering how to tell Cal that Shelly got kidnapped.
But before Percival could give an answer Cal already did. Sighing an putting his hand on his face. "Timid, right? That might have been my fault…"
"Huh? What do you mean your fault?" Percival gave another curious look to Cal. But this time on guard for what he had to say.
"Well… I used to watch over her." Cal said. "She and I connected on some level. We were always scorned by our brothers, and our families. Blake... He always got the attention. He got all the praise for everything, and then anything I ever did was just a sloppy second. But Shelly understood. what she didn't understand was that my anger wasn't directed like hers, towards trying to earn his love. She said something backwards, and it set me off."
"…" Percival once again fell silent seeing a lot of himself in Cal. So, he had nothing to rebut what Cal had said.
"I regret hurting her more than anything else." Cal looked off into the distance, and with a sigh. "But because of it, I was finally able to change…"
"?" Percival then cocked his head to Cal once more, hearing the hesitation in his voice.
"…Look at me, just rambling on…" Call shook his head. "Sorry. I suppose being assigned to meditate alone for days on end has that effect on people. I can see clearly now, but the source of my energy is exhausted. Formerly rage, and now, what do I have?"
"…" Percival had actually been asking himself that question the past few day… as he was no longer of the Whitehall Family. Why was he still on this Gym Challenge? Other than to save Shelly, Charlotte, Noel and Heather. Percival didn't have much of a reason to fight, he had nothing to prove from this, nothing to gain… but everything to lose.
"Perhaps I'll find what I have in our battle." Cal Said to Percival.
"Oh… Right." Percival nodded, bringing himself back to the task he had to do.
"So, let's start this battle off strong. Barbaracle." Cal said tossing out his first Pokémon the Rock Water Barnacle Pokémon.
"Huh?" Percival looked at the Pokémon questioningly. "Weren't you a Fire type expert?"
"I did say I wanted to change myself. So, I have some different Pokémon. But still my team is majorly Fire types." Cal said to Percival.
"Well look at this, and here Vee thought she wouldn't be of help." Percival smiled and brought his Leafeon to the field. "Vee Razorleaf!"
Vee the Leafeon did just that and with its power, had shot a blast of leaves at the Barbaracle knocking it out instantly. Cal was there in surprise with how powerful. "Here I thought you'd get at least one hit in. Well, let's continue Turtonator."
"Oh no you don't Vee return, Phoebe you're on!" Percival said switching his Pokémon from the field. For one the giant sea serpent hit the field it was hit with a Dragon Pulse. Bringing Phoebe to 77%.
"Oh, though you might try a Dragon type there." Cal said scratching the back of his head.
"Sorry, but that's one type I don't have." Percival said to Cal. "Phoebe if you will give the Turtonator a good scalding for that hit."
Phoebe the Milotic listened and used Scald on the Turtonator, but due to the added heat from the volcano the Scald was super-heated and managed to bring the Turtonator to 35% health.
"I'd rather not deal with the recoil against that Milotic, so Turtonator why not get some Revenge for yourself." And with the boosted damage since Phoebe had already damaged the Turtonator, The Turtonator brought Phoebe down 60%. "Hm… thought it might do more."
"Well, there goes your Turtonator chances. Phoebe scald again!" Percival commanded, Phoebe followed suit and gave off another wave of super-heated water. Knocking down the Turtonator.
"…" Cal seemed oddly calm as two of his Pokémon have been knock out while none of Percival's has. "Okay, go Hakamo-o."
"Well, Phoebe could take it… But this heat wouldn't go well with an Ice attack. Phoebe return! Go Artemis." Percival again switched out his Milotic for his Gardevoir. Who had been immediately been connected or rather disconnect from a dual chop.
"Ah… Guess that was to be expected…" Cal sighed as his attack had no effect to the Fairy Pokémon.
"Artemis, Draining Kiss!" Percival said to his Gardevoir. And again, with one attack it had defeated the Hakamo-o.
"…*sigh*… Alright then, Let's go Charizard." Cal said sending out his fourth Pokémon, The fiery Dragon (Fire-flying) Charizard to the field. "Charizard Fire Punch."
With the extra heat from the volcano it had the fires increase in power, and caused Artemis to fall to 59%. Though, Percival looked at the Charizard upset. "Tch. Does every damn Fire trainer have that dumb dragon? Artemis Psychic." Reading Percival angry Emotions towards the Charizard, Artemis managed to get a Psychic boost with a critical and taking down the Charizard in one hit.
"Hm…" Cal looked at his defeated Pokémon returned it to its pokeball, and as he reached for his fifth Pokémon he stopped. "This feels empty… I really seem to have lost my fire after all."
"…" Percival was taken aback at this sudden stop. Shaking his head, clearing it of his anger. "wait… Are you surrendering?"
"Yeah, I think it's for the best…" Cal sighed. "Rather not see anyone getting more hurt because of my own weakness. Pft… I wouldn't be surprised if some of my teammates don't like me… I mean I only ever started training Fire Types to beat my brother's Ice… It was just stupid of me."
"…" By how Cal acted Percival was once silenced… reminded how similar he was to Cal.
"In any case, you can go tell Kiki that you defeated me. I'll be staying up here." Cal said. "I've got things to finish… Err, meditation, that is…"
"Oh, alright." Percival said. "By the way, come down the mountain more often. Victoria said, she'd like to see you more often."
Percival started his trek back down the mountain. And although he won the battle against Cal, and by all reason should have passed Kiki's test. Percival asked himself. "Why's does it feel like I failed it?"
But still at the top of the mountain, Cal just sighed. And a boy with black hair and jacket appeared out of nowhere. "hm… Seems like Shiro slowly getting stronger."
"…Nero," Cal recognized the boy, Nero Umbrasyl the Black Demon. "How long have you been there."
"Enough to know you lied to the kid." Nero said, but he was the same age as Percival.
"…" Cal looked off to the side. before finally asking. "I'm almost done setting up the device, why are you here?"
"I'm the one with the best Zoroark around, I'm the perfect scout." Nero said nonchalantly. Changing subjects. "You know… even though Shiro won, he looked pretty defeated as he left. Do you know why?"
"No." Cal was honest, not many people could lie Infront of Nero.
"ke," Nero chuckled as he heard that. "He's a lot like you. But his situation has been getting worse. I mean, I hear he was disowned by his own family recently… Maybe that's why this battle seemed so empty."
"H-he what?" Cal could hide his surprise from this.
"You heard me." Nero said. "If it was maybe a little earlier… or maybe if we were based a bit farther out. He'd definitely do well working with us… Team Meteor I mean."
"Is that so…?" Cal looked down the path that Percival took.
"Hm… but he probably still refused." Nero shrugged. Thinking of his own similarities to Percival… but all just comes downs to the paths they chose. "Well that's all I have to say. Solaris really just wanted me here as a guard, so see ya."