Sorry for the late chapter! My computer broke over Thanksgiving Break so it took a while before I could finish. Either way, I hope you enjoy it!
I'm useless, a failure, I'll never be able to amount to what my parents were. I had one purpose in life, to carry on their legacy after their death. Was I unprepared for the responsibility? Or was it just my own flaw? Neither of those questions matters now. If I'm to face my parents in the afterlife, I'll face them without disgrace.
Abaddon and The Ideal One stood together, their stances tense as the three Zygarde approached slowly, sizing up their opponents.
"How can you be a Legendary Pokémon if multiple of you exist?" asked The Ideal One.
So ignorant. We are one entity, divided into a hundred cells. Formed together, we reach power you cannot imagine. Even in our weakest form, you cannot hold a candle to our power.
The Ideal One didn't respond. The Voidcaller was right after all, the green cells combined to make a Legendary Pokémon. However, the fact multiple copies could be created came as a surprise. Not only were they outmatched, but they were outnumbered as well.
"It all makes sense now," said Abaddon. "You're the mastermind behind this whole invasion. Your goal is to find all of your little puzzle pieces and become whole again. Why not do that by yourself, worried that you're too weak?"
What I'm doing is for the good of all Pokémon! I never believed in the idea of Chosen, but Arceus went ahead and created the scourge that you are. What good came out of it? A fragile peace that was shattered by the doing of the Gloom Organization! The rest of humanity cannot be spared of this tragedy either. They were complacent in the actions of the Gloom Organization. Not only that, but they lauded them as heroes and assisted in the murder of hundreds of Pokémon. This puts all of your kind at fault. And for this, I will extinguish the flame of humanity.
"And that makes you better than us," remarked Abaddon, crossing his arms. "So hypocritical."
Make no mistake, your species was the one who started this. Fret not, I will let a small portion of your species live. After all, I am the balancer of nature, the creator of order. To wipe out all humans is shirking my duties. With a small fraction of humanity left, Pokémon will be able to rise up again, humans will go back to their settlements, and things will be right once again. The Chosen will cease to exist, and humans will have learned of their folly and remain tame. It's the only option.
"Sounds like you're taking the easy way out."
Zygarde's eyes flashed. Do not forget who you're talking to. We are Zygarde-
"Shut it."
Abaddon rose into the air, his wings glowing as he charged power for Oblivion Wing. The two smaller Zygarde began to run towards Abaddon, but they were too late as the beam blasted them.
However, they didn't seem affected by the attack much. Not only that, but Abaddon didn't feel any energy flowing back into him. He didn't have much time to realize this fact before one of the smaller Zygarde fired a Dragon Pulse at him, nearly hitting him had he not dove to the ground in time.
Fool. Who did you think stopped Xerneas and Yveltal from destroying this world with their battle thousands of years ago? Your life-draining abilities won't work on me, and I nullify your Dark Aura. Stand aside and accept execution, more of my cells await within the village.
"I'd rather die fighting," said The Ideal One, riding into the air.
So be it.
The Largest Zygarde, called Zygarde Alpha, charged for The Ideal One as its head glowed silver with Iron Head. Planting his feet into the ground, The Ideal One blocked the attack, swinging a gauntleted fist in retaliation and sending it skidding.
Zygarde Alpha leaped back immediately, circling back before using Dragon Claw. This time, The Ideal One flew into the air, dodging the attack before diving back to the ground. Before he could recover, one of the other Zygarde, Zygarde Beta, slammed into him from behind with Extreme Speed.
Zygarde Beta leaped away from The Ideal One, using Extreme Speed to avoid a Bolt Strike. It jumped for Abaddon, plowing into the man as he fought with Zygarde Gamma from mid-air.
Spinning around, Abaddon used one of his wings to slash Zygarde Beta before it could land. At the same time, Zygarde Gamma fired a Dragon Pulse before he could register it, sending him crashing into the ground.
"You've got a few tricks up your sleeve I see," said Abaddon, standing to his feet. "But the power of a fractured Legendary won't defeat me so easily."
Neither Zygarde responded. Zygarde Beta used Superpower, the ground shaking as the Pokémon surrounded itself in powerful energy and dashed forward.
Abaddon reacted instantly, flying into the air as the Pokémon came barreling towards him. He dodged multiple Dragon Pulses from Zygarde Gamma before flaring his wings and firing a storm of feathers.
The red feathers flew through the air, surrounding Zygarde Gamma and preventing it from firing any more ranged attacks. Before he could follow through with another attack, Zygarde Beta used Extreme Speed and struck him multiple times, leaping back and forth before Abaddon could retaliate.
Zygarde Gamma broke free from the feather storm and charged for The Ideal One, slamming its paws into the ground, causing the earth beneath The Ideal One to glow. Before he could move out of the way, Zygarde Alpha grabbed his leg and used Crunch, trapping him as an explosion of hot earth erupted beneath both of them.
The Ideal One landed on the ground, shaking off the force of the attack. Sending electricity shooting through his wings, he blasted forward, throwing a fist at Zygarde Alpha. Nimbly dodging the attack, Zygarde Alpha used Dragon Claw, biting through his armor and throwing him to the ground.
Spinning around, he lashed at Zygarde Alpha with his foot, catching it in the mid-section before raising his arms to block a Dragon Pulse from Zygarde Beta. Getting to his feet, he flew into the air to avoid further attacks.
However, Zygarde Beta wasn't going to let him escape. It opened its mouth and used Flamethrower, sending intense waves of heat through the air as it tried to hit him. Unable to mitigate any damage, The Ideal One was forced to keep moving as it tried to avoid its attacks.
Meanwhile, Abaddon struggled to fight against Zygarde Gamma, even from mid-air. The Pokémon's high-speed attacks were hard to dodge, forcing him to climb higher as it tried to bring him down.
But no matter how high he was, Zygarde Gamma had ways of catching up. Using Extreme Speed, it dashed along the ground, picking up speed before leaping into the air with Dragon Rush. The power of the attack allowed it to fly upwards, forcing Abaddon to shield himself with his wings. Blowing the Pokémon back, he gathered dark energy around him and fired it at Zygarde Gamma, enveloping it with his power.
Unfortunately, that solid attack wasn't enough to faze it. Using Extreme Speed once more, it ran circles beneath Abaddon, kicking up dirt and sand in a vortex. Unable to see anything around it nor counteract the vortex, Zygarde Beta used this opportunity to fire multiple Dragon Pulses through the vortex, striking Abaddon repeatedly.
The Ideal One cursed, he had to do something! Thinking quickly, he rose into the air before diving straight for the vortex, rather than Zygarde Beta. He knew that the three Pokémon were communicating telepathically, so Zygarde Alpha would be ready to defend Zygarde Beta immediately. Knowing this, he had to do something less obvious.
He exploded forward and landed in the middle of the vortex, an explosion of draconic energy erupting around him. Disrupting Zygarde Gamma and knocking it backward. Using this opportunity, he flew forward and grabbed it by the neck, flying upwards before the other two Zygarde could defend it.
Abaddon knew he had to do something. Shaking off the damage from the previous attacks, he gathered multiple feathers from his wings and imbued them with all the life energy he had stored. Dodging an attack from Zygarde Beta, he sent his feathers flying towards the two Zygarde as homing missiles, dark energy exploding as his attacks hit. Before either of them could recover, he used his wings to send a massive gust of wind hurtling toward them, sending dirt and debris flying.
Far in the sky, The Ideal One let go of Zygarde Gamma and struck it with a power-enhanced kick. Dashing forward, he launched a barrage of punches against the Pokémon, grabbing it and throwing it towards the ground. Following its descent, he focused electricity towards his wings to send him hurtling forward, catching up with Zygarde Gamma and slamming it into the ground.
The Ideal One got to his feet as Zygarde Gamma leaped away from him, injured. Abaddon landed on the ground next to The Ideal One, the two of them facing the three Zygarde as both sides collected themselves.
You've proved to be an annoyance, nothing more. But you lose the war of attrition. You've wasted enough of our time.
Zygarde Alpha ran forward, forcing The Ideal One and Abaddon to leap out of the way. However, the Pokémon did not turn around, choosing to charge for the village instead.
Abaddon cursed "It's going after the other Zygarde!"
"I'll hold them off, you go after it!"
Abaddon nodded, shooting into the sky as The Ideal One blocked a Dragon Pulse from Zygarde Beta. He knew that he wasn't going to be able to catch up in time. All he could do was hope the villagers could slow it down.
Zygarde rapidly approached the village gates, shrugging off the bullets fired at it. Reaching the towering wooden gates, it leaped into the air and used Dragon Claw, tearing through the wood and snapping the steel beams that held it in place.
The village was thrown into a panic as people rapidly took up arms and did all they could to fight against the Pokémon. However, they were unaware of the sheer power contained within it. Zygarde let out a powerful roar, using the move Earthquake and causing the ground to shake as the land began to tear apart.
Houses crumbled and people fell due to the power of the attack. Cries filled the air, cries so painful that the most hardened of hearts would begin to break. But not Zygarde, for its goal was singular, its purpose defined. It would not hesitate to kill every last of them, no matter their age.
Melissa staggered out of her house, twisted metal beams being the only thing keeping it standing. Her eyes widened as she saw Zygarde, her heart going cold.
She recognized the Pokémon, from legends passed down through her family. How could it have escaped? No, that didn't matter. Her people were in danger. She wouldn't stand a chance against this Pokémon, not even with the entire village with her.
"Run!" she shouted, her voice ringing clear over the chaos. "This enemy is one of the Great Tyrants from ancient legend!"
Intrigued, Zygarde ceased its attack, dashing straight for Melissa. In response, she channeled her magic energy into the nearby pieces of metal, causing them to writhe and fuse before lashing at Zygarde, forcing it to the ground.
However, she had not fully recovered from before. This strenuous task caused her to collapse onto her knees, her head pounding.
So, you are of the Aetos clan, I remember their repulsive sorcery from many centuries ago. To think their blood still exists to this day.
"H-How did you e-escape?" asked Melissa, her breath ragged.
I never did escape the tomb your ancestor placed me in, at least a part of me didn't. Said Zygarde, testing its bindings. Despite everything passed down to you, you aren't aware of my abilities? How pathetic.
"How do you know who I am?" she shouted, stepping away from Zygarde.
It's nearly been three hundred years since I fought them, back when the Aetos clan still had a presence in this world. There were five of your kin, all of them had prepared to fight me. Only fifteen of my cells were present then, but they all died in the end, all but one. The surviving sorcerer, the one you bear the closest resemblance to, sealed those fifteen cells in a cavern that now rests below your village. I have come to reclaim what was stolen from me.
The bindings around Zygarde snapped as it glowed with power. Free from the steel, it approached Melissa.
Sensing something above it, Zygarde leaped backward, right as Abaddon came crashing into the ground.
"Well, what do we have here?" he said, getting to his feet as his wings flared. "Preying on young girls? How the Legendries have fallen."
Did you leave your companion behind? He stands no chance against twenty of my cells.
"Not my concern."
You speak out of foolishness. Six of the Aetos clan couldn't defeat fifteen of my cells. What makes you think you and their descendant stand a chance?
"I don't deal in chance, it's that simple."
Abaddon leaped forward, swinging his foot in a wide arc. Zygarde saw the attack coming and dropped to the ground before jumping up and using Iron Head to hit him in the chest.
Abaddon flew back, crashing into the wall of Melissa's house. He rolled over and flew into the air as Zygarde came after him with a Dragon Claw.
Melissa staggered away from the building, snapping the metal support beams that held the ceiling together. This caused the roof to collapse, trapping Zygarde within.
Both of them fell to the ground, Abaddon caught her arms and pulled her to her feet, flying them behind and building where he hit the ground out of exhaustion and dropped her.
"Who are you?" she asked, pushing herself to a sitting position. "A priest of sorts?"
"No girl, I'm not the kind of priest who helps you attain heaven. My name is Abaddon Faust, a disciple of Giratina, granted powers by the Angel of Death, Yveltal. The Gloom Organization sent me on a mission, to fulfill my role and capture the cells of the Pokémon we now know as Zygarde. Though, I'd love to bring death upon those who stand in my way as well."
"The Gloom Organization?" asked Melissa. "But you're one of the Accursed!"
"News flash, being a Chosen doesn't automatically make you sympathetic with Pokémon."
"But you introduced yourself as the Dark Lord's disciple."
Abaddon rolled his eyes. "It's not that complicated. I'd love to spell it out for you over a flask of expensive wine, but we don't have that time, do we? Why don't you introduce yourself and tell me what I need to know?"
He had scarcely said these words when the ruins of Melissa's house exploded, Zygarde leaping into the air. However, it had lost track of them, for now.
"There's no time," said Melissa, unsteadily rising to her feet. "My people are in danger!"
Abaddon caught her arm. "Your people are already dead, most of them are. My power allows me to sense those who've recently departed."
Melissa looked at him, frozen. "N-No."
Abaddon shook his head, getting to his feet. "They're still people to save. Work with me, and perhaps we can. The most important thing right now is to stop Zygarde from finding his little puzzle pieces and massacring the entire human population. Think you can help me do that, Ms. Aetos?"
"Do you mean it?"
Abaddon sighed. "Honestly, I don't give two shits whether your people live or not However, you're more useful to me alive than dead, in some scenarios at least. But nothing will be done if we sit here twiddling our thumbs."
Melissa stared at him, knowing he had a point. She had a duty, and nothing would stop her from carrying it out. As long as she had her village, she'd protect them to the bitter end. She'd die fighting.
Abaddon and Melissa descended into a cold and dark mine, wood from the entrance strewn across the stone floor from when Zygarde forced its entry.
Melissa guided them through the twisted labyrinth. She remembered a time from when she was young, a time in which her mother took her down these very tunnels, narrating to her the legend of her people's battle against Zygarde. Originally, she'd been scared of this seemingly horrific and powerful beast, one able to level mountains with little thought. But seeing the canine-like Pokémon chained in its magical bindings had quashed her fears. However, those same fears began to bubble up once more.
She closed her eyes, letting the cool touch of the cavern walls comfort her. She'd sent one of her villagers to seek any survivors and evacuate them, they'd be safe. She'd put an end to this, once and for all.
"Are the walls telling you something?" asked Abaddon, a note of mockery in his voice.
Melissa ignored him, continuing to walk down the tunnel. Abaddon watched her carefully, noticing the lack of apprehension in her stride.
"You're hiding something," he said after a moment.
Melissa paused for a moment but continued walking as if nothing happened. However, Abaddon didn't miss it. In fact, it all but confirmed his suspicions.
"What makes you think so?" asked Melissa, trying to keep her voice steady.
"You're far too composed for someone marching to what might as well be their doom. From the way you walk, you clearly know something that's giving you hope. You can't hide this from me, Aetos girl."
"Why should I trust you?" asked Melissa, taking a step back. "For all I know, everything you've told me could be but a mere fabrication."
"I suppose that's up for you to decide. But if I was lying, why would I go throw all the trouble?"
"You could be using me."
"What purpose would I need for you? I could navigate this cave easily, Zygarde has made no attempts to keep its path hidden. My powers surpass yours by so many levels. In fact, you suggesting that I'd have a purpose for you only tells me that you are hiding something."
Melissa gritted her teeth, she had to find a way out of this. "What's your purpose here?"
"Haven't I already told you? I am to capture Zygarde and bring it back to the Gloom Organization. I can only assume they'd want to use its power to strengthen the organization."
"But to do that, you'd require the captured Zygarde cells to be free from its bindings, no?"
"You make an excellent point, Zygarde's cells would have to be free. However, I believe freeing any part of Zygarde, even if temporarily, is a stupid idea. We had no notion of Zygarde's strength before we set out on this mission. Seeing the sheer strength of thirty cells, even when divided, makes me realize that we won't be able to easily recapture Zygarde's cells once freed, especially if they've already assumed a form. We need to stop this Zygarde from freeing the other one and incapacitate it somehow. And I believe you realize that as well."
"Yes," said Melissa, closing her eyes. "I do understand that. And that's what I shall do. I can seal Zygarde along with the one already captured."
"You can?"
"The sorcery has already been established. As a member of the Aetos clan, I'll be able to modify it to capture the second one as well. It's all the same base magic"
"And you know this for sure?"
"Yes, and I know that Zygarde won't be able to break the seal, only I can."
Abaddon nodded. "Makes sense. But what shall we do about the other two Zygarde pieces?"
Melissa shook her head. "You'll have to figure that out. Expanding the seal will leave me vulnerable. I doubt you'll be able to fight three Zygarde pieces at once."
"Why am I the only one figuring it out?"
Melissa looked away. "Because I won't survive the process."
"Well, it's your life. If you believe you're making the most out of it by doing this, then I won't stop you. Now, we've wasted enough time. Let's get going. Lead the way. And don't be worried, I have a plan."
So, you've finally arrived. Said Zygarde as Melissa and Abaddon entered that vast cavern.
In front of the two people were two Zygarde. Zygarde Alpha, and another Zygarde that was just as large as it. This new Zygarde had glowing steel chains wrapped around its paws and a massive collar that shackled its neck to the floor. Steel rings floated in the air, binding the Pokémon with invisible strings of energy.
Zygarde Alpha now turned to face them. I understand that this seal cannot be destroyed with brute force alone. Open the seal, Aetos Girl, or else I will hunt down every single one of your people and make their deaths a painful one.
"You call yourself a balancer of this world, yet you're making threats like these?" asked Abaddon, shaking his head. "Some Legendary Guardians you are."
This is a matter of justice. The forces of humanity have become too great. I will take it upon myself to make sure that is fixed.
"Yet you enlist an onslaught of Pokémon to fight humanity," said Melissa, her voice spiteful. "Either two things are true: You're either weaker and more scared than you let on, or you're trying to cause chaos. The lives of Pokémon are being diminished as well, or have you not realized that?"
Your kind is too arrogant to understand. Everything I've done is for a purpose, a purpose that I was made for. My goals aren't born from personal ambition but are born from what this world needs. My purpose will be achieved, whether or not you're alive to witness that's not my concern.
"So, we're just to give up and let those with power decide everything?" questioned Abaddon.
Yes, let nature run its course. The Legendary Guardians are the ultimate beings in this world. It was a mistake to allow humanity to hold a candle to us through the Chosen. What has it led to other than disorder and the balance of the world being destroyed?
"That shouldn't be for you to decide," argued Melissa. "They're two sides here. Having one of them rule without the other seems unbalanced, don't you think?"
Balance doesn't always mean equal. Human ambition is unrivaled in comparison to Pokémon. Had we given them more power, what do you think would've happened to the Pokémon?
"That's not for us to know," said Melissa. "But it's not for you to decide either!"
Really? Then who decides it? You do not know of this world, Aetos Girl. If everyone were to decide for themselves, chaos would ensue. The world does not magically fall into equilibrium, there has to be an unopposed voice of power making the decisions. Have you not seen what happened in the absence of this voice? Deceit, war, suffering. To fix things and set the world anew, humanity must burn. I only gave the Pokémon what they deserved, a chance for revenge. Everything will be set straight, all according to my plan.
"You know what," said Abaddon, his wings flaring. "This is bullshit."
Before anyone could react, he flew forward, slamming his body into Zygarde Alpha. The two of them crashed into the suspended Zygarde, Zygarde Delta.
Zygarde Alpha slashed at Abaddon, tearing through his clothing and revealing the armor beneath as he sent the man flying into a wall.
Your efforts are in vain, the seal will be opened. Your companion has already fled. My two constructs will arrive here. How long can you hold out?
"Long enough," said Abaddon, getting to his feet as blood fell from the new crack in his armor.
Zygarde Alpha leaped at Abaddon but was stopped as the cave floor surged upward and enclosed it, trapping it in a ball.
"This entire cave room was constructed from metal," said Melissa, pain in her voice. "You're not escaping my magic here."
Suddenly, there was a noise behind her as Zygarde Gamma rushed forward with an Extreme Speed. Melissa brought a metal shield to defend herself, but the impact still threw her into Zygarde Delta, where she collapsed.
"Damn it!" shouted Abaddon, flying for her. At the same time, Zygarde Alpha broke out of the floor and hit him in mid-air.
Abaddon hit the ground and rolled, grabbing Melissa and taking off as Zygarde Gamma and Alpha landed where he'd just been. He cursed as a Dragon Pulse came flying for him, Zygarde Beta appearing at the mouth of the cave room.
"Now!" shouted Abaddon.
The Ideal One flew in from the shadows behind Zygarde Beta, plowing into the Pokémon and sending it flying into Zygarde Alpha and Gamma. The floor and the ceiling came together at their position, trapping all three constructs.
"I never expected this to work," said The Ideal one, landing on the ground. "Color me surprised."
"Abaddon landed on the ground, dropping Melissa gently. "I don't need your praise. Go on Melissa, finish what your people started, and do it well."
Melissa gave him a sad smile. "I guess I'm not Aetos Girl anymore."
Abaddon didn't respond. "Let's go, Zek."
Melissa stood in front of the four Zygarde constructs, bracing herself for what was to come next. A bright glow surrounded her as her hair flew around her face, her lavender eyes shining.
No! Shouted the three conscious Zygarde. You cannot do this!
The metal rings around Zygarde Delta flew around to encompass all four constructs, the energy between them crackling. The metal case surrounding the three constructs broke away, shackles rising up to bind them.
Zygarde Beta attempted to attack Melissa, but Abaddon fired a blast of dark energy before it could. The other two conscious ones tried forcing their way free but to no avail.
Melissa, however, began to falter. Sealing all three constructs took an amount of focus and energy that was killing her. She prayed for strength, she had to finish this.
Suddenly, the three Zygarde began to glow at the same time. With a flash of light, thirty-five green cores replaced the three canine Pokémon.
Abaddon cursed, realizing what Zygarde was planning on doing. The Ideal One was faster, dashing forward towards the seal.
Melissa tried to stop them, but the amount of focus needed for the seal prevented her from assessing her main magic. All thirty-five cores leaped for the suspended Zygarde, all of them resonating with a green light.
The steel rings contracted, the surrounding shackles coming together to restrain Zygarde before its new form could take place, but it wasn't enough.
An explosion of green light filled the room, a massive force blasting all occupants away. Abaddon grabbed Melissa and covered her as the Ideal One raised his arms in protection, both of them sustaining injuries.
Before them stood Zygarde, all fifty cells combined. It was a massive serpentine Pokémon, its massive flat head nearly hitting the cave wall.
You cannot hope to contain me now. I wield fifty percent of my lost power, your mission was already lost when you forced all of my current constructs here. I only needed to wait. No part of our conflict up till now hasn't been planned for. Do you see now, you couldn't escape my plan. Now, all of you will perish.
Zygarde began to glow in different places across his body. The entire cave shook with the sheer power exuded from the Pokémon.
"Well fuck," said Abaddon.
The Ideal One grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the cave, his wings glowing. Both men flew off through the cave right as a burst of energy exploded behind them.
One thousand green light arrows flew out from Zygarde, flying after the two men. Abaddon cursed as he saw this, his hold on Melissa increasing as he flew faster.
"This way!" shouted The Ideal One from several meters ahead, diving into a side tunnel.
Abaddon followed, some of the arrows crashing into the walls ahead of him. However, many hundreds still pursued them.
The Ideal One spun around and slammed his foot into the cavern wall, causing it to shake and collapse as Abaddon flew past him. The arrows struck the new wall and exploded, blasting it away.
The whole cave shook, stones falling all around them as they flew through the final tunnel. The Ideal One charged through another series of fallen boulders, breaking his way outside.
Abaddon turned around as he exited the cave, using Oblivion Wing to fire a massive laser that consumed some of the arrows pursuing them, cutting through the cave entrance and causing it to collapse once more.
"Where the hell is Andras?" shouted Abaddon, landing on the ground out of exhaustion.
"How am I supposed to know?" fired back The Ideal One. "You're the one who contacted him!"
Abaddon looked at Melissa, she was unconscious and breathing heavily, dangerously so.
Abaddon shook his head. "I barely have enough energy to fly at this-"
The ground beneath them exploded as Zygarde flew upwards, breaking out of the mines. It landed on the ground and began to glow once more as it charged another attack.
"It won't stop until we're dead," groaned Abaddon.
"Shut up and move!" shouted The Ideal One, grabbing him and taking off.
This time, massive waves began to form beneath Zygarde, surging forward and eviscerating the ground in front of him. Wave after wave poured forward, tearing apart the earth and launching debris.
"Watch out!" shouted Abaddon.
The Ideal One didn't have enough time to react as the remains of a house crashed into them, knocking all three people out of the sky.
Abaddon hit the ground first, his consciousness beginning to fade. He didn't have long, not with Zygarde out to kill him. He closed his eyes and raised his hands. If he was going to die, he might as well die in prayer.
"Lord Giratina. Ever since the day you saved me, I have been loyal to you. Through trials and tribulations, I remain steadfast in your sake. Lord Giratina, I ask that you help me… in my time… of…"
He slumped to the ground, his vision fading.
Abaddon found himself on a broken stone island that floated amidst others. Surrounding him was a black expanse, one that seemed to stretch on for infinity.
The place seemed familiar, somewhat. Standing up, he knew instantly that he wasn't dead. Something or someone had saved him after he blacked out, but what?
That's when a memory plucked at his mind. The two Chosen brats and the older woman. Yes… Giratina's Chosen.
"This is the Distortion World, isn't it?" he said, turning around. "This is the true Distortion World, ruled by you."
You are very perceptive, Abaddon Faust.
Abaddon immediately kneeled, bowing his head. He knew this voice, it had spoken to him before. "My lord."
At ease, Abaddon. Your prayer did not go unanswered. You, the girl, and Zekrom's Chosen have all been pulled into my domain. I am certain Zygarde is aware of my actions and will most likely present a case against me to Arceus.
"It has the right to?"
Pokémon as powerful as I am not supposed to directly influence the outcome of this world, a flawed ordainment. However, Zygarde is treading a thin line, and it knows that. I'm surprised it formulated such a bold plan in the first place. Its cells were split and scattered for a reason. Such an abuse of power is already beginning to backfire on it.
"How so, my lord?"
Other Guardians are already begging to intervene. Ho-oh and his agents, Urshifu, and more. Other Guardians are more cautious and instead are looking to elect Chosen to do what they cannot, such as battle the Gloom Organization.
"You recently selected a Chosen after so long. If you don't mind me asking, why choose her?"
Is that all you wish to ask?
"I'd also like to know why you chose her over me."
At the time of your incarceration, I had no interest in choosing a Chosen. But your potential is what led me to send Yveltal to free and choose you. However, times have changed. Arceus is attempting to restrict my influence outside the Distortion World. For that reason, I sought out a Chosen who'd be fit to wield my power. People have different roles in this world, your role is better suited to Yveltal's abilities. Fret not Abaddon, I know where your loyalties lie, you will be an important piece in my grand plan.
"Thank you, Lord Giratina. I am honored that you think highly of me."
The rift between my world and this one is faltering, my power no longer holds much influence in your world. I have a final warning to pass on. The Guardians are gathering together, and there has been talk of taking direct action against the Gloom Organization after the capture of Marshadow. But there is a way you can use this against them. Have you heard of the Red Chain?
"No, my lord."
The Red Chain is a powerful artifact that can bind even a Guardian to the user's will, it was created as a safeguard against the Guardians should they ever abuse their power. Currently, the Red Chain is lost, but it can be assembled using the jewels guarded by the Lake Guardians Azelf, Uxie, and Mesprit. However, using this tool is up to you.
"I will keep it in mind, thank you."
I have used my domain to alter the space you were in. Once I release you, you will find yourself in a new area than the one before. Remain vigilant Abaddon, Zygarde is not a Pokémon to be trifled with. Put an end to its plan, humanity is too useful to die out now.
"Of course, Lord Giratina. I will not fail you."
Protect my Chosen when able, she may prove useful to you and my cause. Don't forget what I've told you, this information will be useful in shaping your destiny. After all, you still seek revenge, don't you?
"Yes, I do."
The Ideal One sat in the infirmary once more. He had come to despise this place, it made him feel weak and useless. Fortunately, his injuries weren't as severe as before.
Everything that had happened after Zygarde fused with its cells was hazy. He had suddenly woken up far away from where they'd been before, along with Abaddon and Melissa, both of them still alive. Sometime later, Andras showed up and took them back to the base.
That had been yesterday. All three of them had suffered damage during the fight. Abaddon, however, was nearly recovered thanks to his ability. The only reason he was still in the infirmary was because the doctor told him so.
As for Melissa, she had recently woken up. Physically, she was mostly fine, but that was the only good news. She had all but lost access to her sorcery and seemed half insane. She was constantly muttering to herself and constantly had nightmares, often waking up and screaming until she passed out. Other times, she would cry or sit in complete silence, nothing but sadness surrounding her.
Sometimes, she was able to talk and hold a conversation. But they typically didn't end well. All she seemed to be able to remember was her dead village, its destruction, and the horrors of facing Zygarde. The doctors had already given up, and it had only been a day and some hours.
There was a knock at the door before a nicely dressed Gloom Agent came in, looking very flustered.
"Please excuse my interruption! I understand you're resting and wouldn't want to-"
"Enough babbling," said Abaddon, rolling his eyes as he drank from a flask of wine. "What do you need?"
"Master Voidcaller wishes to see you! I wouldn't have interrupted-"
The Ideal One stood up, bracing himself against the bed. "Alright. Abaddon, let's go."
Sheesh, you don't need to tell me."
The Gloom Agent fidgeted with his fingers, obviously nervous in the presence of the two men. "He wishes to see the girl as well if she's awake."
Abaddon shook his head. "I don't think-"
Silently, Melissa stood up from her bed as well, much to the surprise of everyone. Looking at her, you wouldn't have been able to tell she was awake.
She ignored everyone and walked out of the door in a random direction, the long hospital gown she wore trailing behind her.
"Do you even know where you're going?" asked Abaddon.
"No."
Abaddon looked at the Ideal One, who gave him a look and shrugged.
Well, you might want to follow us then."
Melissa didn't respond but turned around anyway. She walked over to the three men and stood there, waiting.
"Are you sure you want to meet The Voidcaller now?" asked The Ideal One.
"Yeah," Abaddon said. "He's a real pain in the ass and has a temper worse than-"
The Ideal One stepped on his foot, cutting him off with a glare. "You don't need to force yourself-"
"I'm awake."
"That's not the point here," said Abaddon.
"I'm awake."
"Well, we tried. Just don't have a mental breakdown on us. This way."
Once again, Abaddon and The Ideal One stood facing The Voidcaller. This time, however, The Voidcaller stood before them in person, his armored body lacking the shadow cloak it normally had.
"So, you failed your mission," said The Voidcaller, no emotion behind the statement. It wasn't an accusation, just fact.
The Ideal One nodded. "Regrettably, yes. Zygarde was playing us the entire time. It fused with its cells and nearly killed us. How we escaped is a mystery even to us.
Melissa flinched at the mention of Zygarde's name. She began to shake, crouching down as she covered her head.
"How about we don't mention the scaly thing by name," said Abaddon. "Calm down, there's nothing here."
"What's your name?" asked The Voidcaller, stepping down from his pedestal and approaching her.
"M-Melissa Aetos."
The Voidcaller paused. "You're from the Aetos clan?"
Melissa looked up. "You know of them?"
"Yes, I met one of them many, many years ago. His name was Grant, Grant Aetos. Truly a respectable man."
"You couldn't have known him. He was the chief over four hundred years ago."
"Who says I haven't lived that long? Sorcery is a powerful thing, Daughter of Aetos."
Tears began to form in Melissa's eyes again, her body shaking. "But… now I have none. I'm not an Aetos anymore."
The Voidcaller put a hand on her shoulder. "Your name comes from your lineage, your sorcery is just another thing passed down. It doesn't define you and sorcery is never completely lost. Tell me, what is it that you desire most?"
At this point, Melissa began crying. "I want revenge, I want Zygarde to pay for what it's done! All of the Pokémon deserve to die! I-I'll kill them all if I have to!"
"Calm yourself. You have the potential, Daughter of Aetos. I can give you power, power like no other. You will claim revenge, I'll make sure of that. Under me, you will achieve great things."
"Are you sure about this?" asked Abaddon. "The state she's in right now, she's fragile."
"Strength is born from fragility. Rise, Melissa Aetos. I name you worthy of Marshadow's power. You will gain strength unlike you've seen before, and that strength will serve the Gloom Organization. Together, we will wipe out the injustices brought by the Pokémon. You have my word."