Chapter 38: A Failed Execution
Shadow had given them time, he needed Hikari to feel some semblance of relaxation between his torture sessions. And unfortunately for them it began to rain, it would make it easier for him of course to torment the small Pikachu, once they found shelter, but Shadow had been losing patience.
Even though Hikari was held in his pokeball, Shadow mercilessly tormented him inside his pokeball, without fail the Pikachu burst from the ball, terror obvious in his voice and body, and as his trainer cradled him carefully he heard him cry out and point in his direction. Shadow teleported as the humans turned back to see him.
He heard them preparing to find shelter, when he saw other humans approach them.
The fight that ensued was hard fought on both sides, but Shadow kept his eyes focused, they were kicking up so much dust, he could no longer see them. He noticed that his prey had been separated from the rest, if Shadow wanted to kill Hikari, now would be the time.
*Later*
Shadow had searched through the rain until the sun went down and the rain began to let up. He was ready, they were separated and lost, there would be no better opportunity.
Shadow found one thing he wasn't after, that Lucario. And he was searching for something, Shadow would follow him and the axew with him as they carried a paralyzed Latios.
One of two things would happen, he'd find the Riolu, who was likely with Hikari, or he'd find their trainers, if he found the trainers, Shadow would need to speed his searching along. But if he found Hikari. A coward, a warrior, a paralyzed legend and a few children. The only real threat would be Lucario, and a well placed surprise attack could dispose of him easily.
Another hole in a rock. That is where Lucario had stopped and searched inside, Shadow could feel it. He recognized the feeling, fear, but more accurately, fear of him. Hikari was there.
They exited minutes later and set off searching for their trainers. Shadow would savor this.
"Hikari…" He whispered as he sank into the ground disappearing from sight.
The Pikachu became terrified, immediately recognizing his voice. He waved it off to his friends.
"Traitor…Traitor…. You betrayed Blade."
"Fuck Leave me alone," he shouted, causing everyone to stop and stare at him.
"Ashachu," said Lucario, sounding concerned. "What's wrong?"
'Ashachu?' the name struck Shadows mind as odd, and already filled him with rage.
"Who are you talking to," asked Hunter.
Ashachu looked incredulously at his friend. "You guys. Seriously, didn't hear that."
"Hear what," the five of them said at once.
"The voice. The dark cold voice. It's that Darkrai. It's after me."
"Ashachu. I'm sorry but I can't hear anything," said Lucario.
That name again, every time it made Shadow more angry. Who is this, has he been lying to Blade?
"Me neither," said Axew. "Are you sure you're. What's wrong?"
Hikari felt a wave of panic come over him. He started to hyperventilate; his breath coming in short sharp bursts.
The cyndaquil with them put an arm around. "It's okay buddy. Breath just breath."
"He's coming for me. Darkrai's coming."
Shadow smirked, 'oh you have no idea.'
"It's alright Ashachu. It's all in your head. There's nothing out here."
Every time, Shadow grew more angry. Hikari, he was Hikari, he couldn't be lying to Blade….right?
Shadow watched them reach a cliff face, and declare that they were trapped and would have to wait for help.
"Hikari…" he said with venom and hatred.
Shadow's presence was felt by all of them. Unease and terror filled the pokemon.
"We need to find another way up, come one" Lucario declared as he pushed onward.
They reached a riverbank. The rushing water ahead was an inky black mass, visible only by being darker than the surrounding grass.
"This is no good," barked Lucario angrily. "There's no way we can swim across there."
"S-so. What do we do now," the riolu asked, his voice laced with fear.
"We're going to have to wait for someone's paralysis to heal."
"Hikari…"
Hikari looked up and screamed. "Pika…PIKACHUUUUU!"
Shadow was hovering above them, staring down with a bloodlust unlike any other.
They shared his reaction. Axew let out a cry and put his claws into his mouth, the cyndaquil swore… "Shit"…and the riolu gasped and gripped Lucario tighter.
Lucario let go of the Latios dropping him on the ground and moved defensively in front of his pup, a growl escaping his muzzle. "Who are you? What do you want?"
Shadow ignored him. He began to float slowly across the river, his dark red eye fixed on Hikari.
"You betrayed Blade…"
Hikari had been scared before. Now he was terrified. His entire body trembled and his heart pounded in chest as he gazed at the dark creature, staring into that sinister red eye. "N-no," he whimpered. "I d-didn't."
"You seduced him. Made him trust you. Drew him in and allowed the humans to capture him. He rots in their captivity because of you."
"N-no. No I…"
"Don't try to deny it. You're a lying traitor." Every word Hikari spoke drove Shadow to become angrier.
Lucario took a step forward, positioning himself between Shadow and Hikari. "Not a step closer," he growled, trying to make himself look as menacing a possible. His teeth were bared and his fur bristled.
Shadow stopped floating just above the bank, his eye moving from Hikari to fix upon the aura Pokémon. For a moment there was silence. Then the Darkrai started to laugh. A dark menacing laugh, that made their skin crawl.
"Hahaha…Hahaha…foolish Lucario. You can't protect that traitor from a Pokémon as powerful as I. You would be wise to stand aside."
Lucario experienced a thrill of fear at the menacing words. There was little that actually scared the aura Pokémon. But there was something about this Pokémon. Something about it that seemed to radiate darkness…fears…a feeling of terror and hopelessness.
Still Lucario stood his ground. He swallowed his fear and let out a louder growl. "I don't appreciate threats Darkrai. Leave now. And don't come near Ashachu again."
Shadow was undeterred. He was only growing more furious at the mention of that name yet again. "My my you trained Pokémon certainly are possessed of large egos. A wild Pokémon would have fled once they had sensed by presence. But you stand there with the intent to fight me. I respect your bravery. It reminds me of…" For a brief moment his voice wavered, becoming lighter, somehow less sinister. Then after a moment's pause it revered back to its usual sinister self. "But let me warn you I intend to take Hikari. If you try to stop me, you will regret it."
Lucario's eyes narrowed to slits and he bared his teeth. Though internally his heart was racing and his throat hat gone very dry.
"Don't challenge me Darkrai!"
"Very well. I did warn you."
Shadow held out one hand, forming an Ice Beam attack in it. An orb of blue energy formed upon the palm of his clawed hand which a shot of blue electricity like energy. Lucario countered with an aura sphere, raising his paws and firing an orb of blue energy back at the pitch black pokemon.
The attacks collided, each cancelling the other out. An explosion of blue sparks filled the air. For a moment Shadow was impressed.
Lucario charged. Running forward, he leaped into the air and raised his paw to punch the Darkrai…. This proved to be a mistake. Shadow retaliated with Dark Void. He put his paws together and formed a purple and black orb, which he fired into the path of the oncoming Lucario.
Lucario fell into a deep sleep the moment the dark energy enveloped his body. His eyes closed, his head lolled against his chest and his raised paw fell uselessly to his side. The poor aura Pokémon crashed on the riverbank with a dull thud and sprawled into a heap.
The riolu let out a howl of fear and despair. "AHHHHHHHH!" Tears began to pour down his cheeks.
Shadow wasn't finished with him. The dark red eye flashed brightly. At the same time, a red aura shrouded Lucario before rising into the air like smoke and collecting in Shadow's claws.
Lucario convulsed one, his chest rising slightly off the ground and his right foot twitching. Then he laid perfectly still, black swirls covering his eyes.
"DAD NOOOO." The riolu rushed to his father's side, dropping to his knees beside him. He placed his paws on Lucario's chest and shook him trying to wake him. "Dad. Wake up. Please please wake up." When
'One down, or two really, that Riolu is too terrified to move.' Shadow thought. "Let this be a warning to the rest of you. Hikari is mine. If any of you try to come between us, you will meet the same fate."
Shadow began to advance on Hikari. His body frozen in terror, he couldn't move. He couldn't even breathe. He was going to die. That pitiless red eye was telling him. He was going to die.
"axewwwwww!"
Before Shadow could reach him however he heard a loud cry from somewhere behind or beside him. Then suddenly the air was filled with falling meteors. He pulled back narrowly avoiding being hit with one of them. A close call, but even so, to risk hitting his teammates. A desperation play. He'd break easily.
The little dragon looked terrified, but was glaring at the Darkrai, his little claws clenched into fists.
"My my such impressive power for such a little dragon type. I must give credit where credit is due little Axew. If any of those had hit me I might have fainted. Too bad it did not. For you."
A second later Axew was lying spread eagled on his back, unconscious. A second victim of the Dark void and Dream eater combination that had taken down Lucario.
Now it was just Hikari, the cyndaquil and Shadow…And the immobilized Latios.
The pitch black pokemon quickly closed the distance between them. And soon Hikari found himself floating right above him.
"Say your prayers Hikari. You are about to meet your maker." Shadow was enjoying this, as though a feast of terror was held in his honor, and the main course, the fear of death, and the pain of regret and betrayal.
Shadow placed one of its long spindly claws around Hikari's neck, while using the other to grip the cyndaquil by the scruff of his neck.
Shadow then threw cyndaquil aside.
"Seems your little Cyndaquil friend doesn't wish to come to your aid Hikari. A wise decision on its behalf. And prepares poetic justice given you did not help Blade in his hour of need."
Shadow pushed Hikari to the ground so he was lying on his back. Its claw sat placed over his neck in order to stop the pikachu from moving.
"Pika Pika. CHUUUUUUUUU."
His Pikachu instincts took over and he let off a shock of electricity. Shadow glowed yellow as the electricity tore through its body, but it didn't have any effect. He retained his composure and his firm grip on the rodent's throat.
"Is that all you have in you," Darkrai chuckled as Ashachu ran out of energy. "What a weakling you must be. And to think you are Raiee's son. Pathetic."
He gripped tighter, strangling the poor chu.
"N-no," he managed to choke out, finally finding his voice. "Please. D-don't hurt me." His eyes welled up with tears.
"And why should I not. You killed Blade. You took him from me." Shadow could tell Blade was alive, but it was only a matter of time before Team Rocket got him killed.
"Please."
"Stop talking. I don't want to hear your pathetic whines."
Shadow covered his nose and maw, looking to suffocate the Pikachu.
"Pmmmm. Pmmmm." Hikari squirmed trying to wriggle free from Shadow's grip, and tried to push the spindly claw off him, but to no avail. He began to feel light head. His lungs were screaming out of air and black bars obscured his vision.
"SHADOW!" Shouted a high-pitched and very familiar voice.
Shadow's grip slackened and allowed Hikari to breathe.
"Pyre," said Darkrai.
Shadow's tone had gone from pure menace to a strange friendliness.
"Is that really you?"
"Mhmm." A wide smile spread across Pyre's muzzle. He beamed up at Darkrai and said "Good to see you again buddy."
"And the same to you, old friend."
Shadow floated down beside Pyre and embraced the Charmander, as two brothers who'd not seen each other in a long time. Pyre hugged back, warping his arms around the Darkrai's thin waist and burying his face in its chest.
"Err, I don't get it what's going on," asked the cyndaquil.
"Apparently those two know each other," Hikari whispered to him. "I knew something was off about that Charmander."
Pyre and Shadow broke apart, Shadow brushing Pyre's cheek with his paw as they did so. Was it just Ashachu's imagination, or did he see a single tear running down the Charmander's cheek.
"I missed you Shadow," said Pyre. "I really did."
"It has been too long, my friend," Shadow replied, "far too long. What has this time wrought to you?"
"Oh the usual. Roaming the land. Seeing the world. Challenging trainers for food. Last of aura guardians."
"You always were a lazy one."
The two of them laughed. The type of hearty laugh you share with a close friend.
"I've done some good stuff too. And seen things you would not believe," the Charmander said as he finished laughing.
"I should be glad to hear the tales of your adventure," said Darkrai.
"And I yours. Tell me. How's Blade?"
Hikari's stomach turned over at the name.
"He is. I. I'm afraid I. I lost him."
Shadow's voice wavered and its tone became almost somber. He was….Sad.
Pyre coxed his head and gave Shadow a quizzical look. "You lost him."
"He was captured by some humans."
Pyre's jaw dropped and a horrified expression crossed his face. "Fuck. Really. That that's. How did that happen?" Pyre was doing something odd. He had seen Blade with Team Rocket, and neglected to tell Shadow, as though he were stalling for Hikari and the others.
"It was entirely Hikari's fault." Shadow turned and pointed and accusing claw at Hikari. Shadow wasn't being truthful, though he felt Hikari was to blame, he too felt responsible.
Shadow stretched out his arm and took hold of Hikari by the ear.
"Pika." He gave a cry of pain as his entire body weight pulled down on his ears. He felt as if his head might separate from the delicate organs.
"Stop it," shouted the cyndaquil. "leave him alone."
Shadow held Hikari in front of Pyre, whose eyes widened. "Hikari. You don't mean."
"Correct. Pyre. Meet Raiee's son."
"That's Raiee's son," Pyre said sounding astonished. "Oh my but-but. Why are you trying to hurt Raiee's son. What did he…"
"He is responsible for the imprisonment of Blade," Shadow explained darkly. "Hikari and his trainer became involved in Team Rocket. The human syndicate of cruelty to Pokémon. Hikari drew him in. Seduced him. And while they were together Blade was captured. Even if this tiny fuck is Raiee's son I cannot let that slide. And I do not imagine for a moment Raiee would be particularly proud of having either such a traitor or a coward for a kit."
An uncertain expression crossed Pete's face. "Maybe but. Whatever he's done I'm still not sure you should hurt Raiee's kit."
"I don't recall asking your opinion on the matter."
"Yes but." Pyre looked unsure for a moment, then he sighed. "Well. You must do what you think is right." Pyre felt horrible, but he wasn't going to interfere, he knew how it felt to lose the love of your life.
"You asshole!" Hikari was surprised to hear the words coming out of his mouth.
Pyre looked up at him, an almost apologetic look on his face.
"My trainer fed you. Battled with you. And this is how you repay his friendship. What the fuck."
Pyre looked down at his claws and rubbed the back of his head. Shadow clearly hadn't known about that. "Sorry kid. But I can't really control Shadow when he's like this."
"No more talking from you." Shadow lowered Hikari so instead of holding him up, he was holding him around his skinny waist. He then put his free claw over Hikari's mouth, squeezing tightly.
"Mmmmm mmmmm."
He closed his eyes and thrashed, trying to get loose, but it didn't do him a bit of good. And then…
"cynndaaaa!"
Suddenly the claw holding him slackened, and Hikari felt himself slipping out of Shadow's grip. He hit the ground with a thud.
"Pika!" He opened his mouth and took him deep lungfuls of air. At the same time he heard shadow give a terrible cry of anguish.
He scrambled to his paws and saw Shadow sitting motionless on the ground, little flashes of yellow electricity surrounding his body. The Darkrai had been paralyzed.
Shadow listened as the escaped, and while he knew he could ask Pyre, the Charmander was simply incapable of doing anything so dark. And Shadow refused to ask it of him.
He'd have another chance. He would kill Hikari.