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Gatene
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Chapter 19
I am so sorry y'all. I had some technical Difficulties
For waiting so long, I'm gonna post Chapter 20 in a seperate post
Here's the chapter, enjoy
Chapter 19: A Righteous Beginning
By: Spectreon
“My Giovanni...I bring news.”
“Yes?”
Dorian turned from the window. He’d been gazing out spitefully at Zeiryu City in the distance. It seemed to mock him, the barrier twinkling cheerfully at him. But at least Zeiryu couldn’t send reinforcements to Johto. That gave Dorian an edge, at least.
Dorian had flown back to Saffron, bringing all his agents who had been in the base. It had served its purpose, and he didn’t need it anymore.
“Our troops are mobilized in Johto. They occupy mostly eastern Johto, but Johto has put up defenses from Ecruteak City to Goldenrod, Azalea, and Violet City. We have control over New Bark, Cherrygrove, and Mount Silver. To advance further, we must battle Johto’s armies. They’ve mobilized, and war is imminent. We have almost used up all our resources. If we lose, it will be a massive defeat and we would be forced to retreat.”
“Are you questioning my decision?” Dorian’s tone was almost friendly, but it bore menace.
The operative shook his head vigorously.
“No, my Lord! Never! I am just stating the consequences.”
“Then be quiet. You may take your leave. Tell the Wishing Star to start the advance tomorrow. “
The operative nodded and saluted, then turned smartly on his heel and left. Dorian turned back to the window, lost in his thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“This place is really beautiful! What is this place?” Serra asked Aeris as they walked forwards on the trail. The trail was a dirt path that wove and threaded among tall grass in a meadow.
There were benches set around a beautiful fountain to their right. The water gushed cheerfully, gurgling and bubbling. As the sun’s rays hit the sparkling clear water, it turned to pure light, sending out a prism playing upon the gently swaying grass.
“This, my friend, is Johto’s pride and joy: The National Park! Every week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, people gather and do the Bug-Catching Contest. It’s fun-I’ve tried it.”
Aeris grinned, recalling fond memories. Maverick stood perched upon his favorite spot-Aeris’ head. Terra had recalled Dark Flame, for she was weary. However, Tora had released Giarda, where she was free to wheel and soar in the sky, reveling in her newfound freedom. Tora had asked her to keep a lookout and land if she saw people. It wouldn’t do for her to cause panic.
“And what did you catch? Did you win?” asked Serra, adjusting her jacket.
“Umm...let me see...I was a bit of a young idiot back then. I saw a Venonat, and thought it was simply adorable. So I caught it, thinking I’d win. But this guy, he caught a shiny Pinsir! All blue and sparkly. He won, of course. Pfft. I still say Venonats are better.”
“What happened to him?” asked Blade, blinking as a gust of wind blew from the west, ruffling his hair.
“I released him, of course. He was too weak to use in a serious battle, but he sure was sweet. He’d let me dribble him and toss him around.”
Serra blinked, while Shadow snorted with laughter.
“Hey, look! Goldenrod City!” Hydro yelled, pointing.
Sure enough, the roofs of the metropolis rose in view above a grassy hill. The sun’s light hit the mirrored gold roofs at an angle, turning them to blazing gold, easily seen from a distance and earning the city its name.
“Giarda, come to me, please!” Tora’s cry rang out.
Giarda let out a screech and folded her wings, spiraling down. Her claws hit the ground with a thud, and the steel dragon trotted over on all fours.
“I’m sorry, but could you please come back into your ball?”
Giarda snorted and nodded. There was a slight hum as she turned to white energy and was recalled into the Net ball.
Aeris turned around, waving impatiently. Tora’d fallen behind. The green-haired girl ran to catch up, huffing slightly as she climbed up the hill. As Tora joined the group, they stood, goggling in shock.
“Oh, my lord.” Shadow uttered in a soft voice.
A massive army camp surrounded the city. Flapping white banners trimmed in gold waved proudly in the warm breeze. Aeris gazed out, and saw that there were countless other camps spread out. She drew out her binoculars, and grinned as she scanned the land. There was one in Violet, one in Azalea, another in the Ruins of Alph, and one in Ecruteak. Together, they formed a massive defensive wall from Southern Johto to Northern Johto.
“My generals have been busy.” Aeris grinned, bursting with pride for her homeland.
She whooped and ran down the hill, waving and yelling. Serra and the others ran behind her, yelling for Aeris to slow down.
Aeris waved as she neared the camp. A lone figure ran out to meet her, and Aeris greeted the figure at the top of her lungs.
“TOPAZ!! TOPAZ!! LONG TIME NO SEE!”
The grinning woman in question grabbed Aeris in a bear hug, giving her a noogie.
“Hey, Aeris! How have you been? Still as nuts as always!”
Serra gazed at the woman in amazement. She seemed about twenty, but she was short for her age. Topaz had beautiful flowing black hair which was pulled back in a ponytail, yet the hair went all the way down to her calves. Her eyes were a beautiful dark blue and almost Oriental in appearance, like Raven’s. She wore a long blue cloak identifying her as First General of the Johto’s First. The only jewelry she wore was a small turquoise stud in her right ear, which Serra recognized as a translator.
“And who is that?” asked Topaz, meeting Serra’s stare. Serra blushed and looked down, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Oh, Topaz, this is Serra. Serra, this is Topaz Soarhire, one of the most powerful trainers in this region.” introduced Aeris.
“Nice ta meetcha, Serra.” Topaz proffered a hand, which Serra noticed was covered in a dark blue fingerless glove. She shook Topaz’s hand, not meeting the older woman’s stare.
“Little shy, eh?” grinned Topaz.
“Very shy. Just don’t piss her off.” warned Aeris. Topaz shook her head, and waved at the rest of the group.
“Hey, Hydro, Terra, still together? Shadow and Raven, standing together and not killing each other? My lord, what has this place come to? And Blade! Dang, that’s a big pigsticker ya got there.”
“Topaz, can you please go and tell the others of our arrival? I have news for you all.”
Topaz saluted, then turned and ran off. Aeris grinned, and pulled Serra with her.
‘Everyone, go and spread around, you can have a break. Serra, come with me, please. The soldiers don’t know about you, and I don’t want them making advances on you.”
Serra grinned slightly.
“I can take care of myself.”
Aeris regarded her suspiciously, then sighed.
“Just don’t kill the poor men. We need every man we can get.”
Serra smiled and waved, parting with the blonde Champion. Serra stretched slightly, gazing around the surroundings.
Millions upon millions of soldiers sat, eating, drinking, and chatting. Some laughed uproariously, and some joked and told stories. Serra was amazed to see that there were also female soldiers here and there, and all the soldiers bore Pokeballs upon their belts. They were also equipped with daggers, swords, and various rifles. Tents were set out among the soldiers, as were a few army-style trucks.
Serra wandered among the soldiers, feeling out of place. They were all experienced warriors, and looked tough. Serra was just about to move on when a voice spoke out from behind her.
“Ooo warnt cayk?”
“Huh?” Serra blinked and turned to look at the speaker. It was a young handsome man in army fatigues. He looked up at Serra, his brown hair flopping into his hazel eyes. The man held out a platter of what looked like cake. He spoke again from behind a mouthful of cake.
“Warnt cayk? Eeeeh? Eeee cayk?”
“For goodness’ sake, JLX how do you expect her to understand that?” snapped a young woman, also in uniform, beside JLX. The woman looked up at Serra and rolled her eyes.
“Sorry about that, lady. JLX ain’t the sharpest sword around.”
JLX swallowed the cake noisily, smacked his lips and then said delicately, “I resent that. I made the cake myself.”
Serra smiled at the odd pair and sat with them. The female held out a hand. Her chocolate-brown hair flapped in the wind.
“Name’s Sam, but you can call me Sammy. This idiot here is JLX, just JLX. This one over here is Rob,” she pointed to another young man, who waved and smiled. His black hair fell over his grayish-blue eyes.
“And this is Umbra.” she finished with a lovely woman next to Rob. The woman somehow managed to bow from her sitting position. Serra thought Umbra was quite exotic, for she had dark olive colored skin, the same as Su from Victory Island. Her cheekbones were high, and her eyes dark brown, almost black. Umbra’s hair was braided into dreadlocks and pulled back into a bun.
“Are you all soldiers?” asked Serra, amazed. Sam nodded, grinning.
“Want to see our partners? They’ve stood with us through thick and thin.”
Serra nodded, and the group of soldiers drew out their Pokeballs. Five bursts of light flared simultaneously.
“BLAST!! BLAAAAST BLAAAST TOISE!”
“Cynda!! Cynda quil quil quil quiiiiiiiil!”
“Victra! Beeeelll beellll victreeebeeel!
“Gardeivoooor......gard eeee voor....”
“Di di di di di! To to to ditto!”
“This here Blastoise is my best friend.” Sam said proudly. The gigantic turtle roared and extended his cannons, showing off.
“That’s nothing! Check out my Pokémon!!” declared JLX.
The Cyndaquil squeaked cutely and waddled over to Serra, while the Victreebel simply gurgled desolately, waving its leaf.
“This here fierce Cyndaquil is Cheesedoodleboots, and this Victreebel is Major Pyjamas. Say hi, Major!”
The Victreebel simply bent over in a grumpy bow, yellow acid spilling over the brim of its lip. JLX yelped as the acid landed on his cake and burst into flames.
“Idiot.” grinned Rob. “Do you like my Gardevoir?” The Gardevoir bent in a graceful bow, its wispy dress billowing elegantly. Serra nodded, admiring the Psychic Pokémon.
“Pfft. Check out my darling Di!” Umbra exclaimed, holding up what appeared to be a lump of pink ooze. Two eyes blinked and opened. A long black line opened within the pink ooze, squeaking.
“What is that?” asked Serra, amazed. She’d never seen anything like it on Victory Island.
“This here fellow, my dearie, is a Ditto.” declared Umbra proudly. “They can shape shift into anything you think of. Watch this. Di, change!”
The Ditto burbled and glowed. Its form grew and rippled smoothly. When the glow faded, a Spinarak lay in Umbra’s lap. Umbra shrieked and jumped up.
“SPIDERS!! I HATE SPIDERS!”
The Spinarak clicked its pincers sadly, then glowed and reverted back to its original form. Umbra sighed with relief and sat down, cuddling her Ditto once again.
“At least mine look tougher.” pouted JLX.
“Shut up, JLX.” was the response from the other three. JLX shrugged and returned to poking at his smoking cake with a fork.
Serra jerked as her name was called. Sighing, she rose and smiled at her newfound friends.
“I’m sorry, but I must go.” she apologized, then turned and left. The soldiers watched her go.
“She’s a strange one, she is.” Rob said quietly.
“Did you see her eyes? They were creepy!” exclaimed Umbra. “I wonder where she’s from.”
“Mmmmf, ih...ihs hop cape...too hop!" spluttered JLX, choking on a piece of cake. Cheesedoodleboots watched him with interest, while Major Pyjamas simply gurgled. Sammy simply watched the back of the retreating Serra thoughtfully.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A majestic tent rose beyond the other tents. Its cloth was dyed a rich red, and banners flapped proudly around it, identifying it as the Headquarters of the army camp. Aeris bounced impatiently as Serra approached.
“Finally. Come on in, please! Don’t worry.” she added, seeing the look on Serra’s face. Aeris turned and brushed aside the tent flap, beckoning Serra to follow. The two of them walked into a circular room. A single table sat in the center, with armchairs set around. Topaz sat in one, and waved, smiling. Raven sat in another armchair, and so was Shadow. Blade was also there.
Aeris showed Serra to her chair, and took a chair for herself. There was only one empty chair remaining now.
Serra shifted in her armchair, gazing around the room. Maps were tacked everywhere on the walls, and a blackboard stood off to the side, various war tactics scribbled on it. A massive map of Johto was spread out upon the table.
Serra jumped as a Quilava leaped onto her lap. She was big for her species, and an unusual color. Her underbelly fur was a rich creamy white instead of yellow, and the fur on her head and back was a deep violet shade instead of black.
The Quilava stood up, hers eyes large and intelligent. She spoke in her native language, but Serra had learned all the languages of Pokémon on Victory Island, so it was no problem talking to her.
“You’re different.” stated the Quilava flatly. Her eyes sparked with interest, however.
“Yes, I suppose I am.” replied Serra, speaking in the Quilava’s language. The Quilava jerked with surprise.
“You speak our language very well. My name is Fury, and Topaz belongs to me.”
Serra smiled at the Quilava’s last comment.
“My name is Serra, and it’s nice to meet you.”
She didn’t notice Topaz and the others staring at her.
“I sense you are not what you seem. You look human....but inside...” Fury put a paw on Serra’s chest, directly on her heart.
“You are the People.”
Serra nodded. Fury’s eyes bore into Serra’s with piercing intensity.
“Do not forget your People. Andros, Pokémon, they are no different. Their insides are the same. Do not forget that.”
Serra gasped and stared at Fury, her eyes wide with surprise. But the Quilava had by that time curled up and gone to sleep on her lap, a comforting warm presence.
Serra blinked and looked up at the rest of the room, who was staring at her. She shrugged, feeling conscious of herself.
“Fury’s never done that before-talk to a complete stranger. She must have taken a liking to you..” Topaz’s voice was slightly suspicious, and she looked at Serra more carefully than before.
“Leave her alone, Topaz.” Aeris’ voice was quiet, but firm. Topaz shrugged, and snorted.
The tent flap blew open and a small, wizened old woman toddled in. She looked around, smiling cheerfully.
“Oh, dearie me. Hope I’m not late!” she squeaked her voice bright and cheerful. She leant on her cane and gazed around nearsightedly. Her eyes were bright and a gleaming blue. The woman had glossy white hair pulled back into a bun, and a pair of spectacles were perched on her nose.
“No, Auntie, you aren’t late.” smiled Topaz. She stood and introduced the old woman.
“Everyone, this is Auntie Verd. She’s my second in command.”
“Pleased t’ meet you all.” chirped Auntie Verd. She waved cheerily at the stunned room.
Aeris and the others stood and bowed, then sat down. Shadow spoke up hesitantly.
“Um...Topaz..are you sure she can handle herself? No offense...”
Auntie Verd grinned, and her eyes took on a dangerous glint.
“No offense taken, young laddie. I’m capable of holding my own in battle. Isn’t that right, my baby?” She fingered the release button of an Ultra ball hanging from her belt.
A massive hulking Machamp exploded in existence, looming over Shadow. He roared in a deep bellow, making the tent’s poles quiver. The Machamp extended all four of his bulging, muscle-bound arms and cracked his knuckles threateningly at Shadow. Shadow’s eyes were bulging in their sockets.
“Uh...hi. Nice day, isn’t it?” he stammered, looking up at the brawny Fighter.
The Machamp grunted with amusement , and disappeared into his Pokéball. Auntie Verd creakily walked over to the remaining armchair and plopped herself into it, laying her cane across her lap.
Topaz swung the tent flap shut, and turned to the blackboard. She dragged the massive board across to the table, and grabbed the Johto map. Turning, she clipped the map to the board, then stood back. Everyone sat up, becoming attentive as Topaz started speaking.
“Okay, people. I will show you our current situation.”
Topaz took a red marker from the table and started drawing on the map. She drew a vertical red line from Ecruteak, down through the Park, through Goldenrod, Azalea, and then Violet.
“That’s our army mobilization. We will be holding that line.”
“Now, our scouts report that the Andros are stationed here, here, and here.”
As she spoke, she took a blue marker and drew a line from Mount Silver, through New Bark and then Cherrygrove.
The map now had two lines through it, showing each side’s territory.
“That’s about all we know. Aeris?”
Aeris nodded and stood, moving to the board while Topaz took her seat.
“We’ve deducted that the invasion may start as soon as tomorrow. All we know is that someone, or something, called WS will be leading the invasion. Does anyone have any idea what WS could mean?”
Everyone shook their heads. Aeris nodded and turned to Blade.
“Blade, you’re an expert at war tactics. You’re up.”
Blade nodded and stood. Striding forward to the board, he took up another marker, this time green. As Aeris sat, he started speaking, drawing as he did so.
“From experience, I’ve seen that Andros tend to do mindless offensive without much strategy. When they charge at our line, what we do is,”
he quickly drew two red curved lines around the blue line, “try to trap them in a pincer movement. I like to call this the Pinsir’s Guillotine.”
When he was done, a massive red line curved out around the blue line. Blade pointed out certain areas on the map.
“We can set up hidden soldiers, and ambush the Andros, too. We’ll take them by surprise.”
The room erupted in applause, and Blade bowed, grinning.
“Serra, we’d like to hear your input.” Aeris beckoned to the girl. Serra stiffened, her eyes widening. Her voice came out in a squeak.
“M-m-me? But I’m not an expert like you or Blade?”
“You’re the Goddess, for crying out loud. You control every single Pokémon in Johto.”
Serra blushed and stood up, pushing Fury gently off her lap. Fury snuffled sleepily, curling up in the warm spot left by Serra on the armchair.
Serra nervously stepped up to the board.
“Uh...ahem. I, um, I could ask the wild Pokémon around to help us. And I can try doing as much as I can to protect all the Pokémon. But the Pokémon are all I care about, understood?”
Aeris nodded. Topaz, however, was displeased.
“What do you mean, you’ll ask the Pokémon? I don’t care of you can talk to Pokémon. You must fight, too!”
“I never said I would not fight. Are you calling me a coward?” Serra’s voice was dangerously quiet. Aeris groaned slightly as the room slowly became colder as usual.
“Serra, Topaz, don’t-” Aeris was cut off by Topaz.
“All I’m saying is, I don’t see anything special about you. What can you do in battle?”
Aeris covered her face and groaned. Blade turned ash white, and Raven looked down silently. That was just about the WORST thing you could ever say to Serra.
“This is not good.” whispered Shadow to Raven.
The room’s temperature suddenly plummeted to absolute zero, and Topaz looked around in surprise.
Serra’s eyes started to glow very faintly. The single light bulb hanging from the ceiling popped and went dark. The papers on the walls started flapping about wildly in an unseen gale.
Aeris leapt up and pushed Serra and Topaz outside.
“If you must fight, do it outside!! Not in here!!” she yelled, running outside. Raven and Blade followed, while Shadow stayed behind to help Auntie Verd out of her chair.
“Hoi, laddie, I can do it!” she chuckled, and leaped up smartly, scurrying outside followed by an astonished Shadow and a sleepy Fury. By this time, all the soldiers had turned to watch the battle between the General and the newcomer.
“Prove your battling prowess against me, and I’ll apologize.” said Topaz, bowing to Serra as she shed her cloak, revealing a battling jumpsuit.
Serra bowed back, and the two women stepped back one pace.
All the soldiers whispered among themselves, making bets. The support was heavily for the General. None of the soldiers had seen Serra in action.
Sammy was the only one who bet on Serra, so everyone bet with her. They declared Sammy as “off her rocker” but Sammy simply smiled. She sensed that Serra was not what she seemed to be, and her sixth sense had never failed her.
A huge roar rose as the battle started. Hydro and the others were watching, mingled with the ranks.
Topaz flipped backwards, coming down in a crouch. She stretched out her arms, expertly balling her fists.
Serra bowed her head. Her Mark glowed, blazing like a miniature sun. Serra’s body was jerked upwards, like a living marionette, and her clothes glowed. They warped and rippled, forming into the Armor. The spectators gasped in surprise.
Serra landed on the ground on all fours. Her back writhed, and loud ripping sounds were heard as wings erupted from her back. They were like a dragon’s wings, but without the flaps of skin. Each bony section was gleaming black, and ripped tatters of purple flesh were strung between the wing-bones.
Dark Wings.
All the soldiers gasped, some screaming with fear. The noise level rose to a crescendo. Topaz narrowed her eyes, judging this new foe. With a war yell, she charged forwards.
Serra’s wings spread out from her back, unfolding in a rapid blur. They were massive and forbiddingly sharp at the tips. Her eyes had taken on a blood red tint.
The wings hummed as they flapped into a blur of motion and Serra leapt up as Topaz ran. Serra flipped at the peak of her leap, whirling around. Her foot came crashing down on Topaz’s back. With a yelp, Topaz collapsed.
The crowd became deadly quiet. From the spectators, Raven’s voice rose, yelling.
“Serra, take it easy! Topaz doesn’t have armor like an Andros!!”
Serra jerked, feeling as if she’d been drenched in ice cold water. Her eyes lost their red hue. Her wings faded and she drifted down to earth, her armor glowing and reverting back to her skirt and jacket.
“Do you trust me now, Topaz?” she asked quietly. Topaz winced and rubbed her spine. Her eyes blazed, and she tossed her hair back.
“I’m impressed. Looks like Serra will be kicking Andros ***** in the war.”
She grinned and bowed to Serra. Serra smiled and bowed back. The spectators erupted in applause, roaring their approval.
Sammy grinned hugely as grumbling soldiers slapped wads of cash in her awaiting hands. A lone voice piped up from behind her.
“Hoo warnt cayk? Warnt cayk?”
“Shut up, JLX!” was the answering yell from the soldiers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night, the moon was blocked by forbidding clouds. The entire hill of Goldenrod’s army camp was lit by a mulitude of flickering campfires. They were dotted all over, seeming to reflect the stars in the darkness above.
Serra and her friends had their own campfire, shared by Sammy, JLX, Rob, Umbra, Topaz and Auntie Verd.
Serra drank slowly from her jug of tea, watching everyone quietly. The crackling, popping flames were reflected in the icy blue depths of her eyes. JLX and Sammy continued to heatedly debate which were worse, sesame seeds or tofu. Rob had challenged Umbra to a game of Blackjack, and the two sat, absorbed in their cards. Raven was sleeping, her head leaning on Shadow’s shoulder. Unbeknownst to Serra, Blade was watching her.
“I wish I could tell her I care about her.” he thought, dreamily sipping his tea. Blade jumped when Aeris snapped her fingers in front of his face.
“Hello? I asked you a question!”
“Sorry, Aeris.” mumbled Blade, growing red.
“I said, do you think Hydro should get engaged with Terra?”
Hydro, who had been sitting next to Aeris, overheard. He choked and spat out his mouthful of tea. Terra, sitting next to him, gasped and pounded on Hydro’s back, making him choke and splutter even more. Tora stifled her laughter by taking a large gulp of her own tea.
Quiet voices spoke and laughed in the night, while smoke from the array of campfires smoldered to embers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the starkness of the night, a Sentret stood delicately on its tail, surveying its surroundings. Its ears pricked up, listening for danger. Its nose twitched, sensing something unpleasant. It smelt the unmistakable odor of death and metal.
The Sentret stiffened and jumped down its burrow, quivering in terror.
A massive metal claw slammed into the earth, the sharp points digging into the dirt. It jerked up, moving forwards in a smooth motion, and thudded once more into the earth a few feet away.
Dark shapes moved silently in the night, bringing with them the stench of terror and death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serra awoke with a start. She rolled over, and sat up. Serra occupied a single, small tent with Aeris, Terra, Raven and Tora, so it was rather crowded. They all slept in low-slung metal frame beds that were collapsible.
Serra blinked sleepily and gazed at a half-full glass of water on a small bedside table to her left. Suddenly, she wrinkled her brow and looked closer at the surface of the water.
After three seconds, the surface of the water suddenly trembled, then went still. Serra’s eyes widened.
Three seconds ticked by...
The surface trembled, then went still.
Serra’s heart began beating more rapidly.
Three seconds...
Tremble.
Another three seconds...
Tremble.
“Oh, my lord.” Her voice was barely audible.
At the exact same time, a faint voice rang outside.
“Battle stations! Battle stations! To your battle stations! We have an Andros horde heading towards us!”
A trumpet sounded, and Aeris bolted upright.
“What’s going on?” she asked sleepily, yawning.
“Get ready for war! The Andros are advancing!” another voice rapped out. They then heard Topaz’s answering bellow.
“People, HAUL YOUR SORRY ASSES OUT THERE NOW!”
Aeris swore and grabbed her bows. She and Serra bolted to the door and sprinted outside.
The dawn rose, washing the sky in a pale pinkish hue ringed by fresh cerulean blue. Serra shielded her eyes and looked to the east, towards the area of the Ruins. It was fairly foggy. The fog lay low to the ground, slowly evaporating as the sun’s rays cut through them.
Out of the mist, nightmarish silhouettes appeared. Every three seconds, the ground thudded steadily as the Andros advanced.
The silhouettes were low-slung and four legged, almost spider like in shape. Each leg was broad and seemingly driven out of stone. They widened as they went, ending in three claws. Sinister red eyes shone from behind X-shaped face masks.
Andros Metagross.
Behind the Metagross, more low-slung beasts followed. They were far smaller and scuttled forwards in rapid bursts of speed. Gleaming pincers clicked ominously. Behind them, armor-clad titans moved slowly but steadily. Their massive indo-skulls gleamed in the morning haze, a symbol of death.
“Gee, let me see: Metagross, Ariados and Aggrons. What else could possibly be left?” mocked Raven, coming up from behind Aeris.
Screeching shapes swooped from the sky, their harsh cries ringing out in the stifled atmosphere.
“Skarmory. I’m also seeing Aerodactyls, Sceptiles, Kabutops, Armaldos and-oh crap. Smoochums. Damned little buggers.” groaned Blade, walking to stand beside Raven.
“What on earth could a Smoochum possibly do?” asked Serra. Aeris grinned wickedly.
“Well, first they give you a little kiss. That spreads paralyzing poison through your nerve system. Then they spread their rubbery little lips over your face and proceed to chew it off. Only you don’t feel a thing. Poison numbs you totally. They usually leave the eyes for last, so you can watch yourself getting eaten alive.”
“Aeris!! Urgh...that’s disgusting!!” squealed Raven.
“It’s true, it is!” insisted Aeris, grinning widely. Raven rolled her eyes. Tora cut in.
“I’d like to have Giarda help us fight, but how will our people recognize her as a friend?”
Topaz walked up to them.
“I’ve gotten care of that. Here-put this on her.” She handed Tora a long Johto’s First pennant. “Our people’ll see it and know.”
Tora bowed in thanks and trudged off. Terra ran up to them, panting.
“Where’ve you been?” asked Shadow.
<I had to run over to Goldenrod City’s Pokémon Center for the PC. I asked Su to give me Nightfire. And Raven-I brought you your Rapidash.>
Raven smiled gratefully as she took the proffered Pokéball. She activated it, and a massive war stallion sprang out, neighing a ringing cry. The Rapidash glanced at the advancing hordes and scuffed a hoof, clearly unimpressed.
“Hello, Peachblossom. Ready for a good fight?” asked Raven as she mounted the fire horse. Peachblossom reared, his diamond like hooves slashing through the air.
Aeris threw out her two Pokeballs, and Skyfang shrieked a war cry as he glared at the horde. Fury stomped in delight, raring for a good fight.
Terra took out her newest ball and another from her belt, releasing them. Juggernaut appeared, whirling his metal rods with a grinding whine.
A coal black Charizard also erupted in a flash of light, and Serra gasped in awe. The Charizard was jet black, including its belly and wings. The only thing that wasn’t black was the blazing red and yellow flame at its tail’s tip.
Terra and Aeris dug out leather harnesses from their packs, setting them upon their respectable dragons. When they had finished, the two girls climbed onto their dragons, strapping themselves in securely. Aeris adjusted her quiver and bow, making sure they were in reach.
“Why do they need harnesses?” asked Serra, puzzled.
“In aerial battle, there’s going to be a lot of dog fighting. Barrel rolls, loops, and sharp turns. They need to stay on securely.” Raven answered.
“I see...” said Serra, a slightly worried tone in her voice.
“Don’t worry, Aeris and Terra are pros at aerial warfare.” reassured Raven.
Serra nodded, gazing around. The entire army had gathered in a line along the hilltop ridge. Their banners whipped proudly in the wind, and Serra felt emotion rise. She silently prayed for all her friends, and her friends in the army. Terra and Aeris’ mounts took off, flapping proudly into the air. They circled overhead, openly taunting the Andros horde.
As Serra watched, Giarda shot up to join them, the Johto banner arcing out from between her wings. Tora had tied one end to her neck and then another to her tail so it wouldn’t wrap around her wings and trap her.
Topaz stepped up to join Serra, Shadow, Blade, and Raven. She squinted out at the horde. Auntie Verd walked up next to Serra, and cackled as she cast an eye over the nightmarish army.
“Ach, this’ll be fun!! Cheerio, my loves!” She waved gaily to the horde, drawing laughter from the army ranks.
Topaz raised her right hand, and the army suddenly quieted.
“Today. we do not battle for glory or territorial gain. No. Today...we battle for our right to survival. We defy Team Rocket and their scheming minions. Hear that, Andros metal brains? We don’t give a Rattata’s crap about your grandiose plans!”
The Johto army roared their approval, clanging their armor and waving their banners.
Serra stepped forwards, her Mark blazing. The Goddess Armor encloaked her, and her back rippled. Pure Steel wings shot out, sections sliding together to form shell-like curved metal. Blades popped out the edges, gleaming in the sunlight.
Serra flapped her wings and rose high into the air. Her hair billowed out, whipping in the wing. She looked like a glorious angel of war, a sight that was both terrifying and wondrous to behold in itself.
“Soldiers of Johto, do not disappoint me. CHARGE!” Aeris’ voice rang out like rolling thunder.
With a howl, Johto’s First charged.
They thundered down the hilltops, Topaz and Raven leading the frontal ranks.
Serra shot through the air, spreading her wings. A swarm of Andros Skarmory descended upon her, all slashing wings and talons and blazing steel. Serra screamed in agony as their wingtips sliced through her stomach.
“Heat Wave!!”
A blast of intense shimmering heat roared out from her form, slamming into the metal hawks. They shrilled in agony as their steel wings melted in a flash, rivulets of metal dripping down their bodies.
Wings all but gone, the doomed Andros spiraled down to earth. Serra did not watch them land. Instead, she wheeled about, facing a trio of Andros Pidgeot. They were smarter than her previous opponents, and circled at a safe distance.
Serra flapped her wings, maintaining a steady hover. She crossed her arms and concentrated.
“Swift!”
Glowing white shurikens materialized behind her and spun out to meet their targets. The Pidgeot swooped and banked, trying to lose the energy blades.
But Swift never misses.
Never.
The head of a Pidgeot fell to earth, trailing dark blood. It was soon followed by its body.
Serra ignored them, already diving at yet another target. She fought like a machine, never faltering in dealing out death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peachblossom leapt and landed on two Ariados, their metallic heads exploding under his hooves like overripe melons. Raven’s eyes blazed, and an invisible shockwave erupted from her, flinging Andros into the air.
“MMMMPPHHFFFT!!”
An Andros Hoppip, of all things, had leapt from nowhere and latched to her face. Raven’s yells were muffled, and she thrashed about wildly. An arrow hissed from the sky, driving with such force that when it hit the Hoppip, it simply kept going, taking its target with it.
“Thanks, Aeris!!” yelled Raven, spurring her mount forward.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The noise of battle was deafening. Andros roared in metallic screeches, soldiers yelled, and the screams of the dying all rang out in a blur of sound.
Blade slashed his sword, and heads flew. He whirled and stabbed a Grumpig in the stomach, then whipping it upwards in a vertical slash, neatly slicing the Grumpig in half. A gargantuan Andros Golem lumbered towards him, bellowing.
Blade ran around the massive armored titan and clambered up the side, stumbling precariously on the plated armor. He yelled and drove his sword down into the base of the Golem’s skull.
The Golem did not appear to notice. Swearing, Blade leapt down, slashing at the creature’s eyes.
That, the Golem noticed. And took offense to. Greatly.
Blade grunted as the Golem slammed into him, thrashing wildly in its blinded state.
He spun and pushed the Golem, hard. It screamed as it was thrown off balance, crashing down on its side. The ground shook violently at the impact.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hydro punched and kicked like a machine, locked in battle against a Medicham. Each was equally matched in speed, strength, and cunning.
Hydro threw a underhand right hook, but the Medicham swiftly blocked it and flipped, kicking Hydro in the chin. Hydro’s jaw swiftly snapped up, clashing painfully with his upper jaw. He blinked and flipped backwards, swiftly dodging a savage left hook.
Fighting a Medicham was next to impossible. They were part Psychic and sensed your moves even before you knew you were going to do it.
This battle was going nowhere. Hydro became angry and pulled off a flurry of kicks and punches. The Medicham blocked each and every one with deadly efficiency.
“BOOYARGHHH!!!”
A sword flashed, and the Medicham’s head flew off. The body stayed upright for a heartbeat, then swiftly collapsed.
JLX whooped manically, waving his sword gleefully. An Andros Spoink bounced down onto his head, locking onto him with its tail. JLX yelled and ran about wildly, trying to dislodge the squeaking pig.
Hydro ran and leaped, kicking the Spoink off in a spectacular high-flying kick. JLX grinned.
“Thanks, man!”
Hydro nodded, and turned to face a hulking Hitmonlee coming up from behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aeris and Terra’s mounts swooped and rolled dizzyingly, for they were locked in battle against two Fearow. Aeris leaned forward, flattening herself so Skyfang could move with more speed. A gust of Razor Winds spun past Aeris’ ear and she winced. That had been a bit too close for comfort!
Terra drew both her guns. She pushed up from her harness, almost standing.
<Nightfire, let’s give them the Hundreds of Flowers Blooming in Profusion!!>
The Charizard roared in agreement, banking and tilting to the right.
<You know what to do, my friend.>
Nightfire nodded and lunged forwards at both the Fearows. He opened his mouth, and a roaring gush of fire gushed out in a spiral helix pattern.
The blazing helix shot towards the two metallic Andros. They screeched in panic, blinded by the noise and light. Out of the roaring flames, Terra and Nightfire shot out, Terra’s guns blazing.
BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM!!
The gunshots rang out harshly, punching through the Andros’ armor and ripping up their insides. The Fearows jerked limply as a fine red spray misted out of the holes in their armored carapaces.
Aeris whooped gleefully as the pair of Fearow fell to earth, their bodies shredded by bullets. The bodies vanished amid the slashing, writhing melee of the war beneath.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serra gasped and wheezed, her breath coming out in sobs. All over her armor, there were slashes, and blood dripped from her wounds. Serra fought back tears, tolerating the extreme pain.
She flapped woodenly in the air, hanging on the best she could. Serra had been battling too many Andros to count, and had lost track of time. The sun was now high in the air. Noon. They’d been fighting for six hours!
A multitude of dead Andros and humans lay upon the ground, their bodies scoured by the blazing sun. But there were millions more Andros fighting. They seemed to be endless. Would this war ever end?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giarda’s roar came out in a metallic screech and she shot through the air. Her target-a trio of Andros Blastoise attacking three terrified soldiers.
Sammy backed away, flanked by Umbra and Rob as the three menacing turtle Pokémon advanced upon them. A deep rumble issued from within their throats. Sammy fumbled with her rifle, her hands quivering as she aimed it.
The leader of the Blastoise roared and leapt at her. Sammy cried out and dropped her rifle, steeling herself for a painful death.
CLANG!!
Sammy opened her eyes in shock. An Andros Charizard wrestled with the Blastoise, her claws gripping the other Andros’ claws. Their roars echoed, rising to join the cacophony of war.
“Am I dreaming, or did that Andros just save us?” asked Rob, his eyes wide with shock.
“Look!! She’s got a Johto’s First banner!!” yelled Umbra, pointing at Giarda. Sure enough, the familiar banner was there, flapping in the wind. Despite being ripped and bloodstained, it still was easily recognizable.
“LOOK OUT!” yelled a voice from behind them. The trio of soldiers whirled just in time to see the bodies of the two other Blastoise thud to their knees, then collapse. Their heads skittered and rolled across the ground, like nightmarish bowling balls.
Auntie Verd panted slightly, wiping her sword on the bloodstained grass.
“Those two tried to sneak up behind you. Shame on them!” she explained to the goggling trio of soldiers. From behind them, a loud roar echoed and the third Blastoise went flying. Giarda streaked after him, attacking him mercilessly until his eye sensors had flickered and gone out for the final time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serra brushed hair from her eyes, blinking blearily. A dark winged shape rose out of the battling masses and flapped steadily towards her.
What was it? It was shaped rather lopsidedly...she thought.
“TSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRR!!”
“Plus plus plus Plusle!!”
“Minuuuuuuuuun!!”
A Skarmory, bearing a Plusle and a Minun. Heading towards her.
The Andros Skarmory flew directly up and dropped the two electric rodents. Like a dream, Serra watched the pair fall....towards her.
Like kamikaze pilots, she thought with faint, bemused amusement.
The two Andros landed on her and latched instantly. Serra screamed and twisted in the air, trying to throw them off. The Plusle and the Minun grinned evilly, their twin red eyes glowing wickedly.
Serra’s eyes widened as she realized what they were doing. She was weak to electricity.....
And when a Plusle and Minun are together, their power increases to insanely high levels.
Serra screamed as a million volts of electricity crackled through her body, searing her neural system. Every nerve felt like it was on fire, and he agony was extreme. Serra’s vision went white with pain, and tears ran down her cheeks.
It was over quickly, brutally. The two electric Andros leapt off her and onto the Andros Skarmory waiting below.
Serra’s wings hummed and faded, as did her armor. She was dead to the world around her.
And she fell to earth.
The sun now hung low in the sky. Clouds had moved in, prematurely darkening the sky. They hung there, dark smudges of despair upon the sky. The sun’s rays shone through them, turning their outlines to blazing gold.
Serra’s body thudded limply against the blood-slicked grass, oblivious to the shrieking battles being waged all around her. Her eyes were closed, giving her the appearance of peaceful slumber. The tears upon her cheeks dried, and a crimson spray of blood spattered across her cheek as an Andros Zangoose fell next to her, gored by a soldier’s sword.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was evening. The first wave of Andros had retreated to nurse their wounds behind the hills. They had lost a little over half of their numbers, but even so, they still outnumbered Johto’s First.
The soldiers trudged through the battlefield, dragging away the corpses of their fellow warriors. The dead Andros were piled up in a huge mound out of the way, clearing the field for the imminent second wave.
Aeris walked around, her eyes bloodshot but alight with spirit. Her clothes were a bloody mess and she needed a bath, but she didn’t care. She frowned in confusion amid the bodies. All her friends were alive and accounted for, but where was Serra? Aeris didn’t think she could have fallen. Surely someone would have seen her...?
“Lady Aeris! Lady Aeris! There’s something I think you should see.” A soldier beckoned to Aeris from a few feet away, kneeling next to a pile of corpses.
Aeris turned towards the call, and trotted toward the soldier, kneeling next to him. A large dead Zangoose lay before them, and the soldier rolled it aside. Aeris gasped and her hands flew to her mouth.
“Serra!!”
The girl lay on the grass, her face serene. Blood was smeared all over her face and neck.
Aeris stifled a sob, trying not to show her grief.
“I-is..is she dead?” she asked the solider. The solider drew his dagger and held it next to Serra’s mouth. After a heart’s beat, a faint, warm mist collected along the blade.
“By the Resurrector, she lives!”
I am so sorry y'all. I had some technical Difficulties
For waiting so long, I'm gonna post Chapter 20 in a seperate postHere's the chapter, enjoy
Chapter 19: A Righteous Beginning
By: Spectreon
Gatene said:
“My Giovanni...I bring news.”
“Yes?”
Dorian turned from the window. He’d been gazing out spitefully at Zeiryu City in the distance. It seemed to mock him, the barrier twinkling cheerfully at him. But at least Zeiryu couldn’t send reinforcements to Johto. That gave Dorian an edge, at least.
Dorian had flown back to Saffron, bringing all his agents who had been in the base. It had served its purpose, and he didn’t need it anymore.
“Our troops are mobilized in Johto. They occupy mostly eastern Johto, but Johto has put up defenses from Ecruteak City to Goldenrod, Azalea, and Violet City. We have control over New Bark, Cherrygrove, and Mount Silver. To advance further, we must battle Johto’s armies. They’ve mobilized, and war is imminent. We have almost used up all our resources. If we lose, it will be a massive defeat and we would be forced to retreat.”
“Are you questioning my decision?” Dorian’s tone was almost friendly, but it bore menace.
The operative shook his head vigorously.
“No, my Lord! Never! I am just stating the consequences.”
“Then be quiet. You may take your leave. Tell the Wishing Star to start the advance tomorrow. “
The operative nodded and saluted, then turned smartly on his heel and left. Dorian turned back to the window, lost in his thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“This place is really beautiful! What is this place?” Serra asked Aeris as they walked forwards on the trail. The trail was a dirt path that wove and threaded among tall grass in a meadow.
There were benches set around a beautiful fountain to their right. The water gushed cheerfully, gurgling and bubbling. As the sun’s rays hit the sparkling clear water, it turned to pure light, sending out a prism playing upon the gently swaying grass.
“This, my friend, is Johto’s pride and joy: The National Park! Every week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, people gather and do the Bug-Catching Contest. It’s fun-I’ve tried it.”
Aeris grinned, recalling fond memories. Maverick stood perched upon his favorite spot-Aeris’ head. Terra had recalled Dark Flame, for she was weary. However, Tora had released Giarda, where she was free to wheel and soar in the sky, reveling in her newfound freedom. Tora had asked her to keep a lookout and land if she saw people. It wouldn’t do for her to cause panic.
“And what did you catch? Did you win?” asked Serra, adjusting her jacket.
“Umm...let me see...I was a bit of a young idiot back then. I saw a Venonat, and thought it was simply adorable. So I caught it, thinking I’d win. But this guy, he caught a shiny Pinsir! All blue and sparkly. He won, of course. Pfft. I still say Venonats are better.”
“What happened to him?” asked Blade, blinking as a gust of wind blew from the west, ruffling his hair.
“I released him, of course. He was too weak to use in a serious battle, but he sure was sweet. He’d let me dribble him and toss him around.”
Serra blinked, while Shadow snorted with laughter.
“Hey, look! Goldenrod City!” Hydro yelled, pointing.
Sure enough, the roofs of the metropolis rose in view above a grassy hill. The sun’s light hit the mirrored gold roofs at an angle, turning them to blazing gold, easily seen from a distance and earning the city its name.
“Giarda, come to me, please!” Tora’s cry rang out.
Giarda let out a screech and folded her wings, spiraling down. Her claws hit the ground with a thud, and the steel dragon trotted over on all fours.
“I’m sorry, but could you please come back into your ball?”
Giarda snorted and nodded. There was a slight hum as she turned to white energy and was recalled into the Net ball.
Aeris turned around, waving impatiently. Tora’d fallen behind. The green-haired girl ran to catch up, huffing slightly as she climbed up the hill. As Tora joined the group, they stood, goggling in shock.
“Oh, my lord.” Shadow uttered in a soft voice.
A massive army camp surrounded the city. Flapping white banners trimmed in gold waved proudly in the warm breeze. Aeris gazed out, and saw that there were countless other camps spread out. She drew out her binoculars, and grinned as she scanned the land. There was one in Violet, one in Azalea, another in the Ruins of Alph, and one in Ecruteak. Together, they formed a massive defensive wall from Southern Johto to Northern Johto.
“My generals have been busy.” Aeris grinned, bursting with pride for her homeland.
She whooped and ran down the hill, waving and yelling. Serra and the others ran behind her, yelling for Aeris to slow down.
Aeris waved as she neared the camp. A lone figure ran out to meet her, and Aeris greeted the figure at the top of her lungs.
“TOPAZ!! TOPAZ!! LONG TIME NO SEE!”
The grinning woman in question grabbed Aeris in a bear hug, giving her a noogie.
“Hey, Aeris! How have you been? Still as nuts as always!”
Serra gazed at the woman in amazement. She seemed about twenty, but she was short for her age. Topaz had beautiful flowing black hair which was pulled back in a ponytail, yet the hair went all the way down to her calves. Her eyes were a beautiful dark blue and almost Oriental in appearance, like Raven’s. She wore a long blue cloak identifying her as First General of the Johto’s First. The only jewelry she wore was a small turquoise stud in her right ear, which Serra recognized as a translator.
“And who is that?” asked Topaz, meeting Serra’s stare. Serra blushed and looked down, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Oh, Topaz, this is Serra. Serra, this is Topaz Soarhire, one of the most powerful trainers in this region.” introduced Aeris.
“Nice ta meetcha, Serra.” Topaz proffered a hand, which Serra noticed was covered in a dark blue fingerless glove. She shook Topaz’s hand, not meeting the older woman’s stare.
“Little shy, eh?” grinned Topaz.
“Very shy. Just don’t piss her off.” warned Aeris. Topaz shook her head, and waved at the rest of the group.
“Hey, Hydro, Terra, still together? Shadow and Raven, standing together and not killing each other? My lord, what has this place come to? And Blade! Dang, that’s a big pigsticker ya got there.”
“Topaz, can you please go and tell the others of our arrival? I have news for you all.”
Topaz saluted, then turned and ran off. Aeris grinned, and pulled Serra with her.
‘Everyone, go and spread around, you can have a break. Serra, come with me, please. The soldiers don’t know about you, and I don’t want them making advances on you.”
Serra grinned slightly.
“I can take care of myself.”
Aeris regarded her suspiciously, then sighed.
“Just don’t kill the poor men. We need every man we can get.”
Serra smiled and waved, parting with the blonde Champion. Serra stretched slightly, gazing around the surroundings.
Millions upon millions of soldiers sat, eating, drinking, and chatting. Some laughed uproariously, and some joked and told stories. Serra was amazed to see that there were also female soldiers here and there, and all the soldiers bore Pokeballs upon their belts. They were also equipped with daggers, swords, and various rifles. Tents were set out among the soldiers, as were a few army-style trucks.
Serra wandered among the soldiers, feeling out of place. They were all experienced warriors, and looked tough. Serra was just about to move on when a voice spoke out from behind her.
“Ooo warnt cayk?”
“Huh?” Serra blinked and turned to look at the speaker. It was a young handsome man in army fatigues. He looked up at Serra, his brown hair flopping into his hazel eyes. The man held out a platter of what looked like cake. He spoke again from behind a mouthful of cake.
“Warnt cayk? Eeeeh? Eeee cayk?”
“For goodness’ sake, JLX how do you expect her to understand that?” snapped a young woman, also in uniform, beside JLX. The woman looked up at Serra and rolled her eyes.
“Sorry about that, lady. JLX ain’t the sharpest sword around.”
JLX swallowed the cake noisily, smacked his lips and then said delicately, “I resent that. I made the cake myself.”
Serra smiled at the odd pair and sat with them. The female held out a hand. Her chocolate-brown hair flapped in the wind.
“Name’s Sam, but you can call me Sammy. This idiot here is JLX, just JLX. This one over here is Rob,” she pointed to another young man, who waved and smiled. His black hair fell over his grayish-blue eyes.
“And this is Umbra.” she finished with a lovely woman next to Rob. The woman somehow managed to bow from her sitting position. Serra thought Umbra was quite exotic, for she had dark olive colored skin, the same as Su from Victory Island. Her cheekbones were high, and her eyes dark brown, almost black. Umbra’s hair was braided into dreadlocks and pulled back into a bun.
“Are you all soldiers?” asked Serra, amazed. Sam nodded, grinning.
“Want to see our partners? They’ve stood with us through thick and thin.”
Serra nodded, and the group of soldiers drew out their Pokeballs. Five bursts of light flared simultaneously.
“BLAST!! BLAAAAST BLAAAST TOISE!”
“Cynda!! Cynda quil quil quil quiiiiiiiil!”
“Victra! Beeeelll beellll victreeebeeel!
“Gardeivoooor......gard eeee voor....”
“Di di di di di! To to to ditto!”
“This here Blastoise is my best friend.” Sam said proudly. The gigantic turtle roared and extended his cannons, showing off.
“That’s nothing! Check out my Pokémon!!” declared JLX.
The Cyndaquil squeaked cutely and waddled over to Serra, while the Victreebel simply gurgled desolately, waving its leaf.
“This here fierce Cyndaquil is Cheesedoodleboots, and this Victreebel is Major Pyjamas. Say hi, Major!”
The Victreebel simply bent over in a grumpy bow, yellow acid spilling over the brim of its lip. JLX yelped as the acid landed on his cake and burst into flames.
“Idiot.” grinned Rob. “Do you like my Gardevoir?” The Gardevoir bent in a graceful bow, its wispy dress billowing elegantly. Serra nodded, admiring the Psychic Pokémon.
“Pfft. Check out my darling Di!” Umbra exclaimed, holding up what appeared to be a lump of pink ooze. Two eyes blinked and opened. A long black line opened within the pink ooze, squeaking.
“What is that?” asked Serra, amazed. She’d never seen anything like it on Victory Island.
“This here fellow, my dearie, is a Ditto.” declared Umbra proudly. “They can shape shift into anything you think of. Watch this. Di, change!”
The Ditto burbled and glowed. Its form grew and rippled smoothly. When the glow faded, a Spinarak lay in Umbra’s lap. Umbra shrieked and jumped up.
“SPIDERS!! I HATE SPIDERS!”
The Spinarak clicked its pincers sadly, then glowed and reverted back to its original form. Umbra sighed with relief and sat down, cuddling her Ditto once again.
“At least mine look tougher.” pouted JLX.
“Shut up, JLX.” was the response from the other three. JLX shrugged and returned to poking at his smoking cake with a fork.
Serra jerked as her name was called. Sighing, she rose and smiled at her newfound friends.
“I’m sorry, but I must go.” she apologized, then turned and left. The soldiers watched her go.
“She’s a strange one, she is.” Rob said quietly.
“Did you see her eyes? They were creepy!” exclaimed Umbra. “I wonder where she’s from.”
“Mmmmf, ih...ihs hop cape...too hop!" spluttered JLX, choking on a piece of cake. Cheesedoodleboots watched him with interest, while Major Pyjamas simply gurgled. Sammy simply watched the back of the retreating Serra thoughtfully.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A majestic tent rose beyond the other tents. Its cloth was dyed a rich red, and banners flapped proudly around it, identifying it as the Headquarters of the army camp. Aeris bounced impatiently as Serra approached.
“Finally. Come on in, please! Don’t worry.” she added, seeing the look on Serra’s face. Aeris turned and brushed aside the tent flap, beckoning Serra to follow. The two of them walked into a circular room. A single table sat in the center, with armchairs set around. Topaz sat in one, and waved, smiling. Raven sat in another armchair, and so was Shadow. Blade was also there.
Aeris showed Serra to her chair, and took a chair for herself. There was only one empty chair remaining now.
Serra shifted in her armchair, gazing around the room. Maps were tacked everywhere on the walls, and a blackboard stood off to the side, various war tactics scribbled on it. A massive map of Johto was spread out upon the table.
Serra jumped as a Quilava leaped onto her lap. She was big for her species, and an unusual color. Her underbelly fur was a rich creamy white instead of yellow, and the fur on her head and back was a deep violet shade instead of black.
The Quilava stood up, hers eyes large and intelligent. She spoke in her native language, but Serra had learned all the languages of Pokémon on Victory Island, so it was no problem talking to her.
“You’re different.” stated the Quilava flatly. Her eyes sparked with interest, however.
“Yes, I suppose I am.” replied Serra, speaking in the Quilava’s language. The Quilava jerked with surprise.
“You speak our language very well. My name is Fury, and Topaz belongs to me.”
Serra smiled at the Quilava’s last comment.
“My name is Serra, and it’s nice to meet you.”
She didn’t notice Topaz and the others staring at her.
“I sense you are not what you seem. You look human....but inside...” Fury put a paw on Serra’s chest, directly on her heart.
“You are the People.”
Serra nodded. Fury’s eyes bore into Serra’s with piercing intensity.
“Do not forget your People. Andros, Pokémon, they are no different. Their insides are the same. Do not forget that.”
Serra gasped and stared at Fury, her eyes wide with surprise. But the Quilava had by that time curled up and gone to sleep on her lap, a comforting warm presence.
Serra blinked and looked up at the rest of the room, who was staring at her. She shrugged, feeling conscious of herself.
“Fury’s never done that before-talk to a complete stranger. She must have taken a liking to you..” Topaz’s voice was slightly suspicious, and she looked at Serra more carefully than before.
“Leave her alone, Topaz.” Aeris’ voice was quiet, but firm. Topaz shrugged, and snorted.
The tent flap blew open and a small, wizened old woman toddled in. She looked around, smiling cheerfully.
“Oh, dearie me. Hope I’m not late!” she squeaked her voice bright and cheerful. She leant on her cane and gazed around nearsightedly. Her eyes were bright and a gleaming blue. The woman had glossy white hair pulled back into a bun, and a pair of spectacles were perched on her nose.
“No, Auntie, you aren’t late.” smiled Topaz. She stood and introduced the old woman.
“Everyone, this is Auntie Verd. She’s my second in command.”
“Pleased t’ meet you all.” chirped Auntie Verd. She waved cheerily at the stunned room.
Aeris and the others stood and bowed, then sat down. Shadow spoke up hesitantly.
“Um...Topaz..are you sure she can handle herself? No offense...”
Auntie Verd grinned, and her eyes took on a dangerous glint.
“No offense taken, young laddie. I’m capable of holding my own in battle. Isn’t that right, my baby?” She fingered the release button of an Ultra ball hanging from her belt.
A massive hulking Machamp exploded in existence, looming over Shadow. He roared in a deep bellow, making the tent’s poles quiver. The Machamp extended all four of his bulging, muscle-bound arms and cracked his knuckles threateningly at Shadow. Shadow’s eyes were bulging in their sockets.
“Uh...hi. Nice day, isn’t it?” he stammered, looking up at the brawny Fighter.
The Machamp grunted with amusement , and disappeared into his Pokéball. Auntie Verd creakily walked over to the remaining armchair and plopped herself into it, laying her cane across her lap.
Topaz swung the tent flap shut, and turned to the blackboard. She dragged the massive board across to the table, and grabbed the Johto map. Turning, she clipped the map to the board, then stood back. Everyone sat up, becoming attentive as Topaz started speaking.
“Okay, people. I will show you our current situation.”
Topaz took a red marker from the table and started drawing on the map. She drew a vertical red line from Ecruteak, down through the Park, through Goldenrod, Azalea, and then Violet.
“That’s our army mobilization. We will be holding that line.”
“Now, our scouts report that the Andros are stationed here, here, and here.”
As she spoke, she took a blue marker and drew a line from Mount Silver, through New Bark and then Cherrygrove.
The map now had two lines through it, showing each side’s territory.
“That’s about all we know. Aeris?”
Aeris nodded and stood, moving to the board while Topaz took her seat.
“We’ve deducted that the invasion may start as soon as tomorrow. All we know is that someone, or something, called WS will be leading the invasion. Does anyone have any idea what WS could mean?”
Everyone shook their heads. Aeris nodded and turned to Blade.
“Blade, you’re an expert at war tactics. You’re up.”
Blade nodded and stood. Striding forward to the board, he took up another marker, this time green. As Aeris sat, he started speaking, drawing as he did so.
“From experience, I’ve seen that Andros tend to do mindless offensive without much strategy. When they charge at our line, what we do is,”
he quickly drew two red curved lines around the blue line, “try to trap them in a pincer movement. I like to call this the Pinsir’s Guillotine.”
When he was done, a massive red line curved out around the blue line. Blade pointed out certain areas on the map.
“We can set up hidden soldiers, and ambush the Andros, too. We’ll take them by surprise.”
The room erupted in applause, and Blade bowed, grinning.
“Serra, we’d like to hear your input.” Aeris beckoned to the girl. Serra stiffened, her eyes widening. Her voice came out in a squeak.
“M-m-me? But I’m not an expert like you or Blade?”
“You’re the Goddess, for crying out loud. You control every single Pokémon in Johto.”
Serra blushed and stood up, pushing Fury gently off her lap. Fury snuffled sleepily, curling up in the warm spot left by Serra on the armchair.
Serra nervously stepped up to the board.
“Uh...ahem. I, um, I could ask the wild Pokémon around to help us. And I can try doing as much as I can to protect all the Pokémon. But the Pokémon are all I care about, understood?”
Aeris nodded. Topaz, however, was displeased.
“What do you mean, you’ll ask the Pokémon? I don’t care of you can talk to Pokémon. You must fight, too!”
“I never said I would not fight. Are you calling me a coward?” Serra’s voice was dangerously quiet. Aeris groaned slightly as the room slowly became colder as usual.
“Serra, Topaz, don’t-” Aeris was cut off by Topaz.
“All I’m saying is, I don’t see anything special about you. What can you do in battle?”
Aeris covered her face and groaned. Blade turned ash white, and Raven looked down silently. That was just about the WORST thing you could ever say to Serra.
“This is not good.” whispered Shadow to Raven.
The room’s temperature suddenly plummeted to absolute zero, and Topaz looked around in surprise.
Serra’s eyes started to glow very faintly. The single light bulb hanging from the ceiling popped and went dark. The papers on the walls started flapping about wildly in an unseen gale.
Aeris leapt up and pushed Serra and Topaz outside.
“If you must fight, do it outside!! Not in here!!” she yelled, running outside. Raven and Blade followed, while Shadow stayed behind to help Auntie Verd out of her chair.
“Hoi, laddie, I can do it!” she chuckled, and leaped up smartly, scurrying outside followed by an astonished Shadow and a sleepy Fury. By this time, all the soldiers had turned to watch the battle between the General and the newcomer.
“Prove your battling prowess against me, and I’ll apologize.” said Topaz, bowing to Serra as she shed her cloak, revealing a battling jumpsuit.
Serra bowed back, and the two women stepped back one pace.
All the soldiers whispered among themselves, making bets. The support was heavily for the General. None of the soldiers had seen Serra in action.
Sammy was the only one who bet on Serra, so everyone bet with her. They declared Sammy as “off her rocker” but Sammy simply smiled. She sensed that Serra was not what she seemed to be, and her sixth sense had never failed her.
A huge roar rose as the battle started. Hydro and the others were watching, mingled with the ranks.
Topaz flipped backwards, coming down in a crouch. She stretched out her arms, expertly balling her fists.
Serra bowed her head. Her Mark glowed, blazing like a miniature sun. Serra’s body was jerked upwards, like a living marionette, and her clothes glowed. They warped and rippled, forming into the Armor. The spectators gasped in surprise.
Serra landed on the ground on all fours. Her back writhed, and loud ripping sounds were heard as wings erupted from her back. They were like a dragon’s wings, but without the flaps of skin. Each bony section was gleaming black, and ripped tatters of purple flesh were strung between the wing-bones.
Dark Wings.
All the soldiers gasped, some screaming with fear. The noise level rose to a crescendo. Topaz narrowed her eyes, judging this new foe. With a war yell, she charged forwards.
Serra’s wings spread out from her back, unfolding in a rapid blur. They were massive and forbiddingly sharp at the tips. Her eyes had taken on a blood red tint.
The wings hummed as they flapped into a blur of motion and Serra leapt up as Topaz ran. Serra flipped at the peak of her leap, whirling around. Her foot came crashing down on Topaz’s back. With a yelp, Topaz collapsed.
The crowd became deadly quiet. From the spectators, Raven’s voice rose, yelling.
“Serra, take it easy! Topaz doesn’t have armor like an Andros!!”
Serra jerked, feeling as if she’d been drenched in ice cold water. Her eyes lost their red hue. Her wings faded and she drifted down to earth, her armor glowing and reverting back to her skirt and jacket.
“Do you trust me now, Topaz?” she asked quietly. Topaz winced and rubbed her spine. Her eyes blazed, and she tossed her hair back.
“I’m impressed. Looks like Serra will be kicking Andros ***** in the war.”
She grinned and bowed to Serra. Serra smiled and bowed back. The spectators erupted in applause, roaring their approval.
Sammy grinned hugely as grumbling soldiers slapped wads of cash in her awaiting hands. A lone voice piped up from behind her.
“Hoo warnt cayk? Warnt cayk?”
“Shut up, JLX!” was the answering yell from the soldiers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night, the moon was blocked by forbidding clouds. The entire hill of Goldenrod’s army camp was lit by a mulitude of flickering campfires. They were dotted all over, seeming to reflect the stars in the darkness above.
Serra and her friends had their own campfire, shared by Sammy, JLX, Rob, Umbra, Topaz and Auntie Verd.
Serra drank slowly from her jug of tea, watching everyone quietly. The crackling, popping flames were reflected in the icy blue depths of her eyes. JLX and Sammy continued to heatedly debate which were worse, sesame seeds or tofu. Rob had challenged Umbra to a game of Blackjack, and the two sat, absorbed in their cards. Raven was sleeping, her head leaning on Shadow’s shoulder. Unbeknownst to Serra, Blade was watching her.
“I wish I could tell her I care about her.” he thought, dreamily sipping his tea. Blade jumped when Aeris snapped her fingers in front of his face.
“Hello? I asked you a question!”
“Sorry, Aeris.” mumbled Blade, growing red.
“I said, do you think Hydro should get engaged with Terra?”
Hydro, who had been sitting next to Aeris, overheard. He choked and spat out his mouthful of tea. Terra, sitting next to him, gasped and pounded on Hydro’s back, making him choke and splutter even more. Tora stifled her laughter by taking a large gulp of her own tea.
Quiet voices spoke and laughed in the night, while smoke from the array of campfires smoldered to embers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the starkness of the night, a Sentret stood delicately on its tail, surveying its surroundings. Its ears pricked up, listening for danger. Its nose twitched, sensing something unpleasant. It smelt the unmistakable odor of death and metal.
The Sentret stiffened and jumped down its burrow, quivering in terror.
A massive metal claw slammed into the earth, the sharp points digging into the dirt. It jerked up, moving forwards in a smooth motion, and thudded once more into the earth a few feet away.
Dark shapes moved silently in the night, bringing with them the stench of terror and death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serra awoke with a start. She rolled over, and sat up. Serra occupied a single, small tent with Aeris, Terra, Raven and Tora, so it was rather crowded. They all slept in low-slung metal frame beds that were collapsible.
Serra blinked sleepily and gazed at a half-full glass of water on a small bedside table to her left. Suddenly, she wrinkled her brow and looked closer at the surface of the water.
After three seconds, the surface of the water suddenly trembled, then went still. Serra’s eyes widened.
Three seconds ticked by...
The surface trembled, then went still.
Serra’s heart began beating more rapidly.
Three seconds...
Tremble.
Another three seconds...
Tremble.
“Oh, my lord.” Her voice was barely audible.
At the exact same time, a faint voice rang outside.
“Battle stations! Battle stations! To your battle stations! We have an Andros horde heading towards us!”
A trumpet sounded, and Aeris bolted upright.
“What’s going on?” she asked sleepily, yawning.
“Get ready for war! The Andros are advancing!” another voice rapped out. They then heard Topaz’s answering bellow.
“People, HAUL YOUR SORRY ASSES OUT THERE NOW!”
Aeris swore and grabbed her bows. She and Serra bolted to the door and sprinted outside.
The dawn rose, washing the sky in a pale pinkish hue ringed by fresh cerulean blue. Serra shielded her eyes and looked to the east, towards the area of the Ruins. It was fairly foggy. The fog lay low to the ground, slowly evaporating as the sun’s rays cut through them.
Out of the mist, nightmarish silhouettes appeared. Every three seconds, the ground thudded steadily as the Andros advanced.
The silhouettes were low-slung and four legged, almost spider like in shape. Each leg was broad and seemingly driven out of stone. They widened as they went, ending in three claws. Sinister red eyes shone from behind X-shaped face masks.
Andros Metagross.
Behind the Metagross, more low-slung beasts followed. They were far smaller and scuttled forwards in rapid bursts of speed. Gleaming pincers clicked ominously. Behind them, armor-clad titans moved slowly but steadily. Their massive indo-skulls gleamed in the morning haze, a symbol of death.
“Gee, let me see: Metagross, Ariados and Aggrons. What else could possibly be left?” mocked Raven, coming up from behind Aeris.
Screeching shapes swooped from the sky, their harsh cries ringing out in the stifled atmosphere.
“Skarmory. I’m also seeing Aerodactyls, Sceptiles, Kabutops, Armaldos and-oh crap. Smoochums. Damned little buggers.” groaned Blade, walking to stand beside Raven.
“What on earth could a Smoochum possibly do?” asked Serra. Aeris grinned wickedly.
“Well, first they give you a little kiss. That spreads paralyzing poison through your nerve system. Then they spread their rubbery little lips over your face and proceed to chew it off. Only you don’t feel a thing. Poison numbs you totally. They usually leave the eyes for last, so you can watch yourself getting eaten alive.”
“Aeris!! Urgh...that’s disgusting!!” squealed Raven.
“It’s true, it is!” insisted Aeris, grinning widely. Raven rolled her eyes. Tora cut in.
“I’d like to have Giarda help us fight, but how will our people recognize her as a friend?”
Topaz walked up to them.
“I’ve gotten care of that. Here-put this on her.” She handed Tora a long Johto’s First pennant. “Our people’ll see it and know.”
Tora bowed in thanks and trudged off. Terra ran up to them, panting.
“Where’ve you been?” asked Shadow.
<I had to run over to Goldenrod City’s Pokémon Center for the PC. I asked Su to give me Nightfire. And Raven-I brought you your Rapidash.>
Raven smiled gratefully as she took the proffered Pokéball. She activated it, and a massive war stallion sprang out, neighing a ringing cry. The Rapidash glanced at the advancing hordes and scuffed a hoof, clearly unimpressed.
“Hello, Peachblossom. Ready for a good fight?” asked Raven as she mounted the fire horse. Peachblossom reared, his diamond like hooves slashing through the air.
Aeris threw out her two Pokeballs, and Skyfang shrieked a war cry as he glared at the horde. Fury stomped in delight, raring for a good fight.
Terra took out her newest ball and another from her belt, releasing them. Juggernaut appeared, whirling his metal rods with a grinding whine.
A coal black Charizard also erupted in a flash of light, and Serra gasped in awe. The Charizard was jet black, including its belly and wings. The only thing that wasn’t black was the blazing red and yellow flame at its tail’s tip.
Terra and Aeris dug out leather harnesses from their packs, setting them upon their respectable dragons. When they had finished, the two girls climbed onto their dragons, strapping themselves in securely. Aeris adjusted her quiver and bow, making sure they were in reach.
“Why do they need harnesses?” asked Serra, puzzled.
“In aerial battle, there’s going to be a lot of dog fighting. Barrel rolls, loops, and sharp turns. They need to stay on securely.” Raven answered.
“I see...” said Serra, a slightly worried tone in her voice.
“Don’t worry, Aeris and Terra are pros at aerial warfare.” reassured Raven.
Serra nodded, gazing around. The entire army had gathered in a line along the hilltop ridge. Their banners whipped proudly in the wind, and Serra felt emotion rise. She silently prayed for all her friends, and her friends in the army. Terra and Aeris’ mounts took off, flapping proudly into the air. They circled overhead, openly taunting the Andros horde.
As Serra watched, Giarda shot up to join them, the Johto banner arcing out from between her wings. Tora had tied one end to her neck and then another to her tail so it wouldn’t wrap around her wings and trap her.
Topaz stepped up to join Serra, Shadow, Blade, and Raven. She squinted out at the horde. Auntie Verd walked up next to Serra, and cackled as she cast an eye over the nightmarish army.
“Ach, this’ll be fun!! Cheerio, my loves!” She waved gaily to the horde, drawing laughter from the army ranks.
Topaz raised her right hand, and the army suddenly quieted.
“Today. we do not battle for glory or territorial gain. No. Today...we battle for our right to survival. We defy Team Rocket and their scheming minions. Hear that, Andros metal brains? We don’t give a Rattata’s crap about your grandiose plans!”
The Johto army roared their approval, clanging their armor and waving their banners.
Serra stepped forwards, her Mark blazing. The Goddess Armor encloaked her, and her back rippled. Pure Steel wings shot out, sections sliding together to form shell-like curved metal. Blades popped out the edges, gleaming in the sunlight.
Serra flapped her wings and rose high into the air. Her hair billowed out, whipping in the wing. She looked like a glorious angel of war, a sight that was both terrifying and wondrous to behold in itself.
“Soldiers of Johto, do not disappoint me. CHARGE!” Aeris’ voice rang out like rolling thunder.
With a howl, Johto’s First charged.
They thundered down the hilltops, Topaz and Raven leading the frontal ranks.
Serra shot through the air, spreading her wings. A swarm of Andros Skarmory descended upon her, all slashing wings and talons and blazing steel. Serra screamed in agony as their wingtips sliced through her stomach.
“Heat Wave!!”
A blast of intense shimmering heat roared out from her form, slamming into the metal hawks. They shrilled in agony as their steel wings melted in a flash, rivulets of metal dripping down their bodies.
Wings all but gone, the doomed Andros spiraled down to earth. Serra did not watch them land. Instead, she wheeled about, facing a trio of Andros Pidgeot. They were smarter than her previous opponents, and circled at a safe distance.
Serra flapped her wings, maintaining a steady hover. She crossed her arms and concentrated.
“Swift!”
Glowing white shurikens materialized behind her and spun out to meet their targets. The Pidgeot swooped and banked, trying to lose the energy blades.
But Swift never misses.
Never.
The head of a Pidgeot fell to earth, trailing dark blood. It was soon followed by its body.
Serra ignored them, already diving at yet another target. She fought like a machine, never faltering in dealing out death.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peachblossom leapt and landed on two Ariados, their metallic heads exploding under his hooves like overripe melons. Raven’s eyes blazed, and an invisible shockwave erupted from her, flinging Andros into the air.
“MMMMPPHHFFFT!!”
An Andros Hoppip, of all things, had leapt from nowhere and latched to her face. Raven’s yells were muffled, and she thrashed about wildly. An arrow hissed from the sky, driving with such force that when it hit the Hoppip, it simply kept going, taking its target with it.
“Thanks, Aeris!!” yelled Raven, spurring her mount forward.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The noise of battle was deafening. Andros roared in metallic screeches, soldiers yelled, and the screams of the dying all rang out in a blur of sound.
Blade slashed his sword, and heads flew. He whirled and stabbed a Grumpig in the stomach, then whipping it upwards in a vertical slash, neatly slicing the Grumpig in half. A gargantuan Andros Golem lumbered towards him, bellowing.
Blade ran around the massive armored titan and clambered up the side, stumbling precariously on the plated armor. He yelled and drove his sword down into the base of the Golem’s skull.
The Golem did not appear to notice. Swearing, Blade leapt down, slashing at the creature’s eyes.
That, the Golem noticed. And took offense to. Greatly.
Blade grunted as the Golem slammed into him, thrashing wildly in its blinded state.
He spun and pushed the Golem, hard. It screamed as it was thrown off balance, crashing down on its side. The ground shook violently at the impact.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hydro punched and kicked like a machine, locked in battle against a Medicham. Each was equally matched in speed, strength, and cunning.
Hydro threw a underhand right hook, but the Medicham swiftly blocked it and flipped, kicking Hydro in the chin. Hydro’s jaw swiftly snapped up, clashing painfully with his upper jaw. He blinked and flipped backwards, swiftly dodging a savage left hook.
Fighting a Medicham was next to impossible. They were part Psychic and sensed your moves even before you knew you were going to do it.
This battle was going nowhere. Hydro became angry and pulled off a flurry of kicks and punches. The Medicham blocked each and every one with deadly efficiency.
“BOOYARGHHH!!!”
A sword flashed, and the Medicham’s head flew off. The body stayed upright for a heartbeat, then swiftly collapsed.
JLX whooped manically, waving his sword gleefully. An Andros Spoink bounced down onto his head, locking onto him with its tail. JLX yelled and ran about wildly, trying to dislodge the squeaking pig.
Hydro ran and leaped, kicking the Spoink off in a spectacular high-flying kick. JLX grinned.
“Thanks, man!”
Hydro nodded, and turned to face a hulking Hitmonlee coming up from behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aeris and Terra’s mounts swooped and rolled dizzyingly, for they were locked in battle against two Fearow. Aeris leaned forward, flattening herself so Skyfang could move with more speed. A gust of Razor Winds spun past Aeris’ ear and she winced. That had been a bit too close for comfort!
Terra drew both her guns. She pushed up from her harness, almost standing.
<Nightfire, let’s give them the Hundreds of Flowers Blooming in Profusion!!>
The Charizard roared in agreement, banking and tilting to the right.
<You know what to do, my friend.>
Nightfire nodded and lunged forwards at both the Fearows. He opened his mouth, and a roaring gush of fire gushed out in a spiral helix pattern.
The blazing helix shot towards the two metallic Andros. They screeched in panic, blinded by the noise and light. Out of the roaring flames, Terra and Nightfire shot out, Terra’s guns blazing.
BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM!!
The gunshots rang out harshly, punching through the Andros’ armor and ripping up their insides. The Fearows jerked limply as a fine red spray misted out of the holes in their armored carapaces.
Aeris whooped gleefully as the pair of Fearow fell to earth, their bodies shredded by bullets. The bodies vanished amid the slashing, writhing melee of the war beneath.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serra gasped and wheezed, her breath coming out in sobs. All over her armor, there were slashes, and blood dripped from her wounds. Serra fought back tears, tolerating the extreme pain.
She flapped woodenly in the air, hanging on the best she could. Serra had been battling too many Andros to count, and had lost track of time. The sun was now high in the air. Noon. They’d been fighting for six hours!
A multitude of dead Andros and humans lay upon the ground, their bodies scoured by the blazing sun. But there were millions more Andros fighting. They seemed to be endless. Would this war ever end?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giarda’s roar came out in a metallic screech and she shot through the air. Her target-a trio of Andros Blastoise attacking three terrified soldiers.
Sammy backed away, flanked by Umbra and Rob as the three menacing turtle Pokémon advanced upon them. A deep rumble issued from within their throats. Sammy fumbled with her rifle, her hands quivering as she aimed it.
The leader of the Blastoise roared and leapt at her. Sammy cried out and dropped her rifle, steeling herself for a painful death.
CLANG!!
Sammy opened her eyes in shock. An Andros Charizard wrestled with the Blastoise, her claws gripping the other Andros’ claws. Their roars echoed, rising to join the cacophony of war.
“Am I dreaming, or did that Andros just save us?” asked Rob, his eyes wide with shock.
“Look!! She’s got a Johto’s First banner!!” yelled Umbra, pointing at Giarda. Sure enough, the familiar banner was there, flapping in the wind. Despite being ripped and bloodstained, it still was easily recognizable.
“LOOK OUT!” yelled a voice from behind them. The trio of soldiers whirled just in time to see the bodies of the two other Blastoise thud to their knees, then collapse. Their heads skittered and rolled across the ground, like nightmarish bowling balls.
Auntie Verd panted slightly, wiping her sword on the bloodstained grass.
“Those two tried to sneak up behind you. Shame on them!” she explained to the goggling trio of soldiers. From behind them, a loud roar echoed and the third Blastoise went flying. Giarda streaked after him, attacking him mercilessly until his eye sensors had flickered and gone out for the final time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serra brushed hair from her eyes, blinking blearily. A dark winged shape rose out of the battling masses and flapped steadily towards her.
What was it? It was shaped rather lopsidedly...she thought.
“TSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRR!!”
“Plus plus plus Plusle!!”
“Minuuuuuuuuun!!”
A Skarmory, bearing a Plusle and a Minun. Heading towards her.
The Andros Skarmory flew directly up and dropped the two electric rodents. Like a dream, Serra watched the pair fall....towards her.
Like kamikaze pilots, she thought with faint, bemused amusement.
The two Andros landed on her and latched instantly. Serra screamed and twisted in the air, trying to throw them off. The Plusle and the Minun grinned evilly, their twin red eyes glowing wickedly.
Serra’s eyes widened as she realized what they were doing. She was weak to electricity.....
And when a Plusle and Minun are together, their power increases to insanely high levels.
Serra screamed as a million volts of electricity crackled through her body, searing her neural system. Every nerve felt like it was on fire, and he agony was extreme. Serra’s vision went white with pain, and tears ran down her cheeks.
It was over quickly, brutally. The two electric Andros leapt off her and onto the Andros Skarmory waiting below.
Serra’s wings hummed and faded, as did her armor. She was dead to the world around her.
And she fell to earth.
The sun now hung low in the sky. Clouds had moved in, prematurely darkening the sky. They hung there, dark smudges of despair upon the sky. The sun’s rays shone through them, turning their outlines to blazing gold.
Serra’s body thudded limply against the blood-slicked grass, oblivious to the shrieking battles being waged all around her. Her eyes were closed, giving her the appearance of peaceful slumber. The tears upon her cheeks dried, and a crimson spray of blood spattered across her cheek as an Andros Zangoose fell next to her, gored by a soldier’s sword.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was evening. The first wave of Andros had retreated to nurse their wounds behind the hills. They had lost a little over half of their numbers, but even so, they still outnumbered Johto’s First.
The soldiers trudged through the battlefield, dragging away the corpses of their fellow warriors. The dead Andros were piled up in a huge mound out of the way, clearing the field for the imminent second wave.
Aeris walked around, her eyes bloodshot but alight with spirit. Her clothes were a bloody mess and she needed a bath, but she didn’t care. She frowned in confusion amid the bodies. All her friends were alive and accounted for, but where was Serra? Aeris didn’t think she could have fallen. Surely someone would have seen her...?
“Lady Aeris! Lady Aeris! There’s something I think you should see.” A soldier beckoned to Aeris from a few feet away, kneeling next to a pile of corpses.
Aeris turned towards the call, and trotted toward the soldier, kneeling next to him. A large dead Zangoose lay before them, and the soldier rolled it aside. Aeris gasped and her hands flew to her mouth.
“Serra!!”
The girl lay on the grass, her face serene. Blood was smeared all over her face and neck.
Aeris stifled a sob, trying not to show her grief.
“I-is..is she dead?” she asked the solider. The solider drew his dagger and held it next to Serra’s mouth. After a heart’s beat, a faint, warm mist collected along the blade.
“By the Resurrector, she lives!”