Shadowheart Vendetta

[Joshua - Shadow Brigadier]

So many things to get through, and so little time. I'm so glad I decided to do this now. Anywho, welcome to the revised version of my prize fic, Shadowheart Vendetta. I'm unsure of ratings, but I'd say it's at least PG, since it includes some violence, cursing and a few twisted details later on.

Anyway, first of all is this, the chapter summary. Listed here will be the chapter names, plus links to each individual chapter, as well as a brief summary of each one. See for yourself...

Shadowheart Vendetta - Chapter List
Prologue - Unveiled Dusk
Karen, the highest member of the Johto Elite Four, has organised a tournament to prove who the best of the best really is. But are her motives sincere, or does the mistress of darkness have a secret agenda?

Chapter 1 - Shadow's Dawn
The Shadowheart Vendetta has begun, and it seems to be going smoothly enough. But when a figure from Karen's past shows his face, Karen cannot believe her eyes. What connection does a well-respected member of the Elite Four have with this shadowy teen?

Chapter 2 - Malice and Memories
Shaun's unexpected arrival seems to have thrown Karen for a loop, but she still isn't quite willing to believe that it's him. With some subtle manipulation, she faces Shaun with what with could be his hardest ever battle, against an old rival thristy for rival.

Chapter 3 - Promise Me This
Karen's actions have brought Shaun face to face with an old enemy, but also an old friend. With their friendship rekindled, Shaun begins to focus on his upcoming match. But it seems as though a new face is about to grace Shaun's horizon.

Chapter 4 - War On The Wings
Shaun and Falkner begin their bloodthristy battle, their bitter hatred for each other fueled by events from their past. When their battle takes to the sky, will it be the Violet City gym leader who soars to victory, or will Shaun ascend higher than Falkner?

Chapter 5 - Vengeance is Bittersweet
Shaun may have struck the first blow in his battle with Falkner, but Falkner's hatred continues to fuel his actions, and Shaun's Pokemon are suffering for it. Can Shaun turn this match around without hurting his teammates?

Chapter 6 - Air, Flame and Darkness
Despair clutches at Shaun as another of his teammates is hurt. Realising what their hatred for each other has done, Shaun calls on his first Pokemon. Can their bond overcome Falkner's malice?

Chapter 7 - Fallen Desire
Shaun and Falkner's battle reaches it's climax, with both trainers down to only one Pokemon each. Will the darkness in Falkner's heart earn him victory, or will a different kind of darkness win this day?

Chapter 8 – Firestorm Feud
Shaun, recovering from his match with Falkner, goes to see how his newfound friend is faring. But a fiery flower blossoms into Shaun’s life, and it’s not an encounter he’ll soon forget.


Now, second of all is the PM list. Each Sunday (my time), I will be adding a new chapter (or that is the plan). Please post if you wish to be added to the list, and each time a new chapter is posted, you will receive a PM to notify you of this.

PM List:
Skru-Chan
Torkoal Stu
Arc_Angel
Sai
Furizaa
P/Arts
ForeverFlygon
Saffire Persian

And now, without further ado, I present to you all...

Shadowheart Vendetta
Prologue – Unveiled Dusk​

She sat in utter darkness, her thoughts concentrated solely on the events soon to unfold at her wishes. She ran her hand through her long, snow-white hair, and her violet eyes were almost invisible in the darkness of the room in which she rested.

Patiently she waited, still as death, the only sign of life her slow breathing. She had learnt from previous experience that patience was a virtue she sorely lacked, and it was taking all her effort to wait. She drummed her slender fingers on the arm of her chair, the sound echoing through the otherwise empty room.

Soft footsteps approached, and a smile danced upon her lips. The darkness was broken by a curtain of sunlight encroaching on its boundaries as the door slid open. Her back faced the door, but she could envision the man who now knelt there, whimpering on his knees. His blue eyes would be filled with fear and adoration as he gazed upon her, although they were somewhat veiled by his untidy fringe of black, matted hair.

His voice pierced the still darkness that surrounded her, the sunlight cast down by the shadows. “My lady,” he whispered, his voice filled with reverence, but also with fear. She knew then, that he was going to tell her something she was unlikely to appreciate.

She rose slowly from her seat, a loud crack echoing through the room as her knees groaned under the strain of movement after a prolonged dormancy. “What it is, Simon? This would want to be important, or I won’t be happy.” She whirled around to face him, her velvet black cloak whistling through the darkness.

Simon raised his head, squinting at the darkness from which she addressed him. Try as he might, he could make out nothing more than a pair of sinister eyes, almost invisible in the shadows. He rose slowly to his feet, and addressed her. “As per your request, my lady, the Shadowheart Vendetta is about to begin…”

His drawling voice was more than she could handle, and her patience ebbed away, her temper unveiled beneath its waves. “I understand that part, Simon. Now, brief me on the tournament status,” she snapped at him. “How many trainers do we have? How many arenas?”

He flinched, stepping back and returning to his bowing position. “Yes, my lady. As you requested, we have scoured Johto in search of powerful trainers, and issued invitations to famous trainers from Kanto and Hoenn. I am pleased to inform you that we have managed to gather the five hundred trainers that you requested.”

She allowed herself some small satisfaction, but that waned instantly as Simon paused. “And the arenas?” she snapped.

“We have managed to procure the four arena types you specified, the grass, rock, ice and water arenas. However, we were only able to acquire and relocate two of each of those arenas, rather than the four you requested…” he faded out as she stomped her foot in rage.

“How do you suppose that five hundred trainers are going to each have five battles with only eight arenas? The first round itself will consist of two hundred and fifty matches! Do you know how long that will take with only eight arenas?” she practically screamed at him.

She crossed her arms across her chest, and began pacing. Simon looked up at her, and noticed she had stepped into the light. His gaze swept along her snow-white hair as it shimmered in the sunlight, to her violet eyes, now cold and calculating as she tried to figure something out. His gaze now swept to her chest, where he couldn’t help but notice that her arms, folded under her chest, were propping up her breasts. She paced back and forward, and Simon became hypnotized, his eyes staring at her.

She turned around, an idea at mind, and found Simon staring at her chest, and was disgusted to see drool running out the side of his mouth. She shook her head, and stormed past. “Good help is so hard to find these days,” she muttered to herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

She swept into the announcer’s booth, panting slightly. He may be somewhat awkward to be around, but she had to give Simon credit, he had done what she’d asked. Each of the eight arenas had been fitted with an announcer’s booth that was eight metres from the ground, where anyone in these booths would be safe from any wayward Pokemon attacks. A sequence of staircases led from the ground to the booth, concealed within a hollow concrete tower.

She stared down at the sea of humanity below them, watching them with a morbid curiosity. A living, breathing sea rested at the foot of the tower, writhing and ebbing as people moved around, trainers boasting to each other about their achievements and Pokemon. She sighed, and reached down to flick the switches that activated the boom microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” she spoke, her voice magnified by the monstrous speakers resting at the base of the announcer’s booth. Awestruck silence swept through the crowd, and their heads craned skywards to look at her.

“As you all probably know, I am Karen, of the Johto Elite Four. I have gathered you all here, to participate in this tournament, so that all the world can see which of you truly deserves to be titled a Champion!”

Thunderous applause greeted her words, and she smiled. “Now, so you all know, the first five rounds of this tournament will be a round robin event. Each of you will participate in five matches. The results of these matches will determine your ranking in this tournament. At the end of the first five rounds, however, only two hundred and fifty six trainers will remain, so each of you should perform at your best if you wish to remain in the tournament.”

More applause greeted her, and she was getting tired of it. Without waiting for it to end, she continued. “The first round will begin tomorrow, so I expect to see you all ready to do your best. To find out whom you will be battling against, I suggest you visit the main lobby. You can find out all you need to know there.”

“Now, on a final note, I will also be competing in this tournament. Now, I wish you all the best of luck in the first round, except for the unfortunate person who ends up facing me.” The crowd laughed below, and she allowed herself a moment to enjoy her humour. “Tomorrow, the Shadowheart Vendetta will begin!”

 

[Skrusti]

=o Just the prologue? Naughty >_>

My review stands the same as in your other post of the prologue. Excellent Joshua, truly excellent. Can't wait for the actual fic to start

And of course, I shall be first on ze PM list, although we PM each other quite regularily already

 

[Joshua - Shadow Brigadier]

Chapter 1 - Shadow's Dawn

Ok, so I'm double posting. Sorry, but I didn't want to stick it all in one big post. Anyway, here's Chapter 1.

Shadowheart Vendetta
Chapter 1 – Shadow’s Dawn​

Karen sat in the announcer’s booth, watching as the two battlers from the previous bout left the arena. She had arrived only moments before, and to her delight, the writhing sea of humanity down below in the spectator stands was completely oblivious to her presence here.

Her gaze moved to the computer display that rested in front of her, her eyes scanning the screen. The specifications for this match were showcased in a horrible green. She tore her eyes away from the screen, and glared at the announcer with an icy gaze from her piercing violet eyes. The announcer gulped, before reaching for the microphone.

“Ladies and gentleman, welcome to today’s match in the Shadowheart Vendetta. I am Daniel Isby, your announcer for this match. Sitting up here with me, is the organizer of the Shadowheart Vendetta, the fourth member of the Elite Four, Karen Shadow!”

Tumultuous applause erupted from the stands in response to Karen’s presence, but she was unfazed by such a vibrant reaction. Her presence here was simply a show of dominance, a declaration that this was her tournament.

She rose to her feet in the booth, her presence at this match adding to her reputation as a shadow trainer, her mystique and skills leaving her with an aura of mystery.

She swept her gaze across the ocean of trainers in the stands, and a malicious smile danced over her lips. They thought she actually cared about their presence and wellbeing. Fools!

“Now, on to the thirteenth match of the tournament! Let’s see for whom the thirteenth bell tolls! Today’s match will be held on the ice field!”

With the announcer’s words, the field split in two, and an icy arena emerged from beneath the ground. Small glaciers protruded from its glacial surface, making obstacles for the Pokèmon who were to battle. A pool of cool water was visible through the icy veil created by the arena floor.

“Now, to introduce the trainers who will face each other in their first matches of the Shadowheart Vendetta! Allow me to introduce to you all trainer number 257, Tina Wilkins!”

The moment the announcer finished his sentence, the arena was flooded with music as it erupted from the speakers. Part of Karen’s rules for the tournament consisted of each trainer selecting lyrics from a song to represent them as they entered the battlefield.

“You're cold as Ice, dark as night, like a thorn left in my mind
So why should I still long for you
A mistress so impossible, so cruel yet wonderful
Wise men have lost their wits over you…”

As the music flowed from the speakers, a teenage girl emerged from the sideline, her hair of fiery red flowing over her shoulders and her jade green eyes were as cold as the field she was to fight on. She wore a pink tank top and matching pink trousers, and a silver belt wrapped around her belt held her pokèballs.

Daniel looked over the data for her opponent, and gave a small, mysterious laugh into the microphone. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, we have an interesting coincidence here. The second trainer in the thirteen match is trainer number 7…” Daniel paused for a moment, to allow his words to sink in.

“Shaun Shadow!”

Karen almost leapt from her seat at the sound of that name. Her eyes scanned the battlefield, looking, searching for him. ‘Could it really be him? Would he be stupid enough to come here?’ she asked herself.

“But I walk this earth alone
But all I've ever known
Is you are right beside me
If I love you for a day
You'll blow my life away
Could I leave you behind me…”

He walked out onto the battlefield, and Karen found herself staring at him. He wore a dark blue jacket, leaving it open so as to expose a silver shirt underneath, with dark blue jeans matching the jacket. A black belt was fastened around his waist, signifying not only his martial arts skills, but also his prowess with Pokèmon, the six balls attached to the belt an obvious give away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Awaiting the approach of the referee, Shaun allowed his mind to wander elsewhere. Recollections of past battles flashed across his vision, his conscious thoughts directed to wondering whose presence would grace this match. His attention returned to a grounded state as the sound of the referee’s footsteps entered his ears.

“Both trainers, please approach the arena for this match.” The referee, dressed in the neutral sky blue that was required of all referees, held the flags to represent each trainer. Tina, as the first trainer, was represented by the red flag, whereas the green flag symbolized Shaun.

“Each trainer will select one Pokèmon for this match. There will be no time limit.” The referee raised the flags and crossed them in the air for a moment, before bringing each flag down beside him.

“Let this battle begin!”

Tina’s jade eyes focused on Shaun as she unclipped a pokèball from her belt. She flung it high into the air and it burst open, a stream of red light pouring down onto the icy field. The light took solid form, and Tina’s Pokèmon was revealed.

White fur covered a sleek body, black paws standing out well against the white of its fur and the ice beneath it. A sharp jet-black blade replaced its tail; its head bore a helmet of white fur, a black crystal adorning its head. However, the detail that drew Shaun’s attention was the black sickle, which jutted menacingly from the top of the creature’s head. It glared menacingly at Shaun, ready for battle.

Shaun’s hand flew to his side, instinctively. Memories rushed back to Shaun, as he tried to blink them back. Shaking his head, he reached to his belt, and unclipped a pokèball. He threw it into the air and it burst open, releasing one of Shaun’s Pokèmon.

A large bird appeared in the middle of the field. Her wings made up a large portion of her body and were made of clouds, as though they were stolen from the sky. Her short tail feathers felt of velvet, and her plump round body was visible only when her wings were spread. Her long and slender neck snaked from her figure; her body and neck a paler shade of sky blue. Her round head was the same shade as her body, all bar her fluffy cloud cheeks and her beak, both a milky white. Two long, streaming blue feathers trailed from the top of her head, flowing in the slight breeze that had picked up over the battlefield.

“Tina has selected her Absol for this match, and Shaun has chosen his Altaria. Let the match begin!”

Tina’s Absol glared at Shaun’s Altaria, declaring a challenge. Altaria leaned her head slightly to the side, and smiled, waiting for her trainer’s instructions.

Tina watched the pre-battle antics of the two Pokèmon, and ignored them. “Absol, slice that pathetic bird in two with your Slash attack!” The disaster Pokèmon nodded, and the blade upon his head began to take on a slight orange aura, before he twisted the blade in a slicing motion towards Altaria, releasing a powerful Slash attack, sending it towards Altaria at a rapid speed.

Shaun watched the attack with a surprising calm as it flew towards Altaria. The cotton wing Pokèmon looked towards her trainer, wondering as to her next move. The Slash attack flew closer towards Altaria, as Shaun called out his instruction.

“Safeguard.” One word escaped Shaun’s mouth, calm and outspoken, as though it was part of a normal conversation. Altaria nodded, and outstretched her wings in front, the cotton tips touching. Altaria’s violet eyes closed slowly, as the slash come closer and closer. With only a few feet between Altaria and the attack, a cloud white aura escaped from her wings, extending across the length of the oncoming Slash. The orange attack struck the aura, and disappeared into it, as the aura vanished.

Tina glared at Shaun, anger filling her eyes. “Don’t think you can defend against everything, Shadow. Absol, use a quick charged Shadow Ball!”

Absol nodded, and his red eyes clouded over with black. His mouth opened wide, and a small ball of dark, crackling energy appeared, slowly growing in both strength and size as Absol charged it quickly. Slamming his mouth shut, Absol sent the dark ball careering towards Altaria.

“Fly!” Shaun’s voice beckoned to his Pokèmon, and the cotton wing Pokèmon flapped her fluffy white wings, and flew high up into the sky, hovering over the icy field as the Shadow Ball zoomed past. Shaun stepped to the left as the attack flew past him, missing by only a few feet.

Tina’s teeth were clenched tightly, and Shaun smiled. “Now girl, use a Dragonbreath!” The dragon Pokèmon nodded in acknowledgment, as she had learnt to do to aid her trainer, and opened her mouth wide, before a stream of vivid green flames blazed down towards Absol.

“Jump and dodge it!” Tina cried desperately. Absol leapt, its body hauled from the ground by the force of its jump. The stream of flames passed harmlessly by Absol, and struck the icy field. As Absol landed safely a few feet away, the stream halted abruptly, and a small hole remained where the flames had melted through the thick ice.

Above the match, Karen watched intently, no longer having to fake an interest. She watched Shaun like a hawk, her mind reeling. ‘Why would he come here?’ she wondered. He seemed a lot calmer than she remembered him, but then, a year and a half without seeing a person, and they are rather likely to change. She didn’t know however, if this change was for better, or worse.

Shaun knew she was watching him. He could feel her gaze upon him, like a vulture watching a carcass on the savannah. He tried to push those thoughts aside, and concentrate on the battle at hand, as Tina made her next move.

“Absol, blast it from the sky with Hidden Power!” Absol’s eyes glazed over, and he opened his mouth, a black beam erupting from it, traveling straight towards Altaria.

“Dive down, and strike Absol with an Aerial Ace!” Shaun called, calling on Altaria’s speed for this move. Altaria folded her wings back, and pointed her neck down, and her body followed. Falling faster and faster, the black beam following, the icy field coming closer and closer to her as she dived. Her violet eyes flew open, and she changed direction, a silvery glow highlighting her sleek form. She flew across the arena, the speed from her dive empowering her, and she slammed her body into Absol.

The black beam faded almost instantaneously, as Absol’s furry form was thrown hard into the ice on which he battled. Sliding across the slippery surface, the Pokèmon’s eyes were filled with hatred, and he leapt to his feet, glaring angrily at Altaria.

“That’s it Absol. We’ve been nice to that flying fashion failure, now let’s show it we mean business. Shoot it down with a fully-charged Hyper Beam!” Tina’s voice radiated with rage as she commanded her Pokèmon.

Shaun’s heart skipped a beat as he heard Tina’s orders, memories flooding back to both trainer and Pokèmon. Altaria turned to look at her trainer, her eyes filled with fear. Shaun’s mind raced for a solution to this predicament, and he found one.

Absol’s eyes were dark and focused as a ball of orange energy began to collect in front of his mouth. Shaun knew Altaria had only seconds before the beam was released. “Altaria, we have to do this quickly. Power up a Steel Wing, and slam into the ice to create an Earthquake to shatter the field!”

Altaria heard the desperation from her trainer, and her eyes were now the only signs of emotion within her, tears welling in the corners of them as they closed, and her wings began to glow a silvery hue.

“Altaria!” The first words to leave the cotton wing Pokèmon’s mouth were spoken at that moment, as Altaria’s eyes fluttered open, filled with determination. She flew straight at the ice field below her, and slammed her wings into the icy ground beneath them.

Shaun looked up in hope, as Absol released the ball of energy, converting it into an orange beam, which blasted across the field towards Altaria. Precious seconds slipped by, waiting for response. Shaun could hear the beating of both his heart and Altaria’s, beating in perfect unison.

Altaria flapped her cloud wings, taking to the air. As her body returns to the air, the remnants of her aerial assault are obvious, with several cracks left behind on the field. A soft noise entered Shaun’s ears, the sound of cracking barely audible over the roar of the audience. With that, the field shattered.

Cracks emerged from the base of the icy floor, and the solid field shattered into smaller pieces. Small glaciers remained intact, and shards of ice floated amidst the icy wreckage. Absol, however, was not among them.

The orange beam suddenly changed course, heading skywards as Absol sank at a rapid pace beneath the broken field. The beam ended abruptly, as Absol screamed, the icy water biting into his fur and flesh. The scream was silenced, as Absol’s entire form was submerged beneath the water.

Tina cried out in shock, and raised Absol’s pokéball. “Absol, return!” The fury in her voice returned, as the red beam of light returned the soaked Pokèmon to its energy form, and recalled it into the pokéball.

The referee raised the green flag up into the air. “Absol is unable to continue to battle. Victory goes to Shaun and Altaria on a technical knockout!”

Shaun’s face broke out into a smile as Altaria flew over to him, her cotton wings still bearing shards of ice, a symbol of her successful strategy. “You did it girl,” he said, praising her on a valiant match. He wrapped his arms around her, embracing her, to show her how much he cared for her. As he let her go, a small tear fell from his eyes, a tear of joy for his Pokèmon. He unclipped her ball from his belt. “I’m very proud of you, and you deserve a good rest.”

“Altaria!” she exclaimed in joy, as Shaun recalled her. He winked to his furious opponent, and turned to walk away, waving to the crowd as he left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Up in the announcer’s booth, Karen watched as he departed the arena. She would have to keep an eye on him, or else he could prove dangerous to her plans. With a swirl of her cloak, she left the booth, to prepare for her match later that evening.

 

[Skrusti]

“Altaria!” The first words to leave the cotton wing Pokèmon’s mouth were spoken at that moment, as Altaria’s eyes fluttered open, filled with determination. She flew straight at the ice field below here, and slammed her wings into the icy ground beneath them.

Only typo I found Huzzah!

The only problem I have with it is Absol's Slash attack. Slash is a physical move, it requires contact, meaning it's not a wave of energy. It's different from the regular descriptions of it though, so you get points

Congrats Joshua. This is one of the more well described fanfics I've ever read. Kudos to you hon. Can't wait for the rest of it ;D

 

[Rikku.]

I'm really enjoying it so far, your descriptions of the attacks are accurate and very indepth, and I like the way you described the pokemon when they were released. I see no errors, great job so far ^^

 

[Torkoal Stu]

Wow....Well:

I remember the whole Shaun and Karen thing, but I think I should just keep that to my self. Anyway I enjoyed it and it seems very promising. Also yay for detailed description ^^.

Add me to that pm list,

 

[Arc_Angel]

A fantastic first chapter. Very well written with plenty of emotion and description allowing you actually visualise the battle. Using one of my fav pokemon is also good I can't wait for the next chapter and know it'l be as good as the last. add me to the PM list please ^-^

 

[Nagashi]

Very enjoyable, but some part of the first chapter irked me. The description of the trainers... I'm not sure, but while it wasn't exactly over the top, I felt it could of been quite brief. If you let our imagination build a picture of the character, as long as you give the basic details (hair colour, some very basic clothes description) then it helps let people identify with your protagonist. But, that aside, I still found it compelling, so I would appreciate it if you would add me to the list.

Edit:
I re-read it and realised that I had obviously let my imagination run wild. Nevermind, description seemed okay, so ignore above. >_>;;

I should really read things more carefully...

 

[ForeverFlygon]

I liked this chap alot. Very well written. However, some things bugged me a little:

• How the battle ended. That was a bit too fast turnaround for my liking. I realise they are great trainers, but they should still be able to last a little longer than that (I want the first battle to be a good one). But then again, you might not want chapters longer than this.
• The Slash attack. Like Skru said, it is a physical attack, and needs contact to deal damage. But I have seen pokemon who have specialized in attacks, and mastered other forms of them (Like sig moves in the PASBL), so I'll go with it.
• I wasn't in it! =P

I'm not going to says this wasn't good, because it was good. Even though I haven't read fics for a long time, I know the battle was very well described, and kudos to you for writing that detailed battles. Love 'em!

I have my suspicions for the bond between Karen and Shaun, and if they are true, I have to tell you that it a nice part, so that it isn't battle after battle after battle. Plots are necessary.

Added all up into three words: keep it up! (And add me to that list officially, please?)

 

[Furizaa]

Great chappy, Joshua =D PM listify me, kay? =D

 

[Waterlight]

This is pretty good, the only minor thing which bothered me was Altaria's description. You begun most of the sentences off with 'her', which could have been replaced with another word.

Pretty good though, the only error I spotted was:

Karen sat in the announcer’s booth, watching as the two battlers from the previous bout left the arena. She had arrived only moments before, and to her delight, the writhing sea of humanity down below in the spectator stands was completely obvious to her presence here.

Shouldn't it be oblivious instead of obvious?

Anyway, put me down for the PM list. ^^

 

[Saffire Persian]

Add me to the list please! Oh, before I begin, I made a banner for this story for you! You don't have to use it or anything..but... Merry Christmas!

Shadowheart Vendetta

======

The Prologue is very nice, like before. I enjoy the personality of the Karen here here: Bossy with a temper, and a lack for patience! XD... And also a user of dark type's.. But that's neither here nor there.

This would want to be important, or I won’t be happy.

"This would want" doesn't sound quite right. Maybe, 'This had better be important?'. I understand you're trying to make the dialogue sound different because of the more medieval feel of which you are portraying..but 'this would want' doesn't sound right for what you're trying to say.

The details and dialogue are very nice - and I enjoyed it. And are the lyrics in the second chapter real lyrics from songs, are ones you made up? I'm curious.

The battle was well done, but it does seem to go on a slight bit to fast, but on the other way around, I find long, drawn out battles tedious at times, depending on the situation. It's a shame the Absol lost. XD... I was rooting for it.

 

[Joshua - Shadow Brigadier]

Ok, I'll start from the bottom, and work my way up.

Saffire Persian: That is one sweet banner! That's going straight in my sig as soon as I finish this post. Though since I did ask Scrap for a banner a while ago, I'll probably alternate between the two when she gets back.

And they are actual lyrics. I found them on azlyrics.com.

Sai: o0 That is almost as embarrassing a typo as when I said Karen drummed her fingers on the air of her chair. *goes to fix it*

Furizaa: Short and sweet, so what can I say? But thanks, and consider yourself listed.

ForeverFlygon: The reason the battle ended like that was because the original version was dragging out too long, and it portrayed Shaun in a completely different style than that what I wanted.

And I took some creative license with Slash, since I've always thought Absol were underpowered with their moveset. So, you'll find that Absol (and select other Pokemon) have the ability to slash the air with an energy attack.

P/Arts: Thank you for the somewhat confusing review, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Arc_Angel: Thank you for your kind words. I have a feeling you're going to love the next chapter.

Torkoal Stu: o0 You remember? Considering myself and my beta are the only ones who actually know the precise details, or are you referring to the reactions of the two?

Shinjara: Such a glowing review. Here's hoping I earn more with the next chapter. Thank you.

Skru-Chan: *goes to fix typo* See my response to FF about Slash, and thank you for your review.

To be more broad, thank you all for such kind words. The next chapter will be either up next Saturday or Sunday. The sypnosis will appear sometime during the week, so keep your eyes out for it.

Joshua

 

[Joshua - Shadow Brigadier]

Chapter 2: Malice and Memories

Happy New Year to y'all, and I hope y'all enjoy the next chapter!

Shadowheart Vendetta​

Chapter 2: Malice and Memories​

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the last match of the first round of the Shadowheart Vendetta!” The announcer took a quick breath, before continuing. “I’m Tammy Cooper, your announcer for this match. Now, let’s introduce the two trainers who will be battling here on the Rock field right now!”

“The first trainer is the match, is the hostess of the Shadowheart Vendetta. The mistress of all darkness, please put your hands together for Karen Shadow!”

Karen strolled out to the arena, her violet eyes focused ahead of her, watching her opponent with avid interest. The thought of her losing a Pokémon battle was absurd, but she still had to consider it. She was the mistress of darkness, and it just wouldn’t do to lose.

“And now, introducing her opponent for what promises to be an exciting and intriguing match, trainer number 493, Barney Rosner!”

Black tracksuit pants adorned the legs of the male trainer who walked out to the battlefield. A forest green shirt covered his upper body, matching his jade green eyes, and short, brown hair sprouted from his head like weeds from a garden bed.

“Both trainers will use only one Pokémon. There will be no time limit. Let the battle begin!”

Karen reached a slender hand down to the silver belt strapped around her waist, and unclipped one of the red and white spheres attached there. She held the pokéball in her hand for a moment, before throwing it up into the air. “Sableye, I choose you!”

A small, human-shaped Pokémon emerge, her entire body shaded a deep, dark purple. A scarlet red crystal hung from her chest, and her eyes were two large diamonds. She grinned at Barney, revealing multiple layers of sharp teeth.

Barney shrank back for a second, before unclipping a pokéball from his belt, and throwing it into the air. “Jolteon, I choose you!”

The red light faded, and a canine-like Pokémon appeared on the field. Yellow fur covered his entire body, and the fur was hard, creating dozens of spikes to cover his body. A white mane of spiky fur wrapped around his neck, and long, rabbit-like ears protruded from his head. The wiry fox had eyes of darkened ebony, and tendrils of electricity crackled around Jolteon’s body as he glared at Sableye.

“Karen has selected her Sableye, and Barney has selected his Jolteon. Let this match begin!”

“Jolteon, start this off with a Pin Missile!” Barney ordered. The tips of Jolteon’s spikes began to glow, before small needles of energy were released towards Sableye. The phantom Pokémon stood her ground, smiling.

“Sableye, throw the attack back with a Psychic wave!” Karen called to her Pokémon. Sableye’s diamond eyes flashed for a second, before she clapped her hands together. The air before her distorted, and traveled towards Jolteon, gathering the multiple missiles as it flew, before throwing Jolteon backwards along the rocky battlefield.

“Now, Sableye, blast it with a Night Shade attack!” Sableye’s teeth shone in the sunlight, as she gathered a small violet ball of ghostly energy in her hands, before firing it in a stream towards Jolteon. The electric Pokémon was slowly getting back to his feet, when the ghost attack struck him hard in the side. The attack threw Jolteon into a nearby rock. Dust flew everywhere, as the stream of ghost energy continued to pour into the dust cloud.

Sableye relinquished on her attack, and waited for the dust to settle. As her diamond eyes stared into the slowly settling dust, a yellow blur came speeding towards Sableye. Karen, however, was expecting such a tactic.

“Ethereal state!” The ghost Pokémon smiled, before she began to fade away slightly. The speeding lightning Pokémon sped through the ethereal ghost, the physical attack completely ignored by the transparent specter.

“Now Sableye, wipe out Jolteon with a Shadow Ball!” Sableye’s mouth split into a wide grin, as her diamond eyes focused on her target. Dark purple energy began to crackle from Sableye’s skeletal-like fingers, before she twisted the energy into a large ball. The energy still crackling, she twisted her hands to face her palms towards Jolteon, the ball shooting towards the now slowing electric Pokémon.

Jolteon turned around, awaiting new orders, when the sight of the large ball of ghostly energies widened his ebony eyes. His jaw dropped, as the ball slammed into him hard, throwing him backwards along the rocky surface. Dust and rubble flew everywhere, as Jolteon skidded along the ground.

Karen waited patiently for the dust to settle, her ghost Pokémon’s diamond eyes focused solely on the point where Jolteon landed on the ground. The dust faded away, and the audience gasped at the sight that they beheld.

Jolteon stood, glaring at Sableye. His body was covered with dust, and still crackled with black energy from the Shadow Ball attack. He was panting heavily, and the pain he was feeling was glaringly obvious. Sableye walked up to him, and smiled.

“Finish him off with a Mega Punch!” Karen’s voice was cold and heartless. Sableye looked questioningly at her master for a moment, before her fist became enveloped in a white veil. She looked closely at the panting Jolteon, before slamming her fist into Jolteon’s face.

The electric-type had no time to reaction as Sableye’s fist slammed hard into his face, and he was lifted off the ground by the very force of the attack. He flew through in the air, before slamming into, and through, the barriers separating the audience. A large hole was left in the barrier, and one battered, bruised, and very unconscious Jolteon was left in the spectator stands, his body crumpled over one of the seats.

The crowd was silent, all in shock over Karen’s brutality. The referee stood, gaping, before Karen cleared her throat, and glared at him harshly.

“Um, Jolteon is unable to battle. Victory goes to Karen, and her Sableye!” The ref declared, raising the red flag to show Karen’s victory. However, the crowd did not seem pleased, with most of them marching out of the stands.

Barney recalled his Jolteon, his eyes locked on Karen, raw fury emanating from his gaze. “You heartless bitch. There was no need to do what you did.”

Karen smiled, and recalled her Sableye. “It was a pleasure to battle you, Mr. Rosner. Enjoy the rest of my tournament.” With those heartless words, she turned, and walked off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Shaun watched her leave from the sidelines. He had not expected her to reveal her malice so soon. He was no stranger to Karen’s foul temper and heartless actions, and he moved his hand to his side, remembering what she had done to him.

Tears welled in his eyes, but he blinked them back. He was better than that. He’d been through too much to break down now. He released Altaria, and climbed onto her back. “Let’s fly girl,” he whispered. She nodded, and spread her cloud-like wings, taking to the sky.

Shaun smiled as they flew through the air, the warm breeze blowing through his hair and Altaria’s feathers. He had always enjoyed flying, and had often flown upon Altaria, from the moment she had evolved. The two flew together, in silence, as they waited for the announcement.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Karen strolled back into her room, her temper well hidden. She was furious at herself, for allowing her malice to control her. She almost felt pity for the poor trainer’s Jolteon, but shook it aside. There were far more important things to consider.

She began to type rapidly on her computer, calling up the data on one trainer in particular. She smiled, and complimented herself on an ingenious idea. ‘It’s time to find out why he’s here,’ she thought to herself.

However, her good mood vanished when her computer returned his file. She swore loudly when she realized that the only data on his file was his performance in the first round of the Shadowheart Vendetta, and the fact that he had collected all eight of the Johto League gym badges.

Cursing loudly, she closed the files, and called up the data for the next round. The computer had been programmed to randomly select the facts for the next round, but she had also included an override command.

The first thing she searched for was the battle style. The computer had selected a 2 on 2 battle for the second round. Karen thought of that, but shook her head. She had to know if he was truly who she thought he was, so she altered it, changing the battle style, so that each trainer was required to use three Pokémon each.

Satisfied, she next called up the battle map, which determined whom each trainer faced in the next round. He was to battle a trainer known as Sylvia Nure, a grass-type trainer. Karen shook her head at this. Such a weak trainer could not accomplish what she wanted the opponent to. She wanted to reveal a certain Pokémon on his team, but not to battle him herself. Not yet.

She looked through nearby candidates, and one in particular caught her eye. She smiled, entering her password to alter the battle map. The person she had selected had bad blood with him, and should easily achieve what she needed him to.

Satisfied with her efforts, she saved the file, before activating a communication device built into her computer. Like a mobile phone, she was able to talk to anyone she wanted in the nearby area. “Simon, begin the second round.” Her voice, even through a speaker with horrible quality, still managed to send a slight tremor down Simon’s spine.

“Yes, of course my lady.” Simon’s voice echoed through Karen’s room as it emerged from the speakers. Karen smiled, and began to think about whom she would use in her next battle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Shaun and Altaria landed on the ground, Shaun’s mind completely calm after such a relaxing flight. He began to think on whom he would use in his next battle, and smiled to his cloud wing Pokémon. She would be definitely making an appearance in his next battle, come what may. He didn’t want to reveal himself to Karen too soon.

He and Altaria entered the lobby where the other competitors were gathered, awaiting the results of the first round, and whom they would face in the second round. Shaun could see some panic on some people’s face, which was well deserved.

The five match round robin was designed to eliminate all but the best, with the top 256 trainers competing in the final rounds. Then, all that followed was eight rounds, before one trainer would be crowded victor of the Shadowheart Vendetta.

Shaun reached down his shirt, and pulled out a small pendant that hung around his neck. A small Gardevoir figurine, carved entirely from jade, hung from a silver chain, and Shaun smiled as he held it, remembering old times.

Shaun’s attention was soon stolen by a whirring sound, and he dropped the pendant back down his shirt. He and the other trainers watched as a platform emerged from a hole in the roof, two people standing upon it.

One, a young woman, caught Shaun’s eyes instantly. His mind flooded with memories, as he gazed at her. Her flowing silvery blonde hair, and sea blue eyes, where exactly the same as he remembered, and the pink tank top, with her green jeans, highlighted her figure, drawing a lot of attention to her.

Shaun’s tranquility was flooded with rage, as he realized why she was here. ‘Karen is going to pay for this,’ he thought to himself, and looked over to the other.

A young man stood beside the lady, his hazel eyes scanning the sea of trainers. He wore black jeans, and a blue shirt bearing the symbol for the Shadowheart Vendetta, a black S and V, interlocked together. He ran a hand through his short black hair, before he spoke.

“Good afternoon trainers. My name is Simon Ellis, and firstly, I would like to congratulate you all on a magnificent first round. You all fought hard, and I wish to applaud you all on some very impressive matches.”

“Yeah, right.” Shaun turned his head, and noticed the disapproval that now covered the face of Barney Rosner, who stood a few feet from him.

Simon ignored Barney’s outburst, and continued. “Now, I’m sure you’re all wondering about accommodation. And I’m sorry, but for the moment, you will all have to find your own sleeping quarters. Since we cannot provide any, you are welcome to camp in here, or outside.”

Simon’s statement sent murmurs amongst the crowd, before Simon continued. “And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. I will now release the data for the second round of the Shadowheart Vendetta. The first matches will begin at 9 am tomorrow, and we expect that you all are punctual to your matches.”

His companion giggled, and spoke for the first time. “After all, we wouldn’t want to have to disqualify you.” The crowd’s attention turned to her, and she smiled. “I’m Tara Chase, and I’m also competing in this tournament. So, we would like to wish you all luck for tomorrow, and have a good night’s rest!”

The platform began to return to the ceiling, and Shaun watched with gritted teeth as Tara and Simon disappeared from sight. His attention was diverted as a large computer screen slid down the wall, and displayed the matches for tomorrow’s round.

Shaun waited calmly for the masses of people to move, before approaching the screen. He searched for his name, taking note of the battle conditions, and found his name under the grass field. He then looked for his opponent, and found him. He threw his arm out, to use Altaria to balance himself. ‘Why, did it have to be him?” he thought to himself.

“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.” Shaun turned to the sound of the voice, and gritted his teeth. The blue curly hair, the gleaming azure eyes, the annoying clothes that looked like a combination of a bathrobe and a toga. It could only be one person.

“It’s been much too long since we last saw each other, hasn’t it pipsqueak?” The trainer’s voice was full of laughter as he mocked Shaun.

Shaun’s response was filled with venom and hatred, his words almost overpowered by his emotions. One word was all he spoke, as Altaria floated beside him. One word, filled with hatred and malice.

“Falkner.”

 

[Skrusti]

Gave it a quick read-through, most excellent hon. Descriptive, long...just...EXCELLENT.

I found a mistake though

“Yeah, right.” Shaun turned his head, and noticed the disapproval that now covered the face of Barney Rosner, who stood a few feet from him.

Simon ignored Barney’s outburst, and continued. “Now, I’m sure you’re all wondering about accommodation. And I’m sorry, but for the moment, you will all have to find your own sleeping quarters. Since we cannot provide any, you are welcome to camp in here, or outside.”

Wasn't it Shaun that bursted out? =o

 

[Joshua - Shadow Brigadier]

Gave it a quick read-through, most excellent hon. Descriptive, long...just...EXCELLENT.

I found a mistake though

Wasn't it Shaun that bursted out? =o

Bursted out? *shudders at imagery*

Anyway, no it wasn't. Shaun turned to look at Barney, who had made the outburst.

Joshua

 

[Skrusti]

Bursted out? *shudders at imagery*

Anyway, no it wasn't. Shaun turned to look at Barney, who had made the outburst.

Joshua

Doh >.> Ignore that then.

 

[ForeverFlygon]

I also found something:

“You heartless *****. There was no need to do what you do.”

I believe you mean did (or 'is' instead of 'was'), unless I'm mistaken(Which I may very well be). Otherways, long chapter, good description, and I found no typos. I have nothing to complain on really (And why would I want to?).

The battles are very well described, I like how I can't predict what's going to happen, though I knew who was going to win this particular battle. One thing though, will you do every battle once this reaches the quarterfinals, or will it just Karen & Shaun's battles?

 

[Kiyohime]

*falls in from above*

Oh, my. Karen is one stone cold biznitch. o_o I felt truly bad for that Jolteon, and your description of that battle was just lovely, with the Shadow Ball's dark energy crackling over it....that brought a really vivid image to my mind. Your description's really gotten good, because you describe what people are thinking and feeling without going in too much detail as to drown it, and it's all really intense for me because I have a vivid imagination. I love Karen so much. x3

Happy New Year, Joshua! *gives a Umbreon lolly*

 

[xXSaberXx]

D: *steals Umbre lolly before it changes hands*

:3

WTF! YOU USED KAREN OMFG I LOVE YOU. No. Seriously. Karen is THE best Elite Four member ever and you USED HER. And her Brother? D: brother/lover. xP Nah nah. Kidding.

WHEEEEEEE!!! Your battle descriptions are actually quite good. In some places though, you forgot to describe the attack? D: But it was fine since we ALL KNEW WHAT IT WAS.

But still.

Good job! Looks like a good tournament fic. Haven't seen one of those for a while. ^.^

Alright, TOODLES!

Saber.