The Quest for the Legends (version ILCOE) Page 5

Started by Dragonfree October 1st, 2004 5:47 PM
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Age 34
the UK
Seen June 10th, 2005
Posted May 4th, 2005
9 posts
18.2 Years
Well, it was a somewhat intriguing chapter. Long... very long... but intriguing.

I liked some of the battle psychology that was in the battles, as well as some of the ways the moves were performed.

May had some entertaining moments, being really b*tchy to Mark and pointing out the things to him in a evil way.

Was hoping to read Scyther and Charziard tearing each other apart, it was mounting to be a good battle (great way to start, spitting blood into Scyther's eyes) but then Charizard went and got mature ;_; They seemed too buddy-buddy for my liking at the end, they put things behind them way too quickly IMHO, there was very little element of detest for one another and it seemed too "unrealistic". Ah well, I guess Sycther's pov is a lil off of average.

Would've prefered to see 'zard v Scyther but ah well... good chap.

Dragonfree

Teh Spwriter. :3

Age 33
Female
Iceland
Seen February 9th, 2020
Posted November 28th, 2012
1,290 posts
19.1 Years
Well, the thing is that Scyther never hated Charmeleon. He just decided they'd "have it your way" and then got ticked off in the Aquarium City Gym. Now he's got better things to worry about than Charmeleon - notice how he didn't look about to attack at the start of the battle. As for Charmeleon's part, he evolved to be able to kill Scyther, but when he evolved he matured past the hatred and realized that he had nothing to hate Scyther for.
~Butterfree/Dragonfree/antialiasis of The Cave of Dragonflies

Still not going to sprite for your fangame. Sorry, but I don't really sprite or give out permission for people to use my fake Pokémon anymore.
Age 34
the UK
Seen June 10th, 2005
Posted May 4th, 2005
9 posts
18.2 Years
Well, the thing is that Scyther never hated Charmeleon. He just decided they'd "have it your way" and then got ticked off in the Aquarium City Gym. Now he's got better things to worry about than Charmeleon - notice how he didn't look about to attack at the start of the battle. As for Charmeleon's part, he evolved to be able to kill Scyther, but when he evolved he matured past the hatred and realized that he had nothing to hate Scyther for.
Hmm, either way, I would've liked to see aeriel based kill-fest before the maturity kicked in ;;

Dragonfree

Teh Spwriter. :3

Age 33
Female
Iceland
Seen February 9th, 2020
Posted November 28th, 2012
1,290 posts
19.1 Years
The Pokmon Festival May 24th: The Threat

There are two events today, May explained to Mark as they headed towards the Green Town Stadium. First theyve got Ash Ketchums starter Pokmon giveaway. Then theres the Trainers Market, which sells stuff cheaper than you can get it anywhere else. Ive heard they even have Master Balls.

Master Balls? Mark asked curiously. Do they sell them?

Only here, theyre expensive and theres only one per trainer, May replied. But Im still getting one.

Master Balls, Mark thought, biting his lip. He couldnt deny to himself what he had first thought of when she said that. The uneasy feeling he had had in his stomach since he woke up to yet another nightmare about yellow eyes grew.

Hey! called a familiar voice as Mark and May were about to enter the stadium to watch the starter Pokmon giveaway. Mark turned around to see Ash and Alan walking to them and waving.

Is that? May whispered in his ear.

Yep, Mark replied with a grin as she started staring at her fingernails. Hi, Alan!

Hello, Mark, said Ash. I heard about yesterdays incident are your Pokmon okay?

Yes Mark said. Err, what Pokmon are you going to be giving out now? He quickly changed the subject.

Weve got a very wide selection, but only one or two of most of them, Ash explained. This year were giving out most small Pokmon that evolve except really rare ones and ones that cant battle out of water. Then weve got a Ditto, and thats the only Pokmon we have that doesnt evolve at all. Of course, the traditional starters are always the most popular, so we keep a bunch of them handy.

How does the starter giveaway happen, anyway? Mark asked.

Well, Alan answered, the kids get in line, tell us what Pokmon theyre considering, I say some stuff about the Pokmon theyre thinking about, and when theyve confidently made up their minds, they get their Pokmon and trainer license and its the next persons turn. Pretty basic.

Oh, so youre in it too? Mark asked curiously.

Yeah, Alan replied. Dad thinks it makes the kids less nervous if theyre talking to a teenager, and at least not directly to him. Dunno if it helps, but I dont mind doing it.

Oh, all right. Mark paused. Should we walk down to the stadium together?

Sure, Alan answered. His father shrugged.

Mmmm, May mumbled.

-------

A hoard of nervous ten-year-olds entered the stadium and looked timidly around at the audience. Ash was seated at a table beside a Pokball transfer machine on the far right; Alan stood in front of the table with a microphone.

A very childish-looking blond-haired girl with a pink ribbon in her hair was first in line. She teetered unsteadily towards Alan and muttered something. He turned his microphone off and muttered a bit back, presumably to make her feel less shy.

Umm, this is Joanne, Alan announced, turning his microphone back on. She was thinking about picking a Pichu

NO! screamed the small mousey-haired boy who was next in line. Joanne looked anxiously at him and then muttered something again.

All right, said Alan, shes changed her mind shes considering Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur is a Grass/Poison type and one of the original starter Pokmon that Professor Oak gave out to children in Kanto its also Pokmon number one by National Pokdex. It evolves into Ivysaur and later Venusaur, and likes to use spores and powders as well as direct offensive Grass attacks. Theyre usually loyal, but tend to be a bit secluded and not the most social Pokmon around. So Joanne, is this the Pokmon you want?

She looked doubtfully at Alan like she had had an overload of information, but then nodded shyly.

Great! Alan said cheerfully as his father pressed some buttons on the Pokball transfer machine and a red and white sphere fell out of the tube. Ash took the ball and handed it to Alan, who in turn passed it on to Joanne and gestured for her to send out the Pokmon. With a quick questioning glance at Alan, she lightly dropped the ball onto the ground. It popped open and the orb of red light inside it took shape into a green, spotted toadlike creature with a large plant bulb on its back. It blinked its bright red eyes a few times, looking up at its new trainer before extending two long, green vines from the base of its bulb and grabbing her hand with them. The crowd cheered, Joanne blushed and then recalled her Pokmon. She went up to Ashs table and was handed a green Pokdex and a trainer card; then she shook Ashs hand, her face bright red, and started running out of the arena.

And now, Alan started, but didnt get to finish his sentence; the mousey-haired boy ran up to him and screamed PICHU!, causing the microphone to produce an ear-splitting screech.

Err, said Alan, covering his ears, Pichu is a

I just want my Pichu! the boy yelled as Alan quickly pointed the microphone away.

Um, well all right, I guess. Alan shrugged and Ash quickly handed him a Pokball to give to the hyperactive kid. The little boy tossed the Pokball to the ground, jumping around in excitement as a small, yellow mouse-like Pokmon with diamond-shaped ears formed. It looked confusedly at the boy as he picked it up and hugged it.

Alan poked the boys shoulder. Er cant you do that later? Go get your Pokdex.

The boy hurried over to Ashs table and stared at him with an expression of deep admiration. Ash smiled slightly and gave him a red Pokdex; the boy almost forgot to get his trainer card before bouncing out of the arena with his still confused Pichu.

A red-haired, tall boy was next; he walked up to Alan, cleared his throat and said into the mirophone: Id like a Ditto, please.

There goes the most unique one, Alan said as a few kids groaned in disappointment. Ditto is the only Pokmon were giving out that doesnt evolve, and also the only non-Legendary Pokmon in the world with the ability to transform into other Pokmon. Ditto is perfect for strategists, because when Ditto has transformed it is exactly as powerful as its opponent and the trainer with the more skill will win. Is this your choice?

Yes, said the boy nervously. Alan nodded; his father handed him a Pokball which he then gave to the boy.

Thanks, the boy said, smiling as he dropped the Pokball to the ground. A pink blob resembling a blotch of chewing gum with two tiny eyes and a thin mouth came out of the Pokball.

Ditto! it squeaked before transforming into an exact replica of its trainer. He smiled and shook Dittos hand before recalling his Pokmon again.

-------

Once the starter Pokmon giveaway was over, they had a bit of free time while preparations for the Trainers Market were being made.

I think Im going to call home, Mark said as they exited the arena. Nothing better to do, and my parents would probably be happy to hear from me. After all, it would be the first time since I started my journey.

May shrugged. My parents know Im doing fine, even if I dont call them.

I still want to call, Mark said decisively. You coming with me to the Pokmon Center?

No, she said simply. Your parents, your call.

See you at the Trainers Market, then.

Bye.

Mark walked to the Pokmon Center and got permission to use the videophone. He picked up the receiver and dialed the number nervously.

Hello? Mark? came finally a deep male voice. The black screen started displaying a picture of Marks father; he looked very worried. Mark saw his mother in the background hurrying up to the videophone. She looked worried too.

Hi Dad, said Mark.

Where are you? Marks mother interrupted.

Um, Green Town Pokmon Center, he replied confusedly. His parents looked at each other; then his father turned back to the camera and sighed.

Look, Mark youre not about to go see Chale-thingy tomorrow, are you?

Well, he replied, Im not sure

Youre not going! his father hissed, narrowing his eyes and leaning towards the camera. Youre not coming anywhere near that thing! Do you understand me?

Why? Mark asked confusedly. How do you even know what Chaletwo is?

Look, came his mother, pushing his father away, we just wanted to keep you safe.

Whats that supposed to mean? Mark asked hotly.

His father sighed. We didnt allow you to go on a Pokmon journey. We talked to the librarian about putting books involving Cha-whatever somewhere away. We did our best to prevent you from hearing about the Pokmon Festival. We did it all because we knew that as soon as you found out about it, you would want to see it and get yourself killed. Now, dont make all that effort be wasted.

What? Mark asked furiously. Youve been trying to keep it away from me? What sort of parents are you?

Parents who care about you, thats what sort! Marks father hissed. Now promise me youll stay away tomorrow. Just lie somewhere in your hotel room and pretend not to exist or something. Do you understand?

Mark didnt answer.

Mark? Mark? Can you hear me? What

He placed the receiver on the side of the videophone. The image on the screen flickered and disappeared.

Anger boiled within him. He had thought his parents were overprotective before, but this was the last straw. He couldnt stand the idea of having had all that kept from him for so long. So that was why they had never seemed to have anything against him going on a Pokmon journey until five years ago. And why he had never found any books about the Ouen legendaries before, and didnt know anything about the Pokmon Festival. So many mysteries were explained by this one phone call.

To get his mind to something else, he looked at his watch and decided that he might as well start walking down to the stadium again for the Trainers Market. He kicked some stones along the way and decided that this call was nobodys business but his own.

He momentarily forgot about it when he entered the stadium. Dozens of sale stands were now standing there in neat rows; trainers of all ages were gathered around them to buy all the items they could dream of. The biggest crowd, however, was gathered around one stand, which Mark guessed was the one with the Master Balls. Hesitating, he walked up to what he presumed was the end of the line. Slowly the crowd thinned and he finally got to the stand. He took out his trainer card, remembering that they could be used as credit cards.

Youre selling Master Balls, right? he asked, just to be sure. The brown-haired man on the other side nodded as he adjusted his sunglasses slightly.

Okay Ill have one.

The guy inserted Marks trainer card into a slot on a small box. It beeped and a purple and white sphere with a small white M on the front materialized on top of it.

Here, the man said, handing it back to Mark along with his trainer card and a booklet. He quizzically looked at it; the front of it said Master Ball safety manual: Read before use.

Hey, get a move on, a voice said behind him, and Mark moved to the side. He bumped into a boy with a pale face and long, black hair.

Victor?

Mark! Victor exclaimed. I thought Id never find you! We were going to meet at the festival, remember?

Mark blushed. Oh, I forgot.

Its all right, said Victor. Um is May here somewhere? Oh, there she is

Victor waved to her where she was somewhere in the crowd. She doubtfully waved back and then came to them.

Youre the Mutark guy, right? she asked.

Yeah, Victor confirmed. I wanted to speak to you two

May raised an eyebrow. Go on.

Well Victor began, swallowing, and then sighed and gestured for them to follow him out of the stadium. He was only happy when they were standing by the side wall, out of everybodys earshot.

What is this all about? May asked impatiently.

Er Victor started again. Well, after you two had both left Scorpio City, Mitch told me that that he had a feeling something would happen to you.

Mark got a sinking feeling in his stomach; May just raised her eyebrow further. And? Its not like hes a psychic or something.

He is, Mark muttered miserably, remembering what Victor had told him when they had met outside Scorpio City.

Its just a rumour, of course, Victor quickly added. But Id still be careful if I were you they say he has foreseen deaths and stuff.

I dont believe in rumours, May said firmly, not looking very convinced. Mark didnt say anything. He just thought about Mitchs odd, hypnotic stare, the strange things he said and the way he had asked if Mark had dreamt anything. As much as hed have loved to label it as just a rumour, it didnt seem all too unlikely that there was more to Mitch than met the eye.

Well, thats all, Victor said nervously. Ill see you around, I guess.

Bye, said May doubtfully. Mark mumbled something. Victor waved slightly and walked off.

Do you think hes just trying to scare us? May asked after a moments pause.

He didnt seem like it, Mark muttered.

Mitch could be wrong, too, May suggested.

Could I be wrong?

Mark jumped and turned around to find Mitch suddenly standing there with a mysterious smile on his lips.

Was what Victor said true? May just asked.

We had that conversation, yes, said Mitch and nodded slowly.

But what Mark began before realizing that Mitch was walking off. Puzzled, the two kids looked at each other.

-------

Mark felt uneasy for the remainder of the day. May was quieter than usual too; he also felt a strange need to keep her company. They stuck together until they went to their Pokmon Center rooms in the evening.

Mark didnt feel like going to sleep for some reason, so he picked up the booklet he had received at the Master Ball stand.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Master Ball, while capable of holding any Pokmon no matter how powerful, will not automatically sway a Pokmon to obey you any more than a normal Pokball will. Remember that Pokmon respect their trainers in accordance with their training experience and kindness, not their equipment! Always show caution when attempting to capture powerful Pokmon. If it appears unhappy about being captured, release it straight away and do not in any way give it a reason to dislike you.

The Master Ball is best kept until you are an experienced trainer, and is wisest to use on a Pokmon that is rare rather than one that is powerful.

Mark read the words dully. He wasnt an idiot; this text basically translated to Dont do anything foolish like trying to catch Chaletwo even though hes appearing tomorrow. He put the booklet down and sighed before taking out his paper and pencil and starting to draw.

He was lost in his own world for a while as his hand shot across the paper and drew the outlines of a Lugia. After the Lugia, he added a Zapdos, and a Moltres, and an Articuno

He slowly got drowsy and in the end he realized that he had been dozing off for a few minutes while drawing. He stared at what he drawn while half-asleep.

Wow, thats my best Mewtwo ever, was his first, somewhat sleepy thought. Then a cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized that its eyes were closed.
~Butterfree/Dragonfree/antialiasis of The Cave of Dragonflies

Still not going to sprite for your fangame. Sorry, but I don't really sprite or give out permission for people to use my fake Pokémon anymore.

Dragonfree

Teh Spwriter. :3

Age 33
Female
Iceland
Seen February 9th, 2020
Posted November 28th, 2012
1,290 posts
19.1 Years
...

Hey, I'm not letting you read the chapter just like that.

First you need to get yourself really comfortable in your chair...

Take a few deep breaths...

Fasten your seat belts...

Make sure you have plenty of time to read carefully and not just skim...

And enjoy.


-------
RATING

Violence: None.
Gore: None.
Sexuality: None.
Profanity: None.
Other: Religious hints.
-------



The Pokmon Festival - May 25th: Chaletwo's Arrival

Mark just suddenly realized that he was awake. He couldnt recall waking up, or dreaming anything. That was a relief

He reached for his watch and looked at it. It was seven in the morning. He sighed, closing his eyes. He didnt feel tired at all.

His stomach fluttered as he thought about what day it was. His father had told him to stay in his room, lie on his bed and pretend not to exist. That was probably the wisest thing to do. His voice of logic told him that over and over with convincing, step-by-step arguments.

And there was really no voice to speak against it, because there was no question about it. There was no way to logically argue that he should rather take the risk and see Chaletwo. There was just a power which could silence all logic immediately. And Mark knew that there was no way he could lie in a room and wait while the most powerful Pokmon in the world was appearing outside. He just couldnt.

He had a funny, numb feeling as he sat up in his bed and reached for his Pokball belt at the foot of his bed. He took Sandslashs Pokball no particular reason why, he just felt like it and dropped it lightly onto the floor. Sandslash came out of it and looked around.

What is it? he asked.

Mark shrugged. Nothing just felt like talking.

About what?

Anything.

They didnt say anything for a while. Finally, Mark sighed.

The other day when I got my trainer license it made me think, he muttered. I do you really like me and the way I train you?

Well, Sandslash sighed, there is something I wish you would do

What?

Let us outside a bit more. We would all love to be able to run around freely for a bit sometimes when youre not doing anything. Pokmon dont like being stuffed inside Pokballs for too long

Yeah, Mark muttered. Neither of them said anything for a little while.

Im not sure Im such a good trainer, Mark said quietly.

You are, said Sandslash softly. I am very grateful for you.

Why? Mark asked. Im lousy. Take May

You are a much better trainer than her, Sandslash said immediately.

But how? Mark asked miserably. Are you really being honest?

Well, the Pokmon began slowly, choosing his words carefully, when you first caught me, I thought you werent a very good trainer at all. I always lost and stuff

He trailed off, but then continued: But then I slowly started realizing that well, when youre a young Pokmon you think of a trainer as a method of getting strong and nothing more than that, which was why I wasnt happy to find that you didnt appear to have much more skill than I did by myself but then I just started to realize that you cared and really hated not being better, because you felt like you were being a lousy trainer for us. And that touched me. The reason Pokmon tolerate the limits set by being possessed by a trainer, and thus the reason Pokmon training can work in the first place, is that it usually gives Pokmon an opportunity to be stronger, but in the long run, Pokmon dont live for that. The reason Pokmon stay true to their trainers after the trainers retire and the Pokmon have reached the physical limits of their strength is that through a trainers journey around the world, strong bonds are formed between trainer and Pokmon. This is what keeps Pokmon training alive and what makes it so magical and this is why you are a better trainer than for example May, who is an extraordinarily good battler, but will never feel like anything more to her Pokmon than a temporary training stage in their lives. It is sad that so many Pokmon stay with a trainer for years, never realizing how much more there is to life with a trainer than battling

I wow, Mark just said.

Take now for example, Sandslash said. When youre a young, wild Pokmon, you dont expect your trainer to send you out just to talk to you. Its just not in your image of what you believe the purpose of a trainer is. When that happens, though, you realize that this is one of those moments that make you really appreciate your trainer, more than winning some battle will ever do. Youre a great trainer, Mark. May is everything a Pokmon looks for in a trainer you are much more.

Mark felt strangely warm. Wow thanks

But as I said, Sandslash continued, wed really love some more outside time. You should try that sometime soon.

I will. Thanks, Mark said, smiling.
~Butterfree/Dragonfree/antialiasis of The Cave of Dragonflies

Still not going to sprite for your fangame. Sorry, but I don't really sprite or give out permission for people to use my fake Pokémon anymore.

Dragonfree

Teh Spwriter. :3

Age 33
Female
Iceland
Seen February 9th, 2020
Posted November 28th, 2012
1,290 posts
19.1 Years
Mark spent the day as it were his last. He didnt encounter May at all, but he was really feeling so much different that he was glad for that. He focused on enjoying himself, such as by buying a lot of candy, and had a crazy, hyperactive happy attitude throughout the day. He had no idea why he wasnt more nervous. He just felt crazy.

That changed, however, when the time approached four oclock. Suddenly the voices in his head were all screaming again; he wanted to go back to the Pokmon Center as he walked past it, but his feet wouldnt obey and continued towards the slowly gathering crowd of people in the patch of grass just outside the city borders.

A circle with an approximately five meter radius had been marked off in the grass. Nobody stepped into it. Mark felt numb as he found himself a place behind a few other people; he could peek out between them.

He waited for what seemed like an hour; then somebody in the crowd shouted Ten! The rest of the audience joined in the countdown.

Four! Three! Two! One!

And suddenly Chaletwo just stood there in the middle of the circle.

He wasnt like Mark had expected. The illustrations in the book about the Ouen legendaries didnt capture the way he looked at all. Yes, he had the exact same, lavenderish-white skin as Mewtwo, same strong legs but thin arms, same bulgy toes and fingers, same distantly human torso and catlike head and, indeed, his eyes were closed. But the artist had missed two important details. One was that it was clear that Chaletwo was looking through his eyelids; he didnt even distantly look like Mewtwo with closed eyes. The other was that Alan had been absolutely right: Chaletwo was obviously not evil. It wasnt hard to imagine him as evil from looking at the pictures, but Mark just realized suddenly that he had been wrong. He had no idea why, but it didnt seem like something to question. It was just true.

Everybody was immobilized as Chaletwo looked over the crowd. He then started turning slowly around to see the rest of the audience. Marks heart hammered in his chest as the Legendary turned towards where he was.

And stopped.

The people in front of Mark automatically shifted to the sides before he knew, and he found himself frozen, looking straight at Chaletwos closed eyes. After what seemed like an hour, during which Marks mind and body seemed completely frozen, Chaletwo finally turned away.

Mark released his breath as Chaletwo was no longer looking at him.

Hes facing away you could just throw the Master Ball

The voice spoke clearly out in Marks head before he could help it. Chaletwo turned sharply back towards him; Mark stared desperately at the Legendary with only one thought in his head: I dont want to die now.

Then Chaletwos eyes opened.

The first thing that occurred to Mark was that the Good or Evil? poster in the Pokmon Center had gotten Chaletwos eyes completely wrong too. On the poster they had been bright yellow, but they were much more than that. They were terribly, blindingly, unearthly yellow, their extreme brightness piercing through his eyes like a knife, yet so oddly beautiful that he didnt want to look away.

Then all of a sudden, Mark felt like a burning hand was ripping heart out through his chest. The pain was unthinkable; he screamed, but the sound seemed unrealistic and far away. he faintly heard an echo of other peoples screaming as his vision faded to black, all except for the horribly bright eyes that were somehow the worst part of all

-------

Suddenly, it all stopped. The pain was gone. Everything around him was eerily dark and silent.

What happened? he thought.

Your consciousness has been separated from your body, answered a calm, telepathic voice. Mark somehow knew it was Chaletwo.

What wait a minute are you saying Im dead? he asked slowly.

Thats the basic idea, yes, Chaletwo replied.

But I cant be dead! Mark protested. Im right here!

Here is nowhere, was Chaletwos confusing answer.

That doesnt work, Mark argued. Weve got to be somewhere, if youre here.

No, Chaletwo said firmly. I took you to a place that doesnt exist. Were in a void of nothing.

Why cant I see you? Mark wondered.

You are dead a floating consciousness Chaletwo replied. Without eyes, you cannot see.

But how can I be dead? I mean, if my brain isnt here, how can I be thinking?

Chaletwo sighed. You are as dead as a brick, human. If youre still not convinced, tell me if youre breathing.

Mark waited a few seconds; he couldnt deny it.

I dont think I am, he muttered. Fine, Im dead. But why did you kill me? And those other kids?

I needed to talk to you, Chaletwo answered.

Mark was getting slightly annoyed. Cant you talk to people without killing them first?

Chaletwo sighed. No, I cant. Somebody can always overhear, and I cant teleport a living body to a place that doesnt exist theres no oxygen here, so you would die. And humans are exceedingly easy to fool if you know how to do it. You always think in this If you can do something, youll do it fashion. Very stupid, of course, but makes it infinitely easier for me to convince you that I kill people for no reason without anybody getting even slightly suspicious. Humans are so blind, its entertaining.

Huh? Mark asked confusedly.

Well, Chaletwo said, your parents will cry their eyes out, and those crazy people will write some more articles about how evil I am, but after a while your death will be accepted and you can peacefully walk around under a different name.

What do you mean, walk around? Mark asked, puzzled. I cant walk around if Im dead.

You wont be dead anymore, said Chaletwo impatiently. What good can a floating consciousness do even after you talk to it? Im going to resurrect you after we finish talking. I just hope Molzapart is coming.

Molzapart? Mark was even more confused now. Is Molzapart in this with you?

Of course, Chaletwo said like it was something obvious. Were good friends oh, here he is

Another telepathic voice sounded.

Hmm kinda foolish, that one, dont you think, Chaletwo?

Foolish is fine, Chaletwo replied. Better, even. We dont want logic to get in our way. Molzapart, would you imagine some sight for him?

Mark could suddenly see the two Legendaries as if it were a memory he was recalling in his mind. Molzapart looked like a golden-feathered bird with blue tips on his wing feathers, a long beak and a flame burning on his head. He also had a long, wavy tail feather that Mark recognized from Articuno.

Wow, he said, astonished. This is cool. Why didnt you let me see like this earlier, Chaletwo?

Chaletwo sighed. Only Molzapart can mess with memories.

While poor widdle Chaletwo can just kill people, Molzapart teased.

Chaletwo glared at him. Dont listen to him; Im keeping balance in the world, while Molzaparts powers are just for playing around with.

Oh, will you two just tell me what this is all about? Mark said in frustration.

Sorry, Molzapart apologized. We got carried away. What we wanted to tell you is well He looked at Chaletwo. Where to begin?

See, Chaletwo began, once every thousand years, a great disaster happens.

Yes, Molzapart confirmed. This disaster is called the War of the Legends. What happens is that the Legendary Pokmon will lose power, at different rates depending on how powerful they already are, until they are all equal and virtually powerless.

Why does this happen? asked Mark confusedly.

Because of a Pokmon, Chaletwo replied, which we have never seen, but is called the Destroyer. It appears to drain power from the Legendaries over the course of the last hundred or so of those thousand years, always faster and faster. When the Legendaries are almost out of power, the Destroyer sends the power multiplied back, and all this power basically finds all the Legendaries in the world again and when they suddenly gain all this power, they all go insane somehow.

And they shall fight
with all their might
until but one draws breath.
His conscious thought
shall back be brought
when all has met its death,
Molzapart recited.

Basically, Chaletwo explained, once the Legendaries are all mad, they will seek each other out, kill everything in their path, and fight so viciously that everything in their path is destroyed. They will keep fighting until only one of them is left alive.

And the one that is left alive, Molzapart said, will then have the responsibility of creating new life and making the world whole again

Wait a minute, how do I come into this? Mark interrupted.

Were getting to that, Chaletwo said. The thing is if there were no Legendaries to receive the power, the War of the Legends wouldnt happen. Molzapart and I started noticing our power loss around twenty years ago or so, so we talked to Mew about it. And Mew told us about this he was the survivor of the last War of the Legends and we became very concerned. So we asked Mew if we couldnt just get all the Legendaries to agree on being inside Pokballs when this happened, as that might prevent it all from happening. Unfortunately, though, Mew just said some nonsense about not trying to avoid the inevitable he is all into this fate stuff, you know and refused to help us, and the other Legendaries we talked to werent too happy about us telling them to get caught when Mew had forbidden us to tell them what it was really about. So we decided that wed have to take them by force, and Molzapart started killing kids, erasing everybodys memories of them, and trying to get them to go out and try to capture the other Legendaries. However, we didnt have as much success as wed have hoped the kids were terrified of Legendaries and didnt want to come anywhere near them. Then recently we were getting really worried, and we had this idea of letting me try after all, everybody knew where and when I appeared every year, and lots of people who loved Legendaries always came to watch me. So I could just look over the crowd and search for a longing to catch me not very hard to find, but I found the strongest and killed that one. I was a lot more successful than Molzapart ever was.

Molzapart snorted. Successful, maybe, but youve always done it rather sloppily. Too busy being a guardian to even attempt to cover your tracks. Look at the reputation that has gotten you.

That was never the plan, Chaletwo snapped. I have a protective aura that should be convincing everybody that my intentions are good. Humans are just too stupid to see it.

And Molzapart looked at Mark, the human thinks your way, even if successful, could use some improvement comfort-wise.

I I dont know what Death Stare feels like! Chaletwo said defensively. And Im not too busy being a guardian! Thats what I exist to be!

Molzapart snickered. What a lovely guardian, with lethal weapons in his eye sockets.

Chalenor had them too! Chaletwo said sharply.

Yeah, how come the guardian before you had lethal weapons in his eye sockets? Bit hypocritical if you ask me.

Dont you dare insult Chalenor in my ears!

Mark wasnt feeling that nice at all. Something about them arguing made the atmosphere very uncomfortable.

Stop it, he thought desperately.

Are you asking to be attacked?

Ill show you an attack!

A dark purple orb formed between Chaletwos hands while Molzapart took an electric blue glow.

STOP! Marks mind screamed. The two Pokmon looked at each other; Chaletwo pressed the orb together into nothing and Molzaparts glow faded.

Sorry, Chaletwo sighed. This is all putting us under a lot of stress. We keep arguing its lucky this didnt turn into an early start of the War of the Legends.

So basically, Mark said, getting back on topic, you want me to somehow go out and magically catch all the Legendary Pokmon?

Well, Chaletwo said, we got some unexpected help. Rick, the Cleanwater City Gym Leader, has simplified the problem immensely by catching a great many of the Legendaries for us. He released some of them, such as Suicune, but most he kept for further experiments. And the other trainers havent been completely unsuccessful either admittedly its getting so close now that youre the last trainer were asking for help. The Legendaries yet to be caught are Articuno, Mew, Entei, Suicune, the Waraider herd, the Color Dragons, and Rainteicune.

How am I supposed to do that? asked Mark miserably. Theres no way I can catch like twenty Legendaries before they all go mad! Youre not even sure if its going to work in the first place!

Chaletwo sighed. At least you can try.

Why me? Mark whined.

Because youre a foolish little kid who confronts Legendaries when he knows he shouldnt, said Molzapart tiredly.

We just need help here, Chaletwo said. If you do it, were probably still all going to die. But if you dont do it, we are all going to die.

I guess, Mark replied doubtfully.

So, is that all? Molzapart asked questioningly, turning to Chaletwo.

I think so, Chaletwo answered. Make him remember all of this before you leave, though.

Molzaparts eyes glowed deep blue and the memory of the conversation in Marks mind was strengthened. He wasnt sure if it was really needed; he felt like he could never forget even the smallest detail of this. Then Molzapart flickered and disappeared, and Mark could no longer picture what was happening.

Well, Chaletwo said, any questions?

Why do you look like Mewtwo? Mark asked, having wanted to ask this question during the whole conversation. And why do you have a two in your name? Are you a super-clone?

Thats not the kind of question I was hoping for, Chaletwo mumbled.

Cant you still tell me?

Chaletwo sighed deeply. Before the last War of the Legends, there was a Pokmon called Chalenor you heard me mention him when Molzapart and I were arguing, didnt you? and Chalenor was like me. The Destroyer isnt alone, you know. There is a triangle. The Creator is Mew, because Mew survived the last War of the Legends. The Preserver is me, but used to be Chalenor. Chalenor had my powers dont bring up why he could use Death Stare if he was the Preserver, because I dont know.

Chalenor could travel through time, just like me, and once he happened to venture far into the future and find Mewtwo there. Mewtwo was interested in Chalenors time when he heard that Mew had existed then Mew and Chalenor were good friends.

So Chalenor agreed to take Mewtwo to his time, but what they didnt know was that at that time, the War of the Legends was rapidly approaching. And while Mewtwo was still there, the Destroyer made all the Legendaries mad including Mewtwo.

Chalenor died in the War of the Legends, like everything else. So did Mewtwo. Only Mew was left alive. When his madness wore off, Mew found Chalenors body and realized that the Preserver was no more but his left eye was lying somewhere and was still loaded with power, and in a desperate attempt to save everything that could be saved, Mew transferred the life force contained in the eye to the nearest whole body Mewtwos and created new life in it that was me. Chalenors powers in Mewtwos body

I was Mews first creation, and helped creating the new Pokmon under Mews supervision then I took over Chalenors role as the Preserver and became a guardian of life so Mew called me Chaletwo because I was Chalenors heir, and in honour of Mewtwo whose body I was created in.

Wow Mark was surprised; nothing he had ever thought of had come close to any of that. He had always been stuck in the clone theory.

Can I ask another question? he asked.

Fire away.

Can I tell somebody about all this?

Chaletwo took a bit of time to think, but finally answered: You should not flag it the Legendaries might hear it. If you really trust somebody, you can tell them, but Molzapart is really getting too weak for the trouble of mass memory modification. Oh, and talk to Ash Ketchum thats very important. Ill resurrect you a little while in the future so youll be pretty much forgotten Molzapart will help with that too. At first when youre back to life, youll be unconscious, but when you wake up, Molzapart and I will be in your Pokballs and might communicate with you occasionally for as long as we have the power to.

Is that all I need to know? Mark asked nervously.

Should be, yes, Chaletwo replied.

Im never going to manage this, Mark muttered.

Just remember that youre our last hope

Mark felt himself fading away. The last thing he heard was Chaletwos echoing voice:

You have to try
~Butterfree/Dragonfree/antialiasis of The Cave of Dragonflies

Still not going to sprite for your fangame. Sorry, but I don't really sprite or give out permission for people to use my fake Pokémon anymore.

Dragonfree

Teh Spwriter. :3

Age 33
Female
Iceland
Seen February 9th, 2020
Posted November 28th, 2012
1,290 posts
19.1 Years
-------
RATING
Violence: Pokmon battling.
Gore: Umm... some.
Sexuality: None.
Profanity: A bit.
Other: Some kinda disgusting parts...
-------

Chapter 26: Dead or Alive

Branches rustled. Taillow chirped. Beedrill buzzed.

Mark lay with his eyes closed. The stinging grass underneath him tickled the back of his neck. His hands grasped the cold, dewy blades. He inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh, earthy smell.

Mark felt his heart beat steadily in his chest. His whole body ached, but he felt wonderful. He was alive. Funny how he had never appreciated it before.

After a few minutes, he opened his eyes slowly to look at the roof of leaves above. He sat up and blinked a few times, wondering where he could be; it was clearly the middle of a forest of some sort.

Hello, Mark.

He sprang to his feet in surprise when he heard the familiar, soft voice. It belonged to the only person who could appear out of nowhere like that: Mitch. He was leaning against a tree, facing away from Mark, and looking into the air as he tended to. Mark walked slowly up to him.

I guess were on the same boat now, Mitch continued calmly.

What do you mean? Mark asked, leaning against another nearby tree. Mitch didnt look surprised to see him at all.

Were both dead, said Mitch with a faint smile.

Mark was puzzled. How?

Seven years ago, Mitch said slowly, still staring into the air, ten-year-old Richard Brown started his Pokmon journey with a Venonat. He wandered into the Black Desert, encountered a Scorplack, and was tragically killed on the first day of his quest.

It took Mark a few seconds to realize that Mitch was talking about himself.

A few months later, Mitch continued, a confused teenager named Mitch entered the city with a bad case of amnesia and no identification whatsoever. He looked a little bit similar to poor Richard, although a lot thinner, with more hair and different-colored eyes. He just muttered senseless things about death the first days, but then his memory started coming back and he remembered his name and that he was going to study Biology in Green Town. He did, and later went on to study poisons exclusively. He got a job as a Gym Leader in Scorpio City.

Mitch paused for a little while, and finally went on:

Richard Brown doesnt like him at all, but what can poor Richard do? Long ago he cloaked himself with Mitch, and now thrives on the disguise

So youre youre seventeen? Mark asked slowly, still digesting the information. Mitch suddenly looked into his face; his shiny, gray eyes didnt seem to blink at all.

Richard is afraid of Mitch. He fears this man who has seen so much death, so much pain, so much sorrow. It is too much for a young boy. He never got to grow into an adult, having hidden away for so long.

Mitch still stared into Marks eyes. He was starting to understand why Mitch liked to look up when he talked; something about his gaze seemed to disconnect Mark from his surroundings and prevent him from looking away, giving Mitchs words odd importance. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized what Mitchs eyes reminded him of: Chaletwos. Like a weaker, non-fatal version.

Im not real, Mitch said softly, looking up again to Marks relief. Im a dead boy, and a made-up character. Do not make my mistake. Cloaking ones true identity will never cause anything but trouble.

They were silent for a long while. Mitchs lips finally curled into one of his faint smiles.

Youve heard about the animal world?

Yes, Mark replied, not sure why Mitch was asking. He had learned about it in History it was another world that had been discovered 874 years ago, marking the start of the calendar used now. After nearly 200 years, the Pokmon world scientists managed to open a gateway between them. The humans in the two worlds had apparently shared their technology and something until the animal world was destroyed.

I think humans came from there, Mitch continued.

What? Mark asked in disbelief. Humans were here long before that.

I think that wasnt the first time a gateway between the two worlds opened. Because you see, it makes perfect sense. Humans are animals. All other animals in this world were moved here from the animal world. And what are the odds that as complicated a species as humans would evolve in two separate worlds?

Mark nodded; that made sense.

Look here

Mitch moved away from the tree and knelt down.

This tree is all life. Ill put the most basic life forms at the bottom, here at the roots, and they advance as they go up. We have viruses here at the bottom.

He ran his finger a little bit up the trees trunk, stopping at a speck.

Bacteria. Still basic.

He slid his hand slowly up the tree. We go on we come to fungi, plants and finally animals, which humans are among

At this point he was pointing at a spot at his chest level or so.

But all the way up here

He moved his hand dramatically as far as he could reach without standing on tiptoe.

Pokmon.

He looked straight into Marks eyes again, his eyes shining brightly.

Pokmon are powerful, Mark. Extremely. If other animals came here with the humans, they landed in direct competition with the Pokmon, and didnt survive. Humans, on the other hand, figured out that they had one advantage over the Pokmon, and used it. They knew that their only hope to fight Pokmon was with other Pokmon, and they managed to cooperate with them. Very clever indeed. But when you think about it, the Pokmons end of the deal is still cleverer. They werent driven into the deal by any need. They could have wiped us out if the wanted but they didnt. They figured it would be for the good of everyone to make the deal.

I never thought about it that way, Mark admitted.

Mitch smiled slightly. I didnt expect you to. Farewell, Mark remember what I told you.

And with that, Mitch turned and walked away, only to disappear as soon as Mark took his eyes off him.

Chaletwo? Mark muttered, looking down at his Pokballs.

Yes? answered the telepathic voice.

Where am I and how far in the future?

The middle of Ruxido, two weeks after your death, Chaletwo said. Molzapart did a slight mass memory modification and now everybodys memories of you are buried a bit deeper. They will find you distantly familiar, but wont remember who you are unless theyre specifically reminded of it. The people who knew you well will still recognize you if they get a good enough look at you, though.

All right, said Mark nervously. Are my Pokmon still in my Pokballs?

Yes, Chaletwo replied. I made a copy of your body and clothes before you were buried and snatched your Pokballs before your Pokmon were released. Naturally, Molzapart helped by giving the person who was supposed to release them a fake memory of doing it.

Mark smiled. Thanks.

Chaletwo chuckled. No problem, Mr. Last Hope. And remember to talk to Ash Ketchum; Green Town is to your left.

Mark took a deep breath, turned left and walked as straight as he could. As the trees thinned, he heard a voice he recognized:

Pupitar, just Thrash the stupid thing!

May! Mark called, running in the voices direction. He caught a glimpse of blue hair behind a tree and soon the whole of May, hissing angrily at her blue cocoon as a yellow and black-striped Beedrill fluttered frantically away. She looked blankly at him and first, then furrowed her brow like she was trying to remember something.

Mark! she suddenly realized. Then she shook her head. Oh, never mind. I thought you were somebody else.

Mark walked up to her; she stared at him.

You cant be she said slowly.

Its me, I have to tell you Mark started.

But who got killed? she interrupted blankly.

That was also me, Mark said, but let me explain

May raised her eyebrow. Have you been out in the sun for too long?

No! Mark yelled in frustration. Im trying to

You cant both be dead and be here.

SHUT UP! Mark screamed. She raised both of her eyebrows this time.

Thank you, he said angrily before continuing to tell her all of the clear memories of his conversation with Chaletwo and Molzapart. Unfortunately, May was about the worst listener imaginable. She interrupted every few sentences, usually with something he was just coming to, and after he had finally struggled through the whole thing, she raised her eyebrow yet again. That, Mark had learned, was never a good sign.

That sounded like something youd think of while high on weed, she said.

Its true! Mark said hotly.

Then prove it send out Molzapart and Chaletwo.

Mark was about to yell something angry at her when another voice broke in:

Hes not lying.

Chaletwo, Mark thought with relief.

Chaletwo? May asked shakily.

Indeed, the Legendary replied. He can not send us out of the Pokballs. It is too risky as the other Legendaries might spot us. And now that you have learned about all of this, we have no choice but to erase your memory or...

Im not getting my bloody memory erased! May hissed. He decided to tell me, for crying out loud!

Either that or you help him, Chaletwo said simply.

Fine, Ill help him! May snapped. Are we going to see Ash Ketchum, then?

Yeah, Mark replied. Getting her to help was why he had gone to talk to her in the first place; he wasnt sure why, but he enjoyed her company.
~Butterfree/Dragonfree/antialiasis of The Cave of Dragonflies

Still not going to sprite for your fangame. Sorry, but I don't really sprite or give out permission for people to use my fake Pokémon anymore.

Dragonfree

Teh Spwriter. :3

Age 33
Female
Iceland
Seen February 9th, 2020
Posted November 28th, 2012
1,290 posts
19.1 Years
-------

They set off on an uneventful journey towards Green Town. They didnt meet anybody on the way, although Mark was constantly worrying about it. May seemed rather grumpy; she was walking rather fast, staring straight ahead and not talking to Mark although he wasnt really trying to start a conversation either.

When they finally reached Alans house, May knocked on the door. Mark stood slightly behind her, rather nervous about Alans reaction to seeing him. They heard footsteps and the door opened.

Alan looked uninterestedly at May for a second, and then his gaze ran over to Mark. Alan stared at him for a few seconds, his mouth falling slightly open.

Youre dead, he said blankly.

Ill explain inside, said Mark tiredly as Alan stepped aside, still staring at him. They walked into the kitchen.

I saw it with my own eyes Alan continued weakly. Chaletwo opened his eyes and Ill eat Pamela if it wasnt you

Cant you see hes no more dead than you are? said May annoyed as they sat down

I Im not dead, Alan said confusedly.

Lets just pretend both of us are alive for now, okay? Mark suggested. Ill explain.

And he started telling the whole story again. This time it was significantly easier, since Alan listened quietly without interrupting (except for one I told you Chaletwo wasnt evil!).

Wow, Alan breathed as Mark finished.

So Mark said hesitatingly, are you having problems believing me?

Alan shrugged. Well, I really should have known. Chaletwo had to have a reason to do that. And youre alive, which makes it sound sensible enough.

Mark almost laughed at how different Alans reaction was from Mays, but he held it back.

Um, wheres your father? he asked.

Who, me? came a voice from behind him. Mark turned around to find Ash walking into the kitchen. He stopped in his tracks as he spotted Mark.

Ah, he then said. Mark and Alan stared at him with a puzzled expression. Ash slowly sat down.

You were killed by Chaletwo, werent you? he asked quietly.

Yes, Mark replied, slightly confused.

You wont need to explain, Ash sighed. Molzapart told me years ago about the War of the Legends and requested of me to try to catch some of the Legendaries, but as much as Id have liked to try, I was extremely busy; if I cancelled everything and went on a journey suddenly, it would look very suspicious. He suggested killing me and bringing me back, but I didnt want to because of Alan, who was young at the time. I also pointed out that there was no guarantee the kids couldnt do it themselves in a few years. So he gave in and told me that they would send somebody to me as a last resort if they were getting really desperate.

Why? Alan asked. Why you?

Ash smiled slightly. Ive had extraordinary luck with Legendaries. Molzapart said it was some sort of a subconscious connection that brought us together.

So youre going to come with me to make it easier to find them? Mark asked slowly.

Thats the basic idea, yes, Ash sighed. Of course Im still busy, but I can make some kind of an excuse since were running short on time.

Dad, said Alan suddenly, do you think I have that too?

Have what? Ash asked.

That subconscious connection with Legendaries.

Hmm, came Chaletwos telepathic voice, apparently having listened to everything, we never thought of that. Have there been any signs of something like that in the boy?

Rainteicune, said Ash, looking at his son.

Maybe I should go in your place, Alan said. After all, youre busy and stuff. Much easier for me to go.

Its worth a try, Chaletwo commented. After all, a 15-year-old suddenly deciding to leave on a journey sounds a lot likelier than a 37-year-old.

Ash raised his eyebrow. You never struck me as the type to have any interest in saving the world, to tell you the truth, Alan.

Alan shrugged. Sounds more fun than sitting here itching to know whether the world is going to be saved while thinking about how my father is yet again proving how much better he is than me.

There was a short, uncomfortable silence.

Im sorry, Alan, Ash sighed. It would probably be better if you went.

Its okay, Dad, Alan muttered.

Suddenly he grinned and ran upstairs. A few seconds passed; Mark, May and Ash gave each other puzzled looks until Alan came sprinting down the stairs again, holding a battered Pokmon League cap. Ash suddenly cracked up.

Cant go on an adventure without Dads old cap, can I? Alan laughed, putting it on. The white front of it was decorated with a green, fancy L-shaped Pokmon League symbol. Mark recognized it as the famous cap Ash Ketchum had journeyed with and smiled slightly.

Well, Ash said cheerfully, lets pack.

-------

The three of them left the house, waving goodbye to Ash. After walking only a few steps, Mark stopped.

What now? he asked emptily. Where am I supposed to go? You have a subconscious connection with Legendaries, but if its subconscious, we dont know where we should go to find them.

Well, Alan said, dont they say the best way to find something is not to look for it? That certainly seems to apply here. I wasnt looking for Rainteicune, and Dad wasnt looking for the Legendaries he found.

But what, does that mean I should just continue along my merry way and battle Gym Leaders like nothing ever happened?

Alan shrugged. For example.

I cant just go around battling Gym Leaders when the world is ending! Mark said in frustration.

Got a better idea?

Mark fell silent. It didnt feel right at all to just continue his journey.

Suicune, he suddenly realized. Suicune always appears at the Lake of Purity. We should hurry there and then we can worry about Gym battles.

The fastest way to Cleanwater from here is through Stormy Town, which actually is the next city with a Gym, Alan pointed out. You could as well grab a badge there as we pass through, if you did go with the badge thing.

But Mark protested.

Look, Mark, May interrupted, whatever youre going to do, I want my badges. Im going to Stormy Town and challenging the bloody Gym whether you like it or not, and if youre not going to get your badge too, thats your problem.

Err Mark sensed that he was alone; deep down, he also wanted to get the rest of his badges, since he had been through the trouble of getting half of them already.

Fine. But I dont even have the badge from the Green Town Gym yet.

Go ahead and get it, said May. I can just talk to Alan or something. Theres a bench over there.

Mark sighed as they walked over there. He waved absent-mindedly and started walking towards the Green Town Stadium, where the Gym battles supposedly took place. He couldnt help feeling he was actually more determined and confident as a trainer now than he had been before he wanted to continue his journey and compete in the Ouen League, although that wasnt what he was supposed to be focusing on.

Why couldnt that have happened earlier?
~Butterfree/Dragonfree/antialiasis of The Cave of Dragonflies

Still not going to sprite for your fangame. Sorry, but I don't really sprite or give out permission for people to use my fake Pokémon anymore.

Dragonfree

Teh Spwriter. :3

Age 33
Female
Iceland
Seen February 9th, 2020
Posted November 28th, 2012
1,290 posts
19.1 Years
He nervously walked into a small building beside the stadium that had a rusty sign saying GYM CHALLENGES HERE above the door. It contained a small table, a coffee machine and two girls sitting by the table. One looked around eighteen years old, and was stunningly beautiful, with long, dark hair and wearing a green outfit. The other looked maybe twelve or thirteen, had light green hair in pigtails and wore a white T-shirt depicting various Grass Pokmon.

Hello? said the older one in a bored voice.

Er, Im here for a badge, Mark said.

Of course youre here for a badge, she replied snappily. Why else would you be here?

Um, Mark said unsurely, a bit surprised by her reactions, I guess.

So anyway, junior trainer first, she said lazily as the younger girl stood up and gestured for Mark to follow her. He walked hesitantly with her out of the building and into the huge arena, where they took their places.

Three on three. Ready, go, Tangela! said the junior trainer in a high-pitched voice. She threw a Pokball into the arena, which popped open as it landed on the ground and allowed a weird Pokmon to take shape Mark was reminded of a bundle of turquoise spaghetti with two round eyes in the middle. It didnt help that for some reason, it was wearing bright red shoes.

Mark took one of his Pokballs off his belt.

Charizard, go!

He hurled it forward and a red beam of light materialized into the orange dragon. He had heard that Tangela were rather weak, but he would rather stay on the safe side.

Tangela, Sleep Powder! yelled the girl.

Charizard, beat your wings to blow it away!

Two of the vines that covered her Pokmons body shot forward and held Charizards wings in place while it shook itself vigorously, causing a cloud of green, sparkling dust to be released into the air. Charizard, rather than risking to inhale the powder while attempting to attack the vines, shut his mouth tightly and turned his head away in order not to be affected by the spores; unfortunately he soon relaxed in the Tangelas grip and sank down to the floor, fast asleep.

No! Mark shouted in frustration. Wake up!

Tangela, Slam!

The Tangela started smashing its vines into Charizards body like whips, muttering Tan-gela! Tan-gela! as it did. After a bit of beating while Mark tried desperately to wake his Pokmon, Charizards eye twitched slightly and then opened. He got up with a roar, took a deep breath and spewed a blast of bright flames at the Grass Pokmon. It stood there charred for a second, but then collapsed.

Tangela, return, said the girl. Sunflora, do it!

She sent out a peculiar flower Pokmon. The petals were bright yellow, surrounding the happy-looking face, which Mark found creepy for some reason. Then it had a green stalk-like body with leaves for arms, which it was currently waving around like it was trying to fly or something.

Sunflora, Sunny Day!

The flower sang a sweet note and the sunlight above intensified greatly; the arena grew very hot.

What the heck? Mark thought, stroking sweat off his forehead. Why would she be powering up my Pokmons attacks? And Solarbeam isnt exactly the attack of choice to use on a Charizard

Flamethrower! he shouted, and the dragon fired a great stream of flames at the Sunflora. It was engulfed in it completely and shrieked in pain; when the fire cleared, it was already down.

The girl silently recalled her Pokmon and took out the third and last ball.

Go, Jumpluff!

The Pokmon that came out was ball-shaped and blue, with two tiny legs. Its arms, however, had puffy cotton-like balls on the ends, almost as big as the body. It also had a similar cotton ball sticking out of its head. Mark found it rather freaky, especially when it just floated into the air like a balloon.

Err Charizard, another Flamethrower, he ordered. Charizard shot forth yet another Flamethrower, but Mark was surprised to discover that the Jumpluff was unbelievably fast. It zoomed easily out of the way in the air, agile as a Taillow, and stuck its tongue out at Charizard.

Jumpluff, Cotton Spore! the girl yelled. Again, the Grass Pokmon moved quickly; it shook its puffs, releasing a cloud of cotton-like material that covered Charizard. He coughed and was having a rather hard time moving in it, but he flapped his wings and managed to blow it away.

Jumpluff, use a Poisonpowder!

Jump! the Pokmon cried, shaking its arrms again. This time the puffs released purple dust.

Charizard, fly out of the way! Dont inhale it! Mark shouted desperately. Charizard took off from the ground, but the Jumpluff followed him, still at this bizarre speed. It was faster than the dragon and caught rapidly up with him; Charizard blasted a Flamethrower over his shoulder but the Jumpluff dodged it easily and then suddenly dove down and covered Charizards nostrils with the cotton balls. He coughed and spluttered, but it wouldnt let go; he breathed a bit of fire that lit the puffs and Jumpluff shrieked in pain before letting itself float a bit farther into the air, waving its arms frantically to put out the fire. Meanwhile, Charizard landed, looking rather sick and in pain. Mark figured that he had inhaled some of Jumpluffs poisonous spores.

Charizard, return, he sighed, absorbing the dragon back into the ball. He reached for another Pokball.

Scyther, finish it!

The mantis emerged from the ball and flew into the air, raising his scythes. He took aim at the grass Pokmon and shot towards it, but it darted out of the way. Scyther looked around, and then suddenly shot in the opposite direction.

The junior trainer looked surprised. Sleep Powder, she ordered with a hint of doubt. The Jumpluff darted towards Scyther, but slowly the sunlight started fading and the Grass Pokmon slowed down

This seemed to be what Scyther had been waiting for; he shot towards Jumpluff and started slashing it like mad. It shrieked and released a cloud of green spores in self-defense; Scyther coughed and attempted to slow himself down as he crashed to the ground. Mark looked at his Pokmon with a puzzled expression as he realized that Scythers eyes were still open.

The mantis winked.

Jumpluff, Sunny Day! the trainer ordered triumphantly as the Jumpluff started doing a weird dance and chanting something to get the bright sunlight from earlier back. Scyther lay completely still, pretending to be asleep.

And now, Leech Seed!

Pluff! squeaked the Pokmon, firing two dark green seeds from its puffs. They embedded themselves into Scythers exoskeleton and then vines started growing up towards Jumpluff. They wrapped themselves tightly around the Pokmon.

Scyther suddenly rose up. He stretched out his scythes and then started spinning around in marvellous dance of flashing movements. At the same time, the Leech Seed vines wrapped around him and literally reeled Jumpluff in. The Grass Pokmon desperately tried to get away, but was bound by the powerful vines and pulled closer and closer to the mantis.

Scy, Scyther growled as he stopped, the Jumpluff having been dragged almost up to him. Then he slashed it powerfully, and the Grass Pokmon slipped into unconsciousness.

Jumpluff, return, said the girl, recalling her Jumpluff and the Leech Seed in a beam of red. Ill fetch the Leader for you.

Mark smiled at Scyther and recalled him. The junior trainer hadnt been too hard after all, he had defeated her three Pokmon using two of his but the leader was sure to be harder.

The older girl entered, holding a Pocket Healer. She gave it to Mark without words and walked over to her place on the arena as Mark put Charizard and Scythers Pokballs into it, healing them.

My name is Flora and I am the leader of the Green Town Gym, she announced as Mark put the Pocket Healer down on the ground. However, there are a few things you should know.

Mark nodded.

Firstly, Flora began, I hate perfume.

Huh? Mark asked confusedly, not sure what that was supposed to mean. She ignored him.

I train Grass Pokmon because they can use powders, **** it! Why do I always have to be met with that stupid stereotype? Im not a flower hippie, get it?

Um, okay, Mark replied unsurely.

Secondly, Flora added in an even more disgusted voice, my name is my parents fault, not mine! Its not MY fault if my parents happened to give me a name that sounds like a pun! I hate it! I hate it all!

She kicked a rock off the arena and took a few deep breaths.

Now, she said after calming a bit down, lets get this **** battle over with. Youre probably going to win like everybody else, because as the fifth Gym Leader, I cant use Pokmon past a certain level, but nobodys limiting you from training as much as you like. And Grass Pokmon have a lot of weaknesses, so people just stroll through here with their Fire or Ice or Flying Pokmon, just because Gyms are forced to have some kind of a strict theme to the Pokmon they use. Heck, I could just give you the **** badge right now, because we all know that even if you lose, youre just going to train a bit, come back and eventually beat me. I dont know why I even bother

During this speech her voice went back to that disgusted one, but now she paused.

Oh, wait, I do know. She smirked and took out a Pokball. Its fun.

Flora hurled the ball forward. Go, Victreebel!

The red energy from the ball formed into a gigantic pitcher plant with two evil eyes and a heart-shaped leaf draping over the fanged, gaping mouth. Mark shuddered; it was another one of those horror-movie Pokmon. He remembered seeing a gory scene with one crunching up a Growlithe sometime on TV.

Mark took out Charizards ball. Using Pocket Healers felt odd; it didnt seem like Charizard could suddenly be at full health again.

Go, Charizard!

The dragon materialized from the ball and took off the ground, watching Victreebel closely.

Charizard, Flamethrower!

Victreebel, Sludge Bomb!

Flames formed in Charizards throat as he got ready to send a blast of fire at the pitcher plant; the Victreebel meanwhile shut its mouth with its leaf and shut its eyes.

Charizard fired the Flamethrower and the silky flames struck the Grass Pokmon. It let out a deep sound but as soon as the fire cleared, the singed Victreebel lifted its leaf from its mouth and spewed out deep purple acid straight at Charizard. The dragon didnt have time to dodge and was stricken by the blast; he was thrown backwards in the air and needed a bit of time to regain his balance. Flora seized the opportunity.

Stockpile!

Mark watched in disbelief as the Pokmon started munching on its own leaf. Stockpile, Stockpile there had been an entire lesson devoted to it in Battling Strategies at school, but as usual he didnt remember any of it. He had been too busy drawing an Arcanine. He silently cursed his lack of attention in school.

Charizard, having landed with a sickly look on his face, stumbled back towards Victreebel, flapping his wings in an unsuccessful attempt to fly.

Victreebel, Spit Up!

The pitcher plant suddenly bent forward, aiming its rounded mouth at Charizard like a cannon, and spat out green goo what Mark presumed to be the remains of the leaf mixed with some acids. It hit the dragon right in the face as he seemed too sick to dodge; he roared in pain.

Charizard, dont give up! Mark shouted desperately as Charizard shook his head to get the disgusting slime off his muzzle. If a Fire Pokmon lost to Floras first Grass type, Mark had practically no hope of winning with his other Pokmon that didnt have a type advantage.

He suddenly had an idea, seeing Victreebel back in its upright position and remembering how it had closed its mouth with its leaf earlier when Charizard attacked. Charizard, if you possibly can, fly above it.

The dragon managed to take off unsteadily.

Victreebel, Sludge Bomb!

Charizard, Flamethrower straight down! Now, before it attacks! Mark yelled quickly, hoping for Charizard to make the first move. His first Pokmon didnt fail him; Charizard fired a bright tongue of flames downwards into the pitcher plants mouth. It let out a scream of pain, but still managed to retaliate with another spurt of purple acid. Charizard crashed into the ground, his eyes closed; Mark got that stinging feeling of having driven him too far as he recalled his Pokmon.

His hand almost instinctively reached for Scythers Pokball, but he stopped at the last second. No, this wasnt working. Hed have to try to be a bit clever.
~Butterfree/Dragonfree/antialiasis of The Cave of Dragonflies

Still not going to sprite for your fangame. Sorry, but I don't really sprite or give out permission for people to use my fake Pokémon anymore.

Dragonfree

Teh Spwriter. :3

Age 33
Female
Iceland
Seen February 9th, 2020
Posted November 28th, 2012
1,290 posts
19.1 Years
Mark thought hard; meanwhile Flora commanded her Victreebel to use Stockpile again and it started eating one of the large arm-like leaves on its side by flexing its body. What Pokmon did he have again? Charizard, Scyther, Jolteon, Dragonair, Sandslash and Gyarados. Wait, hadnt he switched one of them for Leta? He took out his Pokdex and ran it past his Pokballs. He didnt have Dragonair.

Sandslash was pretty much crossed out; he was weak to Grass attacks. Since this was a five-on-five, he would probably be using all his other Pokmon. But what about Leta? She was so low-leveled.

Victreebel, Swallow!

Mark looked up; Victreebel swallowed the leaf if had been chewing and looked a bit healthier afterwards. Something in his mind abruptly told him to wait a second.

Pokmon were restricted to using four moves in official matches like Gym battles.

Victreebel had used Sludge Bomb, Stockpile, Spit Up and Swallow four moves. No more surprises from Victreebel if Flora played by the rules

What was more, this meant Sandslash wasnt useless. Mark smiled; he did know that Ground types were resistant to poisons.

Go, Sandslash!

The pangolin emerged from the ball and stretched. He blinked, eying his opponent more with interest than fear.

Mark felt a little guilty for the strategy that struck his mind; something told him it was a bit nasty. But hey, if getting a Victreebels salvia all over ones face wasnt nasty, what was?

Sandslash, Mark ordered, tear up its leaf.

Both the heart-shaped one that had covered the mouth and the right arm-leaf had already fallen victim to the pitcher plants own attack; Sandslash dashed towards the left one with his sharp claws in the air and started slashing at it. The Victreebel shook itself violently and sprayed a shower of acid over the two Pokmon, but Sandslash didnt seem to be affected very much by it. Within seconds, Victreebels last leaf was in shreds.

No more Stockpile.

And if Mark remembered correctly, Spit Up and Swallow didnt do anything unless the Pokmon Stockpiled first.

**** you! Flora hissed. Victreebel, Sludge Bomb that thing! Swallow it whole! Whatever!

The Grass Pokmon hesitated, not sure what to make of those orders, and Sandslash grabbed the opportunity to stab all three of his right claws into Victreebels body. It screamed in pain and twisted around in agony for a second, letting loose another spray of acids, but then fell limp.

Oh great, return. Flora rolled her eyes as the red beam from the Pokball recalled the pitcher plant. Bellossom, do your thing.

She sent out a very small, cute Pokmon. It appeared to be wearing a skirt of leaves in different shades of green; two red flowers decorated the top of its head.

Bellossom, Sunny Day!

Mark wanted to smack himself for bringing Charizard out first even right after a demonstration of Grass Pokmon becoming annoying with Sunny Day.

Sandslash, Slash it quickly!

Bellossom chanted something and made the sun brighter as the pangolin ran forward with his claws raised. Sandslash slashed across the Bellossoms body, leaving three red streaks; the Grass Pokmon squealed in pain.

Bellossom, Solarbeam!

A golden orb of light formed on Bellossoms head, and then it bent forward, pointing straight at Sandslash. It fired a great beam of solar power that sent Sandslash skidding backwards and left burn marks on his hide.

Sandslash, try to

Another Solarbeam!

Bellossom immediately fired a second beam, and Sandslash couldnt take it anymore. He tumbled backwards and collapsed.

Sandslash, return, Mark muttered. This time he didnt have to think. Scyther, do it!

The green mantis came out of the Pokball and smiled slightly at the sight of his opponent. Flora hissed.

Okay, do a Fury Cutter!

Scyther instantly took off into the air and swooped down towards Bellossom, his scythes glowing slightly green.

Bellossom, Stun Spore!

Bellossom was incredibly fast and shook itself to release a cloud of yellow, sparkling spores. Scyther couldnt avoid inhaling them as he struck Bellossom with his glowing scythe. The paralysis came quickly into effect, making Scythers flight more irregular. He managed to get down and strike the Grass Pokmon one more time with his scythe, but then he gave up and landed with difficulty.

Bellossom, Synthesis.

No! Mark protested, but the plant closed its eyes in concentration to absorb sunlight and heal its wounds. Great. Now all the effort had been for nothing.

Scyther, um Mark blushed as he realized that he honestly wasnt sure what Scyther could do. He had only made him use Fury Cutter and Slash.

Wing Attack? Mark said unsurely. Scyther nodded and ran towards Bellossom to beat it with his glossy wings. The Grass Pokmon cried out in pain.

Bellossom, Synthesis, Flora simply said, and the plant healed itself again.

Scyther, try attacking it a few more times, Mark ordered, forming a plan. Scyther was having a bit of a hard time since he was still paralyzed; once he tried to slash but wasnt fast enough and Bellossom shot out of the way. Hitting with Wing Attack was a bit easier. Flora just kept telling her Pokmon to heal itself, but Mark saw how Bellossom was clearly growing tired and it was taking more effort to use Synthesis.

One more Wing Attack, Mark finally said, and Scyther (who was also growing tired) struck Bellossom with his wings again. Bellossom was clearly getting too fatigued to heal itself.

Slash!

Scyther growled, bringing his scythe down on the Bellossoms body and cutting some leaves off its shirt. It squeaked like a plush toy and moved no more.

Flora sighed and recalled it. Venusaur, go.

Mark looked at Scyther and bit his lip. The huge, green, dinosaur-like toad that Flora sent out was healthily enjoying the sun as the flower on its back released a sweet aroma, but the mantis was paralyzed and additionally the heat didnt seem very good for him. He was panting weakly.

Scyther Mark paused, do you think youre going to be able to get a hit in?

Scyther didnt answer; then he suddenly took flight, his scythes glowing lime green as he slashed across his opponents face. The green glow steadily grew as the Venusaur tried to back away or bite and the mantis kept cutting it. Then the paralysis kicked in; Scythers body stiffened up and he collapsed.

Scyther, come back, Mark sighed. Two of his best Grass-beating Pokmon were down, as well as the only one who was resistant to Poison. And Leta what use could she be? She was still much lower-leveled than the rest of his team. He would have to leave her out. That left him with Gyarados and Jolteon against three Pokmon that Flora had left.

Well, Jolteon had Pin Missile, didnt he? That would be good against pure Grass Pokmon, but not especially so against Venusaur if he remembered correctly. Using Gyarados would be his best bet.

Um he asked hesitatingly, cant you open that pool?

Flora smirked, clearly figuring that if Mark was resorting to Water Pokmon, the win was in the bag. She took a small remote like the one Ash had used to open the pool in the Attack Approval and pressed a button. A square-shaped section of the floor sank down below the rest and then slid under it, revealing the Water Pokmon pool.

Go, Gyarados!

Flora slapped her forehead at the sight of the blue sea monster, probably realizing he wasnt weak to Grass attacks.

**** it, she swore. Venusaur, Solarbeam!

Before either Mark or Venusaur managed to do anything, Gyarados lifted his head and roared loudly. In an instant, the bright sunlight faded; dark clouds started gathering on the sky instead, blocking out the sun. Venusaur started charging a Solarbeam as the first raindrops fell; Floras expression resembled an annoyed Tauros more than a human girl.

Gyarados, Dragon Beam! Mark shouted over the sound of the rain, wrapping himself in his jacket. Venusaur fired the Solarbeam, but in the rain it was just a pathetic little beam of light that Gyarados barely seemed to notice as he closed his eyes and started graying. The familiar red beam was fired from the sea monsters eyes at the Grass Pokmon; it was too slow to even attempt to dodge and was blasted with the beam. It roared; small icicles formed on its body and it became unable to move within seconds.

Flora let out an array of swear words directed at Gyarados, the stupidity of the Attack Approval and being wet from some stupid Rain Dance.

Venusaur, return, she said and took out her second-last Pokball. Go, Meganium!

Out of the ball came a large light green dinosaur of sorts with a large head. It also had antennae and bright red flower petals in a circle around its neck.

Meganiii! it cried out in a high-pitched, feminine voice at Gyarados. His expression remained the same.

Gyarados, Mark told him, use another Dragon Beam.

Meganium, use a Light Screen!

As Gyarados closed his eyes and turned greyscale, Meganiums eyes glowed deep golden and a translucent yellow shield of energy formed all around it. Gyarados shot forth his attack, but the Light Screen absorbed most of the beam, rendering it relatively harmless before it struck the dinosaur.

Now, Meganium, use a Sunny Day!

Meganium looked at the sky with a small cry, but as the rain started subsiding, Gyarados let out a deafening roar and as if the clouds were scared of him, the raining worsened even past what it had been earlier.

Flora cursed a bit more.

Gyarados, try something physical! Mark could never remember whether it was Reflect or Light Screen that countered special attacks, but at least it was either one or the other. And since Light Screen had countered that Dragon Beam

Gyarados lunged forward with a roar. Indeed, the Light Screen wasnt solid and he got right through it, slamming into Meganium. However, this ended up as a kamikaze attack; Gyarados couldnt get back into the pool after this. He roared and thrashed madly around.

Meganium, Razor Leaf!

The dinosaur Pokmon let out a cry and fired a flurry of razor-sharp leaves from the petals around its neck. They all plummeted straight into Gyaradoss body; none of them really did much to his armour, but one of the last leaves went straight into his eye.

Gyarados let out an ear-splitting roar of pain; blood spurted out from his eye and Mark looked away before recalling Gyarados into his Pokball.

All right, go Jolteon.

Mark was losing his hope of winning as the spiked Eevee evolution appeared; Jolteons Electric attacks wouldnt be very effective especially with that Light Screen up, and Jolteon just werent known to be particularly good users of physical attacks although his Jolteon had actually used them fairly well. And Flora had two Pokmon left.

Jolteon, try a Pin Missile!

He crouched down and fired a flurry of small sharp hairs from his rear end towards the dinosaur. It passed through the Light Screen and Meganium cried out as it was bombarded by the attack.

Razor Leaf!

Return!

Jolteon was faster; he sped towards the dinosaur, charging a pink aura around him, and rammed into Meganium. The dinosaur seemed dizzy after the blow, but fired another bunch of leaves much fewer than last time, though. Jolteon tried to avoid them and his wiry fur stopped some of the ones that came from the wrong angle, but he got stricken by some and got a few cuts. Meganium, however, had had enough and collapsed on the ground, fainted.

Mark wasnt surprised to hear Flora swear as her Pokball absorbed the green dinosaur. Well, its time for my last against your last, she said. Cacturne, I choose you!

Out of her last Pokball came what looked at first like a green scarecrow it was probably the face with that evil mouth consisting of several holes lined up in a creepy grin along with creepy emotionless eyes. The weird head shape that resembled a hat didnt help. Then Mark noticed the spikes along its sides and realized it was more of a cactus. A very creepy cactus, that is. It had been sent out inside the protective Light Screen that Meganium had put up earlier.

Jolteon, Pin Missile! Mark shouted, and Jolteon fired more fur needles towards the cactus. It screeched eerily as it was hit, getting severely cut. Instead of blood, the Pokmon seemed to bleed water, which only made it seem creepier.

Cacturne, use an Ingrain!

Brown, twisted roots started growing out of Cacturnes feet and digging into the ground. Mark saw its wounds start to close. He would have to act fast.

Jolteon, try another Pin Missile!

Cacturne, Sand-Attack!

Another barrage of pins showered through the rain to cut Cacturne up while the cactus prepared for its own attack. It somehow whipped a bit of sand out of nowhere and then made it fly straight into Jolteons eyes. He cried out, staggering backwards while trying to get the sand out of his eyes. Meanwhile he managed to continue firing the Pin Missile although his aim was suffering greatly. The spiky fur on his back was growing considerably thinner. Cacturne let out more screeches as Jolteon got the sand out of his eyes. The rain was still falling.

Jolteon, try a Return!

Needle Arm!

Jolteon leapt towards Cacturne and struck it, glowing with pink energy, but then the cactus swung one of its spiked arms and smashed it into Jolteon. He was thrown out of the Light Screen.

Jolteon stood weakly up, and Mark realized he was on the edge of fainting. Around Cacturne, the yellow bubble was fading into nothing.

Then it was as if a realization came over Jolteon.

Jooolt! he cried, sparkling with electricity as he manipulated the electric charge both in the clouds above and his opponent. A magnificent bolt of lightning struck right from the clouds into Cacturnes body with a roar of thunder, practically lighting the cactus on fire as it let out a piercing scream. Then it dropped to the ground, deep-fried and unconscious.

**** your Rain Dance! Flora shouted, recalling her smoking Cacturne. Fine, youll get your badge!

She threw a small object to him; it was a rather simple round silvery plate like the others, but this one was carved with a leaflike pattern on top. He put it in his pocket as he smiled at the exhausted Jolteon and recalled him.

Nice match, he commented as they walked out through the doorway. Flora merely stormed back into the small building without answering.

Mark shrugged, felt the badge in his pocket and headed back towards Ashs house.
~Butterfree/Dragonfree/antialiasis of The Cave of Dragonflies

Still not going to sprite for your fangame. Sorry, but I don't really sprite or give out permission for people to use my fake Pokémon anymore.