Whee. Probably my best one-shot to my opinion maybe apart from Last Defense, now better than ever. And it hasn't even changed that drastically.
Sunset Beach
A cream-coloured cat Pokmon sped across the forest.
It was a female. Otherwise covered with silky, soft fur, the purple velvet ruff around her neck, also covering her ears and forehead, didnt look naturally attached to her body. Yet, however unlikely it seemed, they were indeed body parts. So was the similar-looking tulip-shaped end of her tail.
Judging from her delicate legs, which you would expect to shatter like porcelain from the smallest impact, it seemed impossible that she could even keep her head up. Nevertheless, she was running sure-footedly, as if her life depended on it. And who knows, perhaps it did.
The Delcatty darted with amazing agility between the trees, dodging them so that all the years of precise training were clearly showing. A young Taillow sitting on a branch two metres above watched her and admired her accuracy and the grace of her catlike body, despite the fact that they were natural enemies.
But she didnt even notice him. All she cared about was getting to Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach had this name because it faced west so that one could see the sun sink into the sea in its full colourful glory every night, uninterrupted by the skyscrapers and pollution that often tended to block out the horizon and destroy the beauty of the setting sun inside and near big cities. Sunset Beach was very secluded. Only an occasional nature-loving human would come there to admire the wonders of nature and watch the wild Pokmon go to sleep in the treetops, holes and glades of Golden Woods.
But now, in late August, most of those white ravens of the world were either competing in the Pokmon League or watching it transfixed from their TV screens. The woods sparkled with wildlife, but no humans were there to interfere.
The Delcatty finally reached the edge of the forest. She slowed down as the golden light blinded her.
She sighed deeply in relief; she had reached the sanctuary.
Sunset Beach at sunset was a sacred place and time in the eyes of the Pokmon inhabitants of Golden Woods. No predator would chase its prey any farther than to Sunset Beach in the evening. And who could blame them? At such a beautiful place, no one would want to hunt and kill.
The Delcatty walked slowly down to the coast, sat down and gazed as if in a trance at the setting sun.
Whos there? a raspy, intimidating voice hissed, causing her to jump. She turned quickly around, her cat-heart pounding.
The owner of the voice was a giant, red crab Pokmon with a tan underbelly. A deadly pincer, at least the size of the Pokmons body, clicked on his left arm, and a significantly smaller one on the right side. His huge lower jaw, set with spikes pointing upwards, hung down, leaving his gaping mouth open as his royal eyes glared hungrily at her from the crown-shaped head.
The cat Pokmon instinctually backed away. The crab Pokmon crawled sideways after her with a murderous glint in his eyes.
Youd make a decent meal the crab rasped. He sped up slightly and managed to corner the Delcatty by a large rock.
Shouldnt I introduce myself first? The crab Pokmon twitched as if he was trying hard to resist the temptation of striking instantly, just for the pleasure of watching her shiver with fear.
My name is Argo.
His larger claw shot forward, but the terrified cat leapt to the side, avoiding it. She made a feeble attempt to escape, but her legs felt like rubber, trembling so that she could barely stand still, let alone run.
Im a Kingler.
You she said weakly. You c-cant kill me this is a sacred place
Do I look like I care? the Kingler snapped. Ive spent all my life on this so-called sacred place of yours, killing all I wanted, and I will do so to the end of my days!
At sunset no Pokmon should be killed on the beach, she whispered, salty tears forming in her eyes.
Very well, then, Argo growled. Ill just make sure you cant leave, and then Ill kill you when the sun has set. How does that sound?
The cat Pokmon made another attempt to run, but with a quick movement, Argos smaller claw locked around her tail and held her still.
So, said the crab slyly, isnt it polite to say your name when somebody has told you theirs?
Nanee, the cat Pokmon squealed, struggling without success to release herself from Argos grip.
Lovely name, said the Kingler slowly, dragging her nearer to himself. Has a soft sound to it...
He paused for a moment; nothing could be heard apart from Nanees breathing and the sound of the waves crashing upon the shore.
Yes, very nice name.
His claw pulled her closer. The Delcatty extended her claws, making unreasonable attempts to dig them into the sand. Argo smirked.
Ah, the stage of illogical escape plans, he rasped. All potential victims go through that one.
He paused, but then thoughtfully added: That is a bit worrisome, actually because Id prefer for you not to reach the next stage of panic before I eat you.
He raised his claw above his mouth, the cat Pokmon hanging limply from it. Then all of a sudden, an ancient instinct took control of her body and gave her strength.
Nanee hissed violently and opened her mouth as a bright orange orb formed inside it. A beam of energy blasted into the Kinglers mouth; he dropped her and was thrown backwards to end up on his back. His vulnerable underbelly showed clearly as he flailed around in unsuccessful attempts to get up.
The Delcatty was very weak. The Hyper beam had consumed most of her newly-attained energy. Nevertheless, eying the helpless Kingler caused her to come to a stop before leaving and running away. Her power-desiring Pokmon instincts now wanted to be paid back for saving her.
The Delcatty slowly walked up to the crab Pokmon and took a deep breath. She screwed her eyes shut in concentration and started emitting a bright yellow glow. Small sparks formed around her body, dancing across her fur. Finally, a bolt of lightning shot towards Argo. He roared in pain, but she shouldnt have let herself be tempted to attack him again. The Kingler was thrown back a little by the Thunderbolt and managed to get back to his feet. He immediately smashed his bigger pincer in the Delcattys direction with gritted teeth, hitting her left front leg hard. A sickening crack was heard.
Her battle instincts again sent energy flowing through her body and put her free will under the spell of survival. She let out a battle hiss as she shook herself violently. As if her body was a bell, a soft chime was heard. Her broken leg was enveloped in a blue glow as she closed her eyes in concentration. Argo watched, stunned, as the bones mended and the leg was left fully healed.
Nanee smirked. She had caught him off guard.
The cat looked upwards, at the golden sky, and started meowing in a sweet, silky voice. It put the old Kingler into a trance. Despite his best efforts, his eyelids dropped gradually as it became harder and harder for him to keep awake.
The Delcatty smiled and continued her beautiful cat-song about long-lost love and courage. The crab Pokmon felt his thoughts turn cloudy, and finally he slipped into a dream.
Nanee charged up electricity for a second Thunderbolt. Argo twitched in his sleep when the electricity surged through his body, but it didnt wake him from the enchanted sleep.
Nanee could now have escaped, but her subconscious will had completely taken over. Her eyes glowed deep violet as the Kingler started to twitch violently, small purple orbs starting to drain from his and swirling around her. After the glow in her eyes started to fade, the energy circling her started sinking into her body, giving her added strength.
Now, to finish off Argo, who was still in a deep slumber, Nanee took a deep breath and glowed bright white. She then tackled the sleeping Kingler at high speed. The recoil left her dizzy, but Argo started to wake up, opening his eyes slowly and weakly.
Nanee charged up electricity in her body again; yellow sparks flew around her head, and then a huge blast of lightning shot forward and hit the crab Pokmon. The Kingler froze for a second as Nanee breathed rapidly. Then his eyes rolled backwards into his skull and he collapsed.
Dead.
Nanees eyes widened in shock as she realized what she had done: she had killed on Sunset beach, while the sun was setting; a sacred place and time.
She quickly looked up in the direction of Golden Woods. She was relieved; there didnt appear to be any witnesses to her crime.
Or what? A small Taillow took off from a branch, eyes wide in horror and his little heart beating rapidly.
Nanee closed her eyes, then looked with regret at the dead Kingler. Slowly, she walked down the beach, towards the golden sun, a few steps into the beautiful ocean.
Forgive me she whispered so that she couldnt even hear the words herself.
She admired the sunset with glittering eyes, tears flooding down her cheeks.
~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.