Chapter 515: Mural and Assailant (3)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Celestic Town]
On the ground, Cyrus gazed at the shattered remnants of his camera device, a faint dusting of glass on the tips of his pristine black boots. Pearl's refusal, delivered with such defiant flair, sparked a cold amusement in him.
A low chuckle rumbled in his chest, growing in volume, morphing into a guttural, almost primal roar that echoed through the ruin chamber, "Hoooowa! HOoooowa!! HOOoooowa!!! HOOOOOWAAAAA!!!"
*FWOOOOOSH*
The surrounding air shimmered. His Pokémon, Probopass and Magnezone, reacted instantly. A visible surge of energy pulsed around them, their forms seeming to grow in power, their eyes glowing with increased intensity.
*HWOOOOOSH*
And then, as if summoned from the very fabric of Sinnoh, a thick, swirling fog, identical to the infamous Route 210 fog, manifested around them, obscuring vision in an instant. Platinum cried out, her voice laced with panic, "Diamond! Pearl!"
She could no longer see them, only the swirling, impenetrable grey around her. She exclaimed worriedly, "Granny, we have to go to them!"
Before Cynthia's grandmother could respond, Cyrus's voice boomed through the mist, resonant and chilling, "Earth Power!"
*THUMMMM*
*KA-KREK*
The very ground trembled. A deep, resonant THUMMM echoed beneath their feet, followed by a splitting CRACK that tore through the stone…
*RRRMBL*
A towering pillar of rock, jagged and sharp, erupted from the floor, shooting upwards with incredible speed, ensnaring Diamond and Pearl within its ascent. Their startled cries were swallowed by the rush of wind as they were launched high into the air, reaching towards the unseen ceiling of the cavern.
Cyrus's voice reverberated from the now-clearing fog, his form slowly becoming visible amidst the swirling remnants, "This… is my reply."
Pearl, clutching onto the rough-hewn rock, looked down in horror. He saw Probopass, its magnetic 'mustache' glowing intensely, its body vibrating with raw power. The pillar wasn't just a random act; it was a deliberate manipulation.
Probopass had invoked the very minerals of the ground, drawing them up with its powerful magnetic force, creating this impossible spire. A cold dread seeped into Pearl's heart. Cyrus was immensely powerful.
If the battle continued like this, they wouldn't stand a chance. He was a force of nature, a man who would not let anything – not even the powerful willpower or the raw, sympathetic emotions of two kids – stand in his way.
Cyrus glanced at a device on his wrist, his expression unwavering. He was late. His minions, no doubt, were confused, awaiting his orders.
A slight irritation flickered in his eyes. He raised a hand as he commanded, his voice sharp, "Honchkrow… Defog."
*Pop*
With a beat of dark wings, a Honchkrow materialized, its deep caw echoing through the chamber…
*FWP*
It flapped its wings powerfully, sending gusts of wind that quickly dispersed the lingering fog, revealing the full extent of the rock pillar and the stunned group below. As the last tendrils of mist dissipated, a sleek, black car, its engine a low thrum, appeared seemingly out of nowhere, stopping silently beside Cyrus.
He walked towards it, his movements fluid and precise, and opened the door. Before stepping inside, he cast one last glance back at the two boys, still perched precariously high on the rock pillar. He mused internally, 'Strong willpower, sympathetic emotion…. They possess raw potential. But they lack wisdom. They require direction.'
*KRA-BOOOOM*
However, his internal musings were cut short. His gaze drifted beyond Diamond and Pearl, towards the distant chaotic battle still raging. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly as he saw it: the Sandstorm tornado, once so formidable, was finally dissipating, having been broken by sheer force.
Azure's side, though clearly beat-up and battered, was still standing, pushing back against the Legendaries with a renewed, furious offensive. Entei and Landorus, their forms flickering with residual energy, were being forced onto the defensive.
Cyrus's expression hardened. His objective here was complete, at least for now. He had wasted enough time.
*SNAP*
With a sharp snap of his fingers, he recalled both Entei and Landorus, their forms dissolving into crimson light as they returned into their respective Master Balls. Both Legendary Pokémon, even in their compressed states, emitted faint, bitter expressions, a silent testament to their suppressed wills and the fierce struggle they had been forced into under him…
*SHIIII*
But Cyrus was caught by surprise. Just as the Master Balls zipped towards his hand by an unknown force, a shimmering aura of blue light erupted from Azure, who stood defiantly in the distant battle zone.
Cyrus recognized this alarmed thought, 'Telekinesis!'
*HUMMMM*
With a grunt of effort, Azure's psychic ability reached out, halting the Master Balls mid-air. Simultaneously, his Magnezone, now fully visible among his battered but victorious team, emitted a powerful magnetic field, pulling all metallic items towards it – including Cyrus's prized Master Balls.
Azure, despite his exhaustion, gritted his teeth, his arms shaking with the strain. He tried to pull the Master Balls towards him, to break them, to free the Legendaries from their enforced servitude.
*VUMMMM*
But Magnezone's magnetic pull was too much. The Master Balls hovered, caught in a tug-of-war of immense power…
*HISSSSS*
Then, from high above, a sudden flash of brilliant orange and red light seared through the air. A powerful, concentrated fireball, blazing with incredible heat, streaked downward with impossible speed…
*BOOOM*
It struck Entei's Master Ball with devastating force, incinerating it instantly in a burst of light and showering sparks. Everyone, Cyrus included, reeled back in shock.
*FWP*
The source of the attack became clear as a magnificent Moltres, its wings beating rhythmically, descended from the sky like a fiery divine messenger. Cyrus frowned as he thought, 'The Kanto Dex Holder...'
Leaf Green perched resolutely on its back. Cyrus's expression, for the first time, showed a hint of genuine frustration. He cut his losses.
*Swf*
With a terse command, he stepped fully into the car. As he slammed the door shut, Magnezone, with a silent flicker, used Teleport, vanishing entirely from the situation, leaving only a cloud of dust and the lingering scent of ozone.
Azure, his face pale with exhaustion, slumped to the ground, his Telekinesis dissolving, the mental and physical strain finally catching up to him. He was tired, but victorious.
Diamond said calmly, his voice hushed, looking around at the now-still town, "The… the air… it's changed…"
Pearl nodded in agreement and uttered, "In an instant."
Platinum, her initial fright replaced by immense relief, rushed forward in relief and said, "Oh, you two! I'm so glad you're alright!"
Cynthia's grandmother, after taking a moment to compose herself, approached them, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Diamond as she thanked him, "Diamond, you did your best to prevent Cyrus from taking that camera. And you succeeded."
Diamond blushed as he replied sheepishly, "Oh, it was nothing…"
Pearl clapped him on the shoulder, a genuine smile on his face as he added, "Nothing? You were brilliant, Dia!"
Granny nodded, then pulled out her Rotom Phone. She tapped a few keys, and Cynthia's face appeared on the screen, her expression one of concern as she reported the events, her voice hushed but clear, "I must contact Cynthia immediately. She needs to know what has transpired here..."
Cynthia said in a serious tone, her gaze serious as she stated, "I understand, Grandmother…. We'll have to set up a significant force to protect these ruins. Cyrus's interest here is… deeply troubling."
Platinum, listening intently, suddenly brightened as she exclaimed, "Protect them? Oh, that's wonderful! I'd love to study these ruins some more, as a scholar! I caught a glimpse of the wall paintings before the fog, even for a moment, and they seemed incredibly important. And those two paintings at the entrance… Cyrus gazed at them just before he left, too. I believe they hold vital clues."
Granny smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes as she replied softly, "You are very perceptive, Platinum."
*GROAN*
Suddenly, the ground beneath them rumbled again, a loud GROAN echoing through the chamber. Diamond and Pearl, who had barely moved from the rock pillar, screamed as it began to sway violently.
*SNAP*
With a deafening crash, the massive stone column cracked in half, sending them plummeting towards the hard ground below. Just as impact seemed inevitable, a fiery burst flashed from where Entei's Master Ball had been destroyed.
*SWOOOSH*
The Legendary Beast, now seemingly freed from Cyrus's oppressive control and surprisingly recovered, moved with astonishing speed. With a powerful surge, it swooped beneath the falling boys, its sheer force cushioning their descent, gently lowering them to the ground.
Diamond and Pearl stared, wide-eyed and stunned, at the magnificent Pokémon. Entei, its eyes now clear and filled with a fierce but benevolent light, then turned towards Azure and his exhausted Pokémon.
"ROAAAAR!!!"
*HISSS*
With a mighty roar, it unleashed a wave of Sacred Fire's Flames of Life, but this was no attack. The brilliant flames washed over Azure and his team, not burning, but enveloping them in a warm, restorative glow.
The group flinched, startled, but Green, now dismounting from Moltres, quickly reassured them. She explained, her voice calm, "No worries, gang. It's Entei's Flames of Life, which allows Entei to heal injuries and disease. It won't hurt them."
As the Flames of Life subsided, Azure and his Pokémon felt a surge of renewed energy. Their cuts and bruises faded, their exhaustion replaced by invigoration. Azure stood tall, a grateful smile on his face.
He said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation, "Thank you, Entei."
Entei met his gaze, a voice echoed in Azure's mind, clear and remorseful, 'Rainbow Hero… I apologize. For my forced actions. For attacking you. I was merely a puppet to his will…'
The Legendary Beast lowered its head, a gesture of profound respect added, 'I wish to atone. Allow me to join you on your quest. I will do everything in my power to free those still under Cyrus's control.'
Before Azure could fully process the telepathic message, Entei nudged an Ultra Ball, which had appeared from seemingly nowhere, towards him. With a final, determined glance, Entei allowed itself to be captured, dissolving into a flash of red light as the Ultra Ball clicked shut.
*BON*
Everyone stared, their jaws agape, at the Ultra Ball now in Azure's hand. Stunned shock. Every single one of them, save for Green.
The silence that followed was absolute. Pearl asked, his jaw hovering somewhere near his chest, "Did... did Azure just catch Entei?"
Platinum stammered, her scholarly mind trying to process the sheer impossibility of what she had witnessed, "A-A Legendary... Just like that? It chose him?"
Granny nodded slowly as she chukled lightly, stating, "The heart speaks to the heart. Cyrus forgot that. This boy... he is something else entirely."
Green merely offered a small, knowing smile. She'd seen stranger things in her time, travelling with Red and facing off against evils. Legendary Pokémon choosing their own path was a rare, but not unheard of, occurrence.
Azure helplessly smiled at his newest capture. He then checked Entei's status info as he thought fondly, 'Very well, old friend. Welcome to the team.'
[Entei, the Volcano Pokémon. 150 years ago, Brass Tower in Johto was hit by a lightning bolt, causing it to catch on fire, and it was later put out by a sudden downpour. Three unnamed Pokémon perished in the fire; however, the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh granted the trio new life. One of those Pokémon was revived as Entei, which represents the fire that destroyed the now Burned Tower.
It is said that an Entei is born whenever a new volcano appears, and that whenever Entei roars, a volcano erupts somewhere in the world. Entei races across grasslands at high speeds. It does this due to being unable to contain its extreme power.
Entei is believed to represent the passion of magma, and is claimed to be the bringer of the summer's warmth. Entei can unleash massive bursts of fire capable of destroying anything it touches. Its fire is said to be hotter than the magma of a volcano. Gouging Fire shares a resemblance to Entei. It is theorized to be an ancient Entei regenerated from a fossil.
Entei is known to sometimes leak flames from its mouth. It also leaks flames while it sleeps as well. After taking a good rest, Entei will sweep across the land, expelling waves of fire like an erupting volcano. Entei can be lured over to a sleeping spot using the Entei Incense. Entei has three different sleep styles it sleeps in, which are called Energy-Storing Sleep, Meditative Sleep, and Volcano Sleep.]
|Name: Entei (Volcano Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 80
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: [Charcoal]/[Flame Plate]/[Leftovers]
|Ability: Pressure (Inner Focus/Flash Fire)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Detect, Leer, Roar, Swagger, Calm Mind, Sunny Day, Will-O-Wisp, Smokescreen, Agility, Scary Face, Ember, Eruption, Overheat, Flame Charge, Flame Wheel, Fire Spin, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Fire Fang, Lava Plume, Heat Wave, Flare Blitz, Incinerate, Giga Impact, Hyper Beam, Crunch, Stomp, Extrasensory, Extreme Speed (IM), Flames of Life (IM), Sacred Fire (IM)
Azure turned to Green, a relieved smile gracing his lips. He asked cheerfully, "Green! What are you doing here?"
Green walked towards him, a slight shrug as she replied, giving him a wink, "Patrolling the area, following up on some weird energy readings. That strong wind from earlier, the one that nearly blew Moltres away, definitely led me here. And then… well, I saw everything. Quite the show, huh?"
*CLAP*
Seeing the tension still lingering, Azure clapped his hands together. He then asked the comedy duo lightly, "Alright, everyone. Things got heavy. Dia, Pearl, how about a joke? Something to lighten the mood?"
Pearl, still somewhat conflicted from his brief, intense standoff with Cyrus and the subsequent near-death experience, hesitated. But Diamond, much to Pearl's surprise, stepped forward, a thoughtful expression on his face, "A joke, huh? Hmm…"
Diamond cleared his throat, adopting a slightly theatrical stance. Dia began, his voice surprisingly deep and contemplative, "When I think of journeys, I think of battling… catching… breeding… healing… capturing… and raising them."
He paused, looking at the stunned faces. Pearl's eyes were wide; Dia was doing his own act, not one they'd rehearsed.
Diamond, sensing the surprise, continued, "But really, the journey… It's about the heart. It's about learning more about yourself and more about your opponents. About understanding what makes them tick, what drives them. Even someone like Cyrus… he has his reasons, twisted as they are. But a good punchline…"
Diamond trailed off, a slight frown on his face, and uttered sheepishly, "I can't think of a funny line for that."
Pearl, seeing his partner struggling, quickly stepped in and comically said, "Well, Dia, maybe the journey is about finding what you truly need… in the last place you look!"
A beat of silence. Then, Green burst into laughter, a clear, ringing sound that echoed through the ancient ruins, finally dispelling the last vestiges of the frightening confrontation, "Hahahaha!!"
She choked out between giggles, wiping a tear from her eye, "Oh, that's a good one! You two are quite the pair!"
As the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky in fiery hues, the group finally rested in Celestic Town. They gathered in the common room of a small, cozy inn, the scent of fresh-baked bread and warm tea filling the air.
The earlier events, however, still weighed heavily. Platinum began, her voice soft, "Azure… How did you… know Cyrus when you first met?"
Azure took a deep breath, looking at their expectant faces. He promised, his gaze lingering on Green, a silent communication passing between them, "I will explain everything… But not tonight. It's a long story, and we're all exhausted."
He offered a small smile as he added calmly, "Tomorrow morning, I promise. After we're all well rested."
Everyone nodded, understanding. The weight of the day was heavy, and a good night's rest was sorely needed.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Evening, Celestic Town]
Later that evening, after the others had retired, Pearl found Diamond sitting alone by a window, gazing out at the star-studded Celestic sky. He walked over, a rare seriousness gracing his features.
Pearl began, his voice softer than usual, "Dia… About… earlier. With Cyrus. And the joke. And… everything."
He trailed off, struggling to find the right words, "I'm sorry. For doubting you sometimes. For jumping to conclusions. And for being too focused on my own ideas."
He took a deep breath as he exclaimed honestly, "You were brave today, Dia. And your joke… it was really good. Better than anything I could have come up with."
Diamond remained silent for a moment, his gaze still fixed on the stars. Then, he turned to Pearl, a gentle smile gracing his face. He said simply as he extended a hand, "It's okay, Pearl. We're a team, right? Wanna… wanna try that joke act again tomorrow? Together?"
Pearl's face lit up, a genuine, joyful grin spreading across it. He clasped Diamond's hand, a silent understanding passing between them, "You bet, Dia!"
From the hallway, Platinum, having just stepped out to fetch a glass of water, paused. She listened, a quiet, pleased smile gracing her lips as she heard the two boys, her travel companions, finally making up.
The journey to Mt. Coronet, the ancient traditions, the mysteries of Sinnoh… they were forging bonds, growing not just in strength, but in heart and understanding. And in a world overseen by ruthless men like Cyrus, such bonds were the strongest power of all.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!