Act 2: Chapter 21

Act 2: Chapter 21

Fallarbor isnt exactly what Lee expected it to be.

In the pokemon games, Fallarbor is a small, barren town on account of the volcanic ash from Mount Chimney. Much of central Hoenn is subject to a north-blowing jetstream, so once Mount Chimneys ashes are free of the volcanos updraft, they should be blown onto Fallarbor. That wouldnt make for a sustainable settlement in real life, though, constantly living in a downpour of soot.

In the anime, Fallarbor is just another town surrounded by lush green forests on all sides, as geography was never really accounted for. Why would it be? The mostly-child audience wouldnt care one way or another.

The reality is quite a bit more interesting.

As Lee, Brendan, and Zinnia begin their final approach into town, Lee looks up, finding the sky clear and blue. High, high above, wisps of gray and black soot flit in the air, only to stop as though hitting a wall around Fallarbors southern perimeter. More ash builds up along the invisible wall, persisting against the unseen barrier for fifteen minutes at a time, before its suddenly pulled down to a distant place on the ground, hidden from view by the forestry. Its as if a giant vacuum cleaner has sucked all of the ash up.

The Grumpig Glassmakers on the southern side of town are the ones keeping the place clean, Zinnia says, answering the unspoken question on Lees face. Whenever the volcano acts up, they use a big psychic net to catch all the ash that would fall into the town. Then they compress it, melt it, and make all sorts of stuff out of it. The place is regionally famous for its glass wind instruments.

Ninetales perks up, though with her being in her ball, only Lee notices. Truly? she asks. That sounds as if it might make an interesting stop.

Well have to swing by, then, Lee sends back.

How far away is your tribes land, Zinnia? Brendan asks, giving the Dragon Tamer a sidelong glance.

Zinnia looks up at the wispy soot above. Not far. The main village is situated outside of Meteor Falls to the west of town, and its a three-hour walk. With a pokemon mount, it's way shorter.

The main village? Lee questions. You mentioned a while back that we were actually going to a stronghold. I take it that the stronghold is within Meteor Falls itself?

Zinnia nods, her usual smile absent. Its been absent for the last several days. Yeah Its only accessible by air. Itll be a good place for us to hang out and train in peace.

And theyll be okay with outsiders like Brendan and I? Lee continues.

A frown finds its way to Zinnias face. If they arent, then Ill invoke my powers as Lorekeeper and declare you guys are necessary for the continued survival of the Draconids. I know I told Lee that I had some things to share she turns to Brendan, who stiffens under the intense stare and if you want to hear it Brendan, then you can too. Just be warned that, once you hear what I have to say about the Draconids and my mission as Lorekeeper, youre going to be involved in something big. Once were safely in the stronghold, I'll tell you guys everything.

Oh shit. Lee nearly forgot. He said he would tell Zinnia about his origins. Now the exchange is actually upon them, maybe less than a day away. What do I even say? Hey, this sounds crazy, but Im from a parallel universe where pokemon are just childrens entertainment? Im sure that will go over well.

You have Grovyle, Corviknight, and I to vouch for you Beloved, Ninetales silently soothes. If Brendan and Zinnia require proof, then I can give them whatever you wish me to.

Ah. Right. Lee did forget that Ninetales can actually use telepathy with other people if she cares to. He sighs in relief. That makes things so much easier

Its good to see that the secret dump is still on, Lee weakly jokes. Im still thinking about the best way to explain my life before I became a pokemon trainer. Ninetales might need to join in with some telepathic assistance. A couple of the things I have to say might be hard to swallow, he says, looking between Brendan and Zinnia.

Zinnia accepts the warning with a cool nod, but Brendan looks away, his face twisting into guilt at the mention of a secret dump. Neither Zinnia nor Lee miss it.

Brendan? Lee begins gently. Something has been bothering you ever since we left Lavaridge. I know you said it was nothing, but now were all starting to get worried. Whats going on?

The young trainer doesnt meet Lees eyes. Biting his lip and nervously fingering his belt right next to his pokeballs, Brendan doesnt answer right away, forcing Lee to hold up a hand and forestall an interrogation from a disgruntled Zinnia. After a long minute, Brendan finally begins to speak.

So, uh He gulps, still unable to look at Lee or Zinnias faces. Back up on the volcano, when I went with Courtney, you all remember that, right?

Duh, Zinnia answers, her face losing its annoyed edge in the wake of Brendans uncertainty. That was a slick move you pulled, getting in close to wreck that machine.

Brendan nods weakly. Yeah Uh, about that He finally looks up. I wasnt going to double cross Magma.

What? Lee's eyes widen, wondering what in the world the kid is talking about. He shares a glance with Zinnia, but she seems equally clueless. Nine?

I havent any idea what hes speaking of, either, the vixen sends.

You werent going to double-cross them? Lee questions, raising an eyebrow. What do you mean by that?

Brendan nods again, his voice growing weak. I I was going to join them for real. I was this close he raises a hand, his thumb and pointer finger a centimeter apart to actually doing it. I tried to get Courtney to say that she wasnt in on it, or that you were wrong, but He lowers his hand and trails off, distraught. After all weve done together, I was about to throw it all away because Im gullible, and it came down to a split-second decision! I cant keep it to myself anymore! he cries. I dont want to hear what either of you have to say, or whatever secrets you have! Someone might trick me into giving it all away!

All at once, it strikes Lee just how critical a mistake it was not trying harder to discern Courtneys motives. It never occurred to him that Brendan might have been her ultimate goal all along.

Stop. Dont pin all the blame upon yourself, Ninetales is quick to jump in, her mental tone biting. I did not see it, either. We know better now. Magma and Aqua will not be allowed to work such schemes around us anymore, she says, audibly bitter about the failure.

It takes a moment for Brendans words to sink in for Zinnia. When they do, her face twists itself into fury, and her hands clench into white-knuckled fists. She marches forward towards the guilt-wracked boy, practically stomping on the ground.

Three of the four pokeballs on Brendans belt wiggle in warning, a very clear message to the approaching Zinnia.

Zinnia cares none, and keeps walking forward to

pull a shocked Brendan into a hug. nove(l)bi(n.)com

That bitch Zinnias growl is downright animalistic, but her snarl is mostly hidden by Brendans hat, thanks to how close she holds the boy. That bitch! Kid, why are youapologizing when she is the one who manipulated you? the Dragon Tamer demands, pulling her head back to stare at a speechless Brendan. What? Why are you looking at me like that? Did you think I was going to be mad?

Lee finally finds his own words and clears his throat. I have to agree here, Brendan, he begins, drawing an incredulous look from the boy. Stepping closer, Lee puts a comforting hand on the young trainers shoulder. Were the adults here, and some of the blame is on us. We were the ones who let Courtney even get close enough to you to pull her stunts, and it was all just to try and get her to slip and reveal some of Magmas secrets.

That cunt didnt lie about the part where we were on to her from the get-go, Zinnia mumbles into Brendans scalp. Youre a real honest kid, Brendan, so Lee and I didnt want to let you in on everything and potentially have you slip up, spooking her into doing something unpredictable.

Brendan seems beyond stunned, at this point. He shakes his head slowly, as if he cant believe what hes hearing. You guys arent mad? he asks, the words weak, fragile, and hopeful above all else.

Am I mad that a twelve-year-old got manipulated by a high-ranking member of a cult who probably had infiltration training?

Lee almost shakes his head.

No. Lees reply is as quick as it is firm. It takes a big man to own up to his mistakes. You could have said nothing and we would have been none the wiser, so I think I can speak for both Zinnia and I when I say the sentiment is appreciated.

Damn straight. Zinnia smiles and finally releases Brendan. Just dont be offended if Dolittle and I keep an eye on you for a while, okay?

For the first time in weeks, the gloom around Brendan lifts, and his bright smile returns. He looks between Lee and Zinnia, as if seeing them in a new light. Thank y

Besides, Zinnia interrupts, a smirk forming on her lips. I heard the verbal ass-whooping your old man gave you over the phone. Sheesh, I knew a broad-chested guy like that probably had some lungs on him, but I could practically hear the speakers on your phone blowing out. You dont need any from us.

Brendan visibly cringes, his cheerful smile straining to remain on his face. T-Thanks

Let it never be said that Zinnia does not have a talent for ruining a moment, Ninetales dryly observes with only Lee to hear her.

And what do you think, Love? About how Zinnia and I handled this? Lee asks. He can already feel the vague disapproval in Ninetales emotions, but he wants to hear her put them into words.

Ninetales is silent for a moment, long enough for Lee, Zinnia, and Brendan (who is now chattering away, making up for two weeks of silence) to get back on the road towards Fallarbor.

I think Nine begins, the minor turmoil within her settling, that, given the circumstances, forgiveness is the correct course, even if part of me is frustrated to admit it.

Even if part of me is frustrated to admit it. Is that the predisposition for grudges that Ninetales as a species seems to have, perhaps? Its heartening to see that Ninetales can work past such emotions. Hopefully, things will go the way Lokoko said they would, and Nines control of her instincts will tighten.

So, boys Zinnia crosses her arms behind her head as she walks. Anything that needs to be done while were in Fallarbor? The Draconid village outside of Meteor Falls has a general store and a clinic, but anything more specialized than that, and youll have to come back to town.

Im going to have to come back regardless, Lee muses. Ive canceled on Mable far, far too much over the last month, and I need to meet the Psychic specialist Nigel wants for that study. Who knows, maybe the specialist will have some insight on the deeper parts of what is bothering Ninetales.

Lee apparently didnt bother to keep his thoughts private, as Ninetales radiates a wave of displeasure as he thinks that. The displeasure dissipates as Lee wraps her in the telepathic equivalent of a hug.

Im going to visit the PokeMart for some supplies, Brendan answers Zinnias question. My Potion bottle is about empty, and I need to get a pokeball to replace the one I broke while catching Mawile.

Another pokeball? Zinnia seems surprised, then her surprise transforms into a grin. Thinking about getting a Dragon in the falls?

Brendan makes an undecided noise in his throat. Maybe. I think Marshtomp is on the home stretch to evolution, and once hes there, Im really gonna consider who I want for my fifth and sixth slots.

Well, if you decide on getting a Dragon, Meteor Falls is the place to do it! Zinnia smiles. I can show you the little lagoon where I got Goomy. If the breeding cycles of the falls are still synced up, then there might even be Dratini there.

Damn. Dratini? The precursor to Dragonite? Lee silently feels his reservations about acquiring a Dragon-type begin to waver.

Zinnia turns to Lee. What about you, Dolittle? Got anything to do in town? And since Little Hero here brought it up, any ideas on who your sixth pokemon will be?

I need to pick up a bunch of TMs I ordered from the PokeMart, and probably audit all of my current gear just to be safe, Lee muses aloud. As for a sixth pokemon, thats still up in the air. Ive been looking at various breeders while weve been on the road

Zinnia seems both amused and exasperated as Lee mentions breeders. Brendan simply nods along as if he was expecting the answer.

and Ive got a few promising ones picked out that I want to visit, Lee continues. If I cant get my hands on either a bulky fighter or a healer, then I might have to ask you to help me hunt a Dragon, Zinnia.

Zinnia grins in reply, and its positively feral.

What kinds of TMs did you get? Brendan asks, looking at Lee with a raised eyebrow. Since you know how to make moves, I figured you wouldnt need TMs.

Lee hesitates and looks to the side of the road, watching a Dustox flit and flutter in the shade of a distant tree. After all the unpleasantries back on Mount Chimney, I decided that there were some gaps that need to be closed immediately in my teams repertoire. On a more long-term side, this also introduces them to new forms of TE, which makes learning more moves later on easier.

Brendan nods slowly. Makes sense. Heck, I might see what TMs the Fallarbor Pokemart has on hand now that you mention it. So, what did you get? When Lee recites the shopping list, Brendans eyes are wide long before the last TM is named. Jeez. How much did that run you?

When Lee remains silent, Brendans face twists into pity. That bad, huh?

Arm and a fuckin leg, Lee mutters. Im going to have to fly back to Mauville and give Silph another new move to cover the tab.

Before long, the trio enters Fallarbor proper, and the well-trodden dirt road transitions into asphalt and sidewalks. The town is on the smaller side, without much in the way of distinguishing features, so the trio hurry along down the main street, swiftly finding the PokeMart.

Upon entering the shop, everyone scatters to grab what they need. Lee himself sticks close to the front of the building and finds a wall to lean against. Pulling his backpack off and placing it on the ground, he unzips it and peers at the disorganized mess within with a critical eye.

Ninetales apparently takes the stop as her cue to release herself. On Lees belt, her ball shakes, then pops open in a flash of light, depositing the fox at his side.

Ah ah! I wont hear any protest! Ninetales heads Lee off before he can turn his head towards her. The air is not filled with soot or anything that may bother my lungs, and I have spent most of the last week within my ball. Two weeks of recovery is enough.

Lee grumbles. He sucks in a deep breath himself, and Nine, already knowing his intentions, synchronizes her breathing with his, letting him compare his own breath with hers. The disembodied feeling of Nines sternum expanding and contracting is as easy as can be expected. Shes not yet back to where she was before the volcano, but shes in a better place, certainly.

With a mental sigh, Lee gives in to Nines demand. Okay. Tell me if you get winded, though, alright?

Beloved, you can tell when I am hungry before I do these days, the vixen says with a roll of her eyes. But yes, if it makes you feel better, I promise to speak up.

Thats all I ask.

After spending a few minutes taking stock of his supplies, Lee, with Ninetales in tow, explores the PokeMart for a bit. After grabbing a Mart basket, Lee stops by the Flying aisle and grabs some goggles along with a face scarf, which will make flying on Corviknight that much better. After that, they move to the Electric aisle and get a new multimeter for Shinx, who has outgrown her current one. The little kitten is now pushing over fifty thousand volts at forty milliamps, enough that a multimeter rated for weak Electric-types is topping out.

Octillery sucks in a breath, puckers his lips, and then, with a sonic crack, fires a screaming bolt of ink at Swablu.

The blue bird tweets in alarm and ducks out of the way with inches to spare. At the same time, she rapidly flaps her wings, which produce a thick, white mist. In no time at all, a dense cloud begins to overtake Zinnias side of the field.

No, you dont! Lee narrows his eyes, already knowing how effective this particular strategy is. Lock-On!

Octillery goes still, his eyes shining a bright blue. If one were to look close enough, they would see red rings in the blue glow that rapidly flit across Octillerys field of vision.

Take Down! Octillerys sudden lack of movement isnt lost on Zinnia, who grins and orders a rush down.

Swablu bursts out of the mist with a snapping cloak of white energy enveloping her. Like a vengeful meteor, she shoots down towards Octillery, intent on hitting him with the force of a cannon shot.

Please let this work! Lee says a prayer in hopes Octillery is as much a genius as he seems. Strafe right!

Octillerys entire body suddenly shoots to the right, as if the ground beneath him has turned to slick ice, letting Swablus Take Down miss by a mile. At least, thats how it would look to an outside observer.

No one but Lee and Octillery know about the cushion of telekinesis that the octopus is sitting on, letting him maneuver with a magnitude of freedom his tentacles alone would never afford him.

What the fuck? Zinnias grin falters, and Swablu aborts her failed Take Down to stare at Octillery in befuddlement.

Octillery, meanwhile, drags a pair of tentacles along the packed dirt of the arena, slowing his rapid slide to a stop. The look he gives Swablu is almost diabolically smug.

Definitely have some work we need to put into it. Lee looks at the skidmarks left behind by Octillerys tentacles. Particularly the stopping part. But Ill be damned if that wasnt an amazing first attempt. He shakes his thoughts away and gets his head back in the battle. Octazooka!

Another bolt of supersonic ink blasts from Octillerys maw, aimed squarely at the wide-eyed Swablu.

Cotton Guard! Zinnia doesnt bother ordering a dodge after Octillerys Lock-On.

Swablu crosses her wings in front of herself as they puff up to twice their size providing a downy layer of armor. When Octazooka smashes into her, drenching her wings as Lee planned, Swablu is thrown spinning through the air with a pained cry. She spreads her wings and struggles to right herself, but even flapping as hard as she can, its all she can do to maintain altitude with her sullied wings.

Back into the Mist, then use Refresh! Zinnia is leaning forward now, her face hardening into focus.

Refresh? That heals status conditions like poisoning, burns, and whatnot. Can it clear off contaminants like ink as well?

Charge Beam, dont let her go! Lee pushes the offensive.

Dragon Pulse, counter!

Octillery narrows his eyes and, with minimal flourish, throws his head forward, shooting a crackling stream of electricity as thick as a mans arm at the retreating bird.

Flying backwards as best she can with her ruined wings, Swablu opens her beak and, with a furious screech, expels a whirling beam of blue.

Charge Beam and Dragon Pulse meet at the halfway point in the field, pushing against each other for only a moment before both destabilize and explode with a bone-rattling Bang! In the wake of the explosion is a rain of sparks and hissing wisps of Dragon TE, obscuring Swablu from sight. When the aftermath fades away, Swablu is nowhere to be seen.

Lees eyes shoot to Octillery, and hes pleased to see that the Water-type is already re-casting Lock-On.

Octillery looks over his shoulder towards Lee, waiting for a signal.

Zinnia has to realize that Octillery is Locked-On again, so shes going to counter with another attack, likely Dragon Pulse, and probably try to close the distance. Ice Beam would beat Dragon Pulse in a stalemate, but is Octillerys slowest beam attack, so with that in mind

Aurora Beam! Lee orders.

Swablu, Dragon Pulse!

Octillerys eyes track something in the dense mist that Lee cannot see and, fast as can be, the octopus spits a flashing beam of rainbow-colored light into the wall of white.

A raging Dragon Pulse flies out to meet Octillerys attack, but unlike with Charge Beam, Aurora Beam plows through the Dragon-type attack, dissipating it with some difficulty to lance through the mist.

Cra-Boom!

Aurora Beam hits home, and Swablus shrill shrieks draw winces from both Lee and Zinnia.

The Mist rapidly clears without Swablu consciously holding it together. As it does, it reveals Zinnias little bird panting harshly, barely able to stay aloft. Refresh cleaned off Swablus wings but she now sports several spots of cracked, frostbitten skin from Aurora Beam.

Swablu looks down at Octillery, who stares back up dismissively.

A furious trill building in her throat, Swablu spreads her wings and shrieks in anger. Just as she does so, however, a bright light begins to envelop her.

This is it! Lee smiles and pulls out his Pokedex to record everything.

Swablus downy cloudlike wings grow, expanding across her body until she practically has a full-body covering; her egg-like body morphs, her neck lengthening into something long and graceful, and her tail feathers lengthening with new feathers forming a regal-looking fan.

As the light fades, Swablu is no more, and in her place is a glowering Altaria. The newly evolved Altaria puffs up her chest and releases a nails-on-chalkboard screech.

Lee cringes at the sound. Ugh! Shes not even using an attack, and the sound is deafening.

Yes! Zinnias feral grin is back in full force. Altaria, baby, I knew you could do it! Lets rock!

Altaria, fresh once more, trills in agreement. Unlike her prior form, the trill is practically musical in nature, as though the sky blue bird might break out into song at any moment. She turns her beady black eyes to Octillery, and within those eyes is an aggression that Swablu never had.

Take Down! Zinnia orders, her manic grin growing ever wider.

Where Swablu was fast, Altaria is fast. The bird-shaped Dragon closes the distance between herself and Octillery in a split second, and Octillery can do nothing before hes struck and thrown end over end.

Shit! Lee grimaces. Octillery, back on your feet! Shes swooping again!

Altarias cloud wings flare out, slowing her damn-near instantly and allowing her to turn towards Octillery, who is shaking the stars from his vision. With a borderline sadistic hiss, she shoots forward like a missile.

Thwack!

Octillery tries to strafe on his telekinetic cushion, but is slammed with another Take Down. This time, he grips the ground with his tentacles and remains upright as Altaria surges past. Octillery lets out a watery groan, his side already beginning to turn into a giant bruise.

Cmon man, think! Lee frowns, watching Altaria take to the sky again. How do we He pauses, eyes drawn to the most vulnerable part of Altarias anatomy.

Her long neck.

In both his studies and in nature, Lee has seen what happens to long-necked avians who let something get at their most defining characteristic, and its never good.

I feel a little bit scummy gunning for the obvious weakness, but I owe it to Octillery to try and win this. Lee grunts. Hes yet to net a substantial win with the red cephalopod, though not for a lack of trying. As Altaria again stops on a dime and turns to re-engage, Lee puts his plan in motion. Octillery! Wait until she gets close, then grapple her! Her neck is her weak point!

Octillerys eyes narrow, and he holds his main tentacles ready.

Zinnia, however, is having none of that. Altaria, pull back! the Dragon Tamer barks.

Altaria doesn't seem to hear Zinnia and keeps charging forward, eyes burning with the desire to harm. She slams into Octillery with another brutal Take Down, rocking the Water-type with a painful impact.

Narrowing his eyes vindictively, Octillery doesnt give Altaria any chance to escape and wraps two of his tentacles around her windpipe, squeezing as hard as he can.

Altaria immediately gags and chokes, desperately flailing to free herself.

Altaria! Listen to me, dammit! Zinnia bellows at max volume, frustration plain in her voice. Fury Attack! Free yourself!

Altaria continues to struggle, heedless of the words of her trainer.

What in the world is with this sudden aggression? Lee wonders. Something with her evolution? Then it hits him. Oh shit. Altaria gained Dragon typing with her evolution. Did it mess something up in her head?

Off to the side of the arena, Ninetales subtly flinches.

Altaria hisses as best she can and snaps her beak almost mindlessly at Octillery, who is visibly straining to keep her from overpowering him.

Lets not drag this out. Lee looks away for a moment. Ice Beam, point blank!

Octillery takes a deep breath, and then from his nozzle-like mouth comes a beam of pale blue cryo-energy that strikes Altaria directly in the face. Frost crawls over the body of the bird-dragon, who screams and thrashes harder in Octillerys grip. Since shes both Flying and Dragon-type, and both types are weak to Ice, Ice Beam is hitting her four times harder than usual.

The newly-evolved Dragon wavers in Octillerys hold, shivering like a leaf in a windstorm from the brutal cold. Finally, she goes limp and Octillery cuts off Ice Beam, dropping the frostbitten and unconscious Altaria to the ground.

Brendan, still playing the part of the referee, raises a hand and makes the call after a long five seconds. Altaria is unable to battle! Lee and Octillery are the winners!

Zinnia sighs and raises her pokeball. Looks like this is my loss Altaria, return, she mutters recalling her nearly-frozen pokemon in a flash of light.

Excellent work, Octillery, Lee praises his pokemon, rubbing a hand on an unbruised bit of Octillerys head. Damn fine job with your telekinesis. Youve only had it for twenty minutes and its already combat-viable. Well work on fine-tuning it later.

Octillery nods tiredly, raising a tentacle to lay over Lees hand.

Get some rest, bud. Lee smiles, raising Octillerys ball and getting a grateful look in return. Return.

Like Altaria, Octillery vanishes in a flash. His pokemon secured, Lee walks over to Zinnia, who is staring down at Altarias ball with a frown. As he walks, Ninetales retakes her usual place at his side.

Great battle, guys! Brendan interjects, skidding to a stop before Lee and Zinnia. The boy conspicuously looks at Altarias ball, but doesnt comment on the blatant disobedience he saw.

Im going to guess suddenly becoming a Dragon did something to Altaria? Lee gently asks, slipping his hands into his pockets.

Zinnia nods and shrinks the pokeball into its travel form, clipping it to her belt. Yeah. I knew that she was going to be really testy after evolving but I didnt expect her Dragon aspect to be that strong. Zinnias smile returns. Sucks that we lost, but evolving and immediately getting knocked off her high-Horsea probably did Altaria a lot of good in the long run, so thanks for not throwing the match or something because you wanted to spare her feelings, Zinnia smirks. Knowing you, you probably considered it, didnt you?

I didnt, actually, Lee admits, getting a surprised look from the tanned woman beside him. I thought surrendering or sandbagging would upset you, and I hadnt had a solid win with Octillery yet, so I pulled out all the stops.

Well, I hope one of you is up for another battle! Brendan interjects with a wide grin. Breloom and I managed to get a battle in before you guys started, but it was against a rookie that we had to take it easy on. After watching Octillery and Altaria duke it out, were all raring for a good one!

Marshtomps ball suddenly snaps open on Brendans belt, materializing the mudfish next to his trainer. As if to punctuate Brendans statement, Marshtomp lets out a rumbling croak and punches a fist in the air.

This is what I signed up for when I agreed to travel with battle junkies, I guess. Lee rolls his eyes and shares a glance with a rather amused Ninetales. Sure, sure. Do you want to pick your poison, or should it be a surprise?

Brendan and Marshtomps identical smiles only grow when Corviknights ball rumbles, then pops open of its own accord.

They would all later be chased out of the park by a groundskeeper, furious about one of the battlegrounds being rendered unusable.