Interlude - Empress impressions

Interlude - Empress impressions

She awoke steadily. Her eyes didnt need to adjust to the darkness of the cavern. She was one with the darkness. That didnt mean she moved recklessly, however. With her eggs, she would need to

She stopped as the memories rose unbidden.

That was right; her eggs were gone. Destroyed by some man-made device that had appeared within her nest. The cave itself had been broken. Her eggsthe small, delicate things that she had struggled to nurturehad split.

She shut her eyes and tried to push away the pain. If she could only deny that it had happened. Without knowing it, she opened her mouth and let out a painful croon.

Shed had things so well set up this time. It wasnt going to be like the other times when only one egg hatched from a clutch. Shed gotten clean, fine sand to surround the nest while blocking the entrance enough that the wind couldnt come through like it had in the early days of her claiming her old home.

If shed still had No.

She couldnt think of the past. It was too painful.

She instead opened her eyes and tried to summon the energy to get up.

She slumped down onto the cave floor, and dust bloomed from her body as it thumped down.

Empress sighed heavily.

It was so hard these days to care. Even then, she felt drained despite having just woken up. She felt like she didnt have any energy.

And why should she get up? What was there for her to look forward to?

The world was a cruel place.

Shed had so much hope for it as of late. With her childs trainer delivering that warm rock, things had been downright easy! All she had to do was nudge her eggs or run a claw around in the sand to keep the heat even. Not at all like her previous attempts, where shed had to nearly lay atop the eggs to keep them warm.

So often, that ended in accidents happening.

Empress opened her eyes and looked at the ground where shed shifted. Clawmarks all along the floor and gouges from where her spikes or her tail had dug into the ground, met her gaze.

Power. Shed chased it for so long, thinking it would project what she wanted, only for that same strength to be the thing stopping her from easily raising a full clutch of eggs.

A scrapping noise had her lifting her gaze from the floor and toward the entrance of the cavern.

Her son appeared and paused, sniffing the air as his eyes swept over her form.

Mother, he rumbled in greeting. Would you like to come outside? It isnt good for you to remain cooped up down here.

Empress eyed her son. If this had been another pokemon, such as Bertha, she might have mustered the energy to growl at being approached so casually.

Then again, Bertha was strong enough to not be scared off by a mere growl.

Her son didnt warrant such behaviour. He had always been a dutiful boy and a surprise. A very welcome one with how his egg, despite being stolen from an earlier clutch, had managed to hatch. More than that, his scent had a strength to it.

From what shed thought to be her smallest egg, to the strongest child shed seen from any of her clutches to date. The world was, as she had learned many times throughout her long life, a strange, cruel place.

Mother, Titan said, stepping in and leaning down to nuzzle at her. Terra is going to fight Cranidos.

Despite herself, she couldnt stop the whuff of amusement. Two baby pokemon brawling. They were ridiculous in how harmless they were with their pitiful strength. To see them trying so hard, though It made her lift her body to get her hands underneath herself before heaving upwards.

Very well, I shall come, she said, standing tall.

Titan looked up at her and nodded before moving ahead. Empress watched her son stalk the caverns of his trainer without fear. A surety in his step despite the small markings that showed he still wasnt fully healed. They walked past the lagoon cavern, which contained a fresh spring along with a group of pokemon that were deemed ancient despite most of them being babies in truth.

Atop the highest point, Don, the Aerodactyl, screeched at them.Dont even try coming in here! This is my cave! Mine!

Titan gave him a dismissive huff. Settle down, Don. He shook his head and moved on as Don shuffled back and forth. From the lagoon, Shin and Shelly waved at Titan and herself.

Yeah, you keep walking! screeched Don.

Empress stopped and turned, her eyes locking on the whiny gnat. She rumbled out a growl that shook the entire cavern. Dons eyes widened as he seemed to realise hed made a mistake.

Then, instead of backing down, he gave a savage grin. Oh! Got some fight!? Good! Ill fight you!

Empress narrowed her eyes and considered smacking him around, only for Titan to step back and put a hand on her shoulder.

Ignore him, mother; hes always like this. He talks big, but he needs to learn control. Titan locked eyes with Don. I shouldnt need to remind you that of all of us, you were the worst off from facing Moltres. You need to shut your mouth and open your mind more going forward.

Dons jaw clicked shut, and he glowered at Titan, but nothing else was said. Titan nodded while Shin and Shelly emerged from the lagoon, having vanished when Empress growled. They still eyed her warily.

Titan waved her on, and they marched up past the crackling electrified cave that housed the strange geodude line. A large golem rolled out of the cavern. This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

Top of the morning to you! Im off to train! Lets do our best this morning, eh Titan!? the rolling Golem called back at them.

Indeed Sanchez, Titan said to his teammate. When Sanchez was far enough away, Titan glanced at her. You might need to apologise for scaring Shin and Shelly like that, he said.

Empress sniffed. I will not apologise. They had good instincts to avoid a fight. She smirked. Not that it would have been a fight. I would have smacked down that overgrown pidgey with a single hit.

Titan chuffed. Don is a braggart, but I dont think youd take him out that easily, he said. When Empress merely laughed at her sons caution, he eyed her. Well, at the very least, watch out if he uses Hyper Beam on you; he is very proficient at

Titan stopped talking when Empress merely laughed louder. What is so funny about that? he asked when she regathered herself. Empress merely shook her head and waved his words away. Truly, being warned of another pokemons Hyper Beam?

Ah, her son! So young! She thought to herself as she emerged from the caverns.

Mother! shouted Terra. Empress raised her head only to find that Terra was in the middle of a fight with her friend the Cranidos.

Cranidos didnt hesitate to leap forward at his foes distraction and knock Terra onto her backside. He then whacked her again causing Terra to fall onto her back with a small woof of air escaping her.

Cranidos stood tall and raised his tiny arms up. Ha! I am the greatest! I have defeated you!

Terra shook her head and stood up. That wasnt fair! I was distracted! she said.

Empress chuffed. Never grow distracted during a fight daughter. Cranidos defeated you because of this.

No! No, I won because Im awesome! shouted the Cranidos. When Empress leveled her gaze upon the baby pokemon, the runt quivered but held her gaze.

That is still to be seen, Empress said before waving a claw. Again, daughter, she said as the human girl who cared for Terra cheered. Terra straightened and widened her stance, keeping her body low.

Thats it! Just like we practised! said Yolanda. Empress inspected the human girl as she fervently watched Terra dodge, duck, and weave. She was doing well, but she was thinking like a human, all hands and legs. She still overpowered the Cranidos, much to the loud denials of the Cranidos, but it was scrappy.

Empress crossed her arms and huffed. Titan shot her a look. Something the matter?

Shes forgetting to use her crest. She is grappling and fighting with her hands.

Titan scratched at his chin. Hmmm good point; you should tell her, he said.

Terra! Empress said, causing her daughter to snap her head away from Yolanda and to her.

Yes Mother? Did you see? I won! Ive been working hard! said the little Larvitar enthusiastically.

Empress snorted. You dragged it out longer than you needed to. Neck time, use your crest, it isnt a weak point, so swat that charging fool aside and take him from the side! she growled.

Terra tilted her head, her hands reaching up to tap at the base of her crest. She toyed with it while scrunching up her face in thought. It took a few moments, but eventually, her eyes widened. Ohhhh! I think I see what you mean! She turned her head and said, Mummy Yolanda! Mother wants me to smack Cranidos around with my crest!

This time it was the human girls face that scrunched up. Her gaze drifted up to Empress, who met her gaze. She was pleased that the girl didnt flinch or turn away.

Use your crest? Yolanda said.

Terra nodded, and Yolanda tilted her head. I hadnt thought of that. I suppose its going to be a strong point for you as well. Alright, give it a go!

Its hilarious that you think you can talk of Hyper Beams when I doubt yours is very good.

Both pokemon stiffened at that. Tide glowered. Care to back that up?

Empress lifted her chin. I would.

Oh! Its a Beam off! shouted Sanchez the golem. He was quickly joined by Bertha and Knight.

The other pokemon showed some interest, and soon Empress, Tide, and Don were lined up facing out towards a series of rocks and earth that were being stacked up to assemble a series of walls.

Bertha jogged back with Knight, only Bertha was caked in mud, making it look like Knight had done no work. Empress eyed the Aggron, was it lazy?

Bertha flopped onto the ground, and Empress realised that her assessment was faulty. Knight wasnt lazy. Bertha just enjoyed caking herself in mud.

Titan coughed and gestured at the assembled rocks and walls. As usual we have set up the field with ten walls and cleared away any pokemon. Each of you will unleash a Hyper Beam with the strongest pokemon being evaluated based on the amount of walls knocked over.

Empress nodded; it was a simple solution that should work to prove who was the strongest.

Don puffed himself up. Ill go first! he shouted inhaling and then calling forth the small orb. When he unleashed it, he did so with much more power than Empress had been expecting.

She glanced at the walls and noted that four walls had been blasted through which earned him a smattering of applause from the crowd of pokemon.

Don snapped his head towards the lazing Bertha. Did you make my walls thicker!? I managed eight the last time we did this! he growled.

Bertha glanced at him. Yeah, of course I did, were getting stronger than last time. I made each wall a finger wider, she said, raising up one of her positively thick fingers to demonstrate the width.

Don relaxed at that and then snorted at Tide. Your turn!

Tide snorted and shot Empress a look. Ladies first?

Empress snorted. Im no lady; I kill my meals most of the time! she said proudly. She flicked her claws dismissively to indicate he should get on with it.

Tide merely nodded and turned his attention to the walls. He too, inhaled and then launched a large blast. He seemed to channel his Hyper Beam longer, however, and when the beam dropped away, it revealed the smoking remains of the walls.

Six walls! cheered Sanchez. This drew a louder cheer, and a few pokemon even booed Don causing the pokemon to snap his fangs in agitation.

Were going to have a rematch! Don snarled.

Empress snorted. No need, she said, and then, without a hint of buildup or breathing tricks, she unleashed the flow of energy. A Hyper Beam was unleashed instantly, and this blast rocked the field they were all standing on.

Empress held the energy blast for a full five seconds before letting go. She heaved in large lungfuls of air, and slowly the smoke cleared to reveal the damage.

Unlike with Don's or Tides walls, a circular hole was not bored through, but rather each wall was destroyed totally.

Sanchez rolled out and made a show of counting. He held up three fingers on both sides, and his moustache pointed up at the tips. Eight walls!

E-eight walls! cried Don in surprise.

Tide likewise gaped. How did you do it without any buildup?

Empress snorted. Skill, she said, eying the last two walls of the ten that had been assembled.

She shot Bertha a look, but Bertha met her gaze without a hint of shame. Theyre all the same width, Bertha said, eying the walls. Impressive you got to the last wall, she said.

Empress hummed and turned her attention back to Don and Tide. Tide bowed his head. Can you teach us?

Don growled. Fuck that! Rematch! I had the sun in my eyes!

Empress snorted before smirking. Very well, if you boys want to play that game. I shall indulge you. She found herself smiling as Bertha rose with a huff to rebuild the walls theyd use.

Despite herself, Empress was rather enjoying her time at Titans home.

When they were done and it was obvious that she was the strongest pokemon around, she stalked around the plateau to join the Elite team with a meal before going to sleep. She noted that once more it was set up on the raised rocks where the various pokemon could talk and eat together.

Clefairy eyed the plates. How come Brock sets us up to eat like this while the others eat in feed troughs or separate bowls?

Titan paused while talking about how to angle an uppercut. Ah, that is due to Brock wanting to treat us like equals. He makes sure we dont eat off the ground.

Empress hummed. What a strange human.

Does that mean were better than the others? said Teddiursa, who was trying to eat his large plate of food but had to keep being pulled back from falling into it with how tired the little pokemon was.

Titan shook his head. You dont know this, but it is actually a choice that each pokemon is given for the pokemon that work for the gym. They are often asked again every few months in case they have different desires.

Teddiursa. But I wasnt asked?

Titan nodded. But you wish to grow strong, yes? Eating with us and talking, listening to how matches played out for us, and asking questions are all part of Brocks method of making you stronger!

Teddiursa blinked sleepily and turned back to his food. Good, I want to be strong, as strong as I can be, said the little pokemon.

Clefairy nodded quickly. Yeah! Me too! Like you, Bertha, and Izumi, and Jorm! And Titan! He then turned his beady eyes to Empress. And you too, Titans Mum! Youre really strong!

The others laughed at her being addressed as Titans mum once again for some reason, but Empress decided to ignore them. She instead stared at her empty plate.

Empty like her nest.

Strength isnt everything, she said, instantly shutting down the good mood of the other pokemon.

She stood and marched away. Titan made to follow her only for her to raise a claw and signal him not to follow. She stalked down into the caverns and into the cave shed been given.

Her empty, cold cave. She allowed herself to fall to the ground and caused a small quake that shook the cave with her careless actions. She couldnt find it in herself to care, even if the cavern caved in. Part of her might even welcome it.

She languished in her dark thoughts until she heard a small set of feet scraping against the ground. She opened an eye to find Teddiursa sniffing and tapping his way forward. When he reached the edge of her cavern, his nose worked quickly.

He lingered there, unsure, for a long while. Eventually, Empress grew tired of waiting and huffed, What do you want little pokemon?

I Im sorry for your loss, Teddiursa said. Empress hissed and was about to reprimand the little pokemon only for what he said next to floor her. I lost my mother when Moltres flew so I know what its like to be sad You werent strong enough for your children, just like I wasnt strong enough to help my mother

Empress huffed. Most of my eggs dont make it due to me being too strong you would do well to learn strength, but dont try holding things too delicate close to you if strength is what matters to you now.

Teddiursa shifted. Couldnt I just learn control and strength? Titan and Bertha can play with me and Clefairy and the other small pokemon without hurting us?

... perhaps, Empress said with a huff.

Teddiursa tilted his head. Couldnt you as well?

Empress didnt reply to that and instead huffed. You should go to bed; I saw you almost falling asleep before.

Teddiursa nodded, only to shiver. Youre right, it is cold down here in the caverns. Teddiursa turned and sniffed at the floor. He left, and Empress lay her head back down, her body at rest, as her mind furiously tore over the idea of working with the other pokemon to learn control.

It wasnt unappealing.

A light snuffling made her open an eye to find Teddiursa sniffing his way back to her cave. Are you lost? she rumbled.

Teddiursa paused and lifted his head. Uhmmmm yes? he said as though unsure. Before yawning and shuddering again. Brr, its cold.

Empress considered escorting him out, but she didnt have enough energy for that. Still, he couldnt continue wandering around the caves.

She rolled slightly. You may sleep with me tonight, she said.

Teddiursa quickly scamped up next to her, curling into a tight ball. Thanks, Titans mum! he said.

She huffed and allowed herself to carefully curl around him. Good night little one.