Pokemon: Veins from the Soul [CW][Fanfic]

[Shamitako]

So this is a story I'm writing (no duh) based on an RP I did like half a year ago on another site that died. Feel free to comment your thoughts, sorry for the terrible grammar >_< I'll be updating this whenever I have time to finish a chapter, but no more than once per day

Pokemon: Veins from the Soul

Prolgoue

Seventeen years after the events of Pokemon Black and White 2, Unova faced the revival of Team Plasma once more. But this new Plasma was different, for they forgot the violence and thievery that had condemned them years before. Instead of trying to force trainers and Pokemon apart through hypocritical battles, they encouraged trainers to truly learn about their Pokemon and how to care for them. They showed research from Professor Elm of Johto suggesting that Pokemon allowed to roam freely outside their Pokeballs would grow stronger bonds with their trainers and fight harder for them. They organized peaceful rallies at corrupt institutions that used controversial and dangerous training methods. But most ambitious of all, their leadera scientist named Aaron Madisonproposed a system that would allow trainers to feel what their Pokemon felt, to battle each other as they would have their Pokemon do, and to connect with their Pokemon more powerfully than ever before.

Project PokeVein, as it was called, garnered massive support from all over. From nine-year-old aspirational trainers imagining fighting just like their Pokemon, to veterans seeking closer understanding of their partners, to people questioning the ethics of Pokemon battles. Hundreds volunteered for the project, but only seventy-two made it to the final phase. Three months after the original reveal of the system, there was a public demonstration. Theaters and stadiums all across Unova would show groups of Veins facing off against each other in tournaments. Or at least that was supposed to happen. For some reason, something went wrong. The Nimbasa City Theater exploded and several of the Veins were reported to have gone mad and disappeared just hours before the event was to start.

No one really knows what happened, but many have turned their blame to Madison and his New Plasma. And police suspicions point to the eighteen missing Veins being the terrorists responsible for the attacks. With Madison missing, the Veins fugitives, and New Plasma in complete disarray, Project PokeVein seems to have been a clear failure.

Chapter I: Pilot

The TV flashed brightly and clicked off. The woman, Iris was her name, yawned and sat up in her recliner. She didnt really care about who got blamed, though she had never really trusted this new Team Plasma, but she couldnt help but be angry about whoever it was destroying the Nimbasa Theater. Such a significant monument, it would have been like them destroying the ancient dragon statues in her gym. She shrugged it off, she was too tired to worry about that sort of stuff right now anyway. She picked up her coffee mug from the small table next to her, stood, and headed for the upstairs kitchen. She did a few dishes and prepared herself a small snack. She was about to finally head to bed, when she spotted something out the window. She couldnt be certain, but it looked like a girl. Quickly shoving her wild black curls back into a messy bun, she rushed downstairs and out the door. It was strange for anyone but the night watch to be out this late. Either this girl was lost or she was sneaking, either way Iris would find her. Just then, Iris caught a glimpse of brown ponytail. You there! She called firmly. Her response was a blast of scalding hot water over her shoulder. Slightly shocked by the sudden assault, but not one to give in, she called again, Attacking me isnt going to help your case. Come out now and I might let you get away with whatever youre up to. This time, no blast of water followed.

It took another five or ten minutes of calling, as well as another near-miss Scald, before Iris finally coaxed the girl out of hiding. To her surprise, she was not greeted by a malicious face, but rather a confused one. Who are you? She asked, her frustration and lack of sleep giving her curious inquiry a bite to it.

My name is, is Sherilyn. The girl replied, stuttering as though she were uncertain of her own name, I dont remember anything else.

What do you mean, you dont remember? Iris asked, furrowing her brow.

I just, dont. Sherilyn replied, Please, help me and my friend.

Iris, still confused, looked past Sherilyn to see another girl lying unconscious by a pair of trash cans.

Her shoulder drooped and she sighed out an, Alright, while proceeding to reach into her pocket. The golden Pokeball she retrieved expanded from the size of a golf ball to the size of a baseball instantaneously in her palm. She tossed it lazily into the air and with a flash and an electric zap out popped a large brown, mole-like Pokemon. Excadrill, go get that girl by the trash over there and bring her home. Excadrill nodded dutifully and without a sound went about its task. Normally it would have been more excited to help, but it has been with Iris for years and could tell when she was too grumpy for anything more than obedience.

A while later, back inside, Iris looked over the two strangers she had brought into her home. Sherilyn was thin and pale, to the point where she barely looked healthy. The other girl, she was pretty much the opposite. Her cheeks were flushed bright red and she was a little on the chubby side, she looked almost like a ripe peach. Her long red hair fell down in unruly tangles and knots to her waist, very much in contrast with Sherilyns neat ponytail. But what was most intriguing about the two girls, was the backpacks they both wore. Each backpack had four protruding wires, connecting to both elbows, the base of the neck, and the bottom of the spine. Iris would have removed them before putting the two to sleep, except she wasnt exactly certain how. She knew she had seen backpacks like those somewhere, but was too exhausted to remember where. Shaking her head slightly, she raised her mug to take another sip of coffee, only to find it empty yet again. Im going to need a lot more coffee for this one. She said to no one in particular. Then she turned, and walked out of the room, shutting the door on the two very confused girls behind her. Shed get more coffee brewing and then toss out a message to one of the other gym leaders for advice. And then shed have a very long night ahead of her. A very long and coffee-filled night.

Chapter II: Dazzled and Confused

Pain. A headache. That was the first thing she felt. her eyes were pulsing inside her head. She opened them, dazzling blue eyes shining as they were bathed in the fluorescent light. This same light immediately forced the eyes shut. The throbbing was gone, replaced by the sting of suddenly having a bright light flung in your face. She reached up with her arm, the powerful muscles aching from sitting still so long, and rubbed her nose. The strange crookedness of it felt familiar, but also wrong. She dared to open her eyes once more, and this time willed them to stay open and adjust. She sat up, rubbing her elbow like she always did when she was uncomfortable. Did she always do it? She was suddenly unsure of herself. How had she gotten here? Who even was she? And why the hell was there a metal socket in her elbow?

Her questions remained unanswered as she stood, the pale pink nightgown she appeared to be wearing blowing gently against her muscular six foot frame. The breeze was refreshing, though she was unsure where it came from. She suddenly realized that she liked the cold. Not noticing the other young woman on the bed that had been next to hers, she let the nightgown fall from her shoulders and the breeze brush against her peach skin. It felt wonderful. She sat down and let it roll across her for several minutes. Feeling refreshed, she picked up the gown and was about to pull it back on when she noticed some clothing folded neatly on top of a small table at the foot of the bed. Somehow she knew it was hers. She quickly dressed herself, it felt like second nature to her. Which was good, she wouldn't have known how to put on the complex assortment of garments otherwise.

Having dressed, she admired herself in the mirror on the back of the door. The dark grey tank top revealed her strong abs perfectly, and went well with the deep blue shorts. Her right leg was ornamented with a Pokeball holder strapped to it, whatever that was. And black hiking boots rode up alongside dark grey socks. Something was still wrong though. Her golden blonde hair fell straight down, reaching down and covering her chest. She pulled it back into a, ponytail? She paused to roll her tongue over the word, it felt strange but fit nonetheless. Instinctively fastening her hair with the thin blue ring on her arm. She giggled, much higher than her tough appearance might suggest, she had thought it was a bracelet. The ponytail sat up on the back of her head, offset about half an inch to the right and falling to the small of her back. Her strong shoulders now found themselves exposed to that same refreshing breeze they had tasted earlier.

She sat down on the bed again, she still had questions needing answers. First and foremost, the sockets. She had found three more, one on the other elbow, on on the back of her neck, and one at the base of her spine. Along with those, she had found the other girl. Suddenly conscious of her earlier indecency, she had been relieved to find the other unresponsive. She had also found a backpack under the table where her clothes were. She had activated its built-in item storage, only to find it empty. Inside the pack itself she found a single blue pokeball with a bubble pattern on it. She knew enough now to understand what a Pokemon was, and that there was likely one inside the tiny round sphere now hanging from her thigh. She pondered it absentmindedly as the breeze blew over her once more. She now realized that it was simply the ventilation system, not even a real breeze. And found herself struggling to recall what a real breeze did feel like.

While she was thinking, she swung the backpack over her shoulder experimentally, trying to jog her memory. Nothing happened. But as she sat there, taking in the breeze, something stirred and prompted her to put the little pack the rest of the way on. Still nothing, at first. As soon as she decided nothing was happening, a wire shot out of the pack and into the socket on the back of her neck. She reached for it in surprise, but had barely begun when one reached the socket in her back. This caused her to stop, realizing it would go for her arms next. She held them out wide and waited. She didn't have to wait long before she felt the twin jolts of the attachment. Subconsciously, she reached down and detached the Pokeball from her leg. She stared at it in her hand a moment, before suddenly being prompted to depress the tiny button on the front, it instantly grew into the size of a baseball in her palm. Instead of being shocked though, she simply rolled it in her hand. It felt familiar, comfortable. She reached over her head, unzipped the pack and dropped it in.

A slight tingling pulsed through her arms, neck, and back where the sockets were, and then her head ignited. But not in a bad way this time, no, it was something else entirely.

"Dazzle, Dazzle is that you?" came the voice.

"Who's there?" Dazzle responded.

It barely registered, but she suddenly knew her name, Dazzle Joy Redroot.

"It's me, Adelaide." the voice replied, "You know, your partner. I'm like your conscience and stuff, always telling you how to improve yourself?"

"Shut up, Adelaide." Dazzle said, something in the back of her mind telling her that was a perfectly normal response.

Still, as annoying as Adelaide seemed she could be, Dazzle felt inclined to trust her.

"Oh thank heavens, you're okay." Adelaide said, relief evident in her voice.

Dazzle felt convinced that it was unusual for Adelaide to be so upset, and a feeling of gladness at calming her friend down burst in her heart for a moment. It didn't last very long though, Dazzle was quickly all business. She felt a need to get out of here, but knew she couldn't leave the other girl behind. Maybe she could dress her and carry her on her shoulder, claiming the two had recently been out at a party.

"Um, no thanks." Adelaide's voice rang through her head, "For one, how would you feel if she were to strip you down and shove your clothes on you. She might even mix your bra up with that tiny piece of cloth you call a shirt, ha! And for two, it's nine in the morning, parties happen at night."

"Shut up, Adelaide." Dazzle muttered.

But she knew her friend was right, it was impractical. Unless the other managed to wake up, there wasn't much Dazzle could do for her. She shrugged, walked over to the girl's bed, and flipped it up onto its side, spilling her off the other end.

"Get up." she said stiffly.

"REALLY?!"

Shut up, Adelaide.

Chapter III: Sharks and Minnows

She was running. That was all she could remember, running forever and ever. Of course to her forever was only the last few seconds, for some reason she couldnt remember beyond them.

Cal- er, Kozuki? a voice said from everywhere and nowhere at once.

Whos there? Kozuki replied fearfully.

Its Riki, your Primeape. the voice said, Dontcha remember me?

Riki Kozuki mused, Oh, Riki! Yes, I remember you.

Good, now are we gonna teach these bastards a lesson or are you just gonna keep running like a sissy.

Teach them a lesson? You mean..?

Yes, I mean fight. Dont tell me youve forgotten how to fight too.

I wont tell you then.

Alright, fine. Just do as I say.

Kozuki turned to face her opponents. There were two policemen, and three rival Pokemon. One was a weird blue-striped tan, thing. One was a small eyeless bat. And the last was a red lizard with long, sharp claws.

Dunsparce and Zubat should be easy, but watch out for that Charmeleon. Riki said.

Got it. Kozuki replied, tensing for the fight.

A Close Combat should be all it takes to drop that Dunsparce, but watch the Zubat, you cant hit it hard without risking yourself.

Kozuki charged the Zubat, but at the last moment turned towards the Dunsparce only to feel its Headbutt collide with her stomach. A startled, Oof, escaped her as she was knocked to the ground.

~~~

Shouldnt we help her, Ari? Katrina asked nervously.

Hell no, she wants to go commit suicide by cops Charmander, thats her choice. You and I, we stay safe, take care of ourselves. Aristo replied.

Katri nodded in agreement, but wasnt so certain, Alright, return, I guess.

She held up Aris Pokeball and a red beam shot out to retrieve the Mightyena. She tossed him in her backpack and turned to go, but a sickening feeling in her gut told her to stop. She didnt know the other girl, and yet, she felt a connection to her. She shook her head, Sorry, Ari.

For what? Ari inquired suspiciously.

Katrina gave no answer, she was too busy charging the Zubat.

~~~

The battle cry took Kozuki by surprise, What the..? Her sentence trailed off as she saw another girl rushing towards the Zubat. She didnt have time to wonder at her newfound ally for long, the Dunsparce was back on her. This time she was ready though. She raised her arms up to block its Heabutt, though she was still flung back, and retaliated by whipping her arms forward and watching seeds? Fly out.

Seed Bomb, interesting choice. Riki rang out.

The Dunsparce was hit square in the chest and flung back, landing unconscious on the ground. A moment later a red beam shot out and retrieved it. Kozuki then turned to see how the other girl was faring. Her gaze was met with bright yellow sparks flying as a large maw, seemingly made of energy, extending from the girls face grappled the Zubat. The other girl seemed to be holding her own, except for one issue: she was nearing the edge of the pier. How did I not notice that sooner? She asked, looking at the collection of boats sitting on the water.

Worry about that later, Kozuki, we need to help her. Riki put in.

Right, what should I do?

The only attack we have that that it doesnt resist would require us to get close and would leave us vulnerable. The next best thing would be Gunk Shot, so try that.

Got it.

Kozuki raised both hands in front of her and concentrated a moment, then a stream of purple stuff, gunk if the name of the move was any clue, shot out from them and arced towards the Zubat. The hit was just enough, the girl released her hold and the Zubat fell to the ground. One of the officers reached out a hand and recalled it to its Pokeball. Kozuki, momentarily forgetting the Charmeleon, sighed with relief. She took a moment to push her jet black hair out of her face and allow the other girl to walk over, and then faced the officers, who looked slightly less malicious than they had before the fighting began. Still, the Charmeleon could be trouble, it looked a lot stronger than the Dunsparce had been. Even with the two of them, Kozuki wasnt sure she and the other girl could win against it.

~~~

A woman walked up between the sea and the two opposing parties. She wore a blue and purple patterned t-shirt and black jean shorts. She had on tall black boots with blue stripes running up the sides. Her white hair was cut short and ragged, being held out of her face by a purple and blue barrette. Her mouth was split in a cocky-looking grin. And she was clapping.

Good job, bravo, encore! She said enthusiastically, I came to help, but it seems to you two- She ducked as a Sharpedo hopped out of the water nearby over her head towards the two Veins, -Don't even need it.

Not that Roxie actually believed that. The girl the Sharpedo was jumping at had just struggled to take down a Zubat with a super effective attack. She stood no chance against a much stronger Pokemon, even when that Pokemon was weak to the same super effective attack as before.

Muk, Thunder Punch! She cried giddily.

Suddenly, a large purple blob emerged from a grate between Roxie and the girl. It raised a glowing, yellow pseudopod above itself to smash into the Sharpedo. The shark had no chance to react and was flung back towards Roxie. Despite the wounded shark careening towards her, Roxie remained perfectly composed, her cocky grin being complimented perfectly by the fire in her eyes.

She sidestepped it.

The Sharpedo dropped back into the water, followed quickly by a beam of red light as it was recalled to its Pokeball. That just left the Charmeleon. Roxie turned towards it and was about to have Muk attack it when it was also recalled. She was tempted to make the officer send it back out so she could faint it, but decided against it. Right now her goal was to rescue the Veins and get them hidden.

Alright, lets get you two out of here. She said, holding her arm out and recalling her Muk into a skull-patterned Pokeball.

Chapter IV: Wet and Dank

Theodore couldnt take anymore running, he just wasnt used to it. Or at least he was pretty sure he wasnt used to it, he couldnt really remember much before the other guy, Jacob he had called himself, had awoken him and said they needed to run. His heart pounded in his chest and his throat felt like it would shut completely at any movement, but he kept running.

No, Theo, stop running. The Voice said again.

He didnt know where The Voice came from, but he didnt like it. He had a feeling it had to do with the strange backpack he was wearing and the wires running from it.

Theo, please, I know you, The Voice insisted, and I know you cant keep running like this. Your asthma will wear you out and well both get caught. Please, just turn and fight.

Theo still didnt like The Voice, but somehow he knew it was right. He stopped running, turned, and caught his breath.

Alright, fight, how? He asked, thinking his question at The Voice.

Start with a Double Team when the Zubat tries to Bite you The Voice replied.

Theo wasnt really sure what any of the meant, but he saw the bluish-purple bat thing diving at him. Closing his eyes tight, he braced for impact, an impact that never came. A strange feeling overcame him and he felt a rush of wind. He opened his eyes, and saw the Zubat ten feet away and diving at him again. He braced himself again, trying to replicate whatever he had done. Right before the Zubat hit him, the feeling came again, he felt as though he wasnt real for just a moment, and suddenly he was several yards behind the Zubat.

~~~

Jacob stopped a few moments after the other young man. He had heard the heavy breathing and was unsurprised when he saw the other catching his breath. Of course there wasnt any time for that, and the opposing Zubat was already diving in for a Bite attack. Of course what did surprise Jacob, was when the other guy sort of phased out of existence and turned into a pair of afterimages of himself the shot around the Zubat and recombined into the full person a ways behind it. Jacobs spectating was interrupted, however, because a Poochyena had latched its fangs onto his leg. He yelped in pain, and the mutt yelped in surprise as it was thrown off him.

Dang it, you need to start paying more attention. the voice that had been coaxing him along chided, Stop dawdling and get outta here.

Jacob shook his head, not realizing his thoughts couldnt see it, I need to help him.

Sigh, fine. Aint like a buncha Poochyena and Zubat are gonna be a problem for the likes of us, Sing at them.

Jacob would have said no, but the Poochyena was already recovering and he could hear the policemen that had sent it out getting closer. So instead, he sang. Or rather hummed, he couldnt think of anything to sing off the top of his head. He watched in surprise as the Poochyena immediately collapsed in a heap, snoring. The officers rounded a corner up ahead, and Jacob hummed at them too.

Wow, this singing people to sleep is useful. Jacob commented.

Yeah, there should probably be a rule limiting how many Pokemon you can put to sleep at once. Came the reply.

How would that even work?

I dunno, Im just thinking. Maybe you should stop hearing my thoughts and try helping that other kid.

~~~

This is fun. Theo said.

Great, keep it up until you see an opening to attack, and then hit it with a Sucker Punch. The Voice replied.

So hey, um, do you have a name? I keep just thinking of you as The Voice Theo asked.

Now isnt exactly the time, but yes, my name is Myst, Im your Banette.

Oh, cool. Just, um, what exactly is a Banette?

I really dont have time to explain that now. Just hit the stupid bat, okay?

Theo complied. He spotted the Zubat flying at him once more, fangs bared as always. Youd think itd realize that wasnt working. He mused.

It relies too much on its trainer, and doesnt know how to do any better without proper commands. Myst explained.

Theo shrugged, easier for him he supposed. This time, instead of dodging the attack, he ran straight for the Zubat, glowing black fist met glowing purple fangs and fist won out. The Zubat shot backward and onto the ground, a red beam reaching out to retrieve it.

Well, that was easy.

A stapler would have been harder to beat. Myst said, her tone slightly less worried than it had been.

What does a stapler have anything to do with that? Theo asked, puzzled.

Outside joke, nothing youll get without smashing walls, or being an intangible Ghost and floating right through them.

Um, right, okay then. How about we go help that other guy?

Actually we should probably stop talking and make sure there werent any more Pokemon sent after us first.

Just as Myst said that, a small black dog bounded out from the shadows.

Oh, a Poochyena, watch out, thats a Dark type. Even a weak one like that could take us out if were not careful.

The Poochyena growled menacingly.

Oh, but look at how cute it is, surely it cant be that- OW! Theo exclaimed as his arm suddenly felt like a bunch of tiny, frozen daggers were embedded in it, Okay, lesson learned, growling cutely does not make a female dog any less of a bitch.

Um, Theo, pretty sure thats a male dog. Myst said.

Whatever, it still bit me.

Theo shook the Poochyena off angrily. So how am I supposed to deal with you? He said, half taunting half actually questioning.

Actually, it resists all our attacks. Myst chimed in.

Oh.

Theo didnt have time to ask how he was supposed to beat it, because a loud screech suddenly cut through the air and the Poochyena was shot aside into a wall by a large shockwave. Theo looked in the direction had come from and spotted Jacob smiling sheepishly. Then he heard yelling coming from down the tunnel. Good thing I got a chance to catch my breath. He muttered before turning and running again.

Chapter V: Damp Dragons

Iris took another sip of coffee. It was nine in the morning, and she had been drinking it all night. She didnt want to miss it when- A loud screeching suddenly permeated the air from above. Iris was instantly alert and bolted up the stairs to the room where shed stowed the girls. She opened the door to a wet Garchomp with steam wafting off it facing off against a wincing Vaporeon. Her first instinct was to cheer the dragon on, but she quickly tossed that notion aside.

What the hell is going on in here? She said grumpily, hours of sleeplessness driving her agitation.

Her only response was a soft sobbing from the back of the room. She looked past the Garchomp to see Sherilyn with her head in her hands and the other girl looking kind of panicked off to the side. Iris was about to ask what was going on again, calmer this time, when a buzzing sound emanated from her wrist. She glanced down to see her inner wrist blinking purple. She brought it up and depressed a button embedded just under the surface of her skin, causing a hologram of a dark-haired woman to materialize in front of her.

Iris! So sorry for taking so long to get back to you, but I think I can confirm the identities of your mystery girls. Came Elesas singsong voice.

And..? Iris asked, curiosity mixing with annoyance.

And I think theyre Veins. Elesa replied, completely unfazed by Iriss attitude, Im sure you remember what those are, I mean, even if you managed to hermit your way out of the news, Ive been raving about it with all three of my kids participating.

Yes, how could I forget? Iris interjected sarcastically.

Well what your hermiting may have shielded you from is that yesterday a few Veins went crazy, blew some stuff up, and disappeared. And based on your descriptions, Id guess youve found Sherilyn and Carmine, the two Veins missing from the Opelucid Megadome presentation.

Oh great, Im harboring the two nutcases who destroyed half of my cities largest building.

Well now, it isnt their fault! Elesa chided, The Veins weve found so far barely remember who they are, let alone the destruction they caused.

Wait, we?

Yeah, Elesas voice immediately shifted back to cheerful, Cress, Hilda, and I. Were collecting the Veins to protect them and try to sort out what happened to make them, go cuckoo.

Fun. By this point Iris just wanted the conversation to be over.

Oh it is great fun, and were trying to get everyone in on it. Well everyone except Cheren because hes a pompous stick in the mud.

I wonder why Iris muttered.

Sorry, what was that?

Oh, um, how can I help?

Iccirus City is probably the closest meet up for you, Cress and Skyla are supposed to be meeting there.

Oh hooray, I have to go visit frozen-land. Iris said, the sarcasm in her voice practically oozing from her mouth, Tell Cress to keep his Lapras out of sight.

Will do, byee~ Elesa said, her image sparking out with a cheerful wave.

I don't care what color she dyes her hair, that girl is a natural blonde. Iris said grumpily.

Something about dealing with Elesa always made Iris feel exhausted. Despite being in her forties, Elesa was such a kid.

Iris turned back to her charges, who seemed to have calmed themselves down while she was talking to Elesa.

So it seems you two are in some deep trouble. She said.

Why? What did we do? The red haired girl, Carmine, said fearfully.

Lets talk about that later, Iris said, deciding it best to take things slowly, Right now you need to pack your bags and grab your coats because were going on a field trip to frozen-land.

She sighed and looked down at her mug, empty once more. She didnt really give the Veins time to reply, she simply turned and strode out of the room and back to the kitchen. While she waited for her coffee to brew, she looked at the trophies and pictures that cluttered several surfaces in the already cramped room. Memories of happier times, memories of her mentor and rival, and--in a certain manner--memories of her father. She wondered what he would have done in this situation. Would he have tried to put a stop to her friends antics hiding terrorists? Or would he see the fear in the young Carmines eyes and the dried tears on Sherilyns face and do what he could to help them? Iris smiled as she realized shed answered her own question. Even if it was Elesas idea, it was still right.

Miss? Carmines timid voice inquired from the doorway.

Yes, Im here. Iris replied without turning.

Were ready to go, but Sherilyn doesnt have a coat.

I have a few spares that might fit her, check the closet down the hall.

The coffee maker beeped to indicate it was done brewing. And as she poured herself another cup, Iris couldnt help but think, Yes, most definitely right.

Chapter VI: Samantha and Delilah

What the..? Samantha suddenly felt herself jolted from her dreams and tossed onto a polished wooden floor. Not that she was complaining, in her dreams she had no control over herself and felt quite helpless. She didnt remember much, but when she closed her eyes she could remember one thing: Being trapped in ice unable to move as she slowly froze to death. It was confusing, but it reminded her of someone.

I said get up. A high pitched, yet rough voice said from above.

Samantha pushed an oily mass of brown hair off her face, Who are you? She said to the blurry figure standing over her.

You might want these. It replied, something hard landing on Samanthas chest.

Samantha took the object in her hand and quickly realized what it was. Placing the glasses on her face immediately cleared her vision. The woman standing over her looked like she must have been ten feet tall, or at least it felt like that to five-foot-three Samantha. The feeling of familiarity swept over her again

You... She said, struggling to pull things out of her memory, Youre the Ice woman.

You know me? The woman replied.

I think so You try to kill me.

Wait, what?

Not yet, at least I dont think yet.

I dont even know who you are, why would I try to kill you?

I dont know, okay? The frustration and confusion from the woman seeping over into Sam herself, I barely even know who I am, let alone who you are. But, it was in my dream, and my dreams are important.

The air was pierced by shrill laughter. Sam didnt even realize it was the woman at first, it sounded entirely inhuman. But indeed it was her. Her muscles rippled as her entire body shook with amusement.

You, you dreamed that I killed you? She said between giggles.

Yes, is that strange?

Maybe not for you, but most people dont go around telling people theyre their murderer at the whim of some dream they had.

Hmm, interesting. Sam saw no point in trying to reason out why she trusted her dreams with this woman, especially since she didnt really know herself. It was a curious thing, knowing how to think and act, but not knowing how you knew those things.

Interesting, yeah. Just get dressed. The woman said, harshly interrupting Sams thoughts.

Sam looked over to where her clothes lay, alongside a strange backpack. She decided it was best to just follow the womans request. She waited for the woman to turn around or otherwise avert her eyes, but she showed no signs of doing so. Deciding she could sacrifice her modesty to keep her head, Sam simply turned herself and quickly changed from the simple nightgown she was wearing and into her normal hoodie and jeans. She wondered how she ever managed to get the hood up over her hair, which fell in thick tangles down to her waist. Suddenly, she felt something against her back, followed by four sharp jolts to her neck, back, and both arms. Then, two straps jumped over her shoulders. She realized that the woman had semi-attached a backpack to her. She finished attaching it herself, threading the straps into their bases.

What is this for? She asked finally, turning around.

Instead of answering, the woman tossed a pink and blue orb over Sams head. It landed inside the backpack and there was a short electronic whirring before Sams head exploded with a voice that was not her own.

Sam, oh Sam thank goodness youre okay.

What? Sam said, searching about the room for this new speaker.

Its in your head you dunce. You dont have to talk aloud, just think at it. The woman said, sounding annoyed that Sam didnt know this.

Yeesh, sorry, how was I supposed to know that? Sam thought grumpily.

You werent, Dazzle just like being a jerk to us. The voice replied.

Dazzle?

Ice bitch there, her name is Dazzle.

I see, and whats your name?

Im your Musharna, you still havent thought up a good name for me.

Oh, Im sorry. Why dont you name yourself?

Im too tired and lazy.

Seriously?

No, but Id still rather leave my name to you.

Oh, alright then. Why dont I call you Moose?

Moose? Um, sure.

Alright, now that thats settled, what say you to trying to get away from Ms. Dazzle?

Chapter VII: Rock and Roll

“I’m sorry but, who are you?” Kozuki asked the newcomer suspiciously.

Sure, she’d saved her and the other girl’s life, but that didn’t mean Kozuki had to trust her.

“I’m,” the newcomer did a little spin, finishing in a challenging pose with her finger out, “the Virbank City Gym Leader, Roxie!”

Roxie held the pose for a moment, before appearing to notice Kozuki and the other girl’s stares nd returning to a normal standing position.

“And I’m here to rescue you.” She added sheepishly.

“…And why should I trust either of you?” Kozuki said, her voice becoming more suspicious.

“She’s got a point.” Added the other girl, “We don’t know each other, who says we’re trustworthy?”

“And I can barely remember anything, for all I know you could be after me, just like those cops.”

Roxie turned very serious, her eyes almost as menacing as they had been when she was fighting the Sharpedo.

“Well, if I really did have bad intentions, that was not the smartest thing to tell me.” She said, “And should trust me because right now, you’ve got nothing else. You’re fugitives from the law with no memory of whom or what you were before that could have caused them to be after you. You’re weak, struggling to take down even a Zubat and Dunsparce. And I’m offering you sanctuary. You don’t have to come with me, but you better have a pretty damn good plan for what you’re going to do without me.”

Kozuki stood in silence for a minute. Roxie was right, she just didn’t want to admit it,

“Alright, fine, say I do come with you, what then?” She said finally.

“I don’t know, maybe we can fight, get some training in you.” Roxie replied.

“Fighting is good.” Riki tossed in.

“Well, I don’t see any reason to stand around here all day.” The other girl said.

“Agreed. I’m Kozuki by the way.”

“Katrina, but you can call me Katri.”

“Right, so now that we’ve got introduction out of the way, I’m with Katri, we ought to be gone.” Roxie said, striding off.

~~~

“Well, this place is, dumpy.” Riki said after being let out of her Pokeball to see the gym.

“Riki! Don’t insult our host.” Kozuki scolded.

“What’d she say?” Katri asked curiously.

“Well, this place is dumpy.” Roxie said, walking into the gym.

“That.” Kozuki told Katri, who stifled a giggle.

“Alright, pop that Primape in your bag and let’s get fighting.” Roxie said, “I swapped out my Pokemon for much weaker ones just now, so it shouldn’t be too tough for you.”

Kozuki recalled Riki and put him in her backpack. She wasn’t sure she actually stood much chance here, but she took up her place across from Roxie anyways.

“Alright, this will be a two on one match with no substitutions.” Roxie yelled out, “You win if you faint both of my Pokemon, I win if you faint. I have some nice and weak Pokemon, so it should be fairly even. Go, Tentacool!”

Roxie tossed out a small, squid-like Pokemon that didn’t look like it belonged on land. Kozuki stepped forward and took up a fighting stance.

“Tentacool, Wrap!” Roxie yelled.

With shocking speed, the Tentacool shot out towards Kozuki, its tentacles poised to grab her.

“Kozuki, duck!” Riki rang out.

She did, though she was a bit annoyed at being commanded like a Pokemon.

“Great, now hit it back with Seed Bomb!”

Okay, really, do you have to act like my trainer?

She didn’t have time to wait for a response, as she was suddenly entangled by a pair of sticky appendages, the Tentacool.

“Great job Tentacool, now use Poison Sting!” Roxie yelled out.

Kozuki felt a pricking sensation in her back as the Poison Sting dug in. She cried out in surprise and tried to shake the squid off.

“That’s why you hit back with Seed Bomb.” Riki said, sounding frustrated.

Well next time don’t be so bossy, I can fight for myself you know. Kozuki replied.

“Fight yes, but you don’t know anything about strategy. To win this, we have to work together. Let me do the thinking, you just hit things. Sure it’s a little backward, but it’ll work.”

Kozuki still didn’t like it, but she knew Riki was right, Okay fine, you’re in charge… For now.

“Alright, this thing isn’t coming off easy, but try using Close Combat on the ground.”

Kozuki complied, and the rapid kicks and punches were enough to shake off the Tentacool.

Neat trick, I never would have thought of that. Kozuki said, slightly impressed.

“Actually, I got that one from you. You can be pretty innovative when you’re thinking straight.”

Kozuki didn’t get a chance to respond, as Roxie wasn’t going to let up, “Nice job shaking Tentacool off, but don’t think you’ve won just yet. Tentacool, Venoshock!”

An orb of purple energy formed around Kozuki, then imploded on her, striking her from all directions.

“Oh, no, that hit really hard. Poison Sting must have Poisoned us.” Riki said, “We’re on a timer here, the Poison will slowly sap our energy until we’re too weak to battle. Plus, Venoshock hit’s a lot harder when we’re Poisoned.”

“Not a problem.” Kozuki said, both to Riki and Roxie.

She whipped her arms forward as she had earlier, launching a spray of seeds that bombarded the Tentacool and exploded on contact. When the smoke cleared, Tentacool was laying still, fainted.

“Nice play there, but Tentacool was the weaker of my two Pokemon.” Roxie said confidently as a red beam shot out from her Pokeball to snatch up her fainted Pokemon. The fire had entered her eyes once more and she spun around as she tossed out her next Pokemon, “Whirlipede, let’s rock and roll!”

The Pokemon that came out was a veritable tank. It was a single purple wheel with an eye on either side and spikes extending to the front and back. Kozuki thought its armor looked nearly impenetrable.

“Oh no, a Whirlipede, that’s a Bug/Poison type.” Riki said frantically.

“My Whirlipede strongly resists both Fighting and Grass type attacks. Your seed bomb won’t even dent it.”

Well then, let’s try Gunk Shot. Kozuki thought.

“It also resists that, though not as much as Grass or Fighting.” Riki pointed out.

Kozuki extended her hands forward, and a stream of Gunk blasted out.

“Whirlipede, Iron Defense.” Came Roxie’s giddy command.

Whirlipede’s surface suddenly turned a shiny silver, and the Gunk Shot deflected off harmlessly.

“Nice try.” Roxie said, “But I’m not letting you use my own specialty to beat me. Iron Defense turns Whirlipede’s shell as hard as a Steel type’s armor, and Steel types are immune to Poison.”

“I thought you said this battle would be even?” Kozuki said, realizing she might be doomed to a loss.

“It is.” Roxie replied, smiling devilishly, “But I also wanted to test you. What will you do now? How will you overcome a Pokemon that deflects all your attacks?”

“Not all our attacks.” Riki’s voiced echoed in her mind, “We still have one trick up our sleeve. Charge and hit it hard with Giga Impact.”

Kozuki charged, and was hardly surprised when Roxie’s response was an excited, “Iron Defense!”

Whirlipede’s shell turned to Steel once more, and when Kozuki’s shoulder collided with it, she was stopped cold and deflected backward.

“Not good.” Came Riki’s panicked voice, “It doesn’t just block Poison attacks, it turns it to the Steel type, the most defensive type of all.”

Wait, I remember something about type advantages. And I know what to do.

“Too bad we’re not able to attack right now, we’re far too weak after that Giga Impact, and all that Poison.”

“You’re wide open now!” Roxie practically screamed, “Whirlipede, finish her off with a Steamroller!”

The Whirlpiede suddenly began spinning at high speed, and then shot straight at Kozuki. It hit her with the force of a train, sending her flying backward. By some miracle, she found herself still standing, but she knew she couldn’t take another hit like that. It was all or nothing. Using her last reserves of energy, she sprinted directly at the Whirlipede, just as she had for her previous Giga Impact.

“Silly Kozuki, haven’t we established that an attack like that won’t work?”Roxie taunted, “Whirlipede, Iron Defense once more!”

“Good thing this is a different attack then.” Kozuki said through gritted teeth.

Spinning forward on the last step, Kozuki unleashed a flurry of blows directly onto the Whirlipede’s shining surface, finishing with a final punch that sent it flying back into the wall behind Roxie. Kozuki collapsed on the ground, panting.

“Iron Defense turned it into a Steel type.” She panted, “And you neglected the fact that my best attack was Close Combat, which is a Fighting move. And Fighting is one of the few types that hits Steel super-effectively.”

“No, I knew that the whole time.” Roxie said cheerily, “I just wanted to see if you could figure it out. Which you did, good job with that. The thing is, my Whirlipede hasn’t fainted yet.”

“Wait, what.” Kozuki snapped her head up in surprise, spotting the barely standing Whirlipede whirring tiredly beneath where it had hit the wall.

“Sure it’s extremely weak, nearly as weak as you are. But it won’t give up that easily, and neither will I. Our spirits share the same fire for battle, the drive to fight and win, we won’t surrender, not now, not ever. You’ve got the strategy down, but let’s see how you fare in a battle of spirit! Whirlipede, Steamroller!”

Whirlipede shot forward into a spin, heading directly for Kozuki. There seemed to be only one thing she could do, and it sure as hell wasn’t lose.

“Let’s do this thing.” She muttered.

She jumped to her feet and ran directly at Whirlipede once more, thrusting her shoulder forward. She collided head on with the Whirlipede, her shoulder pushing against its rapidly spinning shell. There was a sound of an explosion, and then blackness.

Edited February 20, 2015 by KosherKitten

[Tomas Elliot]

Favorited and followed. I'll wait for a few more chapters to be posted before giving my thoughts, I like the way you write tho. One minor thing: I thought B2/W2 had established Iris as the Champion?

[Shamitako]

Indeed it did, but it's been a while, things have changed. I can't say more without spoiling though

[Shamitako]

And Chapter II. Fun fact: Chapter II is actually just the copy/pasted intro post of the original RP with a couple spelling corrections. I considered writing it from scratch--would certainly have helped the grammar--but decided that it simply wouldn't carry the same feeling as it had the first time

[Tomas Elliot]

While I like a lot the way you write, and I can see that you are building up quite a complex plot, I have to point out a flaw in the way you structured your work. TO be more precise, it seems to me that you made the mistake that I like to call "questions overload". Basically, you end an episode in an enigmatic way, and then you open the next episode with a completely different and seemingly unrelated scenario: this is a great way to keep people wondering about what is going on, it makes reader ask themselves questions, and this motivates them to keep reading... But the problems begin if you do this multiple times in a row. If you end an episode in an enigmatic way and begin the next in a completely different and seemingly unrelated scenario, and then you end that too in an enigmatic way, and in the next episode you introduce a THIRD completely different and seemingly unrelated scenario, people will start to lose track of what is going on, they'll be confused by the questions piling up. In my opinion the fighting scene in the third episode, while magistrally done, is confusing in that it doesn't clarify the events of either the first or the second episode: before throwing there that scene, in my opinion you should have inserted a "breather episode", a less complicated and more linear scenario to be used to clarify some of the mysteries of the first two episodes. Of course I am not saying that you should have revealed everything right away, but at least handwave the minor points: for example, the first episode was told from Iris' point of view, but then she doesn't make an appearance for two episodes... That's kinda confusing! I personally think the fighting scene should have been the fourth or fifth episode, and that the third episode should have clarified at least what was of Iris!

I hope I managed to make myself clear...

[Shamitako]

I gotcha, and I can see why there might be an issue. I think I mentioned this is based on an RP, so there's a lot of potential characters. And basically what I'm doing now is going through an introducing the main ones I want to use. I've got four main PoV's (Iris, Dazzle, Kozuki, and Theodore) I want to use, as well as a couple secondary ones, and once I have those four introduced I was going to start working the actual story. Also I wasn't trying to keep people guessing at all, just getting the characters set up, any guessing was an accident >_<

There's one more intro chapter (which will be up in about an hour) and then a couple chapters of plot stabilization (which I haven't had time to write yet and will probably start appearing Friday)

Though I do confess the plot is insanely complicated, to the point where I am definitely gonna be toning it down so it can be a stable story

EDIT: OH, and thanks for the compliments, I very much enjoy writing and it's always nice to hear I'm not half bad (of course I still can't punctuate my dialogue right...)

Edited January 12, 2015 by KosherKitten

[Tomas Elliot]

I've got four main PoV's (Iris, Dazzle, Kozuki, and Theodore) I want to use, as well as a couple secondary ones

A narration that switches constantly between different point of vies is something very hard to get right, George R.R. Martin did it but I don't think you are at his level (yet)... Be extra careful when handling such a complicated device, confused readers tend to become former readers!

[Shamitako]

Well, you'll have to forgive me if this seems a bit rude, but I'm writing this more for myself than anything (I mean not that I'm trying to make it an impossible read that only I understand either...)

[Tomas Elliot]

Well, you'll have to forgive me if this seems a bit rude, but I'm writing this more for myself than anything (I mean not that I'm trying to make it an impossible read that only I understand either...)

Sure I understand that, I just wanted to give you some advice so that you can improve. You are quite talented, so I honestly think the whole "I write for myself" mindset is a bit of a waste... Besides, it's not like you can re-write this story at this point: mine was a suggestion for future reference...

[Shamitako]

Well yes, I will take that into account in the future. And I could have cut at three intros and brought Theo in later. And maybe it is a waste, but I'm not the type to do things for others. I do what I enjoy and if others enjoy it as well, that's awesome. I do like entertaining, but even then I only try to entertain because I enjoy it

[Shamitako]

OH, hey look, I did some writing. Chapter V eez up, might get Chapter VI written later today and thus up tomorrow, but no guarantees

And yes, Elesa did use hermit as a verb, twice

Edited January 19, 2015 by KosherKitten

[Tomas Elliot]

Happy to see that you did get to a "breather episode" in the end: thanks to Elesa's exposition, now the whole situation is starting to make sense... Can't wait to learn more about these freakish Veins guys!

[Shamitako]

Yup, I did actually have that planned from the start like that ^w^ Elesa's job in the RP was originally going to be a lot of exposition via the Xtransceiver (which is the name I'll be using, even though it's more like a holocaster, because Xs are cool) And she'll probably stick pretty close to that. Dazzle's next chapter will probs be pretty slow too, then there'll probs be some more action

[Shamitako]

So after nearly a month, I finally updated this, yay

There's also a chapter written for tomorrow, one that will hopefully make up for the lack of activity down here. Finally got some free time today to write, and I definitely wrote owo

[Tomas Elliot]

There, I finally managed to read the new updates to this. Sorry for not doing so earlier, but I have had some intense days lately...

So, is it just me or chapter 6 is a bit messy in terms of punctuation?