God throws a tantrum, and a father tells him a story.
Dungeon 61 – Father
by NavarBrian managed to land on his feet and groaned, removing the crystal from himself and inserting it back into place, the aura transferring from his body into the crystal.
Note to self: never try something like this again.
He looked behind him, the portal slowly fading. Now that he wasn’t running for his life, Brian realized how it didn’t look like a portal. Rather, it appeared to crack into the air itself, like a rapture. It was nothing like a gate produced by an entercard.
What he noticed next was the clear, blue sky. Light blue, no longer midnight. Which meant he spent hours during that battle. Which also meant his teammates were likely awake, and once he saw them, they’d start a lecture about responsibility, recklessness and other things.
Oh no.
Luckily, the streets were still empty, so it was probably very early in the morning. It didn’t stop him from getting an illusion ready, until—
A Lucario walked towards Brian, his expression soft… but it wasn’t Lance, nor Necrozma. His grayed fur, his visible fang were the first signs: this was his father.
“Brian,” he said, ears twitching. “You just jumped out of… that thing. And I was just on my way to your apartment. What happened?”
“Dad!” Brian charged forward, pulling the Lucario into a hug. His father was taller than both him and Lance. Unlike the younger Pokémon, Nick did have a spike, one that Brian was careful enough not to touch.
“You sound upset.” Nick rubbed his paw on Brian’s mane, softly. “…What happened, Brian? Did you find your brother?”
He shivered, his entire fur poofing up. Brian held back tears, but he sobbed anyway, slowly nodding, but otherwise saying nothing. And Nick knew the answer from that alone.
“I… found out terrible things on my trip. Let’s get inside, and you can tell me everything.”
“N-No, Dad! I… we’re not there anymore. Can you follow me? I… I’ll tell all I can!”
The two kept the hug, with Nick in particular staring at the building in front of them, frowning. I have a bad feeling about this… but I’m trusting Brian on this one.
“Very well.” Nick answered, pulling them apart. “But I want to hear every detail you can tell me. I’m not missing a single thing, do you understand?”
There was a tone of sadness and anger in Nick’s voice, which made Brian whine. He had never seen his father that upset, and considering he didn’t know the entire deal, Brian could only imagine how bigger that rage would get.
Nick managed to clench his right fist, a faint orange aura coating it. But it faded, and he took a deep breath. “Alright. I do have things I must tell you. I’m not sure what’s going on, Brian, but I’m here for you. And for Lance.”
“How’s… mom?”
“She should hear about this too,” he frowned. “But I assume we don’t have all the time in the world to explain, right?”
“Not really.”
Nick rubbed his head with a paw and sighed. “Figures. Let’s go.”
“You did what?!”
Meggie had barely seen him enter, completely ignoring the Lucario with Brian. No, she very much wanted to speak with her boyfriend. Her stare was freezing cold, fitting for her species.
“Left the house in the middle of the night, fought Necrozma, tried giving him a nightmare to force Lance out and…”
Dex sat in his couch, grimacing. “Goggles. Yer smart. Why the hell would ye do somethin’ so stupid?”
“I—”
Before Brian could respond, Meggie hissed, pouting and floating towards him, putting both her hands around his cheeks. “Okay. You listen here, and you listen well. That was ridiculous, stupid, borderline dumb. You went into the eye of the storm and it’s a miracle you’re not only unharmed, but you also have the z-crystal with you!”
Brian started to blush, only for it to get worse because his father was there with them. “I wouldn’t say unharmed, but—”
“I’m not done.”
Nick closed the door behind him and watched the scene unfold, blinking. Huh. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it? This is nostalgic. Audrey did that all the time… mostly because I, too, was dumb.
“Tough luck.” Dex grinned. What he wanted to say was already being told by Meggie. Instead, his focus was on the Lucario. “Oh, an’ yer Pup an’ Goggles’ dad, right?”
“Pup…? Goggles…?”
“It’s how he calls me—” Brian was stopped by a powerful hug from Meggie, her rage turning into relief that he was alright, and her frozen tears began to fall.
“How I call ‘im and Lance.” Dex answered. “Anyway, yeah, Goggles, that was dumb. But on the bright side, yer alright. Safe an’ sound.”
“Okay…” Nick sighed, crossing his arms as he stared at the trio. “I’d like to know what exactly is going on. What did you all find…?”
Meggie pulled away from Brian, laughing loudly. “Ah, mister Williams! I didn’t even talk to you yet! I’m dating your son!”
“Not the time, Megs.” Brian rubbed his mane. “…Dad, we found Lance. We didn’t have the time to send letters, but… he was fine. It’s what happened next that scared me.”
Both of his teammates looked at him, with Meggie grabbing his paw tightly.
“Lance… he was alright for a while, and we found out about that Marowak and his plan. We moved to try and stop him, and that worked at first, but…”
“Ah, Asher.” Nick said, closing and reopening his eyes with a frown in his face. “…Carry on.”
It took Brian a while to get the words out. His mouth opened, but it refused to say anything, his heart kept beating so loud it overtook everything and everyone else. It was awful, what happened was awful, that was certain. Yet, he had to say it anyway. With his father there, they could have a shot at bringing Lance back.
“Lance’s… possessed. That creature, Necrozma, took over his body. Dad, he’s… he’s trapped. Trapped and defenseless.”
A powerful Aura Sphere was launched as another portal split open, destroying the couch. Necrozma hopped off, snarling, his feelers twitching uncontrollably.
He was home. As in, Lance’s home. Necrozma punched the wall with enough power to puncture a hole through it, and he didn’t even flinch.
“That idiot . Who does he think he is, making me that much of a fool?!”
Necrozma roared, slashing the wall apart, and stomping the ground. “Idiot, idiot! You should be thanking me for using this vessel! Be glad it is used for the sake of the world!”
He panted. Necrozma, a powerful legendary, known as the Blinding One, panted. Like a common, everyday Pokémon. Why? Why was he panting…? Why was he shaking? Because a mortal managed to fight on equal ground with him?
“What a preposterous statement. It was a miracle, and miracles don’t happen again.”
The sunlight peeked through the open windows, restoring a little of his energy. Necrozma groaned, because he had used more energy—more light than he needed or intended. But the fight already happened, all he could do was move on.
After closing his eyes, he took in the light, but his ears twitched with the creaking of a door, and with footsteps. Necrozma ignored them, however, judging them not worth his time.
“My Lord…?” It was Scar’s voice.
Necrozma snarled, not looking, not opening his eyes, nothing. He continued to absorb the light.
Then, he heard hopping, and the shaky breath of Lilith. “Oh, you’re alright! We were all worried!”
“Are you alright? Would you like me to prepare something for you? Tea, perhaps?”
“Quiet.” He finally opened his eyes. Glowing, red eyes that stared deep into Scar’s soul. “Can’t you see I’m not in the mood for you ramblings?!”
“Sire, please, I would advise calming down.” Scar said. Lilith moved to his side and nodded.
“True. We gotta keep our nerves in check. Wouldn’t want to—”
Necrozma roared, running to grab Lilith by her neck and shove her to the wall, pressing the area with his hand. “What would you know, mortal?! You know nothing! You freed me, and for that, you have a place. But make no mistake, if for whatever reason, I find you unfit for the new world, then I shall finish what I started! Your light will be mine!”
Scar’s eyes widened, but he kept quiet. Both by not speaking and by not moving. He knew well that if he said anything, it was the end for him.
“N-Necrozma! I-I can’t…” Lilith tried to free herself by pushing Necrozma’s hand away, but his strength was on a different level. “”C-Can’t… can’t breathe…”
“Sire, I am sure she understands it now, defying you will do her no good.” Scar said, to his own shock and astonishment. His mouth had opened on its own! He said those things without thinking!
“And what are you doing right now?!” Necrozma roared, but he let the Lopunny go, focusing his attention on Scar. “The farmer turned murderer, all in a quest to set me free. A wonderful use of your time.”
“It was, indeed.” Scar gulped. Why… did I say those things when he attacked Lilith? She is important, but my family…
Lilith fell to the ground, still struggling to breathe, but trying her best to. Both her body and heart were shaking like never before. There were tears forming, but she shut them down, knowing not to show any weakness. I… I c-can’t stay like this! But I…
“And yet, none of you seem to have any grasp of what’s going on! Do not defy me. I’ll decide for myself when to calm down.”
Necrozma heard another door creaking, knowing it was that Electivire. Max peeked his head out of the room, gulping, and then left, walking to the living room.
“Ah! Hello, my Lord!” Max bowed… and when his head was at its lowest, Necrozma stepped on it, earning a grunt from him, though Necrozma backed off right away. “My Lord…?”
“Forget it. I’m not even in the mood for this.” Necrozma sat on the couch, groaning. “What do you want? Better make it quick, I don’t feel like bothering with anything right now.”
“Good news, actually.” Max adjusted his hat properly and smiled. “I’m almost done with our plan! So that’s something to look forward to, eh?”
“Are you?” Necrozma raised a brow, and then, a jagged smile. “How… interesting. I’m even willing to overlook these two.” He pointed at Scar and Lilith.
“Ah… then it will not be long until we have our perfect world.” Scar added, breathing a sigh of relief.
“Yes, yes, mister “I miss my wife and son”, we get it.” Necrozma waved him off.
Meanwhile, Lilith was regaining her posture with the help of Max. Outside, she was just trying to regain her breath, but on the inside?
What if… I try to escape? Maybe He isn’t what we need. Maybe we were wrong, her doubts had never been bigger. Emotions she should not have were bubbling to the surface, no matter how much she tried to suppress them. But what would I even do? Help those kids out? They’re the ones fighting us. Maybe… I don’t know.
Scar held back an annoyed look and simply put on a smile. “Yes, I do miss them. It has been decades, yet, I can never forget the look on their faces… the smiles she had when we woke up together. My son helping me with the crops. Ah… I long for their touch again.”
“Hm. That’s so compelling, I could shed a tear.” Necrozma muttered. And his question from before came up again. This time, they’d have no interruptions. “So, Scar… would you like to tell me what you’ve lived through? To make sure my world is what you want, I need as many details as possible.”
Scar straightened himself, raising his head. “Yes, my Lord. My troubles, or the beginning of them, started forty years ago…”
Like he said, it was easy to remember what happened. Scar was only in his mid twenties, and his home was a different place entirely.
A farm. He had a big house to live in with his family, and an area dedicated to planting crops, surrounded by fences. It wasn’t much, and the wooden house left it vulnerable for attacks, but it was what he had, and as long as his family was there, Scar was happy.
On this day, Scar left the house, preparing a hat and a hoe to pick up any plants he needed, or to destroy weeds, should he find one, along with a bag of seeds. Additionally, Scar carried a basket to deposit any berries that were ripe. Even the weather was nice, with enough winds to refresh him, and with a cloudy sky that showed signs of rain later.
“Hm… a peaceful day? I hope so!”
The Marowak smiled, going on his way. While he was walking, a small Larvitar waddled on his side, with a smidge of dirt on his head.
“Dad! Can I help you today?!”
“Ah, hello, kiddo!” Scar stopped to rub the dirt off of him, and then gave his son a hug. “Hm, you would like to help, yes? Can you plant the seeds? I will harvest some of our crops, but with the two of us, we can finish this in no time!”
“Plant? Aw… but I wanted to harvest too!” Larvitar pouted, moving his head from left to right. “Can I do it? Please!”
“Now, now… my tools are too sharp for a child like you.” Scar got on his knees to see him better, and smiled. “How about we go like this. You help me plant, and we can try playing once we finish?”
“Hm… okay!” Larvitar beamed, running ahead.
“Wait, not that fas—” And he was gone already. Scar sighed, but retained his smile. “That kid is a chore… but the best chore in the world.”
Scar walked ahead, watching his son walk through the patches of grass and sometimes roll in them, sending leaves everywhere. His father continued to smile.
They made it to the proper farm, where a field full of berries stood. Orans, Iapapas, Rawsts, most of the common berries were in their proper places. Scar hummed, approaching some of the berries to check for their condition.
“Hm… they appear to be ready,” Scar turned to his son, handing him the bag. “These are Nutpea seeds. Plant one in an empty spot. Be careful, though. They are rare, and if it goes bad, the mobsters…”
He gulped, not wanting to say that last part to a child.
“Okay, Dad!” Larvitar began to hop, holding the bag and spreading the seeds wherever he could.
“Good job.”
Scar picked one of the berries, seeing if it looked alright. Green, and almost spiky. He bit into it, and instantly shivered. “Ah, Durin. You are always so bitter. But that is what I like the most about you.”
Sniffing the air, the Marowak winced. “The smell, on the other hand… awful. But it can be solved.”
Larvitar ran towards him so fast dust was gathering beside him. “Dad! All done! How are you? Can you lemme plant now?!”
“That was… unbelievably fast. Are you sure you finished?” Scar put on his toughest expression, raising a brow.
“I did! Just come and see!”
Scar sighed, satisfied with the answer, and followed his son.
It was true; Scar saw all of the spots full of seeds, now all they had to do was water them. Scar scratched his chin.
“This calls for a reward, son! What do you want? Food? Maybe a toy? It would take me a while to get to the town, it is a treacherous and dangerous road! The Sand Continent itself is! But for you, my child, I would go to the end of the world!”
Larvitar clapped his hands, watching his father’s eyes light on green fire. “Whooo! Okay Dad, I want a new toy!”
Scar picked him up in his arms, smiling. “Then a toy it is! Of course, you will watch after the house in the meantime!”
“Yay!”
Their time was cut short as Scar felt the ground shake slightly. To anyone not aware, this was just a weather phenomenon. For him, however, it was a warning sign.
“Son… get inside. Your father has someone to talk to.”
“Dad? What’s going on?”
Scar’s gaze turned fierce. “Go!”
Larvitar, without many other options, ran as fast as he could to his house. Scar winced, waiting for the… messenger that was supposed to come.
And he came. A hefty Diggersby walked through the entrance to the farm, slowly waddling towards him.
“It is you.”
“Indeed.” Diggersby grinned, crossing his arms. “Do you have what I came here for?”
“…If you mean my crops, I have. Not as much as you want me to—”
“Nah, nah!” The bunny shook his head, waving him off. “Not me, the boss! You gotta pay, after all, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be homeless!”
Scar deadpanned. “Yes, I am well aware, given the number of times you mentioned it.”
Diggersby took a long glance at the crops, whistling as he did so. “Hm, must be delicious! And you’re keepin’ them all to yourself? Now that just won’t do!”
“I do not have the quantity you require.” Scar answered, firm. “Go away.”
“Tsc, tcs. You know this isn’t how things work ‘round these parts.” Diggersby eyed the basket Scar held. “Say… if I were to take this, it’d be fine. I’ll just tell the boss I ate some of ‘em, and you’d get to keep the house and lovely family! How’s about it, eh? Eh?”
Scar wanted to protest, or say something, but he was too weak to do anything other than comply, no matter how awful it would be to them.
“Look, Asher.” Diggersby kept his toothy grin. “I’m not even takin’ all you have! So I’d take the deal if I were you.”
Scar let out a long sigh. “…Take it and leave.”
And in a few minutes, the bunny left, carrying with him a full basket of berries. Scar watched it with weary eyes. I am… so, so sorry. They took it, and I…
I could not stop them. Is this… fate?
“Fate!’
Necrozma clapped his hands, letting a hearty chuckle. “You mortals… you always go on and on about fate. Even when I had my pantheon, the mortals kept… pestering me. They wanted my help, yet, they always tried to take charge.”
Scar hummed. “Fate is… an interesting word. I tried to change mine, to fight for my family, but the results… were hardly what I wanted.”
“It is, isn’t it? I think we all tried to change ours.” Max rubbed the back of his head. “Well, what’d they ask you?”
“It was always the same. Mortals who didn’t know any better, thinking they could have control.” Necrozma said, but it wasn’t an answer just yet. “They asked me to defend them. Protect against the cruelty of the world. At first, it was easy. I’d defend a village against a raid, or give them meals. But the longer it went on, I started to realize something.”
Lilith gulped. Something about it didn’t sit right with her. Did she dare ask what? “Lord Necrozma… what did you realize?”
“It was because of them.” Necrozma closed his eyes. The glowing red light appeared to fade into black to represent that action. “They were at war with one another, all because of their free will. And I kept trying. I had to, I couldn’t let them destroy each other.”
Necrozma opened his eyes again. “It was… saddening. When I told the others about this, all they could do was laugh.”
“Laugh?” Scar clenched the club in his possession, huffing.
“Shit,” Max grumbled. “You’d think legends like you would share similar opinions, but…”
Lilith kept quiet, simply letting the scene unfold. She didn’t have much to say, anyway.
“I knew I had to act. With the power bestowed on me by my creator, I knew I could do it.” Necrozma flashed the crystal again. “At its current power, I can… connect with more mortals, but not all of them. Think of it as how I am connected to my vessel, but with this, I’ll be able to project a new reality, a world inside their head.”
“Ah, I understand.” Scar replied, humming. “And what would this reality be like?”
“A perfect world, all to your liking.” Necrozma replied. “Perhaps I can give you a demonstration later.”
As he said it, Lilith noticed he was staring right at her, and a shiver ran down her spine.
“Now, Scar… answer me. Or rather, continue your little story. How did you try to change your destiny?”
“Ah. Very well.” Scar cleared his throat, getting ready to continue. “After that encounter with Diggersby, I knew our situation would only get worse. I talked with my wife, so we could figure out the best for our son.”
“I assume that didn’t end well for you three?”
“…That is a correct assumption.” Scar sighed. “My wife was very stubborn. She wanted the best for him, and so did I, but that caused her to not think straight, most of the time.”
It was an entirely different scenery. Instead of bright grass around the farm, there were large patches of sand, and a powerful sandstorm roared in the air, carrying dust towards the farm.
Scar put on a cape to cover himself and walked to his crops, knowing well there were few that were ripe. Most of it had been destroyed by the storm.
“This has to be enough…” Scar kept walking, putting as many berries in his basket as possible. They weren’t even enough to fill half of it. Not even a quarter, but it’d have to do.
And if the mobsters appeared… Scar didn’t want to know what would happen. His blood boiling just by thinking of it.
“I must… return. The storm is too strong. I expected it to be at the very least, bearable,” he sighed, turning back and running inside the house.
There, he was met with the sight of his wife, a Tyranitar that held their son in her arms. Scar put the cape in a stand, and showed the basket to them.
“This… was all I could savage. I apologize, my love.” Scar said, putting the basket on a table nearby.
“Don’t worry, honey, we can… we’ll get through it. Alright?” Despite her words, and the kiss she gave to her son, Scar’s wife didn’t look the part. No, her frown was big, bigger than it should be possible. “Sweetie, can you go to your room? Me and your father have something to discuss.”
Larvitar reluctantly agreed, climbing down and running up the stairs. Scar sighed, having an idea of what this was going to be about.
“We cannot leave this place, Thea.” Scar said, blunt and crossing his arms. “You know how this continent is. Even if we were to escape, the storms would still follow.”
Thea held back the urge to slap her tail, and instead, groaned. “So what? We live here, constantly on the threat of mobsters taking away our only home?! This isn’t the place to raise a child, Asher! And you know it!”
“I am saying we do not have any choice!” Scar shouted. “We either survive with what we have or we die! Those… are our only two options, Thea. I am…”
He fell to his knees, clenching both of his fists. “I am so sorry I could not give you or Siphus the life you both deserve. I am nothing but a failure, I—”
“Stop with the self-pity, love.” Thea got on her knees and leaned closer, planting a kiss on her husband’s forehead. “You aren’t a failure, we just… we were dealt a bad hand, that’s all.”
“So what can we do, then?”
Thea stared at him softly, holding his hand. “There’s always a way, we just need to find it. If that way is leaving this place… then so be it.
“I… do not think that is an option. However, I am also unable to continue this way.” Scar said. “The next time I see any of them, I will—”
Scar was interrupted by a knock on the door.
“How… convenient, is it not?” Scar stood up, sighing. “My love, I will handle this myself.”
“Please, don’t do anything rash.”
“I promise.” Scar opened the door, seeing the same Diggersbyb as before, with the same toothy grin.
“Asher! My lovely friend! As you know, it’s time for the monthly pay. I went to check the farm, but it seems there’s nothing there.” Diggersby chuckled, and his grin turned menacing, his eyes gazing directly into Scar’s soul. “Now, we can’t have that, as you know very well. Not to mention I can smell some delicious berries here!”
“Get to the point already.” Scar added, now holding onto the basket. “These are not for you or your boss.”
“Oh, but they are! That’s our deal, isn’t it?” Diggersby dropped the grin all together, raising a brow. “Unless you no longer want our protection, that is.”
Thea decided to intervene, finally snarling. “Asher, my love. You can’t be thinking—”
“I am not thinking, I am acting.” Scar blurted out, turning to Diggersby. “These berries belong to me and my family. Go away before I make you.”
Diggersby didn’t react the way Scar expected. He didn’t shout, attack or do anything. Instead, he simply laughed, turning his back on them. “If that’s your decision, so be it. But I gotta let you know… actions have consequences.”
Scar shut the door in his face, panting. How exhilarating! He took charge and saved them!
“My love…” Thea held his hand again, grasping it tight. “I… do hope this decision was wise. We can’t afford to lose everything.”
“We are not losing anything.” Scar said, leaning in for a hug. “But, ah, this was so very enjoyable. Perhaps we can rest for the day. Is dinner ready?”
“It’ll be in a while.” Thea smiled.
“Very well, then I shall get ready.”
Calm before the storm. Too calm. Days passed and Scar had no visitor. No mobsters, nobody. Just him and his family, free to enjoy the life he had with them.
Actions have consequences.
Those words still rang in his head, but Scar ignored them. He picked an oran berry, munching on it to see if the taste was good. Perhaps things really were looking up for them, not that he was freed from all the mobsters.
But I must focus. These are the finest crops I have ever gotten yet. I believe Thea will make good use of them.
He could even hear her giggling in his head, followed by his child giggling. Two sounds that were music to his ears.
And rumble. A rumble more powerful than the ones before, but undeniably belonging to Diggersby.
“What—”
Scar was taken aback by a hole bursting from the ground, and two thick ears slapping him into the ground, before a large foot pinned him down.
“Tsc, tsc.” Diggersby said, and grinned. “I did tell ya. It didn’t need to come to this, y’know?”
“Ah! Unhand me! What are you planning on doing?!”
“Me? Stoppin’ you from doing anything stupid. Actually, stupider. Because you kinda sealed your fate the moment you defied us.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Say, did your family ever train a day in their lives? Fight? Grow stronger? Or are they just incredibly weak?”
“My family is not weak! Unhand me this instant! I will even give you the crops you want!”
“That’s all in the past.” Diggersby grinned more. “See, I think you’ll find out the hard way you’re not the one in control here, the more you try to. And your family? Oh, how funny! They’re so weak!”
Scar shook the thought off. But it was true. Thea and Siphus’ bodies weren’t built for fighting, as a practice, they neglected it. Due to this, they weren’t so sturdy. Scar knew he was at least a little more than them.
But it dawned on him just what was going on, what they were planning on doing. Diggersby let go of him, but then grabbed the Marowak, raising him high in air just in time to see the second gang member.
An Exploud, preparing a powerful beam, aimed at the house.
“No, no! Let them go! They did nothing wrong! They—”
A flash of white light followed by a deafening sound made Scar shut his mouth.
Necrozma sighed, looking at the ceiling. How to react to such a sad story? Not that he didn’t know what Scar felt, even without using his aura senses.
“That is exactly where I’m coming from.” He said, twirling a finger, cracks of purple energy moving around that area. “Because even when trying your best, someone took them away from you. Don’t you think that’s awful? Don’t you think you deserve more, Scar?”
Lilith bit her lip, gathering the courage to speak up. “We all… suffered. We did. But we have each other—”
“And me.”
“…And you,” she said. “I think that’s important. That even though we suffered, we can still carry on.”
“Preposterous. Why carry on when suffering can still happen, miss Lilith?” Necrozma clapped his hands again, then scratched his chin. “Why, when we can prevent them all?”
“Lilith, you are not acting like yourself.” Scar added, taking deep breaths. “Perhaps you should rest.”
“Yeah, Lilly.” Max offered her a hand. “C’mon, I’ll even walk you there if you’re that tired!”
Lilith pouted, but knew resisting would do her no good, so she accepted Max’s help, the two headed to her room.
“I will talk to her later, my Lord.” Scar folded his arms behind his back. “Would you like to know more?”
“No. I order you to tell me more.” Necrozma stated. “I’m aware you survived, but how did you find out about… me? That’s my biggest question. You must have made a lot of enemies along the way.”
“Ah, that has certainly happened. Even now, I still have many enemies.” Scar hummed. “But yes, let me explain it. After losing them, I was lost. I wandered the continent, searching for a purpose, something to do with my life. It was then I stumbled upon a village, a small settlement where I heard the words I waited for so long…”
A barren wasteland, hit by constant sandstorms. But Scar made his way inside regardless, using a cape to cover most of his body and head, advancing through the streets. Even the buildings were bittered, bits of rubble on the ground.
On the middle of the village, Scar saw a crowd gather, consisting mostly of rock, ground and steel-types. They were watching a large, caped Rampardos speak. Though Scar only arrived after the speech had started, he decided to hear it.
“Rejoice! For the day when our great and benevolent God arrives is coming near! He is the Blinding One, the Star Eater! The one to save us all! Did you ever feel as if life has been unfair to you? Where are all the Gods? Why don’t they do anything to help us? The Blinding One is the answer!”
The answer… Scar repeated those two words in his head, and they sang a tune to him. He clutched the cape. Could someone that powerful really exist?
“He is said to have defeated the incarnation of the Moon and the Sun! Because they wanted to bring ruin, chaos and dishonesty to the world. He saved me, I’ve heard his voice in my dreams… and I realized my mission was to share this with all of you!”
“There is nothing he can’t do! He is our Savior, our Messiah!” Rampardos raised both of his arms, receiving loud cheers and claps from the audience. “Why bother with these attachments when He can remove all of our imperfections? Can we grow due to His help? Of course we can! After all, He is the truth! He is justice itself!”
Scar opened his mouth and raised a finger. If that was true, if someone like that existed, he would need to meet them. And perhaps once the speech was over, he could ask that Rampardos more about Necrozma.
Hours passed and the speech went on. To Scar, however, time passed at incredible speed. With every sentence, every word that Rampardos said, Scar’s heart beat again, faster. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen before. This had to be the answer, the solution to all his problems.
The audience dispersed, and Rampardos was on his way to do the same, when Scar stood in front of him, a spark in his eyes he didn’t even know he had.
“Greetings. My name is…” he struggled to say “Asher”, because saying it reminded too much of the pain, loss and grief. “…Scar. I listened to your speech, not all of it, but for the most part.”
“Ah, greetings, Scar!” Rampardos replied, pulling down the hood. He was smiling. “That’s my job, I suppose. Going on town after town and trying to convince as many as I can to follow the Blinding One.”
“That is what I want to talk about.” Scar said, his tone… calm. Peaceful. “I want to follow Him, to know more about Him. The world… it is rotten, down to its core. Someone like him, who can… help me.”
“Ah, the path ahead is long, my friend.” Rampardos offered a hand. “Come, I was on my way to a meeting. We have a lot to discuss…”
Necrozma finally got out of the table, rubbing his chin. “Ah, I see. You got in contact with this Rampardos, and he taught you the ways of myself? Whoa, feels weird saying that out loud.”
“Hm… yes. He was my mentor for many years.” Scar added, closing his eyes. “Sadly, he passed away, but not before giving me all his resources. It is how I was able to secure you.”
“How… sweet.” He walked left and right, thinking. “The point of all this is to ask you: do you trust Lilith? She is like a daughter to you, is she not?”
“…Yes. We met a long time ago, and I took her in ever since,” he explained. “I can also tell that story, if you so desire.”
“I’m asking if you trust her.” Necrozma glared at him, raising a brow. “See, I’m starting to think she wants to quit. And we can’t have that, can we?”
“Trust Lilith.” Scar took a deep breath. “I do trust her, yes. I know she believes in the cause.”
“Good, good. Now, as for the history of how you two met… I’m afraid this isn’t in my interest. Although…” Necrozma thought about something for a while. If she really was having doubts, knowing more about Lilith could help deal with her later. “Ah, how difficult is it to decide such a thing. Scar, what would you say are the qualities you most like about her?”
To that, he had to wonder. Not for long, because Scar did know his daughter well. “Determined, aware of her weaknesses, and strong. Although we have not used this, she does know about ancient history. I taught her a few things, of course, but most of it came from her and her teacher.”
“Am I supposed to know who that teacher is or…?”
“Maxwell.” Scar replied. “She introduced me to him, and after a bit of knowing him, he has joined our crusade as well. Perhaps I can tell you that story as well?”
“Unlike her, I don’t think Max is betraying us. And after how far all you have come, I don’t want to worry. Yet, she makes me do it…”
“Then I will have a talk with her later.” Scar admitted with a sigh. He could only hope that was not the case. “…Well, if that is all, I would like to request a moment to give my prayers to my family.”
Necrozma finally decided. “On second thought, I’d like to know. Do tell me.”
Scar walked through a port, carrying with him a rather large book. He flipped through the pages and sat down next to the edge of the pier. Well on his travels, and with a small peace of mind after so much tragedy, he only wanted to rest.
While reading, he couldn’t help but hear the ships setting sail, for the most part, as there were still some arriving in town. The noise would normally be a bother, but everything was too peaceful—a nice, gentle breeze, cloudy skies, and more importantly, no sandstorms.
If only his family could enjoy such a relaxing time. Scar almost felt bad they weren’t there with him. It had been… twenty years since that day, and it was still ingrained in his memory. Too many times had he replayed that moment, he’d lost count.
Scar closed the book. Now his peaceful moment of respite was ruined by those pesky, intrusive thoughts. He took a deep breath, relaxing. Fret not, my dear. I will bring Necrozma and I shall have you back.
“Eeeeeek!”
Scar turned his head around, and was met with the sight of a small Buneary falling to the wooden floor, a Furret, a Vespiqueen and a Maractus surrounding the child.
What is this…? Scar’s heart skipped a beat.
“Go away! I just wanted a ride!”
“And you thought hitchhiking in our boat was the best of ideas?!” Furret hissed, picking the bunny up with an arm and shaking her. “You probably stole from us, so give whatever you took back!”
“I didn’t steal anything! Who’d want to steal from some stupid ‘mon like you all anyway?!”
The Vespiqueen buzzed, preparing a strike. Despite how… endangering that situation was, the Buneary kept a smile in her face, and even stuck out her tongue to mock them.
“You little shit! Maybe someone oughta teach you a lesson—”
A club struck the Furret and made him drop the Buneary, and the weapon turned back in the air, returning to its owner. Scar grabbed it, clenching it as tight as he could.
“Now, that is a little rude, is it not? Attacking a defenseless child like that… do you all not have any manners?”
“Go away, old man! I don’t need your—” Buneary was grabbed by the Furret again, by his tail, while he got on all fours and hissed at Scar.
“Tsc. How rude.” Scar dodged an incoming strike from Vespiqueen, and proceeded to land a powerful, fire-coated punch into her, knocking the bug out. “Now… I do believe I have a score to settle with you.”
Maractus jumped next, launching projectiles made of seeds towards Scar. The Marowak scoffed, spinning his club and igniting it, burning through the attack like it was nothing.
“Now… will you release the child?”
“S-Scram!” Furret dropped Lilith, grabbed Vespiqueen and ran away as fast as he could, with Maractus following him.
Lilith panted, looking up to see Scar offering a hand, and she took it, standing up.
“T-Thanks. For an old man, you’re not so bad.”
“There is no need to worry.” Scar said. “Now… what is a child like you doing here? Where are your parents?”
Lilith pouted, backing away. “…Mom’s dead.”
“Oh.” Scar got on his knees and pulled her into a hug. “My apologies, I did not mean to—”
“Ew, go away!” Lilith squirmed and managed to jump off of him. She kept pouting. “I’m here cuz I don’t have anywhere to go! I don’t even know where here is!”
Scar frowned, standing up. “Alone in a port. Hardly the place for a child to grow up. Hm…”
“Don’t care. It’s pointless to grow up, I dunno why I’m even trying!”
Scar scratched his chin, nodding. “What is your name, child?”
“…Lilith.”
“Lilith. That is a wonderful name.” Scar said. “Now, Lilith, I do not believe it is wise to stand here alone, would you like me to walk you around the town?”
“Mom told me to never trust strangers, y’know?”
“Ah, a wise lesson. Very well… then what is your plan here?”
Lilith’s ears flopped down. “Dunno… survive, I guess.”
“So is mine,” he offered a hand again. “I know it is hard to trust strangers, but…”
“To hell with that!” Lilith stepped on Scar’s foot and ran off.
Scar didn’t react much to it, watching her run. He sighed. “I… perhaps this is you, honey, telling me to look after her?”
He slowly followed the bunny.
Lilith was curled next to the wall, taking deep breaths to calm herself down. First, nearly dying. Then, nearly dying again by the one that was supposed to make them all happy.
“Happy” was the farthest from how she was. Lilith trembled, thinking, trying to figure out what to do. The emotions in her were all over the place. How should she feel? If only there was something to guide her, or someone. Scar… didn’t seem like that person. Not anymore.
Nobody did. Maybe she was alone now. Lilith closed her fists and held back more sobs. Why was any of that happening?
Things were just supposed to be… perfect. Why aren’t they? Why… Necrozma said he’d fix everything. If he’s like this, then—
No, no! The other option… wasn’t an option. It couldn’t be. Lilith slapped both her cheeks, trying to force a smile. It didn’t work. She curled up again, letting… all her emotions run wild, whatever they were. Still alone, with only her thoughts to keep her company.
Said thoughts were weird. She was unable to focus on any of them in particular, like they were stuck together, or mixed and matched with one another.
Lilith didn’t know what she’d do from now on, if she were to do anything at all. And maybe… Necrozma wasn’t the solution to her problem, or any of their problems. No matter how much Scar said it, he could be wrong. All of them could be wrong.
She just hoped that, if they really were wrong, that it wasn’t too late to do anything about it.
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