Team Liberators wonders what true strength is, and if they have enough to stop Necrozma.
Dungeon 62 – Strength
by NavarNick frowned and sat on a chair, crossing his arms. He was in front of the couch, where his son and his teammates sat. The Lucario waited for the news, or rather, for the short version of said news.
“So, the gist of it is that…” Brian gulped, curling on the couch. “Megs, help me out here. Please…”
“Lance’s possessed.” Meggie said, plain and simple. That was the reality they were facing, and sugarcoating was out of the question. “By this… legendary creature.”
“Necrozma’s his name, apparently.” Dex added, biting a lip and groaning. “Nasty piece o’ work. We think he’s a psychic, too. An’ a powerful one, considerin’ he managed to knock out Goggles.”
Brian whined, ears drooping. He was still curled, but now all he needed to do was wait and hear what his father wanted to say. The silence was deafening, and strong. Despite Nick not saying anything, taking the words in, Brian was still unable to move, his body shaking.
“Possessed,” he repeated. Nick muttered something to himself. His expression softened, from worry and sadness. “…Lance, my son, is possessed. Do we know if there’s… anything left of him there?”
“Uh, yeah, actually. Yeah.” Brian forced a small smile on his face, but it faltered and shattered into a frown. “Long story short, I was able to get Darkrai’s power from this crystal thingy. Using it, I managed to get inside Necrozma’s head, and I saw him, Dad. I saw Lance.”
Meggie looked at her boyfriend and touched his paw, clutching it. “Right, you didn’t have the time to tell what exactly happened there.”
“Hm. Darkrai, huh?” Nick didn’t seem much fazed by that revelation, taking it as if it was just another day in his line of work. “And… how was Lance?”
“Yeah, Goggles. How was he?”
Brian took a deep breath and leaned against his girlfriend before replying. “Trapped. I saw a hill, a large hill full of swords. He was at the top, chained, muzzled, and with swords on his back.”
His father simply nodded. Once again, he didn’t flinch. “That’s likely a representation of their united mental state. It might be a literal representation, but it might not be.”
Dex raised an arm to ask something, and Meggie turned her head to him.
“He means that it’s how Necrozma and Lance see inside their head. Uh, two heads. This is complicated…”
“Yeah.” Nick nodded. “Good job, Brian. You got a smart girlfriend.”
“Uh, thanks, but this isn’t the time for congratulations…” Brian pouted, his face turning red. “More importantly, what are we doing? How’re we saving him…? Do you have any experience with this, Dad?”
To that, Nick stopped. Not for long, as during this entire conversation, his brain was working on a solution for the issue at hand.
“When you’re on this job for decades, you learn a trick or two,” he answered. “It’s nothing concrete, and while I can’t forcefully eject Necrozma, I think our best bet is to help Lance come out.”
“An’ how’re we supposed to do that?” Dex asked, having a frown of his own. “I’ll be the first to admit I’m not as close to ‘im as y’all. But I still wanna help…”
“Good, we’ll need all the help we can get.” Nick sighed. “…Part of me wonders if, had I been more present, this wouldn’t have happened. But blaming myself won’t be of any use.”
He paused, shaking his head. “We need to make him remember. Lance might be inside a prison in his own head, but memories are strong. If we show him that, it might give him the strength he needs to fight back.”
“…Okay.” Meggie looked away, nowhere, perhaps the ceiling, the dirty wall, or even the door. She didn’t quite know where to look. “I do hope this works, because… I don’t know. This feels like a chase. We keep going and going, hitting dead end after dead end, y’know?”
To her surprise, Dex was the one who agreed, huffing. “We’re sittin’ Duckletts. Just waitin’ fer somethin’ to happen.”
“I don’t like it. Fer all we know, Necrozma might already be on his way to do… whatever he wants. And we’re, compared to ‘im.”
Nick shook his head and stood up. “That’s where you’re wrong. You might be weak individually, but you’re together. And sure, you might be weak that way, too—”
“If yer tryin’ to be helpful, it ain’t workin’ very well.” Dex huffed.
“As I was saying before being interrupted…” Nick frowned. “…A hero is not measured by how strong he is physically. It’s by the strength of their heart.”
Brian gulped, stuttering. “W-Without hope… without witness, and without reward, right? That’s what determines a hero.”
The Lucario smiled, snapping a finger. “Brian’s got it. My point is: all of you have a reason to be stronger. That reason, and your heart, is what makes you a hero. No matter how hard the world knocks you down… you stand up.”
Holy hell. Goggles got the speech-deliverin’ skills from his old man? Dex groaned, and then laughed, rubbing the back of his head. “Didn’t even know I had strength o’ heart.”
“Me neither…” Meggie added. “How’d you even get it?”
“My friends helped me.” Nick answered. “Together, we persevered through many adversities. We became stronger together, through unity.”
“Hm… I see.” Meggie sighed. It was a pretty speech, all things considered. “We do need to seal Necrozma again, and find a way to prevent anyone from doing this again.”
“You needed the crystals, right? I assume Brian has one of them.” And in response, Brian flashed the bracelet in his arm, showing the crystal inside it. “Okay, good. The others are in your enemies’ possession.”
“Essentially, strengthen Lance for him to fight back, use this to remove Necrozma, and then seal him back again.” Meggie said, twirling a finger. “Well, sounds easy enough.”
“Sounds fun. I’m gonna go get some groceries…” Dex stood up, yawning and stretching his arms. “Should still have some o’ me own money. Anything y’all want?”
Brian waved him off. “Nah.”
They watched Dex walk inside, grab a bag and then run off the door. Nick cleared his throat, bringing the subject back to Necrozma.
“As long as Necrozma isn’t complete…” Nick shivered. If that happened, he wasn’t sure any of them could stop him. “…You must prevent that. No matter what.”
“I will obtain my full power.”
Necrozma created a single sphere on top of his hand, observing it carefully. It was still purple, with occasional black cracks inside. “Indeed, I will.”
“My sire…” Scar appeared from behind, bowing. “We spent too much time here, when will we return home?”
“A very good question, my subject.” He replied, smirking. “I’m on my way to get my strength back. Unfortunately, I have used too much during that scuffle with the vessel’s sibling.”
“Your strength…?” Scar wondered if there was any way he could help. What better way than to ask him directly? “How can I be of assistance?”
“Stay put.” He added. “I must go to the… police station, right? And then to the prison. I cannot be everywhere at once, so I won’t get rid of all the criminals. This will need to suffice for now.”
Ah, that made sense. Scar nodded. “Very well. I shall wait here with the others.”
“About that… tell Max he is free to gather the emeras at the city he mentioned earlier. Once I take some of my light back at the prison, I will face… my former companion.”
Scar raised a brow. “You mean Xerneas?”
“Indeed. I’m not in my complete form, but it should be more than enough to take some of her power to myself.” Necrozma’s feelers twitched. “Hm, indeed. It seems the vessel is aware of something like this happening before. A Gallade did it to warp away, towards the human world.”
Necrozma focused, extending an arm. Energy poured out of it, crackling in the air. “But I’m trying to save my world, not destroy it. A shame, otherwise I’d take all Xerneas had to offer.”
“She is connected to the Tree. If she were to fall, the world would pay the price…” Scar said. “Ah, you truly are magnificent! Thinking of everything!”
“I suppose I am…” Necrozma smirked again. “Let Max know to get the emeras, and then you three go to Cydonia. That is the perfect stage for my uprising.”
“Understood… my Lord.”
Necrozma opened another portal and jumped in.
Next thing he knew, papers, chairs and even a table were blown away by the sheer force the portal exerted, even after he was out of it. Necrozma continued to smile, watching the gathering of police officers surrounding him, some ready to attack. In particular, a Boltund bore its fangs towards him.
“Awww! What a cute puppy !”
He heard a loud bark. Amongst the gathering, an Arcanine made his way forward, puffing out smoke. Necrozma himself didn’t know who that was, but the vessel—Lance did. Apollo.
“Alright, I’ll be real fast with this one.” He created another sphere, firing it at a table. The object exploded into nothing but splinters of wood. “I’m not in the mood to fight. Tell me where the prison is, and I’ll let you guys go.”
Apollo flinched, standing back just a little. He took a look at what remained of the table, imagining what an attack like that could do to him, or his fellow officers.
“Who… are you?” Apollo barked, claws extending for a strike.
“Necrozma. Your savior, yada yada yada.” He waved the canine off. “Seriously, this is getting annoying. Where is the prison?”
“Why…” Apollo barked again. “I’ll—I’ll show you where it is. Leave them alone! I can go with you on my own!”
“For crying out loud— fine . I didn’t want to do it…”
Not in this weakened state, anyway. Necrozma rushed forward, grasping Apollo’s head. His feelers twitched, and his eyes began to glow in rainbow colors. Without any warning, he tossed the dog aside, before opening another portal. “That was better.”
Apollo groaned, watching two officers run to his side to help him. “What… the hell was that?!”
“Looked through your memories. Congrats, you’re a good boy, so you get to live.”
Necrozma smiled, hopping in once more.
Lilith rubbed more tears off her face. No more. No more holding back her emotions. She thought going on this crusade was the good thing, that it’d benefit the world. But…
That’s just a lie. Lilith took a deep breath; this was her decision. What she wanted. Nobody could take that away from her. Not Necrozma, not Scar. Nobody.
She checked the bracelet; the one with her Awakening Emera. Still there, not that she wanted it any longer. I need to find a way to meet with them… but how? We’re supposed to go back. I can’t—won’t go back. I’m on my own.
First, she needed to create a lie. A way to let the others off her hook. This was the easy part.
Lilith left the room, putting on a toothy smile like she did so often. Scar was sipping tea, while Max sat on the table, drawing over a notebook.
“Hello, Lilith.” Scar said, not looking at her while he drank his tea. “You seem well.”
“Howdy.” Max waved. Lilith waved back at him, but she was in fact, setting her sights on the bracelet he wore. She needed it.
“Sup,” she sat down, sighing. “Hm, maybe I just didn’t get enough sleep, y’know?”
“Perhaps. Sleep is necessary, after all.” Scar added.
Alright, you got this. Just stay calm… and tell a half-truth. Better than a straight up lie. Lilith bit her lip. “So, what’d you guys think the real origin behind the z-crystals is? A gift from Arceus, but there’s gotta be more than that.”
Max just shrugged. “Eh, not my thing.”
“As exciting as that might sound, we have more important matters to attend to.” Scar put the mug down, humming. “Unless…?”
“Bingo. I’m kinda curious about ’em, and since we’re here, I figured going to the library and finding out more about those things could be a good idea!”
“As long as you don’t spend the day there, I guess.” Max quirked a brow.
“That’s the thing. I wanna take the ones you guys have. See if I can find anything specific about them. Maybe a way to destroy them, so Necrozma won’t be sealed anymore.”
Scar eyed her, squinting his eyes. “Ah. That is… curious. And not a bad idea. Though part of me wonders why you are only doing this now.”
“Eh, I’d say “sure”. Here.” Max removed the bracelet, tossing it to her. Lilith caught it.
“Well, if you insist…” Scar took it off as well, but took longer, thinking. “But yes, if you must go, then go. But remember to come back as soon as you can.”
…This actually worked, huh? Lilith picked the second bracelet and opened her purse, putting them both inside. “Promise I won’t lose it! And Lord Necrozma’s at the police, yeah? Or prison.”
“Probably the prison by now…” Max kept taking notes. “I’m gonna have to order a bigger bag. Maybe two. Carrying all those emeras is gonna take a while.”
“Do take care, Lilith.” Scar said, standing up. “Now, if you will excuse me, I must meditate.”
“Aye.” Lilith waved, and went to the door, opening it slowly, seeing the sunlight coming from the outside. To anyone else, this was normal. But to her, this was something else.
I’m strong. This is proof of my strength.
This was… freedom.
Meanwhile, far away, Dex walked across the main street. No longer in his, as he put it, “shitty neighbor”, he had access to better stores for the groceries.
Of course, that meant nothing when everything was expensive. He carried a single, brown paper bag. And with how much he groaned, one would think he was finding it hard to carry. No, instead, he was ready to hit someone up from anger.
“The hell’s up with the economy? Things can’t be this bloody expensive…” he muttered, peeking inside. Canned food, pasta, a few chocolate bars. All he could afford.
On his side, a Scraggy ran, stopping a few feet in front of Dex to catch his breath. And though the Pokémon was that much shorter than him, Dex saw a police badge. Scraggy wasn’t alone, as a Mudbray soon joined him, also with a badge.
Ye’d think the police has nothin’ better to do. But eh.
Scraggy grumbled, but it turned into a shiver. “Didja see how weird that crystal creature was? No Lucario, I tell you!”
“I dunno, there’s ghost Zoroark. I don’t see why there wouldn’t be… crystal Lucario.” Mudbray added.
…Fer cryin’ out loud. Dex groaned. So Necrozma had seen the police? Probably at the station… unless these two were on patrol. But there’s no way fer me to know—
“You heard the boss…” Mudbray mumbled. “Gotta stay out of the station while that crystal guy does… whatever. But we’re not going to, right?”
“That’s the spirit. Now c’mon, we had enough of a break already! Let’s g find some backup!”
…Should I mention I’m backup? Dex blinked. So he was at the station? If that was the case, then his friends should know!
Dex ran as fast as possible, grabbing the bag. This was getting more dangerous…
He didn’t need to run far, knowing the city meant he had some idea of shortcuts and places to go that allowed him to get home faster. In a matter of minutes, he was in front of it.
Nick groaned, watching Dex close the door behind him and put the bag on the couch. He panted, having just enough time to say what he saw before catching his breath.
“What happened?” Meggie asked. She floated up, looking at Dex with a frown.
“…Bad stuff, Popsicle. Heard some officers lookin’ fer backup, reportin’ a crystal Lucario.”
Brian gulped, looking at the bracelet in his arm. “A crystal… it’s Lance. It’s gotta be—”
“I’m knocking some sense into him,” was all Nick said before crossing his arms. “He’s my son, I’m sure I can reach him.”
“I already fought him, but…” Brian shook his head. Even if it didn’t work, he made some progress.
“Guess we’re goin’, then?” Dex cracked his knuckles. “Good. I wanna kick that stupid rock candy’s ass.”
Nick turned his back on them, opening the door. “Let’s go. We’ll all work together.”
Corridors stretched into incredible distances, with walls of gray and white. Luminous orbs made for the light source of the ward, and even though they worked, they flashed every now and then, as if failing.
Necrozma also saw blue, metallic doors, likely for the other utilities of the prison. Of course, his stroll didn’t go unnoticed. The prisoners in cells next to him sometimes walked to stare at him in awe, and some were grumbling.
More importantly, Necrozma looked back. He saw the prisoners wearing strange bracelets, gold and blue. “Tell me, officer. What is that?”
“…You don’t know about Nullify Looplets? Work perfectly for suppressing abilities and moves.” Apollo muttered, whining. “What exactly do you want here, anyway? What are you—”
“Shhhh. Be a good boy and stay quiet.” Necrozma ran a single claw on Apollo’s snout, smirking as he did so. “None of your business~”
Stop this.
Necrozma flinched. That voice came from inside his head. …You. How?
Brian helped, and I’m still here. Leave my mind alone , you monster!
Impossible. He thought, snarling. You… you were supposed to be suppressed!
Necrozma saw his hand move to the side, but he didn’t move it—Lance did.
Here’s what I think of being suppressed. No more!
Imbecile. He groaned, grabbing the arm to stop himself from doing anything worse. Necrozma couldn’t be losing control now! He was still more than powerful enough for this. He had to be.
Necrozma snarled, clawing at the wall to calm down. To put it simply, he didn’t want to feed anymore. But why…? It couldn’t—shouldn’t be because of the vessel.
You should’ve stayed buried.
“Well, I’m sure if it’s a visit you wanted, you could’ve just… arranged with the warden. Didn’t need to portal.” Apollo mumbled. “And… you threatened me and my fellow officers. I can’t just stand put and—”
“I said to zip it.” Necrozma shushed him again, punching the wall. What was going on with him?
“Hah…”
A voice that didn’t belong to either of them said, getting Necrozma’s attention because of how familiar it sounded, making him turn his head to look at the cell.
It came from a Bisharp. Cuffed with two of the looplets, and sitting on a bed. He even looked thinner than the last time Lance—Necrozma remembered his vessel seeing him.
Flint. That’s his name. Necrozma thought. He cringed, disgusted by the sight.
“Now, now… detective. I didn’t think you’d be so kind as to give me a visitor. Even if the visitor looks… odd.” Flint shrugged, not taking his eyes off of them. “Who would’ve thought… little old me.”
“This isn’t a visit, Flint.” Apollo groaned. “I’m… honestly I’m not sure why I trusted this guy so easily. But I’m not going to anymore. Whoever you are, prepare to—”
Necrozma opened a portal and kicked Apollo into it, warping him back to the station. Now, he was all alone, able to do whatever he so desired. And that was… talking.
“Whoa! My visitor is stronger than I thought! Didn’t even know what that was… teleport? Warp orb? What was it?” Flint chuckled, raising his cuffed arms. “I don’t suspect you’ll let me go?”
“Something else, actually. I like to call them… Ultra Wormholes.” Necrozma leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “Out of the question. You’re here because you deserve it. You’re the scum of the earth.”
“Ouch,” he moved his head back, yelping dramatically. “Fair, though. In my line of work, or former line of work, that was something I heard a lot.”
“Yes, because you conspired against a politician. That kid became an orphan, you know? Not that you care…”
Necrozma flicked his ears. That was… odd. He barely realized he said that. And for the why… he wasn’t sure.
“How… specific. But I suppose the citizens outside this cage know what happened.” Flint scoffed. “I don’t care. I needed to survive.”
“So did Atlas. Until I—” Necrozma stopped again, looking at his trembling hand. Vessel. This is your doing, isn’t it?
“You what?” Flint quirked a brow. “Atlas died from a cave-in. That’s all. And his stupidity, but that’s a different story…”
“You’re free to believe that.” Necrozma clenched his fist. “For what is worth, I’m sorry.”
He prepared another portal, but Flint stood up, leaving the bed and coming as close as the cell allowed him to.
“Wait a minute… that scar, that voice, while distorted, that… it can’t be. Can it? It’s you—”
Necrozma didn’t waste time and jumped inside the portal.
Apollo landed on his butt, right in front of the station. He groaned, shaking some dust off and standing up.
“What the—”
“Chief!”
A Scraggy came running. Now that Apollo had the time to see, most of the force was surrounding the entrance, ready to fight their way through Necrozma.
“Are you okay, chief?”
“Uh… yeah, somehow.” Apollo mumbled. My ass is gonna hurt later, though… just what was that?
“We’re ready to attack at your command, sir.” Scraggy saluted. “Shall we?”
“No, wait… something’s amiss here. I’m not sure what, but… we can’t be rash.”
A crowd had started to gather, reporters flashing notebooks left and right. Apollo groaned again, realizing he’d need to explain this thing he didn’t even know what was to all of them.
“…For now, keep the civilians away. I’ll see what I can do—”
“Mister Apollo!”
“Huh?” The Arcanine’s ears flicked and he turned back, just in time to see Brian waving and running. “Kid! Stand back, we’re dealing with this!”
“No, wait! I know this guy! He’s dangerous, and you can’t hope to fight him. Not like this, anyway…” Brian whined. Did it really have to come to fighting?”
Nick was next, folding his arms behind his back. “Chief. You might not remember me, but I’m Nicholas Williams. At your disposal.”
“Okay, that’s… odd.” Apollo turned to Scraggy. “Keep the civilians away, I’m talking with these two—”
And the other two arrived next, Meggie before Dex.
“…These four.”
“Understood, chief.” Scraggy saluted once more, leaving to deal with the audience.
Apollo sighed. “So… care to tell me what’s going on?”
“It might be best to keep some details to ourselves.” Nick said, eyeing the crowd. “Just know that crystal Lucario… he’s a legendary. A powerful creature known as Necrozma.”
“…I have no idea who that is, but a legendary? Sounds a little hard to believe, if you ask me.”
Dex crossed his arms. “Good thing we ain’t askin’, Fluffy.”
“Sorry about him, he’s cranky about the groceries.” Meggie pouted. “Anyway, the thing is: Necrozma’s dangerous, we’re trying to free the one he’s possessed. It’s… a delicate matter.”
“Possessed? Free?” Apollo tilted his head. Clearly, this was well above him. “…Let’s say I believe that. I can’t just let someone that threatened my force walk away.”
“You can, and you will.” Nick said, bluntly. “It’s for the best. As Meggie said, this is delicate. We can’t risk anyone else getting compromised.”
Brian didn’t say anything, mostly because everyone else was doing that for him. Though part of him did wonder if Apollo was trustworthy enough for this.
Amidst the audience, a Lopunny watched the five Pokémon gathered, biting her lip. She wanted to talk to them, but finding an opportunity for it was… hard.
C’mon, Lilith. What would Scar do in this situation?
She cleared her throat, puffing out her chest. Ah, Lilith, you must tell the truth. Should it hurt, that is good. Being hurt means you have feelings. You must let those feelings blossom like the prettiest flower you have ever seen.
Lilith raised a finger. Whoa, that did sound like him. Guess I know the guy better than I thought… even if things went to shit.
Still, she needed to make a decision, right there.
Well… it’s now or never, I guess. Okay, Lilith. On one, two, three…
With another deep breath, and after putting a smile on her face, Lilith moved forward, shoving aside everyone surrounding her up until she couldn’t anymore, when Scraggy stepped forward to stop her.
“Miss, stay back. This is too dangerous—”
“I don’t have time for this!” Lilith stomped on the ground, jumping as high as she could, and landing on the opposite side of Scraggy. She grinned, before running off again.
“So let me get this straight.” Apollo muttered. “You’re facing a legendary Pokémon, that happens to possess a Lucario.”
He put his paw on his face, groaning. “See, this is why I work at the police instead of a guild. Less stuff like this happens.”
“I suppose…” Nick shrugged.
“Mate, ye wouldn’t believe the stuff we saw back at the shrines—” Dex turned his head to the side, seeing a very fast bunny running towards them. “What the… Goggles, Popsicle, look!”
And look they did. Meggie noticed her first, her eyes widening. Without breaking a sweat, she launched a shard of ice, though Lilith jumped out of the way in time, seeing the ice shatter once it touched the ground where she once stood.
“You!” Meggie hissed, readying more ice. “How dare you show your face here!”
“I see you’re still angry.” Lilith raised both of her arms. “But I’m not here to argue, or fight—I want to join you guys.”
Brian raised a brow, but unlike his girlfriend, he didn’t try to attack. Instead… he was dumbstruck. “What?”
Apollo swished his tail. “I… who is that?”
“Carrots—” Dex shook his head. “Lilith. Helped Necrozma possess that Lucario.”
Apollo sighed, motioning for the officers. “Fine. I’ll let the others off you guys. Just… don’t let this repeat itself.”
He ran towards them.
“…And now you seek redemption.” Nick hummed, crossing his arms. He eyed the Lopunny, giving her a fierce stare. Lilith could see the rage inside, suppressed enough for them to have a casual conversation.
“Yeah. Redemption and… kinda don’t wanna lose my free will, not when Nec happens to be a damn psychopath.” Lilith chuckled, not even because it was funny, but from the sheer insanity of it all. “…Also, I got the crystals you guys needed. They’re in my purse.”
“Oh yeah, as if we’ll believe that.” Meggie continued to charge her attack, seconds away from firing.
“No.” Nick stepped forward, walking until he was facing Lilith up close. “I think this is a good opportunity. We have someone that was on the inside. And…”
He opened Lilith’s purse, picking the two bracelets. He tossed the ghost one to Meggie, and the bug one to Dex. They both caught it.
“…It’s not like we should trust you. Because let me tell you this, Lilith—” Nick snarled. “If this is a trap, I will end you myself.”
“Alright, fair enough,” she saluted. “Which reminds me. He wasn’t there last time I checked, but I think… Necrozma might be back at the apartment.”
A portal opened, and Necrozma landed on his feet, growling. He closed his eyes, still shivering. This couldn’t be happening, not to him. Lance could never hope to be strong enough to start taking back his body. It just didn’t seem plausible.
“Petulant child. Your tenacity remains, even after I tried putting you down.” He punched the wall, leaving a hole in it, and then clawed at it, snarling. “Let me tell you the truth, vessel. You were born for me. It is only because we’re connected that you still live.”
…Get out of my body.
Necrozma could hear the snarl from his mind. Their mind. Or… no, it was his, as soon as he got rid of the resistance.
You’re lucky. If you died, I would too. Such an inefficient way of bonding… but I’ll get rid of this weakness as soon as I can.
Ah, yes. By getting rid of free will. Why?
Necrozma sat on the couch, groaning. Why have it in the first place? Why can’t you see, vessel? It has led the mortals to tragedy, time and time again. It is worthless.
You say that, and yet… you’re acting on your own free will. Don’t you think that makes you a little hypocritical?
Get out. He roared, eyes glowing and feelers twitching. Necrozma teared the couch apart, not caring enough to answer Lance, or the other two—Scar and Max—who had come to see what was going on with him.
Yes! Go… away. To the chains you go!
It continued, until the voice in his head stopped talking. Necrozma panted, trembling. He really did need light; seeing a tiny crack on his armor. This is… so undignified.
“Sire, are you alright…?” Scar cleared his throat to get the legendary’s attention.
“Uh, boss? Everything good? I was gonna ask if the prisoners’ light tasted good, but… I dunno how it tastes.”
“Depends on the ‘mon.” He replied, groaning. “And why ask?! Do your jobs! I deal with my problems on my own!”
“Because I worry.” Scar said, coming closer, until Necrozma snarled at him again. “…But if you wish to be on your own, then I will oblige.”
“Hmph. Don’t be dramatic, I just don’t want your pity . I am a God. I do not need pity from mortals . Do your job.”
Max raised a claw.
“…You do your job too. Why are you still here, by the way? Don’t you have a way of warping to that stupid town?”
“I mean… yeah, but I didn’t expect to come here in the first place. Didn’t bring—”
“Excuses,” he interrupted. “Am I really surrounded by idiots?!”
“…Sire, please. You must calm down.”
“Calm down.” Necrozma grumbled, but he still recognized that was a useful suggestion. “…Fine. I am fine. As a matter of fact, I’m great!”
He did need to calm down. Breaths. It always came down to the stupid breaths.
“Nevertheless… it’s time for us to go.”
His feelers twitched again, and Necrozma looked at himself. His body—because it really was his. Lance kept resisting, trying to take control, even managing to change his actions. Acts that shouldn’t even be possible.
Hypocritical. That is something reserved to mortals. I cannot be hypocritical, and I cannot make mistakes. Do you hear me, vessel?
Yes. But it’s not like I have any choice. Lance snarled again. Perhaps Necrozma should get inside their head to confront him once more.
Exactly, you don’t get a choice. Because if you did, it would only lead to sorrow. Understand this. It is what I must do. I am not… flawed.
Necrozma closed a fist, but it opened on its own; Lance’s doing, for sure.
As a God, it’s my duty to make sure you mortals don’t destroy yourselves. He thought, knowing Lance could hear him. This doesn’t make me flawed. I am a hero. The world WILL be saved by ME. And you can’t stop me.
You say that, but the fact you refuse to acknowledge anything other than what you think proves your flaws exist.
Wretched mortal… you’re worthless! Necrozma managed to shout in thought only.
I… am not flawed. I don’t know how or why you managed to escape the chains, and although it’s nothing short of a miracle… it won’t happen again.
Lance didn’t say anything in return. The silence, meant to be relaxing, only aggravated Necrozma.
Is that it? No quips? Ran out of things to say, vessel?
Necrozma grit his teeth. First, Lance mocked him by continuing to talk, and now, the mockery continued by refusing to say anything. That just wouldn’t do.
You should be grateful. Before your time, before ALL of your times, worshippers submitted themselves to me, completely. They trusted me with their life. How… why can’t you do the same?
Still no reply.
Answer me. I know you’re there. I am your God, you will answer me, even if I must dig you out myself.
Finally, he heard something. A chuckle.
You don’t understand it, do you? I may be weak now, but the seed of doubt has been planted already. The fact you had to beg me to reply proves it.
What?! Necrozma snapped back to reality, panting. No, no, no! He wasn’t tricked by a mortal! That was intentional, it had to be intentional! You… come back—
But Necrozma stopped himself. Deep inside, he knew asking for Lance to reply would only feed into his tricks. Despite this, he laughed.
Ah… trick or not, it’s nothing but that. It won’t help you, vessel.
He stood up, his focus back on the subordinates beside him. Scar had kept a close watch at the conversation, even if he didn’t hear anything.
“Like I said before… we need to go.”
Yes, they were just about done in that city. Scar agreed the decision to leave was important, even if getting rid of any resistance would be better. But who was he to question his Lord?
“Understood, Sire. However…”
“Lillith’s outside.” Max shrugged. Oh, it would be great if this ended well, and didn’t anger him that they would take longer to go home. “…At the library, but it’s fine. We’ll be alright, just gotta wait for her—”
“She’s what?!” Necrozma glared. “You have got to be kidding me. Scar!”
Scar straightened himself. “Yes, Sire?”
“What part of “I think she’s having second thoughts” do you not understand?!” He rubbed a paw on his face, groaning. “I am sure she’s not at any library.”
This time, Scar questioned it. “Sire, I have known her for decades, I sincerely doubt she would lie to us.”
“Y’know what? I’m gonna go check if there’s any clues!” Max pouted, running to the room she used.
“ You trust her, but I know better. Now, would you like to tell me everything , or will I need to get it out of you by force?”
Scar rubbed his chin in thought. “…She came to us asking for the two crystals, saying she would gather some information on the library, on how to destroy them.”
“Destroy them? Wha—Did I not mention you can’t?!” Once more, he roared, tapping the ground repeatedly. “…She lied. She’s not at the library. Luckily, I have an idea of where she might be.”
“…The police.” Scar muttered. As he did so, Max came back empty handed, walking with a shrug.
“Found nothing. Guess she really did run off, right?”
“This is disgusting. It’s what I get… my reward.”
“No, no. Perhaps we can still catch up to her. Though the city is humongous, I doubt we will find her quickly.”
“Thanks to my power, this body has increased range for sensing.” Necrozma flexed various claws. “I can try—no, I will find her. But, of course… our first stop is at the station. If that fails, then I’ll begin my search.”
“Don’tcha worry about being drained, boss.” Max saluted and grinned. “Once we get the emeras, everything will be a-okay!”
“It better be.”
He sighed, cursing the body for needing gestures like this to ease nerves. Necrozma started walking with his arms folded behind his back, twitching his ears every now and then. “I will not be denied. Not when I’m so close to completion. And you two better not betray me. Traitors don’t sit well with me.”
“Fair enough, then.” Max adjusted his hat and put a bag on, getting ready. “Guess we’re warping, then?”
Necrozma clawed at the air to open the wormhole. “Does that answer your question? Actually, don’t say anything. I know it does.”
“Lilith…” Scar whispered, frowning. How could she betray them like that…? Once more, my family leaves me. If the prospect of my Lord did not exist, I would still believe myself to be cursed.
“Just get in already!”
Apollo kept talking to the press, and to his officers. Some still tried to advance to ask questions, but he had kept them at bay for the moment.
“Hm…” Nick looked at the bracelets. Or, more precisely, at the crystals they contained. His sensors kept moving as he felt the aura inside. A very strong aura in both of them. “Can’t say I’ve heard of this before. Meggie, did you?”
“Not really, no… so it’s not something from the humans,” she replied.
Dex grinned, showing off some of his fangs as he gazed at Lilith. “So Carrots joins us, eh? Hell yeah! Now I’m not the most recent member!”
“Technically, we were allies a few months ago, but—”
“She’s not joining…” Brian said, interrupting the Lopunny. “We’re just allying again.”
“Great.” Lilith sighed. This somehow ended up a lot better than she anticipated. “…Guess we’ll regroup, then?”
“Aye.” Dex chuckled, wrapping his left arm around her. “I’ll show ye the place!”
Meggie huffed, floating next to the two, and creating another icy shard.
“Not a good idea. If this is a trap, then it might be best to pick somewhere neutral.”
“Good point.” Nick added. “Then, let’s find a good spot—”
His feelers twitched again, just as a portal opened and a sphere shot from it, but Nick shot one of his own, the two attacks colliding into a smoky explosion.
The crowd behind them began to scream as three Pokémon walked out of the portal. Necrozma had his arm ready to fire another sphere… and chuckled at the sight of Nick.
“Ah, hello. Sorry to crash the party, but I’ve heard you had one of our own!”
Scar didn’t waste time, setting his sights on Lilith. “Daughter. Please tell me you have not forsaken Him…”
Lilith froze, gulping. She didn’t dare to answer, and couldn’t, no matter how many times she tried. Meggie turned her back and seeing her enemies. And with how the Lopunny seemed to be trapped in fear… she probably wasn’t lying.
“Somewhere neutral…” Brian muttered to himself. I wonder if I can force him to bring us back home again.
Meanwhile, the audience had began to run away, though the officers remained. Apollo himself barked, trying to get their attention.
“Mister Nicholas! This isn’t ideal, but I also don’t want a fight to break out here.”
“At this point, I doubt we have much of a choice.” Nick sighed. “But go away! We’ll handle this on our own!”
Apollo drooped his ears, and then motioned for the officers to run off into the streets, to protect the civilians in case something happened.
Lilith panted, and finally managed to get a reply. “I’m sorry, Scar, but… this has gone too far! I can’t handle this anymore. I’m… really sorry.”
Scar clutched his club as tight as possible, and it audibly cracked. “I see. If this is the case, then… I am sorry too.”
“Don’t be, she brought this upon herself.” Necrozma said, and then he looked at Nick, keeping a bright, cheery grin.
Nick didn’t seem fazed by it, simply staring. He knew how to handle emotions, and rage made one reckless. He didn’t need to be reckless.
He closed his eyes. “Though, I suppose we can at least make the number of combatants go down…”
“Lilith,” he cried out. “Hand me the emera. I want to try this… mega evolution.”
“U-Uh? What, oh. O-Okay!” Without waiting any further, she tossed the bracelet.
“And now…” Nick said as he put it, clicking the looplet into place around his right arm. “Necrozma, was it?”
“How adorable. Another mortal thinks he can defy me.” He just chuckled.
“Here’s what will happen.” Nick raised the arm and touched the stone inside his looplet, letting the energy envelop him. A bright, orange flash of aura surrounded him.
“You will give me my son back.”
Brian gulped, not noticing Meggie hovering to hold his paw. “D-Dad…”
“Hmph. When will you mortals learn?” Necrozma eyed his subordinates. “Do not interrupt.”
Nick already started running, closing a fist. It began to shimmer with a gray, metallic light. He jumped, aiming at Necrozma and falling towards him like a meteor.
“Bah!” Necrozma blocked with an arm, but he was dragged back a little. “Thanks, Dad! It’s so nice fighting my old man!”
“Don’t speak in his voice!” Nick jumped back and rushed again, firing an orange sphere to Necrozma.
The attack landed, but he simply laughed it off and responded with a sphere of his own, cracks of black surrounding even the air around the attack.
“See, Dad?! This is what you get when you acquire unsurpassable power!”
“Hmph.” Nick launched another sphere, colliding both of the attacks. Amidst the smoke, he still ran, trading blows and kicks with Necrozma, one unable to land a significant hit on the other.
“Dad!” Brian gulped, trying to go ahead and help, but Meggie pushed him back. “B-Be careful!”
Lilith watched the fight as well as she could, but she spent most of the time looking at Scar, the disappointment in his eyes was almost palpable.
“Goggles, yer dad is incredible…” Dex whistled, watching the fight after the smoke cleared.
“C’mon, Dad! Stop trying to hit me!”
Nick jumped, igniting his leg on fire and landing on Necrozma with a powerful, flaming kick that finally dragged him back further.
“And you… stop pretending to be him.” Nick stated, clenching a fist and coating it in the same metallic shimmer as before. “I know my son. Lance… would never say “dad”. He always called me father.”
“Oh well…” he stood up and chuckled, grinning as wide as possible. “Was worth a shot anyway! Now… Father, did you know him? Really know him? If you did… you’d notice the signs way before I took control!”
Nick didn’t have an answer to that. He simply sighed. “I failed in many things. But I’ll be better. For my sons.”
And he charged again with another punch.
Necrozma responded by clocking with an arm, though the impact left whirlwinds surrounding the two. Nick growled, closing his other fist and trying a second punch.
Once more, his opponent blocked it, but now he was defenseless. Nick smirked, igniting his leg again and kicking him right in the chest.
“Urgh!” He roared, sticking his claws on the rocky ground and charging again. “You know what?! Enough of this! Killing you will serve as a great lesson for the vessel!”
His words dripped with venom, but Nick wasn’t about to let them intimidate him. With quick feet and determination, Nick ran ahead. His claws started glowing, surrounded by eerie ectoplasm.
The two clashed, slashing at each other like wild beasts. Nick was far more savage than usual, letting roars and grunts at every opportunity possible. Necrozma, on the other hand, composed himself, but… he took hits.
More than one hit. As the fight dragged on, Necrozma found himself taking strike after strike, and sometimes, not even dodging them. Unusual, even to him. Normally, he would at least try to dodge.
Nick noticed this. The strange way Necrozma seemed to move towards the shadow claws, getting hit time and time again. Just what was going on?
“Tch! Just die already, you worthless mortal!” Necrozma jumped back, blasting three spheres towards Nick.
“I already said it,” he replied, ethereal claws forming once more. “I’m getting Lance back!”
In a flash, Nick disappeared, and each of the spheres was cut through like they were butter, exploding into aura, while the Mega Lucario advanced, preparing another hit—
“Enough.” Necrozma blocked, holding Nick’s arm when he was close enough. He began to grasp it, with enough force to hear bones start to pop. “I’ve had it with…! W-With—”
“I’m not sure how a God like you didn’t notice it before. You’re holding back.” Nick closed another fist and punched him once more, this time, on Necrozma’s chin, sending him upward and then backwards.
Brian’s ears twitched once more. “Lance… Lance’s doing it! He’s fighting!”
“You said I didn’t know him. That I should have seen the signs.” Nick closed his eyes and let out a short breath. “That’s true, I should’ve paid attention. But I know him much, much more than you ever will. That’s why I can say… Lance, my son, return to us!”
Necrozma put a hand in front of his face and groaned, coughing. He screamed, a guttural, primal scream that shook the area. “I-I… I already said it! I won’t be denied! I am Lance! And you’ve used my body for too long!”
Was this working? Necrozma began shivering and trembling, coughing again. With one arm, he tore through the helmet, trying to remove it.
“N-Now…! Get—”
Brian tried getting closer, and once more, Meggie stopped him. On the other side, Scar tried the same, only for Max to grab him. Whatever was going on, they shouldn’t get near.
“I said—” Necrozma roared, his voice turning back into the distorted one. “S-Stupid vessel! Stop struggling so much!”
The Lucario stopped moving, and remained frozen, much like a statue. He then shook his head back and roared once more, aura bursting from his body in a massive purple explosion.
Nick was dragged back, covering his face to let the dust settle.
Once it was away, Nick had a clear line of sight to a portal slowly closing. He tried to run inside, even jumping to get a better chance… but it dissipated before he was able to go.
“D-Damn it!” Nick fell on his knees, grunting as the mega evolution aura left his body, going inside the emera again.
“This ain’t good…” Dex ran, and saw the distinct lack of their three enemies.
“They probably warped to Cydonia…” Lilith was next, rubbing her arm. “I’m… sorry.”
Brian remained in place, however, holding Meggie’s hand. “And we failed. Again. Lance’s still possessed.”
“But we did get close! Just… a little longer. Not that we counted on him doing… whatever that was.” Meggie hovered down a little, and then leaned closer to Brian.
“A burst of aura,” Nick answered, standing up. “At least, that’s what it looked like. But… we can’t go there now. We need to rest.”
“Rest? Sorry, sir Goggles and Pup’s dad, but we can’t let ’em get away with it!”
Though Dex had a point, Nick did too. They were tired, and with no way of quickly getting to Cydonia. Nick, in particular, wondered if they had any cards.
Even so, the mood had been soured. Lilith realized this, with everything going silent. She sighed, and now that she was on the road to redemption, needed to help them.
“I’m not giving up,” she said. “And neither should any of you. We just… need to keep trying.”
Brian looked at her with teary eyes. “You… you’re right. You know what their plan is! How they’re gonna do it and all! And you’re helping us!”
“For now, son…” Nick walked to him, touching Brian’s shoulder. “We need to rest. For as little time as we can. Lilith… do you have any idea?”
“I dunno. Days, weeks, maybe? Necrozma said to get the emeras in some random western town. Depends on how fast Max does it.”
Lilith paused, considering another variable. “Though he is pissed off. You hurt him real bad last time, Brian.”
“We still need to talk about that…” Meggie sighed. “Man, I can’t wait for this to be over. I’m in desperate need of a vacation.”
“Despite that, we have a countdown to our destruction.” The Lucario added, frowning. “Which is never a good thing. Trust me, I have experience with Gods.”
Brian looked at the sky, but kept quiet. With so many speeches, fights and all… he was tired. Tired of it all. Yet, he had to keep going. They all had to. Giving up was… not a choice they could make.
“Dad. Let’s regroup. Neutral place, right?”
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