Aftermath: A Pokémon Tale

Warning: Before you proceed, you should be warned: this Pokémon story is not afriad to hide violence and death. In fact, both are common parts to the story.

Nothing gory occurs, nor is there foul language, but regardless be warned: if you are uncomfortable with death this story is not for you.

If you have a criticism, any at all, please tell me! I want to make this story enjoyable, so anything you can recommend or suggest is more than welcome!

Prologue: "Stay with me a little longer!"

Spoiler

A Sliggoo trudged up the hill, now a good distance away from what lay behind him. He stopped in his tracks, collapsing forward gasping for air, covered in soot: all around him rose up the embers from where he came from. Turning round now, he saw what he tried to disbelieve, what he tried to convince himself was a dream. It wasn't.

The sky was died orange and black around the village. Nobody else made it out: just this Sliggoo. He could swear that the village was burnt to a crisp now, yet the fires only raged more. The day had been unusually bright, but Sliggoo never thought it could mean this.

Once again, he was all alone. And for a brief moment, everything turned in on itself and darkness surrounded the Sliggoo. He came to his senses, wishing that he'd escaped the living nightmare. But no, no matter what happened the nightmare was still real.

His village was destroyed and burned down. Everyone he knew was gone.

Just a few hours ago...

Sun beat down on the Village of Rains. An uncommon occurrence sure, but nonetheless the sun was welcomed by the inhabitants: even those who enjoy the rain can enjoy the sun too! The village was situated near the cost on a short rocky cliff. A path from the village would run down to the beach, where the village elder stayed in his well decorated cave. Sliggoo made his way down to this cave to meet his adoptive father, the village elder himself.

The village elder was an old Lapras named Turlock Ness. Turlock was a wizened old fellow, unable to move as well as he could in his younger years, but people remember how he was back in the day, hyperactive and such, defending the village with all his might and heart. For a while, Turlock was even considered the head of the defensive force of the village.

However, one day the village was met by a new visitor, a small one who looked quite beaten up. Lapras, caring as he was, rushed to the visitors aid, and immediately put aside his duties to protect and help this poor creature. He tended to its care every day until it was healthy again, and even then he still looked after it and protected it as it lived out its life.

Not long after did the original village elder die. It was a sad time for everybody, but thankfully he went out peacefully. In his last moments, he pointed to Turlock as the new elder, for his true, wholehearted service to the village. Turlock was truly honored, but still felt the pain of losing the elder like everyone else. All the same, he respected the old elders choice, and took to the post of Village elder.

The very creature Turlock had helped through life was a Goomy: the same Goomy who grew up into the Sliggoo we see now. His name was Lou Glaucus, and for the most part his history is a blank spot. He was never comfortable revealing it, but Turlock could respect that. Never once did Turlock see the need to pry into Lou's personal info.

For the most part, life was good. Never had the village been more prosperous than under Turlock's care: indeed things were looking up for the village.

"Turlock? Turlock you here?" Lou entered into Turlock's cave, looking left and right for the Lapras he almost considered a father.

"Hm? Oh yes, Lou, I'm here don't worry," Turlock raised his head from his rest. Turlock was an old thing now, so he spent a lot of his days resting his old bones. All the same, he would make sure to wake up for Lou's arrival. "What is it you wanted Lou?"

"I just wanted to inform you that there are some unusual guests here. The guards sent me to tell you," Lou stopped and gave a little bow of respect to Turlock. No matter how much Turlock said to Lou not to bow to him, Lou still couldn't stop bowing every time he met him. At this point Turlock just accepted it because there was no point in wasted words arguing against it.

"Unusual? I see. I'll make my way over to greet them then," Turlock slowly rose up and made his way out of his cave, along the shore towards the village road, then up that towards the village entrance. There at the entrance were 3 Pokémon, not usually seen in the village: there was a Gardevoir, a Delphox and a Bisharp standing tall and serious.

"Now, now, might I ask your business here? If you're travelers you're welcome to stay here," Turlock gave them a gentle kindly smile. The Bisharp had been looking towards the setting sun, but had now turned to face Turlock.

"Little tip: turn around and you'll see why we're here. You'll get it soon enough," the Bisharp folded his arms as he looked beyond Turlock. Turlock turned around to try and see what he meant: out of nowhere, the sun intensified, followed by a massive burst of fire and sulfur from one of the buildings in the village. The fire quickly turned into a blazing inferno of flames that soon took over the village. Through the fire stepped a 4 legged beast, silhouetted by the flames that sloshed in rage behind him. His manor was extremely calm, like this was a normal everyday task to him.

Turlock turned around. The 3 unusual visitors had disappeared. However, what replaced them was far worse than the fire that caked the village: all throughout, the Pokémon there could be heard crying out for help, being taken down one by one by the unusual visitors. Turlock slowly turned back to the flames in front of him. The figure who walked out of the flames was now right in front of Turlock: a Houndoom... Was it? It wasn't ordinary that's for sure. This Houndoom looked different, as though it had achieved a higher state of power.

"Ness? Turlock Ness?" It's voice was deep and mannerly, as if this was some sort of legal proceeding.

Turlock gritted his teeth. "Yes, that's me. What do you want here? Why are you burning the village and its people!?" This was the first time Lou had heard Turlock raise his voice. The Houndoom lowered its eyes for a second: in the blink of an eye he moved forward, and was now suddenly behind Turlock. Turlock's face solidified into a terrified grimace. He slowly looked down. He looked back up.

"Oh dear... Forgive me Lou..." slam. Turlock's face fell into the ground below him.

"Pathetic. Truly pathetic. He couldn't withstand such a wound as that? I'm disappointed he could ever become village elder," the Houndoom spoke over his shoulder. He took a deep breath then turned to face Lou. "Guess you're next-"

"No, please..." Turlock gasped for air. He wasn't done yet. "Please, spare him... He has no quarrel with you, just let him go. He's faced enough hardships..."

The Houndoom sniffed. "You beg for the others life and not your own? Ha, you nearly make me feel sorry for taking the life of someone so noble! Very well then! If you wish him to live then he shall live. He's no threat to me anyway. But remember, you paid for his life with your own... Hm... Judging by how you are now though, you'll be dead soon enough. I have no need to waste my claws anymore on you. Enjoy your last moments while you have them." The Houndoom, mannerly as usual, stepped out of the village. "Oh, and you, little Sliggoo? Make sure you harbour a revenge for me in your heart. That sort of revenge will make you stronger, and more useful to me in the future." It then continued on its way.

Lou stared into the distance. This couldn't be happening. This can't be. But it was. Lou fell forwards, his face cringing with fear and misery.

"... Lou... Lou, please, come over here," Turlock coughed out what he could manage. Lou turned his head to Turlock, and quickly ran over to make sure Turlock was OK.

"Turlock..." Lou couldn't hide his tears. No amount of fire could.

"Lou, please, whatever you do, don't build up a grudge for that Houndoom. I know, it'll be hard... *cough* but, you can't follow his example. You can't do what he *cough* what he wants you to do. Please, for me..."

"You didn't... Need to die Turlock... Not now! Please! Stay with me a little longer!" Lou grabbed hold of Turlock's face. "Please!"

"... T a k e ... C a r e ..."

Turlock's eyes slowly closed as all but the fire got silent. A small smile stretched across his face. Lou hadn't noticed the that Turlock had moved his flipper onto Lou's back.

Lou's face turned to a waterfall. He couldn't see Turlock through the wetness of his eyes. Yet he held on. He couldn't separate from him, not at the minute. Because inside was regret. He never got to say thank you.

Seconds, minutes, hours. Lou couldn't tell anymore. After finally picking himself up, he moved out of the village to wait for the fire to die down.

Night drew in when the flames died down. Lou had curled himself up on the hillside. No matter what he did, he couldn't convince himself that this wasn't a dream. No matter how hard he tried, he was still in this cold reality. Lifting himself up, he dragged himself down to the village. Turlock was still there, his smile still in place. Lou did his best to grab hold of Turlock, moving him down to the shore.

Several hours passed, but at last Lou had completed what he wished to do. In the sand was a slight elevation: next to the elevation was a sign, and beneath the sign a whole rainbow of flowers. Lou took a moment to pay his respects. He read the sign one last time before he made his departure.

"In loving memory of the Pokémon who saved me,

"Turlock Ness.

"May he rest in piece."

It was at this moment that Lou decided to get stronger. He had to in order to protect the world he grew to love so much. In order to stop the Houndoom who ruined everything for him. And if Turlock was here, despite his worries Turlock would back Lou every step of the way.

This story is about Lou Glaucus, and about his journey to bring about change.[SIZE=12pt]

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Chapter 1: "I take care of the flowerbeds here."

Spoiler

The forest was deeper than Lou remembered. He hadn't been here for some time now, not since he first came to the Village of rains. He still felt the light burns from the day before, but the deepest wound was the one in his heart. It weighed on him heavy, slowing his journey to wherever it was he was going. He didn't know. All he knew was he had to keep going till he reached somewhere.

Lou's stomach rumbled. It was a pity, because there was no food to satisfy this hunger: he would have to press on regardless of this need to find something to eat. He couldn't.

Through lack of sleep and eating, he collapsed into the ground beneath him.

* * *​

​

"You didn't kill him? PATHETIC man, PATHETIC!" a loud raspy voice screamed out at the Houndoom.

"I had no need. Not only is he not a threat, but in fact I have plans for him. Should you try stop me, you'll be on the receiving end of my anger, so don't let it come to that. Honestly, Hydreigon's these days..." the Houndoom brushed off the Hydreigon's verbal assault like soot off his shoulders. The Hydreigon knew better than to argue the point further.

"Well FINE THEN! I'll take him on MYSELF! In fact, YES I'm GLAD you didn't kill him! Means I CAN kill him! After all... I still need to reclaim my honor lost..." the Hydreigon suddenly got very solemn.

"Hmph. If that' how you view it fair enough. Do as you please," the Houndoom once again spoke over his shoulders.

* * *​

Lou woke up. A flower petal was on his nose. Achoo! It was tickling Lou's nose. He nearly fell back to sleep when he jumped up: this was not where he fell over! Not unless flowers had sprouted whilst he was out of it. Golden light poured through the opening in the trees above, reflecting off of the myriads of flowers surrounding Lou. Looking round now, Lou was astonished at the beauty.

"Oh, I see you're awake now!" a soft voice was heard: it was distant, and sounded like an attempt at long-distance communication not doing very well. From a section of trees trotted out a Meganium, followed by a Bayleef.

"I see the natural therapy has done its usual wonders. Looks like you're all OK!" Meganium beamed a wide smile at Lou.

"I... Hold on a second, what is this place?" Lou was still captivated by the beauty of the flowers he was surrounded by.

"Now now, it's rude to not introduce yourself first. But, judging by the condition you appeared in I can hardly blame the lack of manners. Regardless, I would prefer if I knew who you were first," the Meganium didn't sound at all angry. She still stayed chirpy and cheerful, which made Lou feel guilty about the fact that he had forgotten the manners Turlock had taught him.

"Oh, my, sorry! Oh yes, now... *Ahem* My name is Lou Glaucus. I just came from the village of rains where... I... And he.. And-" Lou was stopped by a whisper.

"Shhh now... That's enough for me to know. I can see remembering your village brings you pain. Please, spare yourself that pain. All I needed to know was your name, alright?" the Meganium smiled once again at Lou, halting the tears that nearly started rolling down his face.

"Now to introduce myself! My name is Venus Geranium. I take care of the flowerbeds here and the Pokémon that wander through here every now and then. But you're the first I've found unconscious. You've been out cold for nearly a day now. You must've needed that rest from reality, didn't you? Oh, what am I doing? I nearly forgot to get you something to eat! Be one second!" with that, Venus turned around, trotting merrily off to grab whatever food she had prepared for Lou. Lou blinked.

He never expected to meet someone like this so soon after his tragedy. All the same, he was glad. Surprised, but glad. The Bayleef that had tagged along with Venus was still here, eyeing Lou curiously.

"You're a Sliggoo right?" the Bayleef tilted its head to one side.

"What? Oh, yes, yes I am," Lou was distracted still by the surroundings.

"But, don't dragons live in the Village of Dragons?" the Bayleef's head stayed in tilt.

"Well, conventionally. But not all of us, no," Lou found this a curious question. Unsurprising from a curious creature.

"Hmm..." the Bayleef stared at Lou for what seemed like ages. Lou suddenly got very uncomfortable. The Bayleef reeled back. "I like you. My name is Poppy! Pleased to meet you!" Poppy's face smiled, almost exactly like Venus' face did earlier.

"Alight deary, I brought you some food. It's nothing special, you'll probably hate the taste entirely... If you do, I can always, you know, make something else," Venus sat herself down, one of her front paws brushing along her antenna.

The dish was entirely plant based, much to Lou's delight. Lou was a natural born sap sipper, so this was right up his alley. "It's perfect, thank you!" Lou was thrilled to have met such a kind creature.

Venus' eyes twinkled. "Really, you really think so!? That's a first! Most passerby's turn their nose up to it, but all I want to do is provide nutritious food that gives all the needed nutrients... Oh, yes, I needed to explain to you what this place was. Well, you see, this place is the Grave of the Flowers."

Lou gulped. "G... Grave!? I'm sitting on a grave!?"

"Well, not on any actual grave. But you see, a year ago there stood a village here known as the village of flowers. We were a simple community, nothing special. Yet despite not being anything glitzy or glamorous, the inhabitants and myself loved it all the same, and looked after it like a child. Then, one day, a Houndoom showed up and burned the place down, claiming it was of little to no significance. However, my daughter and I managed to survive the burning. For a year now, I've cultivated these flowers in memory to the village," Venus was clearly sad at the loss of life, yet she was still happy.

"But you know what? We were a happy village. They wouldn't want me unhappy now, and by caring for these flowers... I can remind myself of that. Remind myself of what our village stood for, and keep in memory the people and good times that stayed in that village. That's what keeps me going!" Venus once again beamed widely.

Lou suddenly left the world for a second. Did... Did she say a Houndoom caused her to lose the village? She did. She did say a Houndoom. It was frighteningly similar to what went down in his village: all dead except one lone survivor, only in this case her daughter survived too.

"A Houndoom... You said a Houndoom caused it right?" Lou stared intently at Venus.

"Well, yes, yes I did. Why, is there something important about that?" Venus looked puzzled.

"Yes, yes there's great value to that statement. You see... My village. It was burned down 2 days ago by a Houndoom. There were... No survivors, and then, Turlock, I-" Lou once again was cut off, but rather than by a shush he was wrapped around by Venus.

"Now now, there there. You've lost someone important, haven't you? I see. I understand. I know how it feels. Here now, tell me about them. I'm sure they treated you well," Venus had her head rested next to Lou's. She was here for him, and Lou could feel that strongly. And with that, he told her all about Turlock.

Some time passed. An hour, maybe two, and Lou had just finished his story. Despite the length, Venus listened to every second.

"I see. Lou, if you would allow me, I would like to take care of you from now on. I'm sure Turlock wants someone to watch over you, right?" she smiled for Lou, who was brought to tears remembering the death of his adoptive father.

"Really? You'd do that? I'm flattered, but... I don't think I can stay here. I need to find that Houndoom. I know what Turlock said. 'Don't build up a grudge." But if I want to prevent that, I need to move on from here and figure out how to do that. I need to see this worlds Pokémon, and get stronger. Once I realize how to fight without a grudge, I'll stop this Houndoom. Not for revenge, but for protection. Nobody deserves to face what I or you have Venus, nobody," Lou didn't hold back his tears. Yet right now, he didn't feel so sad. He felt determined as it were.

"Is that so? I see. Very well then! Poppy! I think it's time I left the flowers to you," Venus turned to look at her daughter. "You've grown into a fine young Bayleef. I'm sure you'll do splendid on my behalf. Right now, I need to be helping our new friend here. Can you do that for me, Poppy?" Venus smiled at Poppy, who smiled back.

"Sure thing, I can do that! You go look after Lou now, I can take care of things here," Poppy widened her smile, as did Venus.

"Very good, Poppy. Lou! You said you need to learn how to prevent a grudge, right? Well if I can't help you with that, I'm going to consider that a personal failure on my part as your hostess! So take me with you, and I will protect you as best I can!" Venus stood to attention. If she wasn't so kindly she could probably pull off being a royal guard.

"Wait, are you serious? But what about the flowers here?" Lou was shocked at this proposal.

"Don't worry about them! Poppy is here to look after them. Honestly, it's no worry! Just lead the way!" Venus' smile only deepened in true sincerity.

"Well... Well alright then! Looks like we're going to go places Venus! I'm glad to have met you, even if in unusual circumstances," Lou smiled back.

About an hour of packing later, and Venus was all set: she had wrapped around herself straps to carry bags of provisions and medical treatments. Now all that was needed to be done was to make headway for the next location in Lou's journey: wherever that was.

"Bye Poppy dear! I'll miss you lots, but don't be sad for my expense!" Meganium stood up on her two back legs just to wave to Poppy.

"Bye Mummy! I hope things go well for you out there!" Poppy did likewise. Once the waving was over, they both returned to their natural states of quadrupedal transport.

"So, where to Lou?" Venus looked with enthusiasm towards Lou.

"I'm not sure, I guess wherever we stumble across first!" Lou couldn't help but emulate Venus' cheery attitude.

"And that's a plan I can back!" Venus giggled to herself.

Chapter 2: [SIZE=12pt]"YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"[/SIZE]
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Spoiler

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It had been about a day of peaceful walking. The sun filtered through the leaves of the overgrowth of trees: a section of forest Lou knew very well. He may have been talking about just going where his nose lead him so to speak, but he certainly did have a good idea of a place to stop by: the village known as Steele's Mines.

Lou and Venus stood at the top of the cliff leading into Steele's Mines. The mines were located underneath a large crater, the entrance being found at the lowest point of said crater. All along the crater's walls were a multitude of paths, stairways and buildings. Lou peered down at the lowest point of the crater: down there was a large group of Lairon ready to enter into the mines, among them being one Aggron. The Aggron definitely stook out like a sore thumb, considering that most of this village's populous were primary or secondary stage Pokémon.

"Well, guess we better head down now. We'll ask around to see if there's a place to stay," Lou scanned down the crater to look for someone official: that Pokémon with the clipboard at the mine entrance looked like who he should ask. With a nod of agreement from Venus, they made their way down one of the direct stairways towards the mine entrance. On their way down, they were met with a fair few puzzled faces: it wasn't common for Pokémon to visit this location of all places.

"Uhm... Excuse me sir? Hi, I'd like to know if there's a place I can stay?" Lou grabbed the attention of the clipboard bearing Pokémon.

"Tourists huh? Yeah, I know a place: an inn. In fact, the owner is in the mines right now. I can take you to her if you want," the clipboard bearing Pokémon turned out to be a Graveller, and it was almost immediately noticeable that having 4 hands really helped with what could be seen as administrative responsibilities.

"She's in the... Yeah sure, I guess it couldn't hurt to see her," Lou wondered why ever an inn owner would be inside the mines. Regardless, he'd have to put such wondering on hold for now. The Graveller took Lou and Venus to the entrance, which appeared to be a fairly steep slope into the underground mine. The inside was dimly lit, with torches saddled on the wall every now and then generating just barely enough light to see with. Down the ways a bit could be heard the sound of metal impacting against rock, among determined roars.

"She's down this way. We just gotta follow the sound," the Graveller lead the way down the wide mineshaft, eventually reaching a turnoff point where that Aggron seen earlier was busy smashing the wall. With its bare fists. "This is Phoebe Ulgasari. Truth be told, she wasn't actually hired by me: she just walked in one day and got hard to work digging, claiming she needed to get stronger. I don't even know why she did, but it felt odd that the day she started was a day after that Houndoom came around."

Lou blinked. Venus Blinked. Graveller blinked back. "Did I say something significant?" the Graveller seemed quite surprised. He mustn't have heard of the Houndoom that was terrorizing villages everywhere.

"Yes... Yes, I think you did. Thanks for showing us to-" Lou was cut off by a large roar emanating from Phoebe.

"HEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYY! You there, Sliggoo! You're a guest right, along with your hot date right?" Well if this wasn't the loudest and strongest voice Lou heard from a female he wasn't sure what was.

"What? Oh, no, it's nothing like that! She's just looking after me," Lou suddenly felt a wave of awkwardness course through his body. Why'd she have to jump to assumptions like that? Venus just started giggling to herself at the prospect: this only made Lou feel even more awkward.

"What? You're not dating? Huh, then you must be like Mother and Son or something! COOL STUFF! OH, WAIT! You two, you're staying the night right?" Phoebe was definitely hyperactive that's for sure. Lou didn't know how to feel about an Aggron with that much activity inside them. "Here, take this!-" Phoebe threw to Lou a key. "-It's the key to your room in my Inn! Go unpack your stuff there and I'll come around later to get you settled in! Now, back to- YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" At this point Phoebe turned back to the wall and started headbutting it.

"Uhm... Well, thanks? OK, I guess we better head on out then Venus," Lou turned back to leave.

"Sure thing! 'Hot date!'" Venus winked and then giggled to herself once more. Lou sighed very deeply and trudged forward wishing those two words weren't used to describe him and Venus.

After a short ways up and out of the mine, and along some pathways, they came across what seemed to be the only Inn found in the crater: "Crater Inn." No points for creativity, but it was suitable at least. Stepping in, Lou couldn't help but wonder what his room number is: as well as yet again, wonder why an Inn owner would be working in the mines of her own accord.

"It says 'Room 12' on the keyring here. Guess that's where we're headed Venus," Lou took a little look around the main entrance hall. For a building hollowed out of rock, it was pretty well decorated and looked after. Even more surprising, that hyperactive Aggron Phoebe was supposed to look after it. How was it so clean?

"Alright, lead the way 'Hot date'" Venus wasn't letting this go.

"You're gonna torment me with that all day aren't you?" Lou by this point was just tired of hearing those two words.

"Depends. It might last more than a day!" Venus winked once again.

* * *​

"YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'M BACK!" it was unmistakable: that was Phoebe's voice. Listening out, Lou didn't hear what he thought he'd hear: what he thought he'd hear was a loud series of stomps and banging as Phoebe crashed down the hallway. What he got was quiet, calm steps.

Knock knock. "Excuse me? ... May I come in?" Phoebe's voice all of a sudden had gotten really soft, like she feared being loud all of a sudden.

"Huh? Yeah, sure, we're not doing much," in fact, at this point of time Lou had been analyzing a combat manual he found a while ago, and Venus was tending to the mandatory room flowers.

Phoebe walked in. "It's been a while since we had guests. I'm glad that you guys decided to stop by! I mean, it's not often people want to visit a village known only for mines," Phoebe was definitely different from who she was when she entered the building.

"Oh no problem. Actually, I'm even more glad that we came to this place now. I have some questions I'd like to ask you personally if you're OK with that," Lou had stored away his combat manual and pulled out a notebook for himself to write on.

"Questions...? YEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! SHOOT 'EM AT ME!" and Phoebe was being loud again. Lou gave up figuring her out.

"Alright, first question. Oh, and before we go on if you feel uncomfortable answering, don't feel obliged to. First... I'd like to ask of your experiences with a Houndoom. We're looking for a particular Houndoom and we were wondering if you were linked to them in some way," Lou tapped a dot onto his notebook with a pen.

Phoebe's eye twitched. "Houndoom? Houndoom... I... Yes, I know of a Houndoom-" once again Phoebe's burning passion died down. "I have unsettled business with a Houndoom in particular. One I need to beat! Yes, and to do that, I NEED TO GET STRONGER! STROOOOOOOOOOOOOONGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!"

"I see... Why do you need to beat him anyw-" Lou's question was cut off by an angry glare coming from Phoebe, who was now right in Lou's face.

"Why. Do. YOU. Need. To. Know?" Phoebe had revealed a third extreme: ridiculous seriousness. She pulled back from Lou. "I have my reasons, and my answer to my reasons is to get stronger to beat him up. I'd rather keep them with myself for now though. After all, how can I trust you two?" Phoebe once again went quiet.

"... I see. That's fair enough actually, I'll respect your privacy. Well then, last question: would you like to come with us to find this Houndoom?" Sliggoo managed to keep calm even after that.

"WOULD I!? HECK YES! I... I mean I'd love to, but I have other responsibilities. For one, I'm the only one here to run this Inn, and for another, I don't think I'd be strong enough just yet to take on Houndoom..." Phoebe put her fingers together in silent contemplation. She looked like she was still considering the idea, even though in her head it'd be impossible as of now.

"Darn. It's a shame, I would've really like your help. You seem like a strong person, and I doubt you'd be anything like a liar or dishonest. From what I've seen you wear your heart on your sleeve," Lou genuinely was disappointed.

"OH LIKE with earlier! When I thought the Meganium there was-!" Now it was Phoebe's turn to be interrupted.

"Nonononono don't remind us of that you don't need to," Lou waved his arms frantically to prevent Venus from hearing it.

"Like when she thought I was your... What was it? 'Hot date'?" Venus giggled to herself again. Lou hung his head in a long and deep sigh.

"Well, regardless of that, would you mind if we stayed the night Phoebe? It would be easier than sleeping in the forest again," Lou had forgotten how optimistic Phoebe was about Venus and him staying.

"OF COURSE MAN! You and your hot da-- your, friend- I'm sorry, I didn't get your name!" Phoebe blushed a little as she nearly referred to Venus as that thing again.

"Venus. Venus Geranium, pleasure to be your acquaintance!" for once, Venus didn't bring up about that thing.

"Venus? PRETTYYYY! I got a lame name of Phoebe when born, I'm so jealous you got such a pretty name-- BUT I'M GETTING SIDETRACKED! Venus, Sliggoo-- DARN I didn't catch your name either!"

"Lou Glaucus! That's my name!" Lou smiled a little at Phoebe. He was waiting for Venus to chime in.

"ALRIGHT THEN! Venus! Lou! You can stay here for the night! Pay whenever you can!" with that Phoebe dashed out of the room, then started the audibly tentative walk back.

"Well, guess we better get some sleep then Venus," Lou laid his head back against one of the beds in the room.

"Heh, don't you mean-" Venus was cut off by a very annoyed Sliggoo

"Nooooo, don't you dare!"

"'Hot date'"

[SIZE=12pt]Lou let out a deep sigh. "Goodnight."

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[SIZE=12pt]Chapter 3: [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]"It'll be a riot, gwaaahahaha!"[/SIZE]
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Spoiler

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"Hm. So they're hiding in a village made entirely of stone. Well that's sure to cause issues for me as a fire type user, won't it?" a mannerly voice spoke from atop the crater.

"Yes it would seem so Lord Houndoom. I assume that's why I've been called here?" a savage, raspy voice replied back.

"Indeed. Your ground typing makes you a useful asset in this case here, with access to ground shaking powers. Go right ahead, shake the core of this village till you find that Sliggoo," the Houndoom remained as mannerly as ever, almost as if he had some justification to his means.

"Heh, don't need to tell me twice. Dig, Krookodile style!" the Krookodile then immediately burrowed into the ground to find the best place to cause a ruckus.

"Sliggoo... Hm, if you survived fire, you'll survive earth, I know this much. But really, you were just a convenient excuse to finally demolish this good for nothing mine. Pitiful really," the Houndoom made his distance from the crater. He had faith that the Krookodile could carry this out.

* * *​

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Most people were asleep now. It was well past midnight, the moon lighting up the sky. However, Phoebe just couldn't get to sleep, not with still figuring out whether or not she'd accompany Lou on his travels.

Rumble...

What was that? A quake? Phoebe was unsettled even more now. The crater hadn't ever faced an earthquake before, but if such a thing were to happen now it could easily collapse the mine underneath.

Rumble...

No doubt about it. The ground was trembling. Darting up now, Phoebe dashed to the first place she could think of: a personal room in her Inn reserved for special people. Once done there, she ran to room 12 to wake up Lou and Venus.

Phoebe found both Lou and Venus awake from the tremors, not to her surprise. "So you guys heard them too!" Phoebe was practically hopping on her feet.

"Yeah... What's going on, is this routine?" Lou began scratching his head.

"No no no! Oh this is BAD! Very BAD! Tremors like this could cause serious damage to the mines, to our homes! Quickly, we have to find out what's causing these rumbles!" as quick as she blurted out her words, Phoebe made a dash out of there to find the cause. Lou and Venus were quick to follow.

There was general panic outside as everyone fled from the crater, attempting to escape the earthquake radius: the only one moving in an entirely different direction was Phoebe, who was managing to fight against the floods of Pokémon running for their lives. Lou and Venus did their best to follow, but really struggled in the massive numbers.

"So... This is the mines entrance huh? Heh, I guess I could go in and mess things up a little! It'll be a riot, gwaaahahaha!" the Krookodile boomed out, his voice dripping with sinister intentions.

"So it was YOU causing the quakes, am I RIGHT!?" Phoebe had made it down past all the Pokémon. "No doubt about it! The moment the ground shakes, YOU turn up! WHO ARE YOU THEN!?"

"Huh? Well who are you then?" Krookodile turned to face Phoebe.

"I asked FIRST! YOU tell first!" Phoebe prepared herself for a fight.

"Tch. Fine. Name's Barry! Barry Onyx! I work for Lord Houndoom, and I'm here to destroy your precious little settlement!" Barry pulled a pose that could be called swaggy. Phoebe was unaffected.

"Oh YEAH? So WHAT if you work for that Houndoom MUTT or whatever! I've got a home to protect, you homewrecker!" Phoebe then let out a large roar.

"Hah, I'm yet to wreck it! But I suppose I can stop to beat you up first if that's what you want!" Barry got low to the ground, stepping on all 4s now. He began moving his arms rapidly, and started building up an earthquake. "Try this on for size, you fat metal monster!" With that a large wave of earth rippled across the ground, knocking over Phoebe and damaging her badly. Good thing she had sturdy, but... She wasn't expecting this much power! She couldn't retaliate.

"Hah, fallen over have we? Sucks to be you, cause I get to destroy your home!" Barry let out a foul laugh and made his way to the crater mines.

Phoebe couldn't get herself up. She reached out an arm, attempting to pull herself forward, only dragging across a small amount of ground. She motioned her other forward, with much the same futility. Slamming her hands into the ground as hard as she could, she buried her face into the rock beneath to hide her tears.

"Phoebe! PHOEBE!" Phoebe heard her name: she removed her face from the stone and turned it round to see Lou and Venus running towards her.

"You guys... WHY aren't you running AWAY!?" Phoebe blurted out from behind a tear soaked face.

"We could ask you the same! We have to get out quickly but we're not leaving you behind here to get buried alive!" Lou dashed to pick up Phoebe as best he could.

"Phoebe, you have some special someones in your life right? They're all safe now, so all that needs taken care of is you," Venus did her best to help Phoebe up too.

"You guys... I... Thank you," Phoebe started picking herself up. "I couldn't stop him... That Krookodile-"

"Hold it. I'll try," a familiar voice rung from behind Phoebe. Her eyes widened.

"Fallon!" Phoebe started to flood with tears again.

"I may be at a type disadvantage, being a Graveller and all, but I, Fallon Shiro, will do my best to stall him! Now go Phoebe, get out of here, as fast as you can!" the administrator from earlier had returned. He shook Phoebe's hand, slipping a packet into it. "I... Don't know how long I'll be gone. Just promise me that you'll stay alive. You deserve better than this," with that, Fallon ran into the mines after the Krookodile Barry.

"Fallon..." Phoebe wanted desperately to follow him in now. She wanted to run to his side and help him, but she knew that by doing so, she'd be disrespecting the life Fallon has given her. Now finally able to walk again, she made her way out of the crater with Lou and Venus' help.

Barry rubbed his hands together. "Heh, this'll be a sinch! It sure is helpful to have all this spare space to fill up with what's above, makes it so much easier to wreck everything! Gwaaahahah-"

"Oh really now? Well if that's the plan it'll have to go on hold," Fallon walked in from behind Barry. Barry had a moment of silent disbelief, then proceeded to laugh even harder.

"Gwaaaaahahaha! YOU! Oh that's funny, now, that really is! A Graveller will stop me? That's just hilarious that is!" Krookodile wiped a tear from his eyes, then once again got into his earthquake position. "All right then, handy boulder, try THIS out!"

The ground started shaking, growing more and more violent in its tremors. With every shake, Barry seemed to let out a laugh, as though this was just a big game to him. Dust fell from the ceiling, which turned to pebbles, which turned to large rocks. Graveller stood as still as he could.

And with that, the tunnel disappeared from existence.

* * *​

​

Phoebe, Lou and Venus had just barely made it out of the crater when they noticed it beginning to crack open. Then, all at once, the crater's contents started sinking rapidly into the ground, piling up more and more rubble. Everything that once was in that crater had returned to a formless shape.

"Is everybody safe here?" Lou began questioning the Pokémon around the area. As far as he knew, everybody except Fallon were safely outside the crater.

"Fallon... You knew this was happening, so why? Why'd you throw your life away like that?" Phoebe stared into the pit of collapsed stone.

"Isn't Fallon a Graveller? I thought he could survive something like this," Lou looked up at Phoebe. Phoebe looked gravely back down at him.

"Graveller's aren't indestructible. This much wait on him would've... It would've... Oh please no..." Phoebe crashed to her knees and burried her face into her hands.

"Didn't he give you a packet before he entered the mines Phoebe? Maybe that could shed some light on this," Venus was right next to Phoebe, her front leg around Phoebe's back. Phoebe lifted her face up.

"Huh? A packet... Yeah, he did din't he? I wonder what's inside it..." Phoebe lifted up the packet in her hand and opened it. The first thing inside was a letter; taking it out, Phoebe began reading what was on the letter.

"Phoebe,

How's it going? I hope it's well for you. I have some exciting news for you: it's about your work in the mines, and more importantly, about your future.

First, I would like to pay you for your work in the mines. Regardless of whether you know it or not, you've really helped push forward the mines in business. In fact ever since you started punching holes in the walls we've earned even more money than usual: you worked almost as much as a standard employee on top of your inn duties. Inside this packet is a year and a half's worth of salary, all owed to your name. Use it how you see fit.

Next, about your future. I can't read them, I know that, but I feel I can guess yours pretty accurately. Well, recently I found out something I think you want to hear. Your special number 1 is still alive: they still belong in this world. If you want to leave the village now, we'll understand. I already made arrangements with the elder to allow you a free exit if you feel the need to go.

We'll do what we can to run your inn for you in your absence, and will protect your children from harm, no matter the threat.

All the best now,

Fallon Shiro."

Phoebe started scrunching into the paper from how tightly she was holding it. The paper was getting soaked underneath Phoebe's face. She only just barely was able to read it aloud.

"Fallon... I'm so sorry I could never say thank you for this... Fallon... Fallon!" Phoebe hugged the letter to her chest, unable to stop the flows of tears from her eyes. Eventually, she managed to gain some control over her tears, and with that let out a little smile. "Lou... Venus... Your offer from earlier? Well if it still stands... TAKE ME WITH YOU! TAKE ME TO FIND THAT HOUNDOOM!" Phoebe was starting to sound more like Phoebe again.

Lou nodded his head. "Of course Phoebe, of course. We'll do everything in our power to help you find this special number 1... What, is that anyway?" Lou was happy to have Phoebe with him, but this was something he wanted to know.

"Oh, what? Well... It's NOTHING! Nothing YOU need to know!" Phoebe was still holding onto her right to secrets. Lou sighed then shrugged, accepting her decision. "Now COME ON! Oh, wait-" Phoebe turned to the crowds of people who had escaped the crater. "You guys... Good luck! I wish I could stay, but I have to go and find this Houndoom! Once I've done that, I'll come back, got it!?"

The Pokémon nearest Phoebe, a Rhydon who was the village elder, saluted her. "Rest assured: we'll do our best to rebuild our homes, and live on through this struggle! Now go on, find this Houndoom!"

Phoebe nodded, then proceeded to follow Lou and Venus as they moved forward towards new locations.

* * *​

Houndoom stood high up on a hilltop. From here he could see the rubble of the crater village, as well as the many survivors situated outside of it. Barry dug up to the surface beside Houndoom.

"Barry... Would you mind telling me what you see in that direction there now?" Houndoom pointed towards the collapsed crater.

"Well, I see the destruction I caused, as well as a bunch of survivoooooooooooooo-oooooooooooohhhhhhhh... Right," Barry started to slink back.

"Yes, survivors. And do you know why there are survivors? Because not only were you caught entering the crater, you were caught causing the termors and were even distracted by 2 of the inhabitants. Oh how disappointing of you Barry," the Houndoom turned around to walk away.

"Wait, please Lord Houndoom sir! I can make it up, I can!" Barry started crawling at Houndoom's knees.

[SIZE=12pt]"If you can then do it. If not, then leave my presence. I have other, more successful matters to attend to. Oh, and you failed the most important part: you didn't look for that Sliggoo did you?" the Houndoom didn't even look down at Barry as he moved on. "Pathetic."

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[SIZE=12pt]Chapter 4: [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]"Well look at that! It rained!"[/SIZE]
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Spoiler

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"SO! Where is it we're heading?" Phoebe enthusiastically followed Lou and Venus as they ventured forward through more forest.

"Well... We don't really know, haha. Guess wherever the wind takes us or something, I didn't plan for anything," Lou's only intent was to get stronger. He didn't really plan anything else.

"You kidding me? You DON'T even have a PLAN?" Phoebe's jaw was practically on the ground. "Harrumph. WELL! If I MIGHT make a suggestion?" Phoebe closed in on Lou.

"You name it," Lou continued on forward.

"Well, there's this PLACE where one of my sisters stays, and it's all, CULTURY and stuff! I miss the food there... Oh, and uh, HER too! It's called Cliff Falls!" Phoebe's eyes twinkled with excitement.

"Cliff Falls... I heard about that place. I actually wanted to go there soon enough to learn a new move: I hear they have great move tutors there! Alright it's settled! Not like it's far from here, we just follow the cliffs," indeed, they had now reached a set of cliffs leading off into an ocean.

"HEY! That's the Ocean right? I SEA!" Phoebe burst out laughing. Lou just rolled his eyes: Venus meanwhile did her usual giggle.

"... Ahah! YOU! You... Yes, YOU! Oh I'll get you Sliggoo, I'll get you... In the name of my lost Honor, I will DEFEAT YOU!" something draconic slithered silently through the shadows of the trees Lou left behind. Something whispered into its right ear.

"Oooh, I LIKE that idea right head!"

Something on the left seemed to add to the rights whispers.

"HAHA even BETTER! Oooohhhh JUST you WAIT!" with that, the draconic something continued slithering through the shadows.

Lou looked into the distance. No doubt about it: that cliff was the cliff that Lou needed to reach. "Hey guys, look ahead! Cliff falls! But I think it's time we took a break here, I'm exhausted," Lou wiped his brow.

"BUT! I'M! STILL! SO! PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMPED!" Phoebe let out a roar of determination.

"Now be patient deary, we all work at different rates. After all, I'm sure you're starving right?" Venus began setting up a place to eat. Phoebe had forgotten to listen to her stomach all this time: she probably couldn't hear it over herself.

About five minutes later, and the rain started. "Oh well this won't do now, the food's going to get soaked," Venus hid her portion under her neck flower.

"Eh, I never minded. It's hard to when you've grown up in a village known for its rain!" Lou continued to eat, despite the rain.

"Soggy food? HAHAHA! That won't stop me, IT'S JUST ANOTHER METHOD OF TRAINING! HUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-" and with that Phoebe stuffed her portion into her big mouth.

"You'll wake the dead with all that shouting Phoebe," Lou spoke through a full mouth.

"You CALLED?" a raspy voice came out from behind the nearby trees. Lou swallowed.

"Wh-what? No, I didn't call for anyone..." Lou wasn't expecting something like this to be happening.

"Oh really? HAH! You said 'you'll wake the dead' didn't you? Well, that's what I am... Or I might as well be, now that my honor is gone. BUT THAT'S ABOUT TO CHANGE! SURRENDER TO ME, TO WE-" with that, a figure burst out of the trees, its three faces laughing all at once.

"To... US!"

"Y-you... Brooke!" Lou was taken aback.

Brooke laughed to himself, from all three of his heads. "Yes, ME, Brooke! I was such a happy Hydreigon, oh I was, back in the village of dragons. Until the day I was thrown out! How COULD they? ME? I'M OF NOBLE BLOOD!"

"You know very well why you were thrown out! You decided to side with that Houndoom!" Lou's face had gone very stormy all of a sudden. All Venus and Phoebe could do was watch.

"Wait, how come he talks like me..." Phoebe whispered as best she could to Venus. Everybody was able to hear it: only Venus listened because Lou and Brooke were too engrossed to notice.

"I don't know... Hey, maybe he's your future 'Hot Date?'" Venus giggled to herself. Lou didn't turn around. Something was definitely up for sure.

"HAH, and THAT'S reason to kick me out? Well how very LAME of them! But at least I still have a chance, oh yes! If I beat YOU!" Brooke licked his lips.

"Me? Why, what will that accomplish?" Lou wasn't liking where this was going.

"Don't you remember?" Brooke's voice got unusually quiet. "You left the village. You left everybody you knew and loved behind! YOU BETRAYED THEIR TRUST!" the grins on Brooke's faces kept growing wider.

"Wh-what!? Lou! Is what he's saying... No, you know what? That can wait, right now I don't want this creep here any longer!" Venus stood up and charged headward at Brooke. "I'll take you on myself!"

Lou was frozen solid, his face growing even stormier.

"Oh really? Well whoops-" Brooke at that moment let out a blast of fire, knocking Venus back. "My mouth must've slipped or something." Brooke's grin kept creeping along his face.

"... Leave them alone..." Lou clenched his fists.

"OH YEAH!? WELL NEXT IS MEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Phoebe almost jumped off the ground, her horns pointed at Brooke. Brooke turned to face her, his grins unwavering.

"NYAHAHAHAHAA!" the sound coming from all three heads at once was unsettling. "Surf's up, fat lady!" all around Hydreigon now was a wall of water, which he sent crashing into Phoebe. Phoebe attempted to hold her ground, but it was no use: the ground below her turned to mud under the rain. She slipped over, her face crashing into the mud.

"Leave them alone," Lou's face cringed. Brooke only just now caught on to Lou's words.

"Leave THEM alone? NYAHAHAHAHAA! But THEY started it, not ME! Oh, but then I must admit... I WOULD'VE DONE IT ANYWAY!" With that, Brooke let out his laugh again. "Now I just gotta take YOU down! This'll be as easy as winning an eating contest!"

"So... You plan to beat me? Well then I guess I better stop that plan," Lou turned his face towards Brooke. Brooke almost fell from his levitation he was laughing so hard.

"YOU! YOU! Like YOU could hurt ME!"

Lou started running towards Brooke.

"You're JUST a Sliggoo! A WIMP!"

Lou picked up the pace, moving into a charge.

"What could YOU possibly- poss-ib-ly... What ARE YOU DOING!?"

Light started to pour from Lou. All around him, an intense aura of power emanated as his body changed shape.

"HHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

Wrapping a band round his head, Lou rammed into Brooke with both his fists.

"SUPER-"

"What-- the---" Brooke managed only these words before what came next.

"-POWER!" with that, Lou sent Brooke flying, crashing him into the ground. Brooke spat the dirt from his mouth.

"What the... IMPOSSIBLE! How is Lou THIS STRONG? How is he strong enough to EVOLVE!?" Brooke pulled himself up, only to see Lou charging towards him now: true enough, Lou had changed shape. He was no longer the Sliggoo he once was. Lou was now extremely close. "No, wait WAIT WAI--"

Lou crashed into Brooke, feet first. Using Brooke as a jumping platform, Lou bounced into the air, all the same pushing Brooke back into the mud. Now falling back down, Lou reeled his fists back. "SUPER-"

"NO, LOU, NOO-"

"-POWER!" Lou crashed into Brooke, his fists burying into Brooke's chest. Brooke wheezed from the crashing fall. Lou bounced off of Brooke, landing beside him.

"What was that about being a wimp? Also next time... Don't even plan on hurting my friends. Not while I'm about. Not ever. Whatever your issue, you deserve to have lost that honor of yours," with that, Lou walked away from the unconscious Brooke.

Venus and Phoebe gaped. They looked to each other. They searched for words; they couldn't find any. They turned back to Lou, who was now walking towards them. Lou's face was pointed towards the earth beneath him, it's attitude dark and brooding. He lifted up his face, and there was something that Phoebe and Venus didn't expect: a smile.

"Well look at that! It rained! Hoo, I needed this, otherwise I would've never evolved. Still... You guys alright?" Lou smiled at them reassuringly. They were still lost for words.

Eventually Venus found her vocabulary. "Wait now, hold on... You were this powerful?" Venus had never expected Lou to be this high leveled.

"Yeah, I was a high enough level to evolve. I would've been a Goodra from the start if only it rained that day... Still, I managed to beat Brooke! Hey, what are these?" Lou started examining his new body. It was a lot to get used to, to say the least. He motioned his arms to the back of his head. "I remember these antennae being smaller... And less poseable." Lou started twitching his antennae around.

"Well that's good and all, but... I'm still confused. He- Brooke- said you'd betrayed the trust of those you loved. Why did he say that exactly?" Venus needed to know. Lou stopped fiddling with his antennae.

"... I suppose you deserve to know now. Well, I guess it couldn't harm you to hear my story: make of it what you will," Lou sat himself down. It was definitely strange having legs now: he liked them.

* * *​

Brooke lifted his head a little. He let out a wheezing cough. "Ugh... So, you were a high level huh? Oh if only Houndoom were here, HE could've STOPPED this rain! BLAST-IT-ALL!" Brooke buried the back of his head into the dirt.

"To think you had this in you. But MARK! MY! WORDS! I'll RECLAIM my honor LOU! I'll SURPASS your strength! For my heritage... For my people... FOR MY NAME'S SAKE!"

 

There we go guys! Updated with new chapters, 2-4!

I'm going to publish the chapters in a different style to Hunter Story, so don't worry if you have something you need to post or say: it won't interrupt the story flow.

I'll use this post next if the OP can't hold any more words, and so on and so on. Enjoy!