Another way/Changing paths

Chapter 18: Darkness in the Light



"Ugh!” I grunted loudly as Kelly tightened her grip around my body.

The way it said, "My will” made my mind run a mile a minute. The whole reason why Kelly came along so willingly, why she acted the way she did when we first start training, why she'd always give me that cold look that send chills up a volcano's spine. It all made sense now...

"That's right interesting one, the reason why, "this one” did those things were because she would occasionally break away from my grip. To be honest with you she detests you and everything you represent.” It said with a bit of laughter in its voice. By this time it completely over taken Kelly's voice and filled in with its own.

"Is that right?” I asked as Foo then turned back to see what was going on behind him.

He let out a low growl and started making his way over to us slowly. He was so focused on us he didn't see Diamond behind him and what she was doing.

"Diamond, Blizzard!” Brian yelled.

Foo couldn't turn around properly before he was completely covered in ice. Only his face was spared, he had a look of horror in his eyes. He must have seen the hopelessness in my eyes.

"What did you do to Brian?” I asked.

It let out a wicked little laugh as it then cuffed me from behind my back and slammed me into the ground. It hurt so badly, my face was the first to connect with the ground, not only that there was a small rock on the ground that my nose found the mark to.

All I could smell was blood welling up in my face. Coughing the dirt out of my mouth, I drew in some much needed breaths of air.

"You want to know what I've done to the other interesting one.” It lowered Kelly's face closer to mine and whisper. "I done the thing that I was planning on doing with you. Giving you power, not only you but anything you come into contact with.”

It raised its face from mine and added, "Though I won't lie the sex with you was great. But you kept resisting me and my will, and your brother was much more willing in the end especially after that story I told.” It stood up letting me go and making her way over towards Foo in his frozen form.

It began to rub him on the face. And turned back to me and smiled, "I knew that Foo would evolve, he's been getting beat up by Diamond for so long, plus with the hard work you two have been putting in, he doesn't want to disappoint you by losing.” Facing away from me she waved Brian over.

He came to her without a second thought she wrapped her arms around him, reaching up to his face. She turned his head towards her and pulled him into a deep and passionate kiss.

Setting up to my knees, I looked away then slowly reached up to feel my nose. It was broken. It had shifted to the left. Taking a deep breath I quickly used both of my hands to push it back into place. Gritting my teeth to hold in the blood curling scream that I wanted to let out.

"You know when I was touching you when the battle started I was actually transferring my Victory Essence into you. But it would seem that you rejected me, your brother on the other hand didn't seem to mind having unlimited power within him. He wants to win at any cost. Just like this Vessel here.” It said as it made Kelly's hand trail down Brian's chest.

"You don't know anything about us...” I said as I stood to my feet. "You don't know what we had to go through to get where we are today. Just because you stole a girl's body and forced her on to me, doesn't mean you know shit about us!”

"Oh, dear interesting one you forget yourself...I'm psychic.” It said as Kelly eyes started to glow bright purple, with its left hand it pointed "it's” index finger towards me.

Lifting me up off the ground it raised me a few meters into the air and then slammed me hard into the ground. This time I managed to somewhat brace myself for the impact, though I could hardly say that it was done with me.

It lifted me up once again and repeated slamming me into the ground. After the tenth time of me hitting the ground my body grew numb from the constant impact. To the point where I was just becoming dead weight. Even so it still wasn't done with me, it picked me up again but this time it slammed me into a tree. My eyes widen in shock, Foo eyes did as well.

He could only watch his master receive this punishment without being able to do anything about it. I saw him close his eyes, and look away.

'It's for the best Foo, I don't want you to see this.' I thought as I looked down towards my thigh. It had a small branch hanging out from it. Blood was running down my leg like a small river. There was nothing I could do about it, but watch as this monster rips me apart.

"Could you do me a favor, please?” I begged.

"What's that interesting one?”

"Could you please let my Pokémon go?”

"Why aren't you begging for your life and the life of your brother?” It said sarcastically, holding a snicker behind its breath.

"You know why you prick. You don't see any value in my life and you have my brother's. I'm more than sure there isn't anything I could bargain with you for. The only thing I want is for my Pokémon to be safe.” I said fading out into unconsciousness, but I wouldn't allow myself to do so until I heard those words of promise.

"I'll think about it, they serve me no purpose anyway...” It paused for a brief moment of consideration. "Might as well kill them and get it over with instead of possibly having to deal with them later on.”

"I see...Oh, Foo I'm so sorry. Ruption, Swipe please forgive me.” A tear fell down my face.

Suddenly the branch in my leg begun to twist, and every nerve in my body lit up like fireworks. I screaming to the top of my lungs, I realized that it wasn't going to let me die too quickly.

Closing my eyes fading into unconsciousness I saw my brother as the last glimmer of light leaving my sight. I could feel something taking over my mind slowly, as my consciousness faded to darkness.



(Brian's POV)

There was nothing, there was only darkness. I couldn't see anything, one second I was looking into my brother's mind and the next I was visited by a bright light.

It asked me if I would like more power, me thinking it's a dream answered 'yes'. Next thing I know I was casted into pitch blackness and utter nothingness. There wasn't the slightest slither of light anywhere, though I couldn't feel anything, it was as if though I was being casted further into the darkness. I knew that there was no help coming for me; I knew that nothing I could do would help me out in this situation. All I could do was fade into the nothingness.

After what seemed like an eternity I saw something in the distances. There was a small very dim light far away from where I was. Doing everything I could I began to make my way towards it. I neared it something about it seemed familiar, and not at all at the same time. Everything about this light that I desperately swam for didn't make any sense.

The light became brighter and brighter the closer I came to it. Then the color started to change to a pink hue. The closer I came to the light I felt a very cold chill get sent through my body. I didn't know what to do, but keep going.

"Hello?” I asked quizzically.

I didn't know whether I was in danger or happy to see someone or thing. But I couldn't quit now I could be stuck here for the rest of my life.

"Hello?” I asked again, but this time I actually reached for the light and touched it.

"Huh-wha?” A familiar voice emanate from the light as if were a flame. Due to its appearance it was hard to place whose voice it was.

"You can talk?!”

"Umm...who are you and what are you doing here?” It sounded confused.

I didn't know what to say except that the voice kept ring familiar bells in my ears. "I feel that you know me, why should I feel that?”

It waited for a moment or two and then said, "I know your face, you're the one that's been using my body aren't you?”

"Using your body?” I asked becoming confused. "Excuse me, but you don't seem to have a body.”

"I know that!” It exclaimed loudly. "I'm only able to observe and feel what happens to my body.”

I closed my eyes and shook my head in disappointment, this damn this was speaking in gibberish and I have no idea what it's talking about. Was it even aware that it's body was a glowing orb.

"I used to have such beautiful pink hair...” It said with a nostalgic tone. "Now it's all gone thanks to that fucking monster and you!”

I the way it finished its last statement confused me more than anything, "Fucking monster and me”. I wasn't confused by the insult, but the monster part I needed to know what it was talking about. "What monster?” I asked sighing it felt like I was playing twenty one questions.

"You know what monster I refer to, do not act dumb. You know you've come to take my soul as well as my body, but I can tell you right now you're not going to take it!” I snapped at me.

"I don't want your body!” I countered. With all of the weird statements that it was making and accusation that it keep throwing out that I know about. Pink hair...there was only one logical explanation to what was going on here, and I just figured it out, "Are you Kelly?”

"Kelly...I feel that I should know that name. It's been so long since someone's called me that...” It then hesitated for a minute then continued, "I only hear that name in echoes anymore. It's no longer part of me, as well as my body. But you would know all about that, I want to know why have you come here?”

I was taken aback by what it was saying, "Only hear that name in echoes?” this damn thing wasn't making any sense what-so-ever. It sounds as if though it has calmed down a bit and it doesn't think I'm here to harm it.

It looks as if though I have all eternity to talk with it so I could take my time, but something was telling me that wasn't the case. I needed to know about this thing and why it has me here.

"Why have you brought me here, what do you think I can do for you?” I asked more sternly, as my patience was being tried.

"No! You don't get to ask any more questions. You've been defiling my body with your essence, I want my body back.” It roared at me.

I knew that I could possibly be killed in here, with no proper way of defending myself or actually knowing what my situation was. I didn't want to break out into argument, I just wanted out of this place.

"What do you want me to about your body? I can't do much from in here.” I said pointing out the obvious then adding, "And atleast are you telling me the truth about your name?”

After a moment or two of waiting it finally answered, "Yes, once I was known as Kelly. You may refer to me by this name, defiler.”

"I'm not a defiler. I don't know why I'm here and I only want out of this place. Now if you can help me out tell me now if not stay the hell out of the way!” I knew that I needed its help, but I needed to establish that I was the dominate one here.

"Yes, you are the defiler! I'd recognize that disgusting face anywhere!” It snapped, and then added, "You may have taken my body, but you won't have my soul!”

"What the hell are you talking about I haven't touched you!”

Another moment passed with the two of us just staring at each other, or I think it was looking at me. I decided to take this time to close my eyes and see if I could since Brandon.

I could feel him...but it was as if he were walking away from himself. I tried to peer through his eyes, but I couldn't see anything only the darkness that incased me... "Brandon.” I said lowly to myself.

"Hey you, what's happened to my brother?” I said sternly.

"Brother?” It repeated.

"Yeah, the one who looks exactly like me and the one who's been defiling you?” Hopefully saying that will take some of the hostility away from me.

"What? You mean to tell me you have a brother that is my defiler and not you?” It said in great confusion.

"How long have you been in here? Have you not been paying attention to what's been going outside?” I said confused if anything this pink orb should have some sort link to Kelly. On top of that it said that it has been observing what been going on outside its body.

This thing has no define set of emotions, it seems that it pick up some emotion that I would come from my voice and match it. That or it'll completely over react to anything to the smallest details.

That's when it hit me like a sack of bricks; it must have thought I was Brandon because we are twins. This thing really haven't been paying attention to what's been going on, it seem to only know when something bad happens to Kelly...

"Do you know anything about a Pokémon named Victini?”

"VICTINI!!!!” it roared once again by the sound of that name. "That monster is the reason why I exist here in nothingness.”

"Wait what are you trying to say?”

"That, thanks to that monster, I no longer have any control over my body.” It said, and then continued, "I soon realized what happened after my parents' death and when that monster approached me.” The light that it was emitting was beginning to glow dim.

"What are you talking about?” I then soon remember that Kelly parents had died in that fire.

It continued to speak ignoring my question, "It made a deal with me that I could become the best trainer in the world with its power. After ten years of being inside this vast darkness I soon came upon the truth of what really happened to my family.”

I just remained silent, when it made that statement. I didn't think there could have been anything more to her story. But this thing may know something about all of that, better to just wait and let it tell me on its own accord.

It continued, "I soon found out that Victini was the one who started that fire...” The orb then circled around me and said, "Why do I feel so comfortable talking to you about my past?”

I was completely dumbfounded by this new bit of information. That would mean that it was Victini this entire time that was in control of Kelly's body. It had lied to us about everything...

"It's because you've already told me this before.”

"No, I haven't, this would be the first time I've ever told this to anyone.” It said genuinely without a slight hint of hesitation.

I could tell that it wasn't lying either, one of the tricks I've learn by studying with father. If a person gives so much as a slight second of a pause while they are explaining themselves most likely they are lying.

"Of course it is...” I sighed and continued, "So, do you know any way how to get out of here?”

"You're not too bright are you?” it said warmly.

"Well if you could focus for a minute we can probably figure something out here. I could only imagine that it'll be a matter of time before I lose myself like you!” I said coldly, becoming more furious about the fact of how Victini lied to me for so long I didn't realize it. "So far gone you don't even remember what your name is anymore.”

It didn't say anything it just remained there quiet for a moment. It then said, "You have no choice, but remain here in the darkness like I have. The darkness here is nothing, but despair and hopelessness, something you should learn to familiarize yourself with...because you're in for the long haul.”

"Well I'm sorry; I refuse to lie down and except that fact. If you haven't heard my name is Brian Silver, my father is Alexander Silver, one of the wealthiest and most powerful men who have ever walked this planet. He did not obtain his legacy through rolling over for opponents. No, he stood up and took them down, if anyone were to challenge him.” I slowly began to make my way away from the apparition, but left one more statement. "I have to model myself after that man; therefore I won't back down to something like this.”

Walking away slowly my mind slowly began to think about what I should do next. Seeing as how I'm just drifting off into complete nothingness, I could tell I'm going to have plenty of time to think about it. Now that I think about I wonder if time affects this place the same as it does outside.

Shaking my head of the though I began to think about what it was I'm going to do to get out of here. The only thought my mind could gather was Brandon...I needed to contact him, but he seemed to be leaving his body when I last looked at him. I wonder what was that, I think I should try again.

Stopping, I then closed my eyes tightly and reached out for my brother. It was as if I were still reaching out in the darkness for something that wasn't there. I couldn't feel my brother for the first time in my life my brother was completely out of reach.

I couldn't possibly understand why, or I just wanted to think of any excuse of why I couldn't feel him. Only one possible explanation told me that he could be dead...but the thought of him lying on the ground lifeless, couldn't even surface in my mind.

'NO!' I thought to myself, 'I refuse to accept that and this situation that I'm in. I'm going to come out on top like I always do all I have to do is quit bull-shitting myself and dig deep.' I closed my eyes and pushed mind hard and deep within my own mind. I was suddenly visited by a horrific sight.

I could see Kelly and my body standing in front of Brandon, both of us had a wicked smile on our faces. I noticed that I was sitting higher up than everyone else. Suddenly a jolt a pain shot through my leg which forced a scream from my mouth. That's when my eyes shot wide open and I became aware of everything that was around me. I was in the body of my brother...though now that I think about it; it does make sense since Brandon and I have such a close bond with each other. I couldn't hear or feel him; I really hope he doesn't mind me borrowing his body.

The wooded area that we stood in was completely empty and quiet saved for the sight before me. I could see Brandon's Pokémon Foo standing in front of me cover in an ice pillar; he looked defeated, but not dead. He had a worried look on his face and was struggling to move within the ice. I notice that he looked much differently now, I think that he's evolved in this battle. That's so like Brandon evolving his Pokémon in the middle of battles, but it seems to not have worked this time because Diamond was on the other side of the field still looking able.

I could see a large whelp across her face, from what I know about Mienshao's have the large furry whips on their forearms. He must have gotten a whip on her face before she incased him in ice.

Getting a feel of the wind that caressed my body as it blew by. Listening to the distant Pokémon and wildlife helped me relax myself. Doing everything I could to take the pain away from my leg.

I prepared myself for the worst. Though I wasn't too high up off of the ground, that branch that was impaled in my brother's leg is what was keeping pinned here. Reaching down I grabbed hold of the javelin like edge and push down on it with enough force to snap it. Slowly I was able to pull myself off of the large branch, but then fall straight to the forest floor. I almost passed out from the intense pain that shot through me, but I couldn't pass out now.

I looked up to see a red beam recall Diamond back into her ball. Kelly was standing right in front of my body caressing my face with that creepy smile still plastered on her face. She was the one holding Diamond's ball when she recalled her.

My body was hurting all over and it felt like I had a few fractured bones. None of that stopped me from quickly formulating a plan on how I could get my body back. 'Victini...' that name ran through my mind, whoever said that, "Hated is a powerful motivator,” they were right, because I found myself with some new found energy. I had enough to atleast prop myself up to the tree that only moments ago held me prisoner.

"Brandon, don't give up just yet.” I said hoping my brother could still hear me within this body.

"Oh, I see the interesting one didn't die.” It said turning back towards me. "I guess that's enough torture for one day, My Will would you please kill him.”

My body nodded towards the possessed girl and started making its way towards me. The way it walked was like a zombie that slid to its destination. It continued to make its way towards me and only stopping when it found a decent size rock.

The damn thing was serious about killing me; all I know was that I'm going to have one shot at this. If I missed Brandon would die, Kelly and I would be trapped in that dark abyss for the rest of eternity. Everything this depended on what I did next.

As my body steadily made it way over to where I lie, I notice that Foo had an anxious look on his face, simply because his eyes had doubled in size the more my body made its way towards me. He was fighting and struggling to get through the ice. He began screams and hollering his name loudly.

My body was standing right on top of me, by this time I had already curled back my good leg to prep myself to spring up and tackle him. The only thing I needed for him to do was to get closer to me. He was only a meter away when he suddenly stopped.

My eyes widen when I realized he must have figured out what was I planning. Because I saw that he was raising the large rock above his head, he had a wicked smile on his face.

Shaking his head slowly, "I'm you stupid! I know everything you know and everything you're going to do.”

'Shit I didn't think about it.' I thought to myself. 'But now that I think about it, it does make since...he's nothing but a shell of me. Victini is the one controlling him, which must be how he's controlling Kelly as well.'

Knowing any of this still wasn't going to help me out. My brother's life was literally in my hands, and there wasn't a damn thing I could do to stop this asshole from killing me. Taking a deep breath I prepared myself for the worst, and that bone crushing smash of the rock.

I closed my eyes to embrace the darkness that will soon follow to be permanent...but nothing happened. Listening closely I could hear a grunting noise followed by a whipping sound. Then the sound of something hitting the ground which caused me to flinch involuntarily. Peeking my eyes open a bit to see what was going on.

My mouth almost fell to the ground in awe when I saw what happened. Foo had actually managed to break out of Diamond's ice and destroy the rock that my body was holding. Foo leaped up and tackled my body down to the ground right next to me. I immediately leaped up after them and dived straight on top of my body.

It was struggling and kicking hard, but there was no way I'd let it go...not now. After a moment of struggling it finally settled down enough for me to do what I had to, and that was simply look and it in the eyes. With one cold desperate stare I peered deep within my eyes; tapping into my abilities I was able to see the nothingness that filled my body.

Suddenly I began to see another small flame in the background of the darkness. Just like the small light that was in that abyss, but this one grew with a great intensity of unpleasant warmth. It felt like it was trying to invade my very soul the higher it grew.

"Ugh!” I could hear myself grunt, as I could feel the small hairs on my arms get singed.

"You! My Will, did it not mean anything to you!” I could hear a large voice, but it was a squeaking one.

"Psychic...fire...Victini!” I shouted as I soon made the realization of what it actually was that was making the sounds.

"Yes, you fool! I gave you what you wanted. I gave you power!”

By the sound of it, it almost sounded like it was confused and inflamed. Why it was angry I could understand, but confused...why? "What's wrong with you? Why are you doing this to us?!” I couldn't help blurt out in my own confusion.

"You were My Will; I would have given everything to you! All that was required for you to do was surrender yourself to me. That way I won't be alone anymore, people won't seek me out in greed anymore.” The voice said somberly. "I will forgive you if you are to kneel and accept My Will.”

"No,” I responded shaking my head, "for me to want power in such a way stands against everything I believe in. Now if it's the other way around I'll gladly accept you to my team.” I said honestly. To be frank I wanted its power, but I refuse to surrender myself to a Pokémon. Even though I love them with all that I am, I don't see myself being told what to do by one.

"I too also refuse to surrender myself to you!” It retorted obviously reading my mind.

Shaking my head in regret, I felt that I just lost out on a great investment that could have been an excellent achievement to claim. "It's a petty that we can't come to a mutual agreement, but business aside I'm going to have to kick you out of my body!”

"Your mind and body are all part of My Will. I will never let go of something that is mine!” It yelled back as the flames around its body grew in intensity.

I nimbly jumped backwards to get out of the blast radius of the flames. I could feel a wave of heat sweep over me causing me to close my eyes. When the heat finally stopped, my eyes flew open to witness what I was now up against. At this point I could see that all hope was lost. What I now was looking at was the sight of a true monster. There stood atleast a twenty foot tall flaming version of Victini, which had its fangs bearing towards me.

Quickly looking around the darkness for anything that could help me out, but I was unable to see anything. Shaking my head vigorously I then thought to myself, 'Duh stupid of course there's nothing here to protect you!' Looking back at my opponent I knew that I couldn't let it end like this.

Victini began making its move towards me. I did the first thing that came to my mind and that was to run like hell. I'm more than sure if I were to get caught by that thing would probably cook me down to the bone. As I continued running I then realized that I was making no ground. All I was doing was running towards a vast emptiness that leads nowhere. There wasn't even a place for me to take cover if this thing were to start attacking.

"That's right there's no hope for you!” It shouted reading my mind, as more flames began to flow over its entire body. It begun to look like a tear drop...a deadly one it changed to a yellowish flame. "Searing Shot!” It yelled, right after sending a massive fire ball towards me.

As the fire ball made its way towards me it seemed as if time had slowed down. The only thing that I could do was think, think about all the people I will fail because I couldn't defeat this monster. Think about my Pokémon that will be enslaved to this thing because me. Think about the possible future that I'll never see because my soul faces possible obliteration. The person I'm going to fail the most will be my brother, he's the only one who I truly care about he's the only that's had my back all these years. And I'll be the only to fail him when he needed me the most. The last thing I can remember about my brother and I doing with each other was fighting. Fighting each other to prove how much we've learned within these two previous weeks. Things could not be any more disheartening than it is now.

I could now feel my skin tingle with the sensation of the burning that was going to end it all for me. All I wanted to do was be with my brother one last time. Even for a moment is all I would ask for, if I were given the opportunity.

"You dumb ass...” A whisper came from behind me.

'Who said that?' I thought as the flames slowly enveloped body. The thing was...that I couldn't feel anything. I wonder if this is what it's like to die.

"You're not dying retard...” The whisper came again, but more clearly and soundly.

'What do you mean, "not dying” I'm completely covered in flames here!'

"You'll only die if you believe you're dying. I thought you were stronger than that.” It said.

Focusing my eyes I could see that the flames around me were causing me no pain at all. But then when I thought about the pain it should be giving me all the nerves in my body went off at once causing me to keel over. The pain that it caused was more horrible than anything I have yet to feel in my life. I started screaming loudly as the pain in my body began build up more and more as to where I thought I was going to die.

"Focus,” The voice yelled, "Try figuring out who my voice belong too.”

"Not this shit again...” I said loudly. My mind began to rack itself on the thought of who could it be. I notice that my body wasn't hurting anymore. "I get what you're trying to do, and I appreciate it,” I said thankfully. "But now it's time that I teach this bastard who's body he's in and who makes the rules.”

"So, I'm guessing you figured the trick out?” It asked.

"Yeah, I was starting to have my doubts at first, but thanks to you I can be certain.”

"Certain of what,” It said sounding more like a statement than question.

"Certain that it has no control over my mind or my body,” I retorted back loudly. "Thanks Brandon...” But the voice remained silent afterwards. It didn't matter though because I have a score to settle with this asshole. Once this thing is gone Kelly, Brandon and myself will be able to go on with our lives.

Turning my attention back towards Victini I notice that flames that engulfed me was snuffed out. Looking closely enough I could see that its eyes were widening in surprise. That was only short lived though, because its flaming body had then tripled in size. Which actually caused my eyes to widen in surprise.

"You're not leaving here alive,” Victini yelled.

"We'll see about that.” Once I finished that statement I closed my eyes and begun to think. Since this is my mind I should be able to do whatever I want here. Thinking hard of something that would grant me more power, it finally came to me.

I felt as if though I were hearing footsteps coming from someone in high-heels running towards me. It was weird because I couldn't sense anything around me. Suddenly I could then feel a white flame burst from around me, again there was no pain. I opened my eyes to see what was happening.

Victini just stood there motionless. I didn't understand what was going on, but this wasn't the time to argue. Looking down at my hands to see that there was something materializing on my flesh. It didn't hurt on the contrary it felt wonderful, if felt as if though something that was lost and should be a part of me. The flames that formed the material begun to make its way over the rest of my body, first my hands, then my arms, then towards my chest, then down my legs, and then finally over my face. I was completely covered in this warm material it was as if I was wearing my soul over my body.

The flames that surrounded me vanished, and Victini started moving again.

"What in Arceus is going? Reshiram that can't be you...I don't sense you. What sort of trickery is this?” Victini inquired.

"No, Victini this is no trickery. In this form I am only able to speak the truth, and I can tell you that you've fallen. You're lonely I can see because of peoples greed, but you went about acquiring friends the wrong way.” I said no longer able to control the way I spoke. Now that I'm thinking about it who the hell is Reshiram? I've never heard of such a creature, and how would Victini know about it?

"Shut up!” Victini exclaimed. "I don't want to hear that from you...you the one with a brother, someone who you can rely on. While I had nobody...no one wanted to be friends with me.”

"Victini...”

There was a sudden eruption in the darkness; the entire space that we now occupied turned completely bright white. With this suit on however I didn't have to shield my eyes to the sudden change in contrast. I already knew that it was Victini behind this.

It was pulling out all the guns this time and it meant business...so did I. I knew that our next move would decide our fate, but I have to say that my resolve is what going to see me through this if nothing else.

"Victini last warning, leave while you can!” I yelled.

"V-Create,” It said calmly. As the flaming giant that overshadow its body began to fade away. Once the fire giant was completely gone, there stood only the small form of Victini at its natural height. Then it clenched its fists together very tightly while closing its eyes. Multiple small orbs began to hover around its face, the orbs then disappear and three streams of red-yellow fire appear two alongside the edges of Victini's ears and one going up in between the two. The small streams of fire then merge so that Victini's ears are covered in a red-yellow fire in the shape of a 'V'. The fire then burst off, leaving behind a blazing yellow fire around its ears. Victini's body also started glowing bright red and its eyes remain marble blue. "My Will, prepare to die.” It said as it then took off towards me at high speeds.

My body reacted on its own, so much so to the point where even my mouth spoke, "With the power of Truth and Understanding I summon, Blue Flare.” My eyes began to glow red with fire and erupts red-yellow fire. I then opened my mouth and formed a light blue orb of fire in front of my mouth. Unconsciously I then lowered my head and fired a powerful stream of light blue and white fire with multiple light blue and white rings of fire around it at Victini.

When the two mighty forces collided with each other I could feel my body being jerked back roughly. I did my best to hold my ground and continue with the assault, but the blast weren't going to allow me to. I was instead sent flying far away.

Managing to catch myself on my feet I absorbed a massive amount of shock. With this suit on I didn't feel a thing of it, I was only concerned with was where was Victini. Looking around for it, I started to notice that I could feel myself draining of energy all of a sudden. I was becoming tired to the point where I burst into white flames again, but this time the all-white suit vanished from me. I fell over to my knees and held myself up with my arms.

"Can't...give up...now...” I said panting for air. I don't think I need air here, but I was becoming mentally exhausted.

When I looked back up I saw Victini standing over me. With a somber expression in its face, I also notice that it was missing one of its ears. There was nothing left, but a smoldering reminder of what once was.

"My will, you will make an excellent companion, but now the fights over and you've lost.” It said holding its hand towards my head.

"Why do you call me your will?” I asked as I closed my eyes when it put its hand on my forehead. I was completely out of ideas on how to stop this damn thing, but even though it's my mind I have a limit as to how much I can take.

"It's the equivalent of what you humans call love.”

"In other words you're saying, "My Love” correct?” I said in understanding.

It didn't reply it only started applying more pressure to my forehead. I then feel my entire body heat up, I tried to think about something else, but it didn't help in the slightest. I started screaming once more the more it pressure there was. It was as if this thing was drilling a hole inside my head.

Opening my eyes again I could see Victini standing in front of me. There was also something standing behind it as well. There was a figure in all black, like a silhouette of sorts. I didn't know where it came from or why it was here, but I didn't take my eyes off of it even as the horrible pain shot through my body.

"My Will, I will combine souls together and we shall be one forever.” I said as its eyes started glowing red.

"Ugh...someone help me...” I barely stammered out.

At this point my vision started to fade into darkness. I could hear something, a single word as my consciousness left my body, "relax”.



Suddenly I awakened, to find myself in a small room. The window's let in a beautiful sunlight that allowed me to examine everything around me. There was another bed to the right of me that was neat and clean. The floors were made up of a red carpet with a soft rug next to the foot of my bed. Looking across the room I found a desk with some folded clothes. Then looking to my left I saw that I there was an IV running into my arm, with a soft rhythmic beep that seemed none existent until I acknowledge it. There was nothing more worth mentioning that I could see inside the room save for the restroom that was on the other side of the IV.

Slowly sitting up I felt far more tired than I've ever felt in my life. My body almost seems to not want to respond to my movements. I could tell this was going to take a while.

It felt like two hours went by, by the time I finally able to stand. I looking down at myself I saw that I was wearing a thick robe, but with nothing underneath. Raising my arm and took a deep whiff, I immediately drop my arm and made my way over to the restroom.

Turning on the shower head I forgot that I had the IV protruding out of me, so I turned on the bath and let it run till it was full. Once the water was in peak height I turned it off, taking off my robe. I lowered myself into the water with a great sigh of relief. I began to think about what could have happened to me to end up in a situation like this; I mean I could have sworn that I was going to die. Or am I dead and I'm just in limbo or something?

Once I was done bathing and drying myself off I made my way out of the restroom and to the other room. I stood in front the new change of clothes, lifting them piece by piece I there was a note hanging out of the clothes. Lifting it up I carefully read it, "We need to talk about the future.” Shrugging slightly I crumpled up the note and tossed it to the floor.

Upon getting dress I noticed that the clothes I was wearing is semi-formal. It consisted of a black dress shirt and some slacks. "Wait...it couldn't be,” I said to myself. I now realize that I wasn't dead, but I would soon rather be. Thinking about the note and the clothes that I'm wearing could only lead to one person, and that person could only be, "Father...”

Quickly opening the room door I saw a long hall way. With the IV still in my arm I made short work of the distance and pushed open a set of large doors. With a blinding bright light whacking me in the face, I shielded my eyes to get a better sight of everything. What I then saw almost made me lose consciousness.

There everyone was in one room, it was then I realized that I was in one of fathers houses. I could see Kelly kneeling in the corner of the room with all of her Pokémon out. Brandon was standing next to some beautiful woman that I've never seen before, but there was something about her that seems familiar. Looking down to her side I saw Diamond sitting on her haunches with Ruption next to her, he now had a large scar painted across his chest. I can barely recall how he got that little mark. Osha stood on the opposite end of the room sitting in a meditative stance. I could also see Foo and Swipe sitting next to her meditating as well. There were several other people that I didn't recognize, but then looking at the center of them all stood the one man that I would have seen a mile away. Father...

"What's going on out here?” I said as a gurgling almost inaudible sound.

Everyone seemed to stop what they were doing to look up at me. And then all at once yelled, "Brian!”

And like a stampede of Tauros, Brandon and Kelly with all of the Pokémon came rushing towards me. I was quickly swept off of my feet and to the ground. Receiving a flurry hugs and kisses, so much so to the point where I thought I was going to die. Everyone started speaking at once to the point where I couldn't understand they were saying.

"Get off me! I'm still sore and weak from what happened.” I said in pain and now annoyed. "Speaking of which what happen?”

Suddenly the beautiful woman step out from behind making a very familiar clack with her high heels and said, "Brian you happen.” She said with an almost angelic voice. She had long blonde wavy hair, a bright skin tone. She wore a skin tight purple suit that had a small red cape perched on her right shoulder.

"I don't understand.”

"It's ok little brother you've been through a lot and could have possibly saved all of our asses.” Brandon said. Looking down at his leg I could see that it was incase in a cast. He had some crutches, he must have noticed me looking at him because he added, "Don't worry by the end of the week I should be good as new, thanks to father.”

I nodded to him and then turned my attention back to the beautiful woman, "I remember you...” I muttered, doing my best to recall the past.

"I suspect you should, after all it was you who opened yourself up to me.” She said as Brandon helped me off the floor. "I'm a master psychic, and looking into the future is one of my gifts. I saw that Victini was going to cause you all trouble. So I informed your dad here what was going to happen. After that he made the phone call to have you two meet here in Nuvema Town.”

Now it all started to make sense...I never understood why father would suddenly call us up to just up and leave like that. I quickly glanced over towards him; he was busy talking to one of men that were stand around him. I didn't think he would care like that to even consider coming here personally to rescue us.

"Yeah, Brian she was the one who gave you the power to hold your own against Victini is that final clash.” Brandon said.

She nodded slightly and continued, "When the boat we were on neared port I could sense great mental distress, from where the three of you were in the forest. I came as quickly as I could on a Flygon. When I saw that I wasn't going to make it in time, I called out to you and you allowed me into your mind. You may not have recognized at the time, but those white flames that gave you that suit was me.”

My eyes then almost doubled in size I thought it was some emotional thing that I triggered in my mind. To think I could have been killed if it weren't for her.

"Though I didn't think you'd put so much power into that final attack.” She said as she walked closer to me. My heart began to pound in my chest so loudly, that I almost miss what she said next. "You and your Brother have something special within the two of you and with a bit of training, you guys can be unstoppable.” She then placed her hand on my head and then trailed it down to my chest. I'm more than sure she could feel my heartbeat damn near burst out of my chest.

She was so beautiful I couldn't say anything I mean, this almost never happened to me in my life to have been breath taken by a woman before.

Taking a few steps backwards trying to slow my heart rate down, I could hear Brandon and Kelly giggle. Giving them a sideways glance silenced them both. "How long have I been out?” I asked, doing my best to change the subject.

This time it was father the one to answer my question. "Two weeks,” He said coldly. "You've been completely unconscious for two whole weeks. You and your brother have a lot of work to do with very little time to do it in.”

"Alex!” The woman snapped at father. My mind went into an abyss when I heard the sharp remark; I've never known anyone to say my father's name like that and still draw breath. I waited silently so that she would endure father's wraith, I could only hope that it wasn't too severe.

Father glanced over to her, but remained silent. The woman picked up the conversation by saying, "Don't listen to him Brian...” My mind was going in circles now my father actually back down to someone. She continued, "He doesn't remember that you were the one that was most effected by Victini's mind probing. It took about a week to get you scattering consciousness together, and place it back within your body. It took another week for everything to reattach itself back to where it was.”

"I don't understand, Kelly was under his control much longer than I was, why is she moving around?” I asked confused.

"Well she was in one spot within her own body, without doing any mind hopping unlike you.” She said folding her arms together.

"Hehe...” I said as I began rubbing the back of my head. "So, I assume you done the same for Brandon as well?”

She gave me a slight nod with a smile making its way on her face. "Yep, but now that you're wake,” She said walking away from us and towards father she turned back to us, but leaned into his desk. "Your father and I need to talk to you two.”

"Yes, for you two only...” Father interjected turning his gaze towards Kelly.

"Yeah, yeah I know I'm not welcome here.” She walked up to Brandon and pulled him by the hand and slowly led him out of the room.

Turning my attention away from Brandon and Kelly, but back to Miss...umm, "Miss, I truly appreciate everything that you've done so far for my brother and me, but I don't even know your name.”

"Tonya, my name is Tonya Shine.”

Nodded warmly at her and gave her a smile, but then something dawn on me, "where is Victini now?”

"Don't worry Brian; Victini has been taken care of properly.” Father answered sternly.

"Sir, did you kill him?” I asked.

"And if I did, that's none of your concern unless I tell you otherwise. Am I clear?”

"Yes sir.”

After waiting for five minutes Brandon finally walked back into the room alone. He had a depress expression on his face. "Saying goodbye can be hard on a man.”

"I take it that Kelly's gone?” I asked him.

"Yeah, she said that she wants to explore the world with her Pokémon. Make a name for herself without the aid of Victini or anyone else for that matter...” He said with a somber expression. "It's funny she don't want to be alone, but yet she chooses to be.”

I then walked up to my brother and patted him on the back and pulled him into a hug.

"Well if you two are finished I'd like to move on, with your next upcoming assignment.” Father said standing out of his seat, walking over towards the corner where Osha, Foo, and Swipe were meditating.

"Hey you three, move it!” I said loudly.

The three of them slowly stood up and moved out of the way, as father gently placed his left hand on the wall. There was a white outline that begun to trail itself around the wall that made door shape drawings. The walls slid in and to the right both walls.

I could only wonder what father had planned, but he was a man of great mystery. He turn back to face us as two large glass containers slid from behind the wall. They slid right in front of him, as he walked down the middle.

"I want to introduce boys to the future of Pokémon.” He said making his way to the middle of both the container and added, "These are the suits that you will need to undertake your next mission.”

I stepped closer to one of the suits it was a solid white suit...it was almost the same suit I had when I fought Victini.

Tonya made her way behind me and said, "Looks familiar doesn't it?”

I simply nodded.

"I wore this suit when I fought Victini.” I confessed.

"I know, I gave you the power of the suit so that you could fight on even footing with it. To be honest the suit couldn't equal out the amount of power that Victini possess, but it was enough to slow him down for me to get there and separate him from you.”

Again I just gave a simple nod.

"Let us truly put the past behind us,” Brandon said.

I could tell that he was trying to forget about Kelly and this was an away letting it out. But what he was saying was true; I need to move on with my life and not be hindered by the past.

"So what's our mission father?” Brandon ask.

One of the men that were standing near father's desk walked forward and said, "You see, you and your brother will be on a task bringing someone back, dead or alive.” The man wore a long scientist coat. He dug into his coat pocket and retrieved a small remote. Clicking the button caused the glass doors to open up on the wall. "You'll be wearing one of these suits,” He said pointing at them and added, "You will have to master the abilities of the suits, locate your target, and either capture or destroy. We want you to be discrete about it; don't want the public to know about what you have and what it can do.”

Tonya then stepped forward and said, "Your target will be my husband, and these suits here are based on designs he built a long time ago. With a few modifications we were able to replicate the Tao brothers' powers into them.” She then sighed and continued, "My daughter will be with him as well, she like me will be a psychic, a very powerful one at that. I will be going with you on this mission to break the hold my husband has on her.”

"So wait you have a husband and daughter we need to possibly harm and you want to come personally supervise us on this.” I said, slightly disappoint that she's much older than she looks.

"More or less that is correct.” She said.

The science looked over to my father and nodded slightly. Father then spoke up, "I need you two to retrieve my daughter as well.”

"Wait you don't mean...I thought she was dead?” Brandon asked in astonishment.

"No, that's what I wanted you to think. My daughter is far from dead, she is in Johto running amuck with all the power she possesses and I want you to stop her and bring her back to me.”

I about thinking about whom it was he could have been talking about it finally started to click. Brandon and I have never really been formally introduced to her, but from what I heard she was a very sick girl. She was then given a drug that made her strong, but a bitch that nobody wanted to be near.

Father told Brandon and I to stay away from that girl and focus on our studies. She never struck me as someone I should even have to think about, but I didn't think we would have to deal with her later.

In unison both Brandon and I looked at each other and nodded. We knew what we had to do and nothing was going to interfere with our mission.

Looking back now to be honest we both have gotten our priorities straighten out so there would be nothing to stop us. Even if it means killing someone to ensure the safety of people I love, I'll do whatever it takes. With all of the shit I've been through doing something like that couldn't be too hard, could it?

We then both looked at father and said, "Yes, Father!”