AGNPH Stories
 

Project Crucifix by noah_ariston

 

Story Notes:

I've put much, much time into making this story as captivating as possible, I hope you'll take the time to read it.This is going to be quite a long story, with many events happening, I love getting your reviews, so don't be a stranger!Thanks for reading!


Chapter Two: In the City

Ariston gave a breathy yawn and stretched his arms in the air as he walked down the city streets to one of the numerous Pokemon Centers. Sure, it's wasn't urgent that he heal Shinx, but he still wanted to keep his tiny Pokemon as healthy as possible. After all, it's the only Pokemon he had at the moment.

After a short while of walking, and occasionally taking a detour to check out more of the city, Ariston found the gargantuan Pokemon Center.

This massive building had to have room for every Pokemon in the city, with room for people passing though, it made the Pokemon Center in his hometown look like a refrigerator box.

Making his way inside, the cool breeze of central air hit him like a train. The inside of the Center looked like the lobby for any hospital. Complete with those crappy, uncomfortable chairs to wait in, TVs on the wall playing a station that no one wants to watch, and plenty of nurses at the front desk.

Ariston knew he could get done quickly, he walked up to the front desk, Shinx's pokeball in hand, and asked the lady, "Hey, could I just get a quick heal on just this one Pokemon here?".

The hefty brown haired nurse, who seemed reluctant to move said, "Yeah..." while giving him a stare that says, "Are you really going to make me get up and move for one Pokemon?".

Ariston didn't care though, it's their job to do that, he quickly showed his trainer license, as is required to get pokemon healed under the age of 21, and the nurse disappeared into the back room for a few minutes.

She came back in a short time, handing the pokeball back to Ariston, with the words, "We've restored your Pokemon back to full health, we hope to see you again.". The words seemed hollow, like someone working at McDonnalds just saying them to every client who came in.

As Ariston left the building, back into the city streets, an odd thought popped into his head; "Why do they say 'We hope to see you again'" he thought, "are they hoping my Pokemon get hurt?". Ariston laughed at the stupid phrase that all the nurses always said to himself, and began looking for a Pokemon/Trainer restaurant.

He found one easily enough, "The Trainer" it was called, how creative.

It looked like a pretty casual diner, so he made his way inside. Pushing open the glass and steel doors, he immediately noticed the two men inside.

"Are you kidding?" Ariston said happily as he approached his two friends, "Hey guys, didn't expect I'd see you two for a long time.".

Shane looked up, obviously happy to see his friend, but being the mellow person he is, just gave Ariston a fist-pound and a nod of his head.

Conti however, was much more animated upon seeing his friend. "Ariston! There you are! It's been so long we missed you!".

"Haha, it's only been a couple of hours, big guy." Ariston laughingly replied.

"Still..." Conti said, "Have a seat we just ordered food."

The waitress noticed another boy had joined the table, and quickly came back to take Ariston's order, he also ordered some food for his Shinx.

"Conti insisted on paying," Shane said, almost pouting, "He always does."

"Looks like you two are on a man-date then, haha." Ariston joked with his friends.

Forcing a rare laugh out of Shane, he replied, "Ha, that's what I told Conti, he still wants to pay though."

It seemed Conti had missed out on the entire conversation, he was too occupied talking to his Pokemon which sit beside him. He had a young looking Munchlax who seemed to be just a big, and just as smart, as Conti.

Conti wasn't fat, per se, just large, about 6"2' to 6"3' in height, and pretty thick. He always wore some sort of polo shirt. Today, it was a white polo shirt, and brown slacks. It kinda looked like he was going to Church.

Shane on the other hand, dressed like Ariston, he wore a black hoodie with some band's logo sprawled across it in some impossible to read text, Ariston was able to make it out this time, it said, "Arceus in Flames" across it. Along with the black hoodie, Shane wore his usual black jeans.

Shane was seated next to Ariston, but he also had his Crogunk at the table, who was eagerly awaiting food.

Ariston let out his happy and well healed Shinx, who did his usual stretch and yawn after being let out of a pokeball, and hopped up on the booth next to his trainer.

The three trainers had seen each other's Pokemon before, and weren't suprised to see them again.

"Looks like this place is pretty popular for trainers," Shane said, "Pretty soon it's going to look like our graduating class in here."

The waitress came back with the boy's various food orders, the Pokemon cheered happy at the sight of something other than Poke-chow. Munchlax and Conti were the first finished, who had each received a personal 'meat-lovers' pan pizza. They ate at almost a blinding speed.

Shane just had a hamburger and a sprite, and took his time, he ordered his Croagunk the same thing.

Ariston's order was the same a Shane's, but he order Shinx a plate of tuna. The little guy simply went crazy for tuna. And even let out some garbled "Nyaaa"'s whilst eating in happiness.

As they ate, they exchanged stories of what they've done today. They'd all fought some wild Pokemon, and defeated them easily, but it seemed Ariston had the the only one to battle another 'trainer'.

Ariston explained the story, and might have overly glorified his Shinx's actions a bit. Upon hearing some details in the story, Shinx took a break from furiously eating and gave an inquisitive "Nya?" at his mater's words.

After the story was explained, Shane just told Ariston, "Nice, man." with a slight smile. Conti seemed mystified by the story, as it seemed to overload his brain.

"Woaaahhhh!" He exclaimed, "That's amazing Ariston, you're awesome at training Pokemon, I wish I could win some battles!" he said as Conti continued his praise.

Ariston laughed a bit at his friend awe-struck face as his Munchlax mimicked his movements.

"Thanks, haha" Ariston replied, a little taken back.

After they finished eating they all went outside and said their goodbyes. Shane and Conti were staying in the city for a few more days, while Ariston was making his way to Oreburgh City, to fight his first gym leader.

Ariston knew he wasn't read -now-, but he figured he'd get stronger on the way, and probably capture another Pokemon along the way. After all, he'd have to cross though the Oreburgh Gate, which was a small enough cave, but still sported plenty of powerful Pokemon and trainers to battle.

Before leaving, Ariston heard a confident Shane say, "Hey Ariston, wait up.". Turing to see what Shane needed, it appeared as if his Croagunk was in an offense fighting position.

"Why not have a battle? We're finally allowed to, I want to see what your Shinx can do.".

Ariston looked down to the Shinx at his feet, waiting for Shinx's decision to fight or not, it was really up to the Pokemon, he didn't want to send his Pokemon into a fight if Shinx didn't want to.

Shinx gave a slight smile and a nod to his trainer.

"Alright Shane, lets see what you got." Ariston returned in the same confident manner.

At this point, Conti was almost in cardiac arrest from all his excitement of getting to see his two friends fight.

"Awesome! I get to see a battle! Yes!!" Conti cheered happily in his low, slow voice.

Shinx stepped in front of his master, while Croagunk did the same.

Ariston knelt down a whispered to his Shinx, "Alright, he's got a pretty tough Croagunk, so take it easy to begin with, just like the fight with the Kricketot, use your head, alright?". A quick glance across to Shane showed he was talking to his Croagunk in the same manner.

Shinx nodded in understanding and prepared to fight.

This time however, Shinx didn't just get into a crouching position, as Shinx cautiously circled the Croagunk, his fur began to crackle and let out light, as a steady flow of electricity ran though Shinx's body, as he began to charge.

"Woah." Ariston let out as he watched his Shinx light up the streets as the now dimming sun faded into the horizon.

It seemed Shinx had gotten much stronger, and was now able to start using some electric attacks.

The flow of electricity seemed to slightly intimidate Shane's Croagunk. Regardless of what the Croagunk felt, he sprang off of his legs and made a swipe with his tiny claws at Shinx.

Shinx, being the speedy little guy he is, was able to avoid the attack, leaving a small trail of electric static in his place. Croagunk missed, and Shinx managed to make contact with the Croagunk's torso. Shinx slammed into the creature, knocking it back, and giving him a slight jolt from Shinx's fur.

"Careful Croagunk, don't let it get any direct hits in, watch it's charge. It can't maintain it's electric charge forever."

"...Damn." Ariston thought, as he was hoping Shane wouldn't remember from class.

"An electric Pokemon can charge it's body, for both offensive and defensive attacks..." The words of his professor rang in his head, "...but after a discharge, the Pokemon is temporarily weakened."

Only another trainer would know this, turns out this would be an interesting fight.

Immediately recovering from the jolt of electricity flowing though Croagunk's body, he sprang forward again, this time moving faster.

"That's it, Croagunk, keep on with you pursuit." Shane told his Pokemon in his usual relaxed voice, but it seemed there was a little more emotion behind it this time, Shane was -excited-.

Ariston laughed to himself at making his usually mellow friend get slightly worked up.

Ariston regained focus though, when Shane's words finally triggered something in his head, "-keep on with your pursuit-" was what Shane had said...

Ariston remembered learning of the Pursuit strategy, and how only a few Pokemon were able to do it. The strategy involved the unshakeable focus on the enemy, not paying attention to any surroundings or outside factors, to the Pokemon perusing, everything was black around him but the enemy.

This let the Pokemon move much faster and make attacks more frequently, making it much harder for his Shinx to get out of the way.

Every time Shinx jumped out of the way, Croagunk immediately changed his direction too, each swipe of it's tiny claws getting closer.

Shinx was moving slower now, he hadn't recovered form his electric discharge yet.

"Careful Shinx, bide your time" Ariston told to his Pokemon who was currently dodging swipes closer and closer to it's face.

The pursuit strategy would probably wear out Croagunk, but not for a long time, that Pokemon bread had high endurance, which is why Shinx's discharge didn't hurt him much.

While Shinx was trying his best, running and diving out of the way, finally the Croagunk had caught up with the speedy little guy. Croagunk took a full swing at Shinx, and made contact with the poor creatures head.

The impact sent Shinx tumbling to the ground, rolling a few times before landing. Shinx lay on the ground for a few seconds, trying to recover from the blow. As Shinx began to pick himself up, he opened his eyes to see the still pursuing him. Shinx barely had time to get on his feet before the Croagunk had struck him again, this time, a powerful blow to the torso.

Ariston tightened his fists as he saw his Pokemon get beaten across the battlefield. He knew that Shinx couldn't keep this up forever.

"Common Shinx, build up your charge again, you can do this!" Ariston yelled, trying to think of something he could do to help out his Pokemon. He drew a blank, he didn't remember what his professors had said about defending against the pursuit strategy. He probably shouldn't have slept so much in class...Well he's paying for it now.

The brave Shinx endured a flurry of hits as the Croagunk continued to pummel him, this time, a right hook to Shinx's head, a left jab to his midsection, and finally a titanic uppercut that sent him to the ground again.

Ariston let out a sigh of sorrow as he expected the battle to be over, there's no way his Shinx would get up after that, and even if he did, Croagunk would be right there to hit him again.

Shane smiled confidently as his Pokemon dominated the battlefield, Conti was almost having a heart attack for both the reason of the excitement of the battle, and the fact he had to watch Pokemon get hurt, Conti never enjoyed watching things in pain.

Shinx lay on the ground, some blood coming from the places Croagunk had hit him. Shinx was getting angry of not having any time to react. Instead of getting back to his feet, Shinx anticipated Croagunk's attack, and rolled out of the way.

Shinx managed to narrowly avoid another strike from Croagunk, but his respite wouldn't last long, he knew Croagunk would be at him again, still focused on his pursuit.

Shinx started to build up what charge he could, now moving faster with the electricity crackling though his fur, but still slowed down from his wounds.

The Croagunk made contact with Shinx's midsection again, bracing himself to be jolted by Shinx's charge. However, Shinx didn't discharge this time, he took the hit, tumbling to the ground, but quickly rolling to his feet again, stumbling slightly.

"What's he doing...?" Ariston said to himself as he watched his Shinx intentionally get hit, while his charge flow throughout his fur. He knew Shinx could get another hit in at any point their bodies made contact, but for some reason, didn't.

Shinx took many more blows to his head, legs, and midsection before finally hitting the ground, electricity still flowing though him, and didn't, or wasn't able, to make an effort to get back up.

The Croagunk was finally brought down from his pursuit high, and started to breathe heavily, it took a lot of energy to keep that up, and the small Pokemon took many more hits than both Croagunk and Shane expected.

[Just stay down, little Pokemon, the battle is over] Croagunk said in their language to Shinx, who was still on the ground.

[...Who...Who said the battle is over, I'm still fighting...] Shinx struggled to reply as he shakily brought himself to his feet.

"It's alright Shinx, you've done good, you don't have to fight any more!" Ariston yelled out to his Shinx, who refused to stay down.

Shinx shot his master the most serious look he'd ever seen from his cheery Pokemon.

The looked slightly intimidated Ariston, he decided to let Shinx continue to battle.

Shane saw the little Shinx's determination, and knew he'd better not advise Ariston to withdraw his Pokemon. Shinx had no intention of giving up with out a fight.

Croagunk looked to his master for approval, and Shane gave him a nod.

With that, Croagunk lunged at Shinx again, twisting his whole body, preparing to put all his weight and strength behind this punch.

[This is going to hurt...] Shinx thought to himself as he closed his eyes...[Here goes.]

Shinx strained every muscle in his tiny body as he built up his charge as much as he could manage. The much larger Croagunk drew closer and Shinx strained himself both to remain conscious and to generate enough electricity for what he was attempting to do.

Conti and his Munchlax coverd their eyes.

The Croagunk finally twisted his body around as his entire being rotated with this punch, it made solid contact directly to the side of Shinx's head.

Croagunk's eyes widened as the Pokemon he had just struck insanely hard remained in the same place, blood coming from where he had just made contact.

As Croagunk realized what was going on, it was too late. A blinding amount of electricity lit up the dark streets as it flowed from Shinx's body directly into Croagunk's.

The Croagunk couldn't retrieve his fist from Shinx's body as the stabbing electricity paralyzed his body, this was nothing like the first jolt, Croagunk let out a cry of anguish as the electric Pokemon relentlessly pumped him full of voltage.

Both Shane and Ariston's eyes widened at the sight of this, Shane's usually calm disposition vanished as his mouth gaped open in surprise.

"What the hell's going on?! Stay with him Croagunk!" Shane yelled...And Shane never yells.

Conti and his Muchlax peeked though their hands to see the incredible display of the Pokemon battle continue.

Shinx's voltage died down as the Croagunk started to loose consciousness.

[...Just...Just a little more.] Shinx thought as he felt himself starting to see black. He pushed himself further and delivered one final jolt to the Croagunk.

The electric charge gone, Croagunk stumbled backwards, took a swing out of dazed confusion at an invisible opponent, hitting nothing but air, and fell to the ground, knocked out.

Ariston noticed the electricity flowing though his Shinx's feet, and finally realized how what just happened was possible.

Being the inept trainer Shane is, they both realized Shinx's strategy, and were shocked by the fact that neither of them had even thought of it.

The tiny electric Pokemon had managed to bind his feet to the metal manhole cover that he was standing on, and run a static charge though it, making it impossible for Shinx to move. That way, when Croagunk made contact, he would be able to hold him there to deliver his continuously building charge in one massive discharge.

Confident in his work, Shinx let a smile creep over his face, then finally fell to the ground, joining Croagunk in lost consciousness. It seemed that Croagunk's hit had done it's work on Shinx too.

Shane and Ariston both stood in shock at what had just happened. Both Pokemon lay on the street unconscious...Who had beaten who? The question played in both trainers heads until Conti broke the silence with his overly animated and loud cheers for both Pokemon.

"Way to go! Shinx and Croagunk! That was AWESOME!!" Conti yelled almost joining Shinx Croagunk in unconsciousness with all his excitement.

Shane collected himself back to his calm composure and withdrew Croagunk back into his Pokeball. This time, he did it with a slight smile, happy at the battle that just took place.

"Wow...Shinx, that was awesome..." Ariston said in vain, knowing his Pokemon couldn't hear him. Ariston withdrew his unconscious smiling Pokemon back into his Pokeball, and walked over to Shane.

"Guess they're pretty even huh?" Ariston said laughing to Shane.

"Heh, yeah, I guess so, that was awesome, Ariston, I hope all my battles are as exciting as that." Shane said back to Ariston, still sporting a smile.

Realizing what was on his face, Shane quickly cleared his throat and returned to his neutral facial expression. "Guess we should probably get these guys to the Pokemon Center huh?" he told Ariston.

"Yeah, there's one pretty close to here, I'll show you" He replied.

Before they could go anywhere, Conti was sure to explode with energy, retelling every part of the battle to the trainers, overflowing with energy, sure Conti had watched Pokemon battles on TV, but he'd never seen one like this before.

The three friends ended the evening by making their way into the Pokemon Center, back to the same hefty nurse who was obviously more than annoyed to see the same dark haired boy who had just been in here hours prior.

Ariston laughed to himself at the nurses attitude and got Shinx and Croagunk healed, resting safely in their Pokeballs, Ariston would be sure to congratulate Shinx on his amazing job later, but for now, he thought it'd be better for him to recover.

After talking for a short while, It was time for Shane and Conti to leave, as they were staying at Conti's step-father's apartment in the city, while Ariston was going to stay at the Trainers Lodge.

The apartment was small, and barely had enough room for Shane and Conti, not to mention Conti's step-father. Naturally, being the person Conti is, he offered to let Ariston stay in the apartment while he stayed at the Trainers Lodge. Ariston laughed and of course declined, he had no problem stay at the Trainers Lodge himself.

The Trainers Lodge was just a building in the city with military style bunk-beds for trainers who were just passing though the city to sleep in. Hell, it was better than sleeping on the street, after all.

Ariston said goodbye to Shane and Conti and made his way to the Lodge. Finding a plain empty bed in the corner, Ariston got changed into an undershirt and boxers and laid down. He was sure to secure his egg in his backpack, making sure no one would trip over it while he slept. After today's excitement, Ariston fell a sleep shortly after his head had hit the pillow.

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Miles away, the traveler finally made contact with civilization. He traveled though the slums of what he assumed to be a large city, as vagrants and prostitutes filled the area around him.

The traveler wore a torn up plain white shirt he had managed to obtain, the shirt barely fitting him, his well toned muscles causing the fabric to stretch, he also wore raggedy long black pants which were also ripped in various places. His hands were bandaged up to his forearms, which he didn't dare to remove. He didn't know why, but something in his head told him not to. He could feel something under the bandages, something...Unnatural.

He wore no shoes, just bandaged feet and heels, covered in medical tape made walking though the city street difficult. He still had his wrist tag wrapped around him. "SUBJECT 14" boldly printed across it. He kept it on him, it was the only thing that told him who he was. He had no idea what it meant, or where it came from, but he knew it needed to have an identity.

Homeless men and women gave he odd stares and they huddled around their various positions, they were nothing more than bottles and cans, but it was all they had, and they didn't want this stranger taking anything from them.

"...What the hell am I?" He thought to himself as he felt some sort of metal grinding though his body. His emerald green eyes focused on the broken souls around him.

"Is this what humanity is? Is this what I'm destined to become? An insignificant shred of existence?" He continued to think.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice one of the men on the streets approach him.

This homeless man seemed younger than all the rest, but the harsh condition of being out on the streets aged his face and body. He wore a scrappy grey coat, and torn blue-jeans. He had faded black hair, and an unshaven face. He was going grey, unusual for his age, but living on the street takes its toll on people.

The traveler looked over his figure with his emerald eyes, examine him trying to anticipate what he wanted. The man just blocked his path, as if he was trying to work up the courage for something.

The traveler made eye contact with the man in his path and stared into the man's dull, brown eyes.

Suddenly, the man broke out into a fury, letting out a cry of anger and drawing a switchblade from his coat pocket, wrapping his free hand around the travelers neck and pushing him to the wall.

The weakened body of the traveler was filled with pain over the slight contact with the wall. His body was broken already, anymore strain could kill him.

The man with the blade pressed it against the travelers neck.

"Alright!" The homeless man said in a fury, obviously nervous, "Don't even think about screaming...I-I swear to god I'll kill you!".

The traveler felt no fear, not because the mans nervousness was so obvious, it's because he wouldn't mind dying in this alley, by this mans hands.

The vagrants observing this seemed to pity the man being mugged, but did nothing. They had no desire to help him.

"Gi-Give me all the money you have!" The man demanded.

When the traveler calmly stared into the man's eyes, the mugger grew impatient.

"Now!" He yelled, punching the wall beside the travelers head, in an attempt to intimidate him.

"Money..." The traveler said to himself. He had never owned any, no had he ever seen any, but he knew it was something very valuable to humans, and it seemed they'd even kill for it. It was amusing to him.

"What are you slow?! I said MONEY. Now!!" The mugger said with fleeing patience, as he pressed the blade harder against the travelers neck.

"I have none." The traveler said calmly.

Annoyed by the fact he had chosen to mug someone with nothing, but not suprised, no one had any money in this part of town, the mugger's anger grew.

"Th-Then give me whatever you have" He demanded again.

When the traveler made no movement, the mugger began searching the travelers person for something of value. The traveler just stood there calmly, until the mugger made a mistake.

Mistaking the medical bracelet on the travelers wrist for something of value, the mugger ripped it off of him. Feeling this, the travelers calm was gone in an instant as his body quickly filled with rage.

That was the only thing that belonged to him, and no one had the right to take it.

The traveler aggressively gripped the hand of the mugger, which held the knife. The traveler then squeezed, easily breaking the small bones inside a human hand.

Screaming in agony as his hand was crushed, the traveler growled under his breath, and effortlessly snapped the muggers wrist, causing him to drop the blade in his now crushed and mutilated hand. The mugger continued to yell as he let go of the medical bracelet in his other hand, he brought it up to try and force this man's grip off of him.

The scene sparked attention around them, various street-people watched in awe from there places in the alley.

The mugger tried to wring the travelers grip off of him, but to no avail. The traveler was blind with anger.

The traveler placed his free hand on the mugger's neck, stopping his ability to inhale. He then swung him around and pressed him against the wall, effectively switching places with him.

The traveler let go of the mans destroyed hand and wrapped his fingers into a bandaged fist.

"You took something that didn't belong to you..." The traveler said in an enraged and raspy tone.

"P-Please! I'm sorry! D-Don't hurt me!" The now cowering mugger yelled.

Ignoring the mans pleas, the traveler drew his fist back, and slung his overly clenched fist with unnatural speed towards the muggers head. The traveler could feel the sensation of metal-workings inside of him again, this time, in his fist. His fist made contact with the wall next to the muggers head, similar to the fashion the mugger had done to him before.

This time however, the wall was forced in, with a large cracking noise, parts of the large ally wall flew out from where the travelers fist made contact. The impact and the now growing hole in the wall caused parts of concrete to stab into the muggers face, being so close to it.

The travelers eyes widened as he never expected he'd made any sort of mark on the wall, let alone break off pieces of it. His rage now astonishment, he relaxed his left hand, and let the mugger's neck go, allowing him to breathe again. The traveler's eyes were now focused on his hand, buried deep in the wall. He had lost all focus in the mugger in front of him.

The mugger slumped to the ground, screaming in anguish over the small pieces of concrete that were jaggedly sticking out of his neck and face. A large amount of blood came out of his cuts and wounds as the mugger immediately sprang to his feet and ran away, taking any chance he could to get away from this...thing. The surrounding vagrants ran away in a similar fashion, now terrified of this man.

The traveler, not even noticing that the mugger had ran away, withdrew his fist from the hole he had put in the wall. He had been able to put his fist down to his wrist into the solid concrete ally-way wall, what really astounded him was the impact had given him no pain at all, as he only felt the pressure of hitting something, he thought for sure the pain would be great simply hitting a wall, not to mention putting a hole in one. As he looked upon the now ripped bandages, he noticed a shimmer coming from his knuckles.

He looked at it closer, and saw it to be some sort of small layer of metal, covering his knuckles. He felt over them with his other hand, and could feel its smooth, cold quality.

Before he could examine his fist any closer, the metal began to diffuse back into his hand, and as quickly as it came, it was gone.

The traveler stood speechless as he rotated his hand in front of his face, all traces of metal were gone. This incident raised millions of questions in the travelers mind as he looked down the now empty alley way.

Hearing sirens of police cars, he instinctively knew that he shouldn't remain where he is. The pain in his body now almost gone with the rush of adrenaline he was feeling, he turned on his heels, and starting running the way he came.

To be continued...
Chapter End Notes:Chapter Three is up next! Take a look
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