Chapter 6 - The Origin of Skyfire, Part 1
#6 of Of Dragon Descent
OF DRAGON DESCENT
Chapter 6: The Origin of Skyfire, Part 1
Pokemon Fan Fic
By: Scy Storm
ssbs.furrynet.com
Draco sends the elevator to level 2U. They both walk toward Jules' room, where Jules grabs his backpack. The two begin heading back toward the elevator. Draco looks down toward Jules and notices an expression of tough thought on his face. "Is something troubling you?" He asks.
Jules glances back. "I'm just remembering that day back at Olivine..." He answers.
"Yes... It wasn't a high point of my career."
"And you did save the town... I'm sorry I let that slip past me."
"It's alright. I know how human emotions can overcome logical thinking."
"Does that happen with Pokemon as well?"
Draco glares at him for a moment, but then softens his stare, knowing that Jules means no offense. He shakes his head and gets back into his senses. "Yes... It's quite possible for it to happen to Pokemon..."
"So that is why your Charizard went insane like that?"
Draco closes his eyes, pausing for a moment. "... Not really, but... It's what I would have preferred."
"I remember seeing him... His skin was red."
"It stayed that way from when he evolved from Charmeleon," Draco says, sighing as they reach the elevator, "he was a great Pokemon..."
"Do you know why he turned out that way?"
Draco glances down at Jules, whom has a look of genuine trainer curiosity. He glances back upward, looking at the wall. "I know precisely why... It was while I was still with the Rockets..."
FLASHBACK - Team Rocket Hideout, 10 Years Before
Brian comes trekking through a doorway into the Team Rocket training area. A roughly-made one: A standard battling arena drawn out on the hard floor. Around the large room exists several different "obstacles" for certain Pokemon to enjoy, ranging from simple punching bags & weight equipment for Fighting Pokemon and physical fighters, all the way to a shooting range for Water Pokemon. Several other Pokemon that belong to some other Rocket members could already be seen training amongst different areas. Brian looks around for a moment, spotting an element-resistant machine that simulates Pokemon battles. It's a favored device for he and his brother. He grabs one of his Pokeballs, expands it, and tosses it out. The blast from within it reveals a Charmander, whom comes out looking like it had recently awakened from a sleep. He turns around and spots Brian, and it runs up to him, excited. "Now now, I told you about this. We're here for training, not affection." Brian says.
Charmander looks up at him with a pitiful look in his eyes. Brian shakes his head and looks away. Cut it out, little one... I hate that look of yours... He ponders to himself.
The little fire lizard then starts tugging on Brian's pantleg. Brian uses his foot to push him away. "I said cut it out. Now... Prepare for more training. We must get your battle strategies right." Brian states, walking over toward the simulation robot.
Charmander hangs his head down and makes a soft cry, as if to sigh. He shrugs Brian's comments off and poises himself for battle, as Brian takes a remote control and begins working the robot. "You should know how this goes, Charmander. Find the best ways to evade and counter-strike. I'm coming at you now." He explains.
The robot takes a stance and leaps toward Charmander in a slash. He dodges it and kicks his little lizard foot into it's abdomen, knocking it backward a few feet. It jumps back to its feet and lunges downward, coming up for a strike at Charmander's face. Charmander leans back slightly, the robot's fist flying upward centimeters from his muzzle. He then turns the lean-back into a Headbutt, knocking the robot flat on its back. Charmander then begins charging his Ember attack. He fires as the robot leaps to his feet and into the air. It begins flying straight downward. Charmander smirks slightly and waits for the robot to be right above him. He then propels his hands upward, smashing the robot in its abdomen and grabbing it. Then to his surprise, the robot grabs his arms and twists them. Charmander cringes in pain as he's forced to release his grip. The robot lands on his feet behind Charmander and uses its grip on his arms to make a massive overhead slam. Charmander cries out as he slams against the training room floor, the robot jumping a few feet backward after the slam. "There is your first mistake. You're getting too cocky. Evade and strike, don't go into a grapple unless you're sure of yourself." Brian then explains.
Charmander nods as he sits up, holding his back from the impact. Brian's expression goes a little soft, thinking perhaps he threw the lizard a bit too hard. At the room's entrance, a Rocket steps in and spots him. "Hey, there you are! I've been looking for you!" He yells out.
Brian looks over. "What do you want?"
"The boss needs to see you. Pronto. So let's go, will ya?"
Brian sighs. "Alright, Charmander. You stay here for a minute. I'll be right back." He says, deactivating the robot.
(Author's Note: And now for some Pokemon speech. I have gladly translated it all for your literate pleasure. :P)
Charmander shakes his head in understanding as Brian heads toward the Grunt at the exit. He walks over to the training robot and sits on top of its head, looking down at it with his head in his paws, his tail swishing behind him. "I guess you got me this time, huh?" He says, sarcastically.
On another side of the room, two Team Rocket Pokemon notice the Charmander sitting alone and talk amongst themselves for a quick moment, both of them then narrowing evil gazes upon the lizard. They begin heading towards him. Charmander continues looking at the floor, lost in his thoughts. He fails to notice the two approaching Pokemon, one of them suddenly speaking, her voice high-pitched. "HELLO lizard..."
Charmander cries out in surprise as he hears the loud "HELLO." He looks up to see a Machoke and a Sneasel standing before him, both of which quite menacing to the eye. "Uh... h-h-hi..." Charmander says, shakily.
"We couldn't help but notice your little display there... I must say that was impressive." The Sneasel says, her voice immediately recognizable as the one who said "hello" seconds before.
"Yeah, not bad for a little flamey lizard." The Machoke utters, his voice deep and brawny.
"Well, th-th-thanks..." Charmander says, obviously feeling quite uncomfortable.
"We also couldn't help but notice how you're sitting here all alone..." Sneasel says.
"Yeah, without a training partner and all. How can you make progress just sittin' there?" Machoke adds.
Charmander gulps. He gets a bad feeling about his current situation. Sneasel widens her piercing gaze on him, then leaning in closer and lifting up one of her clawed hands. "What say we take over as your new... 'training robots?'" She says.
Charmander starts shaking a bit more violently on top of the robot. "N-No, that's... that's alright, I'll just wait for Brian..." He says.
Sneasel takes a large breath and exhales, blowing an icy chill across the little Char, causing him to shake even more. She grins evilly. "I'm afraid you don't have much of a choice in the matter..."
Charmander gives back a look of horror as the Sneasel leans away from him. He then notices Machoke getting ready to swing. He hops to his feet and kicks off the robot, flipping away as Machoke's punch comes flying back and smashes the training robot, sending it flying across the room. This gets the attention of a few of the other Pokemon in the room, and they begin gathering, eager to watch the fight break out. Machoke draws back his fist. "Quick one, are ya? That won't save ya." He says.
Charmander starts backing away in fear as Machoke approaches. Machoke pierces him with an evil glare. Charmander tries his best to keep his cool, but finds that he is rather scared. Machoke stomps the floor, making a shock wave, stopping Charmander from moving for a second. He takes the opportunity and attacks again, striking the poor lizard and sending him tumbling backward several feet. Charmander finds himself lying face down, aching from the punch. He shakes his head and snaps himself back to his senses. He props himself up on his paws and looks forward, seeing Machoke running toward him, ready to attack again. Just before he does, Charmander jumps to his feet and leaps over the punch, landing on Machoke's arm. He dashes up the fighting Pokemon's arm and strikes with a massive Skull Bash to his face, then jumping away. Machoke grasps his face and yells out in pain. Charmander lands and watches Machoke reel back, then barely noticing a dark blur. He slides back a ways after he's suddenly stricken out of nowhere. He stops himself and looks forward, seeing Sneasel, her arm crossed in front of her face, showing she had just completed a Slash. Charmander sneers and glares at her. She puts her arm down and returns the glare. "Well it appears you've snapped back into battle prowess. Good thing, you would have been defeated sooner." She says, cocky as ever.
Charmander cocks his head to the side and spits out a small spark of flame. "You know I'm your weakness, right?" He says.
Sneasel laughs openly and loudly. "Do you think I'm afraid of your puny fire attacks? Don't take me for some weak icicle to be melted."
Charmander counters her intimidation by blasting a quick Ember attack. The ball of flame rockets toward Sneasel and blows up. She doesn't move an inch as the fire blasts over her. Charmander raises a brow in surprise. "You see? You are weak." Sneasel says.
Charmander stands himself ready to fight. "Not as weak as you think." He snaps back.
Machoke then comes up, pushing past Sneasel. "You little rat!!" He yells.
He comes in for another attack on Charmander, finding himself dodged. Charmander leaps up the Machoke's arm again. Machoke anticipated this, and goes for a grab with his other hand, connecting. He grasps Charmander in both hands and looks at him evilly. Charmander fires a ball of fire at Machoke's face, but Machoke just turns his head to the side and takes the hit, showing no damage. Charmander then gets an idea. He brings his flaming tail up against Machoke's hands and begins increasing it's heat. Machoke feels his hands burning from the heat and lets go of the lizard. Charmander lands on the ground and immediately flies into the Machoke's gut, causing him to wince in pain. He tries to attack again, but spots Sneasel on the attack. He dodges a Slash from the Dark Pokemon by flipping away. Sneasel continues her slashing assault, and Charmander continues trying his best to dodge each one, but gets nicked a bit by several of them. Sneasel stops slashing for a moment to look at the lizard. Several cuts can be seen across parts of his arms and chest. Charmander looks at the wounds in surprise. "You're... not being merciful!" He says.
Sneasel smiles, and licks a bit of the blood off the end of her claws. "No I am not."
Charmander growls. Now he knows his life is in danger. Sneasel dashes forward for another attack. Charmander blocks and twists her arm, then trying to attack with his own Scratch. Sneasel spins out of the way and tosses Charmander into the wall with the arm he was holding. Charmander falls on his side and quickly skitters to his feet and dodges another attack from the blood-thirsty Sneasel. Trying his best to keep his attention on her, he fails to notice Machoke. Machoke strikes Charmander with a massive hit, slamming him straight into the wall. Charmander cries out in agony, and he hits the floor in a heap. The audience of Team Rocket Pokemon around the room cheer and laugh. The cheers rush through Charmander like a gust of wind, and he growls, slowly arising. Machoke has none of it, and smashes him back down to ground with his massive foot. Charmander cries out again and coughs up a bit of blood as his body is crushed against the hardwood training floor. Machoke steps back and Sneasel steps forward, both of them looking quite satisfied with themselves. "This was almost too easy." Machoke says.
Charmander finds it hard to move. He now believes it's over for him. Sneasel looks around at the audience around them. "Anyone hungry for Charmander?"
She bellows an evil laugh. Charmander goes wide-eyed. He wants to keep going, but he doesn't know what to do. Sneasel and Machoke laugh as they begin approaching. Suddenly, Charmander feels something explode within him. He props up on his knees and grasps his head, which aches like no tomorrow. Sneasel and Machoke stop and look at each other, a bit surprised. "Someone still thinks he can fight. It's no use, little one." Sneasel says.
Charmander tries to say something, but suddenly finds himself unable, as a mighty rage shoots into his mind and slowly begins building. Sneasel and Machoke... who do they think they are? Attacking some poor lizard like they were hunting sport. And all the others around here... laughing and cheering. Are they demented? They enjoy seeing a little Charmander bleed at the hands of some ice weasel? They're all evil... They all will suffer...
Charmander can't understand why he's thinking what he's thinking, but he knows he can't sit back and die. He glances upward a bit and sees that the two have continued their approach. "GET AWAY!" He yells, a bit of flame blowing out from his mouth.
Sneasel and Machoke chuckle a bit. "Sorry, little Char. But your time is done." Sneasel says.
Charmander growls, and then feels another spike of rage hit him. He flings his head upward and roars, a huge blast of red fire exploding out of his mouth and engulfing the two Pokemon. Sneasel and Machoke leap backward to get out of the flame, hitting the ground and rolling as they do. They look up in surprise as Charmander stands to his feet shakily, almost falling over. He's holding his head, seemingly in pain. He falls to his knees and looks at the floor. What's happening to me... He ponders.
The audience of Rocket Pokemon look on, confused. Charmander then lets his hands off his head and looks at them, noticing particles of white light beginning to form off of them. His whole body then begins glowing like a light bulb. Sneasel and Machoke stands up. "What? He's evolving? But how?" Machoke says.
The white silhouette of Charmander begins to fluxuate, growing a bit in size and shape. A quick white flash lights the room and the glow around him slowly fades. Now in his place: A Charmeleon. In the same position: On his knees, his face pointed to the floor, looking at his hands. The Rocket Pokemon look on in mild astonishment. Charmeleon then grasps his paws into fists and slowly glances upward, a look of utmost hatred in his eyes...
TO BE CONTINUED...
Pokemon and Cities/Locations all Copyright © Nintendo & Game Freak
Characters/Locations used without permission
~ Scy