#that's why tabitha is the punching bag and i get to run around here doing whatever tf i want

[team-magma-propaganda]

Does the boss know you publicly ship him with his sworn enemy on the official team account??? How are you getting away with this I almost got fired for drinking a glass of water on the job

the truth is i put child filters on maxie's computer and censored all content that even remotely shows those two together or even a single glass of water. i don't think maxie has witnessed water on the internet in months, maybe years. he may have forgotten what it looks like entirely

and the other truth is he is so afraid of me. magma leader maxie is so, so afraid of me. even if he does know (which he probably does, as you probably know i share this sentiment openly in our SECRET weekly newsletter and have hardenshipping coloring contests there every month) he won't do anything about it because i'm immortal and can't be killed 🥰

i'm the one actually running team magma. and one day, if you are a mean enough lesbian, maxie may also be afraid of you, too.

[xopheliasunflowerx]

Jerome V & 10, 12, 42, 48, 55 for the prompts? thank you !! 😊

Bittersweet Revenge (Jerome Valeska Imagine) {Requested}

Summary: You’re the younger sister of Theo and Tabitha Galavan, you get bullied at school and Jerome notices. You two have some unexpected fun together.

Prompts:

10: why did you push me against the wall?

12: I never met a criminal before, what’s your cool code name?

42: bite me

48: you’re a hell of a tease

55: quit saying you’re bored, or I’ll find a way to entertain you

Pairing: Jerome Valeska x Galavan Reader

Fandom: Gotham

Warning: bullying at the beginning! And torture near the end :)

~*~*~

School, the building of hell... literally. You hated it here, so much with a passion. You enter the hall, your F/C hoodie covers your face. Strains of H/C falls out behind your ear and back into your face. You blow on the strain but it just comes back down on you. You roll your eyes as you continue walking down, finding your locker.

You wrap your fingers around the cool lock as you enter your code number. Clicking you open it as you collect your books for class.

With a blink of an eye your books are out of your hands. You look up seeing Veronica, the most annoying and ugliest girl you know.

She has long sunflower blonde hair that was down past her shoulders, with chocolate brown eyes. She has tanish skin, pretty hard to get in Gotham probably fake. Pretty plump lips that looks to be fake like Kylie Jenner’s lips. She wears a yellow sweater with a matching yellow skirt, a black crop top showing off her body and her breast which are popping out. She has long black high heels on with long black socks.

The other two girls Caroline and Helena her minions stand next to her. Caroline has short curly brown hair, beautiful rings in her locks. She has dark beautiful skin with blue eyes. She wears a white tight crop top with long sleeves, small black booty shorts that are high waisted. White socks that are pulled up with black converses on.

Helena has long ash brown/blonde hair that was tied up in a ponytail, with a blue ribbon in her hair. She has fair skin, with green eyes. She wears a black denim jacket with her sleeves rolled up, a white tight shirt with the end tied up in a knot, a high waist blue skirt with the teams symbol on them. She has black high heel boots on as she sucks on a lollipop.

Veronica laughs at you, her giggles echoing through the halls giving you a headache already.

“Aww, did the retard drop her books?” She says with a fake smile, her teeth showing off. Her minions next to her giggles copying her every move.

You narrow your eyes at her, as you lean down to collect your books. She then kicks you down to the floor, your cheek meeting the cold hardwood. She laughs wildly as she then pushes you away from her.

“You’re such a freak!” One of her minions, Caroline laughs at you.

“No wonder why you can’t laid, no one wants to have a freak obsessed with them.” Veronica says as Caroline and Helena screech of laughter.

You groan as you turn around, trying to get back up but Veronica kicks you again. Her heel stabbing you, pain washes through your whole body.

“Such a fatty!”

“Fat-Ass!”

“Ugly bitch!”

“Slut!”

“Freak!”

“Whore!”

All these words echo through your ears, their laughter fading in and out. Everything starting to become a blur of a mess. Blood creeping out of your nose with bruises beginning to arise on your skin.

You hear loud noises all around you, you can’t tell what they are. It’s so blurry and a loud buzzing noise echoes through your ears. The pain encountering every second.

You then black out.

~*~*~

You enter the door to your home, glad to be here than there. You hiss as you feel the pain in your side begin to sob. You try to ignore the pain as you then walk up to your room, trying and not wanting to be noticed.

“Ah, Y/N. I want you to meet our new guest.” You hear your brother say, you turn around seeing a red haired boy. He smiles devilishly at you with interest.

“Hiya gorgeous, I’m Jerome.”

You raise a brow then smirking a little bit. “I never met a criminal before, what’s your cool code name?” You ask with curiosity. He chuckles at you as he stares darkly at you.

“You can call me your master.” He winks making you chuckle at him, Theo frowns at the red haired boy as he then quickly changes the subject.

“Now, Y/N. I want you to be nice to our new guest. As they’ll be here for awhile.” Theo says as you nod at him. Theo then notices the blood on you. “Y/N, why is there blood on your pants?”

You turn around to face your brother with annoyance. “I got into a fight at school, nothing happened.” You say making Theo frown.

“You know you shouldn’t bring attention to yourself like that, you know better.” Theo says firmly. You sigh as you nod, putting your head down. “Go and clean yourself up.”

You walk your way to the stairs as you then run towards your room, closing the door behind you. You throw your bag against the wall in anger, ripping your hoodie off to see your bruises and cuts.

A black eye, a cut lip, bruised cheeks, you hated it. You screamed as you then punched the wall next to you out of anger. If only you could get revenge, but you know you’re not allowed too.

“God I hate my fucking life!” You yell as you then fall onto your bed, so much hatred filled your bones.

They deserve to get punished, especially since they think you a Galavan is a low life scum?! No! You’re better than them! You are a Galavan, who the fuck do they think they are?

You then sit up with a dangerous smirk, your eyes turn dark as you then giggle. You know how you can get your revenge. And it’s so simple.

You get changed out of your bloody clothes and into something better. You wear a black crop top with a star on the straps, a black leather jacket, black skinny jeans with black cargo boots. You put your hair up in space buns then you walk out of your room to find the ginger boy.

Once your eyes landed on him, you smirk.

“Hey, Clown Boy.”

He turns to face you with confusion, all you can do is smirk at him.

“I’ve got some business we need to do.”

~*~*~

Dimmed lights appear above the old rusted rooftop, flashing and flickering out with a small buzzing noise. Dust flies everywhere around the old abandoned house.

Moaning and groaning can be heard, muffled and softly.

Her eyes flutter open softly, adjusting to the harsh lights on her delicate eyes. She moans as she tries to move, but she can’t. She tries again, still nothing. She then begins to panic. Her muffled cries covered by duct tape over her lips. She looks down seeing that she’s tied up to a chair.

She frantically looks around seeing her minions there too. Helena and Caroline. Veronica begins to panic again as she struggles to get free.

“God, I’m bored. Can we do it now?” A voice echoes through the warehouse. The three girls look up trying to find who the mystery person is.

“Quit saying you’re bored, or I’ll find a way to entertain you.” A male’s voice echoes, sounding more closer and closer to the girls.

The first person laughs, chuckling with a sinister smile. They then enter the light. You enter with Jerome, you smirk at him as you roll your eyes.

“Bite me.” You say with a daring look in your E/C eyes. Jerome snaps his head towards you as he throws out a laugh.

“You know I will.” He threats with a flirty stare, a look of lust enters his eyes.

You smirk. “Is that a threat or a promise?”

“You’re a hell of a tease, gorgeous.” He says. You stare into his dark eyes falling deeper and deeper to his charm. You wanted him so bad.

The three girls scream, ruining your moment together. You and Jerome turn to stare at the three girls, you then chuckle sinister at them.

“Oh, I completely forgot that we had guest here.” You say sarcastically. You then smirk as you skip your way towards Veronica, she looks at you terrified as she tries to move away from you. You remove her duct tape from her lips as you stare at her.

“Y/N! What are you doing? Please let us go!” Veronica begs you, causing you to laugh, a laugh that hasn’t been heard leaving from your mouth before.

You then turn around to face her clearly. A dangerous smirk enters your lips.

“Hmm? What am I doing? Well you see.” You walk around her, “I'm done with your bittersweet tragedy. It's no fun, when I'm sitting all alone. I’m taking the abuse from your pathetic low life. And I’m sick of it! I want you dead!” You scream at her making her scream no. You then place the duct tape around her mouth again.

You and Jerome grab a syringe filled with poison. You then stab the three girls making sure to do it slowly. They scream, muffled so no one can hear them.

You and Jerome’s laughter echoes through the abandoned warehouse.

[ameftowriter]

Pokemon ORAS fic: The Oncoming Storm Chapter 1

Also posted on: Ao3 and FF.net

First (This!)|Last

EDIT: I made some changes to this fic, thank you to @chipsncookies​ for noticing my errors. It’s kinda minor but it is important to the story!

So here’s a fic that I’ve been working on since last year. I’ve just been busy at work and generally lazy and busy working on other stories. But since I realized I almost finished all of these, I decided to post them finally.

This story is born from the big question bogging down my head as to how could Maxie have ended up at the Seafloor Cavern to face Archie, when it was heavily guarded when us as the player had to go through so much of those grunts. 

This fic is also full of my headcanons about Archie’s past.

This is probably the only Pokemon fic I’ll ever write though so yeah.

So here we go! I hope you all enjoy and please leave a like or comment if you can.

Have a nice day!

Just in case: italics are flashbacks.

Chapter 1: Tsunamigenesis

“I…. Uhh…. umm… Well… I wish you and I would be best friends forever!”

This is something I will regret one day… Ugh I can't believe I'm doing this!!!

But at this point I don't really have a choice now do I? Now that I'm surrounded by these Magma Grunts. Some even had their Pokemon out already!

What should I do now? I can't battle them all...

But I can’t just give up now! I have to do this for Archie. For the team! For the world…

But that wish...

“Oh? What’s this?!” I heard a familiar voice coming from behind me. Of course he’d be here, what else did I expect? “Ahyaya! What brings you here, Shelly?”

I didn’t reply, nor did I face him. I don't know why…

I guess, even how many years it has been….

“Ahyaya! That silent treatment of yours will not be effective, Shelly!” Man, his laugh can get annoying, “I, Tabitha, one of the great admins of Team Magma, will show you how to give respect, when entering an enemy base!”

“Ugh, to think you could even be more egoistic than before…” I finally spoke when turned around to face him, “It’s pitiful, Tabitha.”

Tabitha smirked at me. The nerve! “Oh? Pitiful is it? Is it any better than running up here in our base? At our common room no less! Ahyaya!” I grit my teeth, I can't admit to him that he has a point.

“Target. Acquired.” And lo and behold the other admin finally speaks, “Illogical action detected.”

“The same manner of speaking as always huh? Courtney?” I said it out loud to her.

“... You. Do not know… Anything…” She replied as she glared at me.

“Ahyaya!” Tabitha continued, “Let’s just get back to the matter at hand, shall we?” He walked closer towards me as I remained in my spot. “Answer me, Shelly. Why are you here?”

I paused for a bit, I can’t let him get to me. I have to remember what I came here for….

“Come on Shelly! Hurry up!”

“Wait! You don't need to hurry for this you know!”

“But, we can have more fun if we came there sooner!”

For what’s important…

“I need to talk to Maxie.” I replied firmly. “And I mean now.”

“Hey!” Is this grunt trying to berate me? “How dare you refer to our great leader like that?” Oh God, do they really call him that?

“Access. Denied.” Courtney surprisingly spoke first. And despite her robotic style, she's definitely angry at me.

“I don’t need your permission.” What am I saying?! I’m still surrounded with no way out! “I need to speak to Maxie! It’s important!”

“And what makes you think we’ll let you?” This is getting nowhere! “Ahyaya! If you are planning to defect to our team, then you are vehemently denied!”

I don’t need to turn around to know that the grunts are coming closer to me. If I don't think of anything soon…

“Oh! I know what I’ll wish for!!”

“Really, Archie? You do?”

“Don't doubt me!”

…. “It’s about Archie and Kyogre....”

“Ahyaya! Are you here to gloat to us about your victory of the Blue Orb?” Yes, I am here to brag while being surrounded by the enemy team. “Unfortunately for you, that won’t be necessary!”

“Illogical action detected.”

“Argh! I don’t have much time here!” I snapped at them both, “No! I am not here to brag about that...”

“We’re so close Shelly. We’re so close, I could just taste it!! Those Magma scum won't know what's coming to them!”

Why… Why would it had come to this?

“Look… Archie will find out I’ve gone missing and…” I shook my head...

Archie, I can’t let you do this. For your sake…

“It’s only a matter of time, until he uses the Blue Orb, and then… then…” Then… That dream…

“I’ll wish… I wish for all the candy and snacks in the world!”

“You moron! Don’t waste a perfectly good wish on something so stupid!”

“Oww… You don't need to hit me with that heavy book…”

Our wish…

“Then the whole world will be destroyed!”

“Well… What do you wish for then?”

It became quiet here…

Yeah I guess that's to be expected. It’s not like anyone could take a possible destruction of the world that lightly after all…

Even I’m still trying to take it all in…

“Are… Are you sure?” Did Courtney just spoke an entire sentence?

“Yes.” I don’t really have much time to understand her train of thought this time, “If Archie isn’t stopped. Then, every living thing on this earth will be underwater!”

  “Really? That’s a stupid wish! Wait! Wait! Don't hit me with that book again! I'm sorry!!”

“Show me some evidence.” Typical Tabitha��� always the analytical one, always covering every possibility, “Show me solid proof, that this isn’t some complicated trap!”

…. Yeah this does look like some trap huh?...

“Archie, would you listen to me for just a second! We can't just ignore this! We've got to make sure that we looked at every possibility before we go through this plan!”

“Yer late there, Shelly. I've looked into that already and ran through everything with the scientists again!”

“And?”

“And!? C’mon Shelly I've told ya already that them results are wrong!”

“What?! Are you sure? But that doesn't make any sense…”

“That report’s the one that don't make a lick of sense, Shelly!”

“... But…”

But… I guess… I don't have a choice anymore don't I?

I pulled out my Pokeballs and my bag and laid down on the floor.

“There…” I said as I saw everyone took a step behind, “That's all of my Pokemon and my bag has my communicator and PokeNav in it.”

“Shelly…”

“This isn't a trap I can assure you! I'm not here to fight or to provoke anyone!” I continued, “I just need to speak to Maxie right now! Please!”

Before it's too late…

“Matt, you have to at least understand what I'm telling you right?!”

“Wahaha! Come now sis! If Bro says it's wrong! Then it's gotta be! I mean he even went through all the possible scenarios including that right? Then there's no doubt that's wrong!”

“Matt…”

“Sis, we gotta believe in Bro and his dream! It's our dream too right?”

“Fine!” Tabitha whined. Thank God… “Fine. Fine! FineFinefinefine… Fine!! I'll take you see Leader! But I'm coming with you!”

“Tabitha!” Courtney berated but he quickly dismissed it.

“Courtney, she's defenseless! Which means she's risking herself and even her own Pokemon to come here!” He countered as he picked up my stuff. “Come with me then, if you're still that suspicious!”

She fell silent as Tabitha turned to the grunts. “And all of you, keep watch! Make sure she doesn't have any one following her!”

Everyone saluted to him, which I think is still so ridiculous, but I held my tongue. I finally got my chance. I'm not about to screw it up!

I finally arrived at Maxie's office, and I must say, it's been kept quite tidy and neat up here. But then again, that's how he's always been…

I turned to see Maxie sitting at this huge one person couch typing away at his laptop. Did he noticed us arriving?

“So…” and he did. “I received word of an intruder and surveillance showed it was you.” He kept typing and typing away, “Honestly, I thought you ruffians had become more organized, but it seems I was wrong. All of you are just as uncouth and rowdy as ever.”

Grr… I really wish I could tell him off. But I can't!

“Maxie…” I held my tongue again, “I… You have to listen to me…”

The typing stopped.

But he still hasn't turned to face me! The little-- “Archie… Before he wakes up Kyogre….” Calm down, I have to remember what's important, “Please… I’m asking you to stop him!”

“How… Dare You!” Courtney sneered at me, that's to be expected. “Request! Denied!”

“Courtney has a point, Shelly!” Tabitha would feel the same way, “You can't just beg for our Leader to stop your own!

“Now… Now…” Maxie? How are you so calm? “Don't berate the poor woman…” Are you… “After all, it is not every day we get to be a part of the Team Aqua Admin’s coup after all!”

“Y-You….” He just had to face me saying that. He, really, just had to! “You got it all wrong! I’m doing this to save Archie, Team Aqua, and the world as we know it!!”

“Oh, is that so?” Now I remember why, I didn’t like this smug bastard that much! “Then would you care to elaborate to The Great Maxie, as to why you would come to my presence, to give such a ludicrous request, to save your Team?”

“Fine!” I really wish I could punch him right now. “Courtney, in my bag that Tabitha has. There’s a big manila envelope in there. Can you give it to Maxie?”

At that moment, I could feel the intensity of her glare, as she kept silent.

“Do not fret, Courtney.” Now I don’t know if he’s just being smarmy about this, “Just hand it over to me.”

“Yes Leader Maxie” Is this a good thing or not?

Ever to this day, I'm still shaken from what I discovered. So much so, that I wasn't able to speak properly for days after that. I wasn't able to make sure of those results. After all, I had a duty… But, the fact that these existed…

Was everything that we fought for worth nothing?

“Shelly. Shelly!” Was Maxie just calling me, no it was Tabitha, “Are you listening to me? Leader Maxie was just calling you!”

“What is it?” I unknowingly raised my voice, why did I remember that moment?

I didn't notice that Maxie already stood from his seat and already stood in front of me

“Hmph, for such a proper woman, you have become just as boorish as your grunts. Unfortunate…” Shut up Maxie! “But to the matters at hand…” he looked down at those papers again… “Are these true?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“I'm asking you if they are accurate, woman!” Maxie… “What you have pleaded to me is such a ludicrous request. DO you expect me to blindly agree on your terms without even a proper explanation!”

“Why do you think I'm here then, Maxie?!” I had just about enough of him, “Why do you think I'm risking everything just to come here huh?!”

“And so?... Are these reports true?” Why are you--??

“To tell you the truth.” Fine have it your way! “I don't know.”

“... Hmph…” he looked down on it again, what's he planning? “Shelly. You are not telling me everything.” M-Maxie… for some reason I can feel a shiver down my spine... “You have told me that you came here for a good reason. “I don't know” does not count. TELL ME!!”

Yikes! Getting him angry is not part of my plan!

“Look! What those papers are saying is that will happen according to a simulation! I've tried to confirm its truth but I couldn't---”

“Well, I've heard enough…” Wh-what? “I have heard enough from you. Leave!”

“Wait Maxie! Let me explain!!” I can't leave now! Now that I'm so close!! “This is a very serious issue, Maxie! You don't understand----”

“I do!” He rebutted, “Courtney! Please escort this ruffian out of my sight!”

“Yes Leader Maxie, sir!” I turned to see Courtney looking too happy that I can be tossed out.

“No! Please!!” I can't leave! I have no other choice! “Give me a chance!”

“Why should I?!” He demanded, I guess he has a point, “I asked for proof and you did not give me any! Why should I believe anyone from Team Aqua, especially from his own Admins, anything they would say!”

He's right…

But… “I may not have definite proof that these could happen, but the chance is still there!” I began explaining. “These results are also based on historical accounts and archaeological findings! What I'm afraid of is history repeating itself!”

I panted, I spoke my mind to Maxie hoping it would get through to him.

But it looks like I didn't, considering Maxie remained his calm expression… or is it still the same anger he displayed earlier? I can't really tell at times…

“Leader Maxie…” Tabitha? What is it now? “If I may? Mind if I ask what you have read there?”

Tabitha…

“Curious are we?” Maxie smirked, but now I can tell he's nearing his peak in his rage. “But of course with the commotion she has stirred, you and Courtney would have grown curious of the contents of these papers. Very well. I shall tell you what it says.”

I lowered my head as Maxie began telling everything. I… I can't bear.. to face them…

“Hey Jirachi! Now I know what I want to wish for!!’

“You do? It better not be something stupid like that candy!”

“Nah, it's the best wish ever! Jirachi! I wish…”

I turned to see Courtney. Her ever stoic face dropped and I saw her shocked beyond her belief. If that's the case, Tabitha would be…

Yeah he would be the same thing…

“Is this all correct, Shelly?” To think the “robot” Courtney, would speak first.

“Like I said before, I'm not sure.” I replied, “But from what it says, this will most likely that will happen. And if history will repeat itself then… then…”

“The world will drown. And all of us with it.” Maxie… how could you be so calm… no… you're shaking… you're putting up a front that you're not affected by it… even when it's just the four of us here.

“Yes.” I replied as calmly as I could...

“I wish…”

“This… this is not what we wished for! What we dreamt for!” I finally spoke up. Wondering why did we? “I… can't let Archie do this! He needs to be stopped!”

“Then why not simply ask your co Admin, Matt?” Maxie rebutted, why would he just--? “Or even that child, surely after defeating you and Archie, she would be much capable of stopping him.” You may have a point… but are you actually doubting himself? “Why turn to me?”

“Because…” Because… if history will repeat itself… “Matt is too loyal to Archie. He won’t listen to any reason but his. And as for that kid? Believe me, I’ve considered that already. But do you think he’d listen to her, if he didn’t even listen to me?”

“She… She’s right Leader…” Tabitha, thank you…

“That’s why, I have no choice but to beg to you for help!” I repeated, almost ready to kneel on the floor, “I know it's been so long since then. But…”

But…

“The only other person that Archie could listen to… is you Maxie.”

“Shelly!! Shelly! Do you know that I have a brother now? He’s a big bro too!”

Maxie’s gotten quiet. I wonder what's he thinking?

“Remember the nice old lady that saved me and Carvanha a while back! Well she took me in and she took in another boy, just like me, before! So now we’re brothers!”

“Maxie, Please…” I began again, “It’s only a matter of time until he goes to the Seafloor Cavern to use the Blue Orb to wake up Kyogre! But what he wants and what will happen are two completely different things! And just he can't see that!! If he won’t be stopped, then the world will truly return back to its Primal state!”

Silence… Maxie??

“His name is Maxie! Gave him that name! I mean it's much more fun that Maximillian right? Hehe!”

“Hmph, quite admirable of you...” Huh? What are you saying now? You were nervous before and now… “You are willing to sacrifice your own position and your team even, to rescue that reckless fool that you call a Leader.”

“I don’t know what you’re going with this, Maxie…”

“Hehe… You do realize, Shelly, that there is a possibility of you getting caught yes?” Yeah and so?! “Well, the mere fact that you are standing right here in front of me, already counts as treason. I am sure the Captain does not take lightly to traitors.”

“But I can't just sit idly by and do nothing!” I shot back, I have to keep pleading, but I don’t know if this will help anymore! “I may be his Admin, and his close friend. But I care for Archie more than just his ambitions! If I do nothing, then… then…”

“It may not be much. But I have a proper family now! Isn’t it great!”

“Then it is as if you’ve pushed him further into his own demise…” Why the heck are you laughing about, this is no laughing matter!! “Hah! Stuck in a conundrum now aren’t you? You either do nothing and continue to the path of destruction. Or try to save him and your team, and be branded as a traitor.”

“That answer should be obvious, Maxie…” I replied sternly, unwavering in my convictions

“It may look like it is.” He continued, I don’t know how long I could take more of this… “But let us see… Do nothing, not only will it lead to the apocalypse, Archie himself would be completely crushed to see his ideals gone to naught. But “betray” him, you may be able to save him, the team, and the world along with it. But then you realize, that either way, Archie’s ideal was doomed from the start, and after, you would all be seen as criminals. It is a lose-lose situation.”

“You keep telling yourself that with your nose up in the air, Maxie” I’ve already made my decision and considered everything, “But remember, it won’t be just Team Aqua that will lose. Team Magma will fall with us too.”

He quickly shot a glare at me. I know I’m right…

“And you’ve already known that haven’t you?” I taunted a little, “You really are as clever as they told you’d be.”

Judging by his reaction, I can tell I was right on the money.

“You witch…” There we go, “You have already laid us into a trap from the very beginning. Haven’t you?”

“No.” I responded firmly, knowing he’d react like that “This is not a trap. This is the truth that could happen, if we don’t stop Archie!”

“... How troublesome…” I hear Maxie mumble to himself, but then he faced me again “This situation would turn for the worst, either way. Would you be prepared for anything?”

“Shell, thank you… I… I couldn't have gotten this far, without you. You’re the most reliable friend I’ve ever had. I don’t think any of these would have succeeded, if it wasn't for you.. So thank you so much!”

“He’s so close, Maxie” I began “He’s so close that he won't stop at anything!”

“Archie saw it Shelly… Everything… The horror that he witnessed that day… If for nothing else, that is what is driving him to go alone. Driving him to take the extremes….”

“And yet you still want us to try? You are being paradoxal”

“I can’t just leave him be! This is not just about the team or the world anymore! As his friend, I have to do something! Anything! I don’t care what will happen to me! All I care for now is stopping Archie before he goes too far!”

“I wish to make a better world for Pokemon!!”

“Hmph, it seems even after many years has passed, your feelings for him has not changed a bit…” he chuckled. Did I hear him say that?

“Huh? What are you saying?”

“Ha! It’s nothing!” Now I’m curious…. “I must congratulate you on your efforts, Shelly.” Huh? “It is not everyday nor anyone could ever come close to convincing the Great Maxie to go along with your outrageous plan.”

You keep telling yourself that...

“Yeah… Thanks..” I replied, trying my damnedest to not sound sarcastic. Like I needed a backhanded compliment from you. “You need a better understanding of the situation right?”

“Anyone with some sense in their brain would need one.” Even then you still sound so snotty “I have to know what I am going to go into.”

I growled a little as I began my explanation, “Tomorrow’s the grand unveiling of the Submarine Explorer 2 at Slateport City.”

“Yes, that has been talk for many.”

“Archie’s gonna steal that and modify it with a drill so we could open a hole through the Seafloor Cavern!” I continued but he keeps on interrupting me!

“Preposterous!” He shot back,“That Cavern is sealed tight by Rayquaza’s power. Any man made machinery or Pokemon wouldn't even be able to make a dent on it, let alone something as flimsy as a drill.”

“Yeah… that's right.” I gritted my teeth and continued on, “Remember all those years ago, when you two first met again at Rustboro at Devon’s Head Office?”

“Yes… where are you getting at….?” Maxie  looked intrigued, then his eyes widened, then his eyes widened, the realization must have hit him, “No… don't tell me…”

“You two were after the same technology. The infinity energy.”

“According to Devon” Tabitha added, looks like he’s shaken up. “it is the same kind of power that King AZ used to power his ultimate weapon over a millennia ago.”

“That's right…”

Maxie fell silent… He looks more shaken than Tabitha.

“Leader Maxie? What's wrong?” Courtney really does care for him huh?

“.............. I…. I can't believe it…” Huh?

“What?” I asked him, what is he thinking of this time?

“To think…. To think Archie and I… almost to the exact detail…” he said this as he leaned back to the chair.

“What do you mean?!”

“Stealing the information about the energy, then those parts, then if that failed, resorting to the submarine itself, then to modify it with a special drill, using the energy to cave in the Seafloor Cavern Entrance…….” Maxie… Are you? “... Archie… what were we thinking?!”

It didn’t take me long to realize what he was talking about, “Are you telling me, you and Archie….!”

He raised his hand to interrupt me, “I am not finished...”

“Maxie…”

“Shelly.” He began, I could hear the tremble in his voice as he combed his hair with his free hand. “Please correct me if I am wrong… But… As soon as he stole the submarine, he would have had the drill all ready to be attached to the front yes?”

“Wha--?” How did he know that?!! “H-how…?!”

“Then, he would even, just for the fun of it, paint it to look like a Sharpedo, yes?”

“How did you---?!” I managed to speak from this shock…

“Then he would bring out most of the grunts and one of your admins, you, with him to the Cavern. He would leave behind a a few grunts and, Matt for security. Just in case a certain… girl, would stop by to face all of you…”

I froze… I couldn’t say anything anymore… I just… I just can’t believe it...

“Upon arrival at the Cavern, at the Cavern he would command everyone including you to guard the place as soon as he arrives there. And he places you at the very last line of defense, expecting the child to come to face him one last time.”

He’s right...

“And despite all protests, he would use the Orb to Awaken Kyogre….” I could hear him gulp at the end.

“To unleash its full power…” We finished the sentence.

There was a heavy silence in the air. “Are you telling me…” I broke it. I just have to make sure... “You and Archie…. Both of you…?”

“We thought of the exact, same plan…” Maxie slammed his fist into the wall, I could hear the wall crack from the impact... “Right down to the damn detail!!!”

“Hehe, that’s why… That's why he and I are the perfect team! The invincible duo! Archie and Maxie! No one can stand a chance against us!”

“... Then…” I shake my head, then spoke up, “Then that's exactly why, You should stop him!”

“You don't need to tell me that anymore, woman!” Maxie… You sound more shaken than before now, “If this simulation is correct, then we must not waste any more time…!”

“I’m well aware. I helped him make that plan!” I grit my teeth. Archie...

“If that is the case… you want me to disguise myself don't you?” He catches on pretty fast, as expected.

“Yes. I have a spare grunt uniform for you.” I continued my explanation, “I also have a map of the whole base as well. Archie will come back there first after taking the submarine. Then he’ll start grouping people to those who want to stay or who wants to guard the base. Make sure to join them. But for nothing else, you can hide at the submarine. He asked me to design it for the modifications, so I'll be handling the reconstruction. I’ve memorized the blueprints, inside and out.” This is a both a blessing and a curse isn't it? “Once we arrive at the Cavern, I can sneak you in past the security. Being an admin, I can just let them believe me.” I tapped my ear in gesture of the next stage, “I have some extra communicators with me. I managed to have a frequency that you and I can talk to only.”

Silence again… “Very well…” Finally… “It seems either way, I would have had no choice.”

“Thank you! Thank you so much, Maxie!” I felt a great weight lifted off me. I couldn’t help myself to tear up in gratitude.

“Don’t shed your tears, Shelly. Now is not the time.” He interrupted again.

“Huh?” What does he mean by that?

“Go back already to your base and prepare yourself!” He barked. It seems he finally gets the gist of the situation. “ We’ll meet at the Slateport Market an hour before the Submarine will be stolen.”

“And you already know the day?”

“Date and Time. Right to the exact second. Archie may look like an idiotic fool, but he knows how to plan. I’ve taught him how to. Remember?”

“....Then I guess you already know the rest of what I wanted to say…”

“Correct, in the midst of the confusion, I will fly towards the base, sneak my way in as one of your grunts and meet up with you at your port.” I really have to give Maxie credit where it's due.

“At that point the submarine would have arrived at our base and I would arrive after distracting the kid.” I finished.

“As soon as the submarine arrives, I’ll help you with the construction and sneak in while everyone is distracted.” Whew… he really is right on the mark of this one. It's almost amazing, “Shelly…”

“What?” I turned, what else is there to cover?

“There is way too many flaws in this plan.” Huh? What?! “In fact, one terrible slip up would cost us the whole operation.” I couldn't reply back. I don't know what to answer him... “You wouldn’t be able to stop Archie when that happens. Do you understand this?”

“Yes.” But then, I can't let that stop me. I won't back down. “Like I said, I have no choice. In the end, whether is you or I, or even that kid, Archie must be stopped before he even approaches Kyogre.”

“Then that’s where you’re wrong.”

“What?!”

“As we arrive at the Cavern and you help me sneak in, I will confront Archie right there and now. Right in front of Kyogre.”

“Are you crazy?!” You literally contradicted yourself!! “If you do that, then either way, Archie would revive Kyogre, no matter what!”

“Then I will stop him myself!” Maxie shot back “You came here to beg me to stop him. And that is exactly what I will do! You, of all people should know Archie will stop at nothing. That includes you!” He adjusted his glasses and took a step back, “In odd twist of fate, it seems we will be facing for the first time in years, in front of the Super Ancient Pokemon. And I will make it the last.”

“What do you mean?” Maxie...

“Shelly, go!” He turned to me, “You’re wasting enough time as it is! I will have you escorted secretly out of here and you rush back to your base, before Archie finds out!”

“Maxie…” Heh, I get it now… “You… really cared for him, even after all this time.”

He didn't respond, and that's all the answer I need.

I managed to head back to the base without any problems. Good thing a little, “getting some fresh air at the beach”, story was enough to convince everyone.

I hope so… at least.

It was crazy that Maxie made very accurate guesses to our plan. Right at the exact time, just an hour before the submarine was planned to be stolen. I met him at the Market just as planned. We used the hustle and bustle of the market to hide ourselves and managed to communicate what else is there to do and I handed him the spare uniform and other equipment he needed.

And without anything else, the rest of the plan went smoothly, without anyone noticing.

That is until we arrived at the Cavern...

“Maxie! This is Shelly!” I said as I spoke the secret code. “Are you in there now? Do you see Archie?”

There was a slight static but he finally spoke in a hushed tone, “Yes. I can see him perfectly.”

“Good! Now you----”

“Shelly…”

“Huh?”

“You are still going to try to break this peacefully aren't you?” His voice wasn't as hushed as before…

“What?”

“I’m sorry but… I must break that plan of yours…” Break? What is he saying?! “Don't come after me! I'm going to finish this. Once and for all!”

“Wait! Maxie! Wa----” The rest was just the static noise.

“Maxie!!” I tried to reconfigure my comm, but still he didn't respond. I was only met with more static.

Maxie… What are you going to do?

“--- Big Sis Shelly!” Huh? What? “Big Sis are you there?”

It's one of the grunts, “Yes… I'm here. What is it?” I tried to cover myself for now, hoping he didn't sense what I'm feeling.

“I'm so sorry Admin Shelly! But…”

“But what? Spill it!”

“It's that kid again!” What?! She's here?! Already?! “That kid basically got through all of us. And she's heading right through ya”

“No way…” No way… It's like… like…

[comicalcats]

Volume 1: Dale and Alice

CHAPTER 4

I screamed.

It was the probably the loudest, shrillest scream that had ever come out of me. I jumped up from my spot under the tree and scrambled forward away from the source of the voice, only to fall flat on my face for the third time that day. The top of my head had hit the bucket when I fell, causing my precious water to spill.

God damnit. Who in their right mind would go up to someone and just-

“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry,” she exclaimed. She reiterated the same sentence over and over again while bowing her head repeatedly. She bowed her head so quickly I couldn’t see her face properly. As she was apologizing, I took note of her unusual appearance: light pink hair adorned by a white headband, magenta sweater, white skirt with a matching white and gold belt, white knee-high socks and pink boots. Although my distorted vision couldn’t see any of her colors properly, I could tell that this girl had a serious obsession with pink.

“Are you okay? Did you hit your head or something? Why aren’t you saying anything? Hello? Do you need a doctor,” she asked. She was asking so much so fast that I had a hard time keeping up with what she was saying.

I slowly got up, brushing the dirt off of my clothes. I heard the pink girl sigh in relief. “Thank the stars you’re alright. Listen, I just need to ask a few-”

Before she could even finish her sentence, I turned and bolted. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I didn’t stop until my lungs felt like they were on fire, and my legs like dry spaghetti; like they would snap at any second.

I sat down on a flat rock to catch my breath, carefully looking around the area to make sure she wasn’t nearby. Thank goodness I lost her. Man, what is wrong with that chick? Did nobody warn her to not come into the forest? If she heard the rumors, she wouldn’t have dared to come this deep into the forest. Or maybe she heard the rumors and she’s either really brave or really dumb. Maybe both.

I almost screamed again at the sound of her voice. “Y’know, it’s rude to run from a lady in need of assistance. Plenty folk try to outrun me, but I always catch up to them. Now, as I was saying-”

I got up and started running again. At that moment, I didn’t give a rat’s ass about anything she had to say. The only thing that was on my mind was getting the hell away from her. She didn’t seem dangerous, but the fact that she had chased me down didn’t exactly encourage me to trust her. Besides, I haven’t trusted anyone since…

I ran harder, my arms and legs pumping like my life depended on it. I just needed to get home. As strange as she was, she couldn’t possibly be crazy enough to follow me home.

With that thought to console me, I ran the familiar path to my home.

  ONE FOREST RUN LATER

  Through the thick foliage I spotted the dismal shack I called home. I raced up the stairs to the porch, almost hitting the door at full speed. After forcing it open, I slammed the door closed, pressing my back against it. After a moment of consideration, I locked both locks for good measure. If she was crazy enough to follow me, she couldn’t get in.

I had never been more terrified in my whole life than when she had jumped up from behind the tree I was sitting under and yelled something about a wish. Did she hear me talking to myself? God, that’s embarrassing.

I shook my head to get rid of my thoughts. After my furious sprinting, I felt dead tired. But before I could sleep, there was something I had to check.

Very carefully and quietly, I peeked out the window, between the boards. After confirming that she was nowhere near, I felt like I could breathe a little easier. Sleep, my body begged. I didn’t even make it upstairs to my room. Instead, I fell onto the couch, and fell asleep almost immediately.

When I woke up, I had no idea what time it was. I sat up and looked out between the cracks of a boarded up window. The sky was black. How long have I been out, I wondered. I stretched my arms above my head and breathed in. As I did, I caught a whiff of something sweet. Well, as sweet as my whacked senses could perceive it as. I pushed myself off the couch and followed the smell into the kitchen- and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the scene laid out before me.

She must have heard my footsteps, because she turned around to face me, her pink hair in her face. She beamed when she saw me. “You’re awake! Thank goodness, I was afraid I had put you in a coma or something,” she giggled. Is she making a joke, I wondered.

I looked at the counter and noticed an open bag of berries sitting next to my pie pan. Oh no she didn’t.

“It was very messy when I got here, so I cleaned up a bit. Did you even notice how much dust had built up? It was like no one had lived here in years. It’s a good thing I’m here, otherwise you would’ve gotten sick from all the dust,” she chided playfully.

I was a bit taken aback. She sounded like she was actually concerned about me.

I shook my head again. That was ridiculous. She was a damn psychopath. There was most likely something she wanted from me.

Without even thinking about it, I took a step back from her. She noticed, and began walking toward me very fast. I panicked, sure she was going to attack me.

Instead, she simply grabbed my shoulders and looked me in the eyes. Then she spoke in a quiet voice that I hadn’t thought possible for her. She said, “Listen, I need your help. You know how to get out of this forest, right?”

I was paralyzed due to shock, but I managed to nod.

“Then help me out. If you do that, I will bring you with me to the Kingdom and make sure you get your wish granted. How does that sound?”

Kingdom? Wish? What is she going on about?

“Don’t give me that look. I know you probably think I’m crazy. But I’m one hundred percent serious. We can help each other. Don’t you let my good deeds go to waste now.”

I kind of wanted to smack her at that. All she had done so far was spy on me in the bushes, scare me half to death, chase me through the woods, and break into my home while i was sleeping. Those didn’t sound like good deeds to me. I shot her a look that I hoped was skeptical.

Slowly, she moved her hands from my shoulders to the sides of my face and held it there so I couldn’t look away. “I need to get to the Kingdom,” she said. “You’re my only hope for doing so. And if you think I’m just some psychopath with no idea what she’s talking about, then that’s fine. But admit it: you need me just as much as I need you. I can help you to stop being sad. That’s your wish, right? So what do you say?”

I wasn’t sure if she meant it or not. But she seemed sincere, like she wanted to help me. And she was right, after all. I would never make it on my own. I thought of the people in the village. Tim, his sister Tabitha, and every single person in that town who had ever treated me like a freak. I thought of how I came home everyday and cried myself to sleep, knowing that there was no changing anything. Knowing that I would just have to live with being hated for the rest of my days.

I looked her in the eyes and nodded curtly.

“YES,” she yelled. Her warm hands left my face to punch the air triumphantly as she jumped around my kitchen. When she finally stopped, she looked at me and said, “Now that that’s settled, let’s eat. I made pie!”

She dragged me to the dining table. She was surprisingly strong. Dinner was eaten in awkward silence, although she did try to start up a conversation with anything that seemed to come to mind.

Once she was done eating, she stood up and started towards the door. “I’m gonna go set up camp. See you tomorrow!”

“W-wait...”  

She stopped in her tracks and turned around to face me.

“You can take m-my room upstairs if, if you want. I can just sleep on the- on the couch. I’m used to falling asleep there anyways,..” I stammered.

I wasn’t sure why I did it. A gentle girl like her just seemed too delicate to sleep outside in the cold. It was at least warm inside the house. In fact, that was pretty much the only good thing about living there.

She looked touched. “Oh thank you so, so much,” she squealed.

For a moment I could have sworn that her pupils changed shape from circles into something that resembled stars.

As she headed upstairs, I shook the thought from my head. There was no way her pupils had changed shape. I must still be worn out from the chase through the woods, I told myself.

I grabbed some blankets from the storage closet in the kitchen and made myself comfortable on the couch. I wasn’t quite sure what had just happened. Everything had occurred so quickly, after all. This morning everything was so normal, and now I had agreed to go on a journey to the Kingdom with a stranger whose name I hadn’t even learned yet to get a wish granted. It all seemed too bizarre to actually be happening. I wondered if I was hallucinating.

Right before I fell asleep, my last thought was ‘What have I just gotten myself into?’