Chapter 427: Tricky Fox Pokémon
~Azure S. POV~
[Anime Canon – Sinnoh Region, Crown City – Kodai's Airship]
*Flash*
The swirling vortex of Celebi's time-travel tunnel was a kaleidoscope of emerald greens and shimmering silvers. It was a sensation I'd grown used to, though it never quite stopped making my stomach do somersaults.
On my right shoulder, Pikachu gripped my hoodie tightly, his cheeks sparking with residual temporal energy. On my head, Eevee let out a soft "Vee-vee!" as she adjusted her balance, her paws kneading into my hair.
And tucked snugly inside my jacket, near my chest, I could feel the rhythmic heartbeat of Pichu (Mew), who was currently enjoying the masquerade of a tiny electric mouse. I asked, squinting against the blinding light, "Almost there, Celebi?"
The Mythical Pokémon drifted ahead of us, tossing a mischievous grin over its shoulder. Celebi chirped, "Bii! Cele-bii! (Yup! Just any second now…)"
"Vrrr-shoom!"
The pressure suddenly vanished. The green light shattered like glass, and we were falling—only for a second, before gravity caught up.
*Thud*
I landed on my feet with a heavy thud, my boots hitting a metallic floor. The air was pressurized and smelled of ozone and expensive cologne. Celebi hovered for a moment, looking tired.
It gestured toward the GS Ball clipped to my belt. It needed to recharge. I said happily, tapping the ball, "Rest up, buddy. You did great."
Celebi vanished in a flash of red light. I took a moment to check my gear. Pulling up my Arc Phone, I saw it was scanning the local network.
I whispered as I reached into my [Sub-Space] and pulled out a black tactical mask and a hooded cloak that I stole from Hunter J's crew, "Alright, let's see... we're on Grings Kodai's airship. Specifically, the hallway leading to the cargo hold…"
In a world where I didn't exist officially, it was best to keep my face out of the history books. I wasn't here to be a hero; I was here to gather the best team possible for my eventual return to the Adventures timeline.
I'd already secured the Chimchars—the one Paul discarded and the one Ash would eventually make a legend that grabbed first in the wild free game—and that incredible Aura Sphere Riolu. But the Zoroark: Master of Illusions event hasn't happened yet, and I wasn't about to leave without a telepathic Zorua.
"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!"
"Intruder alert! Sector 4! Intruder alert!"
The klaxons blared, their shrill cries echoing through the corridors. I'd tripped the sensors, it seems, just by appearing as I whispered, "So much for the quiet approach."
I smirked, my eyes narrowing behind my mask. I looked at the heavy, reinforced steel door in front of me and whispered to my partners, "Pikachu, Eevee, Pichu—into your balls for now. I don't want Kodai's cameras getting a clear read on your signatures."
They pouted but obeyed. I unclipped a Poke Ball from my belt as I hurled it out, declaring proudly, "Tyranitar, let's make an entrance! CRUNCH TIME!"
*POP*
The massive Armor Pokémon materialized, his sheer weight making the airship's floor groan. Tyranitar let out a guttural roar that vibrated in my very marrow, "TYRAAAA! (On it! Time to chow down!!)"
Having Tyranitar out, I smiled as I ordered, "Use Power-Up Punch on that door!"
*WHAM*
The steel crumpled like tin foil. Tyranitar didn't just open the door; it deleted its existence. We stepped through the smoke and into a high-tech holding area. In the center of the room sat a reinforced glass cage. Inside was a small, charcoal-furred fox with a crimson tuft of hair.
Zorua.
The little guy was barking fiercely, his hackles raised. It looked small, but its eyes were burning with a defiant pride, "Zoou! Zouuura! (Who are you?! Get back! I'll bite your nose off!)"
The voice rang clearly in my head—Telepathy. Just as I remembered.
I stepped forward, ignoring the flickering red emergency lights. I said, my voice calm, "I'm not with Kodai. I know you're looking for your 'Meema.' I also know that Kodai is using her to hold the city hostage."
Zorua froze, his head tilting. Zoura barked back, sounding confused, telepathically speaking, "Zou? Zoura! (How do you know that? You smell like... a lot of different places. You smell like the forest and the mountains, but not from here.)"
Leave it to the Pokémon sense of smell to figure me out. I chuckled as I explained, "I'm a traveler, Zorua. And I'm offering you a choice. Come with me. I'll free your mother, and I'll take you both somewhere Kodai can never touch you. A different world entirely, if that's what it takes."
Zorua pouted, his tiny tail twitching. He put his head held high, proudly declaring, "Zou! Zoura!! (I'm strong! I can save her myself!)"
He's certainly prideful. I'll give the little fox that. I pointed out bluntly, "You're in a cage there, kid. And Kodai has technology that can neutralize illusions. You need a heavy hitter. You need me."
Zorua looked at the massive Tyranitar looming behind me, then back at me. He let out a huff of resignation as it raised its paw at me, "Zour! (Fine. But if you're lying, I'll turn into a Charizard and eat you!)"
I chuckled hearing that. I grinned, agreeing, "Deal. Tyranitar, Crunch!"
*SHATTER*
The reinforced glass exploded into a thousand glittering shards. Zorua leaped out, landing nimbly on his paws.
He looked up at me, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes as he asked, "Zoura! (So, where's Meema?)"
I tapped my Arc Phone. A holographic map of the airship projected into the air as I explained calmly, "She's being held in the main observation deck. Kodai is using his 'vision' to anticipate her moves, but he won't be able to anticipate someone who isn't supposed to be in this timeline."
*Tmp*
We moved through the ship like a whirlwind. Every time a security drone appeared, Tyranitar swatted it out of the air with a lazy flick of his tail.
*CLANG*
*SPARK*
The ship was a maze of cold metal, but my phone guided me with surgical precision. I whispered, reaching the massive double doors of the bridge, "We're close. Tyranitar, return. You've done enough damage for now. Let's go with something a bit more... aerial."
Recalling Tyranitar, I grabbed my other two Poke Balls. Haven't used them in this world, so it should be good enough to bring them out. Hurling the two forward, roared, "Salamence, Metagross—I need your help!"
*POP*
Salamence materialized as it roared proudly, "ROOOOOOAR!"
Metagross followed soon after, making a heavy thud sound, "META!!"
The bridge was massive, a glass-domed arena overlooking the clouds. In the center, Zoroark was pinned down by energy binders, her eyes wide with fear and rage.
Standing over her was a man with slicked-back hair and a suit that cost more than a small town—Grings Kodai. Beside him stood Goone, his hulking bodyguard.
Kodai hissed, turning to face me, "What is this? An intruder? In my sanctum?"
I said coldly, my voice dripping with ice as I snorted, "Your 'sanctum' is about to have a very expensive renovation."
Zorua bolted forward, "Zoura! (MEEMA!)"
The Zoroark let out a pained cry, struggling against her bonds. Kodai sneered, raising a remote device as he boasted, "I don't know who you are, masked rat, but you're interfering with destiny. I have seen the future! I see the Ripple of Time, and it belongs to me!"
I snorted at his overconfidence as I countered, issuing commands, "You've seen a future. But you haven't seen me. Salamence, use Dragon Breath on the binders! Metagross, Bullet Punch Goone's Pokémon!"
Goone bellowed, releasing four Ninjask and two Scizor in a blur of red and yellow, "Scizor! Ninjask! Intercept!"
*SH-SH-HOOO*
The Ninjask moved with blistering speed, becoming mere smears of light. But I had faced the Hoenn Elite Four. I had seen speed that made these bugs look like they were crawling through molasses.
Seeing them move ahead, my body reacted as I issued orders, "Metagross, use Zen Headbutt on the lead Scizor! Salamence, Flamethrower on the Ninjask swarm!"
*FWOOOOOOSH*
The bridge was instantly filled with a torrent of white-hot fire. The Ninjask screamed as the heat singed their wings, forcing them to ground.
*Thud*
Meanwhile, Metagross—a creature of pure, calculating intellect—tucked its legs in and became a silver meteor. In a flash, Metagross has already crossed the distance, slamming hard against the Scizors.
*CLANK-PONG*
The lead Scizor was sent flying backward, slamming into the control console with a shower of sparks. Kodai screamed, his composure finally breaking, "Mismagius! Shuppet! Use Psychic and Night Shade!"
*Wooosh*
The two ghost Pokémon emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with eerie purple light. I was unfazed as I countered, "Salamence, Strong Style Hydro Pump! Metagross, Meteor Mash!"
The battle was a symphony of chaos.
*BOOM*
*CRASH*
*WHIRRRRR*
I watched as my Pokémon dismantled Kodai's team with clinical efficiency. In the Adventures world, battles were about survival, positioning, and brutal power. Kodai was used to bullying wild Pokémon and using gadgets to win.
He didn't know how to handle a trainer of my caliber. I shouted, "Now, Zorua! Get your mother!"
Zorua leaped over a fallen Ninjask, his body glowing as he transformed into a copy of Goone. He reached the console and smashed the manual override.
*CLACK*
*HISSSSSS*
The energy binders deactivated. Zoroark surged to her feet, letting out a roar that shook the very glass of the airship, "ZOOOOOR!!!"
*Shiii*
She grabbed the nearest Scizor and slammed it into the floor with a devastating Night Daze. I was a bit surprised by this mother's strength. But when I recall how she fended off the Legendary Beasts Suicune, Raikou, and Entei, I felt this was satisfying enough.
*KRA-KOOOOOM*
The shockwave sent Kodai stumbling back. He looked at me, his face pale with terror as he demanded from me, "Who... what are you? That Salamence... It's too strong. It shouldn't be possible!"
I said calmly, stepping forward as Metagross hovered menacingly over Goone, "I'm just a guy who's tired of seeing people like you ruin things for everyone else. It's a hobby really at this point."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the GS Ball. I didn't need to say a word.
*Pop*
Celebi emerged, its green glow illuminating the entire bridge. Kodai's eyes nearly bulged out of his head as he yelled in disbelief, "Celebi... the Ripple... you have it?! Give it to me! It's mine!"
He lunged forward, desperation overriding his sense of self-preservation. I said flatly, "Salamence, Dragon Tail."
*THWACK*
The massive blue tail swiped Kodai aside like a flea. He crashed into a pile of broken monitors, groaning.
I turned to Zoroark and Zorua. The mother was nuzzling her child, her eyes moist with relief. She looked at me, her gaze lingering on Celebi, then on my mask. There was a profound sense of gratitude in her Aura.
The Zorua's voice echoed in my mind as I listened, "Zoura! (Thank you, human! You really did it. You're not a liar after all.)"
I said calmly, holding out two Luxury Balls I'd prepared, "Come with me. Kodai will have the authorities on him once I leak the footage of this airship to the Sinnoh press, but you two won't be safe here. In my world, there are places where Pokémon like you can live in peace. Or, if you want to see the world, you can travel with me."
Zorua didn't hesitate. He bumped his nose against the Luxury Ball, disappearing in a flash of sparkles. Zoroark looked at her child's ball, then at me. She gave a solemn nod and tapped the second ball.
Click.
*BON*
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as I whispered, "Target secured."
Kodai wheezed from the floor as he tried to stand up, "You... you can't leave! I'll find you! I have resources! I have—"
I interrupted, looking over my shoulder, bluntly stating, "You have nothing. Celebi, let's get out of here. Take us back home."
Celebi chirped happily, its eyes glowing, activating her time travel. The green light began to swirl again, faster and faster.
Kodai screamed, reaching out a trembling hand, "Wait! The Celebi! I need the power! I need to see!"
*Click*
Sending the message to Cynthia of this world, everything Kodai done and hidden. I coldly smirked at Kodai's expression as I said, as the floor began to fade, "The only thing you're going to see is the inside of a prison cell, Kodai. Enjoy the fall."
*VROOOOOOOOOM*
The airship vanished into a blur of color. The last thing I saw was the terrified face of a man who thought he could own time, falling behind as we pierced the veil of reality.
/////
[Adventures Worldline, Kanto Region, Pallet Town – Outskirts]
We landed softly in a clearing surrounded by towering trees and the distant, rhythmic croaking of Poliwags. The air was fresh and clear—Pallet Town.
I pulled off my mask, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. My heart was still racing. I muttered, "Phew. That was a bit more intense than I expected."
*Pop*
Pikachu and Eevee popped out of their balls, immediately climbing back to their respective spots on my shoulder and head. Pichu (Mew) crawled out of my jacket, yawning widely and stretching its tiny limbs as if it hadn't just witnessed a high-stakes heist.
I looked at the two Luxury Balls in my hand. Inside was a mother and son duo that would have been pawns in a madman's game. Now, they were part of my journey. I whispered, "Zorua, Zoroark... welcome to the team."
I sat down on a nearby log, pulling out my Arc Phone to check the news. Sure enough, the 'Kodai Network' was already glitching out. I'd sent the airship's internal logs to every major news outlet in Sinnoh before we jumped.
By tomorrow, Grings Kodai would be the most wanted man in the region. Smirking, I decided to check on Zoura's status, as I'll check Zoroark's for another time.
[Zoura the Tricky Fox Pokémon. Zorua can change its physical appearance, though this transformation is merely an illusion, as it keeps its own type and moves. Zorua is said to have a timid nature, which led to the development of its illusion abilities.
Zorua keeps its true form hidden to ensure its safety and takes on the appearance of other Pokémon to frighten off enemies. It can let loose pitch-black shock waves against its targets. Sometimes it will take the form of a silent child to search for food.
It has been known to occasionally replace normally talkative children. The tail of an unpracticed Zorua may remain when it takes on a human form, and if the tail is touched, it will revert to its true form. Zorua is mischievous and loves to surprise others.]
|Name: Zoura (Tricky Fox Pokémon)
|Type: Dark
|Level: 5
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: None
|Ability: Illusion (Telepathy)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Leer, Torment, Pursuit, Scratch, Detect (IM), Night Daze (EM) (1 Moves Left to learn)
No wonder this Zoura could use Telepathy… it has 2 Abilities. Very interesting to say the least, though.
For now, though, I sighed out loud, letting myself catch a breather. At least it would be great to be back home before the next danger arrives… maybe I should use my Johto Team for the Heartgold and Soulsilver Arc next…
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter! After this... Something About Arceus is next.