More Moe Is Needed: Let's Play Moemon: LeafGreen, Thread II

[Toric]

I just have to say, for me, this entire episode had this playing in my head.

I agree with naming her Saber, and I like her design. I never imagine Suicune as a magic knight wielding a BFG.

[Cieyrin]

I just have to say, for me, this entire episode had this playing in my head.

I agree with naming her Saber, and I like her design. I never imagine Suicune as a magic knight wielding a BFG.

I third Saber, as Suicune totally looks F/SN. Also, it's a BFS, not a BFG.

[Penguinator]

Few broken color brackets for your new legendary.

Otherwise, certainly an interesting catch.

[Dusk Eclipse]

Let me give another +1 to naming the Suicune Saber.

[Deme]

...Well, this happened sooner than expected!

Chapter 83, part 2: Now she can take on the megazord!

Spoiler

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We finish with Trilo pretty peacefully after that.



"Ok, so I guess next we do Chelle and Draca..."
"Absolutely not! I refuse to train that monster!"
"Hey, hey, hey...Who's the monster here? You, or me?"
"HOW DOES THAT EVEN MAKE SENSE?"
"You're the one discriminating against me, just because I have a bad background, riiiight? That makes you the bad guy, doesn't it?"
"Wrong!"
No one's actively killing each other, so I'm going to let them squabble.

"Alright, then let's have Lila do the training. You ready to work, sweetie?"
"Well, of course."


It's not a long way to go, Lila's training. We'll have to talk Draca into helping soon enough.



Ack! But for a fragile bug type, I bet it's pretty scary.

"Oww....Deoxys....Hurt less than that."
That's because bugs are theoretically strong against psychic-sorts, isn't it?
"No worries. We'll get you healed up and keep going, OK? Unless you'd rather change spots?"
Because I can fish... Lila was such an early addition to the team that I kind of feel the need to baby her.
"No, I can take it. I'm stronger than getting bossed around by a bird..."
"That's the spirit!"



"Well, it takes away from your real purpose, right?"
And because it sucks.
"R-right!"



"Alright, Draca, now..."
"No. I shall train by you faithfully. But I shall not aid her in any way."
"That's fine. I'm ready, then. I'll face these enemies....So that she can know that *she* betrayed her liege and abandoned a needy comerade!"
"You take that back!"
"I shan't. Machine me."

"Really, It's more of a disk...There aren't any moving parts or anything..."
"I don't care. What do I understand about machines?"
"Foul future technology..."




These fights...Aren't easy at first. To call her a powerhouse is over-selling her. But nothing hurts her badly, either.

But she begins to get stronger and stronger, because she simply doesn't know how to surrender.
"I don't believe in giving up!"
"So then, foul heathen...You intend to continue your plans in this future-time, under the nose of this lady to whom we are indebted?"
"I never give up. And I never give out. But I can change my mind."


"A new technique! How wonderful! I used to have armies of monsters to do my fighting. I'd command them to evolve, to make my monsters grow...This is exciting, isn't it, Draca dear?"
"I must understand my enemy. I must stalk my enemy...Follow my enemy to her bed... Then, I must dress in my enemy's clothes, and smell her hair...Then I will be able to conquer!"
"...That's creepy. Are you sure your problems with Chelle aren't different sorts of problem?"



"This isn't 'the future, you know.'"
"Oh?"
"It's the present, right? Our past is past. I never won, and I didn't need anyone to stop me. And now -- and I do mean 'now,' everything has changed. But it's all there is."

Well, now I know what Endure did... But it didn't work then, did it.



"You know, Draca...You're as alone as I am. No order of knighthood for you, no army for me."
"W-what?"
"It's true. Is that why you're so gung-ho? By chasing me, by hating me...You preserve what was 'the present' to you. You keep it from becoming the past. I'm the only person here you really know."
"Lies, lies!"
But she's shaking, because what Chelle was saying hit home.
"But you don't know me. I've decided to adapt; to change with the times. Maybe you're....The only real fossil here. But... We were enemies that lived, which makes us friends, right? So, Dame Draca, why don't we start again? Or...You can chase me to the end of time."
"Wait, what?"
"Whichever. It's your choice...But I can't move on until I know I've let you had it. And I'm moving on, all the same. After all, it’s time to make me grow."


"You can tell me what you think later. I've done all I can."




We finish up with her -- and it seems to me that she's more impressive than I would have guessed...


And she even helps Draca train, teasing her all the while. Draca spends the whole time lost in thought.

And she even channels the past productively.


And our training hurries along nicely...



"And now we're ready to explore!"

[Forum Explorer]

Chell rules. That's got to be one of the best reserve pokemon evolution.

[Deme]

So, I know I said for sure I'd have it this weekend...But then I have company that's eating up my time. I'm working on it as I get a chance, and think this will be a fun chapter. And we get to see Eda-Scizor.

[Cieyrin]

So, I know I said for sure I'd have it this weekend...But then I have company that's eating up my time. I'm working on it as I get a chance, and think this will be a fun chapter. And we get to see Eda-Scizor.

Yay, Eda! *waits patiently with rapt attention*

[Deme]

I'm sorry that this is so late. My internet went out when I was trying to put this together last night.

Chapter 84: So Many Trainers

Spoiler

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First things first, let's TM this sucker up!
"You mean you spent all that time training those 4, getting used to their moves...Just to give them new moves?"
"...Don't question my logic."



Anyway, we're ready to start heading out that way, so let's go!


"...It's not that secret. I saw you when I was just walking around."
But I guess it's a secret to everyone.


So after Twilight, Edward found his unlife so painful he took up juggling? Not surprising.

These matches aren't perfect, but they'll do.

Ok, sp. def is up, so...Let's let him have wasted that!
"Ala, use strength!"

"Wow, so that's a real trainer battle..."
Yup.

Risky business, but... Well, she does have mudshot. It may work out.


Oh, dear. Brace for impact, brace for impact... (...I failed another...I'm sorry, Trilo...I'm sorry, Jewel...)

Well, that wasn't so bad.
"Hang in there, Trilo!"
"It shall be thee to fall to-day!"

"Way to go, Trilo!"

But let's let her have a break.
Man, it's almost like the forces that encouraged me towards a balanced party suddenly thought three rock types were a good idea!


Wow, that was really impressive! That little speed down made a big difference.


Not as impressive as I'd have hoped...

But she's stuck doing it, apparently.
"Well, I've never been applauded for helping in justice..."


Well, that worked out.


...That's...too bad, I guess.

I just want to snuggle it any take the pain away. Also, I underestimated the levels of trainer pokemon in this region.
"Eda, retreat!"


From here, it's a battle of attrition. Stupid electric-types.

Ooh, nifty.

Sad. That's just sad, Lanturn.

Awww....How sweet.
"How pathetic."
Grrr...

"Oh, boy. More swimmers."

...Kinda...

Haters gonna hate.


Let's boost up our attack...

While she does likewise. More leveling may be in order on the other side.

"Nice job, Eda!"
"Old dogs' tricks let them be old dogs in the first place."
...That saying doesn't really work well modified.


"You did your best. And the no body hair look is in these days, anyway."


This looks very suspicious.

Seriously?...Well...Ok...


The last time I measured my height was... Yeah, I guess it was with Sage. We did the door-notch thing. It's a little old-fashioned, but... It was something that made her really excited.

Also, your fascination with your height is creepy.


"Hello there, young miss."
"...H-hi..."


...Well, this was a bad choice all-around.
"Sorry..."
"It's cool."
Where's a patch of grass when I need one?


"Well, at least I get to say hello to them properly..."
"Just don't forget to say goodbye, Princess.Because they come bearing defenses."
"I'll bear that to mind...Oh, but one thing..."

"I may do my best to behave like a lady, but I'm no princess. I'm sorry."
"Good! Because I'm the only queen here!"

"Ala!"
"I'll be Ok..."
I just worry about her, you know? I mean, who will make me tea cakes? And...She's really pretty young.
"Point is, you can't be afraid..."

"Of getting a little dirty!"

...
"Miss Chelle is really quite good at dramatically emphasizing her points, isn't she? It's really amazing."
You know, Chelle may not be the best person to admire...
"Don't admire her!"
"Why not? I thought we were pals now?"
"Why not? Aren't we all team-mates whose duty is to learn from one another, as friends?"
"..."
Poor Draca, caught in the high-beams of polite innocence.
"P-please, d-don't fight..."
Everyone stops.
"...I never said I was not still considering your words."
"Marvelous!"

Still looking for that grassy patch...


...What?
Why even...?
"This time fillest itself unto its brim with all things quaynte, m'lady. Best contemplate no further."
"Thanks, Trilo..."


"I let adventure lead me all the way here!"

Awww, it's so cute! It's like a little puppy with the floppy ear --

"Things like that...will only end up at the bottom of the food chain."
Man, even when Azula was strength-crazy, she wasn't this much of a killjoy. Of course, Azula's killjoy-ness is pretty much a constant.


...Is she hitting on me?
...Is this inspiring slash-fics?


OOh, what about a Seed x Free Stuff ship?




"...Yes." Some guy who's going to fight me, to be more precise.


Setting up the pieces.

"And Eda's slash beats all contenders!"

"And a level-up! Great!"
Maybe we won't need that patch of grass after all!
...Now that we found it. Because he's standing in it.
Yup.

May as fell.

"Very nice!"

Well, it is a nice hat...

"That was a good match, Eda. Color me impressed.
"If I were completely useless, I'd go find a corner for dying in."
"Well, good! Because you seemed about ready to die when we met...So...I'm glad."
"You're waiting to hear it, aren't you?"
"...Hear it?"
"Well, fine. You were right. You win. Having someone to praise me, or look out for me..."

Oh my. I wonder...do they even notice?
"Listening to these kids...It's not just a tactic by the weak. It's something to make the life you have more worth living."

"That's what I came here to get, but I think I'll stick around."
"Well, good."


Something, something Heracross, something, something, it's a bug...boss..
Darnit! That's stuck in my head!


"To the best of my ability."


"Yup!"

But a lot of people don't seem to get that...
All the same, she has a point. My pokemon are like family. A big, disfunctional family.
"I got your tea cake!"
"You fiend!"
"I...I made enough for everyone...So please, there's no need to fight...instead of having tea..."
"They aren't listening, kiddo."
Very disfunctional.


Let me guess: It's a heracross

Called it.



...A female bug catcher? What strange reality have I wandered into?

I feel Lila looking over my shoulder (And Eda, come to that), and add...
"No. Of course not."

But despite her claims of liking them, she doesn't have any. What a downer.



"Hey, you call yourself a knight?"
"Roaring is scary!"
"...And so you bring out Lila."
Greaaat.

...That was unexpected.
"Good work, Lila!"


Awww, so cute!


"I've noticed."
But I have no clue what it means.


...Oh, it's on. Spore fight!


Lila's spores are clearly just superior,
"Right, Lila?"
"...I'm not in your inner monologue, Miss Seed..."
"...Oh, right."




...Yeah, she's not evading anything. Y'all can stop now. It's basically all you've done this whole fight.

And more Sweet Scent.

"Go Lila!"


Coolbeans.
"I won't disturb anything."


"Ok, tactic switch."
"Let me guess; switch to gust?"
"You're pretty good at this, yeah."

Eeep!
Ok, quick fix and...

Down she goes!



Frig it all. Ok, maybe I need to switch Lila out next round.


Son of a monkey!

"Thank you, Ala!"
"You're welcome."

Raaaaaaage!
...Also, man, clefables are cute.

These clefairy-line types keep using wierd moves.


"Reasonable enough."


And am I in your spot, sir?

I get the feeling this thing wants to kill me. Not Chelle. Me. Personally.

This is going badly.


"Foolish people will always take themselves out. Remember that, Draca."
"...Thanks?"



"It really is. This is the perfect place for a picnic!"
"It's...umm...air-flavored."






"Then perhaps you shouldn't stand in a field full of bugs?"




"Then maybe you shouldn't stand in a field full of grass."


Lolwhat. I don't even know what I'm looking at here.


Like the patterns? And the bugs? And the more bugs?

Finally, someone for Chelle to fight!
"Yes! Even you can appeciate my love of battle, right, Draca?"
"I guess...You're not completely incomprehensably evil."


On a roll today.




Aliens? Pokemon? Alien pokemon?

Anyway, we exit and find a stretch of water. Man, this is a long final area.



"Maybe your image was off?"




I better go heal. This could get nasty.

But thanks to healing, it isn't!



"Well, we can not..."
Oh, who am I kidding? We'll fight.


It wasn't that hard, for her being about 5 full levels above Lila.

An island? Well, there must be something there.


Alright. If you're gonna be forceful about it.

The levels balance. Somehow.
"Ummmm....I-it's very nice to get to do a battle with you!"
She bows.
"Thank you, it's very nice to hear you think it's nice."
She bows.
"T-Thank you!"
"Thank you..."
They bow, and bonk each-other on the head.

"...Lookit the pretty flowers..."
"We're in the middle of the ocean!"
"That's what makes them so nice..."


Well, that was easy.


I'm not even sure that's possible, but OK...





STOP USING PROTECT!

"Finally..."



Well, I found one interesting thing up here! A free thing!


Fine, sure, take your failures out on me. Whatever.

What?...That's so cute and angry. I love it.

Shoot.
"Ala, retreat!"
"But who?"
"L-let me...We're friends, right?"
"Right!"




"..."
"Something wrong?"
"...Lady Ala and Miss Lila helped eachother out because they felt they were friends."
"Apparently, yes."
"I don't have any friends in this time except you. All my comerades are dead."
"Dummy! That's why I was trying to be friends earlier!"
"....Then...I suppose...Alright. As long as you do no more evil, we can be...friends."
"Yay! We can have sleepovers and I can braid your hair and we'll make waffles and plot world domination and --"
"What was that last one?" "What was that last one?"
"...Nothing..."
Well, as long as they're getting along...



Worst. Cave. Ever.
"Yes, it is rather dull, isn't it?"
"Hi, trainer lady!"
"Hi, Loituma...Wait. What are you doing here?"
"...I...Had to bring her."
"Yes, not even matters of great destiny can get in the way of responsible parenting!"
"But it is on a matter of destiny we come."
"...Ok. What's the deal."

"She waits. The Mistress."
"The final challenge."
"And the one on whom I must seek vengence."

Finally...It's time.
"Where?"
"Where else? Near the town where you learned of this fated battle...Where else can that battle occur?"

"Alright, guys. It's been fun...But I'm off to Cerulean. On business."
"Be careful."
"Do your best, Miss Seed!"
"I will, Lila, Ala. All."

It's time for me to finish this...But what sort of battle will this last battle be? And...
"Ok, love you lady, buh-bye!"
"...See you later, Loituma."

Tune in next time, for what may be our final chapter.

[Dusk Eclipse]

Second to last chapter.... I will miss this; but on the other hand it was a great chapter I was really lol'ing at many parts, particularly at the interaction between Ala and Lila. I also support Seed X Free Stuff, their true love cannot be denied!!.

Anyway I loved this chapter and I am really excited for the conclussion...I might need to do an archive bing though...

[Forum Explorer]

This was a great chapter and helped support the fact that Chelle is the best Pokemon. Anyways who are you having fight Mewtwo?

[Mando Knight]

It took me a while to figure out what Ala's ponytail sleeve was. From the back view, it looks a touch like something obscene...

[Deme]

This was a great chapter and helped support the fact that Chelle is the best Pokemon. Anyways who are you having fight Mewtwo?

Chelle is another pokemon who is a joy to write. I'm glad I discovered how fun she is.

And I've said this a few times, but I'm thinking it'll be Azula. Start and end with the same pokemon, you know? I like me some symmetry.

[AtlanteanTroll]

It took me a while to figure out what Ala's ponytail sleeve was. From the back view, it looks a touch like something obscene...

Can. Not. Unsee.

[Mando Knight]

Can. Not. Unsee.

I know!

[Zanfib]

Is it just me, or does Electrode look a tad unhinged?

[Deme]

Hello, everyone. Happy Holidays. And welcome to...

The Finale

Spoiler

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Back to Cerulean...Where I almost gave up. It just sounded so stupid. But now I've come all this way... Everyone's believed in it, and... Well, why not? Everyone's trying to kill me anyway.

In Cerulean, there was a cave I spotted, but couldn't get to. I think that's my answer.

So let's head in!
"Wait just a moment."
Erika?

"Yeah, you wouldn't want to go to face some big things without letting us say our stuff, wouldja?"
"Kai! 'Sup?"
"I just wanted to say... Don't do anything stupid, man. Those girls with you want you to make it outta this... And they're not alone, alright, dude?"
At first I think Spike's going to mention the rest of the fan club, thus missing Kai's point... But he doesn't.
They just fist-bump. And then hug.
"I'll be careful."
"We'll make sure of that, won't we, Terra? ...Terra?"

"...I already made my feelings clear."
"I know that!...I know... I just..."
"I'll take that as 'I came to wish you well.' ...Perhaps love is a type of foolishness more grave than any other.
But don't worry too much; one day, someone will be a fool for you."
She pats Erika on the head as the cocky Hypno sniffles a little, then shoots me a daggered glare for daring to watch this moment of weakness... Or something like that.

Kai glances Erika's way, and for a moment it seems like perfect serendipity. I can imagine the music of their lives swelling, the editors adding a gaussian blur in post...
"Don't even think about it."
"Think about what?
"Not you. Her."
...Fine. Party-pooper.

With the spares formally not-paired, it's time to head on in.
"Let's go, everyone!"

And then Deoxys comes storming in past me. Ok, that's going to have to not happen.


That said, like every other cave, this one is full of water and ladders.

And a maze. Because everyone likes mazes when facing vicious monsters out to kill you, right?
...Well, Ok, I guess I'm being a little uptight. How would Jewel look at this? She'd see... The beautiful patterns, the length of the stride that keeps you focused on your thoughts...
Maybe? Would that be it? ... You know, if I changed the past, Jewel maybe wouldn't have died.



"FISTICUFFS..."
"YES?"
"...What would you change about the past if you could?" I think that she's maybe the one who'd guess what Jewel would like the most... She's a do-er, you know?
"NOTHING."
"Seriously?"
"THEY ARE ALL CHALLENGES, AND I HAD THEM. IF I SUCCEEDED OR FAILED... THAT DOESN'T MATTER. I FOUGHT, AND THAT MUST STAY."
"So even if something terrible happened, and it was all your fault...Or something terrible happened to you... You'd just say 'it's the experience that counts'?"
"YES." She looks at me for a moment and adds, her glare softening, "BUT IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. BUT I CANNOT ACCEPT REGRETS. ONLY CHALLENGES."
...I'm not sure if I have that sort of attitude. But I think Jewel might have -- she got to see amazing caves because of me.
If I do this, it's for Sage and I. Jewel will just have to cope.

Well, anyway, this is all I can do in the maze for now.
I head back up to the first floor of the cave.


Oh, free stuff. You have been my friend this whole way. You and my pokemon.


I really expected more pushing rocks, less smashing rocks. Oh, well.

Oh, free stuff...If only you weren't so kinda useless at this stage.

Unlike this free stuff. See the contrast?


Huh. That's new.

"Good work, Rya!"
...Am I really going to leave her in the hands of that slimy, showtune-savoring salesman?
But...she's only just as innocent as Sage was.
"Yaaay! Another level, another level!...Ummm..."
"Yeah?"
"After this, things won't be over, right? It all sounds...Really final. We'll still all travel together and meet new pokemon and beat them up, right?"
... I...Ummm... I...
"Sure, Rya."
You say, not at all sure. You are a bad person, Seed.




I may need this for up ahead.

Or this?
"..."
"Is something the matter, Seed?"
"Terra, you're smart. I... I know that I ought to use this wish to make everyone happy, but I don't... know how. Mind helping?"
"Two things, Mistress. First, there is no 'ought.' The whole idea is just an illusion. Nothing 'ought' to be, it simply is or is not. Do what you want."
Wow, way to discourage altruism there...
"And the second?"
"I think wishing for everyone to be happy is very foolish. Downright idiotic. If we assume we have free will, wishing for everyone to be happy denies them that choice. It also denies them the chance to grow and change for themselves -- things like sadness and anger...Can be seen as an internal impetus for action. If they're not, then you're fine."
"...So you're saying it's a bad idea for me to do that."
"Not as you phrased it, anyway... Seed. You cannot make people happy. But it is possible to help give people a better chance at finding it."
"...And you're not going to tell me how?"
"You were told directly -- it has to come from your heart. All anyone can do is advise, and hope they help you."
"Thanks, Terra."


This maze. It's...amazing.
*shot for pun*
I heard that the original purpose of mazes to create medititative thought by means of movement -- for religious purposes. I don't know if that's true, but I am focusing on it.
"You're gonna ask me, right? You better!"
"I figured you'd just talk about meeting your one true love, right?"
"Well, that's tempting...But nope!
I look at her in confusion.
"Remember that girl in Lavender Town? I don't want to live in a world where some people can't see my pranks.A world where we can't all laugh together is just a dumb world! ...You loved your sister. But even if she were alive, even if we all still met... She wouldn't be able to laugh with us. And people like you and Miss Sabrina would still be alone. The world is dumb."
"...I'll think about it."


That is so useless I could weep.


Better. I guess... Do I want to catch something that's been mind controling people?


I feel...Something. Getting closer, a looming...menace? Or sorrow?
Up ahead, something's weeping and throwing onto the walls of the cave. And I know that that's my enemy...
So why does it sound like something being wrung out and screeching?
"You're going to ask me what I'd do, aren't you?"
"Yeah."
"Knew it was coming. What I'd do... I'd protect my own. You know that."
"Because that's your job, as someone who they trusted to protect you."
"Right. But... If you're looking for what I'd do to give people a shot to be happy...Then I'll tell you what gave me the best shot I've had. Meeting you."
"I can't wish to have everyone meet me."
"Not like that! I mean... I was always a loner, 'cause all those girls on the other side of that mountain... They never saw me. They saw "me," the cute male nidoran. Like a rhino in a kindergarten. It wasn't until I met your girls... That I met two people I could love. Because they saw my real self. That's happiness."
Awwwww....


Down before the waterside, I see Deoxys.
"Wait just a minute there, buddy."
"What is it? Have you come to cheer my venegence on in your honor?"
"...I'm stopping you."
"What."
"I get it, you're mad that our enemy controlled you. I'm mad about that, too. But what I want is a fair fight, not vengence. And... If you fight, it won't be me winning."
"You will still get your wish."
"That's not what I mean. You don't listen to me -- you'd be doing this alone, and I... I don't want that. I'm a trainer, not a witness. Not a stand-by. It's the pokemon whom I have trained, who understand my feelings, who listen to me... I'm taking them. And we're winning this thing."
"..."
I stand up straight against her glares.
"You choose them, over the might of Deoxys?"
"No question. Don't worry... She'll still be punished, so you'll get your vengence. Wait outside.... Please. I don't want what could be my last words as a person with free will to be an order." The irony fairy would just explode.
Steel yourself. Steel. Stare. Meet her eyes, cold as the sudden shock of an ice cube down your back.
"...I obey."

...I totally just stood up to something that can control my mind.
Good. Because that's just a warm-up.

Because I'm here. It's time.

She turns to face me. I... Have no idea what I'm looking at. She has a few scrapes and bruises already; some cuts half-healed, and some gone infected. Some of her bruises are fresh violet, but her skin is peppered with pale green and jaundice-like yellow, where bruise covers bruise.
Something about her feels uneven, and mis-matched. She turns with her head rolling listlessly on her shoulders.

I'm reminded of when mushroom!Mellow first took complete control, when she was so disconnected to the idea of pain, the idea of a body as something you care about...That she just moved without caring what she broke.

Her eyes light on me, the purple iris lost in the sea of white mossaic, grouted through with bloodshot streaks. Her lid twitches, the pupils rattle.

"...You're the one who's been trying to kill me."
She looks like she'd kill someone.

"...You. You are the one... Who was chosen... To kill me."
"I don't want to kill anyone!"
She laughs, and her laughs turn into screeches.
"But what we want... Doesn't. Matter. Nothing matters. I can't let you."
"...You've made that clear."
"Surrender. Make it clean."
"No."

"I've been silent long enough. I will not allow this -- this monster -- to do you harm any further."

"...A champion? ...You'd fight beside a human? You'd favor a human over meeeeeee?! TRAITRESS!"
She wails and lurches forward into battle.
"What are you?"
"...When I was... When I was assembled. Summoned. Some assembly..." She clutches at her head, wincing, and for a moment...
For a moment I step forward to reach out to her. Then she looks at me with such hate that my hand jerks back.
"...I was called...That man in the long coat... Called me Mewtwo..."
The thing born in the lab on Cinnibar. The thing that destroyed it, maybe even, and whose birth made Mew vanish...

"So you're a copy of The Prime?"
"I, too, am Mew. I am not derivitive! I...too.. am..."
She looks up at us with one of those smiles that shows that the person doing it grasps the general principles of exposing teeth, but no aspects of a real smile.
"As you, two, are... TRAITOR-THING! Will you stand by her?"
"Always. I am her first. Her Champion. I may the only one who cares of that... But I care about it to the death."
"Then... Why don't I do this? Fight for her. Be her proxy. I'll help you. Because as queen of all legendaries, master of all pokemon, I...Should do this."
Suddenly, she's manic, gleeful in whatever scheme she's cooked up.

...I dislike this.

She raises a hand, and vertigo overtakes me. For a moment, I'm not sure if I can even stand straight. When my vision focuses, I see Azula stagger a bit, like she's feeling something simmilar. On my back, something's very warm. I feel like it ought to be burning, but it's not. It's very warm.
There's nothing behind me. Experimentally, I pinch myself.
"Ow...What was..."
Wait. Did she...
"I did. You pain is her pain. Her pain is your pain. So... I'll just. kill. two birds. with one stone. Literally."

Azula pulls me into a huddle.
"Mistress!...We should switch out. With Rya, since I doubt our broken-down friend can take a beat-down."
I consider this. But...
"That's exactly what she wants."
Ok, that is probably not exactly what she wants. That doesn't matter. What matters is what I want.
"Humans can't handle magic like pokemon. I will not allow it."
"Azula. There is no one I trust with my life... Like I trust you."
She looks at me with hesitation.
"We started this, and we'll finish it. Together. You're my first, right?"
We hug, and it forms something like an endless loop of the feeling of hugging.


"...Are we done having cuddles?"
"...Yeah. Yeah we are."
"We are ready to meet your challenge."
She lurches forward and points at us.

"Then...It's time you both die!"

Agh! Big, bleeding cuts appear on my arms and legs as Azula's bombarded by stars, and I'm sent knocked back. Azula wasn't kidding when she said humans couldn't handle magic well...
"Mistress!"
"I'm fine!" Ok, not fine exactly... But I can apply some pressure and I don't think I'm bleeding anywhere that's going to kill me.
I stagger back to my feet.
"...Are we ready to make this easy on you?"

"Azula, open with Dragon Claw!"
If it's good enough for one would-be murderer, it's good enough for all of them!

"...Let's do things very easy. S-surrender now."
"And let you kill me? I can't let you... I can't let you let me die...Ha.ha.Haaaaaaaa!"
She throws back her head, almost screaming or crying.

As they continue making their moves, blood slides down my legs.
"I don't even want to kill you!"
"...Want? Who cares... About wanting? What I want doesn't matter. That one... That thing inside my skin... She's the one who made you. And your...humankind. Made me. And so we kill each-other."
That doesn't even...
Ok, I think reasoning is officially off the table. But I had to try.
I find a rock to lean on for a bit, take the weight off my legs.

"...It's your fault she's suffering. Maybe she has no wish to kill you... But I do!"


She just lets Azula pound on her for a minute.
"Azula!...Whatever we are.... We aren't monsters. Even against monsters... I refuse to let you be a monster."
I'm not OK to want to kill someone.

She edges backwards and pauses.

"My fault? Isn't it your fault? Your fault... For driving her. 'Oh, I only wish every pokemon had a chance to be as happy as I am with you.' Because you didn't want her to give up... On making you the strongest.
Like you've. always. Wanted."
"...I will not be swayed... By technicalities!"
"What technicality?...Cause. Effect. You're the cause of this all. She loves you...And you ask her to suffer. Over. And Over.
Don't make me the monster here!!"

"...You're pretty monstrous to me."


"You don't understand! I just. can't..."

"DIE! DIE! BREAK -- BREAK ALL THEIR PLANS BY JUST DYING!"
"Aaaaaaah!"
All of my senses are overwhelmed; I crumple like a ragdoll to the ground, in a pool of blood that reflects perfectly the scene: my face, staring at me in that red-tinted world, the eyes half-closed. The running figure of Azula, barely scratched but looking like the world is ending. The figure of Mewtwo -- she should be happy. After all, this is... All there is. She wins. Those people she talked about making all of this happening...Are losing.
But instead she looks like she wants to scream. But I can't hear anything coming from her mouth. All I can hear is the sound of my name.
"Mistress! Mistress! Seed!"
I can't even move.

"A potion...A potion...Where is it...?"
"It's in here. This is the pocket with the medicine and stuff!"
"You! No interfering! This is our fight! This is our --"


"You don't scare me, you big meany-head! I'm gonna help my family, no matter what!"


Rya...She sounds so grown-up.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Azula...And everyone. I'm sorry I won't make it to dinner, Beau. I'm sorry I...
I'm so sorry, Sage. I hope we'll be together; I hope I've been good enough.


"Found it!"

All of the sudden, that warm, safe feeling I had just then goes away. The pain comes rushing back, less sharply this time. My eyes open, and I realize that I don't want to be in a pool of human blood.
I try and pull myself back up. First, onto my knees.
"Seed! You're alright!"
"Yaaay! Come on, it's OK...Let's run away...We can go home!"

"...We gotta... We gotta keep going."
They stare at me. Spike emerges from his pokeball and takes me by the elbow, putting a hand on my back.

"Well, then we can't keep going on your knees. Can you stand?"
I try, and end up leaning on Spike. My knees are shaking. But I'm on my feet.

"Cheaters! Cheaters! Cheaters!"
Mewtwo's all energy again, tearing out her hair in bloody chunks with her bare hands in her rage. She stops, and lets the white hairs turn red on the cave floor.

"Aw, go suck a lemon!"
"I'm readying a shield."
They all stand around me.

"You'll all die with her... For your insolent courage!"


The wave of energy hits something transluscent in front of Azula and I, like a bird at a windowpane. Terra grits her teeth, her hands thrown up in a gesture of protection. The two psychics lean toward eachother...
And Terra is sent back flying, her cool broken by a tiny scream.
"Terra!"
"Terra!"
And then the second blast hits. Everything shakes; everything blurs; everything smells like burnt toast, and all my thoughts go to goo. My limbs flail, independant of any of my thoughts.
"Nnnggggg!"
I think if it weren't for Spike, I'd have fallen over again. I wouldn't be able to take a second hit. And for a change...

Neither will Azula. That one seems to have hit us equally.

"Who cares about wishes? Or being champion of all? Or even fate? My mistress and I...will go home together. That will be all my wishes. We Con--"
"Don't you dare."


All my precious friends are standing around me. We've all worked together...We've all fought so hard!
"We're not letting them down! We're not letting Sage down, and we're not letting Jewel down!
Azula...Let's go for it. One. Last. Fireblast!"




And from her heart, I feel that blaze. That blaze that burns away all the pain and the weariness, that burns away our enemy....


And leaves a broken doll lying on the ground.
"...You win. You win." Tears roll down her face. "...Kill me."
"I don't want to --"
And then I stop. I look at the face of the pokemon lying in front of me. She's smiling.
"...When you said you couldn't let me kill you, do you mean..."
"...This body...is designed...That it must...defend itself. Only when it can't...Can I stop."
She's been driven crazy...By wanting to die. By being made by people in a lab, by being made so that she cannot live peacefully... And so that she cannot die.

I stare at her for a moment. She draws a breath that sounds like it's been run over.
"...I get a wish."
Sage, World, I'm sorry. Looks like both of you are taking a back seat.
"...Anything. Ll-et me go..."
If someone in front of me needs helping, then I have to help them. That's all there is.

"I wish that...You were free. Of that body and that pain."


The next thing I know is light...
And as the light subsides, a figure.


It's the person I've been seeing in my dreams. The person who reads out those messages in Braille.
"...I was kind of hoping you were Sage."
"I know. And I'm sorry."

"...It's... The Prime."
"I told you she was still alive. I'm a little surprised to be right myself."
"This is no time for your blatantly Primist propoganda."

I realize suddenly that we're no longer in the cave; we're sort of floating, away from the world. All our wounds are healed.
"...I really died or I'm dreaming again, aren't I?"
"No. But I thought I'd do you a kindness. I am Mew, the one they call the Prime. And... You have earned from me one wish, Oh Champion."
"I thought that was my wish. Back there."
She shrugs.
"I'm not going to count that one against you...In fact, if anything, it's earned you this more."

"...Thanks?"
"What are you going to do to Mistress Seed, huh?"
She giggles.
"Nothing bad. I promise... It's very good, that you've had pokemon to understand your heart so well, Seed. Are you ready to --"
"Wait. I... I have a few questions. You...Mewtwo...Said that you-you made this all happen. Made Me. Was you-she just being insane there? Or did you really cause... All of this?"

She shakes her head.
"The Pokemon Prof and I... I apologize if we've done more harm than good. But before Mewtwo existed, I came to him -- I suppose that's what started this all. I felt... That of all the humans who felt they misused their wish, he was the one I ... Wanted most, to give another try. But he felt he was too old, and his heart had too many regrets. So he asked... That his gift be your gift, that you could have a chance... To wish for what he always wanted with his mind, but couldn't ask for with his heart."
I make a noise that was going to be a word, but just came out like a strangled gurgle.

"So -- I -- and -- He -- and -- And I'm just a pawn then?! To you and to him?"
I don't believe it. Not the Prof.

"...He felt...And seeing you, I agree...That you're the person who would have the best hope of making that wish here. I can't do it for myself."
"And were you ever going to ask me? Was anyone?"
"This is still your choice. Whatever you want -- that's exactly what you've earned, and I've met the man well enough to know he'll want that for you. And here, you cannot ask for anything but what you want."

I stand there for a moment, paralyzed by doubt. Because I loved her. That little girl who dreamt of candy mountains and fished with me, dangling our feet in the water...

But the cost...Everyone, and having met everyone...

Azula pulls me in.
"Mistress, don't worry about what I wanted. Please don't. Don't feel you have any obligation... This is enough. If you want fate to have changed, then change it."
She hugs me. Listening to her then...

The thoughts I've been having so long all slam together inside -- and from the top of the wave, I see what I want to say.

I want to say that I want everyone to have this 'gift,' whatever that amounts to -- that pokemon and humans will be happiest when they can speak to eachother, and see themselves and others for what they really are.
That the happiness I've found with my pokemonm the family I've made, is so precious. That there should be more than 15 or so people in the whole of Kanto who get a chance at that. No one should have to join a criminal organization to have a chance.
The words crowd around; I don't know what to say. Only that I want to say it.

And for once in my life, I'm in a place where I can't say anything but what I want to say.
"I wish that everyone could see and understand...The true nature of pokemon!"

My words clap across the space like thunder, pushing all the silent air away.

Mew frowns, and turns to everyone else -- to Azula and to FISTICUFFS and to Rya and ChuChu and Terra (now back on her feet) and Spike.

"Having aided her this far, I ask you... Do you agree to this?"
"Of course!"
"But what about her sister?"
"...Don't worry about that, OK? Just answer."
"W-well, if it's really what she wants, then it must be the right thing!"
"I'd certainly not mind submitting a few philosophical essays formally, under my own name, to humans...Of course, I can't assure that'll happen. But why not give it a whirl?"

"You will not always be able to win anymore. Do you assent to that?"
"If I'm not strong enough, I'll just have to get stronger. Whatever it takes."
"I'LL AWAIT THE CHALLENGE. IT SOUNDS... FUN."

"...You may not be the strongest, you know, Azula. For all the work you've put in, there may come better things."
She stares Mew down, her wings spread.
"I already said it, didn't I? I don't care! She is my Mistress, and I will follow her whether I can serve her or not! ...I love her, and how strong I feel, not from fighting for her, but by being with her."

And then, at last, this creature who Pokemon revere as a god, who at times seemed in my dreams so innocent, and here so forbidding, smiles at me, tenderly.
"Then your will be done. Thank you very much, Seed... For fulfilling the hopes that we all placed in you, even if it was wrong for us to do."
She waves a hand, and there's a light. Nothing changed, except that behind her is a cave opening, the light outside blinding after the darkness.

"I tried to make it easy for people -- we don't want riots in the street, after all. Before you is the way out, into the world that you've changed so fundementally. I believe it will be a better one... But we'll have to see. Farewell."
And she vanishes into a fine pink mist.

I'm sorry, Sage. But I'll keep doing my best -- the way our dreams were. I hope that'll be enough.

I turn to everyone. Azula takes my hand.

"Thank you, all of you... I can't wait to see what happens next, with all of you."

A whole new world of dreams and adventures with moemon awaits.

"Let's go!"

~ FIN. ~

Over the next few days, I intend to put up some Fire Emblem-style character epilogues, so stick around... But for now, I'll just say farewell to Seed and to this lovely hack. Thank you, Fizzmaister. And thank all you readers.

I hope you all had as much fun reading this as I had writing it; you made this a real pleasure, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

[Feriority]

I've been lurking except for saying something when I first started reading, but since we're here at the end...

That was an amazing ending! I'm looking forward to the epilogues, and even more to whatever you're going to do after this. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[Mystic Muse]

I don't know about everybody else, but I enjoyed it. All of it.

[Dusk Eclipse]

Beautiful...just beautiful, it really is a fitting end for such a good read. I am really happy and thankful that you decided to share this with us Deme.

[fizzmaister]

Th... That was beautiful. Bravo. Only a few things could make me happier than to see my work being used as a part of something so wonderful.

[Fredaintdead]

That was an amazing ending! I'm looking forward to the epilogues, and even more to whatever you're going to do after this. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

I don't know about everybody else, but I enjoyed it. All of it.

Beautiful...just beautiful, it really is a fitting end for such a good read. I am really happy and thankful that you decided to share this with us Deme.

Th... That was beautiful. Bravo.

I could not agree more.
It was brilliant.

[Forum Explorer]

an amazing end. Great work!

[Pie Guy]

This was the most satisfying end to anything I've read in a long time. Thank you.

[Lemonus]

That was amazing. Thank you so much for making this.

[Qwertystop]

I have nothing to say. This is that incredible.

[Math_Mage]

Wonderful.

[Penguinator]

Likely the best LP I've read. Don't tell anyone I said that.

[Hawkflight]

Wunderbar! Insert generic compliment here!

I'm curious though, what ever happened to Suicune?

[Deme]

Wow.... I was not expecting... Thank you all very much for all of your kind words and at least one persons's kind white-text non-words. I'm glad I could make you all happy.

I'm curious though, what ever happened to Suicune?

Within the story, she joined up with Seed and directed her to the final battle. As for what happened next, well...That's what character epilogues are for. And since you asked nicely and Suicune was the first one I was going to do anyway since I'm doing them in reverse order of their listing on the cast list, here it is.

Epilogue (Suicune)

Spoiler

Show

Suicune
She travelled with Seed for a while, earning her friendship and trust -- even eventually asking Seed to just call her Saber, since they were friends. But the wanderlust of the legendary swordswoman caught up with her. Now, she again wanders the Earth alone, racing the wind. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and she likes it that way.