Dimensions of Darkness Book 2: The Explorers of the Core

[GalladeRocks]

Unfortunatley, it will still be a while before we return to the two escapees. Hope you all can wait for it!

Chapter 3
The Downside of Not Having Arms


High atop the Capitol building, the tyrant of the Core was surveying his territory. Rayquaza, after being freed mysteriously from his earthy prison, had easily overtaken the city of the Core, and its leaders and army were on his side, too. The townsfolk were nowhere to be seen. All had been taken by the army. All looked bleak in this darkened world.

"Sir, there are intruders in the tunnels."

"..."

"No, we don't know where they came from."

"..."

"Well, that's true."

"Yes. Our only possible explanation is that they did indeed come from the surface world."

"..."

"Yes sir."

"Of course, sir. We'll send out an ambush party immediately."

"..."

Rampardos and Bastiodon turned away from Rayquaza and marched back inside the Capitol building. Their soldiers, all Cranidos and Shieldon, were filling the enormous stone tower, doing every job imaginable. Like slaves, they did all the dirty work that their leaders would have had to do otherwise.

"Listen up, boys!"

The group of soldiers in front of Rampardos looked up at the sound of his voice. The Cranidos all saluted, but the Shieldon were only able to gaze respectfully. (Yet another one of the downsides of not having arms.)

Bastiodon stepped up beside his partner. "We've got some intruders, boys!"

"And you know what we do with intruders, right?"

None of the soldiers answered. They all looked at the ground, avoiding the gazes of their bosses.

Bastiodon sighed. "What is it?"

"Er, well, sir," one particularly brave Cranidos stuttered. He shuffled his feet nervously. "Sir, we've never had an intruder."

An adjacent Shieldon nodded. "Yeah, we've never had an intruder. How are we supposed to know what to do?"

Rampardos growled, causing all of the soldierse to flinch back. "Just go get them! Annihilate them!"

"Sir yes sir!" The fossil Pokemon all turned and rushed off into the next room over.

"The exit's the other way!" Bastiodon screamed in frustration.

The soldiers all reappeared, sprinting back across the room and down the stone stairs.

"We are surrounded by idiots," Rampardos sighed.

Slowly, cautiously, a Cranidos poked its head back into the room. "Now what?" Bastiodon snarled.

"Er, you didn't tell us where the intruders are, sir."

"Just storm the tunnels! Anything you find, destroy! It's that simple!" Rampardos's voice shook the room.

"Of course sir! Sorry sir! On our way sir!" the Cranidos squeaked pitifully before stumbling back down the stairs.

After it was gone, the two lieutenants turned to each other. "It's so hard to find good help these days," Rampardos complained.

"Tell me about it!"

"We should have just done this personally. Then we know we'd get the job done."

"Well, we don't need to go and get our hands dirty. We can just coach from the sidelines."

"You don't even have hands."

"It's a figure of speech!"

"Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrr!!!"

Rampardos and Bastiodon froze at the sound of the roar. The entire Capitol building rumbled, sending small chunks of stone falling from the ceiling. "Sorry, Master Rayquaza, so sorry!" Rampardos apologized profusely. He was five floors below the serpentine tyrant, but he knew that the Pokemon could hear everything in the building. He was sure it could probably see everything in the building too.

"Yes, Master Rayquaza, so sorry!" Bastiodon howled. "We'll be quiet, we promise!"

Finally, the earth-shaking bellow subsided. All was calm, but the echoes of the sound could still be heard bouncing around the chamber housing the city. The Core was alive with the scream of the tyrant.


Piplup shuddered as the last, quiet echoes of the roar of some monstrous beast bounced down the tunnel. "Wh-what was that?"

"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough," Grovyle muttered. "The Wheel of Time lies deep within the Core. I doubt we're even halfway there."

"Yes, I'm sure of it," Dusknoir nodded grimly. "We'll have plenty of challenges along the way."

Chimchar shivered. "What kind of challenges?"

Dusknoir shrugged. "Who knows? It may be swarms of Ariados, or killer Beedril. Maybe bottomless pits or rivers of lava. We might even have to face monsters along the way."

"M-M-M-Monsters?"

"Yes Chimchar, monsters. You remember what the legends say. Almost all sources of information report that the Core is guarded by a tremendous monster." Grovyle frowned. It's a wonder we haven't encountered it yet."

Dusknoir straightened. "Speaking of such, we should probably make sure that we're not walking right to the monster. I'll scout ahead to make sure we're not walking to our deaths."

"I'll go with you." Grovyle stepped up beside Dusknoir. "We have no idea what lies ahead. If you get attacked, we don't want you to be on your own."

"Pah!" Dusknoir waved Grovyle off. "I can handle myself perfectly well, you know that!"

Grovyle shook his head. "We have no idea what all we might find down here. We could be overpowered easiliy."

Dusknoir sighed. "If you insist on accompanying me, I guess I can't stop you. But Piplup, Chimchar, you two have to stay here."

"What?" Piplup growled. "But what if you guys get in trouble?"

"The only reason we're going ahead is to scout to make sure it's safe for all of us to go," Grovyle explained. "If we all go, that completely eliminates the purpose."

Chimchar shrugged. "He's got a point."

"Fine," Piplup agreed. "But if you guys don't come back within a half hour, we're coming after you."

"Sounds fair," Dusknoir nodded. "And if we find anything bad, we run as fast as we can back here so that we can all fight it."

Grovyle grabbed Dusknoir by the shoulder and dragged him further down the tunnel. "Come on, we should make this quick."

Even after the two were gone, Piplup and Chimchar remained silent. There just didn't seem to be much to talk about.

"So, uh." Chimchar tried to think of something to say. "Wonderful weather we're having."

"What weather?"

"Oh, right."

"I still don't trust Dusknoir."

"That was random."

"No, I'm serious. The way he was trying to go off on his own at first was weird. It was like he had somewhere to be. Maybe he's trying to set a trap."

"Piplup, what possible reason would he have for that?"

"Revenge. Duh!"

"Well, Grovyle obviously trusts him."

"We trusted Dusknoir before, too."

"But then he tried to kill us."

"Well, Grovyle wouldn't trust him without reason."

"But maybe it's a false reason."

"You're getting paranoid."

"Besides, if Dusknoir was still an evil Pokemon, why would he have been brought back to life in the new future?"

"Maybe all of the Pokemon were brought back to life and Grovyle and Celebi just hadn't met any others yet."

"Grovyle said that Dusknoir saved him and Celebi and fought alongside them."

"He could have had his own reasons."

"Grovyle said that Dialga had said that they were all reborn in the new future because of 'a being on a higher tier even than himself.' Wouldn't this higher being have known if Dusknoir was an evil Pokemon? Wouldn't it have just left him in the Dark Future to be erased from existance?"

"..."

"Got ya there, didn't I?"

"...Wait, do you feel that?"

Chimchar frowned and focused hard. "No. What am I supposed to feel?"

Piplup layed flat on the ground, his head pressed to the earth. "There! I can feel vibrations in the ground!"

"Vibrations?" Chimchar did the same as Piplup, pressing his ear to the ground. "Oh! I can feel them! What do they mean?"

"I think it means..." Piplup trailed off.

Chimchar was leaping up and down in the air now. "Tell me, tell me!"

"I think it means that something's coming."

At that moment, the ground underneath Piplup's feet exploded.



Hope you all like it!

[sweet_piplup123]

Piplup shrugged. "If there is, he's going to be recieving a gift basket. Maybe with some little shampoos, and maybe some fruit, or fresh bread. And don't forget the thank you card."

...I couldn't stop LOLing at this quote.

As for chapter 3, just one thing to say: if Dusknoir turns back to evil, then I swear I won't leave him alone >.> *has lazer gun ready*

[Mi10ticFan]

I have my eyes on you two, Piplup and Chimchar =]

If it exploded, which means something bad is happening under Piplup's feet... well since it obviously could be Grovyle and Dusknoir battling the army, or the 2 mysterious figures =]

[Torpoleon]

Great chapter! Imagine if Dusknoir really is bad! I guess we will just have to wait for more. I think the Cranidos and Shieldon found Piplup and Cimchar.

[GalladeRocks]

Will Dusknoir turn back to evil? What is now happening beneath Piplup and Chimchar's very feet? Just who are the two escapees from the city, and what role in the story will they play? All shall soon be revealed!


Chapter 4
No. 88 and 89


"Aaaack!!!"

Piplup stumbled heavily onto his back as the ground underneath him erupted. Immediately, two figures leapt out of the hole to stand triumphantly over him.

"W-who are you?" Chimchar pointed at them shakily. "W-what's happening?"

"We did it, No.88!"

"The intruders are in our grasp, No.89!"

Piplup tried to rise, but the two legged figure referred to as No.89 shoved him back down. "W-why are you attacking us?"

"Ha ha! You question why we attack you?" This time, it was No.88. He was four-legged and his head was broad and gleaming.

Now, the dome-headed No.89 cut in. "Our question is why you're attacking us! So, why are you?"

Chimchar frowned. "But we aren't attacking you! We're just passing by, that's all!"

"What other reason would you have to be here?" No.89 challenged.

"Yeah!" No.88 agreed. "Nobody could possibly have business in the Core unless they were planning a massive attack!"

No.89 frowned. "But, isn't that what we-"

"Shut up!"

"Oh, sorry."

The Cranidos and Shieldon pair turned back to their victim just in time to see Piplup's Hydro Pump hitting them in the face. The two were thrown back hard, sending them splashing across the floor.

"Chimchar, go!" Piplup screamed.

Chimchar bounded forward, pouncing on No.88 and No.89 with Focus Punch. He slammed his fists square into both of their jaws, smashing them hard into the ground. "Got 'em!"

"Oh, so you think!" No.89 smiled. His head glowed blue and he rammed Chimchar suddenly with Zen Headbutt. As the two stumbled back, No.88 charged into Piplup with Iron Head.

"I've got him, No.89!" No.88 hollered. It was then that Piplup's Brick Break chopped him squarely on the head.

Piplup whooped. "Ah, but it is I who has you!"

"Yeeooow!"

No.89 shot straight up in the air, tail flaming from Chimchar's Flamethrower. As he crashed to the ground, No.88 landed beside him, propelled forward by another of Piplup's Hydro Pumps.

Piplup winked at Chimchar. "Let's rope 'em up!"

"But we don't have any rope."

"I was kidding."

"Sure you were."

"I was!"

"Keep telling yourself that."

"We could pull out the old Delta T9 plan!"

"Ah, yes, the old Whirlpool-Fire Spin-Blizzard trapper!"

"We haven't pulled that out for a while."

"You've got to love the classics."

"Nothin' more classic than the classics."

The discussion was cut short as Piplup and Chimchar were blasted onto their backs by the combined force of No.88's Stone Edge and No.89's Shock Wave. The Shieldon and Cranidos stood triumphantly over the "intruders". "Ha ha!" No.89 laughed. "We've got our intruders at last!"

And then, the pair was launched down the tunnel, disappearing quickly in a matter of seconds. Grovyle and Dusknoir stood in their place, grinning amusedly.

"You're welcome." The mouth on Dusknoir's stomach twitched into a smile.

"Guys!" Chimchar beamed. "You're alright!"

Dusknoir scoffed. "Of course we're alright! Did you expect we wouldn't be?"

"And it looks like we arrived in the nick of time." Grovyle turned anxiously to look behind him.

"Yeah, those guys were weird," Chimchar commented.

Piplup nodded. "Yeah. They said that we were attacking them, but they attacked first."

"But anyways," Chimchar asked. "You guys didn't have any problems then, did you?"

Grovyle shrugged. "Depends what you consider problems."

"What do you consider problems?" Piplup had a bad feeling.

"Would you say that the attack from that odd pair a minute ago was a problem?"

"I guess so."

"Well, those two were just scouts."

"Scouts?" Piplup's bad feeling was getting worse.

"Yes, scouts. If you considered those two a problem, get ready for a catastrophe."

At that moment, the tunnel began to quake and an enormous rumbling echoed throughout the cave. The rumbling of dozens upon dozens of charging feet. Slowly, the four Pokemon turned around. Bearing down on them was the entire army of Cranidos and Shieldon. They covered the ground like a moving carpet.

"Oh, yeah," Piplup sighed. "This a catastrophe."



Hope you all like it!

[Purplepassion]

The whole chapter was amusing, especially the part when Piplup and Chimchar were conversing with each other. Still, they were saved, that's a relief. I noticed that they always seem to have a random conversation in most of the chapters. But why are Rampardos and Bastiodon referred to as #88 and #89? Are those their scout numbers?

[Torpoleon]

I liked this chapter. Can't wait for more!

[GalladeRocks]

No.88 and No.89 are the Shieldon and Cranidos's numbers in the army. Every member of the army has a different number. As for why I chose No.88 and No.89...I'll just have to see if any one can figure out that reference. A hint: It's from a show on Disney Channel.


Chapter 5
Delta T9

"Incoming!"

The swarm of Cranidos and Shieldon struck like a tidal wave. Dozens upon dozens upon dozens completely overtook the quartet of heroes in a matter of seconds. Piplup saw Chimchar completely disappear beneath the ocean of soldiers.

"Help!"

"Chimchar!"

Piplup was to him in a second, blasting Cranidos and Shieldon in every direction with Hydro Pump. The partners stood back to back, pushing back wave after wave of enemies with Hydro Pump and Flamethrower. The action was intense. The ceiling, walls, and floor were completely obscured by pulsing wall of soldiers.

Grovyle spun in a circle, slashing away the enemies surrounding him with Leaf Blade. Even then, though, the soldiers in the back continued to make their way to him. The leaf on his head glowed green as he fired a barrage of Energy Balls headlong into the Cranidos wall approaching him, forcing them all to the ground hard. They were immediately trampled by their own allies behind them. "Dusknoir! How are you faring?"

"Nngh!"

"What?"

"Nngh!"

"I can't understand you!"

There was a sudden scream and a Shieldon soared through the air, smashing hard into the ceiling.

"I was trying to say that I was choking on a Shieldon!"

"Oh, sorry."

Dusknoir whirled around as he felt a sharp pain in his back. A Cranidos was standing behind him, Iron Tail jabbing him hard between the shoulders. He gave it a swift Shadow Punch in the chin to send it flying back into the ranks following behind it. His fist then ignited with fire as he smashed forward into a gang of Shieldon with Fire Punch. "Sorry isn't going to cut it if I choke on an enemy! Not since the Kirby incident has there been an end that gruesome!"

"Ah yes, poor Kirby," Grovyle mused as he blasted away a Cranidos with Bullet Seed. "He never would have guessed that that Waddle Dee was a made of lead."

Piplup and Chimchar turned to where they thought their friends' voices were coming from. "What in the heck are you talking about?" Piplup cried.

"Err, you wouldn't understand," Grovyle explained.

"Yes," Dusknoir agreed. "You haven't seen as much of the world as we have."

Grovyle cut back in. "And trust me, there are some things that you'll never want to see."

"And people that you'll never want to see either," Dusknoir added.

"Alright," Chimchar shrugged. "If you say so. Watch out!"

There, in the thick of the action, Piplup and Chimchar once again found themselves face to face with their newest enemies. How they knew it was them, they didn't know, but they still knew just the same. "You guys!" Piplup growled.

"Ha ha! We'll get 'em this time, right No.89?"

"You said it, No.88!"

The Cranidos and Shieldon pair pounced. Iron Head and Zen Headbutt struck home as they crashed into Piplup and Chimchar, sending them all rolling through the crowd.

At the same time, Grovyle and Dusknoir managed to make their way to each other. "Tell me you have a plan," Grovyle hoped.

"I have a plan."

"So what is it?"

"Hey, I was just doing what you said."

"So you don't have a plan?"

"That's a no."

"Ok, I guess I'll have to do it."

"Wait!"

"You've got a plan now?"

"No! This Cranidos just bit my hand!"

The Cranidos glared up defiantly. "I've got a name, you know!"

"Well ain't that just the Meowth's meow."

"That's it, I-"

The Cranidos was unable to finish his sentence before the blue orb of Dusknoir's Focus Blast launched him away through the crowd.

Grovyle frowned as he slashed away a Shieldon with Leaf Blade. "What was all that about?"

"Poor, dumb Cranidos. He actually thinks he's important."

"I'm sure he's important in somebody's life."

"Doubt it."

"He's important in his own life."

"What life?"

"Wait! I've got it!"

Grovyle abruptly disappeared beneath the earth.

Meanwhile, Piplup and Chimchar were managing to stand against their enemies. No.88 and No.89 were bombarding them endlessly with Flash Cannon and Dragon Pulse, respectively. The shining silver beams and glowing green orbs sent chunks of rock flying in every direction, leaving no room for retaliation from their opponents.

"Ha ha ha ha!" No.88 laughed. "We're actually doing something important! And Mother told me I'd never amount to anything!"

"Yes!" No.89 added. "I just can't wait to see what kind of reward we get from Rampardos and Bastiodon! Ha ha ha ha h-gleck! Bleach!"

No.88 turned quickly to look at his Cranidos partner. "What is it? What have they done to you?"

"They didn't do anything. I choked on my own spit!"

"The horror!"

"Pardon us."

The two turned just as Chimchar's Fire Spin struck. They were sucked up into the firey tornado, screaming the whole way. But that wasn't the end of it.

"We're bringing back the classics!" Piplup whooped. His Whirpool crashed into the Fire Spin, and the two cancelled each other out, creating a large cloud of steam. "And the clincher!" Piplup's Blizzard roared through the tunnel, freezing the steam solid, with No.88 and No.89 stuck inside.

"Noooo!" No.88 wailed.

"What?" No.89 asked. Both their voices were muffled by the layering ice around them.

"I said, noooo!"

"Woah, to you too! That was woah! I didn't know we could take such a beating!"

"No, I said nooo!"

"Yes, that was snow! It was a Blizzard that froze us!"

"No no no! I said no!"

"Yo yo yo, my home dawg! No.88 and No.89 in da house, yo!"

"You're hopeless!"

"Yes, I very much would like a salad!"

"What are you even talking about?"

"I don't know!"

"Like I said, you're hopeless!"

"Hey! Maybe some friendly moss god will save us from our icy prison!"

"Yeah, sure, like a moss god would ever save anyone."

Piplup and Chimchar turned to each other and grinned. "The good old Delta T9!"

"You've gotta love the classics!"

Immediately, Dusknoir appeared, scooping up the two and charged as fast as he could. "Dusknoir?" Chimchar inquired. "What are you doing?"

"We've got to get out of here!" Dusknoir assured. "Grovyle's gonna bring the house down!"

"What's he going to do?" Piplup questioned.

"Like I said! He's gonna bring the house down!"

Dusknoir finally managed to break through the last of the Cranidos and Shieldon and continued charging down the tunnel further, Piplup and Chimchar both clutched tightly in his arms.

And then, Grovyle brought the house down. He burst out of the wall with his Dig, bringing it crashing to the ground as he went. Immediately, the portion of the ceiling directly overhead came crashing down upon the party of Cranidos and Shieldon. And Grovyle.

"Grovyle!" Piplup and Chimchar gasped simultaneously. He had sacrificed himself again.

Then, the ground ahead of the rubble heap began to heave. Coughing, a bruised, dust covered Grovyle resurfaced from the earth. "Piplup, Chimchar," he sputtered. "C-come closer."

The two leapt out of Dusknoir's arms and rushed to Grovyle's side. "Y-yes Grovyle?" Piplup stuttered.

"I-if I ever decide to do that again...If I ever bring a rock ceiling down on top of myself again..."

"Yes, go on!"

"M-make sure that I use Dig before the rocks hit, not after."



Hope you all like it!

[Purplepassion]

"Ah yes, poor Kirby," Grovyle mused as he blasted away a Cranidos with Bullet Seed. "He never would have guessed that that Waddle Dee was a lead sculpture."

Yay! Kirby reference!

"I said, noooo!"

"Woah, to you too! That was woah! I didn't know we could take such a beating!"

"No, I said nooo!"

"Yes, that was snow! It was a Blizzard that froze us!"

"No no no! I said no!"

"Yo yo yo, my home dawg! #88 and #89 in da house, yo!"

"You're hopeless!"

"Yes, I very much would like a salad!"

"What are you even talking about?"

"I don't know!"

"Like I said, you're hopeless!"

"Hey! Maybe some friendly moss god will save us from our icy prison!"

I read this and LOL'd. Especially the part when:

'Yo yo yo, my home dawg! #88 and #89 in da house, yo!"

That, for me, was the best part in the whole chapter. ^_^

[sweet_piplup123]

Lol, Dusknoir and Kirby reference XD

"I-if I ever decide to do that again...If I ever bring a rock ceiling down on top of myself again..."

"Yes, go on!"

"M-make sure that I use Dig before the rocks hit, not after."

Haha, a very good point, Grovyle ^^

Just one thing, it would be better if you type out numbers that are below one hundred in words, or just type No. 89 instead of this symbol ----> (#)

Just a little advice I've learnt from other writings while writing fanfic ^^

[Torpoleon]

Great chapter! Very funny! Can't wait for more.

[GalladeRocks]

Just one thing, it would be better if you type out numbers that are below one hundred in words, or just type No. 89 instead of this symbol ----> (#)

Just a little advice I've learnt from other writings while writing fanfic ^^

Ok, I went back and edited, so now #88 and #89 are now No.88 and No.89. Thanks for the tip.


Chapter 6
Piplup's Suspicions


Crash!

As the rocks fell, shards of ice flew in every direction.

"W-we're free!"

"Yes! We're free!"

Apparently, plan Delta T9 can't last during a rockfall.

"Let's go, let's go!"

"I can't!"

"Why?"

"My head's stuck in the ground!"

"Your head's stuck in the ground? How's your head stuck in the ground?"

"If I knew that, my head wouldn't be stuck in the ground!"

Sighing with frustration, No.88 tackled his partner hard, sending the Cranidos spiraling out of the hole in the ground where his head was stuck. No.89 jumped right back to his feet.

"Wait, we're stuck! The rocks are blocking our way back to the city!"

"You do remember that we can Dig, don't you?"

"Oh yeah!"

With that, the pair burrowed back beneath the earth. They had plenty of news for Rampardos and Bastiodon.


The quartet continued on down the tunnel, leaving the rockfall far behind them. The pleas for freedom of the buried Cranidos and Shieldon went unanswered.

"What was up with all those guys?"

"Yeah, why would they just attack us like that?"

Grovyle looked back over his shoulder to see Piplup and Chimchar. "Maybe the Core is a more dangerous place than we'd imagined."

"Filled with primitive Pokemon who kill to live and live to kill!"

"Dusknoir!"

"Sorry."

Grovyle turned back to Piplup and Chimchar. "The Cranidos and Shieldon were probably just protecting their home."

"That's true," Piplup agreed. "It's not like they have visitors often."

"And it explains why No.88 and No.89 said that we attacked them first," Chimchar added. "They were mad at us for intruding in their home."

Grovyle frowned. "That may be true, but..."

"But what?"

"Well, when Dusknoir and I ran into those Pokemon..." He trailed off.

Chimchar was jumping up and down with anticipation. "Tell us, tell us!"

Dusknoir turned to Grovyle. "Yes, Grovyle, tell them. Don't keep the surprise from them."

Grovyle looked up at Dusknoir. "You don't even know what I was thinking, do you?"

"What? How could you say that? Of course I know, I was there! I just want you to tell these two!"

"Why don't you tell them, then?"

"Well, I don't believe it's my place to say..."

"Fine. I'll tell them."

Chimchar's eyes were firey with impatience. "C'mon! Just tell us!"

"Oh yes," Grovyle continued. "Well, when I first saw the Cranidos and Shieldon, it looked as if... It looked as if they were searching for something."

Piplup frowned. "Searching? For what?"

"I think they were searching... For us."

Piplup and Chimchar drew back. Even Dusknoir let out an involuntary gasp. Grovyle turned on him.

"I thought you knew what I was thinking?"

"I did. I just didn't want Piplup and Chimchar to feel alone."

"Whatever."

"Th-they were searching for us?" Chimchar stuttered. "How? Why?"

Grovyle shrugged. "I have no idea why. I don't even know for sure if they were looking for us, but that's how it appeared to me."

"But if they were looking specifically for us..." Piplup's thoughts led to a horrible realization.

"Yes, Piplup." Grovyle finished his sentence for him. "That means that they somehow knew we were coming. They knew when we arrived."

Chimchar shook his head in confusion. "But, that's impossible! They would have had to have been watching us."

"Or they had someone watching us," Grovyle cut in. "Perhaps they have some Ghost Pokemon allied with them."

Something unpleasant clicked in Piplup's head. 'Ghost Pokemon,' he repeated to himself.

Chimchar snapped his fingers. "Of course! If there were any Ghost Pokemon, they could have been hiding in the walls!"

"Yes," Grovyle nodded. "And then they could have sent a telepathic message back to the Cranidos and Shieldon to warn us of our arrival!"

"Hey!" Dusknoir crossed his arms. "I happen to know Ghost Pokemon well, considering that I am one, and I happen to know that no Ghost Pokemon...Er, most Ghost Pokemon would not do such a terrible thing. Er, maybe some Ghost Pokemon. Yes, for sure, there are some Ghost types who would never do such a thing!"

Piplup scowled at Dusknoir. 'Being that you are a Ghost type, it's rather convenient that these guys just found us, apparently due to the work of a Ghost Pokemon.'

But another voice in the back of Piplup's head argued with him. 'But Dusknoir saved Chimchar and I from the rockfall. Surely if he wanted us gone he wouldn't have gone through the trouble of saving us then.'

'Maybe he needs to take us to his dark masters here in the Core! They may need us alive!'

'Dusknoir had no master but Primal Dialga, and that time is long gone.'

'We don't know that he never got a new master. For all we know, he could be working for Darkrai!'

Piplup snapped back to attention as he realized that the others were heading back on their way down the tunnel. He hurried to catch up with them, but then realized that Dusknoir was moving rather slowly. Perhaps to keep his eye on Chimchar and Grovyle? The two were chatting conversationally further ahead. Maybe Dusknoir was even preparing to make a move against them.

Piplup fell into step beside Dusknoir. He looked up at the larger Pokemon looming above him. He was getting ready to tell him something. Maybe that he had his eye on him, or something like that, but Piplup never got his chance.

There was a sudden scream and then, Chimchar and Grovyle were not alone. Something loomed up above them, rocky body trembling with energy. What was apparently the golem's face was spotted with seven eyes, arranged in the shape of an H. Each of the eyes glowed bright orange, and a deep, mechanical grunt emanated from the creature. It glared down at Chimchar and Grovyle, still just in front of it. And then, it attacked.



Hope you all like it!

[Purplepassion]

Oooh, they encountered Regirock. This chapter had a serious feeling to it from the start.

[Torpoleon]

Awesome chapter! Looks like Chimchar and Grovyle encountered Regirock. They can handle it, especially when you add Piplup and Dusknoir. Can't wait for more!

[GalladeRocks]

Chapter 7
A Big Problem


"Aaargh!!!"

Chimchar and Grovyle had no time to move before they were slammed against the wall by an enormous, stony arm. The Pokemon standing above them seemed to be completely formed from rocks and boulders. Some of its body was made from a pale tan mineral, but its shoulders, as well as a few other patches, were made out of hard red rock.

Chimchar and Grovyle slumped stunned against the tunnel wall. Piplup and Dusknoir simultaneously leapt at this new opponent, firing Hydro Pump and Focus Blast, respectively. The attacks crashed into the Pokemon, sending pieces of stone flying in every direction. When the dust settled, there were a few small chips in the creature's chest. It took a few slow steps forward.

"I know this Pokemon!" Piplup exclaimed.

"What?" Dusknoir gasped. "You know this Pokemon? How?"

Piplup kept his eye on the approaching enemy as he spoke. "It's a Regirock. Chimchar and I fought one while we were exploring Aegis Cave with Team Charms."

"This is a Regirock?" Dusknoir seemed startled. "But Regirock is a legendary Pokemon!"

Piplup shrugged. "Like I said, Chimchar and I beat one before, so I'm sure that the four of us can take it out."

"In case you haven't noticed, there's only two of us."

Dusknoir finally remembered the unconscious Chimchar and Grovyle. "Oh yeah, I forgot about that."

"Guess we're on our own."

"Apparently."

"Rock!"

The two whirled back to face Regirock too late. It had launched a Zap Cannon straight for them. The shot of electrical energy smashed into Piplup hard, sending him surging backward. "Yeeow!"

Dusknoir fired another Focus Blast, which once again hit its target. Regirock reeled back from the impact, almost falling onto its back. "Have at you, then!" Dusknoir whooped, following up with Shadow Punch. His fist glowing purple, he charged at the stunned Regirock. However, as he reached it, he realized that it was not stunned at all, but merely waiting. He tried to pull back, but he was too late. Two blue rings encircled Regirock, then solidified into sharp-pointed stones. It released the Stone Edge, catching Dusknoir full on, sending him crashing to the ground. "No!"

Piplup and Dusknoir were both down now, stunned into unconsciousness. Regirock seemed indifferent to their fate and turned around, heading back the direction it had come. It was stopped, however, by an Energy Ball to the face.

"Bullseye!"

"I got him, alright!"

Chimchar and Grovyle had recovered at last and stood between Regirock and its decided path. The legendary Pokemon fired a firey orange Hyper Beam, but its targets were too quick. They leapt quickly aside and rushed straight up to it. Chimchar unleashed his Focus Punch, immediately followed up by Grovyle's Leaf Blade. The two backflipped off of Regirock's chest and landed on their feet back in front of it, grinning triumphantly.

Regirock's chest was now riddled with chips and gouges, its hard stone features scratched and scraped. Its eyes glowed brilliant orange now, and its emotionless face was suddenly much more ominous. It lifted its arms in the air and brought them down in Hammer Arm, striking a glancing blow to Chimchar and sending him spinning onto his stomach. "Ack!" he winced. The blue rings of Stone Edge formed again around Regirock.

"I've got you, Chimchar!"

Just as the Stone Edge fired at Chimchar, Grovyle's Bullet Seed struck the stones, shattering them all to chalky dust. With the opening created by the blocked attack, Chimchar somersaulted underneath Regirock and launched up into its back, surrounded by Flame Wheel.

"Rock!" Regirock stumbled forward, tripping right into Grovyle's waiting Leaf Blade.

"Woohoo!" Chimchar hollered. "That's what he gets for messing with us!"

Regirock turned on Chimchar. "Leave this place." His voice, obviously male, was robotic and emotionless.

"Huh?" Chimchar frowned. "We just want to save you Pokemon of the Core! That's the only reason we're here!"

"Leave this place." Regirock immediately fired another Hyper Beam.

"Out of the way!"

Chimchar suddenly found himself on the ground. Piplup was lying beside him, having tackled him out of the path of the Hyper Beam. "Piplup! You're ok!"

"You know it takes more than that to get rid of me! Besides, I wasn't even unconscious. I was only paralyzed."

"Leave this place."

Regirock was looming over them again. A Zap Cannon was forming in front of its glowing eyes. Piplup and Chimchar jumped up, preparing to attack, but Grovyle leapt in front of them. "Grovyle?" Piplup gasped.

"What are you doing?" Chimchar questioned.

Grovyle grinned. "Just putting an old plan to good use."

Regirock launched the Zap Cannon. Just as it reached Grovyle, he crossed twin Leaf Blades in front of his face, catching the Zap Cannon between them. "Wow!" Piplup's eyes grew wide.

"Awesome!" Chimchar added.

"Humph. I remember that old trick well."

Piplup and Chimchar whirled around to see Dusknoir floating behind them. "Dusknoir! You're awake!" Chimchar turned back to Grovyle. "But how do you know that move?"

"Just wait a moment. It's not over yet."

No sooner had Dusknoir said the words, Grovyle had squeezed the Leaf Blades closer together, firing the Zap Cannon straight back at its user. The attack hit Regirock directly in the middle of its chest, sending crackling arms of electricity all the way through its body, paralyzing it where it stood.

"It's even awesomer then it was before!" Chimchar squealed excitedly.

Piplup frowned. "I don't think awesomer is a word."

"Well, we can make it one!"

"Oh pah-leeze!"

"What?"

"You don't have the authority to make words! You have to be more authoritical to make words."

"I don't think authoritical is a word either."

"Well, I am authoritical enough to make authoritical a word."

"Whatever!"

"L-l-lea-" Regirock's mechanical voice stuttered uncontrollably. "L-l-leave th-th-this p-pl-pl-place."

Grovyle sighed. "I must say, sir, that I have had quite enough of this!" With that, he slashed his twin Leaf Blades across Regirock's face. The legendary Pokemon dropped like, well, a rock.

Dusknoir floated over to examine the fallen Pokemon. "Very interesting. Yet another Pokemon attacking us out of the blue."

"And a legendary Pokemon at that," Chimchar added.

"As I said," Grovyle nodded. "Perhaps the Core is a more perilous place than we could have imagined."

The small group stepped over Regirock and continued on down the tunnel. However, once they were gone, the legendary Pokemon's seven eyes blinked back to life, glowing the same firey orange as before. As it turned to trail its targets down the tunnel, its thoughts reached out to another nearby being.

'Rock...'

Further down the tunnel, not far ahead of the travelling quartet, another set of seven eyes blinked to life. These eyes were arranged in the shape of a cross on their owner's carved, gleaming face. And then, the new being sent back its response to Regirock.

'Ice...'


"Rampardos, Bastiodon!"

"We've got news!"

"And a problem!"

"A big problem!"

Sighing, the former leaders of the Core turned away from the window they were staring out on the top floor of the Capitol building. Two of their soldiers, one each of Cranidos and Shieldon, had arrived in the room after sprinting up the many flights of stairs. Gasping for breath, the two looked about ready to pass out.

"What urgent business brings you two clear up here?" Rampardos snarled.

"It had better be good!" Bastiodon agreed. "You two know that you're normally not allowed on his floor!"

The Shieldon shook his head hurriedly. "No no, this is extremely important news." No.88 turned to No.89 for assistance, but found none.

Rampardos's eyes glowed even more crimson than usual. "Out with it, then!"

"You see," No.88 explained. "The intruders in the tunnels, they..."

"What did they do?" Bastiodon bellowed. "Just say it!"

"The intruders brought down part of the tunnel ceiling. All of the rest of the members of our attacking party were trapped underneath the rubble."

"The entire party was taken out in one move?" Bastiodon was taken aback.

"Yes, that is correct."

"What number are you two again?"

"I'm No.88, and he's No.89."

Rampardos nodded. "Yes, of course. No.88, No.89, I am entrusting you two to personally track these intruders. When you manage to track them down, immediately send word for us and we'll send in the Army."

No.88 gasped and drew back. "You're going to send in the entire Army after them?"

"What other choice do we have? It is the only way we can assure they do not escape."

"Y-yes, sirs." No.88 bowed his head. He kicked No.89 in the shin, signaling him to do the same. "We'll leave immediately, sirs."

He and his partner turned and quickly fled back down the enormous staircase. "Wow, No.88!" No.89 could barely contain his excitement. "We've got our first major job!"

"Yes, No.89, this is a grand day for us indeed! Just imagine the glory and honor that will be ours when we return with the news! We'll be heroes!"

"But what if we don't succeed?"

"You're kidding, right? How can we not succeed?"

"You're right. After all, we're invincible!"

"I wouldn't go that far."

"True. But we're fearless!"

"And cunning!"

"And lovable!"

"And-"

Before No.89 could finish his sentence, he'd stepped on his own foot and fell face first on top of No.88. The two continued to bounce and roll down the stairs. After a few long, painful minutes, the two hit the hard stone floor at the bottom. There was a resounding ring as No.88's metal head struck the floor and began to vibrate wildly.

"Ok, that's why coordinated wasn't on our list."



Hope you all like it!

[Mi10ticFan]

"But what if we don't succeed?"

"You're kidding, right? How can we not succeed?"

"You're right. After all, we're invincible!"

"I wouldn't go that far."

"True. But we're fearless!"

"And cunning!"

"And lovable!"

"And-"

Before No.89 could finish his sentence, he'd stepped on his own foot and fell face first on top of No.88. The two continued to bounce and roll down the stairs. After a few long, painful minutes, the two hit the hard stone floor at the bottom. There was a resounding ring as No.88's metal head struck the floor and began to vibrate wildly.

"Ok, that's why coordinated wasn't on our list."

LOL at this quote xD

I would've posted sooner but no =[
At least the story is going fine =]
Ooh, they're going to meet Regice huh?

[Purplepassion]

"I don't think awesomer is a word."

"Well, we can make it one!"

"Oh pah-leeze!"

"What?"

"You don't have the authority to make words! You have to be more authoritical to make words."

"I don't think authoritical is a word either."

"Well, I am authoritical enough to make authoritical a word."

Oh, LOL! That was funny. I see you made another story. I'll read that too! ^_^

[Torpoleon]

I liked this chapter! Very funny! Can't wait for more!

[Rabidmunchlax]

Loving the series, guessing the regis are the gaolers?

[GalladeRocks]

Sorry that it's been a while. I've been doing some work on other fictions and just got back around to this one.


Chapter 8
Mothers, Grapes, and Pipe Bombs


Rampardos turned away from the top window of the Capitol and sighed. The echoes from No.88 and No.89's spectacular tumble down the staircase still reverberated around the room. "I'm beginning to think that sending out those two was a mistake."

Bastiodon nodded exhaustedly. "Yes, I too am thinking that."

"You have a better idea?"

"I might..."

"What are you planning?"

"Well, I've got a few friends I could call in..."

"What friends? All we've got are Master Rayquaza and the Army."

"Well, they're not really friends, more hired guns."

"What are you talking about?"

"I have allies deep within the tunnels of the Core..."

"Just spit it out!"

"Mercenaries."

"There are mercenaries? How powerful?"

"They're the best there are."

"Better than us?"

"No, no. No one is better than us, except Master Rayquaza."

"Then why don't we take on the intruders ourselves?"

"We don't need to get our hands dirty."

"Well, can these mercenaries be trusted?"

"Of course not! What part of mercenaries do you not understand? They would trade their own mothers for grapes!"

"Is that an offer? I mean, no, we would not!"

Rampardos reeled back in surprise. Bastiodon turned around expectantly. Three dark figures were hiding in the shadows, cackling to themselves. "Ah, they're here."

Rampardos glared at his partner. "You mean you already called them in? Without talking to me first?"

"Don't worry, you'll thank me in the end."

"Ahem."

The leader of the mercenary trio stepped forward slightly. His face remained hidden in shadows, but a few of his physical features were visible now. He was humanoid in form, but spikes protruded from his wrists, and he appeared to have a tail. "Well? Where's our payment?"

"Don't worry," Bastiodon smiled evilly. "Your payment will be valuable enough."

"Gold?"

"No gold."

"Jewels?"

"No jewels."

"Weapons?"

"No weapons. You're not getting any material reward."

"What!?" The trio took a step forward towards the leaders of the Core.

Raaaaaaaarrrr!!!

The three dark figures stumbled back as the entire Capitol building quaked from the earth-shattering roar. Bastiodon bellowed with laughter. "That's right, you scum! You want a reward for your work? Master Rayquaza will give you a reward! You can keep your lives!"


The quartet marched on through the tunnel. They were all worn out after the encounter with Regirock. All they could think of was rest. Unfortunatley, there was someone who didn't want them to rest...

"Come on, Grovyle, let's take a break!"

"Yeah, Chimchar's right! We're pooped! We can't walk another step!"

"Float. I float."

"Oh yeah, sorry Dusknoir. We can't walk or float another step."

Grovyle sighed and turned to the trio following him. They all sagged from exhaustion. "Oh alright! We'll take a short break."

Upon hearing these words, Piplup, Chimchar, and Dusknoir all collapsed on their faces, panting for breath. "Piplup, can I get some water?"

"Sure, whatever."

Chimchar opened his mouth wide. His entire head was engulfed by Piplup's Hydro Pump. "Aaah!"

"Woops. Sorry, Chimchar."

"That's alright! I got my drink!"

Piplup and Chimchar sat laughing hysterically everytime Piplup sprayed another Hydro Pump into Chimchar's thirsty mouth. Grovyle couldn't help but smile at their antics.

Then, the air grew cold.

Grovyle turned. He saw the glowing yellow orbs a moment too late. An icy gust swirled around him, and before he knew it, he was flash-frozen where he stood.

Dusknoir saw the attack as it hit. "Piplup, Chimchar! We've got company!"

The two looked up just as the source of the yellow orbs emerged from behind the ice-encased Grovyle. They recognized it immediately.

"Ice!"

"That's a Regice!" Piplup exclaimed.

Dusknoir turned to him in surprise. "You've seen this thing, too?"

Chimchar nodded. "Yeah. We saw Regice in the same place where we saw Regirock. They were both in a place called Aegis Cave, along with a Registeel."

The frozen hulk loomed over the group, the air around them dropping rapidly. "Leave this place..."

"Why is everyone trying to get us out of here?" Piplup frowned.

"Don't complain!" Dusknoir ordered. "Fight!"

No sooner had Dusknoir finished his sentence, Regice's roaring Blizzard had overtaken him, freezing him just as Grovyle was. "Well this is great!" Piplup remarked.

"Come on, Piplup!" Chimchar grinned. "We've taken out one of these before, and we can do it again!"

"Especially with the one who has almost defeated you before!"

The two whirled back to the frozen Dusknoir. The ice was glowing red. Suddenly, the block exploded and Dusknoir shot out, Fire Punch charged and ready. He smashed his fist into Regice's face, knocking it back into the wall.

"Leave this place..."

Regice's Zap Cannon crashed headlong into Piplup. "Not this agai-" Already, he was paralyzed.

"Looks like it's just us," Chimchar frowned. Dusknoir launched a blue sphere, a Focus Blast, right back at Regice, striking it in the chest. It stood its ground, though, and responded with a Hyper Beam. Chimchar took the attack full in the chest, sending him reeling backward.

"Leave this place..."

Chimchar struggled back to his feet. "That's it, you're going down!" He belched out the strongest Flamethrower he could muster. The fire completely swallowed up Regice, hiding it from view in a shield of orange.

"Let me have some action, too!" Dusknoir cut in. He brought his fist into the side of Regice's head, causing an explosion of blackness with his Shadow Punch.

"Ice!" Regice roared. It began launching Zap Cannons in every direction, creating a rain of electrical energy throughout the tunnel.

Piplup rose to his feet, free of the paralysis at last. "Yes! I'm free! Prepare for your just defeat, O Melty One!" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, three more Zap Cannons exploded on top of him, locking him once again in a field of electricity. "Oh darn it!"

Chimchar rolled forward, fire leaping up around him as he went. His Flame Wheel struck home in Regice's chest. The Golem of Ice was wearing down. That made him angry.

"Leave this place!"

Regice stuck its arms up into the air and blasted the ceiling with icy tendrils of frost. There was an enormous crackling sound, and Dusknoir suddenly realized what was happening. "Chimchar! It's an Avalanche!"

"What?" he gasped. Dusknoir's Protect shield flared up green around him. Chimchar made a sprint for the bubble, diving through just in time. All around him and Dusknoir, icy boulders crashed down from the ceiling. They hit the Protect shield and shattered on impact. Through the falling boulders, Chimchar saw his chance.

Dusknoir looked down at Chimchar. "I'm hoping you have a plan?"

"Not so much a plan. More an idea."

"That's encouraging."

Chimchar bounded out of the bubble just as the last of the rocks fell. Regice saw Chimchar just as he blasted it in the face with Flamethrower. It stumbled back, preparing for a counter-attack, but too late. Chimchar's Focus Punch smashed it in the exact same spot as the Flamethrower. The weakened area made a small shattering sound and a crack ran down Regice's face. Its glowing yellow eyes sparked momentarily, then faded away. As soon as the light was gone, the Golem of Ice crashed to the ground, unconscious, at least for the moment.

Chimchar punched the air triumphantly. "Boo-ya!"

"I got him! He's mine!"

Chimchar turned around just as Piplup broke free of his paralysis. "Hey! You're finally free!"

Piplup looked back and forth desperately before seeing the unconscious Regice. "Aw man! I missed it again!"

"You know," Dusknoir mused. "I feel like we're forgetting something."

Chimchar shrugged. "I can't think of anything."

Piplup nodded. "Me neither."

"Mmmph!"

"What did you say, Chimchar?"

"I didn't say anything."

"Mmmph! Mmmph!"

"There, you did it again!"

"That wasn't me!"

"Dusknoir?"

"Not me either."

"Mmmph! Mmmph! Mmmph mmmph mmmph!!!"

"Wait! I found the source of the Mysterious Mmmphing Noise!" Chimchar exclaimed. "It's a pipe bomb!"

"No, that's not it," Piplup frowned. He sprayed away the ticking bomb with a Hydro Pump. There was a sudden explosion from further down the tunnel. "Woops."

"Mmmmmmmmmmmphhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Finally, the three Pokemon turned around. Grovyle was still frozen in the block of ice behind them. Dusknoir snapped his fingers with remembrance. "I knew we were forgetting something!"



Hope you all like it!