Cloaked in Shadows, Shrouded in Mystery...

"Pleased to meet you. Do you have something you'd like to ask me?" (Indie Tobias RP blog. See Rules and other links below.)

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“Mhm,” Ash agreed. Come to think of it, his Kalos journey had involved… Surprisingly little in terms of conflict, or even sass that he’d grown so accustomed to with his other friends.

Ash followed, recalling Greninja before placing his pokeballs down with Pikachu, after Tobias had handed over his.

The Champion took the chance to find a couch to sit on, sinking into his seat without a second thought. He was exhausted from that last round, and the battle’s high had finally worn off. “I feel like a pile o’ jello,” he complained.

But, back to Tobias. “Hey, happy I could help. It’d really suck if you dropped out as a trainer. For you and your pokemon, I bet. They seemed really happy today!”

“I simply hadn’t had a chance to grow... I had only really had one other defeat since our battles, and that merely got me to start training more properly.” He sat down next to Ash on the couch, nodding. “And I’m certain you do. After all, if you and Greninja were sharing what you felt, it’s no surprise you’re exhausted... and you’re right. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Darkrai in such high spirits. Latios too. ...Even Hydreigon seemed to be enjoying himself. Well, before he went berserk, anyway. I’m impressed with your Charizard, by the way. He seems quite powerful.”

Tobias smiled softly, resting his chin on his knuckles. “It’s quite refreshing, really... I feel like I can put a lot of the past behind me, now. I imagine you feel the same way, now that you’ve finally bested me?”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

Pikachu and Greninja listened to Darkrai, but only Pikachu spoke. “I’ve seen that before. There was another Darkrai in Sinnoh, who was only looking to protect its town from something a lot more dangerous, but everyone thought it was a threat… Including us,” he shamefully trailed off. “But, he ended up protecting us all.”

“Yeah, that’s fine! As long as Greninja thinks so.” Ash agreed. “One of our friends named it ‘Ash-Greninja,’ which I’ve kinda gotten used to.”

The frog nodded. “I trust Tobias not to have ulterior motives.” Unlike a certain deceased director…

There was some chatter, from random civilians and reporters alike.

“O-of course,” one of them spoke up.  “We’ll be happy to wait for your return!”

“Thanks!” Ash grinned. “I could use a seat, anyway…” The battle had made him quite tired. He waved to the crowd, turning his full attention on finding the center. “They were a lot nicer than the crowd in Jubilife…”

“Thank you. Something like this doesn’t show up every day, after all.” As they walked out, towards the Pokemon Center, Tobias chuckled softly. “I think it’s a Kalosian thing. They tend to be pretty friendly for the most part.”

Once they arrived, Tobias hung up his coat after removing the Pokeballs from the inner pocket, handing them over. “...Hah. I almost never take this thing off in public. It’s an odd feeling.”

As he sat down, Darkrai nodded, flying over to join the nurse.

“I really must thank you again, Ash. I meant what I said, after all; you very likely stopped me from making a terrible decision.”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

Tobias’ acceptance of Ash’s label made the man grin. “Rivals are great for that,” he agreed. He didn’t stop Tobias to go on, but he knew well how far his previous clashes had pushed him.

Greninja and Pikachu listened with interest; not so much to the talk of studying legends, but Darkrai, himself.  They weren’t particularly surprised, but it was  heartwarming to hear that Darkrai hadn’t intended to harm - well, outside battle, that is.

Pikachu still recalled something he’d heard years and years ago; “Pokemon aren’t evil; they only do evil things if their masters are evil.”

Now, he’d cringe at the use of ‘masters,’ but Ekans and Koffing had had a point.

“I see… Thank you, Mr.Drakos!” The man concluded, and another bystander turned to Ash.

“Champion Ash,” she addressed. “Speaking of legends… Your Greninja’s transformation…Before this, it was also seen at the Lumiose Conference, and more recently, the Bronzen Gala. Is there anything you could tell us about this? Does it bear any resemblance to Mega Evolution? And, how does Greninja feel about this?”

“It’s called the Bond Phenomenon,” Ash answered in short, at first. “It’s an old legend from this region, about another Greninja like this one,” his eyes turning to his own friend, “transforming to protect Kalos. I guess it’s like Mega Evolution, but not exactly the same… Aside from not needing a stone, I don’t remember other trainers seeing what their pokemon sees, or feeling the hits they take.”

“I’m honored,” Greninja answered, though he expected Ash to translate. “I chose Ash as a partner for his bravery and determination, and I haven’t been disappointed in the least. It’s a gift to do battle alongside those who understand me.” His eyes shifted to Pikachu, on that note, as well.

The electric mouse smiled, his tail bouncing.

“Greninja says it’s an honor, but I gotta say that I’m the lucky one,” he laughed. “That he chose me because I understand him, and that he enjoys fighting with someone with the same goals. I feel that way, too!”

“Very touching, thank you!”  The woman beamed. “But, you said something about feeling Greninja’s pain… I’m sure that much of the audience noticed your injuries when he sustained damage. As far as I know, that’s unheard of…” So, obviously, precedent for it didn’t exist. “Does that effect how either of you battle? Does it discourage you?”

“I don’t mind,” Ash quickly answered. “As far as I feel, I try to give back for what my pokemon do for me 100%. If that means sharing that pain, then that’s fine. But, Greninja doesn’t like it when I take damage because of him, so we go back ‘n forth on that, once in a while.”

“Yes, we saw you arguing with him, earlier,” she interluded.

Ash laughed, rubbing the back of his head. Greninja averted his eyes.

“He didn’t want me dealing with Toxic; that’s what took us so long to synchronize. But, then…. Well, you saw what happened.” His eyes glanced briefly back towards the battlefield. “He’s pretty serious about that.”

Greninja folded his arms, mildly embarrassed. “Kouga.”

“Hey, if nothing else, I’ll give you points for creativity,” Ash joked, lightly nudging his companion.

“Some of my kind are more malicious with their power, I will admit. Those, however, are usually the ones who have been scorned and assaulted before. It’s a destructive cycle.” Darkrai shook his head slightly as he spoke.

Tobias listened to what Ash was saying with a curious expression. “That’s quite interesting... it’s a legend of this region, mm? Well, that sounds like something that would be right up my alley, as it were. If it’s alright with you, I would love the opportunity to study it at some point. After all, that is something wholly unique; I have never seen anything quite like that before.”

He turned back to the crowd. “Ah... I’m certain you all have many more question, but if it’s all the same to you, could we drop our Pokemon off to heal up first?”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

There were gasps and mutters of awe as Tobias gave his answers. A few in the crowd actually seemed to lighten their scorn of Tobias after hearing that his intentions had never been so grandiose.

“Funny how things work out, huh?” Ash muttered. Pikachu and Greninja nodded with him.

He wast he next target. “Excuse me, A… Champion… Mr.Champion; Champion Ash,” they decided on, “is that what I should call you? I don’t know much about Kanto’s customs,” they sheepishly admitted.

“Any of ‘em is fine,” Ash shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not a stickler for that.”

“Then, Champion Ash,” they seemed to ease, “even among your peers, a battle like that is probably, well… Extremely rare. How do you feel about having defeated so many legendary pokemon to claim victory? Are you.. Surprised?” The Kalosian swallowed. “That’s probably rude,” he muttered.

Ash folded his arms behind his head, mindful not to disturb Pikachu. “I mean… I feel great! Even in my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d have a battle like that, let alone win it.”

He looked to his companions then, in a brief pause. “But, it’s not about status, or anything. It was personal.”

“Could you elaborate?”

“Tobias…” He looked aside to the cloaked man. “He and Darkrai were a goal of ours. Years ago, they defeated us at a conference in almost a clean sweep. I thought I was ready for the big leagues, before that, but that taught me I was wrong, quick. I think that battle is the whole reason I got strong enough to become Champion. Pikachu and I agreed, that if I would ever be a Pokemon Master, we’d have to be strong enough to beat them.”

“So, Tobias became a goal. Someone to beat, to prove that we could make it.” He lightly nudged the legendary trainer with his elbow, bearing a friendly grin. “So, I guess that makes us rivals!”

Tobias chuckled at the elbow nudge. “I suppose it does. It’s a rather refreshing feeling, really; I’ve never had a rival before. I suppose that’s why we’d not really pushed ourselves too hard in terms of improving. At least, not until I’d gotten utterly... how would some folks say? Curbstomped, I believe, by a Trainer here a while back. That was what lead me to start that, and I’m glad we were able to have that intense battle. If nothing else, it certainly is motivation to keep going.”

Another reporter walked up. “Mr. Drakos, question... you study myths and legends much like Champion Cynthia, correct? Have you two worked together? As for another question, how much of the stories about Darkrai as a species are true?”

Tobias turned to face the reporter. “In order... I have not, though if she would be willing, I would gladly collaborate with her at some point. Regarding Darkrai, there is quite a bit of truth to the legends. Darkrai are indeed capable of throwing individuals into eternal nightmares, though many can and will pull their power back before it gets that bad if they did so unintentionally. My partner was not even aware that the child in Canalave had been affected, and he only attacked Cresselia, Lapras, and myself on impulse.”

“I stay with them to help keep my power under control. That Tobias tends to be away from most large cities helps that.”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“It’s a promise!” Greninja agreed.

“That is fitting,” Ash agreed. He wasn’t usually one for poetics,  but this scenario hit a note with him.

“You sure..? Yeah, alright! ‘N you’re damn right it is.” He looked to Greninja. “You wanna rest in your ball, or walk with us?”

~I think I’ll stay, if it’s all the same to you.~ Greninja smirked up at Ash. ~Still enjoying that victory high.~

“Outside, it is!” Ash turned to leave the field, hoping to find the center, rather soon…

But, they were already being crowded! What kinds of questions would they have for the duo, this time?

Tobias chuckled softly, kneeling down and picking up his coat, holding it over a shoulder as they began to walk, Darkrai at his side. He flinched a bit as the crowd came up, but he managed to steady himself.

Of course, the first question was aimed at him.

“That was an incredible battle! To think you had so many Legendary Pokemon with you; how do you work with them all?”

Tobias took a moment, before answering, his voice a lot more strong than usual. “...Legendary Pokemon are still Pokemon. If you are working with them like I am, it requires trust and quite a bit of effort to win them over.”

“Indeed,” Darkrai chimed in, arms folded. He seemed to be intent on keeping the crowd from getting too close to the two Trainers.

“And did you intend to get so many?”

“No,” Tobias said, shaking his head. “To be frank, I didn’t intend to get a single one of them. Darkrai’s power had put a child in my hometown of Canalave trapped in nightmares. Lapras and I went to Fullmoon Island to get help from Cresselia, and she stuck around after I had captured Darkrai, so his power wouldn’t affect me. Latias and Latios had nowhere else to go.”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“Aha, yeah… That last fight came out of left field! Not gonna lie, you had me scared for a minute.” Ash laughed. “Thanks a lot.”

Still weary, Greninja held onto Ash for balance, outstretching his hand to shake Darkrai’s. He smiled. “Just doing my best. And I could say the same for you! Still standing after that last attack… Now, that’s a legend.” He nodded to Darkrai’s request. “I’d love that. I won’t take that win for granted, either!”

“I remember you being pretty upset, back at the Gala…” Ash’s expression softened. “Guess I was right to be worried. But, hell, I’m glad we could help!” Naturally, the enthusiasm returned. “Keep workin’, and I’m sure it will be! Just remember, I won’t stop improving, either.” That reminder came with a cheeky grin.

Ash was happy to hold his own hand out, giving Tobias’ a firm shake. “Right back at you, man.”

His eyes flicked to the crowd. Camera phones were still taking pictures. “Hey, you’re not a crowd guy, you wanna let me handle the cameras? I can hold all that down when you get your team healed.”

“Then let’s both promise to fight each other again someday. I’ll make sure to keep improving, myself.” Darkrai took a slow breath, starting to recover slightly, hovering beside Tobias.

Tobias nodded in response to Ash’s comments. “Indeed. Really, I think this was something that needed to happen. I suppose it’s only fitting that as I inspired you to start anew, you have done the same to me, mm? And...” He looked out to the crowd... and smiled. “...Don’t worry about it. I think I can put that behind me, too. Shall we go together? If the people want a story... then so be it. I think this is one worth telling, anyway.”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

Finally, Darkrai revealed itself.

Ash, Pikachu, and Greninja alike were struck silent, breath caught in their throats. None could even find the nerve to move.

But, finally, after what felt like an eternity, Darkrai commended them, and collapsed.

With that quiet thud came a deafening chorus of applause.

Ash and Greninja stared on disbelief, initially speechless. Fatigue snuck up on both of them, though, as Greninja’s transformation faded, and the recoil dropped trainer and pokemon alike on their rear.

“We…. We did it…” Ash whispered, still absorbing the information.

“We… We won.” It was all Greninja could do to not fall unconscious. He wanted to savor this.

Ash watched Tobias heal his companion, a smile on his face. It was slowly sinking in.

Oh, what the hell was he doing!? Ash stumbled to his feet, rushing over to Greninja, throwing an arm around the frog. “Look at you, man! You did it! That was incredible!”

Greninja sat up, giving Ash a stern look. “Kouga.”

Ash didn‘t need to peek at any thoughts. ‘We won.’ That’s all Greninja could be saying, he realized. “Aw, c’mere!” Ash gushed, pulling Greninja into a tight hug. “And, what a finish!”

“Pi-Pikachu~!” Pikachu chirped, rushing to join in on the embrace.

“You too, Pikachu. Everyone! It’s all thanks to you…Us!” He corrected, when stared down by both.

Finally, Tobias had their attention. ”Tobias…. Thanks, for everything.” With Greninja’s assistance, he stood, each propping the other up. “Believe it or not, I’ve waited years for this battle. It was every bit as amazing as I imagined it being!”

Tobias just smiled, standing back up, supporting Darkrai. “It was a well-deserved victory. You and your team truly gave everything and you managed to turn around a 7-vs-6 battle, in essence. Darkrai is right. You did well.”

Darkrai nodded, offering a hand to Greninja. “You are... truly strong. Both in body and spirit. I would be honored to fight you again sometime... and you’ve more than earned your victory.”

Tobias chuckled softly as Ash spoke to him. “Is that so? Well... I’m happy that we were able to deliver on the great battle you were hoping for. ...For that matter, I ought to be thanking you. You and your team saved me, really. My spirit as a Trainer had just about completely died out, and you brought me back from the edge. I had considered giving up being a Trainer, but... no. I plan to travel some more, while I continue my research and studies, and improve. Hopefully our next battle will be just as intense as this one was.”

He offered his hand to Ash. “...Thank you, friend.”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

A fierce explosion rippled in the eye of the storm, forcing everyone present to hold their ground. Winds and flickers of energy scattered, black smoke flooded, and ground crumbled.

Ash shielded himself, boots digging into the dirt. “Greninja… You’ve got this!”

“Pika…. Pikachu!” Pikachu cried in support, guarding his eyes from the smoke.

Smoke began to dance away soon after. On Ash’s end, Greninja could be spotted.

He stood. Hunched over, exhausted, and panting heavily. But, he put every bit of will left to keep standing. “Gehk….” He huffed, weary eyes glued to the remaining debris.

He was sure he couldn’t move another muscle after this. If Darkrai could still fight..

Tobias didn’t speak. He just lowered his arms slowly as the smoke started to clear...

Darkrai seemed to still be standing, though his arms hung down. The Pitch-Dark Pokemon slowly raised his head up.

“...Darkrai?”

Darkrai didn’t respond to Tobias. His eyes looked at Ash and Greninja. “...You two...” A silence hung over the battlefield, before Darkrai spoke again.

“...Well done.”

With that, Darkrai groaned, falling face-first down onto the ground with a dull thud. In that instant, it was as if glass had shattered; the audience began screaming and roaring their cheers.

♫

Tobias blinked slightly... then smiled, walking onto the battlefield, kneeling down to give Darkrai a Revive. “...Heh. I suppose I couldn’t add anything more that Darkrai didn’t already say. ...Well done. You’ve earned your victory.”

The Pitch-Dark Pokemon groaned slightly, a hand to his head as he lifted up to a ‘sitting’ position next to Tobias.

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“This is it,” Ash beamed, watching Darkrai lose its saving grace. They were almost there!

“Kouga…” Greninja landed, adrenaline absolutely rushing through his veins. They were on the cusp of victory!

“Darkrai, Tobias! Let’s finish this, right now!” Ash declared, throwing an arm up in the air, an open palm facing the sky.

The frog followed, grasping the huge shuriken from his back. Imitating a move from not so long ago, he spun the weapon above his head. “Kouuuuu….!!!!”

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Ash grunted, eyeing the cloaked man. “Not a lot of people have pushed my battling skills like you…  For that, you’re getting everything we have!”

“I feel what Ash feels….” Greninja croaked, focusing every ounce of strength on the spinning star. “He wants to be the best… To be the strongest he can be, so he can protect everyone around him…!” Growing still, he calmed his mind, setting it to that one, singular goal.

A pure rush of energy flashed through his body, and coursed up his arm.

“AND, SO DO I!”

A sensation, beforehand only vaguely familiar flashed through and above him. Water Shuriken pulsed with light, flashing a bright, emanating teal that practically doubled in size. Spinning edges left emanating energy in their wake, creating the appearance of a giant disc.

“SHOW US YOUR ALL! BECAUSE, HERE’S OUR POWER!” Ash cried, throwing his arm forward.

“GEKOUUUUU…..” Greninja roared, rearing his hand back.

The Aura Shuriken was launched.

“GAAAAAAA!!!!!!”

Tobias’ eyes shot wide open in response to the disc he observed. The blue-haired man had smiled at their speeches, but that mood changed very quickly as he saw their raw power. “...Arceus... Darkrai, quickly, another Ice Blade! Empower it with Dark Pulse! Stand your ground!” There was no getting away from that, that was for sure.

Darkrai steeled himself, icing over his arm one more time, larger than before... then Dark Pulse’s energy swirled around the blade, empowering it. “Haaaah... A noble goal. I have no intention of losing here, however. Not when our spirits have been brought back from the brink as they were!” With a roar, Darkrai braced himself, swinging the large blade towards the massive disc.

Energy crackled as the two attacks collided, building, building... Finally, something gave, and a massive explosion sounded out, thick smoke covering the battlefield. Tobias grunted, shielding his face with an arm.

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

The clash turned into a medley of swift turns and slashes, each blade spraying dark essence and frost. Darkrai’s jabs were avoided with turns and agile leaps, the frog circling Darkrai in an attempt to keep an edge. “I will!”

“Water Shuriken!” Ash pressed his fists together past his shoulders, swinging them to the right of his body, much like the swing of a bat.

Greninja grabbed the huge shuriken in tandem, slashing it horizontally across the ground. It burst, but left a carrying tide in its wake, slashing across the arena.

Dark Pulse crashed into the wave, bursting into a violent purple mist.

By then, Darkrai crested over the remains, slashing down towards its occupied opponent.

“Aerial Ace!” 

Greninja mimicked Ash, smashing each of his fists into either side of the moving blade. A dent was smashed into either side of the ice, giving the ninja just a bit of grip. He trembled, bending over backwards to stop the weapon’s descent.

He was quickly finding himself trapped, knees barely supporting his dropping body. “Ghhk…”

Ash grit his teeth. There had to be a way out, here…

A quick peek into Greninja’s eyes told him what he needed to do. Darkrai was looming right over, putting all of its weight into the struggle with Greninja.

There was a glimmer in the trainer’s eye. “Fall back, and to the left!”

The frog trusted his trainer’s instincts,  throwing his feet up from under him. Darkrai was but a blink from smashing him into the ground. But, that momentum worked in Greninja’s favor. He twisted his hips and his arms, pulling Darkrai’s weight with him.

The specter was yanked off-balance, suddenly twisted by Greninja’s maneuver.

“Now!” Ash commanded, turning his body to motion a roundhouse kick.

Greninja did just the same, smashing his foot into Darkrai’s jaw.

Freeing himself from the Ice Blade,  he landed on all fours.

“Water Shuriken!!!!”

The frog sprang off all fours,  grabbing the giant star in both of his hands. “Kouuu… Ga!!”

Water Shuriken was chucked towards the recovering Darkrai.

Darkrai’s blade strikes were quick and deft, and as the specter was getting the advantage, both he and his trainer grinned slightly... though that didn’t last as he was flung to the side.

His blade hung down a bit as he looked up, seeing the massive shuriken hurtling his way.

“Darkrai, block!”

Darkrai responded, bringing the blade up, pressing his other hand against the flat of the icy weapon to stabilize it... though it slowly began to crack, before shattering, the shuriken cutting through, sending Darkrai flying.

“Damn it... don’t let them get their momentum back! Dark Pulse!”

“Right!” Darkrai grimaced as he started to hit the ground, skidding backwards, but he flung his hands up, firing a wave of purple energy outwards in return. He was definitely feeling the effects of the blows he’d sustained.

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“I’ll be one of the few.” Greninja smirked , though it was hidden behind his tongue.

“Ice blade…” Ash watched on, interested piqued. Darkrai coated his own limb in ice, forming a makeshift weapon out of his own limb. “Alright, I’m on board,” Ash chuckled,  brushing his index finger over the bridge of his nose.

“I’d like nothing better,” Greninja agreed, battle-ready. “Come on!”

♫

“Time to go all-out… Night Slash!”

Greninja drew his blade in a swift swing, sprinting towards Darkrai. A leap incorporating a twist of Greninja’s body delivered momentum for the first of hopefully many slashes that he’d deliver to the Pitch Black pokemon.

“Go in, Darkrai! Run wild!”

With shout, Darkrai flew in towards Greninja, his sturdy blade clashing with the first slash, the dark-type spinning and throwing several thrusts of his blade in return. “I’m no slouch with this, either! If you want that honor, you’ll have to earn it!”

“Dark Pulse!” Darkrai, at the command, flicked his left arm back and forth, several waves of purple energy firing before he followed up with another slash.

“My spirit, it burns... haha! I haven’t felt this alive in years!”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“Come on….” Ash, himself, was starting to look paranoid, on edge at every subtle crowd murmur. “Greninja…” He gripped his fists tight, teeth grit.

~You’re not done! We don’t give up until it’s over! We’re too strong for that!~

Greninja froze, like a Deerling in headlights. All he could do was wait for the inevitable.

But, it never came.

“You’re not done!”

The frog’s eyes slowly opened. The vine came within inches of him, but struggled and writhed in the hands of…

“Ash!”

The man’s hand held the offending vine in an iron grip, struggling with it, and the ones that ensnared him.

“We’re… Still here!” Ash grunted, gripping the attacking vine with both hands, even as he was constructed by another. “You didn’t lose… Not yet! We… Agh!!”

Bad Dreams struck again, and Greninja, Ash… everyone writhed in pain.

“Ash…!” Greninja croaked, wrestling from within his restrictions. “I… We… I won’t let you all die!”

“No one’s dying,” Ash barked back.

“We’ve got your back!” Pikachu insisted, his cheeks crackling. “We always will!” With that, the mouse shrieked, frying the vines with Thunderbolt. Their hold on them all weakened.

“You’re outta your mind if you think you’re… Giving up!” Hawlucha squawked, slicing free with X-Scissor.

“You’re too strong, for that, dear!” Braixen wrangled an arm free, pointing her stick towards her loved one. “Tear those doubts up into ribbons!” As she spoke, she launched a Flamethrower at the vines holding Greninja. They were incinerated, and Braixen’s with it.

Greninja was dropped to the ground, stumbling to his feet. “Gha…!” He groaned, righting himself. His companions had been freed from the hellish vines, but to his horror, had begun to sink into the inky abyss.

“Everyone!” Greninja panicked, leaning forward to hold his arms out. “Grab on!” Even as he said so, another pulse of pain rattled him. The faded light of the world began to fade again…

But, he felt something other than pain. He was being held. Ash and Pikachu latched to one arm, Braixen and Hawlucha the other. “I’m… Sorry!” Greninja yanked the four, desperately digging his feet into the ground. “I’m… sorry I’m not stronger!”

“Don’t give me that garbage!” Hawlucha barked.

“You’re incredibly strong!” Braixen cheered, stubbornly digging her nails into the frog’s arm.

“You’ve saved us before!” Pikachu argued.

“And, you’re strong enough to save yourself!” Ash roared, stubbornly yanking a foot out of the void.

“Myself?” Greninja gawked, pulling on the four again. “I’m trying to save you!”

“No you’re not. You’re fighting your own fears!” At last, Ash’s reason was cracking through. “None of this is real! C’mon… I know you’re strong enough to beat an illusion! Together, we’ll surpass it!”

“Together…” What were they surpassing? What was Ash talking about? What were they even fighting…

“…Darkrai!” Greninja’s eyes sprung open.

Ash’s face lit up, their companions’ with him. “Bingo! Now…. let’s beat him, all together!” The man’s eyes flickered with a red glow, as did Greninja’s.

“Together!” Greninja croaked, a torrent blooming from his back that enveloped himself, then Ash, and finally, his teammates. Crashing waves flooded through the inky void.

Outside of the fighter’s dreams, his eyes began to twitch, his hands scraping at dirt.

“There he is…!” Ash smirked, looking up to their opponents. “Get ready, Tobias! Greninja’s not near done!”

♫

On cue, the star on Greninja’s back exploded, blasting into a sky-high torrent, mist raining from flailing wings of water that twisted above Greninja’s rising form. The frog stumbled, then stood, hunched over towards Darkrai.

“Kouuuuu….!” He growled, ruby eyes resolute. The rush of water receded, falling back to the frog to reform behind him, four corners rushing to form his signature weapon. This time, its brilliant corners shone wider; the Water Shuriken was now about as large as Greninja!

“You… Nice try,” he eyed Darkrai with a stare that could unnerve all but the fearless. “But, we’re not done here!”

“Tobias, Darkrai… This is our power!” Ash declared with pride, finally standing upright. “It’s because of our first two battles that I ever came this far… We owe ya one. But, we promised ourselves that we wouldn’t lose today!”

As Greninja started to stir, Tobias grinned. “Your power... that’s quite impressive! I wouldn’t expect anything less from you!”

Originally posted by hiraito

In response to Greninja’s glare and his words, Darkrai just grinned behind his collar. “Excellent... excellent! You have a willpower stronger than any I’ve seen before! Come then. Many would challenge us Legends. Few succeed. Your comrade was able to defeat me all that time ago... show me the strength of your resolve. Tobias!”

“Right!” Tobias gestured out, chuckling as he saw the giant shuriken. “I know it’s still in development, but... Ice Blade!”

“Hmhmhm...” Darkrai chuckled a bit, before charging up Ice Beam’s power... then turning it on himself, icing over part of his right arm. After a little while, a glistening blade of ice extended from it, and the Pitch-Dark Pokemon pointed it outwards in a challenging stance. “Come! Fight with all your strength. No more tricks, no more status ailments. Just a straight-up show of power! Show me what got you two this far!”

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“Gh…!” Greninja trembled, horrified to see what he had. Ash, Pikachu, Hawlucha, Braixen… There may have been more, but those four stood out most. They were ensnared, looking horribly faint.

The frog’s eyes narrowed. “Y… Youuu…!” He sprinted towards the vines, paying little mind to the ones that approached him. He jumped, reaching for his back. He’d slice these damned vines into ribbons if he had to!

To his horror, he grasped at thin air. His shuriken… It was gone!?

Come to think of it….. He didn’t feel like he was Ash-Greninja at all, anymore!

That was realized too late, as he was constricted in the otherworldly tendrils, squeezed unbearably tight. “Ghhk….!” He struggled, shaking his head. “Ash…!”

The real Greninja, meanwhile, was stirring, tormented. His form still remained, but Darkrai’s Nightmare wouldn’t let him know that.

Ash trembled in terror, just as his pokemon did, even if his grasp on reality was better. Vague visions of the dream came and went; speaking of it as an observer was the main thing keeping him grounded in reality. “I… I kind of see it… Then again, I’ve been hit by Dark Void before,” he chuckled, trying to keep his optimism. “Feels pretty much the same… But, Greninja won’t bend to it! I know he won’t!”

He just had to keep sending his determination. He pushed his emotions through, as well as he knew how. But, the second-hand dread wasn’t making that easy. Ash still checked out his surroundings every now and then, reminding him that he was still in Lumiose City.

“I see...” Tobias grimaced a bit. “Curious.” He was curious to see if Greninja was capable of doing what Sceptile had done all that time ago, too. The frog seemed to have a very powerful spirit, and he was sure that that had something to do with being able to break from Dark Void’s power...

As the tendrils squeezed the frog tightly, a faint echoing voice could be heard. “You failed them... you couldn’t save anyone. Not your Trainer, not your friends, definitely not your mate... you are weak!”

After a moment, one of the tendrils, glowing an eerie red light, shot forward to impale the frog, to finish the job.

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

Greninja still hadn’t stirred. Ash was managing to keep himself on his feet, but how long that would last was anyone’s guess.

Especially with Tobias’ latest command. “This… Might be ugly.” Ash’s brows lowered. This couldn’t be how this went down. ~Greninja… C’mon. Whatever you’re seeing isn’t real!~

The frog was in another realm entirely. Ash’s words were a barely discernible screech amongst what was quickly becoming a terrifying plane. He climbed to his feet, shaking his head.

“What… what was that?” He groaned. Then, his surroundings became apparent. “And, where the hell am I!?” The backdrop was barely a pale sepia,  figments of his imagination twisting  and floating among each other with no sure reality. No defined shape.

Greninja felt the ground  below him begin to quake, and then split, nasty slivers erupting into a pit. Greninja croaked, leaping back reflexively. A blackish gash in the earth groaned below him.

Greninja, frankly, was terrified. Moreso when vaguely familiar vines crawled out of the abyss, lazily twisting about.

Ash’s breath grew heavy. An inexplicable sense of dread was creeping upon him. “What… What now!?”

Tobias just shook his head, observing the frog. “Your guess is as good as mine, Ash; you can see it, yes? I’ve never seen what happens in the minds of those affected by Darkrai’s power...” He just knew that Bad Dreams did some damage over time to sleeping targets and that Nightmare compounded on that damage with its own.

The familiar vines started to lash about a bit more, and on closer observation, the frog could see familiar figures entangled in them, limply hanging, barely clinging to life...

It didn’t take long before they started going after the frog himself in his dream.

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“Nice shot!” Ash praised, rising to stand upright after the strike. “We’re not far off, now.”

Or, perhaps he’d spoken too soon. “Look out!!!”

“Gh…!” Greninja was just standing, his signature shuriken just reforming on his back. He only looked up in time to be swallowed by the orb, nary a sliver of light escaping it.

Dark Void enclosed around Greninja, making his lids incredibly heavy. “Kou….” What was this overwhelming feeling? Why was the world around him turning to total blackness? Why did his limbs feel incredibly heavy? Wh… Why did…

“Ga….” He croaked, collapsing.

“Of all the rotten… Luck…” Ash resigned, suddenly feeling a similar phenomenon.

The encroaching inky surroundings, the disturbing solitude… He knew this!

Ash stirred suddenly, shaking his head. He’d nearly fallen asleep on the spot! “So… So… Imfeelinsotired…” He mumbled, struggling to stand upright.

“Pikapi!” Pikachu cried, flailing his arms. Ash couldn’t fall asleep now! They were so close!

“Immatrynn… I’m tryin’, Pikachu.” Ash smacked both of his cheeks, trying to stir himself out of Darkrai’s influence. “Greninja…. Greninja, listen to me! Wake up!”

So far, the frog only laid before his foe. Transformed, but not at all conscious.

The attack had landed. Tobias’ eyes widened just a bit; he honestly hadn’t expected the attack to land like that, with how the frog had been evading Darkrai’s attacks before. Perhaps it was a lucky shot, but he wasn’t going to complain either way.

Dream Eater was out of the question; Greninja was part Dark so the move would have no effect, so Darkrai wouldn’t be able to heal... that didn’t matter, though. They had another trick up their sleeves. Bad Dreams was one thing, but this...

“...Nightmare!”

This was something else entirely.

Darkrai hummed lowly, a dark energy slowly emanating off of his body, a black devil-like image floating away from him, towards the sleeping frog. Tobias brought a hand down to his side, watching Greninja cautiously. He hadn’t used Bad Dreams and Nightmare in tandem with each other before, and he was curious to see the effect.

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

“Nice shot!” Ash praised. They were on a roll.

“Freezing the ground, huh…?” Ash and Greninja shared a knowing look. They’d prepared for this long, long ago. “Alright, Greninja, you know what to do!”

“Gekkou!” Greninja sprang above ground once again, forming a kunai in each hand, harnessing Cut. At an opportune moment, he chucked them towards one of the Ice Beams. “Ga!”

The knives flew in the path of a freezing ray, icing them over with ease. Conquered, the blades slid helplessly onto the ice, now little more than frozen slivers.

That was just what they needed, however.

Gravity pulled the frog back towards the ice, and he accepted the fate, only guiding himself with tilts of the shuriken on his back. With precision, he landed his webbed feet atop the frozen blades, taking off with a kick.

Suddenly, he was skating across the ice!

“We discovered that move by accident, at the Snowbelle Gym, here in Kalos! ‘Fraid you picked the wrong strategy to throw at us!” Ash flicked his eyes towards Greninja, a light gesture of his head nodding towards one of the icy elevations.

Greninja nodded, tilting his hips to direct him towards the pillar. He leaned back, skating up the ice at an angle until reaching the peak. With a lurch backwards, he launched into a loop above the field.

In no time at all, he hung high above Darkrai, upside down.

“Right where we wanted you… Water Shuriken!” Ash cried, swinging both fists down over his head.

Flipping into a dive, Greninja reached overhead, hoisting his giant shuriken high. “Gekoooouuuu….!”

Only split seconds passed, and Darkrai was but a blink away. Greninja brought his weapon down.

“GAAA!!!!”

“What?!” Oh, that was bad. He definitely didn’t see that coming when he tried that tactic. Darkrai had backed away slightly as Greninja had raced across the icy ground... it didn’t take long for the attack to come at him, though.

Darkrai threw his arms up to try and block, but that had hurt quite a bit; he was starting to show a bit of wear from the blows he’d taken.

“...That’s not good, at all... okay, Darkrai, Dark Void!” Tobias made a snap decision, figuring that the frog would have more trouble dodging at such close range.

Darkrai quickly raised his arm, firing the black sphere, a grimace on his face. He hoped that this worked... they needed to get their momentum back somehow.

[pitchblackchampion]

Ultimate Battle: Ash vs. Tobias

[pitchblackchampion]

mezasepkmnmaster:

‘Don’t give in’ implied some struggle on their part. Drkrai had taken the hit, then. Satisfying information for Ash.

‘Dark Void,’ however, not so much.

Using his own powers to search out Darkrai didn’t feel sportsmanlike. Watching through Greninja’s eyes, however, was only part of the form. ~Keep your eyes peeled for cuts in the ice. That way, you should be able to find Darkrai!~

Grreninja nodded, squinting through the dry ice and vapor. With a bit of crouching and poking around, he did spot a rather wide gash carved in an ice pillar.

A pitch-black glimmer caught Ash’s eye. Or, Greninja’s, rather. “JUMP!”

Greninja’s heart skipped a beat,  and he leapt over the frozen barrier, intent to flip behind Darkrai.

“Night Slash!”

Back to the Pitch Black pokemon, Greninja drew his katana, spinning to slash at his adversary… “Ge…Kou!!”

“Gh?!” Darkrai’s eyes went wider as Greninja flipped over the Dark Void, slashing him, sending him flying backwards. “Augh!”

“Darkrai!” Tobias grit his teeth slightly. “Damn it... so fast. We have to... I’ve got it!” He gestured outwards, a grin on his features. “Blast the ground with Ice Beam! Don’t give them room to keep balance!” That’d make the frog an easier target... then that’d help open up a chance to land Dark Void.

The Pitch-Dark Pokemon nodded in response, spinning around once, firing Ice Beam in multiple directions over the battlefield. A chill came over the air as the dark-type finished what he was doing.