Lash's Journey - Chapter 3 - Part 1

start previous 13 of 22 next end

Medium (920px wide max)

Wide - use max window width - scroll to see page ⇅

Fit all of image in window

set default image size: small | medium | wide

Download (new tab)

start previous 13 of 22 next end

show original thumbnails

by scorpianpp

Gallery

+45

Lash's Journey

« prev 21 in pool next »

+2

Ferry on the Water
As the ferry sailed away from Coumarine City, Arthur leaned against the railing, his thoughts scattered as the waves gently rocked the boat. Beside him, Lash and Cast stood at the edge, both captivated by the vast, endless sea.

Lash’s ears twitched with excitement, her golden eyes wide as she admired the view. "It’s so much water… I never get tired of seeing it."

Cast, standing next to her, gazed out at the water with a faint smile, her fingers lightly drumming on the railing. "If only I had a rod. This is the perfect spot to fish," she muttered, almost to herself.

Lash chuckled knowingly. "You’d be out here all day, wouldn’t you?" she teased, familiar with Cast’s love for fishing.

Arthur glanced over, hearing them talk, but he furrowed his brow slightly. He realized that, despite traveling with Cast, he didn’t really know much about her at all. While Lash seemed comfortable around her, even knowing personal details like Cast’s passion for fishing, She came off as such a stoic warrior that it never really crossed his mind that she actually had a hobby.

Put Up or Shut Up
As Arthur, Lash, and Cast arrived in Shalour City, the setting sun cast a warm glow over the towering rock formations. The quiet, mystical town was a stark contrast to the tension bubbling within Arthur. He glanced toward the distant ferry dock, where the ship would take them to Canalave City in Sinnoh. This was supposed to be the next step in their journey, but now, things weren’t going as smoothly as he’d planned.

Arthur reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet, counting the bills carefully. He had budgeted everything perfectly—just enough for him and Lash to make the ferry crossing. But now, with Cast unexpectedly joining them, things had changed.

His face tightened as he counted again, hoping maybe he’d missed something. But no, the math didn’t lie.

“I don’t have enough for three tickets,” he muttered, the frustration clear in his voice.

Lash, who had been admiring the towering stones, stopped and tilted her head in confusion. “What do you mean? You said we had enough.”

“I did," Arthur said, his voice lower, "but that was before Cast came along.”

Cast’s piercing gaze flickered toward Arthur at the mention of her name, her face unreadable, but she said nothing. She wasn’t one for apologies or explaining her presence—she was simply here now, part of the team, and Arthur was left to figure it out.

Lash blinked, her eyes shifting between the two. “So… we don’t have enough because of her?”

Arthur nodded, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. I had it planned out for just the two of us, but now we’re short.”

Lash’s playful expression faltered, and for a moment, the reality of their situation weighed heavy on all three of them. The ferry to Sinnoh was their next step, but with the added complication of Cast, they were stuck.

As the group made their way through Shalour City, the towering stone formations surrounding them, Lash’s mind was still on their money problem. She walked alongside Arthur, nibbling on one of the snacks she’d grabbed at the store.

“Arthur,” she started, glancing over at him, “is there any way you could get more money? Could we, I don’t know, hunt or fish for it?”

Arthur sighed, rubbing his temples. “Fishing for money isn’t exactly a reliable plan,” he said with a slight smirk. “There’s not much to hunt around here either, at least not in the way we’d need.”

He paused for a moment, then added, “I could always fight in the arena at the Pokémon Gym, maybe earn something there…”

But before he could finish, he shook his head, reconsidering. “No, that’s not a good idea.”

Lash’s ears twitched, and she grinned mischievously. “Then let Cast do it. She’s tough enough. If she’s coming along with us, she might as well earn her keep by fighting.”

Cast, who had been walking ahead and listening quietly, glanced back over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow, but said nothing. Arthur looked between the two of them, feeling the tension rise. He wasn’t sure about dragging Cast into something dangerous for money, but Lash had a point.

Cast stopped in her tracks, turning sharply to face Arthur, her eyes narrowing with a sharp glint. His hesitation hadn’t gone unnoticed, and the suggestion that he was reconsidering using her for the fight clearly struck a nerve.

“A bad idea?” Cast’s voice was cold, edged with offense. “You think I can’t handle it?”

Arthur blinked, taken aback. “It’s not that,” he started, trying to find the right words. “I just don’t want—”

“Don’t,” Cast cut him off, stepping closer, her gaze fierce. “I don’t need your protection. I’m more than capable, and you know it. This has nothing to do with the money anymore.”

Lash, watching the exchange, grinned, clearly amused. She folded her arms and leaned against one of the large stones. "Told you, Arthur. Let her fight. She wants to."

Arthur sighed, feeling the pressure of both of their stares. “I’m not doubting your abilities, Cast.”

“Then stop acting like you know what I'm capable of,” she snapped, her voice low. “You don’t know me well enough to make that call. Let me compete. I’ll show you what I can do.”

There was no backing down now, and Arthur could see the fire in her eyes. He exhaled, realizing he had little choice in the matter. “Alright, fine. You want to fight? We’ll let you fight.”

Welcome To The Thunderdome
As they approached the Pokémon Gym, Lash’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the sight of the sign above the entrance, proudly displaying the emblem of a Fighting-type Pokémon. “Hey!” she exclaimed, turning to Cast with a bright smile. “This is a Fighting-type gym! You like to fight, don’t you?”

Arthur sighed and facepalmed, already aware of the gym’s specialty. “Of course it’s a Fighting-type gym,” he muttered, feeling the impending chaos that could unfold.

Lash, undeterred by Arthur’s reaction, bounced on her feet, her enthusiasm infectious. “This is perfect! Cast, you’re going to fit right in!” She nudged Arthur playfully. “I told you she could handle it!”

Cast crossed her arms, a confident smirk forming on her lips. “Looks like it’s time for me to show you both what I’m made of.”

With a resigned sigh, Arthur shook his head, bracing himself as he pushed open the gym doors. He knew this would be a challenge, but he had to trust that Cast would rise to the occasion.

As they stepped into the gym, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The sounds of trainers shouting and Pokémon battling echoed off the walls. Arthur turned to Cast, a serious look in his eyes.

“Listen,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady over the noise, “you only need to last one round in there. If you can do that, it should be enough for us to afford the tickets to Canalave City. We’ll get out of here and move on.”

Cast nodded, her expression focused and determined. “I can handle that. One round is easy.”

Lash chimed in, excitement bubbling beneath her calm exterior. “Just one round! You’ve got this, Cast!”

She Likes This A Bit Too Much
Arthur glanced around, spotting the makeshift arena in the center of the gym. “Just remember,” he added, his voice lower, “don’t get too reckless. We need you in one piece.”

“Relax,” Cast replied with a smirk, her confidence radiating. “I’ll be fine.”

With that, they made their way toward the arena, the energy of the gym surging around them as they prepared for the challenge ahead.

As Cast stepped into the ring, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Across from her stood a Lucario with a striking orange hue, its aura glowing with energy. Without hesitation, the Lucario dropped into a fighting stance, muscles coiled and ready.

Cast mirrored its position, determination radiating from her. Arthur leaned against the railing, watching closely, though worry flickered across his face. “I hope she can manage with the double-type disadvantage,” he murmured, his voice laced with doubt.

Lash looked up at him, her ears perking in confusion. “A what?” she asked, tilting her head.

Arthur quickly glanced at her, realizing she wasn’t familiar with Pokémon types. “Uh, the Lucario has two types: Fighting and Steel,” he explained. “Cast is just Dark type, so it makes her weaker in this matchup.”

Lash frowned, trying to understand. “So… she’s not going to win?”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Arthur replied, trying to sound encouraging despite his own concerns. “But the odds are against her. This is going to be tough.”

Lash nodded, her confidence in Cast unwavering. “Right! She’ll show that thing what she’s made of!”

Arthur forced a smile, but deep down, he didn’t have high hopes as the match began, and tension filled the air. All eyes were on the arena as they awaited the outcome.

The match began with a deafening roar from the crowd, excitement coursing through the air. Cast and the Lucario man circled each other, both sizing up their opponent. With a sudden burst of energy, the Lucario lunged forward, launching a rapid series of punches that whistled through the air. Cast ducked and weaved, her instincts honed from countless battles. The first few strikes whizzed past her, but the sheer speed of the Lucario was daunting.

“Come on, Cast!” Arthur shouted from the sidelines, his heart racing. Despite his earlier doubts, he felt a flicker of hope.

Mightyena used Payback
The Lucario followed up with a powerful Low Sweep, aiming to knock Cast off her feet. She barely managed to leap over it, landing gracefully on the other side. The audience gasped in surprise at her agility, but the Lucario was quick to recover. He turned, launching a Bone Rush attack, a flurry of strikes that made it hard for Cast to find her footing.

For a moment, it seemed like Cast was on the verge of defeat. The Lucario’s relentless assault left her with little room to breathe, and she stumbled backward, trying to regain her balance. Arthur’s heart sank as he watched her struggle. “Come on, Cast! You’ve got to fight back!” he yelled, the urgency in his voice rising.

Just when it seemed the Lucario would finish her off, Cast dug deep within herself, tapping into her innate resilience. She recalled the lessons learned from her past battles, the fiery spirit that had fueled her determination. With a sudden burst of adrenaline, she charged forward, using her speed to close the distance between them.

The Lucario, caught off guard by her sudden shift in momentum, barely had time to react as Cast unleashed a powerful Payback. The force of the impact sent the Lucario staggering backward, and for the first time in the match, he looked taken aback. Seizing the opportunity, Cast followed up with a series of swift strikes, using her agility to keep him off balance.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Cast's confidence grew. She dodged another incoming attack and, with a surge of energy, executed a perfectly timed Quick Attack. The Lucario stumbled again, visibly shaken. Cast’s instincts kicked in, and she knew she had to outmaneuver him.

With fierce determination in her eyes, she charged forward again, drawing upon every ounce of strength she had left. The Lucario attempted another Bone Rush, but Cast expertly dodged and countered with a powerful Bite, sinking her teeth into his arm with a fierce growl.

The Lucario, momentarily stunned, staggered back, his balance faltering. Cast seized the moment and sprang into action, summoning all her strength for one final move. With a fierce howl, she charged forward, using her body to ram him, a brutal Assurance, but this time with all the energy she could muster.

The impact echoed throughout the gym, and the Lucario hit the ground hard, unable to recover. The referee raised his arm, signaling the end of the match. The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable. Cast stood tall, breathing heavily but victorious, her spirit shining bright.

Arthur couldn’t help but smile, a sense of pride swelling in his chest as he rushed to her side. “You did it! I knew you could!” he exclaimed, genuinely amazed at her triumph.

As the crowd celebrated, Cast glanced over at the Lucario, who was slowly getting back to his feet. She offered him a respectful nod, acknowledging the challenge he presented. She had pulled victory from the jaws of defeat, and in that moment, she knew she had proven herself not just to Arthur and Lash, but to herself as well.

As Arthur collected the winnings from the match, the arena bookie leaned back, a smirk curling his lips. “An ex-Rocket trying to be a legitimate trainer? Now I’ve seen everything,” he scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain.

Arthur froze, wide-eyed, recognition hitting him like a punch to the gut. He remembered this man—a former associate from his past, someone he had hoped never to encounter again. Memories flooded back, filled with shadows and regrets he had tried to leave behind.

“Hey, are you alright?” Lash’s voice pulled him back to the present, her brow furrowed in concern. “What’s a Rocket?”

Arthur clenched his jaw, not wanting to dive into that part of his past. “It’s nothing,” he said curtly, shaking his head. “We’re leaving.”

Lash glanced between the bookie and Arthur, sensing the tension but unsure of its significance. “But—”

“Now,” he insisted, his voice firmer. He turned on his heel, motioning for her to follow as he quickly exited the arena, the weight of old memories and unfinished business trailing behind him like a shadow.

<as the crowd cheers for Cast they exit via the back into an alley>

Frustration
As they stepped outside the arena, the noise of the crowd faded into the background. Lash reached out, gently gripping Arthur's arm to stop him.

“Wait, can we talk?” she asked, concern etched on her face.

Arthur turned to her, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. “What is there to talk about?” he snapped, his voice sharper than he intended. He could feel the tension in his chest, remnants of the encounter with the bookie twisting into anger and unease.

“Just… please,” Lash said softly, her eyes sincere. “I know something’s bothering you. I want to understand.” She glanced at Cast, who was chatting with a group of trainers ahead, and then added, “Cast, can you walk ahead for a moment?” Cast turned, tilting her head in confusion but nodded, trotting off to join some other trainers while Lash guided Arthur to a quieter spot nearby. Once they were alone, the weight of the conversation hung heavily in the air.

Arthur sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't want to burden Lash with his past, but he could see the genuine concern in her eyes. “Fine,” he relented.

“What's really going on?” Lash asked, her tone gentle yet firm. “You seem upset, and I know it’s not just about the man from before.”

Arthur clenched his fists, trying to rein in his emotions. “It’s just… seeing that bookie brought back memories I’d rather forget. I thought I had seen the last of that life.”

“Life? What do you mean?” Lash pressed, leaning in slightly.

Disrespected
Taking a deep breath, Arthur hesitated, grappling with how much to reveal. “It’s complicated,” he finally admitted. “I used to be involved with a group that did some terrible things. I thought after I cut ties with them I could start fresh, but I keep running into reminders of who I used to be.”

Lash nodded slowly, absorbing his words. “You're the kind of person that helps others, like how you're helping me get back home. That doesn't sound like a bad person to me.”

Arthur looked away, uncertainty clouding his gaze. “I just… I'm the reason you're here, I'm not helping a stranger, I'm fixing a problem I started”

“But you are fixing it,” Lash replied, her voice steady. “You never thought of abandoning me or Cast, even though we both tried to hurt. You saw past our pain and tried to help us”

He met her gaze, a flicker of gratitude sparking in his chest. Maybe she was right. Maybe it was time to let go of the shadows and embrace what lay ahead.

<pan to Cast>

The alleyway was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the cracked pavement as Cast walked with her usual swagger. Her eyes flicked over her surroundings, unimpressed. She had places to be, and nothing in this grimy backstreet interested her.

Until she bumped into something shorter than herself.

The impact was slight, barely enough to throw Cast off balance, but she felt the smaller figure stiffen beside her. Cast turned to face the person she had walked into, raising an eyebrow at the short, slender woman now glaring up at her. Her face was twisted with offense, her lips curling into a sneer.

What Did You Just F%$&ing Say To Me?
The other woman was smaller, but her demeanor was palpable. "Watch it," the smaller woman snapped, her tone dripping with venom.

Kinda Short To Make Demands, Aintcha?
"Seriously? You’re offended by that?" Cast's voice oozed with amusement. "But I guess you do look like you’d snap in half if someone pushed you harder than that."

The smaller woman's eyes narrowed dangerously, the anger burning behind them intensifying. Cast could feel the tension radiating from her, but she barely cared. The woman was small—no real threat. With a roll of her eyes and drunk on her previous victory, Cast turned away, dismissing the horned girl's scorn without a second thought.

Sucker Punch
As she turned back to look down the alley, she spotted Arthur and Lash waiting for her near the entrance. They hadn’t noticed the little scuffle behind her, and she was about to wave them down when—WHAM!

A sharp pain shot through her back, sending her stumbling forward. Cast gritted her teeth, eyes widening in disbelief as she spun around. Raumi stood there, fists clenched, her face twisted with fury. Her knuckles were reddened from the blow.

"You little—!" Cast growled, her voice low and dangerous as she straightened herself. The cocky smirk vanished from her face, replaced by a snarl. Then she could feel her vision start to fade, the damage from the previous fight mixed with the Sucker Punch had finally done her in.
<Cast collapses to the floor>

Reinforcement
Raumi stood over Cast, her chest heaving with adrenaline as she wiped a stray strand of hair from her face. The thud of Cast’s body hitting the ground still echoed in the narrow alley, the larger woman now lying unconscious at her feet. Raumi’s hand stung from the impact of the blow, but a twisted smile played on her lips.

No one makes fun of her size, she had won.But the satisfaction didn’t last long.

Out of the corner of her eye, Raumi saw movement—Lash and Arthur, both rushing toward her. Arthur’s face was pale with shock, while Lash’s eyes blazed with fury.

"Damn it", Raumi cursed under her breath. She wasn’t expecting the bitch to have friends.

Without hesitation, Raumi brought two fingers to her lips and whistled sharply. The sound pierced the cool night air, reverberating through the alleyway. She was hoping her boss would would hear it. She always did.

Seconds later, a low growl echoed from the shadows at the far end of the alley. Heavy footsteps followed, accompanied by the unmistakable presence of something—or someone—far larger than Raumi.

A larger hound emerged, her eyes glowing with predatory malice, her broad, muscular frame casting a menacing silhouette against the dim light. Her fists were already clenched, ready for a fight. She locked eyes with Raumi, then flicked her gaze toward Lash and Arthur, assessing the situation in a split second.

Tossed Jacket
The anger surged through me like wildfire, consuming every rational thought. The alleyway felt too tight, the walls closing in, but it didn’t matter. My focus was locked on the two strangers running toward me.

Who the hell did they think they were?

I growled low, feeling the familiar burn of power rising within me. The man—the one standing between me and that other girl—had the nerve to block my way. I didn't know him, didn’t care to. He was just... there. In the way.

Did It Just Get Hotter?
Lash's fury boiled over as she lunged toward Raumi, her hands outstretched to grapple her smaller opponent. Raumi barely had time to react before Lash's strong arms were around her, pulling her into a rough hold. Raumi struggled, her lithe frame twisting in a desperate attempt to break free, but Lash’s grip was unrelenting, fueled by the sight of Cast lying unconscious on the ground.

"You're not getting away!" Lash snarled, tightening her hold. Raumi grunted, writhing to escape, but Lash had the advantage of size and raw power.

At the same time, Arthur found himself face-to-face with the larger woman. She charged toward him, her fists swinging in heavy arcs. Arthur blocked the first punch, then the second, surprising her with his ability to hold his ground. The green haired hound's blows were heavy, each one carrying the weight of her fury, but Arthur’s reflexes were sharp, and he managed to deflect every attack. His arms burned from the effort, but he kept moving, every block precise.

The woman's eyes narrowed as she continued her relentless assault, her frustration growing with each failed strike. Her chest rose and fell with her labored breathing, and then, suddenly, something in her snapped. Her eyes began to glow, a fiery red light piercing through the darkness of the alley. The heat of her rage radiated from her, making the air around them feel oppressive.

"You think you can stop me?" The green haired woman growled, her voice low and dangerous. Arthur barely had time to catch his breath before she launched herself at him again, this time with a terrifying speed and ferocity.

Half Mega
I had no idea who these two were, but they were after Raumi, so I could care less. My skin prickled as the transformation began. My hair shifted, growing longer, turning white as it thickened into a wild mane around my neck. My horns twisted and elongated, stretching painfully but with an exhilarating surge of strength. Muscles bulged, my entire body swelling with power as the mega evolution overtook me.

I could feel the heat, the raw energy coursing through my veins, forcing its way out. It felt incredible—unstoppable. I was bigger, stronger, and no one, especially not these nobodies, was going to stand in my way.

The man braced himself, arms raised, ready to block. He really thought he could stop me.

Fool.

I took a step forward, relishing the fear that flickered in his eyes. My claws flexed, sharp and eager, ready to tear through him. The transformation wasn’t just a change—it was freedom. It was power.

"You," I snarled, my voice deeper, distorted with rage, "are in the wrong place."

Code Red
He didn't move, just kept his stance firm. It irritated me. I didn’t know him, didn’t care about his reasons, but the audacity to stand against me? That alone was enough to seal his fate. The girl, though... She wasn’t like him. Her eyes glowed faintly, her posture brimming with some sort of strength. But even she wasn't my concern. Not yet.

The ground trembled under my feet as I fully evolved, my horns casting long shadows in the dim light of the alley. My mane crackled with energy, white strands catching the air as if alive with fury.

"Move, or die." I hissed, crouching low, my tail swaying with deadly intent.

He didn’t respond. Didn't flinch.

That sealed it.

With a vicious snarl, I lunged forward. Whoever they were, it wouldn’t matter for long.

Bloodied Water
The alley was dark, its only light spilling from the flickering streetlamp at its mouth. The sounds of fists meeting flesh echoed off the brick walls, punctuated by Arthur's grunts of pain as the rampaging hound relentlessly pummeled him. She was fast—too fast—and her blows were heavy, fueled by an anger that Lash couldn't understand.

She could hear Arthur cry out in pain as several of the blows made their way through his defenses, As her attention turned to Arthur, the smaller hound grabbed her from behind. "Nah-ah-ah!'

Smell of Blood In The Air
Raumi held onto Lash with a steel grip, pinning her arms behind her. "Stay out of this," Raumi hissed. "You'll just get yourself hurt."

But Lash couldn't tear her eyes away from Arthur. He was bleeding now, a deep cut above his brow where the larger woman's knuckles had split his skin. His face was bruised, his breath coming in ragged gasps, yet he kept standing, refusing to fall.

"Arthur!" Lash shouted, struggling against Raumi’s hold, her voice cracking with desperation.

War Chief
The sight of him, bloody and bruised, filled her with something primal, something raw.

When the larger woman drove her fist into Arthur’s stomach, sending him crashing into the wall with a sickening thud, something snapped inside Lash.

Her body trembled violently as rage surged through her. Her heart pounded, and an unfamiliar energy began to course through her veins. She could feel it—something ancient, something fierce.

Raumi gasped, her grip loosening just enough for Lash to break free. "How can you... You're kind can't...?!" Raumi gasped, her voice shaking. Lash spun around and grabbed the smaller hound, dragging her to floor - the smaller woman on the verge of tears held her other arm up to her face pleading for mercy.

Primal Howl
Lash's mind swirled with thoughts but she couldn't speak. "Why… why… no. No. Can’t—breathe. Too much. It’s too much! Why—why is this… happening? Stop. Just stop! I can’t… can’t… think! Burning. It’s burning inside. Hot, too hot. Want to scream. Want to hit—something! Everything's wrong. So wrong. Can’t… fix it. Can’t. Make it stop. Make it stop! Can't! ARTHUR!..."

Keywords