When The Sun Sets (Moon X Gladion)

Taunting The Beast

As Moon disappeared from sight, Gladion's throat closed. He rushed into the other room to grab his bag, followed by Green. Then, releasing his crobat, he met Hau by the window. Hau had already gathered his things, standing with Noivern's pokéball in hand. The three boys met one another's eyes, all of them nodding in silent agreement. They were going to save Moon.

...

When Golbat finally let go of Moon, she was in an iced-over cave. She shivered, her plain t-shirt not enough to shield her prickling skin from the cold. She struggled to stand upon the icy ground, her shoes slipping.

I have to get out of here, she told herself diligently.

Golbat returned. Swooping at her from the darkness, the pokémon attempted to claw it her. She ducked with a yelp, stumbling and sliding until she fell forward. The ground shook beneath her until it gave way, sucking her into the shadows below. She fell on her back, the air leaving her lungs. It was somehow even colder down here, and it hurt to breathe. When she did breathe, her sights were met with billowing white clouds. They entrapped her, closing in until she could not even see her hands in front of her face.

"This feels familiar," a low voice sang. It was Mewtwo.

Moon gasped as a pair of violet eyes cut through the fog. She took a large step back as the bladed gaze drew near, until, to her horror, a humanoid body appeared before her. Fitted with six fingers and six toes, it had a lavender body and thick thighs. A darker mauve underbelly connected to a long tail that swayed behind it. A round head suited with two lavender horns focused on a trembling Moon. A devilish smile crossed its face.

"It's been fun, but I don't need you anymore. Today, you die." Raising a paw, a bright glow emitted from Mewtwo's grasp. Moon opened to mouth to plead, but a third voice stopped her in her tracks.

"CHARIZARD, USE INFERNO!"

BOOM!

Mewtwo shrieked, catching fire and collapsing. It growled, attempting to stand.

The mystery savior wasn't finished. "NOW, USE DRAGON RUSH!"

More shrieking. Mewtwo withered and flailed, its voice dying. Then, it stopped moving altogether, reducing itself to a battered carcass. A wave of relief passed over Moon. Was it over? Was she safe? Had this nightmare finally ended?

In the distance, Charizard stood tall. A smaller figure resided next to them, taking large strides in her direction. Charizard's light followed until the mystery trainer's face came into view.

It was Sun.

For a moment, Moon thought she was staring into a mirror. Sun's black hair hung in his heather eyes, but his grin was left unguarded. A bulky silver coat covered his skin, the shine clashing with his plain, drab, white pants. A pair of black boots crunched against the ice and snow that dared to get in his way. He was as tall as her, with a sharp jawline and veiny hands.

"Moon?" His voice was as deep at Green's, much deeper than she could have ever imagined. Tears welled in her eyes as he continued to speak. "What are you doing here?"

"No..." Moon shook her head frenziedly. She tried to get away from him, but she felt as though she were frozen in place. "No, you're not him." Her voice was shattering, the fractures reaching her racing heart as he approached. "You're not real!"