A Hero's Blood

Chapter 5

John and Pete were training after the service, trying to get into shape for the battle against Nina. They knew that they had to do something about the Goth girl.

Cortex came over to them and asked, "How are things going here?"

"Fine," the two of them answered, in unison.

John looked up at Cortex and saw his pale features as he asked, "Still kicking yourself for what happened?"

"Yeah," Cortex answered, sadly.

Pete stated, defiant, "But that wasn't your fault! It was Nina's!"

"And I was responsible for Nina," Cortex responded, shaking his head.

Pete replied, "Yeah but she was totally out of control. That wasn't tied back to you."

"Certainly feels like it," Cortex stated, sitting down in the grass.

John went over to him and said, "You know, we all lost someone that day two years ago. Pete and I lost a great friend and trainer. You had nothing to do with Crash being killed. It wasn't your fault and it will never be your fault."

Cortex was touched by John's statement that he hugged John. John returned the hug as Pete smiled at the sight as they heard a slight hissing sound. John and Pete's cheeks started to get charged with electricity. Cortex got up and got a Poke ball ready.

"Who's there," Cortex asked, ready for a fight.

Suddenly, he saw a Gengar.

"That's a Gengar," John stated.

Pete added, "The Shadow Pokémon."

Cortex stated, "I'm not sure what a Gengar is doing here but Salamence can make good work of it."

"I like to see Salamence try," said a voice.

John, Pete, and Cortex perked up as they saw Gus standing there.

"Who are you," John asked – even though it was more of a demand than a question.

"Not for you to know," Gus answered, "But I for some information for John and Pete."

"What kind of information," Pete asked.

"Information about Crash's murder," Gus answered.

"If you got information for us then why do you have your Gengar out," John demanded.

"If you can defeat Gengar, then I'll give you the information," Gus stated.

"And if not," Pete wondered.

"I wait for a week to re-challenge you with a different Pokémon," Gus replied, sounding a bit smug and a bit confident.

"You're on," Cortex stated, about ready to throw his Poke ball.

"Wait, Cortex," said John.

"Wait," Cortex questioned, "But this kid has information on Crash's death!"

Pete answered, "We know that but this information is for us."

"Yeah, we should be the ones to earn it," John added.

"So will you let us," Pete asked.

Cortex looked at his four friends and after a few minutes, Cortex put away his Poke ball and nodded. John and Pete smiled as they turned to Gus.

"Bring it on, Gengar," said the four of them, in unison.

Gus commanded, "Gengar, Shadow Ball!"

Gengar obeyed and threw the dark ball of energy at the two Pokémon. They dodged it as Pete tried Discharge.

Gus commanded, "Shadow Sneak!"

Gengar obeyed and disappeared into the ground, avoiding Discharge. Pete snarled as Gengar appeared behind him. John quickly reacted and used Zap Cannon. Gengar got a bit paralyzed from the attack but shook it off and used its shadow to attack them. John and Pete were a bit blown away but they managed to recover. Cortex wanted to get in on the action but he knew that they had to fight this guy on their own.

Gus commanded, "Night Shade!"

Night Shade came out of Gengar's hands and hit the two of them, hard. John and Pete were down and out for the count. Cortex gasped as he ran over to them. Gus recalled Gengar and left them without saying another word. Cortex watched him leave, wondering what that was all about and who he was.

Back with the heroes, Coral was listening to the tales of Crash's past...all except for the first tussle between Crash and Cortex. Coral was amazed at Crash's bravery and wished that she had the chance to meet him. Cortex arrived back with John and Pete – injured and in his arms. Everyone gasped as Coral ran over.

She asked, "What happened?"

"They were attacked by a kid with a powerful Gengar," Cortex answered.

Coral rushed the four of them into the house as fast as she could.

AK1028: And that's the end of the chapter! I apologize for the delay and I hope that you liked it! Please read and review! Always think outside of the box!