Ghostly Shadows Traviata: An Alpha Sapphire Nuzlocke

Chapter 8: Seed of Darkness

Viata stands outside the Petalburg Gym with her team. All feel the weight from Lionheart's legacy on their shoulders. Viata stands straight as she walks into the Gym. She battles her way through the trainers. Soon, she faces Norman.

"Ah. I recognize that glare. Someone else also wore one before."

"Who was it?"

"His name was Travis and he won without heart. I do not wish for you to do the same. Let me demonstrate the power of my values!"

Norman sends out Slaking and Viata sends out Tung.

Tung fires off a Low Kick at the Slaking. The Slaking hits back with a Feint Attack. Tung kicks once again and fells the large sloth. Norman recall Slaking and sends out Vigoroth.

Tung switches moves and chops downward. Vigoroth takes the blow and slashes its claws at Tung, thrown off balance. Tung recovers and lands another chop, ending the Vigoroth's slashing. Norman recalls Vigoroth and sends out Slaking.

The Slaking scratches its belly as it appears from its Pokeball. Tung takes the opportunity and Karate Chops the Slaking. The Slaking visibly quivers with rage as it retaliates. Tung goes down.

Viata withdraws Tung and sends out Kabuki. With a discharge, the Slaking goes down. Viata calls back Kabuki and waits for Norman.

He approaches her with the badge in hand. "Your value prevailed. Let me warn you. The path you are taking is damaging for yourself and your Pokemon."

"I don't need your warning and advice." Viata takes the badge and exits the gym.

She boxes Tung in the PC and withdraws Sleek.

They heal up at the Petalburg Pokemon Center and then head toward Route 118. There, Kabuki faints a horde of Kekleon with one Discharge. Further along the path, the team comes across a building. The sign outside reads, "The Weather Institute." Viata looks right and sees the path blocked by Team Aqua, which means they must be nearby. Viata turns and looks at the Weather Institute. Yes, they must be in there. She heads in.

Team Aqua grunts guard the pathway. Viata sweeps them all and faces off against a familiar young woman.

The woman spots Viata. "For the last time you will meddle in our affairs! As a Team Aqua Admin, I will eliminate you!"

"Go Kabuki!"

"Go Sharpedo!"

Kabuki channels her electricity and waits for Viata's command. The Sharpedo lunges forward and bites down on Kabuki. Viata smiles and says, "Kabuki use Discharge!"

Kabuki slowly moves with power. Then in one quick movement, she unleashes the Discharge that sends the Sharpedo swimming back into its Pokeball.

"Our plans are in motion. I'll see you again soon, if you're strong enough. Ta ta!"

Team Aqua flees.

On Route 120, Viata fails to catch a kecleon and as she crosses the bridge, Steven helps her see the invisible Kecleon and offers her a Blazikenite.

Viata looks at the Blazikenite. The orb glows a faint orange. She takes the Blazikenite and puts it in her backpack's small pocket. "Thanks Steven." She brushes past him. Along the route she trains her team until she feels ready for the next Gym battle. She won't make the same mistake. She won't lose another teammate. She can't.

Large fans border the battlefield. They turn from the slight breeze that wafts in. Winona stands on a mound on the opposite end.

"I see you made it this far. Time to face those that take to the sky! Swellow!"

"Kabuki it's your performance!"

The Pikachu flips and sticks the landing with a powerful pose. "Pika!"

Kabuki strikes first with a palm Discharge.

"Oh! What a blow! Swellow is down!" roars the announcer.

"Return Swellow. It's time to go, Skarmory."

Kabuki readies another Discharge in her other paw as the Skarmory's wings glow with bright white light.

"Discharge!"

"Steel Wing!"

Kabuki's Discharge envelops Skarmory but the Skarmory breaks through and lands a Steel Wing on Kabuki. A final Discharge and the Skarmory falls.

Winona sends out Pelipper next, which gets hit by one Discharge and returns. At last, Winona sends out Altaria.

Kabuki lets loose a Discharge and Winona's Altaria fires off a Dragon Breath. Kabuki takes the hit and launches a Discharge that fells the Altaria.

"Well done. The sky was brought down to earth. Here's your badge."

"Thanks. Let's go team."

The team follows but Thyme flutters behind with drooped antennae. Viata changed. Viata's gone.

Route 121 brings a new teammate, Scarelet the Shuppet, and the Safari Zone brings a new teammate, Lanka the Rhyhorn. Viata switches her team out and replaces Tung's spot with Scarelet. They train at Mt. Pyre, where Viata establishes a close connection with Scarelet. Thyme watches at a distance and every time she glimpses at Viata's eyes, no longer do they burn bright, but reveal a hollow abyss.

At the peak, Viata confronts Team Aqua once again. But, she's too late.

"The Red Orb is all mine! C'mon let's sail to Slateport!"

"You're not carrying out your plan if I can help it!" shouts Viata as she chases after them.

They quickly outpace her and leave her out of breath.

"I'll *huff* stop you! *huff*" Viata gasps.

She stops off at Lilycove city and withdraws her Skarmory to teach him Fly. Using Fly, they reach Slateport City where Team Aqua hijacks a submarine. Captain Stern provides Team Aqua's Secret Base location. Viata thanks Captain Stern and says, "Guess the base isn't so secret after all."

Thyme - Dustox

Lanka - Rhyhorn

Scarelet - Shuppet

Wreakingball - Cacnea

Kabuki – Cool Cosplay Pikachu

Teeter Tot - Lombre