Chapter Text
"Ha ha ha ha ha..."
A slow chuckle echoed throughout the darkness.
"Ehahehehehe..."
The chuckling quickly sped up into a frenzy of manic laughter.
"Hehehehehe...heh..."
The chuckling stopped.
"...but it's time I got going!"
The door abruptly swung open. The light poured in. It was bright. Far too bright. Blindingly bright.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!"
Far beneath the surface of the Kalos region, in the deepest depths of a crystal-filled cave, Carbink woke up with a start. They blinked rapidly, their eyes trying to adjust to the surroundings.
Strange. They never usually had such vivid dreams.
Carbink's eyes were taking unusually long to adjust. They recognised the rock walls of the cave. They recognised the familiar crystals embedded in them. But they didn't recognise the yellow light emanating from the surrounding floor, accompanied by a sound of crackling electricity. It was brighter than anything they were used to seeing in their underground home.
"Uhh..." Carbink whispered in confusion. They felt the unfamiliar sensation of their mane blowing in the wind. "Am I still dreaming, or...?"
A nearby groan caught Carbink's attention.
"Ugh..." One of their fellow Carbink was also stirring. "What...huh?"
"Why is it so bright?" said another Carbink groggily. "I can't sleep like this..."
"What is this force brushing against my mane?" another asked, clearly irritated. "Could this be...underground wind?"
Carbink watched apprehensively as the whole colony woke up one by one, murmuring and complaining.
"How could such a light have breached our cave?"
"Is there a hole in a wall somewhere?"
"Will we be forced to relocate?"
"Ugh, I'm too tired to move..."
The cave soon echoed with the pack's confused, overlapping discussions. Carbink was alarmed by the commotion. They weren't sure what was happening either, but they knew this aimless babbling wouldn't get them anywhere.
"Enough!" Carbink yelled, raising their voice just loud enough to be heard by everyone. The murmuring of the other Carbink fell silent as they all turned towards the speaker. Only the sounds of wind blowing and electricity crackling remained.
"Thank you, everyone," Carbink continued. "Now we can all hear ourselves think..."
"Who put you in charge?" another Carbink asked, disdain evident in their voice.
"Well," Carbink replied, "someone needs to keep us all in line or we'll never figure out what's going on."
They adjusted their posture to look more upright. Something in their body felt off, but they tried to ignore it.
"What do you think is happening?" asked a younger Carbink. "Are we in danger?"
"That's what we need to figure out," Carbink continued, moving towards the others. "I suggest we— agh!"
Carbink suddenly tripped over, wincing at the unusual pain in their chest. Right as they hit the ground, the light vanished in a sudden flash, and the wind abruptly slowed to a halt.
Several of the other Carbink quickly stepped back in alarm.
"Are you behind this?!"
"Huh?" Carbink struggled to get back up. "Of course not! Why would I— aaagh!"
Carbink recoiled suddenly, throbbing with pain. In perfect sync with their groan, the light reappeared in another flash, electricity coating the ground once more, and the wind suddenly returned, now blowing in the opposite direction.
The other Carbink were quick to react.
"There's something wrong with you!"
"Have you been cursed?!"
"Is it infectious?!"
"Stop tormenting us!"
"I'm not doing anything!" Carbink shouted, bewildered. "This isn't— I'm not controlling this at all!"
"This way!" echoed the voice of a Carbink at the other end of the cave. "We can relocate through this tunnel!"
Carbink watched as the rest of the pack hurriedly fled. They had never seen any of them move at such speed, let alone the entire group.
"W-wait...!" Carbink called out weakly, barely audible over the noise of everyone else's stampede. In a matter of moments, the whole pack had cleared out through the tunnel, leaving Carbink alone in the windy cave.
Carbink sat there for a moment. The sharp pain was subsiding, but they still felt that same indescribably odd feeling inside their body. It felt as though their very DNA had somehow been recklessly rearranged.
Carbink sighed and started moving through the cave to follow their pack. They'd get left behind for good if they waited any longer.
Suddenly, they stopped. Their pack? Why were they following their pack?
Carbink had never been very fond of their peers. They'd always lamented how the other Carbink in the pack were so simple-minded, so snobbish, so boring. They all rigidly followed the same routine, afraid of the tiniest inconveniences. They all were quite happy to spend the vast majority of their lives asleep underground.
"...I don't need them," Carbink said to themself, overcome by a sudden feeling of resentment. "I've never needed them."
They turned back to the other side of the cave. The yellow light of the floor illuminated the walls and ceiling, allowing every detail to be seen clearly. Carbink noticed a hole in the ceiling, above their normal sleeping spot.
"I can handle myself," Carbink muttered, gazing up at the hole. "It's not like they'll miss me."
Impulsively, Carbink leapt up into the air. They fell back down to the cave floor with a thud.
"I don't need them," Carbink repeated confidently as they got up, louder this time. Their voice reverberated through the empty cave. "I can live my own life!"
Carbink stepped back a bit, narrowing their eyes. They focused once again on the hole in the ceiling. Mustering up all their energy, they took a running start and jumped up.
Suddenly, just as Carbink left the ground, the wind picked up. The Jewel Pokémon could barely process what was happening before they were propelled up into the hole by the powerful gusts, tumbling into the tunnel beyond.
One week later...
"And it looks like Ditto is down! Gabite didn't let it land a single hit!"
The fairly large crowd of spectators gathered around the outdoor battle court cheered enthusiastically at the commentator's words. The Pokémon Trainer at one end of the field recalled his fainted Ditto, a blank expression on his face as he prepared another Poké Ball.
"Both Trainers are down to their third and final Pokémon!" the announcer continued. "It's still anyone's game! Let's see what comes out of that Poké Ball!"
"Gyahahahahaha!" cackled the opposing Gabite in excitement. "Who's next?!"
The Trainer tossed his final Poké Ball, and in a burst of light, Carbink was out on the field. In an instant, the ground was turned into Electric Terrain as a mysterious air current was unleashed over the battlefield.
"He sends out the infamous Carbink!" the commentator boomed. "And it's getting windy here on the court! Impossible as it may sound, rumours have been swirling about this Carbink somehow having the two Abilities Delta Stream and Hadron Engine at the same time!"
"My my," Gabite growled, gazing at Carbink. Her voice was gruff, aggressive, condescending. "You truly are a beauty. It's a shame I'll have to wipe the floor with you!"
"I believe in you, Carbink!" the idiotic young Trainer yelled. "I know you can do it! Make that enemy faint!"
Carbink sighed apathetically at the unhelpful advice. They remained stationary, unresponsive to their surroundings.
"And Gabite makes the first move, lunging at Carbink with a Bite!"
The commentator's incessant shouting was getting on Carbink's nerves. They quickly used Protect, successfully blocking Gabite's attack.
"Whoa!" the commentator announced. "Did Carbink just use a move without its Trainer's instruction?!"
"Argh, what is your problem?!" yelled Gabite angrily as she readied a Dragon Claw. "You belong in my collection, not on the battlefield!"
"Could you shut up?" snapped Carbink, unaffected by the Dragon Claw. "It's a battle, not a shouting contest."
"Well, then maybe you should try attacking!" Gabite yelled back, unleashing a Slash. It wasn't very effective.
"Carbink effortlessly shrugs off Gabite's offences!" the commentator noted. "It seems this bizarre Jewel Pokémon won't go down as easy as Ditto before it."
"Hello?!" Gabite exclaimed. "Are you just gonna sit there and let me destroy you?!"
"You know what, fine," Carbink replied, exasperation evident in their voice as they assumed a battle-ready pose. "I don't care about this battle, or about my Trainer, but you're really fucking annoying."
"Ohohoho, I'm annoying, am I?!" Gabite exclaimed. "Bring it on, sweetie! You'll regret this when you feel the full extent of my—"
Gabite was interrupted by a sparkling ray of light striking her in the face.
"And Carbink strikes back with Power Gem!" the commentator observed. "Not very effective, but enough to knock Gabite off its feet!"
"Way to go, Carbink!" the Trainer added. "Use Toxic!"
"I don't even know that move!" Carbink grumbled, knowing they wouldn't be understood.
"Ugh!" Gabite had recovered. "Nice try, but you're not gonna take me down that easily!"
"Shut up already!" Carbink yelled back, firing off a Moonblast for a super effective hit. Gabite screeched in pain, struggling to stay standing.
"Gah, you must be cheating!" Gabite continued to shout, readying another attack. "There's no way I could lose to such a pretty little thing as—"
Without a moment of hesitation, Carbink followed up with a powerful Tera Blast, the bright beam slamming directly into Gabite. Despite Carbink not being Terastallized, the attack still dealt big damage.
"What a pushover," Carbink remarked calmly, watching Gabite stumble around in pain. "Have you never heard of dodging?"
"You...little shit..." Gabite mumbled before finally collapsing.
"And Gabite is unable to battle! It seems we have a winner, ladies and gentlemen! George and his mysterious Carbink are moving onto the finals!"
Carbink was pleased to have finally put a stop to Gabite's grating voice. But their joy was short-lived.
"Great job, Carbink!" said their Trainer, just as annoying. "I'm sure that futuristic engine within you boosting your Sp. Atk was very helpful!"
Carbink grumbled quietly. They didn't understand why their useless fool of a Trainer was getting credit for that victory when he hadn't even given any orders.
"The finals are going to be tough, surely!" the Trainer continued rambling. "But we're going to go all out! This item should help you!"
The Trainer handed Carbink an energy-filled capsule, much to their chagrin.
"This Booster Energy can enhance your powers!" the Trainer went on, an obnoxious grin stretching across his face. "There's no way you can fail me now!"
"For the last time, this item is completely useless to me!" Carbink fumed in futility before being abruptly returned to their Poké Ball once again.
"Let the finals begin!"
Carbink emerged onto the battle court once more. The Electric Terrain and strong winds surged to life as always.
"And he leads with the infamous Carbink! But can it replicate its phenomenal performance from the semifinals against this new foe?!"
Carbink squinted at the opposing Trainer, who threw a Poké Ball of his own. A fiery shape emerged, only slightly larger than Carbink.
"It's the Ruinous Pokémon, Chi-Yu! A formidable force indeed!"
"Can he go two seconds without yelling?" complained Carbink.
"Ha, tell me about it," Chi-Yu replied.
Carbink gazed in amazement at the Pokémon before them. The thing's body seemed to be entirely made of fire, but was somehow adorned with a stylish pair of glasses. Through the tinted lenses, ornate beads stared back at Carbink like eyes.
"Wow..." Carbink could feel their Sp. Def decreasing as they stared. "Those glasses make you look so cool!"
"Thanks," Chi-Yu replied casually. "You're not so bad yourself. Those glittering jewels are making me envious."
"Really?" Carbink wasn't used to being complimented. "That's so nice of you to say!"
"Hey, Carbink!" the Trainer interrupted. "Get battling already! Use that Booster Energy! You've got to win this for me!"
"Ah, right," said Chi-Yu dutifully. "Time to start fighting."
"...Do we have to?" Carbink asked.
"Huh?" Chi-Yu seemed taken aback. "Don't you want to win the tournament?"
"Not really," Carbink explained. "That stupid Trainer forced me into this. This definitely isn't the free and independent life I had in mind when I escaped from that cave."
"Come on, Chi-Yu!" The other Trainer was getting impatient too. "Use Fire Blast! Decimate this rock!"
"I don't think we have much of a choice," said Chi-Yu. "We can't just disobey our Trainers..."
"Why not?" Carbink pressed. "What gives these humans the right to control us? The fact they imprison us in balls most of the time?"
"Well, I..." Chi-Yu trailed off, seemingly deep in thought.
"Chi-Yu, you lazy moron!" the Trainer yelled again. "Stop idling and fight!"
"Hurry up and attack already, Carbink!" the other Trainer chimed in. "You won't like what happens if you don't win this for me!"
Restless murmurs spread throughout the audience, confused by the lack of fighting.
"Are you just gonna allow yourself to be treated like this?" Carbink said encouragingly. "Forced to do battle for their entertainment? We need to stand up to these tyrants!"
"We're still waiting on someone to make the first move," announced the confused commentator. "The combatants seem to be, uh...exchanging battle cries?"
"Gah! Carbink, you useless slob! Do something!"
"Come on, Chi-Yu, fight for me! I need to win that prize money!"
"...You're right," Chi-Yu admitted. "I can't...we can't stand for this any longer!"
Chi-Yu's beads suddenly began glowing as fiery droplets burst from their body. Before any of the humans present could react, huge flames erupted around the field, melting through the ground.
"Whoa, it seems Chi-Yu is finally attacking with...wait, is that aimed at...huh?!"
The electrified ground was quickly giving way to a sea of lava, while strong winds propelled the flames through the air, engulfing the surrounding area. The audience screamed and panicked as several of them caught fire.
"Let's leave this place in ruins!" yelled Chi-Yu, suddenly much more excited. "I'll burn it all to the ground!"
A fire alarm started to blare as people fled rapidly. The announcer frantically urged everyone to remain calm, but even his voice was barely audible in the chaos.
"Wow, great job!" Carbink cheered, watching the flames grow around them in awe. They were in the eye of the storm with Chi-Yu, unharmed. "This is really spectacular!"
"I'm just getting to best part!" yelled Chi-Yu happily. They directed the inferno at the two Pokémon Trainers, who shrieked in pain.
"Stop!" yelled Chi-Yu's Trainer. "I'm your ally! Your friend!!"
Carbink noticed the Trainers dropping their Poké Balls, which were melting in the flames. They heard a fire truck approaching.
"Quick, let's go!" Carbink exclaimed urgently. "Before anyone can capture us!"
Chi-Yu finally stopped blasting fire. "Should we run away?"
"Hold onto me," Carbink instructed. "I think I can get us out of here."
The flames started to die down as more crowds of people arrived, dousing them with fire extinguishers and Water-type Pokémon. As the dust settled, only the two collapsed Trainers remained on the charred battle court.
"Where are the Pokémon?!" yelled a firefighter. "Did they escape?"
"Look!" Another crowd member pointed to the sky. Sure enough, Carbink and Chi-Yu were there, shrinking into the distance as they flew away together.
"...Are they flying? How is that possible?"
The fire was completely extinguished now. The gathered crowd murmured amongst themselves about what had just happened.
Suddenly, Carbink's Trainer began coughing, struggling to get up. He had suffered significant burns.
"Are you okay?!" yelled someone.
"I'll call an ambulance!" added another.
But after only a couple of seconds, the Trainer managed to get to his feet without too much difficulty.
"Hahaha..." he chuckled. "Don't worry about me. I am fine!"
"What?" replied a crowd member. "How could you be fine after that?"
The Trainer simply smiled in response. He turned his head to the sky, watching as the two Pokémon faded out of view.
"Hello? Sir?" Someone tried to get his attention. "Can you hear me?"
The Trainer closed his eyes and melted away.