Chapter 20 Chasing the Past Meadow The wind howled violently outside of Ruby’s home, its presence could be felt all around the simple tree home, pictures shook on the wall each time a gust of blew, while small items were knocked completely over. It was like nature itself knew what was about to go down and it was telling the Generals that there was nothing else that could or should be done, for tonight, a hard decision was to be made. Meadow was mostly one for not wanting to find a violent end to any situation, but when it comes to Dynamo and what he did to Suicune long ago…He had to pay. Ruby called her Generals along with Audrey into her study, locking the door behind them once everyone was present. The Vulpix took a deep breath as she waited to address everyone. Meadow could feel her own heart racing, a thousand thoughts ran through her mind, “was this really it, were they truly about to get justice for Suicune’s untimely end?” Dynamo looked ready to speak, not a hint of fear was painted anywhere on his face. Meadow wasn’t about to admit it in front of Dynamo, but she gained a bit of respect for him, it took a lot of guts after 200 years to finally come forward. If this was a better situation... “Radiance will not be joining us. As such I shall begin this trial by asking that everyone refrain from cutting in, becoming to emotional and if you must leave the room then do so in an orderly fashion. I will be the only one asking the questions and Dynamo will be the only one answering them. You are all here to observe and to help restrain the accused. Are we clear?” Ruby stared out into the darkness of the world, the only light came from the full moon that hung-over head. “Do you need to use the restroom or do anything before we begin?” “Its fine, I went before coming here. I honestly just want to get this over with.” Dynamo looked at the door, Ace and Neoral stood in front of it ready to stop his escape. Meadow wasn’t sure how strong the colt was now, she could feel that he was more experience than the last time she saw him. Oddly enough the horse had a strange looking tattoo on his butt, it was of three swords crossed together over a shield. The Swords of Justice. “Why did you come here Dynamo?” Ruby continued looking outside. “To clear my name.” “Why wait 200 years to do that?” “I…I didn’t know how to approach you guys, I mean…I did run after all. I was ashamed of what I did, I killed Suicune, it almost felt like I did it in cold blood….” “You killed Windy, you killed our friend.” Meadow spoke up, she didn’t want to not be a part of this, Windy was her friend too. “You killed one of our-“ “That’s enough Meadow, I will be doing the talking. If you cannot control your emotions, then get the hell out of here.” Ruby had turned her attention to the Shaymin. “I might be a Vulpix, but I am your leader, is that clear?” “Look who is talking but…fine.” Meadow took a deep breath. “Continue Dynamo.” “Look I know you guys won’t believe me when I tell you that I am sorry, nor that I do not believe that I…that I actually intentionally killed Suicune.” Dynamo’s tattoo began glowing and moments later his horn began glowing, transforming from a small cream-colored horn into a long ridged dark blue horn that pulsed with raw magical power. Resolute Form. “Resolute Form.” Meadow spoke. “Yes, I have been training with the Swords of Justice for the past 200 years, recently they taught me their greatest technique Secret Sword.” Dynamo bowed his head. “I was only able to get the most out of this new move after I decided what I must do going forward, I will accept my fate without any worries. But please Ruby…at least allow me to tell you my side of the story, what happened down there all those years ago. And please…do not cast your judgement on me just yet. For I did not kill Windy.” “We will not caste judgement yet.” Ruby sighed. “It takes courage to come here Dynamo, courage that you did not have all of those years ago.” “Ruby?” Meadow spoke. “That is very mature of you to say.” Audrey spoke from their side. Meadow wondered why the Commander was here, was their group not their rivals? Well...200 years ago yes, but not now, no there were no solid sides anymore. Just Pokemon. Meadow looked at Audrey, sure they made up but…can she just see her as a friend anymore after the moments they shared. Both good and bad. “Focus Meadow, we have a big decision to make soon.” “Stop acting like you care Audrey.” Meadow sighed. “Do you two need to take this outside?” Ruby firmly said. “No, no, General Ruby.” Audrey curtsey as she lightly bends her knees and dips herself down slightly. “I am terribly sorry for the distraction.” “Least you have manners.” “I can’t wait until you go back to your little tramp house and leave me the hell alone.” Meadow was starting to become upset, how dare Audrey show her up and make her look foolish. The Pikachu seemed to become upset. “I’m sorry Meadow, I will leave you alone after this, I never meant to upset you.” “Ruby.” Dynamo’s voice brought everyone back into reality of the situation. “I…I…Need to prove my innocence.” “All you can do is tell us what happened, so what happened and why did you run away?” Ruby stared the colt down. “Very well then…” “You sent Suicune and I on a mission to recon the tunnels that lead between our base and Radiance’s base. The tunnels were vast, and very dark in some areas. I remember how cold and scared I was, this was my first mission as a General and I was very nervous. Suicune and I had been on our mission for about a day, we had come home the night before since it had become too dark to explore that day and decided that the next morning we’ll pick up where we left off. I remember us nearing a fork in the road about a mile past where we had stopped the previous day, the walls had spread opening leading into a large circular room. Sun light was pouring through a few cracks in the ceiling above us, while the sound of falling water could be heard from nearby. “We walked to the center of that cavern and took a short break. Just as we were planning to continue Windy sensed that someone was coming. Despite readying ourselves for a fight, we could not have predicted the darkness that would steal all the light and hope out of the room. After that…well Suicune attacked, screaming something in a tongue till this day I can’t figure out. I dodged several attacks before letting him have it with good old double kick. The move seemed to be super effective as I remember Suicune screaming about how much that hurt. I dodged a few more attacks before rushing the dog down with Aqua Jet. But things turned as Suicune was too fast and hits me with a strange attack….I can’t remember. But I was hurt though afterwards, in a lot of pain. That was when I…when I had to make a very important decision and…readied my next attack as I used Retaliate to fight back…and then…then I struck…” Dynamo stopped speaking and…began crying. “I struck without thinking…I raised my horn and pierced Suicune…right in the chest…in his heart…” “Dynamo.” Ruby gasped. “I know…” Meadow could hear Dynamo gulp, he was so nervous that she could sense it from here she sat, his story had made him very emotional. That was a heavy burden to bare and…it called into question many things. What was this darkness, did Suicune and Dynamo truly fight one another the way Dynamo spoke about or if he was making this up just so not all the blame was on him? “Yes Ruby?” “Did you raise you horn, out of defense or offense?” Ruby asked “I…I…” Dynamo looked around the room, the cold seemed unsure if he wanted to answer that question. Without warning Dynamo’s hooves glowed blue and he dashed forward knocking Ruby from her paws with Aqua Jet. Meadow watched as her leader and best friend was pushed aside, the Vulpix looked to be in a lot of pain before the colt crashed through the window and took off for the forest. “That bastard!” Ruby barked. “After him!” “I knew we couldn’t trust him!” Meadow snarled as she helps up her leader. “I’m going to shove my paw so far up his ass…” “You have to catch him first Meadow, then punish him.” Audrey squeaked. “We’ll be lucky to catch him, he was one of the fastest of any us Legendary.” “Oh, we’ll get him…” Ruby said bitterly. “His answer would not have changed my judgement, but we must catch him, so we can finish this. I just hope that he doesn’t do anything stupid to make this harder than it this has to be.”