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Matthew's Trial Chapter 9

Matthew was sitting in the middle of the prison yard, letting the sun beat down on his dark feathers and warm his body after a long cold night in his cell. Upon waking up that morning Matthew had discovered a thin layer of ice on the floor of his cell and had quickly discovered the cause, Feng.

Although the sadistic Weavile hadn't said anything Matthew could see it in his cold dark eyes and the wicked grin on his face as the overhead lights illuminated his cell. The two of them had just stared at each other for several seconds before Matthew finally broke eye contact. However, at that time he had also discovered something slightly disturbing. Several of the primary flying feathers on his wings had been snipped off.

At first he had thought it was Feng but upon further investigation he had concluded that the Chansey had done it while he was unconscious. Although he didn't like it he could understand why they had done it. After all the last thing the guards wanted was for a prisoner to fly off during yard time. Still it was quite a let down for Matthew. Flying had always been a good stress reliever for him when he felt anxious or stressed and now that avenue of escape had been blocked off to him.

Matthew's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a scuffle across the yard. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a large crowd of Pokemon gathered around something. Matthew's curiosity quickly got the better of him and he immediately got to his feet and started to move over to see what was happening.

As Matthew got closer he could hear the sound of blows landing against flesh and he quickened his pace, pushing his way through the crowd. No one tried to stop him, in fact most of the Pokemon did their best to get out of his way as he came through. Finally Matthew broke through to the center of the crowd and saw what had gotten everyone's attention.

Feng was standing in the middle of a circle of Pokemon formed by the crowd with a badly beaten Sandslash laying at his feet. Blood was running out of numerous gashes along it's body while one of it's eyes was swollen shut. It was obvious to Matthew that this had become a one sided fight a long time ago and Feng was now simply beating on the Sandslash for his own enjoyment. As Matthew watched Feng pulled back his fist and delivered a vicious punch to the ground type's head. The sound of Feng's claws impacting against the Sandslash's skull sent shivers up Matthew's spine.

Matthew quickly turned to one of the Pokemon standing next to him, an emaciated Delibird, and asked the obvious question. “(What is going on here?)” The Delibird looked over at Matthew with confusion evident on it's face before responding. “(What do you mean, don't you recognize a Pokemon battle when you see one?)” Matthew's eyes got wide in shock as he continued to watch Feng pummel on the defenseless Sandslash and shook his head. “(Never like this before. Why don't the guards do something to stop this? If this keeps up Feng is going to kill that Sandslash?)” The Delibird didn't answer his question directly and instead posed one of it's own. “(You're new here aren't you?)” Matthew nodded as the Delibird continued. “(Well then you had better get used to this. Every Friday Calcifer picks two prisoners from one of the cell blocks and has them fight each other to the death to keep us entertained. He says that he picks them randomly but Feng has fought twice this month already. I get the feeling that Calcifer has it in for that Weavile if you know what I mean.)”

Matthew was taken aback at what he had heard. He had thought that this was nothing more than a holding facility for dangerous Pokemon and that Calcifer, although cruel, ran the place legally. Now he had just discovered that he ran it like a bloody colosseum to keep the prisoners entertained and to ensure that they didn't start a riot. It made Matthew sick to his stomach to know that such a place existed in the Sinnoh region. Matthew had been under the impression that such places didn't exist outside of the Orre region and it's lawless borders. Apparently he had been mistaken.

His attention was quickly drawn back to the arena as he saw the Sandslash attempt to get back to it's feet. It managed to get to it's knees before collapsing back to the ground in a heap, exhausted past it's breaking point long ago. Feng continued to stare down at the beaten creature for several more seconds before pulling back his leg to deliver a sharp kick to it's head. Matthew's rage, long buried and contained, suddenly took over. He couldn't bear to watch this brutal spectacle any longer and knew that he had to do something. Without warning he jumped forward just before Feng's foot made contact with the Sandslash's head and tackled Feng to the ground. Even though he was unable to fly his wings still acted as excellent gliders and allowed him to cover the distance to Feng in a single leap. Feng never saw the attack coming and was completely caught off guard as Matthew's talons wrapped around his body and pinned him to the ground.
As Feng looked up Matthew brought his wing down so that it was mere centimeters away from Feng's neck. It would only take him a single move to slit the Weavile's throat open. This was not lost on Feng who despite the intense rage burning in his eyes relaxed his guard to let Matthew know that he wouldn't try anything stupid while at the same time motioning for two Sneasel's off to the side to stand down. A silence fell over the yard as all the Pokemon just stared at Matthew standing over Feng.

Finally after several terse seconds of silence Matthew leaned down and was about to say something to Feng when he noticed three glowing red dots appear on his chest. Matthew looked up and his eyes were drawn to three guards standing on top of one of the towers, in their hands were high powered rifles all aimed directly at his chest. As Matthew continued to watch he saw Calcifer slowly come out of the tower and look down at him. The two of them stared at each other for several seconds without saying a word before Calcifer jumped down and started to approach Matthew.

"(Let him go Matthew. It would be un-befitting of a Pokemon of your prowess to be gunned down like a common criminal over something so petty.)" Matthew gritted his beak as he stared back at Calcifer. Although he no longer felt like killing the Arcanine for having destroyed the ring that Angel had given him his hatred for the creature had been born anew after witnessing the brutal fights that he put on simply for the entertainment of the prisoners and the guards.

Still Matthew knew that Calcifer was right and he wouldn't accomplish anything by being shot. So, very slowly so as not to provoke the guards or Calcifer, removed his wing from Feng's neck and stepped back. Feng got to his feet and Matthew could tell that it was taking every ounce of his self control to keep from lunging at Matthew. Once Matthew was several meters away from Feng Calcifer walked over and looked between the two. After a minute he turned and focused his eyes on Matthew.

“(Just what the hell do you think that you were doing Matthew? I thought that you of all Pokemon would recognize a battle when you saw one and know enough not to interrupt?)” Matthew lowered his eyes and took a step closer to Calcifer. “(What I saw wasn't a battle Calcifer. It was pure and unadulterated murder. Although I'm not surprised that you have trouble telling the difference between the two. I've never seen anything as disgusting as this. Running death matches just for the entertainment of the other prisoners so that they don't stage a coup against your little kingdom here.)” Calcifer scowled and without warning slapped Matthew across the face with his paw. “(Two things Matthew. First if you ever talk like that to me again I'll kill you. Second...)” Calcifer turned and indicated the Sandslash with his paw as it continually tried to get to it's feet and failed. “(If you knew why he was in here then you wouldn't think it was murder. In fact if you had any idea why half of the Pokemon in here are here then you wouldn't think it murder if I butchered them all where they stand right now! This is not your cozy comfortable ranch life Matthew. This is the real world and I suggest that you get with the program!)”

Calcifer turned to Feng. “(As for you I'm disgusted that you were defeated so easily, by a cripple who you had a type advantage against no less.)” Feng gritted his teeth but didn't say anything as Calcifer turned back to Matthew who was still seething with rage towards the Arcanine. He eyed him up for a second as a small smile suddenly came to his face “(Still. If you feel so strongly about the life of that Sandslash Matthew then perhaps you would be willing to take his place against Feng.)”

Matthew looked over at Feng who was clenching and un-clenching his claws repeatedly before looking back at Calcifer. “(I'm not going to fight him just for your entertainment or the entertainment of your prisoners Calcifer.)” Calcifer looked over at Feng and then back at Matthew. “(You didn't seem to have a problem with it when that Sandslash's life was at stake. Hmm, I suppose you need a little more incentive then.)” Without warning Calcifer jumped over to the Sandslash and pressed his paw down against it's back while unsheathing his claws. Matthew started to make a move but before he took a single step the guards had retrained their aim on him. Matthew stopped in his tracks and stared back at Calcifer as the Arcanine smiled back at him. “(Let's make it simple Matthew. Either you fight Feng or I kill this little pipsqueak. Simple enough don't you think. Now what's it going to be, his life or Feng's.)”

Matthew looked between the Sandslash and Feng several times, completely unsure of what to do. On the one hand he could fight Feng and break the promise that he had kept for the last couple of years never to battle again while in the process saving a life. On the other hand he could just walk away and let Calcifer take the defenseless creatures life. Matthew had no doubt that the Sandslash deserved to be here but he couldn't stand to see it killed in such a way.

After several more seconds of looking between the two Matthew finally made up his mind. “(Alright Calcifer we'll do it your way.)” Calcifer grinned as Matthew and Feng took up positions on either end of the yard with the crowd of prisoners around them. Matthew stretched out his wings and cocked his head to the side as Feng looked back at him with a malicious stare. Matthew knew that he had to end this fast so that Feng wouldn't have a chance to use any ice-based attacks. Unfortunately his inability to fly would make that more difficult. Still Matthew figured that if he could just get close enough to Feng he could use his super luck to locate Feng's weak spot and end this battle with one or two critical hits. Quick and clean.

The two Pokemon eyed each other up from opposite ends of the field, both waiting for the other to make a move. Finally after several tense seconds Feng lunged forward and charged at Matthew. At first Matthew was shocked at the recklessness of his attack, coming straight on towards him. But as he watched he quickly put together what Feng was doing and bowed his head. “(Very clever, if a bit risky.)” He muttered under his breath. When Feng was only twenty meters away from him he suddenly stopped and without warning seemed to split into three distinct Pokemon that instantly surrounded Matthew, a perfectly orchestrated double team attack.

Most Pokemon in Matthew's position would have been thrown off by the suddenness of the strike but Matthew had seen the move before. Feng, fully aware that Matthew couldn't fly, had decided to close the distance between the two before using double team to ensure that he would surround the Honchkrow and cut off any means of escape.

Rather than try and escape from the trap Matthew simply continued to stand his ground. Feng, expecting Matthew to try and make a break for it scowled as all he and his two copies all charged head on at Matthew with an ice punch, hoping to wipe the smug look off the Honchkrow's face.

Matthew watched the two Feng's that were closest with what seemed to be mild interest. In reality he was quickly scrutinizing them to determine whether they were the real Feng or another copy.

When they were a mere three meters away from him a small smile came to Matthew's beak. "(Perfect.)"

The real Feng grinned wickedly as he charged at Matthew's back, thinking that the Honchkrow had been fooled by his double team he pulled back his arm and prepared to slam his ice covered fist into the back of Matthew's neck, hopefully breaking the accursed birds spine. However, just as his blow was about to land Matthew sidestepped with incredible deftness. Feng had a split second to stare in shock before Matthew's wing began to glow a dark purple as he swung it into the back of Feng's head, driving him into the ground.

For his part Matthew had been careful to hit Feng with the blunt edge of his wing so as not to hurt him too much. Although he hoped it had been a hard enough hit to convince Feng to give up the pointless fight.

Unfortunately Feng was more furious than wounded and only a few seconds after Matthew's wing had made contact he was again charging at the large Honchkrow with a manic rage glowing in his eyes. Matthew let out a deep sigh, his hopes that he could end this with a modicum of violence were dashed, his only choice now was to end this quickly and hope that he had enough self control to keep from killing the Weavile.

Feng's rage clouded his judgement and as soon as he was in range Matthew slammed his wing down in an overarching chop that seemed too fast for a Pokemon his size to pull off. Feng slammed down into the ground hard and before he could even contemplate getting back to his feet Matthew had leapt on top of his and planted his foot on the back of Feng's head, pushing it down into the ground.
"(Enough Feng! I don't want to kill you but if you keep pushing me I may have no choice!)"

Feng growled as the uncontrollable rage in his eyes burned even brighter. "(Your not going to kill me! Because I'm going to rip your fucking throat out!)" Feng's back leg swept around with more dexterity than Matthew thought the Weavile had and before he could react Feng's toe claws had lodged themselves in Matthew's leg.

Matthew let out a loud screech of pain as he lost his grip on Feng for a second giving the Weavile enough time to escape. However, rather than try to get some distance between himself and Matthew and try to plan out a more carefully coordinated attack he instead only moved back far enough to lunge at Matthew's neck.

Unfortunately for Feng he had gravely misjudged Matthew's tolerance to pain and injuries. Just as his claws were about to make contact Matthew looked up at Feng and without warning his foot shot up and he grabbed Feng by the neck before slamming him down to the ground hard enough to crack several of the Weavile's ribs. Feng gasped in pain as all the air in his lungs was pushed out but Matthew wasn't finished with him yet.

Matthew had been lied to, he had seen his family manipulated and berated, he had been unjustly imprisoned, he had been threatened, and his last remaining memento of Angel had been destroyed. To put it simply he was pissed.

Without a hint of emotion in his eyes he grabbed Feng's leg with his other foot and twisted it sharply, snapping the bones with a sickening crack. Feng cried out again in agony as Matthew continued to twist the broken appendage. He wasn't thinking clearly and acting on instinct, all his anger from the last few days being released in vicious display against Feng.

After a minute of this he stopped and brought his wing down to Feng's throat. He desperately wanted to do it. To end this miserable sick little bastard's life. Arceus knew he deserved it. Slowly Matthew pulled his wing back to strike but as he did he suddenly stopped. Standing there in the middle of the crowd was...no it was impossible, she was dead, Matthew had seen her die, had held her in his arms as her hot blood poured over his wings. But there was no mistaking that beautiful blue skin, those silken white feathers, and those eyes.
It was Angel.

Matthew's breath started to come in ragged gasps as he looked at Angel staring back at him. She was giving him a sorrowful look, as a mother would give to a child who has said he hates her. A look of pain. She continued to stare at him for several seconds as she just shook her head. And then Matthew blinked and she was gone.

He shook his head in confusion for several seconds as he looked down at Feng squirming on the ground in pain. Defiance still evident in his eyes but mixed with fear. He knew what he had to do.

Matthew pulled his wing back and slammed it into the ground. There was a collective gasp among the crowd around him as Matthew's wing came to rest right next to Feng's head. Feng turned and looked at the wing before looking back up at Matthew. "(What?! You're too much a coward to kill me? Too afraid that-)" Matthew had heard enough and slammed his head into Feng's, knocking the Weavile unconscious before stepping off of him and taking several steps back before looking up at the watchtower where Calcifer was staring down at him.

Complete silence filled the yard for several seconds before Calcifer finally spoke. "(So, the Matthew I respected truly is dead then. Pity.)" Calcifer turned towards one of the armed guards and for the first time that day Matthew noticed a metal collar on his neck. Calcifer hit a small button on the side and as he began to speak his Pokemon speech was translated into English for the guards sake.

"(Drag Feng back to Sophie and see if she can do anything with him. If not put a bullet in his head and file that it was in self defense.)" The guard swallowed hard before nodding and climbing down to the yard where he picked up the unconscious Weavile and ran off. Calcifer then turned his attention to Matthew for a second before a small smile came to his face. "(Not bad. I was quite pleased with your performance right up until the point you refused to kill that little bastard. Such a display of weakness will get you in trouble here Matthew.)"

Matthew grimaced at Calcifer and before he could stop himself he had walked right up to the edge of the tower and had begun to speak.
"(Weakness!? You think me sparing his life was a sign of weakness?)" Calcifer's smile instantly vanished. "(And what would you call it? Mercy? Believe me when I tell you that will get you one thing in here. A shank in the back.)"
Matthew responded to Calcifer with no hesitation.

"(I would call it strength. The ability to have one's life in your hands and not take it requires far more strength than the simple cold blooded murder that you postulate as being real strength. Real strength is knowing when to spare your enemy. When to forgive them despite what they have done to you. When to turn away from anger and to ask for forgiveness. THAT is strength Calcifer!!)" With that Matthew twisted around and launched a dark pulse straight up the side of the wall that missed Calcifer by only a few centimeters.

Calcifer instantly jumped back in shock as the guards on the tower all aimed their weapons back at Matthew as he stared up at the Arcanine who was glowering at him. "(I could have hit you if I wanted Calcifer. I didn't because I am better than that. I am better than you. I don't need revenge against you for what you have done to me and everyone else here. I am at peace.)" Calcifer could barely contain his rage and wanted to order his men to shoot Matthew right there but before he could several Pokemon had come out of the crowd and had blocked the guards shots. They were quickly joined by more who formed a barrier between the guards and Calcifer. Soon most of the prisoners had huddled close to Matthew and had begun to chant his name in unison.

Calcifer's rage had reached a boiling point. His first instinct was to order his guards to open fire on the crowd and kill them all. Or use flamethrower to roast them all alive. But he knew that he would never be able to explain that to the authorities. A simple death match once a week was even enough to explain away but killing off that many prisoners...too risky. For that matter if he had a sniper kill Matthew it would cause a riot. Something else that Calcifer wanted to avoid. Matthew had gotten the crowd on his side by his bold move and Calcifer couldn't stand it. He was losing control and it was driving him crazy.

Sweat rolled down Calcifer's brow as his guards looked at him, confusion evident on their faces. "Sir? What should we do?" Calcifer looked over the crowd protecting Matthew and gritted his teeth. "(End the recess period and send them back to their cells.)" His guards looked at him incredulously. "But sir we-" Calcifer turned and swatted the guard with his paw hard enough to dislocate his shoulder. "(Do it now!!!)" His guards slowly nodded as they climbed down. At first the crowd refused to separate but at Matthew's urging they did as they were told and began to head back inside.

Just before he headed back into the darkness of the prison Matthew looked back up at the tower where Calcifer was still standing. The two of them locked eyes for several seconds and in that time Matthew could see the murderous rage burning in Calcifer's eyes brighter than ever until it disappeared entirely as Matthew entered the prison.

Calcifer watched Matthew go and continued to stare at the spot where Matthew had disappeared into the prison. Finally he turned to one of the remaining guards standing next to him.

"(Contact the Sinnoh governor and tell him that we have an incredibly violent and uncontrollable Pokemon here who is scheduled for execution. Inform him that I want his execution date pushed up to protect the other prisoners from him.)" Calcifer turned and began to walk away.

"(You'll soon see what true strength is Matthew. I swear it.)"

Description
Matthew's Trial Chapter 9

Matthew was sitting in the middle of the prison yard, letting the sun beat down on his dark feathers and warm his body after a long cold night in his cell. Upon waking up that morning Matthew had discovered a thin layer of ice on the floor of his cell and had quickly discovered the cause, Feng.

Although the sadistic Weavile hadn't said anything Matthew could see it in his cold dark eyes and the wicked grin on his face as the overhead lights illuminated his cell. The two of them had just stared at each other for several seconds before Matthew finally broke eye contact. However, at that time he had also discovered something slightly disturbing. Several of the primary flying feathers on his wings had been snipped off.

At first he had thought it was Feng but upon further investigation he had concluded that the Chansey had done it while he was unconscious. Although he didn't like it he could understand why they had done it. After all the last thing the guards wanted was for a prisoner to fly off during yard time. Still it was quite a let down for Matthew. Flying had always been a good stress reliever for him when he felt anxious or stressed and now that avenue of escape had been blocked off to him.

Matthew's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a scuffle across the yard. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a large crowd of Pokemon gathered around something. Matthew's curiosity quickly got the better of him and he immediately got to his feet and started to move over to see what was happening.

As Matthew got closer he could hear the sound of blows landing against flesh and he quickened his pace, pushing his way through the crowd. No one tried to stop him, in fact most of the Pokemon did their best to get out of his way as he came through. Finally Matthew broke through to the center of the crowd and saw what had gotten everyone's attention.

Feng was standing in the middle of a circle of Pokemon formed by the crowd with a badly beaten Sandslash laying at his feet. Blood was running out of numerous gashes along it's body while one of it's eyes was swollen shut. It was obvious to Matthew that this had become a one sided fight a long time ago and Feng was now simply beating on the Sandslash for his own enjoyment. As Matthew watched Feng pulled back his fist and delivered a vicious punch to the ground type's head. The sound of Feng's claws impacting against the Sandslash's skull sent shivers up Matthew's spine.

Matthew quickly turned to one of the Pokemon standing next to him, an emaciated Delibird, and asked the obvious question. “(What is going on here?)” The Delibird looked over at Matthew with confusion evident on it's face before responding. “(What do you mean, don't you recognize a Pokemon battle when you see one?)” Matthew's eyes got wide in shock as he continued to watch Feng pummel on the defenseless Sandslash and shook his head. “(Never like this before. Why don't the guards do something to stop this? If this keeps up Feng is going to kill that Sandslash?)” The Delibird didn't answer his question directly and instead posed one of it's own. “(You're new here aren't you?)” Matthew nodded as the Delibird continued. “(Well then you had better get used to this. Every Friday Calcifer picks two prisoners from one of the cell blocks and has them fight each other to the death to keep us entertained. He says that he picks them randomly but Feng has fought twice this month already. I get the feeling that Calcifer has it in for that Weavile if you know what I mean.)”

Matthew was taken aback at what he had heard. He had thought that this was nothing more than a holding facility for dangerous Pokemon and that Calcifer, although cruel, ran the place legally. Now he had just discovered that he ran it like a bloody colosseum to keep the prisoners entertained and to ensure that they didn't start a riot. It made Matthew sick to his stomach to know that such a place existed in the Sinnoh region. Matthew had been under the impression that such places didn't exist outside of the Orre region and it's lawless borders. Apparently he had been mistaken.

His attention was quickly drawn back to the arena as he saw the Sandslash attempt to get back to it's feet. It managed to get to it's knees before collapsing back to the ground in a heap, exhausted past it's breaking point long ago. Feng continued to stare down at the beaten creature for several more seconds before pulling back his leg to deliver a sharp kick to it's head. Matthew's rage, long buried and contained, suddenly took over. He couldn't bear to watch this brutal spectacle any longer and knew that he had to do something. Without warning he jumped forward just before Feng's foot made contact with the Sandslash's head and tackled Feng to the ground. Even though he was unable to fly his wings still acted as excellent gliders and allowed him to cover the distance to Feng in a single leap. Feng never saw the attack coming and was completely caught off guard as Matthew's talons wrapped around his body and pinned him to the ground.
As Feng looked up Matthew brought his wing down so that it was mere centimeters away from Feng's neck. It would only take him a single move to slit the Weavile's throat open. This was not lost on Feng who despite the intense rage burning in his eyes relaxed his guard to let Matthew know that he wouldn't try anything stupid while at the same time motioning for two Sneasel's off to the side to stand down. A silence fell over the yard as all the Pokemon just stared at Matthew standing over Feng.

Finally after several terse seconds of silence Matthew leaned down and was about to say something to Feng when he noticed three glowing red dots appear on his chest. Matthew looked up and his eyes were drawn to three guards standing on top of one of the towers, in their hands were high powered rifles all aimed directly at his chest. As Matthew continued to watch he saw Calcifer slowly come out of the tower and look down at him. The two of them stared at each other for several seconds without saying a word before Calcifer jumped down and started to approach Matthew.

"(Let him go Matthew. It would be un-befitting of a Pokemon of your prowess to be gunned down like a common criminal over something so petty.)" Matthew gritted his beak as he stared back at Calcifer. Although he no longer felt like killing the Arcanine for having destroyed the ring that Angel had given him his hatred for the creature had been born anew after witnessing the brutal fights that he put on simply for the entertainment of the prisoners and the guards.

Still Matthew knew that Calcifer was right and he wouldn't accomplish anything by being shot. So, very slowly so as not to provoke the guards or Calcifer, removed his wing from Feng's neck and stepped back. Feng got to his feet and Matthew could tell that it was taking every ounce of his self control to keep from lunging at Matthew. Once Matthew was several meters away from Feng Calcifer walked over and looked between the two. After a minute he turned and focused his eyes on Matthew.

“(Just what the hell do you think that you were doing Matthew? I thought that you of all Pokemon would recognize a battle when you saw one and know enough not to interrupt?)” Matthew lowered his eyes and took a step closer to Calcifer. “(What I saw wasn't a battle Calcifer. It was pure and unadulterated murder. Although I'm not surprised that you have trouble telling the difference between the two. I've never seen anything as disgusting as this. Running death matches just for the entertainment of the other prisoners so that they don't stage a coup against your little kingdom here.)” Calcifer scowled and without warning slapped Matthew across the face with his paw. “(Two things Matthew. First if you ever talk like that to me again I'll kill you. Second...)” Calcifer turned and indicated the Sandslash with his paw as it continually tried to get to it's feet and failed. “(If you knew why he was in here then you wouldn't think it was murder. In fact if you had any idea why half of the Pokemon in here are here then you wouldn't think it murder if I butchered them all where they stand right now! This is not your cozy comfortable ranch life Matthew. This is the real world and I suggest that you get with the program!)”

Calcifer turned to Feng. “(As for you I'm disgusted that you were defeated so easily, by a cripple who you had a type advantage against no less.)” Feng gritted his teeth but didn't say anything as Calcifer turned back to Matthew who was still seething with rage towards the Arcanine. He eyed him up for a second as a small smile suddenly came to his face “(Still. If you feel so strongly about the life of that Sandslash Matthew then perhaps you would be willing to take his place against Feng.)”

Matthew looked over at Feng who was clenching and un-clenching his claws repeatedly before looking back at Calcifer. “(I'm not going to fight him just for your entertainment or the entertainment of your prisoners Calcifer.)” Calcifer looked over at Feng and then back at Matthew. “(You didn't seem to have a problem with it when that Sandslash's life was at stake. Hmm, I suppose you need a little more incentive then.)” Without warning Calcifer jumped over to the Sandslash and pressed his paw down against it's back while unsheathing his claws. Matthew started to make a move but before he took a single step the guards had retrained their aim on him. Matthew stopped in his tracks and stared back at Calcifer as the Arcanine smiled back at him. “(Let's make it simple Matthew. Either you fight Feng or I kill this little pipsqueak. Simple enough don't you think. Now what's it going to be, his life or Feng's.)”

Matthew looked between the Sandslash and Feng several times, completely unsure of what to do. On the one hand he could fight Feng and break the promise that he had kept for the last couple of years never to battle again while in the process saving a life. On the other hand he could just walk away and let Calcifer take the defenseless creatures life. Matthew had no doubt that the Sandslash deserved to be here but he couldn't stand to see it killed in such a way.

After several more seconds of looking between the two Matthew finally made up his mind. “(Alright Calcifer we'll do it your way.)” Calcifer grinned as Matthew and Feng took up positions on either end of the yard with the crowd of prisoners around them. Matthew stretched out his wings and cocked his head to the side as Feng looked back at him with a malicious stare. Matthew knew that he had to end this fast so that Feng wouldn't have a chance to use any ice-based attacks. Unfortunately his inability to fly would make that more difficult. Still Matthew figured that if he could just get close enough to Feng he could use his super luck to locate Feng's weak spot and end this battle with one or two critical hits. Quick and clean.

The two Pokemon eyed each other up from opposite ends of the field, both waiting for the other to make a move. Finally after several tense seconds Feng lunged forward and charged at Matthew. At first Matthew was shocked at the recklessness of his attack, coming straight on towards him. But as he watched he quickly put together what Feng was doing and bowed his head. “(Very clever, if a bit risky.)” He muttered under his breath. When Feng was only twenty meters away from him he suddenly stopped and without warning seemed to split into three distinct Pokemon that instantly surrounded Matthew, a perfectly orchestrated double team attack.

Most Pokemon in Matthew's position would have been thrown off by the suddenness of the strike but Matthew had seen the move before. Feng, fully aware that Matthew couldn't fly, had decided to close the distance between the two before using double team to ensure that he would surround the Honchkrow and cut off any means of escape.

Rather than try and escape from the trap Matthew simply continued to stand his ground. Feng, expecting Matthew to try and make a break for it scowled as all he and his two copies all charged head on at Matthew with an ice punch, hoping to wipe the smug look off the Honchkrow's face.

Matthew watched the two Feng's that were closest with what seemed to be mild interest. In reality he was quickly scrutinizing them to determine whether they were the real Feng or another copy.

When they were a mere three meters away from him a small smile came to Matthew's beak. "(Perfect.)"

The real Feng grinned wickedly as he charged at Matthew's back, thinking that the Honchkrow had been fooled by his double team he pulled back his arm and prepared to slam his ice covered fist into the back of Matthew's neck, hopefully breaking the accursed birds spine. However, just as his blow was about to land Matthew sidestepped with incredible deftness. Feng had a split second to stare in shock before Matthew's wing began to glow a dark purple as he swung it into the back of Feng's head, driving him into the ground.

For his part Matthew had been careful to hit Feng with the blunt edge of his wing so as not to hurt him too much. Although he hoped it had been a hard enough hit to convince Feng to give up the pointless fight.

Unfortunately Feng was more furious than wounded and only a few seconds after Matthew's wing had made contact he was again charging at the large Honchkrow with a manic rage glowing in his eyes. Matthew let out a deep sigh, his hopes that he could end this with a modicum of violence were dashed, his only choice now was to end this quickly and hope that he had enough self control to keep from killing the Weavile.

Feng's rage clouded his judgement and as soon as he was in range Matthew slammed his wing down in an overarching chop that seemed too fast for a Pokemon his size to pull off. Feng slammed down into the ground hard and before he could even contemplate getting back to his feet Matthew had leapt on top of his and planted his foot on the back of Feng's head, pushing it down into the ground.
"(Enough Feng! I don't want to kill you but if you keep pushing me I may have no choice!)"

Feng growled as the uncontrollable rage in his eyes burned even brighter. "(Your not going to kill me! Because I'm going to rip your fucking throat out!)" Feng's back leg swept around with more dexterity than Matthew thought the Weavile had and before he could react Feng's toe claws had lodged themselves in Matthew's leg.

Matthew let out a loud screech of pain as he lost his grip on Feng for a second giving the Weavile enough time to escape. However, rather than try to get some distance between himself and Matthew and try to plan out a more carefully coordinated attack he instead only moved back far enough to lunge at Matthew's neck.

Unfortunately for Feng he had gravely misjudged Matthew's tolerance to pain and injuries. Just as his claws were about to make contact Matthew looked up at Feng and without warning his foot shot up and he grabbed Feng by the neck before slamming him down to the ground hard enough to crack several of the Weavile's ribs. Feng gasped in pain as all the air in his lungs was pushed out but Matthew wasn't finished with him yet.

Matthew had been lied to, he had seen his family manipulated and berated, he had been unjustly imprisoned, he had been threatened, and his last remaining memento of Angel had been destroyed. To put it simply he was pissed.

Without a hint of emotion in his eyes he grabbed Feng's leg with his other foot and twisted it sharply, snapping the bones with a sickening crack. Feng cried out again in agony as Matthew continued to twist the broken appendage. He wasn't thinking clearly and acting on instinct, all his anger from the last few days being released in vicious display against Feng.

After a minute of this he stopped and brought his wing down to Feng's throat. He desperately wanted to do it. To end this miserable sick little bastard's life. Arceus knew he deserved it. Slowly Matthew pulled his wing back to strike but as he did he suddenly stopped. Standing there in the middle of the crowd was...no it was impossible, she was dead, Matthew had seen her die, had held her in his arms as her hot blood poured over his wings. But there was no mistaking that beautiful blue skin, those silken white feathers, and those eyes.
It was Angel.

Matthew's breath started to come in ragged gasps as he looked at Angel staring back at him. She was giving him a sorrowful look, as a mother would give to a child who has said he hates her. A look of pain. She continued to stare at him for several seconds as she just shook her head. And then Matthew blinked and she was gone.

He shook his head in confusion for several seconds as he looked down at Feng squirming on the ground in pain. Defiance still evident in his eyes but mixed with fear. He knew what he had to do.

Matthew pulled his wing back and slammed it into the ground. There was a collective gasp among the crowd around him as Matthew's wing came to rest right next to Feng's head. Feng turned and looked at the wing before looking back up at Matthew. "(What?! You're too much a coward to kill me? Too afraid that-)" Matthew had heard enough and slammed his head into Feng's, knocking the Weavile unconscious before stepping off of him and taking several steps back before looking up at the watchtower where Calcifer was staring down at him.

Complete silence filled the yard for several seconds before Calcifer finally spoke. "(So, the Matthew I respected truly is dead then. Pity.)" Calcifer turned towards one of the armed guards and for the first time that day Matthew noticed a metal collar on his neck. Calcifer hit a small button on the side and as he began to speak his Pokemon speech was translated into English for the guards sake.

"(Drag Feng back to Sophie and see if she can do anything with him. If not put a bullet in his head and file that it was in self defense.)" The guard swallowed hard before nodding and climbing down to the yard where he picked up the unconscious Weavile and ran off. Calcifer then turned his attention to Matthew for a second before a small smile came to his face. "(Not bad. I was quite pleased with your performance right up until the point you refused to kill that little bastard. Such a display of weakness will get you in trouble here Matthew.)"

Matthew grimaced at Calcifer and before he could stop himself he had walked right up to the edge of the tower and had begun to speak.
"(Weakness!? You think me sparing his life was a sign of weakness?)" Calcifer's smile instantly vanished. "(And what would you call it? Mercy? Believe me when I tell you that will get you one thing in here. A shank in the back.)"
Matthew responded to Calcifer with no hesitation.

"(I would call it strength. The ability to have one's life in your hands and not take it requires far more strength than the simple cold blooded murder that you postulate as being real strength. Real strength is knowing when to spare your enemy. When to forgive them despite what they have done to you. When to turn away from anger and to ask for forgiveness. THAT is strength Calcifer!!)" With that Matthew twisted around and launched a dark pulse straight up the side of the wall that missed Calcifer by only a few centimeters.

Calcifer instantly jumped back in shock as the guards on the tower all aimed their weapons back at Matthew as he stared up at the Arcanine who was glowering at him. "(I could have hit you if I wanted Calcifer. I didn't because I am better than that. I am better than you. I don't need revenge against you for what you have done to me and everyone else here. I am at peace.)" Calcifer could barely contain his rage and wanted to order his men to shoot Matthew right there but before he could several Pokemon had come out of the crowd and had blocked the guards shots. They were quickly joined by more who formed a barrier between the guards and Calcifer. Soon most of the prisoners had huddled close to Matthew and had begun to chant his name in unison.

Calcifer's rage had reached a boiling point. His first instinct was to order his guards to open fire on the crowd and kill them all. Or use flamethrower to roast them all alive. But he knew that he would never be able to explain that to the authorities. A simple death match once a week was even enough to explain away but killing off that many prisoners...too risky. For that matter if he had a sniper kill Matthew it would cause a riot. Something else that Calcifer wanted to avoid. Matthew had gotten the crowd on his side by his bold move and Calcifer couldn't stand it. He was losing control and it was driving him crazy.

Sweat rolled down Calcifer's brow as his guards looked at him, confusion evident on their faces. "Sir? What should we do?" Calcifer looked over the crowd protecting Matthew and gritted his teeth. "(End the recess period and send them back to their cells.)" His guards looked at him incredulously. "But sir we-" Calcifer turned and swatted the guard with his paw hard enough to dislocate his shoulder. "(Do it now!!!)" His guards slowly nodded as they climbed down. At first the crowd refused to separate but at Matthew's urging they did as they were told and began to head back inside.

Just before he headed back into the darkness of the prison Matthew looked back up at the tower where Calcifer was still standing. The two of them locked eyes for several seconds and in that time Matthew could see the murderous rage burning in Calcifer's eyes brighter than ever until it disappeared entirely as Matthew entered the prison.

Calcifer watched Matthew go and continued to stare at the spot where Matthew had disappeared into the prison. Finally he turned to one of the remaining guards standing next to him.

"(Contact the Sinnoh governor and tell him that we have an incredibly violent and uncontrollable Pokemon here who is scheduled for execution. Inform him that I want his execution date pushed up to protect the other prisoners from him.)" Calcifer turned and began to walk away.

"(You'll soon see what true strength is Matthew. I swear it.)"