Chapter 1:
What Memory Demands
Raymond Sykes hated this memory. Standing in the darkened room, he had closed his eyes for a mere moment and that's when it came. Orange flames engulfed the building, plumes of ink-black smoke rose into the air, people screamed as the building complex crumbled, the sight of it blurry from constant crying. He reached his hand to his cheek we're the hot tears had flowed down all those years ago. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. He took a deep breath, his hands relaxed. It was because of that memory that he stood here now. That's why he had to do what the burden of necessity demanded. Raymond opened his eyes to find the same black wall before him and now that his senses crowded in around him he could hear the sound of whimpering behind him. He turned to find two of his agents standing behind the man they had brought into the room. He lay on the floor his face splashed with tears. His eyes were rimmed red.
"I told you. I-i don't know anything," The man said.
"Maxwell. Things would be a lot easier on you if you told me what I want to know. Your one of Professor Rowan's chief assistants you mean to tell me in the seven years you've worked for him you know nothing of his research?"
Maxwell's voice trembled as he spoke his next words, "You overestimate my worth."
"I don't think so," Sykes began to circle Maxwell. "The secrets of evolution. The professor has been studying them for years. The mysterious energy that is produced. How close is he to a breakthrough?"
"I don-"
Raymond raised his hand. "You do know. We both know you do. I'm going to get that information one way or another the question is," Raymond bent down to one knee in front of Maxwell, "How much pain will you have to endure before I get the information I require." Maxwell's pale skin was flushed and the strands of his blonde hair stuck to his forehead. Raymond could see the lump of his neck move as he gulped hard. He had him. He could see it in his eyes.
#
Raymond walked out the room into the brightly lit hallway. Alana, one of his agents, stood next to the door. Raymond began walking down the white walled hallway.
"How long did it take?" Alana asked.
"Not long. He eventually realized the logical choice to make." Alana tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear. "Shall I begin the next phase?"
"Not yet. Surveillance only, for now. let's allow for some more growth. I want our targets to be ready for the role they are to play."
#
It was obvious to Alana that the Director chose well. This boy was good. As she stood in the sidelines that had formed behind the Pokemon Center in Hearthome City, she understood then and there that he was the perfect candidate. His Sceptile and the opponent's Weavile were exchanging blows. Alana felt around for the pocket of her black jacket with her pad inside. Keeping her eyes on the battle. She had forgotten to do so when it began. Once found, she activated it and began recording video. The Director will want to see this.
#
Elden knew his opponent was skilled, and because of that he kept his guard up. As Sceptle dodged Weavile's icy fists, bobbing and weaving between its the back to back thrusts, he waited. Sceptile flipped backward landing on the battlefield. Weavile used ice beam. Arcs of blue energy shot forth from its mouth.
Sceptile lept upward dodging the attack. The ice beam struck the ground flash freezing it.
"Solar beam, now." Sceptile opened its mouth and light began gathering inside.
"Blizzard, Weavile." A gust filled with white pellets of snow, burst from Weavile's mouth and raced toward Sceptile.
Too late, Elden thought. "Now Sceptile!" A large beam of yellow light rained down on Weavile. Blizzard clashed with the rushing onslaught of Sceptile's attack. A brilliant flash of light shone on the battlefield. Elden could see nothing through it. Once the brightness of the flash had faded both Pokemon stood still on either side of the arena. Weavile crashed to the ground with a thud.
The referee looked to where Weavile lay unmoving on the ground. "Weavile is unable to battle the victory goes to Elden." The crowd on the sidelines cheered. Elden walked up to Sceptile on the battlefield. "Great job Sceptile. As always."
"Tile." Sceptile responded giving Elden a five. Elden walked up to his opponent as he knelt in front of his Weavile. Sceptile followed at Elden's side. HIs opponent returned his Weavile to its pokeball. Elden held out his hand. "Nice match Rafael." Rafael stood and for a moment said nothing. Finally he extended his hand and shook Elden's.
"Your strong." Elden said.
"So are you. Next time we battle..."
"I look forward to it." Elden watched as Rafael walked back to the Pokemon Center entrance. Standing alone in the middle of the battlefield Elden pulled a red and black case from his back pocket. It was cool to the touch. He opened it. Four gym badges lay inside, gleaming as they caught the sunlight.
Veilstone City here I come.
He put the case back and reached into his front pocket and pulled out a picture. His gaze was locked onto it. He eventually put it back and made his way to toward the entrance.
#
Alana watched him from the otherside of the window inside the Pokemon Center lobby. A perfect candidate indeed.
