-Chapter 2
Mist dances into the moonlit night. The haunting ship rocks back and forth, back and forth. Bone-chilling cries echo loudly down each dark corridor. Rusty pipes release powerful steam, scorching anything that crossed its path. Creaking, wooden doors at the brink of breaking, hid secrets behind its body. Wandering ghost Pokémon cackled hysterically, their voices taunt me. Typhlosion's cry was loud and frightened, that's not like him.
I run. I run as quickly as I can. I have to find Typhlosion; I can't let him relive his trauma. Dodging the cackling ghosts, evading the breaking pipes, everything became an obstacle. Shadows follow me, crawling along the walls and floor. Sinister faces are plastered on the shadows. I look back and a shadowy arm reaches for my ankle. I pull my leg free, but the shadows quickly surround me. Shadowy arms reach for me, pulling me every which way. I'm dragged and submerged into darkness. My arms refuse to move. My breaths become short. I gasp for nonexistent air. There's no escape.
My body shoots forward into a sitting position. I sigh deeply and wipe the sheet of sweat off my forward. "Damn nightmares," I murmur to the white sheets. My eyes wander and find Typhlosion in his resting pose, but his eyes are opened and tired. Poor guy couldn't sleep again. I look at the clock above the television, it flashed 6:12am within the darkness of the room; just enough time for me get ready.
My tired body scoots its way off of the damp bed. I didn't realize how much I was really sweating in my sleep until I felt my shirt cling against my chest. My feet shuffle against the carpeted floor, good thing Typhlosion doesn't care for my early morning annoyances. As I move into the bathroom, my foot drags my clothes in with me. The light of the bathroom flicks on once I enter. Out of habit, my eyes immediately close. My hands find the counter and I lean forward. As I slowly open my eyes, I see a crimson pair of eyes staring straight at me. My vision slowly becomes clearer and I see my rough face, black facial stubs outline my jaw.
I rub my eyes and sigh again. I shed off my damp clothes and step into the shower stall. I press a large button for water to start sprinkling out of the showerhead. I press another for the water to be moderately warm. All of the other buttons consists of controlling the temperature of the water, aromatic scents, certain speeds or patterns for the water to jet out, and even music that can be played by waterproof speakers built into the stall. There are even switches that control a small television screen for people to watch while they clean themselves. Really high-tech for a town like this.
Instead of focusing the luxurious assortment of buttons that can contribute to my showering experience, I end up just going into deep thought and reminiscence. First to cross my mind is the memory of training in the secret dojo back in Mahogany town. Good times, I guess, constantly training and being pushed to the limit. In the end, it did help in my favor. Next were quick memories of meeting each Pokémon on my team. Simply getting Cyndaquil as a gift, encountering Murkrow in the Lyra Forest back in Fiore, helping Gligar defend itself against a gang of Gligars and Gliscors, finding Scyther abandoned and injured in Saffron, fishing Chinchou in Cianwood during one of their fishing competitions, and rescuing Larvitar during an avalanche on Mount Silver. Of course, they've all evolved since those times, but I wonder if they regret meeting me. They've all endured great fear and pain because they're with me. If only one of them was a psychic type, maybe then they could tell me things through telepathic means.
I press the big button again and the water slowly shuts off. I open the door of the stall and find a pleasant steam floating about. The mirror was slightly fogged, but I could see the bangs of my hair cling against my forehead. I'm not the best looking guy out there nor do I have a model's body, but I do have to admit I look pretty strong and sturdy; and I have to thank the training I went through back in sweet old Mahogany Town.
After drying myself with a towel I begin to equip myself with my gear. The black shorts, stitched with many pockets, clings to my hips. My metallic chain hangs down from a belt loop and rubs against my right thigh. The white tank top loosely rests against my upper body. The red vest hangs over the tank top; the chest pockets of the vest have several items within them that consist of my identification, money, and almost anything that's a necessity. A pair of socks nicely fit inside a pair of black shoes. I move towards the slowly clearing mirror and begin to work on my hair. I dyed it white a few years ago, and I just like the look. It's short, but the bangs fall over my forehead. Shaved into the side of my head is a design that mimics fire. A single, black, fingerless glove hugs against my right hand and I equip my capture styler, the fine version, to my right wrist. My red belt loops through the left side of my pants and slant down to my right. A black pouch is attached to the right end of my belt.
I exit the bathroom and light turns off behind me. I carry my sleeping clothes and put them inside a small, red bag. My finger gently glides over my capture styler, it flashes the time at me, 6:30am. After finishing up some extra cleaning and making sure I have everything I need, I say to Typhlosion, "Time to go buddy." I open the door and wait for my fiery friend to come.
Typhlosion slowly stood and moved towards me. The door closes behind the volcano Pokémon and he follows me down the hall. I make my way to the lobby of the Poke center, and of course, there's Nurse Joy, one out of the thousands out there, and her Chansey. Nurse Joy is always wide awake, no matter the time of day. I move to her and give her a small plastic card that had my room number inked into it. She gave a warm smile and said, "Oh, you're leaving Noxis? It's only been two days."
I nod and fold my arms, lying under my breath like I did to Lilian last night, "Yeah, I have some business to get to in Saffron City." Technically, I'm not lying because I will be going to Saffron, but that'll be for a short time.
"I see," Nurse Joy replied, still retaining that warm smile. Her hand slowly takes the card and she says, "I hope you enjoyed your stay. And thank you on behalf of the radio tower employees. I heard all about it on the news last night."
"Of course, tell them I say thanks for giving me something to do. And thank you for your hospitality," I reply and begin to move away from the desk.
After I make it beyond the sliding doors of the Pokémon center, my shoes press firmly against the cold cement that made the town paths. It was still dark and somewhat chilly. There were a few shop owners and workers beginning another day of their lives. I reach into my pouch and pull out a Pokeball. "Come on out Honchkrow," I say as the white and red ball opens and emits a white light.
Forming from the white light is a dark bird that appears like its wearing a hat. The bird even looks like it has a beard of white. Honchkrow cried out tiredly, folding one of her wings in enough to make it look like she's yawning. Honchkrows are natural pranksters, and mine isn't an exception. However, my Honchkrow knows when to be serious and when not to be, luckily.
"Ready to take me into the air?" I ask. Honchkrow nods and flaps its wings, creating a small gust of wind. "You know the drill Ty, you'll be out once we get to Saffron," I say to Typhlosion, pulling out a red, cherish ball.
Typhlosion snarls and puffs out a small fire. He likes the freedom of roaming around, but he knows his role. A red light surrounded Typhlosion and he materialized into the Pokeball.
"Let's go Honchkrow, to Saffron City," I put my arm up and Honchkrow's talons gently wrap around my forearm and lift me into the air. Despite her size, Honchkrow can carry me for miles without showing signs of fatigue and I've had to use Honchkrow for transportation several times so my arms don't give out as quickly as they used to.
After flying straight into the air, high enough for me to overlook the eerie town that is Lavender Town, Honchkrow began to propel forward. I look below and find a dirt path dividing fields of grass and cluster of trees. Nature has a refreshing aroma, especially after being in a town like Lavender Town. The sun slowly began to rise across the horizon, bringing a pleasant glow of orange to take over the reign of blue. For some strange reason, people were wandering throughout this route at this early hour. I don't think I'll ever understand how Pokémon trainers can be so determined to get to their next destination, even if it means depriving themselves of sleep.
The scenery of the route was pleasant and nice. It ended all too soon when the skyscrapers began to erect into view. Although I do enjoy the city landscape more than I do nature, a whiff of nature every once in a while is definitely a breath of fresh air. Honchkrow began to descend into the city. Several cars drove on the morning roads. A few people were going to work, as others jogged on the sidewalks. Joggers, they always jog at ridiculous hours of the day.
Honchkrow descends in front of the Pokémon center and releases me from her grip. I land lightly on the sidewalk and I pull out Honchkrow's Pokeball. "Thanks for the lift Honchkrow, you can go back to sleep," I say as the red beaming light surrounds Honchkrow and absorbs her into the ball. I trade Honchkrow's Pokeball for Typhlosions and the white light formed and became Typhlosion. "Here we are."
Typhlosion looks around and gave an unsatisfied grunt. Figures, he doesn't like people, even if there aren't that many up and about. I begin walking and he follows beside me. I look at my capture styler and a hologram appeared above it. I gently press an image of a map and the overview of Saffron City appeared in the hologram. "Remember the last time we were here?" I ask Typhlosion, who gives another grunt. I slightly chuckle as I close the hologram.
As I move across sidewalks and roads, gliding by other pedestrians and stores, I begin to reminisce about the last time I was here. It was a rainy day and I was looking for the Poke center. Quilava wrapped around my neck like a scarf to hide its body under the hood of my vest. As I ran along the sidewalk I saw Scyther get kicked out of a house. Bruises were swelling under his eye and all over his legs, and his chest was bleeding rapidly. He was still conscious, but too hurt to move. He hissed at my presence, but I carried him and was able to make it to the Pokémon center on time. Nurse Joy of Saffron City quickly took him in and gave me a room for the night. By morning, Scyther was patched up with bandages and his bruises were healing. Before I could leave, Scyther tugged at my clothes. Of course, I couldn't understand so I just gave it a pat on the head, smiled, and tried to leave. Again, Scyther tugged my clothes and this time I gave it some more thought. It took me some time to finally realize Scyther wanted to travel with me, so with a spare Pokeball he allowed me to capture him.
"All a fleeting memory now," I mutter. I look at the surrounding stores and smell the fresh scent of bread. My stomach growls, but getting to the magnet train is priority right now.
After a few more blocks and avoiding any confrontation with pedestrians, though several of them stared at Typhlosion, I make it to the station for the magnetic train. The sliding doors open when I'm in close range and I'm exposed to a large room equipped with large screens, chairs, kiosks, people, and Pokémon. A large screen that hangs onto the ceiling displays the departure time of the next train. Other screens play videos or clips of the news. There were a few people wandering about, probably waiting for the security to allow them to get onto the platform.
I move to a kiosk and press several buttons that consist of how many travelers, what kind of ticket I want, and things of the sort. I put in my money and in return I get a nice flashy blue and yellow ticket for the upcoming train.
"Train for seven o'clock will be here in five minutes," a low, rough voice announced over the intercoms. Security is finally letting people through the gates.
I show my ticket to the security team at the gate. One was tall with a sharp face and cold, distant eyes. Nothing really escapes his lips other than single words. The other was an average sized man with a nice goatee forming around his mouth. They look at me, then at the ticket, then back at me. "You a ranger?" the security guard with a goatee asked.
"Yeah," I reply, somewhat lying.
"I see, shouldn't you have some kind of bird Pokémon that can take you across regions?" he asked.
I shrug my shoulders, saying, "I do, but even Pokémon need breaks too."
"Mm hmm," he murmured, "you can go through now."
"Thanks," I reply, finally walking through the gate.
My legs carry me up a few stairs and I find myself in a large tunnel. Half of the tunnel is the platform where my fellow passengers are standing. Small benches and signs are placed on the platform. The other half is the rails and dirt where the train will soon stop by. Several of the passengers are business people commuting to their job. Who takes a job in a completely different region though? Pretty ridiculous, but whatever puts food on the table for them.
As I wait for the train to come by, I overhear a conversation between two businessmen. "So in the Unova region, I heard that there's something called the Battle Subway."
"Battle Subway, what's that?"
"People battle on the subway to their destination. They get prizes if they can beat people and after going on the subway for a while, you can battle the conductor."
"Sounds kind of dangerous."
"Maybe, but I want to go someday. I'll take a vacation cruise there with my family, and my son and I can battle on the subway."
Unova, I've only been there once, just for a small mission that involved transporting items. I'd really like to visit again though, the combination of technology and nature there is incredible. Though the fact that the region is shaped like a Pokeball is pretty strange to me.
A loud honk of the magnetic train echoed within the tunnel. The train, itself, is soundless so the conductor honks to warn people it's coming. The hovering train began to slow down. Once the full length of the train matched with the length of the platform, it began to descend to the level of the platform. Doors opened and people began to pile inside. I enter the last car of the train and take a seat facing a wide window. Typhlosion sits next to me, patiently and quiet. Sitting across from me is an elderly woman dressed in veils and cloths of regal colors.
I look around to find businessmen, teenagers, and some elderly people within the same car. My eyes go back to the elderly woman across from me. Several earrings pierced both of her ears and they ring each time she moves her head. She carried a crystal ball on a soft pillow. Next to her are two Natus that are impressively still, even when the train started to move.
The train slowly drifts away from the tunnel. The scenery of skyscrapers quickly flies by as the train picks up speed. The train takes approximately forty-five minutes to an hour to get to Goldenrod. Between the two cities are landscapes of skyscrapers and towns, and for nature lovers there's some great scenery of meadows and forests. The train is quiet, both inside and out. Idle chatter among passengers is normal, especially for a trip this long. I just gaze outside the windows to take in the nice, pleasant scenery.
I wonder if my former friends and colleagues are in Lavender Town right now. Hunting for me, asking almost everyone where I went. The only clue they'll get is that I'm in Saffron City, and I'm long gone from there. Ha, I wonder when they'll ever give up. Then again, I'm a secret top wanted by the Ranger Union. The best of the best rangers are coming after me. They'll pursue me even if I was dead.
"Young man," the elderly woman calls out to me. Her voice is rough and low.
My eyes train on her face, wrinkled and creasing around the eye region. I stare at her clear grey eyes, and ask, "Yeah?"
"For a small donation, I will read your fortune," she proposed.
I have some time to spare, and some change. Why not watch and hear this woman deduce what will become of my life, as if I don't already know. "Sure, why not?" I reply. "How much?"
"Just a few coins," she replied, grinning.
I reach into one of my vest pockets and pull out a few silver coins. I lean over and put the coins gently into her wrinkly hands. "Thank you young man." She tucks the coins away in a purple pouch attached to her hip. Her hands move over her crystal ball fluidly like water washing up on a beach. The eyes of her Natus glow a vibrant, calming blue. The crystal ball began to glow as well, matching the color of the Natu eyes. The woman closed her eyes and took deep breaths.
I look around and I see some of the other passengers fascinated with the woman's show. Teenagers were in awe, their mouths wide open and staring at the crystal ball intently. Now that I think about it, they might be planning on stealing the crystal ball.
The woman hums somewhat melodically, but it sounds more like a chant. "You are a very troubled person, are you not, Noxis?" Ah, so you figured out my name, how impressive. She continues, "Faced quite a few literal and metaphorical maelstroms, have you not?"
"Hasn't everyone?" I say with a slight chuckle. I lean back into my seat and cross my legs. Wonder what else she has to say.
"With your past, it's very unsettling. So dark, so deceiving. Your Cyndaquil was stolen from you and it too, even as this current Typhlosion, has faced its share of maelstroms. Its fur is white because it was experimented on by scientists. Since then, it chooses to trust only you and your team," she says and continues to hum.
"Impressive," I say, nodding. I kind of am impressed, though I really wish she wouldn't have brought that up, especially with Typhlosion sitting right next to me. I look at the volcano Pokémon and he gives the woman a glare.
She continued, "You have a very troublesome history, young man. You follow your heart, even if it interferes with authority. Which is why you are in your current position."
I just nod. I'll admit that I'm pretty impressed that she knows all of this. But I think I know how she's doing it. Her Natus are probably the ones doing all of the work and she's just the messenger. Natus are part psychic, so they might be able to communicate telepathically. My theory goes like this, one Natu dwells into my memory and tells the other. The other Natu then takes that information and tells the woman telepathically. Then the woman relays the information to me. It may just be a theory, but it's pretty logical too.
"Your future seems just as troublesome. You will be tangled in some conspiracy. During that time, you will begin to realize your potential," the woman suddenly gasped. The glow of her Natus and crystal ball stopped. "I'm sorry, I used all of the power I can."
"That's fine, thanks for the insight," I reply. I can't really question the whole troublesome part, considering I'm running away right now. And realizing my potential? Potential in what exactly? My potential in how much I can hide in the shadows and not get caught by the light? Really wish she would've finished her thoughts before cutting me off.
The rest of the trip was pretty quiet and smooth. The old woman ended up falling asleep on the train, the drool on her cloth and veils proves my point. Typhlosion sits patiently, but his head continues to bob as his eyes tiredly try to stay awake. Even when I suggest that Ty goes into his Pokeball, he refuses. It's always like that, I don't even know why I ask.
When the train finally stops, we're in another tunnel. The train matches the level of the platform and everyone gets off. I follow the crowd through an exit and find myself outside. The nice, crisp air has a nice breeze that follows it. A pleasant glow of orange soars throughout the sky, taking over the former darkness. The amazing radio tower stands tall with a large satellite tower on its head. Buildings stand tall, people scatter about, unlit lampposts stand next to long benches, and Pokémon were accompanying their trainers. Children and teenagers walk to school, obviously tired from staying up late.
I walk among some pedestrians, possibly some workers. Typhlosion gets his usual fascinated stares from people. Even I get some stares too, mostly because my eyes are a rather unnatural color. My white hair does stand out, but if you've seen the fashion style of this current generation, my white hair is normal compared to the wild, spiking multitude of colors.
After wandering around for some blocks I finally figure out what I'll do. If the rangers are indeed looking for me right now in Lavender Town, they'll soon go to Saffron. From Saffron they might hear that I'm in Goldenrod. By then, I should be able to hide somewhere in this large city; if not, I'll most likely be in Ecruteak City. The best thing for me is to go to another region and hope they won't follow, but to go to another region requires me to either buy a ticket for a ship or to have some high-speed flying Pokémon like a Dragonite.
A man wearing a black cap with a large trench coat bumps into me. I look at him and find his head facing the ground and his whole body hunched forward. "Sorry," I say to him.
He looks up at me, I get a glimpse of his green eyes and round face. "You look strong," he says in a whispery tone.
"What?" I ask.
"Let's battle in the underground tunnel," he says with his whispery tone.
My brow raises and I ask, "And why would I just battle you out of the blue?"
"You look strong. I want to battle you to see how strong you really are," the man says.
What's a little battle? People battle all the time, and just as long as he doesn't overdo it, I can let him get a taste of my team. "Fine, lead the way," I say to him.
He complies and leads me through streets and alleys. We enter a small home-like structure, but inside it's nothing, but stairs. I follow him down the stairs until we finally make it to a big area littered with trash. A musk of garbage lingers. Litter covers the tile floors and attempt to climb up the walls. It's dim, signs and a few weak lights light up the area. Typhlosion sniffs a couple of times and grunts due to his displeasure. There's a few people down here too, each of them were dressed in baggy clothing. As I pass them, they shoot looks at me. I can't really describe precisely, it's a mix of anger with fascination.
The man suddenly stops moving, I almost bump into him again. He turns and says, "Here's a good spot." I look around and find the area pretty wide. The only thing that could really get in the way is the tables lined up against the wall.
"Let's get this stared then," I say, taking a few steps away from the man. Before I reach into my pouch for a Pokeball I see a sly grin form at the edges of the man's mouth.
I have a feeling this battle has some secret intention behind it.