Chapter 4: Hunter J
Opening her eyes, Jayane looked up from her bed to the ceiling. Awakening to the same view each day for five years since she first got taken. But she finally did it. Finished her debt to Carl. She was free. Millie was free. Yawning, Jayane then saw Millie, licking her face to make sure she wouldn´t fall asleep.
Giggling, Jayane told Millie that it´s over and hugged her, holding back her tears and emotions, only hoping to restart her life once outside. Away from everything she endured for so long ever since she got there. Telling Millie that she would be back soon, Jayane kissed Millie and got dressed before leaving.
Closing the door, suddenly everything about Jayane instantly changed. Her stance. Her personality. Her voice. Her gaze. Glaring to the guards just outside her door as for them to remain, Jayane walked through the hallway, all while she heard on the other rooms most Pokemon whimper once she got close.
As if they felt the presence. And malice, of Hunter J. Yet soon enough, the moment she takes a step outside... J could finally die, so Jayane can live. But not until the final preparations and loose ends were done. Reach Carl´s office, Jayane knocked first before opening and entering, seeing him sit down.
Carl: Hey... was just about to finish up this month´s bookwork and go to tell you the good news ...
Jayane: I know... I already checked the numbers many times... so I´ve come for the final preparations...
Carl: I´ve already taken care of that for you... it´s done Jayane... you´re free to leave this place...
Jayane: Yeah... it feels almost unreal... it´s like a dream I´m waiting for so long to wake up from...
Carl: In a way you have... each day that passed I saw more of Hunter J than of your true self...
Jayane: It´s thanks to you Carl that she exists... your warning and words got me to create her ...
Carl: Hadn´t it been for her... who knows how long it would take... but Jayane... what about her when...
Jayane: Once I´m free... I´ll return to who I am really am, and leave her behind along with this place...
Carl: It´s been so long... I´m not saying you should stay much longer... but are you ready for it ?
Jayane: I´ll take my chances... eitherway and whatever that happens... what only matters is Millie...
Carl: I´ll arrange a private transportation for you and Millie after fetching Rogen for me if you can...
Jayane: A last errand... sure why not, I had planned to say goodbye to him anyway... and the others...
Carl: For whatever reason... should you need to return... know that this place is always here for you...
Jayane: If so... then it´s for her and not me... and for you Carl... why won´t you leave this place too ...
Carl: This is my world Jayane... and by staying here, I hope to keep it here so you can be safe outside...
Jayane: If this place won´t exist anymore... I´m sure that we´ll find our way to each other one day ...
With Carl giving Jayane a slight nod along with the report for the month, Jayane took it and left the office. Walking towards the messhall, she had to see it for herself. Despite hearing it from Carl. Seeing the numbers and statistics, the paper report became Jayane´s proof of freedom. Her debt was done.
Putting it into her pocket, Jayane almost felt like running back to Millie and just leave, but she had to keep it on for just awhile longer. Her huntress mask. Being Hunter J until she takes a step outside. As she reached the research lab and opened the door, it was enough for everyone inside to look at her.
Surprised to see Hunter J, everyone continued to work despite her presence, as she reached the team in charge of her medication. Through money, threats and fear had her weakness been kept secret and now she wished to make sure it stays that way. As she planned to gathered all the research papers needed.
Scientist: I was told by Carl earlier that you requested all medicine to be transferred to his office...
Hunter J: That´s right... you can stop the production and hand me over all the papers about it´s research.
Scientist: If it´s about price and efficiency... I´m sure we can come to an even better deal for both of us...
Hunter J: I´m leaving and plan to have it made elsewhere.. don´t worry, I left a suitable bonus for you...
Scientist: I understand... I´ll check the research cabinets and move everything to Carl´s office for you...
Hunter J: And I´ll be clear... give me everything... and never let someone know of it´s existence...
Scientist: Apart from your generous contract... you alone is an enough reason for us not to trick you...
Hunter J: Should Carl need anything, then I hope that I can trust you to supply him with what he needs...
Scientist: Ofcourse, I swear... your friends are my friends... well, anything that else you would need ?
Hunter J: I hope to never return here... so this is my goodbye to you, for all that you have done ...
Scientist: It has been an honour and pleasure to work for you... a shame that you have to leave all of us...
Hunter J: I´m letting Carl and Rogen take over my position here once I´m let everyone else know...
Scientist: If I may speak freely... what if Carl and Rogen can´t maintain order here while you´re gone...
Hunter J: It´s easy... they just need to know that Hunter J will never be too far way if they need her ...
With the fear of her return, Hunter J had faith that Carl and Rogen could keep control of the chaos with her gone. Leaving.
Jayane was a mere minute away when someone was on the other side.
Walking forward towards her, the older man lowered himself abit to somewhat show his submission to her, but as he walked past her suddenly she stopped. And remembered. His face from many years ago, in a much similar situation when she was still only Jayane. When Hunter J began to rise from within her.
As if she took over again... Hunter J smirked and turned around, beginning to walk back while the old man almost felt it. Five years of unanswered revenge. Until now. As he walked faster so did Hunter J, keeping her gaze on him while he was too afraid too turn around. But unlike her that time... he knew.
Quickly getting on his knees with his head on the dirty floor and arms over his head, he repeatedly said he was sorry. Even if she never asked nor sought it, it would be all that Jayane could ask of someone like him. But not Hunter J. Approaching him, she whispered for him to stand up. But he was too afraid.
As Hunter J shrieked for him to stand, her words echo throughout the hallway and leaving the Pokemon inside the cells dead silent. Crying of fear, the old man begged her not to but as she slammed her fist into a nearby metal door with an deafening sound, he quickly stood up as told. But looked down.
Not looking her in the eye. But as Hunter J told him to look at her, he did not wish to infuriate her even more and slowly looked at her. Looking at Hunter J, he feared to look upon her as if she was the incarnation of Medusa herself. Looking back at him, she then smiled slightly. That she truly succeeded.
To become something far worse than the hellplace itself. To not be their prey but their predator. Their breathing deepest fears and deadly sins. Someone that really personified what true malice was. And she saw it in his eyes. With the old man having not even noticed her faint smile, Hunter J backed away.
Old Man: Please... I beg you... I´m old... weak... poor... and all I have left... are clothes and my life...
Hunter J: I guess it really is true... that only the strongest survive her... while the weak eventually die...
Old Man: I´m sorry... for whatever I have done... I don´t even remember it... but I felt you judge me...
Hunter J: You mean you didn´t say sorry for what you did back then... you really don´t remember at all ?
Old Man: No... I reacted, because... you´re... her aren´t you... J... and I mean no harm or am a threat ...
Hunter J: It´s been years since I first saw you... yet you reacted only to what I am in this place...
Old Man: Yes... everyone know you... and I can´t do anything anymore... I´m gonna die here anyway...
Hunter J: And you truly feared for your life... when you saw me turn around to come after you ...
Old Man: I thought I was all prepared to die in this place... but I prayed it would never be by you...
Hunter J: Maybe you will... but not by my hands... that is not who I really am... that is Hunter J ...
Old Man: What... I thought you were gonna... but this can´t be... you are J... what do you mean ?
Hunter J: A long time ago... almost the exact thing happened ... with you and a young girl, Jayane...
About to smile back that he was forgiven, knowing well how such a place can change someone, Jayane saw the old man look at her again. Remembering who she was. The young scared girl. As his face turned devilish from remembering her, as it made Jayane´s spine shiver, seeing him just like before.
As Jayane inside became scared of him... fearing what he would do... Hunter J resurfaced... to do what Jayane could not do. Acting prey, she backed away into an nearby empty cell... while the old man closed the door from inside... thinking he must have been mistaken.. that she could not possibly be Hunter J...
That she had acted as the infamous huntress to act tough and escape him... but as he approached leaned over her... she smiled at him. But it was not Jayane. It was her and he could feel it. The predator. Alone with the prey. A huntress with her trap all sprung. And a devilish smile that made the old man scream.
All it took was a few moves from her to make it all silent again. Rising up, she walked over him before opening and closing the door behind, leaving him essentially undead. Wishing not to die. Yet at the same time embracing death rather than experiencing his current state. Not to live in the same world as her.
With the door locked from the outside, Hunter J continued forward as she got to the mess hall, with most instantly getting quiet once she stepped in while others continued with their conversation, be it a closer acquaintance of hers or someone new. Continuing, she finally found Rogen at the far back.
Rogen: You sure know how to make an entrance... I´m sure gonna miss it J... now that you, well ...
Hunter J: Few people, dead or alive, know and that includes you Rogen... so remember our deal ...
Rogen: As you say... but I have to ask... are you sure you want to go outside... after all you have done...
Hunter J: All I did... I did for her... everything else means nothing to me... I said that the first time I ...
Rogen: You keep saying that... but you really have to ask yourself... if what you are saying is true ...
Hunter J: The huntress was born here... and she will die here... the very moment I step out Rogen...
Rogen: If not... you´re letting out something the good world out there might not be ready for ...
Hunter J: Even if you were right... as long as she is safe out there... I can stay here forever for her ...
Rogen: Should that happen... then jaybird will die here... and the huntress will take over completely...
Hunter J: If that is what it takes... I´ll do it... if only the huntress can save the only think I care about ...
Rogen: Aw that hurts my feelings... but I get ya ... so, any lose ends to tie up before your farewell ?
Hunter J: Yeah... and don´t worry, you along with Carl and some others get your fair share of it ...
Rogen: As agreed... well then, what else to say... other than good luck, and... don´t come back here ...
Hunter J: Thank you... for all you done for me ... until the very end... you and Carl did help me ...
Rogen: You kept your end of the agreement so we did the same... anyway, you better get started soon ...
Hunter J: Sit down at the far back close to an exit just incase... and leave quietly if I do say jaybird...
Nodding, Rogen took a plate full of food from the cantina as Hunter J made her way towards the front of the messhall. Standing infront of everyone, it was all she needed for everyone to divert their attention to her and remain quiet, apart from the new arrivals. Yet it was nothing she would need to think about.
As if written an endless speech to everyone, she looked at everyone with a neutral gaze. Jayane had the choice to reveal her true colours and from the depths of her heart speak of what she really thought of them. Yet instead Hunter J returned and with a firm gaze made sure all eyes were on her and her only.
As it began. Jayane thought it was a waste of time and wished to leave. But she couldn´t. Hunter J wouldn´t let her. And as if whispering her intentions to Jayane, Hunter J´s devilish smile struck fear in her and everyone in the messhall. No one knew what she had planned for. Not even Carl and Rogen.
No one could imagine what driven that dark stone heart. Until it was too late. Struggling to say the codeword to Rogen, Jayane struggled. But was as if he knew and made his way out. While everyone else remained confused, Hunter J smiled and just stood still. All she needed to do. Was to wait for it.
Almost a minute passed without her saying a word and only gazing at them, as everyone thought she had finally snapped and decided to resume their activities But suddenly the emergency alarm was heard and all doors got locked automatically, trapping everyone inside. With the huntress. And her predators.
The ground shook and rumble noise was heard behind Hunter J, remaining in place. Seeing a clock on the wall shaking, Jayane then noticed it. That there was a time difference from leaving her room to arriving at the messhall. And realised that Hunter J had done something. Surfaced without her knowing.
The wall behind her crumbled as shrieks and growls were heard among the thick smoke that spread, all while Hunter J remained still. Only for something large to pass by her. And more on her other side. It was the experimental Pokemon, having someone escaped from their secured cages. Or been set free.
As more were seen and gathered, approaching the mass of people trapped, Hunter J closed her mouth and waited. Mere seconds later, Jayane witnessed something she never wished for. Yet was the work of Hunter J. A bloodbath, carnage without equal, as the Pokemon had reached the gathered evil men.
And returned back their sins and fears. Staying until no one was left standing and breathing, Hunter J walked through the demolish wall while the Pokemon were free to do as they please. With Jayane wanting to warn Carl, Hunter J would not let her. Yet there was only one thing that Jayane could do.
Make her way to Millie. To use the last strength she has to escape. To leave the birthplace of her hidden dark malice, and once outside could bury it forever. Jayane´s love for Millie was stronger than Hunter J´s malice. As she made her way through the hallway despite the alarm and everything turning chaotic.
Approaching her room, Hunter J grinned as blood was seen running down the floor, likely some Pokemon already having spread out ahead and taking on those that weren´t gathered in the messhall, but as she got closer and walked by the corner, Jayane took fully over once again. And then saw Millie.
Infront of the room, laying of the floor all scared, Jayane crawled to her and hugged her, telling Millie that it was alright. That they were done. And that it was finally time to leave. With Millie coiling around her, Jayane told her to close her eyes, not wanting to see the dead guards outside her room.
About to leave, Jayane stopped as Millie licked her face. And made a sound she knew far too well. Millie was in pain. Suddenly Jayane got startled as she saw it. The toolbox. The very same she saw many years ago. As she saw Rogen suddenly come out of the room, both surprised to seen each other.
Before Rogen could say anything, Jayane felt something familiar on her hands and as she looked down it was what she did not wish to see. Blood. But not from the guards. It was from Millie. She was dying.
Rogen: I don´t know what is happening... but well atleast we can take a big profit from her organs...
Kneeling infront of the two, Rogen opened the toolbox and having found a sharp knife he then didn´t waste a single second. As Millie´s blood was sprayed all over the area, Jayane remained immobile on her knees, her breathing having stopped for a moment and her eyes losing all signs of emotion.
A moment Hunter J let Jayane experience all for herself. Despite still alive and even with a chance to survive... Millie was butchered alive right infront of Jayane. Not even given a quick end as Rogen put aside one carving knife to switch to another, all too familiar to Jayane. As her sense of being changed.
Seeing a knife close to her, she picked it up and looked at it. almost as if she didn´t know what it was for. With the blood on her hands she suddenly giggled, before taking the knife and approaching Rogen from behind. Right behind him, Jayane could see Millie all carved up infront of her.
But she didn´t react at all. She just looked at the knife in her hand, before Rogen noticed her and turned around. Seeing her facial expression even he couldn´t really tell what state of mind she was in, Rogen saw the knife and asked her to give it back to him. Giggling, Jayane did as she was told.
Without a sound Rogen fell onto his back with the knife right in his forehead, and as his own blood sprayed around aswell, Jayane felt her heart racing. Yet she continued to giggle as if she enjoyed it, in which the amount of blood began to pile up on the floor and cover up the remains of Millie.
Seeing the other carving knife used in Rogen´s hand, Jayane took it and walked around with it, looking around as if she was searching. It didn´t take long before Carl arrived and once he saw Jayane, thought that enough was enough and decided that he would her over to Fuji once and for all.
Kneeling down to her to be all friendly and get her to come along with him, Carl didn´t see it coming as Jayane was directly infront of his chest, and with one quick trust she pierced his heart. As Carl fell to the ground in agonising pain, still alive even if likely not for long, he could feel his blood pour out of him.
In which Jayane kneeled infront and looked at him, with the same emotionless face apart from her lewd smile. Taking hold of the knife in his chest, Jayane pushed it even further inside, in which Carl only twitched in response as Jayane then took out the knife, seeing the blood pour out even more than before.
She then looked around and saw the wild and aggressive experiment Pokemon desperately wanting to get out, as Jayane then walked over to an small control panel nearby and released them. Having no beef with her, the Pokemon spread out and eventually found the remaining henchmen nearby.
As Jayane could her them yell and scream, she closed her eyes and just stood still, as if enjoying it and wanting to hear every little sound, and waiting for it to get completely silent. Suddenly something appeared behind her, as she turned around and saw a large Salamence approach her.
With an malicious look on it face, it first wished to target her but as it saw Carl on the ground it´s focused turned to him. Trying to tell her to end it, Carl only saw Jayane give room for Salamence yet still be close to him, as Salamence began to feed on him while still even being alive.
With half his body gone, Carl by sheer terror was still alive, as Salamence blew up a hole in the wall with a Hyperbeam and left, all while Jayane stayed behind and watched Carl. With all the Pokemon gone, Jayane sat down infront of Carl, wished it would already end. But it would not yet.
Jayane took out something from her pocket and looked at it, having not noticed it before. It was her heart medicine ampule. Slamming it right into Carl´s chest, she saw a reaction that returned her devilish smile. Carl twitched violently as he felt like a mountain had formed right inside where his heart was.
Looking down, he was horrified to see his entire chest almost covered in what looked like layers of stone. While beyond salvation, it somewhat extended his life to the point that Jayane stayed behind until his final moments many hours later. Everything being all silent, leaving her alone in her own darkness...
´´ While my hands are tainted with acts I remember from a part of my past... my life as a child is hidden in darkness for me... I only remember being found, unconscious and on the floor of that unknown yet dreadful place... it was clear that something had happened there... what is still an unsolved mystery...
But I somewhat knew what I was... after all, I had a bloody blade near me, be it from someone else or from me... but when I committed my first act of cruelty after that event... I shed no tears as if it was who I was and still am... and when I went even further to find out... then it was clear what I was... a huntress.
Even Seb saw it in me before I did... he saw it through my eyes... and later through my actions... yet he is the only one that knew me before my name got known... and while a part of me would want to tell Jason... I first wish to find out the truth of who I am... before exposing myself completely to him...
He doesn´t even known much about me yet the attraction between us... as evil as we may seem to be by everyone else... fate let us somehow find our way to each other... so whatever past I may have that is unknown to us both... if revealed... will either completely tear us apart or maybe even bring us closer...
What is just as much of a mystery, is if someone else finds out and uses my past against me... if our enemies reveal to know my past... as much as I share Jason´s will and schemes... despite his wishes, I have my cards to play should the opportunity arise... to make sure he lets me form some kind of negotiation... after all, I might just have my own share of information from the past about them aswell...
If any new information about my past will change anything... is something I´ll deal with once I find out... after all, anything could have happened... where was I born... was I adopted... did I have both my parents... was I happy... alone... safe... if someone hurt me... if I hurt someone... so much to speculate...
For now... I have at least my name... the only lead I so far can really put to good use... to continue my search for the girl Jayane... meanwhile I...Hunter J... will remain to focus on the present and future... ´´
As Jay slowly opened her eyes, Sebastian told her it´s alright, and after making sure her vitals are stable he unlocked her Pietra Shackles. Slowly sitting up, Jay felt all empty of energy and after taking off her battle visor she looked down on the ground as if she was pondering on something important.
Nearby, Sebastian was standing up and watching Jay, and held onto the used ampules previously injected. Waiting for a response from her, Sebastian was eager to find out what she had discovered, as Jay looked at her wrist cannon and then looked at Sebastian, awaiting to hear what she knows.
Professor Sebastian: Jay... easy now … breathe slowly… talk to me girl... how are you feeling ?
Hunter J: I´m alright Seb... and you ? I´m sorry … but there was no other way for me to do it ...
Professor Sebastian: We´ll have a more serious talk about that later … for now, anything unusual ?
Hunter J: I went deeper, that´s for sure... almost to the point that I just might not return at all ...
Professor Sebastian: There is always such a risk, but considering the amount you have used ...
Hunter J: I took the last dosage through my eyes... I´ll probably have to rest them for today ...
Professor Sebastian: You have to be careful... if you go blind... it´ll be a lot harder you know ...
Hunter J: Yeah... well you probably want to know by now … if I remember anything new …
With Sebastian already lowering his hopes after hearing what Hunter J just told him, Hunter J briefly smiled and looked at her wristcannon before turning around and looking at Sebastian. Seeing an mild form of emotional joy upon her face, Sebastian then asked Hunter J what she remembers.
Hunter J: Do you remember... when we eventually found out that my nickname seemed to be Jay...
Professor Sebastian: Even if just from that place, it was a clue or dead end to your true name ...
Hunter J: And the jaybird lullaby I told you about, that my father likely had as a nickname for me...
Professor Sebastian: Atleast we hope that was your father and not something you heard elsewhere...
Hunter J: Now... I remember a different voice... a woman... seems to be a birthday... my birthday...
Professor Sebastian: Oh my... this is the first time we find out about this... and, what else Jay ?
Hunter J: I´m just a child... very sick in bed... and... it´s due to my heart Seb... I had it back then ...
Professor Sebastian: Your heart condition ? Anything else you remember, anything about you ?
Underneath her wrist cannon was a softer strap in which the letter ´´ J ´´ was encarved, as Hunter J smiled further once she picked up her hunting knife from her battle belt. Carving additional letters, each letter surprised Sebastian, that Hunter J finally would have some for of identity, her own name.
Professor Sebastian: You remember it... oh my that´s great... so then... who are you really ?
Hunter J: I don´t remember much else for now Seb... sorry... but still... I have my own name ...
Professor Sebastian: Not just that, it will truly help in finding out more about your true past ...
Hunter J: I´ll find out one day... I am sure of it Seb... I´ll get answers one way or another ...
Professor Sebastian: And I´ll be right there with you girl... as will everyone that are close to you...
Hunter J: While I have found my other half... for good and evil... you have always been here Seb ...
Professor Sebastian: Fate brought all of us to you … let´s pray the same fate keeps us all together...
Hunter J: I hope so... atleast for now … fate has given me something... my name... it´s Jayane …
Showing Sebastian her encarved name on the wristcannon, Jayane further smile and even laughed abit, as even Sebastian somewhat laughed, due to both thinking how easy it was to figure out her name yet with each step they took closer to finding out more about her past and her true name.
Professor Sebastian: Jayane... for what it´s worth... while obviously simple... it´s a lovely name ...
Hunter J: I already spent what life I do remember for the thing I do not remember at all, my past ...
Professor Sebastian: And it´s a decision I respected every since you first decided to find out ...
Hunter J: Now that I got a name … it´s almost to the point that perhaps I should start over ...
Professor Sebastian: While your own choice... you have gone so far, that you shouldn´t stop now ...
Hunter J: But if I fail Seb... then all I will ever be remembered as... is the huntress from Sinnoh...
Professor Sebastian: It is who you are... until you do find out... back then... who you really were...
Hunter J: Eitherway... I´ll try get some rest now … do tell Jason and Salamence that I´m alright...
As Sebastian wished Jayane to sleep well, she nodded and laid down on her bed, and after he had closed her doors Sebastian directly faced Salamence, eager to find out what was going on with Jay.
Telling it that Jayane is alright, Sebastian told it to still keep guard and alert him should she need anything. Further walking away, it didn´t take long before he saw Vicious, and while wanting to avoid any conflict by trying to avoid him, once Vicious called out to him it was too late for it.
Vicious: I was informed that something had happened during the assault that took place earlier...
Professor Sebastian: No worry Jason... she is alright and well... she just spaced out abit, that is all ...
Vicious: An entire group was obliterated by her alone... Sebastian... tell me what happened... now !
Professor Sebastian: Much time was lost, and I need to get back to work... so if you excuse me ...
Vicious: Need I remind you... that despite your privileges... you still do work under the two of us ?
Professor Sebastian: Indeed, I work for you Jason... but I work with her... there is a big difference ...
Vicious: It´s true that I have had Hun under my wing far more than you... still... how dare you to ...
Professor Sebastian: If you object then take it up with her... though do so later, since she is resting...
As Professor Sebastian continued past Vicious, knowing well that he wouldn´t do anything that might risk enraging Jayane, he even walked past Hun that seemed ready to act just awaiting word for Vicious to act. But Vicious let it pass for now and instead focused on the task at hand and went further ahead.
Once Vicious reached Salamence, he knew that whatever had happened Hunter J did not wish to be disturbed, not even by him, and with Salamence standing in the way with it´s eyes fixed on Hun, Vicious backed off and decided to put his mind onto more urgent matters that needed his attention.
Some time passed as a grunt met up with Professor Sebastian and gave him the report he had requested, in which Professor Sebastian told him that it should remain confidential only for him.
Grunt: I don´t understand sir... shouldn´t Vicious and the other commanders see the battle report ?
Professor Sebastian: Leave out the part that concerns Hunter J and the events that happened ...
Grunt: Fair enough, I´ll do as asked for now... also, I got new intel that didn´t yet get reported in ...
Professor Sebastian: Then keep it only to yourself and me... so what else do you have for me ?
Grunt: Preliminary scans in the area she was at indicate she might have encountered something...
Professor Sebastian: That much is obvious, since there were Pokemon and human everywhere ...
Grunt: True, but we also got faint readings of what it was, though it is not entirely accurate...
Professor Sebastian: I´ll take what I can get... so do tell, what did the scans find in the rubble ?
Grunt: We got weak traces of Pokemon that match Dragonite... Dragonair... Dratini... and Milotic...
Asking the grunt to take him to the site, Professor Sebastian saw that the rest of the forces were already packing up since militia and others were closing in on the area, and knew that the was short for any further investigation despite his wishes to stay awhile, as he finally reached the site.
Asked to be left alone, the grunt did as told and went back to his duties, leaving Professor Sebastian by himself to do as pleased. Continuing reading the preliminary report, he noted that a whole family lived the the assaulted house that now was nothing more that sand blowing in the weak wind.
Suddenly Rogue appeared as Professor Sebastian didn´t even get up, understanding it was she and her Pokemon that likely by chance noticed the remaining traces, as both of them didn´t say a word and while he almost could feel her looking at him, Professor Sebastian continued his work.
Rogue: If I am in the way then say so and I´ll move to a much more suitable location ...
Professor Sebastian: You can stay... there are other things on my mind for the moment anyway...
Rogue: If I may be allowed to ask... what happened here... and what are you searching for ?
Professor Sebastian: I am searching for clues... and answers... to the question you just stated ...
Rogue: If you want any kind of help, I will do my best to supply you with anything of use ...
Professor Sebastian: This is personal... she asked me... and thus this is my task alone to handle...
Rogue: She trusts me... you should do the same... the sooner I help... the faster you get answers...
Professor Sebastian: Fair enough... however... don´t mention any of this to anyone but her alright ?
Looking at Rogue, it took awhile before she nodded in response, enough to make Professor Sebastian unsure if she would keep her word. Putting on his special glove, he felt the sand for any other traces and analysed the remains if something was left unnoticed by the first scanning team.
Meanwhile Rogue called forth Kirlia, Gallade and Gardevoir to help out, now having permission to further investigate the area. Asked to use her abilities to further conceal them, Professor Sebastian saw an barrier of illusions arise where they were, concealing them from being there at all from everyone else.
With the glove confirming the Pokemon traces, Professor Sebastian asked Rogue if her Pokemon could sense the events that happened, in which she nodded. Despite their best efforts, something held them back as they had to stop and mentioned to Rogue what they had found out.
Professor Sebastian: Unusual for them to be held back... is someone interfering with us ?
Rogue: That is not the case... it is something else... I am unsure of who or what it could be ...
Professor Sebastian: You´re still here... so they found out something... what is it Rogue ?
Rogue: They describe is as a black hole... it´s difficult for them to project what they know ...
Professor Sebastian: I´ll get answers even if with a knife to poke at their brains... so talk to me ...
Rogue: Seems... whatever happened... she did not react... up until the very end of the assault...
Professor Sebastian: So far that´s in the battle report... tell me something I don´t know dammit ...
Rogue: Take it easy... it´s difficult... but... I am unsure... it appears to be many emotions involved...
Professor Sebastian: She made a direct assault, I expect a lot of emotions to arise from anyone ...
Rogue: It is not anger nor hate, or anything similar... she encountered... a different emotion...
With a second analysis, Professor Sebastian noticed that the traces for Milotic and something else were peculiar, since it carried a small trace for Hunter J aswell. Assuming at first a close melee battle must have happened, he quickly remembered that such emotions did not seem to have been triggered.
With Gallade and Gardevoir focused on the illusion barrier, Kirlia was left the task to try pick up anything else of importance. Kirlia then sensed something, something familiar that it had felt before somewhere else. Despite Rogue asking, Kirlia didn´t respond to what it had picked up just now.
Professor Sebastian: If you can´t keep any control over them, then I´ll make sure to change that ...
Rogue: Kirlia is the only one that has always been resistant... always loyal... but resistant to me...
Professor Sebastian: I want answers, not excuses... force your way into it... I need to know ...
Rogue: I can´t, not here... I´ll do it eventually... but she is telling me something else though...
Professor Sebastian: Dodging the bullet... alright, then what else has it found out about Hunter J ?
Rogue: That is the strange part... it doesn´t concern her at all... it concerns someone else... me ...
Professor Sebastian: I´m getting more riddles than answers and distracted... leave now Rogue ...
Rogue: As you wish... well I´ll cover the retreat then... if you need me, then let me know …
As the illusion barrier vanished as much as Rogue along with her Pokemon, Professor Sebastian remained on the site but as he heard grunts further back behind him call out for a full retreat, he knew that time was short. Using his glove, he picked up patches of sand and put it all in a small bag.
Professor Sebastian: Jayane... I believe you still exist inside that malicious personality... I saw it in your eyes when you returned... even for a moment... and that brief smile... during all my time with you... never have I seen that in you... unless of malice... still … I do not know what you will find...
Whatever it is... even if it means leaving all of this behind... I am right beside you... like you, trying to find my right place in the world... neither good or evil... I go where I belong... and that is also by your side... so for now... just rest girl... and perhaps one day... you will wake up... and remember...
Suddenly the command ship radar alarm sounded as militia forces arrived to counter Twilight Hunters, as everyone took action while the battleships began to prepare to escape or begin to fire from above...
Next part of the story and chapter preview: Whispers In The Dark
´´ While I did feel ill and still don´t feel too great... it´s the truth Seb... something´s happening to me... ´´
´´ It´s as if I feel it... I was standing right here... and in front of me... were all the others... people... ´´
´´ They … captured Pokemon to be sold... either whole and alive... or not and in many pieces... ´´