A/N: This is shorter than my other chapters, I guess it's more of a filler. It's explaining who the invaders are and what they want. That's all, pretty much. Oh, I've downgraded the story to T from M cos I was thinking recently: I'm not actually likely to have any M-rated material directly referenced. The worst I've had so far are Ruko's thought from a few chapters ago. The next chapter will involve a fight (finally!), but nothing too graphic. Anyway, enough of this, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 6
The group consisted of five people; four wore pseudo-Medieval tabards while the apparent leader wore a more elaborate purple and gold robe with matching purple hat. Each of them was shadowed by a large purple cat, though the leaders' looked significantly more superior to the others. The tabards were all emblazoned with what was presumably the team's emblem: a blue stylised "P" on a zigzag pattern, all on a black and white shield.
"If I may have your attention!" shouted the leader. The shout certainly caught the attention of everyone who hadn't noticed the doors being opened. "My name is Bronius. I am one of the Seven Sages of Team Plasma. This ship has been taken hostage-"Bronius was interrupted by a couple across the room who clearly had a sense of humour, as they chimed "oh, yay!" in a particularly sarcastic tone. One of the grunts struggled to keep a straight face. He regained control when another of the grunts glared at him and jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. Bronius continued unfazed. "You will co-operate, or you will be thrown overboard and not recovered."
An uproar was starting to brew like an angry sea. Someone else shouted from the bar "What is the 'Team Plasma'? And why do you want this ship?" Dug had to admit: this was the first time he'd heard of a team called Plasma, and their actions at this moment in time put him more in mind of Aqua's doings. While they were still around, at least.
Bronius smirked. "Team plasma is led by our king and leader, the great Ghetsis. Our goal is to alleviate the suffering of Pokémon, and grant them the liberation they so truly deserve. Being used by trainers oppresses them, and we wish to eradicate. As for this ship, we have given both you and the Sinnoh government a choice: Every passenger and crewman on board are to release every last Pokémon in their possession so they may live in true happiness, or an equivalent number are to be released from the United PC Storage System. Whoever answers first will have their choice honoured." A new buzz of chatter started building. "You have thirty minutes, and then we blow this ship up. There are no life-boats to escape in, and any who try to escape in another way will be stopped." The buzz became a roar of anger.
"This seems bad," noted Ruko.
"Only 'seems'?" Dug commented. It wasn't clear if he agreed or was shocked at an understatement. A large man walked up to Bronius; presumably it was the person who demanded to know what Plasma's ideas were.
"I refuse to release any of my Pokémon," he spat, barely controlling a mighty fury. "Not for you, nor anyone else. You have no right to decide what others do with their Pokémon." The last bit was said through gritted teeth.
"Is that so?" chuckled Bronius, not in the slightest bit concerned about the larger man. With a snap of his fingers, one of the grunts threw a Great Ball and a large red Pokémon that appeared to be wearing martial arts uniform burst out. Ruko happened to know that it was called Throh, as it was in some way related to Sawk. She, like the majority of the room's occupants, was suddenly shocked as it grabbed the man by the legs and, ignorant of the man's complaints and cries of panic, swung him over its head several times before releasing him, causing the man to go flying over the railings and quite a way out into the sea. A woman who was presumably his wife screamed and ran for the railing, but was stopped and restrained by the Throh.
"Anyone else fancy a drink?" asked Bronius, a hint of amusement in his heavy voice.
"I'd rather like to voice my opinion, yeah," replied Ruko, getting up from the table. Dug hadn't expected this, and was immediately concerned for her. "How about a battle? Loser goes overboard. If it's you, you'll leave us be. But if it's me, I'll also release every one of my Pokémon. You can call the conditions for the battle." The risk did little to improve Dug's worry.
Bronius smiled, considering his opponent's request as he looked her over. "I accept. Three each, single battle. There's a battle pitch we can use on the top of this boat."
"Then let's go. I hope you're actually gonna be a challenge – I could do with a proper one." Bronius gave a deep, booming laugh.
A/N: ...And that's a wrap. The next chapter will focus on the battle, and may make for a longer chapter for all I know. I may slow this down (like that's difficult XD) and look into digitising a few other stories I have on the go (Evangelion-Vocaloid crossover, 40k, I think one other - I might even try Street Fighter of FMA if I feel like it!). I also have a chapter/bit advance written, where we meet FL-Chan (or FL_Chan as her acquired nickname - real name forgtotten - in my fic), and her unusual habits.
One last thing: At time of writing my brother has started uploading Doom-Kindred, so go look at that. It's a good fic that breaks away from the bright, kiddy feel of the games nicely. And seeing as this is partly a spin-off...
I should have the battle up soon, until then Douglas-362 out!