Chapter 5-Masters of misdirection
I did not understand what was going on, since my arrival in this city I've had the feeling that I was being watched, couple that with the lack of enemy activity, and any unease I would feel should be explained right…wrong. Strangely I felt quite calm and confident, whoever was watching me had not acted, so I deemed them unimportant, and I continued to investigate the city for reports of my lord's enemies. What I heard was strange, some very important people had fled the city in a hurry with a young trainer hot on their heels, apparently there had been conflict in some of the warehouses but when I arrived all the evidence I'd hoped to collect was already gone. I began to wonder who else could be here; who would collect evidence against these people, and the bigger question was why? By the time I had spent three days in this city I began to hear stories of ghosts, strange shadows appearing then disappearing in a heartbeat, and thing being moved around when no one was around. Many of the people thought there was a ghost in the city but I knew better. I knew I was not alone in this city, I knew there was another agent within this city's boundaries; I knew he was unreported, and I knew he was skilled. He was staying just within my range of detection but outside the range that I could learn more important information about him. I would not forget about him but since he was not making any aggressive moves against me I ignored him, I had a mission to complete, and I would succeed my lord needed information about enemy troop movements. I had gathered all other required information, the number of soldiers in the local defense garrison, the estimated population, the mood of said population, the layout of the city, possible ambush sites, and the resources of the city. I couldn't find any sign of the enemy forces that were supposed to be active in this city and that disturbed me the most. Where could they have gone and why have they left so quickly. I listened to the people to see if any rumors that could help me piece together what was going on in this city. Nothing seemed out of place and that made me uneasy, the city was quiet when it should have been abuzz with unusual activity, we were within range that there should be more than a murmur of strange soldiers, there should be a rush by the terrorists to prepare defenses but there wasn't, and that was unnerving. Where could the enemy have gone, how did they know we were coming so they could evacuate before we were even within four leagues of the city, all this pointed to one thing, and it was not good. That could only mean that there was a spy within the Ransei government, one that was high enough within the Imperial ladder of power to monitor the shogun's movements, and that could only spell disaster for the empire especially if this spy was feeding information to terrorists. My lord needed to warned of this but more than likely he already knew of this, he was keeping com chatter low, and from what I understood he had severed all communications with the Empire. All the clues were beginning to add up, the lack of enemies, the shoguns refusal to talk to the empire, and the cautiousness of the shoguns normally very aggressive military maneuvers. I looked out over the city from my perch and sighed this city was nothing compared to the cities of my homeland, it was smog choked, over crowed, and a perfect example of urban decay. I stood there just looking out over the city missing my homeland when someone coughed behind me. I wiped around to see a man dressed in an armored ninja hood, a cyber-tech chest guard, gauntlets, and boots. I saw that he was one of Ransei's cyber-tech ninjas, a man trained in assassination, sabotage, and of course spying. His armor was purple signifying that he hailed from the City of Spectra but the design also meant he was much more than some common warrior.
"Lord Haiko," I said with a light bow, "I did not know you were assigned to this mission?"
"I wasn't," He answered with little emotion.
"Then why are you here?" I questioned feeling slightly uneasy; a cyber-tech ninja would not just be deployed causally especially one who was the warlord of Spectra.
"I've been assigned to protect the shogun," He answered stoically, "and to spy when necessary."
"Oh and who gave you such orders?" I inquired.
"The Emperor," he answered as I felt shock rip through me, the shogun had cut contact with Ransei so how could have dispatched him so fast, "The shogun has continued to establish contact with the Emperor."
"I'm sorry for my impertinent questions Lord Haiko," I stated with a slight bow.
"Don't worry," he told me a slight smile on his lips, "You're about to get reprimanded."
"Wha-aaaaaaa," I yelled as I felt something wet slide up my back and as I whipped around to see who or what it was I heard snickering coming from the air just behind me as a greenish hued Haunter appeared out of thin air, "Damned prankster."
"Spectral was just returning with a report for me," Haiko stated calmly.
-Point of view change to Haiko-
"What have you heard Spectral?" I questioned him as Gaika stood there attempting to dry the saliva off of himself and activating his translator.
"Well master I've heard reports of many different things," Spectral answered with a snicker, "For instance did you know that the woman who lives in apartment 304 in the complex on Main Street is trying to create a potion that can imitate the effects of the Sacred Ashes?"
"Interesting but not what we're looking for," I stated with an exasperated sigh even though we were good partners he was still annoying, "Have you heard anything about the people we're tracking?"
"Why yes master I have," Spectral answered with a huge grin spreading over his face.
"Spectral," I growled starting to become truly annoyed, "you will answer my questions or you'll see how fast I can replace you with a Duskull."
"Ok, ok, no need for threats," Spectral sighed, "There's a kid down in the square who claims to have heard what our quarry's planning."
"How long ago did you hear this?" I questioned feeling the excitement of the hunt rising in me.
"Oh about an hour or so ago," Spectral said with a slight smile.
"Then he's probably already moved on," I heard Gaika sigh, "and it will take a couple of days to find him by which time our lord will have already launched his attack."
"There is actually still a good chance he's there," Spectral snickered.
"Why would he still be there?" Gaika inquired.
"He's a trainer," Spectral burst out laughing as if this was the funniest thing ever, "but why he would even consider himself that is a wonder to me."
"I seem to be missing the joke," I sighed knowing that there was more to this story, "so go ahead and continue."
"You take all of the fun out of this," Spectral sighed, "He was looking for a strong opponent to fight."
"Then he's going to get one," I said a full blown grin on my face as I turned and stepped onto the lip of the building's roof, "Coming Gaika?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world sir," came his reply the excitement building in his voice.
"See you in the square then," I told him as I leapt off of the building feeling the wind rush past my face and for the first time in a long time feeling truly alive.
I was going to reunite with the only two friends I had Lords Veku and Anthony, they were there for me at my worse, at my best, and when I just needed to talk. Veku would always back down when people insulted him but everyone knew when he got even due to what would happen to them and there would be no trace of who did it. Anthony's aid was much more noticeable, he would more often than not confront his adversaries head on, it may not be smart and it may have gotten him into more brawls than your average noble but he was always ready for a good scrap, but that was only off the battlefield on the battlefield he was one of the craftiest men you're likely to find. I couldn't wait to see them again after all of these months. I barely noticed much of my surroundings but that's why I had Spectral he was to be my eyes and ears as we approached the square. I could sense Gaika just behind me moving at speeds that were impossible to track with the untrained eye. I heard Spectral whisper to me that we were entering the square and prepared to make my entrance to intimidate my opponent slightly for if there was anything Lord Anthony had taught me it was that battles were part mental as well as physical. I appeared before my target as if out of thin air.
"Are you the trainer who claims to know the goals of Team Plasma?" I questioned.
"Yeah, what's it to you?" the impertinent youth shot back.
"It's information I require," I stated not letting the youth get under my skin.
"What are you going to give me for it?" the boy questioned seeing a chance to make a killing.
"How about we make a bet," I told him seeing a way to get some enjoyment out this situation, "if you can beat me in a battle I'll give you 20,000 poke but if I beat you you'll give me the information I want."
"Okay," the boy grinned, "what are the rules?"
"Simple a one on one battle no substitutions," I told him, "sound fair."
"Yeah," the boy said the apparent confidence brimming over, "and the pokemon I'm going to use is my Blastoise!"
As the boy yelled this he threw out a pokeball revealing his pokemon an intimidating turtle pokemon often used as a starter pokemon in the Kanto regions.
"Hmph, fine if that's the pokemon you're going to use…Spectral!" I shouted raising my hand as the pokemon materialized before me a huge grin on his face.
I could also sense Gaika standing just behind me. Before my opponent could make his move I struck first.
"Spectral," I ordered with force, "Sucker punch now."
The attack came in with a ferocity that was not often seen in standard battles. When the attack landed my opponents Blastoise was launched backwards and as it hit the ground I could see the daze in its eyes.
"Hey that was cheating," the boy accused, "you struck to early.
"I saw your pokemon begin attack patterns," I shot back calmly, "So don't cry just because I beat you to the first punch."
That shut him up as I launched my second attack.
"Spectral, blanket the field in Smog," I ordered poisoning my enemy as well as creating an obscuring mist to hide Spectral's movements.
At this point my enemy's pokemon had regained its senses and prepared but it was undisciplined and did not wait for its trainer's orders but launched a hydro pump into the smog as it attempted to hit Spectral and missed.
"Blastoise what are you doing!" the trainer screamed already feeling his confidence slipping, "I didn't tell you to do that."
"Hmph, this battle is just pathetic," I sighed feeling all excitement leaving me, "Spectral it's time lets show them how ninjas fight: Hidden Strike!"
I felt the power flow through me as I unleashed my warrior ability and as it truly activated a wave of black energy flew out from me in waves. When they hit Spectral he vanished into thin air leaving no pattern in the smog, no sound from his movements, and nothing but his laughter bouncing all over the battlefield.
"Spectral," I began my orders, "Shadow Ball."
The move struck striking with a giant explosion sending the Blastoise flying through the air where it smashed into the ground shattering the pavement but it was only there for a moment as it staggered to its feet.
"Yeah, Blastoise," the boy cheered, "Lets show them our power, Hydro Cannon!"
The pokemon began firing erratically at Spectral but it was not going to hit him no matter how much he tried.
"Haunter its time," I whispered, "unleash it: Ghostly Paradise!"
As I said this Spectral began spitting up spirit wisps which in turn began to circle the battlefield like vultures circling a fresh kill.
"Go my pretties wreak havoc," Spectral cackled hysterically launch his wisps which froze both of the opposing blastoise's barrels, paralyzed him nearly completely, poisoned, and blinded him.
"What happened?" the boy yelled panicking, "What did you do to my Blastoise."
"I'm simply ending this charade," I said coldly, "You're weakness shall cost you this battle and your pokemon's pride. Spectral end it with Shadow Ball."
As Spectral launched his attack to end the battle I heard crying the boy was crying for his pokemon and I was disgusted, he was weak, over confident, and this is what disgusted me he would blame others for this while dodging the blame he deserved. The explosion was deafening, the smoke from the crater was thick, and when it cleared there was my opponent lying in the crater with wounds all over its body. I turned my back on this sight not wanting to see the weakness displayed by the trainer.
"Blastoise return!" I heard the boy yell and I knew what he was going to do.
"Gaika cut him off," I ordered.
"Yes Lord Haiko," Gaika shouted disappearing and reappearing before the trainer who had attempted to flee.
"What are you doing!?" the trainer screamed panicking, "My pokemon needs to get to the pokemon center!"
"I know," I said coldly, "but we had a deal and I expect you to honor it."
"Fine," he sighed defeated, "I'll tell you what I know."
"Hurry up we haven't got all day," Gaika snarled.
"I heard that their planning to revive the ancient pokemon Reshiram," The trainer cried, "can I go now."
"No do you thi-," Gaika began.
"It's fine you may go," I told them wishing to discuss in private with Gaika and Spectral.
"Really?" the boy questioned.
"Yes," I said coldly, "Now get and as for the rest of you my lord the shogun is preparing to enter this city on official business on behalf of your government any who oppose him will be dealt with harshly no matter your station or wealth. He will be here tomorrow."
There was panicked chatter at this as people began fleeing the square wondering if what I said was true, if the feared shogun of Ransei was really only a few hours away, and why would their government allow this terror to step foot on Unovian soil. This man was considered by many to be a tyrant due to his Ransei heritage and that many of the people of this warrior nation considered him an absolute terror on and off of the battlefield.
"Do you think that's wise Lord Haiko?" Gaika asked me, "This may start a riot and they may try to attack him out of fear."
"The government has been warned that if anything happens to the shogun because of their people that The Empire will take this as an act of war and attack Unova," I told him calmly turning to walk out of the now ruined square, "and besides this isn't the old shogun that; as we told the governments Lord Anthony had replaced his uncle as shogun."
"But still do you think that they'll tell the citizens of their nation about this rule?" Gaika continued to question.
"If this city tries anything the Genesis is only a couple of days away," I told him calmly, "and if somehow the shogun fall's I'm sure her crew and officers would be more than happy to use the massive amount of firepower to turn this city into a glass crater."
"Our lord always did love using overwhelming firepower in combat," Gaika laughed.
"Well if you have it why not use it," I commented, "The Genesis is his personal flagship and will soon see she and her crew will see their first real combat situation."
"Hope they survive it," Gaika commented.
"I hope Unova doesn't do anything stupid," I sighed, "Our air fleet could turn the cities of this nation into glass smears in a matter of hours and a nation of glass doesn't make a good trading partner."
"Our lord is in a precarious position," Gaika yawned stretching.
"One made more precarious by our enemy's plans," I growled, "If there's one argument we can't have cropping up again it's who possesses the real Reshiram."
"Do you think that this would actually jeopardize this alliance?" Gaika questioned me.
"Unovians are extremely prideful," I commented, "They are one of few nations who pride themselves on their legendary pokemon rather than their powerful trainers or skilled trainers."
"These fools how did they ever think they could defeat anyone," Gaika sighed, "They have so few people who could oppose us in tournaments but the ones they do have are strong."
"Yes but an army is only as strong as its weakest link," I commented dryly, "just because you have the strongest trainer in the world if he doesn't have proper support he will fall."
"I guess you're right," Gaika sighed, "I guess that's why the shogun surrounds himself with the strongest warriors possible."
"Yes if he can scare away the weak and cowardly that only leaves the strong and the brave to face him and his guards," I laughed, "He always enjoyed a good fight."
"Do you think he'll expect one here?" Gaika asked me.
"Yes, we haven't reported back to him," I told him, "So why shouldn't he ride into the city in full battle regalia with his banner flying proudly."
"I'll tell you why," Spectral snickered, "He might intimidate the simply minded people of this city with his scary guards."
"The demon guards aren't that scary," Gaika stated curious.
"You've never seen them in full regalia," I snickered, "The will come riding in with full battle armor on."
"What does their full battle regalia look like?" Gaika asked.
"Well it looks like the basic royal guards armor," Spectra snickered, "Well it's the same but with more horns, claws, demonic bat wing like cloaks, and you can't forget the blood red optical sensors."
"Is he kidding?" Gaika asked a slight nervousness in his voice.
"No," I answered, "Their meant to be intimidating."
"So the shogun will most likely be in his full regalia?" Gaika inquired, "So does that mean he'll be wearing his evolution armor?"
"Yes," I answered smiling, "the black armor that signifies he has reached his second stage of evolution."
"It reminds me of Nobunaga's Rayquaza," Spectral stated truthfully, "He's one of the most terrifying men I've seen and even his armor adds to his appearance due to the fact that it has the same color pattern as Nobunaga's Rayquaza."
"Look we can continue this conversation later," I calmly stated, "but we have a big job tomorrow and we should get some rest. I've rented a room at the hotel and you are welcome to stay with me."
"Thanks but no thanks lord Haiko," Gaika told me, "I've rented my own room but I think you're right we should part ways and go and get some rest…our lord will need us at our best."
With that we parted ways me heading to think about what happened today and Gaika probably go to get some well-earned rest.
"Spectral I think this mission is going to be very interesting," with those final words I vanished.
I would wait for the shogun and I would give my life to see this mission succeed. My lord was close to achieving his destiny, to achieve what he deserves, to awaken the dragon, and he would bring back the golden age of Ransei. This was not only my dream but the dream of many of the people of The Empire and we would do everything in our power to realize it.
So ends chapter 5-Masters of Misdirection. I glad to say that I think the worse parts of the emergency I've had in my family have passed so I've taken up writing this story again but I'm also trying to write two other stories at the same time and may also be co-authoring a story with another writer so my posting of this story will take longer. Thank you to those who check in to see if this story has continued and to those who review thank you. It may take me longer to post as I'm now writing several stories at once. Please look them up their titles are White Knight Chronicles: Fledgling Phoenix, Yu-gi-oh GX: Chaotic Knight, and Inheritance Cycle: Imperial Heroes. So if you enjoyed this story please read my other ones and remember please Review.
