Chapter 65: Inside Altru Tower: Part 6
A/N: Happy New Year's to everyone! I hope you all have a fantastic 2020 and I hope that this year is better than the last for everyone!
"Nice, you got a lot of berries! This should be enough to help Flygon get better!" Luana said as we handed the Flygon the berries.
The Flygon instantly got better once it consumed all five berries and nuzzled both of us before it turned to the gaping hole in the wall and took off, good as new. With the Flygon all better, we then headed back towards the three grunts where our Pokémon rejoined us.
"There, the Flygon's gone now, thanks for the help guys." I said.
"So I take it you guys aren't going to release us, right?" Alfred asked as Nathan rolled his eyes.
"Well Alfred, we are the bad guys." Nathan said as Richard began to mumble, so I took his muzzle off so he could speak.
"Thanks…that's true, Team Dim Sun isn't exactly a great organization. Since you two are heading up the tower, that means you have to get past Chris since he's guarding the staircase." Richard said.
"Yeah, considering that he's an admin, I can only imagine what Pokémon he'll be throwing at us." Luana said.
"It'll be tough, but we can do it. We'll be going to the next rooms, but if there's any snacks in either of them then we'll bring some back for you guys." I said as we began to leave.
"Wait! There's something I have to tell you two!" Alfred said as we both turned back around and headed back to the trio.
"Hmmm, alright, what do you have to tell us? It's not a trick, is it?" I asked as Richard and Nathan shook their heads.
"It's not…seriously, Leilani planted some traps inside two of the rooms. They're rigged to blow up the second you guys step inside." Richard said.
"We…we were actually given orders to try stopping you guys…in the event that we failed, we were told by Leilani to stop at nothing to bring both of you to one of those rooms." Nathan said.
"Is…i-is that so?" I asked as Alfred nodded.
"Unfortunately it is. To make matters worse, Leilani even gave us a detonator to use once the both of you stepped foot into either room. That little device we had was basically a Miniremo device and a camera system monitor in one. The other two switches you guys may have seen on the gate Chris is guarding are just there to throw you two off. The two rooms themselves are completely empty aside from a box containing the explosives." Alfred said.
"I don't know…I'm wondering if what you guys are saying is just a way to lower our guards. Can you show use the detonator and have it go off?" Luana asked as three grunts looked at one another.
"Fair enough…but if we're not lying to you guys, then you have to explain to the Ranger Union that we helped you two out! Does that sound like a deal?" Alfred asked.
"It's a deal." I said as Alfred and I shook hands.
Alfred took out the detonator, which was a simple rectangular device with a bright blue button. At first, it looked like a toy, but when Alfred pressed the button, we heard a couple of loud booms, which shook the entire building as I tripped and fell on some debris. After a few more seconds of rumbling, everything lay still. Luana quickly helped me to my feet as I looked over at the trio of men in shock.
"Sorry about that, but I do think it was a good choice for Alfred to show you we weren't kidding around." Richard said.
"Well…I agree completely, that certainly was quite a surprise for the two of us. Most of the grunts and admins we've encountered have been unusually violent or try to trick us in some way." Luana said.
"I have an answer for that." Nathan said.
"You do? Go on, tell us." I said.
"It's not a good answer but…the Shadow Crystal is influencing some of the Team Dim Sun members. It's pretty much just like mind control on Pokémon when Miniremos are used, but the Shadow Crystal is so strong that whether a person or a Pokémon has malicious intent or not, it doesn't matter, they can be mind controlled too." Nathan said as my heart began to race.
"How…how did you find out this information?" I asked.
"A few days ago, Nathan and I heard some of the researchers talking when they were finishing up some final touches on the Shadow Crystal's containment on the top floor. They don't plan on just controlling all Pokémon if they're not stopped…but the people as well. I don't know how the Shadow Crystal chooses who to manipulate, but I do know it can warp their minds, if only for a short time." Richard said.
"Wow…we…we have to hurry. But first, let's get you three to the Ranger Union, you guys helped us and we'll help you now." I said as I prepared to call Marcus, though he ended up calling first.
"Kellyn, Luana?! What's happening in that tower? Part of the fortieth first floor just exploded! Are you guys okay?" Marcus asked.
"Hi Marcus, we're okay! We're concerned about everyone at the Ranger Union, how's everyone holding up?" I asked.
"We took a beating, but nothing too severe. Wendy, Sven and Keith in particular are doing a great job at protecting the Union." Marcus said.
"Good, glad to know that everyone's safe and sound. We needed some help from you if that's possible." I said.
"Sure, what do you need? More grunts to haul away?" Marcus asked.
"Yes and no…they are grunts…but they actually warned us about a few of the rooms being rigged and detonated it before we could enter. The three of them saved us." I said.
"Wow, that's just mind boggling. Don't worry, I'll have a Staraptor pick the grunts up." Marcus said.
"Thanks Marcus, we appreciate it." I said.
"No problem, good luck guys!" Marcus said as he hanged up.
"Woo! Thanks man, now we'll finally be out of here!" Nathan said.
"Yeah, hope you two manage to beat Leilani." Alfred said as we heard the flapping of wings.
"We will, we've got each other! Thanks for the help you guys." Luana said as we untied the restraints on the trio's legs while keeping their wrists tied.
The three grunts hesitantly looked at one another as the three Staraptor landed on the ground with cages attached to their backs. However, they looked very relieved and Richard hopped into one of the cages followed by Nathan. Alfred was about to hop inside until I stopped him.
"Aren't you forgetting about someone? Perhaps one of your buddies?" I asked.
"Oh! I nearly forgot about Chris, you can take my radio and let me talk to him." Alfred said as I took his radio and held it close to him.
'Heh, it's kind of ironic…everyone thinks of every Team Dim Sun member being bad, yet Luana and I are assisting three of their members. If a regular citizen was around and didn't get any context, then I can only imagine that they'd be so confused.' I thought to myself.
"Hey Chris, you still awake?" Alfred asked.
"Yeah man, I'm here, what's up?" Chris asked.
"A couple of Rangers are helping us get free from that pink haired tyrant. We're about to leave on some Staraptors, let's go!" Alfred said.
"Really?! Finally! I hate this job, I'm on my way." Chris said.
A few seconds later, Chris, the same admin we tried to avoid before, burst through the door and ran up to his three friends.
"Oh, these are the Rangers who're helping you guys out? Cool, thank you so much!" Chris said as he grinned and hopped on the Staraptor occupied by Nathan.
"Haha, not a problem. Let them know you guys don't mean any harm, get going before Leilani comes back." I said.
"Good idea, go and stop Leilani and anyone else in your way! Then you guys go after President Hall and show him who's boss!" Alfred said as the four men took off.
"Great work everyone! Since that's settled, it's time to head to the next floor and see what awaits us there!" I said as we exited the room.
Just as described, the gate with the four indicator lights had turned blue and subsequently retracted into the floor.
"Awesome, let's go up to the forty second floor! Maybe Leilani will be waiting there." Luana said as we approached where the gate was.
"Yeah, if so, we're in for a tough fight, but it's nothing we can't handle." I said as we reached where the door was.
Luana opened the door and we ran up the staircase. Once we were on the forty second floor, we very carefully observed around us to make sure there weren't any traps in place. The room itself was very simple and was in a layout with an upside down U and gigantic wires running throughout it. From what I could see, the layout of the room was very basic and at the end of the room was an electrified fence. Going around the bend with our Pokémon in tow, we saw a Gallade by the window, which turned to face us as we looked at its eyes, which were gray and filled with agony and suffering. The Gallade charged at us and then stopped a few feet away, eyeing us closely before it released a Wide Slash, sending a wave of curved white projectiles at us, which we barely managed to avoid.
"Alright, Pachirisu, use Thunder Wave that Gallade!" Luana said as Pachirisu discharged electricity on the fast moving Pokémon, stopping it in its tracks.
I went ahead and helped Luana out by quickly making loops around the Gallade while she prepared for when Gallade would break free from paralysis. Soon enough, the Gallade managed to get moving again, though Luana and Pachirisu were at the ready to paralyze it while I focused on making loops around the Pokémon. The Friendship Meter began to rise from ten percent when we initially started and had increased all the way to sixty percent as the Gallade continuously kept getting hit with Thunder Wave. Eventually though, Pachirisu got tired and took a breather and I had Buneary come over to me so I could use her Poké Assist to make capturing Gallade faster.
"Buneary, we'll need your help here!" I said as Buneary did a quick dance and boosted my Capture Styler's strength.
Now that my Capture Styler could increase the Friendship Meter a little quicker, I knew that I had no time to waste as I made loops around the Gallade. It took quite a number of loops but surprisingly, the Gallade remained paralyzed throughout the entire ordeal and was soon successfully captured. The Gallade's eyes reverted back to red as it swiftly walked over to us in order to lend a helping hand.
Now that we had another Pokémon to assist us, we continued around the bend where we saw the same electrical fence, which was now to our right. In the center of the room and to our left was a bright pink door leading into a rectangular room. Luana and I nodded at each other and headed inside the room, prepared to do battle with Leilani. There were wires connected to the orb, sending a surge of electricity with a dazzling pink color. However…in the center of the small room was Leilani with her back turned to us. I was terrified just thinking of what she had in store for us…a part of me didn't even want to imagine what she was contemplating or considering in such a tense atmosphere. As if on cue, Leilani turned around…with anger, hatred and rage very obviously plastered on her face…seeing someone so enraged was terrifying to me.
'I'd be terrified if I had to face Leilani by myself. I'm glad I have Luana here with me, she looks ready to kill all of us at any moment.' I thought to myself as Leilani smirked and took a few steps forward.
"Finally…I'm ready to settle this once and for all. You two aren't getting out of here alive, especially because of how angry you're making Blake Hall. Now then, how about we dance?" Leilani asked as she took out a Miniremo and began typing.
Leilani smirked as she glared at Luana before stepping back a few steps as she began chuckling. We saw the wall to our left turn into liquified steel as an Infernape walked through the newly formed hole.
"Pachirisu, Thunder Wave!" I said as Pachirisu paralyzed the Pokémon.
I waited for Luana to charge up the Styler to its second phase and then began to make loops around the Infernape as I made quick circles. I prepared to have Pachirisu stun the Pokémon again, only for the tower to begin shaking as we tried to avoid getting hurt in such a small room. Despite the rumbling, Pachirisu managed to stun the Infernape as it was about to break free from paralysis while I made loops around the Pokémon…however, what I heard next made Luana and I very terrified.
"The Shadow Crystal's strength level has increased to level two! System update has been finished!" A robotic voice said as the slight rumbling stopped.
"Looks like you two dolts are running out of time…such a shame, you've both been an absolute pain all the way and gave it your all." Leilani said as she cackled like a madwoman.
"We're not going to lose against you!" Luana said as she took over for me.
"That may be…but who's to say if the system the Shadow Crystal is hooked up to doesn't reach full power by the time you two reach the top? Heh, if anything, your little Pokémon there would just end up killing both of you so in the end, our boss wins anyway." Leilani said as I had Pachirisu shock Infernape.
"You say that, but our Pokémon care about us, even if the machine reaches full power, we'll stop Blake Hall before anyone gets hurt!" I said.
"So foolish…how pitiful. It's okay though, once Pachirisu runs out of energy, I'll just have Infernape cook the two of you." Leilani said.
Ignoring Leilani as best as we could, Luana continued to make loops around the Infernape, which was still paralyzed. At this point, the Friendship Meter was at twenty percent and we had to move fast but carefully when considering the danger Leilani poses to us. I continued to assist Luana with stunning the Infernape as she made loops around the Pokemon, though after a few minutes, Pachirisu eventually got tired and went off to the side while Luana continued to make several loops, easily reaching at least three dozens. Figuring that we had to speed this up before the system on the top floor reaches full power, I decided to get assistance from Eevee and Buneary.
"Buneary, Eevee, I need your help! One of you use Charm on Leilani while the other waits for the Infernape to break free from paralysis!" I said as Eevee ran over to Leilani.
"Gah! What's this little furball doing here? Move out of the way before I kick your face in!" Leilani said as Eevee nuzzled up to her leg and tapped Leilani's leg.
"Kellyn, do…do you think Charm would work on Leilani of all people?" Luana asked as Buneary got into position.
"I…I don't know, but we're about to find out." I said as Leilani's expression softened.
"Aw…what an adorable Pokémon! Come here you fluffy little thing!" Leilani said as she pet Eevee.
"Awesome, it…it worked! Alright Luana, I'll help you out and take over!" I said as Luana and I swapped places.
Right on cue, the Infernape broke free from paralysis, looking angrier than ever as it prepared a Flamethrower. Infernape launched an intense amount of fire at my Capture Line instead of directly at us, which we thought was odd as every Pokémon has always focused on attacking us. Leilani was still distracted with Eevee as she continuously pet the small Pokémon while Infernape relentlessly came after us. Infernape then launched a fireball near Luana, which sent a small pillar of fire up in the air as I quickly moved her away.
"Are you alright?" I asked as Luana nodded.
"Yup, all good Kellyn! However, this Infernape needs to be captured soon, it looks like it's going through more pain with every attack." Luana said as Leilani managed to snap back to her senses.
"H-huh? What am I doing holding this runt…? Ah! You tried to captivate me…very sneaky…" Leilani said as she tried to throw Eevee, who managed to wrestle away and knock Infernape on the ground in the process.
"Perfect, Buneary, once Infernape gets up, knock it back down with Jump Kick!" I said as Buneary eyed Infernape from a safe distance.
"No you don't! Infernape, use Blaze Kick on that annoying Ranger!" Leilani said as Infernape hopped up.
"Buneary, Jump Kick!" I said as Buneary launched herself at Infernape, knocking it to the ground as it took a direct hit before it could even start forming Blaze Kick.
Using the extra chance to speed up the Infernape's capture, I had Luana charge up the Styler to its second stage as I made loops once again around the Pokémon. The Friendship Meter continued to increase, mainly thanks to Luana's amazing efforts from earlier as it was already at an impressive fifty five percent. The Infernape certainly looked like it was still raring to go and it certainly proved itself by launching several small fireballs around itself, causing pillars of fire to shoot up into the air as Luana hurriedly moved me away from the intense heat.
"You see? Infernape is too strong for the likes of you." Leilani said with a smirk.
"Eevee, use Tackle on that Infernape!" I said as Eevee dashed forward and knocked Infernape off its feet.
Leilani's expression changed to one that was a mixture of fury and shock, as she simply couldn't believe that a little Eevee could hit an Infernape so hard. I made sure to be quick when making loops around the Infernape given how fast it's been the entire time. Infernape hopped onto its feet and prepared to get close to Eevee with Close Combat, though she managed to bite on Infernape's arm, cancelling the attack.
"Annoying little Eevee, knock it off!" Leilani shouted as I took advantage of Eevee's assistance, making loops around the Infernape, which was trying to shake Eevee off.
"Eevee, keep up the good work, make sure that Infernape's unable to attack!" Luana said.
Eevee didn't relent on using Bite on Infernape, who was still trying to desperately get rid of Eevee. At this point, Pachirisu regained his energy and sprinted over to us quickly.
"Alright Eevee, quick, hop off of Infernape! Pachirisu, paralyze that Pokémon!" I said as Eevee released her grip on Infernape as Pachirisu shocked the Infernape.
I continued to make loops around the Infernape while making sure to keep on eye on Leilani, who was seething with rage. The Friendship Meter slowly increased to seventy percent, though it was too early to celebrate as Infernape broke free of paralysis and launched a Blaze Kick directly at Eevee.
"Woah, Eevee, look out!" I said as Eevee jumped out of the way to avoid the attack, which managed to melt part of the floor.
"Heh, how do you like that? Infernape, you better keep at it with the attacks." Leilani said as she continued typing in commands.
Infernape then became stationary as I cautiously made loops around it. Observing it closely, I realized that it was charging up a powerful move, even more stronger than Close Combat. In less than three seconds, Infernape let out a roar and looked at the Capture Line before releasing a Focus Punch. I couldn't react quick enough to have Pachirisu attack Infernape and the Styler had taken ten damage from the Pokémon's powerful attack, breaking the Capture Line I had done around the Infernape as Leilani chuckled.
"What an idiot, I already told you two that winning against me isn't likely." Leilani said as I grimaced.
"Pachirisu, hit that Infernape with a Thunderbolt!" I said as Pachirisu released a surge of electricity, knocking the Infernape backwards.
"Buneary, use Jump Kick!" Luana said as Buneary sprang up and hit the Infernape, causing it to go farther than before as it snarled.
"So that's how you two want to play…alright then, that's fine by me." Leilani said as she typed in another command.
"Pachirisu, use Thunder Wave on Infernape!" Luana said as Pachirisu stunned the raging Pokémon.
'Good thinking Luana, Infernape was going out of control thanks to Leilani. Doing what we can to stop it is the best course of action.' I thought to myself as Leilani pounded on the Miniremo in a rage.
I continued to make loops around the Pokémon and was surprised to see how quickly its Friendship Meter was rising compared to earlier. In fact, the Friendship Meter was almost full in just a few minutes. After making a few more loops around the still stunned Infernape, it was eventually captured after a tough battle. The Infernape broke free from its mind control and paralysis and looked around the room in confusion as it wondered where it was. The Pokémon, still unsure of what to make of the situation, walked out of the room as Leilani gritted her teeth in anger while the Miniremo began to emit sparks. Gallade, which initially stayed back during the fight, mainly because it seemed rather disinterested in fighting Infernape, stepped in front of us as a barrier of sorts between Leilani, Luana and I.
"I can't believe you fools beat me. I thought that attempting to lower your guards in the research facility would lull you into a false sense of security. I wanted to bring your bodies to the boss…he would have been so proud of me. Blake would have even made me his wife." Leilani said.
Luana and I were speechless and were completely unsure of how to react from Leilani's statement. However, I knew that we had to get someone to bring her in before she escaped and tried anything in the future.
"Pachirisu, use Thunder Wave on Leilani!" I said as Pachirisu emitted an electrical jolt, stunning Leilani and rendering her unable to move.
"Y-you two…y-you two…won't succeed…" Leilani said as Luana got out her Styler.
"You can say that all you want, you've lost in the end, Leilani!" I said as I heard Marcus on the other end.
"Hi guys, need a Ranger to come and round someone up?" Marcus asked.
"Hi there, we've got the second member of the Sinis Trio here. I hope that whoever's coming to take her uses utmost caution at all times, as she's almost killed us several times." Luana said.
"Will do, I'll send a guy to pick her up right now. Keep up the good fight!" Marcus said as he hanged up, while Leilani glared at us.
"You know…the both of you are so…likeable and I just don't get it. I wanted the boss to love me, yet despite me attempting to kill you guys several times and even getting Dittos to help me masquerade as certain people in the Ranger Union every so often, it still didn't work." Leilani said.
'I'm not even surprised that Leilani is the one who's been doing that…but the fact that she's attempted to kill us all for love is a disturbing thought.' I thought to myself as a male Ranger teleported to the side of Leilani with a Ralts.
"Hi there Top Rangers, great work! I'll make sure to cuff this lady and take her to Almia Prison." The Ranger said.
"Thank you, be very careful with her, she's a danger to everyone around her." I said as the Ranger observed the room around him.
"Yeah, I could tell that you three had a really tough battle. It's alright though, she won't hurt anyone else." The Ranger said as he cuffed Leilani's wrists and legs.
"You two…watch your backs, because one day, me or Mr. Kincaid will find the both of you and kill you. I hope you two continue living in fear." Leilani said.
"We're not going to live in fear because of you or anyone. You've lost, Leilani." I said.
"He's right, you're all tied up. We'll be going now, good work guys!" The Ranger said as he teleported away.
"Okay, that's two of the Trio down. Gallade, smash that orb into pieces!" Luana said.
Gallade raced forward and used Close Combat on the pink orb, turning it into small glass fragments. Once that was done, Gallade bounded out of the room, through the same opening initially created by the Infernape. With the orb deactivated and rendered useless, it was time for Luana and I to continue onwards. After checking our Pokémon and making sure that they weren't harmed in anyway, we headed out of the room, where the fence gates were now gone as they retracted into the metal posts, revealing what I happily realized was elevator doors.
"Alright, now let's go upstairs! I thought we'd have to keep climbing floors but instead of heading to the forty third floor, we'll just take the elevator!" I said as I pressed the elevator button.