Chapter 16: Shadow Takeover
Cinnabar Island, Present Day...
It was nightfall. The leaves rustled in the breeze as two masked men, clad in black entered the Cinnabar Mansion. They skilfully hid near the window as one Grunt pulled out a Dusk Ball. "Crobat, Supersonic." The purple bat nodded and emitted ultrasonic waves from its mouth, thoroughly confusing any Pokemon in the vicinity. The other pulled out an Ultra Ball. "Mismagius, Hypnosis."
The ghost nodded and passed through the wall. It launched psychic waves through the room, lulling the nearby wild Pokemon into a sleep- like trance. It unlocked the door from inside, letting the two men enter.
A voice spoke to them via headset. "Search the upper floors first. Find him no matter what. Understood?"
"Affirmative. We are headed for the fifth floor." They spoke into the headsets.
"Rendezvous at the Mansion base. Target in sight. We need backup on the lower floors. Over."
"Affirmative. Over."
The two men recalled their Pokemon and climbed up the rickety stairs.
Kanto National Hospital, Saffron City
"100kr, mission brief."
Looker spoke into the phone. "It was a fiasco. They snuffed me out easily. I stood zero chance."
"You know the stakes. Leave for HQ immediately. You have to be verified."
He chuckled and said, "Understood."
The Nurse yawned as she pushed the food tray to the room to her right. It had been a hectic day and she was looking forward to taking a nap as soon as possible. "May I come in?" No response.
"Sir? May I come in?" Still nothing. Expecting the worst, she pushed the door with sheer force, but it didn't budge. Frustrated, she banged the door. "Excuse me, is everything alright?" The door began to budge. She pushed one last time, and it flew open. She gasped as she scanned the room.
It was empty.
Looker coughed as he saw Saffron City from all the way up in the helicopter. "You couldn't send my ride?"
The pilot nodded sideways. "Negative. HQ sent word- you have to be verified first." Looker chuckled with mirth. "Protocol comes first." The pilot wondered aloud, "If I may ask, sir- what were you doing in Kanto? The place is the damn boonies." Looker mused, I assume you're from Unova.
"Eh, it's quaint and the people are hospitable. At least, most of them." The pilot chuckled but turned serious immediately. "You didn't answer the question, sir."
"That's classified."
"Is that so?" Looker didn't notice it, but the pilot's tone shifted and a small smirk grew on his face. "So, then..."
"... 100kr." Looker gasped at the pilot. "Excuse me?"
"I believe your real codename is 100kr, as much of an oxymoron as it is." Looker readied his Pokeball, only to realize, Damn it, they're at the Pokemon Center!
He handed the Pokeball to Looker. He pressed the Autopilot button on the control panel and turned. "So, 100kr, you've been a nosy neighbour, haven't you? Don't worry- I won't monologue. It's not my place."
"Who are you really?" The pilot turned. "Admirable. You're still collecting vital information in the face of d..." He paused and smiled. "...danger."
"I believe that's the wrong word to use."
"Yes, indeed, it is. Any last words?"
"None."
"I am but a loyal servant."
"Aren't we all?"
The pilot smiled. You have my respect, Detective. I hope I meet you... albeit in another life.
Cinnabar Island Gym
Blaine was yawning as he turned around. "God, I should'nt have eaten that malasada... damn stomach is killing me..." He got up to use the bathroom as he clutched his stomach.
As he roughly pushed the sheets away. Unbeknownst to him, a flicker of a shadow moved next to his walked across the room and opened the bathroom door. As he stepped in, he felt a sharp blow on his back as he fell down. He turned to face his assailant- a Pokemon. It was covered in an armour of sorts and looked rather imposing. But Blaine had seen them all. As it raised its arm, he whistled once.
The Pokemon could barely turn around as a loud howl followed by a flash of orange burst through the door and slammed the Pokemon, sending it flying. It then turned to Blaine and licked his face. He pet it, saying, "Good boy. You were amazing." The canine snuggled against Blaine and immediately growled when the assailant got up. It howled and charged at its opponent who had the balls to hurt his partner.
Blaine struggled to get up as he said, "F... Flare Blitz, go!"
The Pokemon enveloped itself in a ball of fire as it charged at the Pokemon and slammed into it forcefully. The sheer impact broke the wall as it fell to the ground below.
The Pokemon rushed to Blaine's side and helped him get up. "Good boy, Arcanine. Sniff the entire place and tell me what you find."
The canine walked around the entire room and suddenly growled next to a wall. As if appearing from nowhere, a masked man walked out of the shadowy corner of the room and stared blankly at Blaine. "Greetings, Gym Leader... you are requested to comply with us..."
"Us?"
Two more men appeared suddenly. One of them held a sharp object at his neck- likely a shard of glass and motioned for him to stay still. The man in front of him continued.
"Please cooperate with us... we do not wish to use force... we would appreciate if the deed is done quickly..."
"Who and why, if you so please." Arcanine growled at the masked men, but Blaine put his hand in front. "Down, boy. We'll hear 'em out first."
"Thank you for complying... allow us to introduce ourselves... we are the Shadow Triad... the loyal servants of our Lord... we have a vested interest in you... thanks to our friends in the Kanto region... they have need of you... please do not resist... come with us quickly... we mean no harm from our side."
Blaine nodded. Is that a fact?
He asked. "May I ask what this vested interest is?"
"All will be revealed... please have patience." He turned to the two behind him as Blaine asked, "Fine. Take me, but leave the Pokemon alone. They are my friends."
"Of course... our goal is to liberate all Pokemon... we mean them no harm."
That was when it clicked.
Now I remember... aren't these the douchebags in Unova from two years ago? Man, they must suck- getting their asses handed to them by a kid. I almost feel bad for these psychos.
"Have care how you speak... we are not ill at mind." Blaine's eyes widened. How the hell...? "All will be revealed." He flung out another Dusk Ball. "Mandibuzz... to the Frigate." Blaien turned to see the Pokemon when he fainted from a sharp blow on his head.
?
"What the hell was that for?" He struggled to clear his vision as he felt a sharp pain in his back. "I complied with your every word... God... my damn spine hurts."
"I'm sorry. I wasn't... I didn't know..."
"Dr. Colress? You're with..."
"Alas, I am trapped by circumstance. Between you and me, I still pursue the truth I seek- the ultimate potential of Pokemon and the bond they share with their Trainers. However, Team Plasma requires my assistance in his resurgence. He plans to freeze the inhabitants of Opelucid City alive, including Gym Leader Drayden." Blaine stood up in horror. "W... what?"
Colress hung his head in shame. "And to boot, they are seeking the power of the legendary Ice- type Kyurem. However, that path has a serious obstacle- Kyurem is missing. Around 2 years ago, it was sighted in its home, the Giant Chasm, but I believe the Trainer who foiled Ghetsis had already taken Kyurem with him to another region. But, the undeterrable fools now seek the power of the Ice- type Articuno. They want to make a statement, even if it means the loss of several lives. And they made me the leader of Team Plasma. Now, it appears we are at an impasse. And, unfortunately, I can't get rid of them even if I wanted to. As the saying goes, the walls have ears."
"Ah." We're being monitored. How quaint.
"Where exactly are we? Is this a ship?" "It's rather ingenious- I built it for my travels across the world, but it has been... retrofitted for other purposes. I believe we are headed east from Cinnabar, to the Seafoam Islands- the home of Articuno." Colress wiped his nose. "I wanted to stop these people at first. The only reason I am still here is because I have hope- hope that I can perhaps find a way to stop this madness. I still hope, Mr. Blaine. I wish Mr. N or that Trainer from two years ago would arrive. This has to stop."
"Like you said, we're at an impasse." Blaine and Colress sighed inwardly as Colress turned to leave the room. "I'll ensure you are taken care of, Mr. Blaine."
Indigo Plateau, the next day...
"Are you sure, Bruno? With Blaine, you can never tell."
"Yes, Lance. I've searched everywhere- he said he'd be at the Gym at 8 o' clock sharp- and he means sharp."
"I know. Have you checked the entire Mansion?"
"No- his room and the study are locked. From the inside."
"Well, it's obvious then- he's left. Or..."
"Or... a worst- case scenario occured? Lance, not to be that guy, but do you really think someone could just up and kidnap Blaine? Because I really don't see it happening."
"You've certainly got me there. But look into it- and break the damn doors open if you have to. Leave no stone unturned. And be safe- if he was taken, we're dealing with very dangerous people. Very."
"Understood. I'll call ya later."
Lance sighed as he turned to face the window. First that International Police guy is missing... now Blaine. What in the hell is going on?
Lavender Town
"Any word on him, Lance?"
"None so far, I'm sorry to say. What about the kids who were with him?"
She sighed. "I'll tell them. They'll crib, no doubt- but then, they are kids. You get to finding them. And assume the worst for now."
"Okay. Catch ya later."
She walked inside the room. Red was still asleep on the couch and Blue was groggily walking around. He yawned as he saw Agatha. She yelled, "Oh, don't you yawn at me, boy! Go inside and clean yourself up- one might think you were raised in a barn!"
He yawned and said, "Fine. Gimme five minutes, okay?"
She snapped. "Don't test my patience, young man. I've had my hands full with you and I actually have a life to tend to. Make it quick- I have to go to the League soon." A sleepy Red snorted. "Sure... some life..."
Agatha had had enough. She flung out a Pokeball. "Sableye!" The Pokemon grinned wide as it saw Red and Blue. It turned to Agatha and chuckled toothily. She nodded. "Wake them up."
Sableye immediately conjured a purple wave of energy and launched it at Red. The boy was shoved out of bed and woken up harshly. He immediately turned to Agatha. "Hey, what was that fo- the hell is a Sableye doing here?" Agatha smiled. "He's here to ensure you're whipped into shape. Now get dressed and meet me downstairs. And Sableye, keep an eye on them."
The ghost grinned maliciously.
A few minutes later...
Blue glared at Sableye. "That Sableye is the creepiest thing I've ever seen."
Red clutched his arm. "It still hurts so much..." The ghost bowed in mock appreciation and walked to Agatha.
"Now, listen. Your friend- the detective- has unfortunately gone missing unbeknownst to me or anyone important and we are looking for him. I suggest you either stay here for now or go to Pallet Town. Actually, I'll drop you off at Pallet Town- I have to speak with your grandfather."
Blue and Red turned to each other. They had many questions.
"And, just to clarify, I'm not clarifying. Good? Come on- and wipe those stupid looks off of your faces."
Pallet Town
"And we still don't know where he went, assuming he wasn't taken."
"Yes, but listen to that- someone kidnapping a Gym Leader in broad daylight-"
"It must have been in the middle of the night, Samuel. Use your brains- and I know you have plenty of those."
"Hmm. If that is the case, I'll see what I can do at Cinnabar."
"I doubt you'll actually go there."
"You know, I just might. And besides, I have to take care of the kids for now, so I might stay here for a month or so. They want to prepare for the Gym Challenge... or something."
"And, Samuel... about that Team Rocket thing..."
"Hmm... even if I were to take this matter seriously, which I can't anymore- I doubt any of us have any concrete proof against them. Or even proof that they exist."
"And there's our problem. We have a military personnel from Team Rocket in our clutches- the bastard's a resilient one. Must be a result of training, but he won't talk."
"Good God, are you torturing him?
"Yes, Samuel. The Elite Four misses your sense of humanity which you always displayed when you were the Champion."
"Ah, you haven't lost your acerbic tongue one bit. Not to worry- the kids are safe in my hands now. And I'll ensure they're well- supervised."
"Understood. Well, I'll be on my way then."
Oak walked outside to find Red and Blue missing. He dashed back into the Lab and opened the back door.
Red was on Charizard's back, both Trainer and Pokemon experiencing flight for the first time.
"WHOOOOOO!"
Charizard roared triumphantly as it soared far above the Corral, getting the attention of a herd of Tauros near the fence, who bellowed. Wartortle was training with Blue's Blastoise, perfecting its Water- type moves against it as it thrusted its cannons forward, launching a devastating Hydro Pump, sending Wartortle flying outside the Corral. However, the turtle got back up and ran back inside. It suddenly retreated into its shell and spun around, generating speed as it spun faster and faster. Blastoise, however, had had enough. It tucked its head inside its shell as a silver aura began to light itself. It then charged towards Squirtle, launching a monstrous Skull Bash on it, knocking Wartortle out. It then carried Wartortle on its back and dipped into the pool.
It turned to the nearby Poliwag and grunted. That was enough to get them running out of the pool. Wartortle dove underwater and dove back out, splashing water everywhere.
Venusaur was simply laying down on the grass, unmindful of the training going on.
Blue was polishing Kadabra's spoon as Rhyhorn charged towards the herd of Tauros, who were being led by Oak's own Tauros. The bull grunted once to warn the charging Rhyhorn. The beast kept charging, unmindful of the warning.
What happened next was a sight no one would forget soon. Tauros bellowed loudly and raised its forelegs and tore apart the ground itself, launching Rhyhorn nearly a foot into the air. The rhino fell on its back and was helped up by Kadabra and Blue. The rhino snorted once, but immediately backed off the second Tauros took a step forward. Oak immediately pacified the Pokemon, saying, "There, there, it's alright, everything's fine. Go on, boy, everything's fine." Tauros mooed lowly and left, the herd following its steps.
Pidgeot, who was flying in the air above Charizard, glided down and soared next to the pseudo- dragon. Red waved to it from atop Charizard's back as both Pokemon raced each other towards the horizon.