Chapter 16
6 A.M.
Deep in the alleys of Saffron City Rocket Grunts lurked. Attached to each of their arms were Pokéballs containing either a Voltorb or an Electrode. When the clock strikes twelve, that's what Leon had told them, that's when the plan would be set into action. The emergency services of Saffron had been tied up with the explosion of Silph Co. and would be continued to be tied up in evacuation and recovery efforts. Battles held by Rocco's forces on the east and west side of the city occupied the city's police forces. The Grunts would be unseen, untouched, and free to enact Leon's diabolical plan. Within those streets laid Saffron's underground power grid; the layout discovered during Leon's dismantling of Silph Co. courtesy of Scientist Bob's crack team of hackers. With perfectly timed explosions Leon would knock out the power to the entire east side of Kanto. More importantly, explosions directly on the lines would ignite the gas lines, setting the entire city on fire. If Steven wouldn't come out of hiding, Leon was sure the fire would smoke him out.
The Fighting Dojo had become Leon's personal makeshift operating base. The tatami mats and bamboo walls made for solid noise and defensive barriers from curious cops and the occasional horde of looters. Blackbelts were stationed outside the doors. The front window had been barricaded shut by thick plywood after being shattered by Blackbelt Hitoshi. Rows of Primeapes, Machokes, Hitmonlees, and Hitmonchans were participating in intense training led by Leon's Machamp. Leon's war room resided in the back.
Leon hovered over a map of Saffron City. Standing to his left, Scientist Bob with a newly bandaged forehead, and to his right, Rocco Bonavicci. The map was marked up with blue and red ink; blue dashes for the utility lines, red circles for the bombs. Plastic Pokemon figurines took the place of soldiers and the enemy. The map was more than just a map; it was a battlefield.
"Yous think this plan'll work, boss?" Rocco said.
"Undoubtedly. Steven has a soft spot for this city. Watching it burn will be exactly what we need to coax him from his hiding place. Scientist Bob, all of these utility lines, they are accurate?" Leon said.
"Yes. I've cross-referenced them with publicly available utility maps. Honestly, I'm not surprised this map itself was left by Silph. I can get a near carbon copy of it at-"
"Scientist Bob, let me ask you a question. What about my expression, and you may pick anything at all, says I want to hear about this right now?" Leon said. Bob stared at Leon for a short while, thinking long and hard.
"Nothing?" he said.
"Yes, nothing. I want to hear absolutely nothing about the map's history right now. Do you know why?"
"We're plotting world domination?"
"We're plotting world domination. And what happens if you continue to annoy me with this tripe?
"You'll punch me in the face?"
"I'll punch you in the face."
"Hehe, you tell him, boss." Rocco said.
"You're next, kiss-ass." Scientist Bob retorted.
Leon grabbed both Rocco and Scientist Bob by the nape of their coats and slammed them face first on the table. They groaned in unison but dared not break free from Leon's grasp. Leon leaned in and in a controlled but seething tone said,
"You two have exactly five seconds to refocus your attention on our plan. At the sixth second if your eyes aren't literally on the paper looking for breaks, kinks, weaknesses, potential failure, or opportunities then I will personally feed you to my Machamp. Nod if you understand me."
They nodded.
"Now look at the map. Within the hour I will give the signal to blow the gas lines. Rocco I need your Grunts at the east and west corridors to push towards Main Street near the entrance of Silph Co. Keeping the pigs at the center of the city will ensure disorientation when the blasts hit. It will be utter chaos. Our biggest threat, however, is next door. The Psychic Gym. Sabrina is a fierce competitor and my Machamp, as strong as it is, can't handle Psychic types very well. We need to hit them fast and hit them hard. Every Blackbelt here is ready to fight. Behind them I need two garrisons of Rocket Grunts. I'm talking Dark Force. Nothing but Houndours, Houndooms, and Murkrows. I'm expecting heavy casualties, but their sacrifice will pave the way for a total wipeout."
"If I could," said Scientist Bob. "The gym has its own separate utility line right out back. If we can get close enough we could take out a portion of its walls and attack when they come rushing out."
"Brilliant." Leon said.
"I dunno, boss. That's pretty close to us right now," Rocco said.
"I admit, the biggest downside is that this dojo falls on an adjacent line. If we blow too close we could destroy it and ourselves along with it."
"Harumph. Screw the dojo, it has lived past its usefulness. Set it in motion." Leon said.
"But, boss, operatin' withoutta H.Q. is not smart thinkin'. We need a place for all da paperwork and plottin'." Rocco said.
"Fool! I am my own "H.Q." Where I go, Team Rocket goes. Radio in a grunt immediately or I'll send you to do it alone. I think I have a few spare Electrodes around here somewhere."
"Nah, it's all good. I'll radio in a guy now." Rocco straightened his tie as he left the room. The time was almost upon them. Leon shifted a figurine to the back alley of Sabrina's gym, but rather on the single utility line, he placed it where the dojo's utility line came close to the Psychic Gym's.
"Change of plans, Scientist Bob. That Pika device you had; I need you to supercharge it. Get it ready to blow this exact point."
"But that point...with that large a blast...will bring down the entire block. I thought this was to uncover the hiding place of Steven Stone, not bury civilians in mountains of rubble. You'll kill hundreds of people! Including your own men!" Scientist Bob said.
"In war you must be willing to sacrifice that which you hold dear for the sake of victory. Sentiment is not written in the annals of history. I don't trust Rocco with this information. I need someone logical, analytical. Someone like you. Science doesn't have emotions. It has outcomes. Get me the outcome I desire."
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Signal the troops. I want Steven by nightfall."
7. A.M.
The street in front of the dojo was quiet. The majority of the police were distracted with only a few squad cars sweeping in to pick up looters who had taken advantage of all the chaos. The night had been more eventful with crowds of people protesting the occupation of Silph Co. by Team Rocket, and the police department's inability to handle another Rocket Uprising. Blackbelts Aaron and Mike stood guard. The dojo was not targeted in any capacity, though tensions ran high. Both Aaron and Mike knew they would be part of the front line against the Psychic Gym, and knew there was a good chance they wouldn't see morning again. Battling was fun, martial arts training was life, but neither had signed up for war.
As the sun struck the distant horizon they spied a figure in the street in front of them. Shrouded by a sunburst glow, the figure first appeared small but was quickly growing. Whatever or whoever it was was running towards them. Blackbelt Mike held his arm to the sun, shielding his eyes from harsh rays. His eyes registered bandages flowing from arms cocked up and ready to strike. Before he could sound the warning bell a fist struck him in the jaw. Blackbelt Aaron reacted in turn, leaping to kick the assailant. He was met with a stiff blow to his abdomen, followed by a downward strike to the back of his head. Wiping the blood from his mouth, Blackbelt Mike hoisted himself up on one knee. The punch had sent shockwaves through his body, making the world feel unbalanced and unusually bright. As he tried to lift himself up the feeling of a sharp elbow to the base of his neck knocked him flat on his stomach.
"Where's my Primeape?" The figure asked.
Though unable to focus his vision, Blackbelt Mike recognized the voice of his assailant. He rolled to his side, feeling the gentle touch of the morning breeze. It brought much relief to his stinging wounds.
"H-Hitoshi," Blackbelt Mike said. "I didn't think you'd return."
"I won our match, Mike. I should have been the one to stand here with Leon, yet I was cast aside while you were chosen to fight by his side," Hitoshi started. He delivered a swift kick to the ribs of Blackbelt Mike. He considered a kick to Blackbelt Aaron, but he had yet to move after the first strike. "Tell me where my Primeape is."
"What are you going to do? Fight for it? You have no Pokemon. Leon will wipe the floor with you. And he'll do it with your own Primeape."
"Idiot!" Hitoshi delivered a few more kicks to Blackbelt Mike. Blood began to spurt from Blackbelt Mike's mouth.
"S-stop, Hitoshi!" Blackbelt Aaron said. He shifted his body to face Hitoshi. Blackbelt Mike waved him off, but Blackbelt Aaron continued anyway. "It's too late. Your Primeape isn't here. Leon sent him to fight alongside the first wave against the Psychic trainers."
"Where?!"
"I don't know, I swear. They don't tell us anything. Just that we have to prepare for battle when the first wave falls."
"When it falls? They're expecting it to happen. Aaron, if you respect anything that makes a Blackbelt a Blackbelt then you will tell me. Where is my Primeape?"
While Hitoshi was focused on Aaron's next answer, Blackbelt Mike seized his moment. Rolling his weight into his hands, he pushed his body hard from the ground and flipped onto his feet. Before Hitoshi could react Blackbelt Mike delivered a devastating kick to his back. Hitoshi stumbled forward tripping over Blackbelt Aaron, who in turn attempted to catch his former friend. Blackbelt Mike pounded on the plywood barrier, signaling trouble to the group within. Blackbelt Aaron pushed Hitoshi to his feet and motioned for him to run. Hitoshi nodded and took off. Blackbelt Mike placed his foot on the chest of Blackbelt Aaron and cocked his fist. A group of Blackbelts and Grunts tunneled out of the dojo. After being informed of Blackbelt Aaron's traitorous actions, they dragged him back into the dojo. From the street, Blackbelt Mike could hear the errant screams of Blackbelt Aaron. Next to him, his new partner, Blackbelt Hideki, stood knees locked in place and sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Follow orders and you won't end up like him," Blackbelt Mike said.
After a second of locking eyes, Blackbelt Hideki nodded.
10 A.M.
When the clock struck ten in the morning an alarm was sounded through the streets. Storefronts and residential lots alike boarded up and locked down. Chain barriers were hooked to windows, Psychic Pokemon led by trainers from Sabrina's gym assisted by casting Light Screen, Reflect, and Safeguard across the city. Citizens in high risk districts were relocated to the gym itself. The battlefield had been turned into a safety center complete with cots, blankets, and at least a month's worth of emergency supplies. Sabrina took control of the efforts. Should things take a turn for the worse, most of the evacuees would be relocated to the hotel in Celadon City. As it stood, it was too dangerous to move them now. Especially with Team Rocket forces clogging up the escape routes. Abras and Kadabras were on hand, ready to Teleport people to safety. The elders who had been rescued were placed closest to the evacuation pods. Sabrina walked the perimeter of her gym accompanied by her trusty Alakazam and her assistant and close confidante Psychic Johan.
"We cannot avoid disaster, Johan," she said.
"I see it too. It will be a difficult day for this city," he replied.
"I sense Alakazam sees it too."
Her Alakazam nodded. The group approached the side of the gym close to the dojo. Sabrina stopped, her eyes glowing slightly, and then continued on. Psychic Johan sensed her discomfort. Sabrina was skilled at astral projection even at such a young age. While he himself could not see inside the dojo, he had no doubt Sabrina manifested a spirit inside their walls. Whatever was happening was not good.
"What did you see?" He asked.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"
"There's an overwhelming evil presence at the dojo, one that has occupied it for some time now. Whatever it is, it's blocking me," she said. Her words were calm, like they usually were, but like dealing with any psychic, the emotions could not be hidden. Sabrina was worried.
"You think they might be involved with Team Rocket," Psychic Johan said.
"Yes, I am certain. Koichi was never able to set aside his disdain for us. He is a weak-willed man. Scared of our powers."
As they reached the back of the gym Psychic Johan sensed two presences; one in the trees, and one obscured by a dumpster.
"Master, hold back! It may be a trap!"
"I am aware. Why do you think we've come?"
"Master?"
"You may exit your hiding spots." Sabrina called out. From the trees Hitoshi dropped to the ground. His hands held above his head. "And the other."
"It's just me here," Hitoshi said.
"If that were only true," she said. "Alakazam?"
Sabrina's Alakazam pointed his Twisted Spoon towards the garbage can and blinked. The can launched itself hundreds of feet in the air and disintegrated. Behind it a Rocket Grunt crouched, surprised at the disappearance of his hiding place. He gave an awkward grin and booked it down the street.
"I got him," Psychic Johan said. He took off after the Grunt. Sabrina turned her attention to Hitoshi.
"Did you find your Primeape?" She asked.
"How did you…? Sabrina?"
"Correct."
"N-no...I didn't. He's been shipped off to another trainer."
"That's a shame. You have a strong loyalty to your Pokémon. Yet, your pigheadedness clouds your judgement." Sabrina said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Hitoshi said.
"You swore your allegiance to a man named Leon. He must be who is occupying the dojo. I sense a great evil from him. You don't seek evil, you seek strength."
"Leon told me, well...told all of us, any who could survive his training regimen could become leaders in Team Rocket. While I never agreed with how they treated Pokémon, I didn't see any other way for me to hit that level of success. When you and the Psychics moved in, our gym lost its status and we became just another dojo. We lost our funding, our income. Team Rocket gave us opportunity. It gave me and Primeape a way to build a life in this city."
"You should take more responsibility for your anger, Hitoshi." Sabrina said. She offered up a hand to the Blackbelt. As she did Psychic Johan returned.
"He got away, Master. But not before I could see what he was planning. He had Pokéballs strapped to his arms. Voltorbs and Electrodes. I think he may have been sent to attack us."
"I suspected as much." She replied.
"Who is this?" Psychic Johan motioned to Hitoshi.
"A new friend. He has agreed to help us with Team Rocket."
"I did?" Hitoshi said.
"It beats taking on Leon by yourself. Plus, I'm certain one of our Psychics could help locate your Primeape. Unless you've had a change of heart?" Sabrina said. Hitoshi fell to his knees and bowed.
"Master Sabrina! I dedicate my life of training to you! Tell me how I may assist you and I will do my best!"
"Johan, take him to the infirmary, treat his wounds, and then locate the trainer who has his Primeape. I sense a war brewing. We'll need as much strength as possible. Hitoshi, you will be a valuable member of our gym. Our citizens will be counting on you."
"Master Sabrina, I must warn you-" Hitoshi started.
"I know. The attack is imminent."
"Do you want me to mobilize the trainers?" Psychic Johan asked.
"No. We will need as many as we can to defend the gym. I fear it will be the last building left." Sabrina replied.
"What about Mr. Psychic?"
"He's no longer in the city. There was a small errand he needed to attend to in Lavender Town. Something about an old friend. For now, we must evacuate the elderly and the sick. Erika is waiting at the hotel in Celadon. I'll send word."
"Hitoshi, come with me," Johan instructed. "I'll help you find your Pokemon."
Hitoshi stood to his feet and bowed once more. Together the two of them left for the gym. Sabrina thought about the Grunt with the explosive Pokemon. The gym couldn't have been the target, could it? The walls would suffer little to no damage from a Pokémon's Explosion. It would take a much bigger blast to break through the reinforced brick. Unless…? The revelation hit Sabrina and Alakazam at the same time. Knowingly, her Alakazam teleported her to the basement of her gym. Time was running out.
11 A.M.
The hour was upon them. Leon strutted down Main Street; his head held high. He gripped a cell phone in his right hand, his finger pressed firmly against the send button. The moment he clicked the button the entire city would go up in flames. He approached the hollow shell of what used to be Silph Co. Scientist Bob trailing close behind. As officers spotted the leader of Team Rocket they sprung at the opportunity to apprehend him, but to no avail. Each officer was handily dismantled by Leon's Machamp and his small army of Fighting-type Pokemon. Scientist Bob helped deter officers with his defensive gadgets. One officer who tried to jump Leon from behind was met with a Magnemite-shaped drone that sent nearly a thousand volts of electricity through his body. While it didn't kill the man, he certainly stopped moving long enough for them to continue their journey. When they arrived at Silph Co. Leon instructed Scientist Bob to contact Steven Stone, or contact someone who knew how to reach Steven. Scientist Bob called the Silph Co. customer service line. After ten minutes of navigating through an automated menu, Scientist Bob was forwarded to Vanessa, Steven's personal assistant. She answered amiably and told them Steven was currently out of the office but would forward their message A.S.A.P. Scientist Bob relayed the message to Leon who in return pulled Scientist Bob's underwear so far over his head the elastic snapped around his chin. Another five minutes of waiting passed, and Leon grew impatient. He held the cell phone up to one of the security cameras in the entrance and gave the camera a daring grin. As he did a red beam of light shot from the camera and manifested a fully dressed, albeit disheveled looking Steven. He patted his hair down before while addressing his adversaries.
"My apologies. The teleporter is not always fashion friendly."
"No one cares about your hair, Steven," Leon said.
"Yeah, no worries. It looks fine," said Scientist Bob.
"That's not what I-Why are you even-Shut up, Bob!" Leon said.
"Rude," Scientist Bob muttered to himself before sulking behind his boss.
"I knew you couldn't ignore my detonator, Stone," Leon said.
"Is that what that is? I thought you were going to call again. Shame. My detonators actually look like detonators."
"Your detonators?" Leon cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes, every good entrepreneur has a proper set of detonators. Now, what can I do for you?" Steven said.
"Hold on, are you a recording?"
"Ah, so you did get the message. Glad to know my hologram worked. Alas, I am not a recording. I am the real deal. The real Steven Stone."
"Then you die!" Leon screamed. He threw a right hook at Steven. His fist made contact before fazing through Steven. Leon stumbled forward and landed on the sidewalk. "Another hologram?"
"You would think, wouldn't you? A minor side effect of traveling via manipulated Pokemon technology. My cells take a while to fully form. To be honest, I've been traveling so much I have no idea if my cells will ever solidify again."
"Impossible!" Leon leapt back to his feet.
"Quite possible," Steven said.
"I'm sick of these tricks! If you want to hide behind your technology then I will bring the technology down around you! When I served in the military we had a saying, if the enemy is able to stall you indefinitely with tricks and deception, bomb them. Fire burns through smoke. Ash will cover your mirrors. And I will march over your grave! Get ready to watch your city fall, Steven!"
"This isn't my city, Leon."
"What? What are you on about?"
"Your biggest mistake was assuming I had a sentimental attachment to this city. I don't. My attachment is to my technology. To my businesses. To my Pokemon. People...places...they have no staying power in my mind. People can't be upgraded. Cities are cenotaphs. One day we will all live in cyberspace, abandoning all physical manifestations of life. If you want to burn down Saffron go ahead. I will not stop you. But know your attack will not hinder Silph in any way imaginable," Steven said.
"Your words speak wonders about the type of person you are. I believe if we had met in a different life we could have held a strong alliance. You have the mind of a general." Leon said. He looked back at Scientist Bob. Scientist Bob's expression was one of hope. Hope that this insane rivalry might come to an end. Hope that Leon might not press that button and set the streets ablaze. Hope that they could return to their secret headquarters and refocus their efforts on capturing and training the strongest and rarest Pokemon in the region. To breed and sell eggs of every type, and rake in mountains of cash. But Leon's determined and sick expression quickly soured the face of Scientist Bob. Leon cared not for revolutionary organized crime and wealth. He craved domination and destruction. As Scientist Bob dove for the detonator, Leon hit the button.