Author's Note:
Here it is, the last three-parter in Johto. This part is quite a bit shorter and I imagine all three parts will, as well. I'm really pushing to get some of the bigger league battles completed at the same time, so that's the trade-off. I've heard many theories about what this is about but so far, none have been correct to what I have seen. I mainly decided on this story arc because of the villain, who I wanted one more appearance before Hoenn. We also get to focus on Serena before the league takes place, which will mainly focus on those competing. Warning, things will get dark, like my lake of rage or Lapras' parents, type of dark. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin.
P.S. There was an issue with the website when updating this chapter so I've taken the original upload off and reposted it. I had to wait to let the issue pass over. I appriciate the PM's & reviews about the issue but it was out of my control. I don't know how many times I'll have to do this. Sorry for the confusion and hopefully its a one-off occurance. Enjoy the start of Mother's Day
Chapter 86: Mother's Day P I
She stood tall in the metal container. The wall she stared at slide down and revealed a large field with a dirt road leading into it. Beside her were three trucks, with a few crew members working to load them up.
A thunder of boots clanging metal echoed.
Turning around she watched as squads of trained soldiers marched towards her. They lined up into three square formations in front of her, each in line with one of the trucks being prepared. She scanned each group with a critical eye. Turning to her side, she took out two Pokéballs and released her Salamence and Ariados who stood tall and attentive. Pleased that they were ready she turned back.
"You know the target, a Tyranitar has been seen living in this reserve. No client has took up the Larvitar or Pupitar we previous attained but making a full set shall fix that," she explained, "we're on a strict time limit due to a job swiftly approaching in Hoenn so let's get this right and quickly."
She turned to the smallest squad.
"You're the tech support, keep us both up to date on the process and ensure no signals of any sort are allowed out," she explained, "as a rangers reserve, we can't afford the time an all-out battle would cost."
She turned to one of the other teams.
"Your job is containment. Surround the target but don't engage until my direct instructions," she explained, "Salamence shall lead you into this capture and help with any resistance met." she turned to the mighty dragon. "before hand, you can't fly. Can't afford alerting them of our presence. You understand."
Her dragon nodded in understanding. Flapping his wings, he softly glides across the hanger onto the top of one of the large trucks.
"Ma'am, I thought I was leading this capture?" one of the soldiers from that group spoke up. She turned towards him and noticed a hesitant step back as his posture slouched, "i-it's just that. How can we follow a Pokémon's directive? W-we can't properly communicate."
"Did I give you permission to speak?" she asked, turning her back. She heard an audible gulp.
"N-no," he stuttered.
Spinning around she pulled out a hand pistol from her belt and shot the man direct in the head. A small amount of blood trickled out of the bullet hole as his lifeless corpse slumped down on the metal flooring. She turned towards one of the crew as they finished filling up the final truck.
"Get rid of it and clean up this mess," she instructed. With a swift nod, a couple of the crew began dragging the body out into the forest as another member collected the cleaning supplies for the trail of blood. She turned back to that particular group, "anyone else want to question my authority?"
No sound was made but a series of head shook no.
"Now he may have been disrespectful, but he did raise a good point," she admitted, "so to ensure you know your part. This is a simple contain and capture, I already told you not to engage until my signal. It shouldn't require a direct leader because it's a simple run. Salamence will distract and tire the target without damaging because of a loss of profit. When the time is right, you'll contain it. Understand?"
"Sir!" the squad saluted.
A smirk flicked on her lips before turning towards the final group.
"As this is a rangers reserve, we need to eliminate the patrol beforehand," she explained, "I'll be leading this exploit as if not correct, we will waste more resources and time. Once they are detained, I'll give the signal for you to move in for the capture. Now let's stop wasting time and move out."
She walked towards her truck and her Ariados followed swiftly beside her. Taking the passenger seat in front, she watched through her side-mirror as the squad climbed into the back. A flicker of glance over at the other trucks showed a similar scene. Her Ariados launched a string shot and pulled herself up into the front cabin of her truck. Sticking to the ceiling as one of the squad entered the driver's seat beside her.
"What are we waiting for?" she asked.
Instantly the truck pulled off and they were down the dirt road. She glanced at the side-mirror once more and saw the two trucks following suit. Soon they passed throw some metal fencing which held signs informing about the ranger reserve. It just so happens that the league is taking place close by in a couple of weeks, so they'd have many 'trespassers' just looking for a quick route to the stadium. It makes the perfect cover whilst they locate and detain the ranger.
Glancing back at the mirror, she saw the truck with her Salamence on top turning off into the forest area. Obviously, her vehicles are equipped with the best tracking system to inform on nearby heat signatures. It'll make finding the merchandise so much easier.
Turning her attention back to the road, she saw it split off onto two separate paths. A sign showed one as high ground while the other as the ranger base. As her truck turned down the right path for their objective, she saw the final truck continuing up. After all, the signal blocking tech works better the higher it is.
A flicker of a smirk appeared over her lips once more. Pressing a button on the side of her glasses, a video call appeared in front of her. It was just the regular symbol for an awaiting call for a few seconds before it lit up with the image of one of her most trusted scientists.
"How are the new lab rats getting on?" she asked, the faint image of the former rocket members she broke out of prison earlier this week, in the background.
"Fine," the female lab-head replied, "they have already settled into the workshop and re-building their blueprints for that crystal, along with figuring out how to change its element from electricity to water. Should have a list of what's needed by tomorrow."
"Well make sure they stay on the deadline," she growled, "and ensure they have all they need. Price is no-object for this job."
"A-are you sure?" her scientist asked, "I mean, you haven't even told us what this target is."
"It's a rare water type with a small time frame before lost for about five-hundred years," she explained, "I already have a client for it and he's requested a minimum amount of people know about its identity. We've agreed on a three million Poke dollar pay, along with any expenses. So, price, for this job, is really no object."
"R-right," the female scientist sighed, "sorry for questioning ma'am."
She smirked, "you have a useful skillset, not easily replicated. I'll let that one pass today because of this skillset but question me again and your usefulness will run out. Understand?"
"Y-yes ma'am," she stuttered.
"Oh, and while they work on this crystal, pay attention to our new guests," she smirked, "after all, it's hard to find good talent these days. I want to know if it's worth keeping them around."
"Will do, ma'am," she saluted, the screen fading the black.
As her visor lifted, she noticed a small brown cabin as their destination, just at the edge of the metal fence which must've connected to the one the passed to enter the reserve. Looking closely, she saw a shadow flicker around in the window. Her smirk widened.
"Looks like we're in luck and our ranger is home," she explained, "stop the truck here. Ariados and I will engage."
"What should the rest of us do?" asked her driver, "prepare for a show of force. The cabin is small, indicating one ranger maybe too, but if they happen to have visitors then we need to be prepared for a larger battle."
She opened the door and jumped down to the dirt ground. Closing the metal attachment behind her, she began walking towards the cabin, the truck nicely covered by a sea of trees around the dirt road. Her Ariados jumped out as well, walking alongside her as they approached the ranger hut.
"Tech team and containment team, what are your positions?" she asked through her earpiece.
"Tech team here, we have set up camp and released the signal jammer. No more calls, radio transmissions or anything is getting out of this reserve," one of her soldiers informed.
"And containment?" she asked.
"We've located the target but there's something here not accounted for," one of her other soldiers informed.
Rubbing her temple, she frowned heavily at this response. Whatever they are blabbering on about best be important. Time is not something to be wasted with this Hoenn job quickly approaching. Unfortunately, as an endangered species, they'd have to deal with a ranger's reserve whenever they tried to obtain a Tyranitar. It just so happens the one on mt silver is one of the older reserves, unlike the ones set up in Galar, Alola and Unova which are each only a few years old, meaning tighter security measures. Other than being in Johto at the moment, it was one reason she chose it as the target for this task.
"What is this issue?" she asked, it better be a good one.
Serena smiled as she walked down the path. Taking a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, she scanned the forest area with a simple dirt path leading their way. A little ahead was her Furret, running around in circles while her Larvitar was between them, marching proudly by himself.
"How far away is the ranger reserve, Brock?" she asked, glancing over towards the breeder. His head was down in his guidebook.
"It's difficult to know for sure but this path leads straight to the entrance with the ranger hut," he replied, "I can't imagine it'll be too much longer."
"You know it's really great to see how happy Larvitar is," Misty added, "remember it use to harden at the slightest thing I ever said to him."
"It wasn't just you," Ash added, "he'd freeze up with anyone other than Serena and a couple of her Pokémon like Kangashkan."
"Well now he knows that we're all friends," Serena smiled, as her rock skin Pokémon turned around as if hearing the current conversation, "isn't that right, Larvitar?"
"Lar," he smiled and turned back around, running ahead once more.
"It is a little jarring though," Misty asked, "I mean, both Ash and Serena hatched Togepi and Larvitar respectively but Togepi's relationship seems to be on a whole different level. Like a father - son rather than trainer and Pokémon."
"I do have a theory about that," Brock spoke up, "it's well known that Pokémon can hear things going on outside the egg, like a baby in a womb. So Togepi had a lot longer to form a connection with Ash. While Larvitar, he just attached to Serena's ESP which allowed her to pass on that caring nature and give him the confidence to hatch. And as a baby Pokémon, Togepi needed a lot more care which is why that relationship moulded the way it did."
"Well that doesn't really matter, just as long as both grew up strong and healthy," Serena smiled, "which they have."
"Remember when Larvitar first joined," Ash chuckled, "and Togepi tried to out-baby him. It was actually kind of adorable, looking back."
"Maybe Serena will find you another egg to look after when you go to Hoenn, Ash," Misty smirked, "I'm sure she'll want you prepared for when you two start to make babies of your own."
"M-Misty," Ash stammered.
Serena couldn't bring herself to look at anyone as she felt her face heat up. Not wanting to embarrass herself any further, she buried her face within her hands and began to slouch.
They were far too young to being thinking about that. Sure, she loves Ash, and she couldn't imagine a future without him by her side, but children are a completely different matter. She isn't entirely sure she'd want kids, after all she is going to pursue a career in performing in Hoenn, if she likes it and it sticks then having kids could mess it up, or at the very least put a hold on it when the time arrives. Not to mention she hasn't had the best track record with her own parents, her father is a mad scientist they barely escaped who wants to experiment on her and she didn't have the greatest relationship with her mother even if they are on better terms now-adays. How could she expect to be a good parent if she didn't have a great relationship with her own?
"Lar?" the small rock ground type poked her leg. She looked down and smiled at him. Seeming reassured, he smiled and wondered ahead once more.
With an awkward silence over the group like a rain cloud, they continued onwards in silence. Serena found her arms subconsciously wrapping around her stomach. While she was never the sporty type, she was able to keep healthy and now that she has taken up a rather active goal, she is sure she'll get into better shape... surely having kids would ruin that... not to mention they'd have to stop travelling and-
Why is she even considering this? They are far too young for it and Misty brought it up as a joke.
Sighing, she shook her head. If there was a bathroom nearby, she would've splashed some water in her face. Deciding to not focus on that, she looked at her two Pokémon. Mostly Furret dancing around as she ran ahead. Soon a small brown cabin came into view behind a metal barbed fence.
"That must be the base for the ranger reserve," Brock spoke up.
Silently agreeing with his hypothesis, they swiftly approached it. Furret continued to dance around like the endless ball of energy she is but as they approached the building, Larvitar closed the distance, opting to stand behind Serena's leg as she knocked on the door.
"Coming," a voice called through the door, it sounded female.
Before she could think about it, the door creaked open to reveal a women in her early to mid-twenties. She had medium length brown hair with a green headband forcing it down in a spiked style. Hazel green eyes and some sort of mountain suit that was mostly orange but with a bit of blue.
"Hello?" she asked, standing tall with hands on hips. By her feet was a Croconaw, slightly larger than Ash's based on memory.
"H-hi," Serena smiled, deciding to speak for the group, "my name is Serena, and these are my friends. Ash, Misty, and Brock. We came to look at the ranger reserve."
"If you want to travel through then feel free, it's not off limits for travel," she explained, "but you're not allowed to capture any Pokémon within the board."
"Oh no, it's not that," she shook her head. Gesturing downward, the ranger followed until she saw Larvitar, hugging his trainers' leg, "you see, I got this little guy from Professor Elm quite a few months ago. He hatched from an egg and wouldn't leave my side. We learnt this is the natural home for Larvitar and its evolution line and was suggested that we bring him here so he could check it out."
"You've made a mistake," she explained, "I suggest you leave before your pulled into some trouble you don't want to be caught up in."
"Can we ask what sort of trouble that is?" Ash asked.
"This reserve is being closed down. A few months back a notorious poacher attacked and was able to get away with a handful of Larvitar and Pupitar. We were completely unprepared," she explained, "after that, the board put in for this site to be closed down. We've been evacuating the remainder of the evolution line to other reserves in Galar and Unova, which are better equipped to support them. Only one remains within the reserve, a Tyranitar."
"How come?" Misty asked.
"The job of a ranger reserve is to prevent trainers and others from capturing or interfering with the Pokémon within its borders. They are usually set up in response to endangered species or common grounds for poachers," she explained, "as a species, Larvitar and its line are endangered. Which is why so many reserves have been built around its natural habitats. So, they can repopulate in the wild and not be lost forever. This reserve was the first for that particular purpose, but we have to be careful when relocating Pokémon."
"If we do it by force then it could damage the Pokémon, either physically or mentally and make them unable to breed. Causing more harm than good, which is why we can't just take this last Tyranitar away. We don't know why she refuses to leave but if she wants to stay, we have to respect that. I've been trying to keep this place active for her protection but if a Pokémon doesn't want our help, in my boss's eyes, we can't force it. They want to close this place down as soon as."
"That's horrible," Brock shook his head.
"Maybe," she agreed, "but I understand why. We still have a group of poachers active in the area, trying to get her. We've become good friends over the months but it's hard enough to keep those three in line with the reserve in place. Once it's gone, I'd have no power."
"Why don't you just arrest them then?" Serena asked.
"I would but I'm out numbered, even with Croconaw here it's still three to two and they haven't actually pouched any Pokémon yet," she explained, "at most it's an attempt charge and for that, they don't want to send out reinforcements. As far as corporate are concerned, the reserve is a lost cause."
"Surely there is something that we can do?" Ash asked.
"Afraid not," she shook her head, "one day soon they will show up and take down the protection fence. When that happens, I'll be given a new assignment and Tyranitar will be free for the taking. By coming here, you've only put yourself and your Pokémon at risk."
"Well... maybe we could help you," Serena spoke up, "maybe if my Larvitar speaks to Tyranitar, it'll help her accept a relocation. And maybe we could help you find and stop these poachers."
"I couldn't ask you to do that, they are dangerous," she shook her head, "they use this tech to capture Pokémon and not just simple traps and other Pokémon either. It would be a massive risk."
"We've faced bigger risks, trust me," Serena explained, "and you didn't ask. We offered, right guys?"
Her friends chursed a positive response, showing support in her idea. The ranger crossed her arms and gave her a hard stare. Narrowing her own eyes, she tried to show as much resolve as possible. Not wanting to be pushed away or turned back.
"And you said that it was free for us to travel between the reserve, right?" Serena asked.
"Yes," she mused, "provided you don't capture or battle any of the wild Pokémon. Even if set up specifically for the Tyranitar line, it applies to all Pokémon within its boards. As a sort of safe-haven for them."
"Then we're allowed to go through and find them?" she pointed out.
"There's no way I'm going to talk you kids down, is there?" she asked, with a bemused smile on her face, "guess that I'll just need to accept the help then, my name is Mason. Ranger Mason."
The group each greeted the ranger-head, more officially this time. She quickly entered the cabin once more, grabbing a rucksack. Once she appeared ready to leave, they all started marching down the dirt path deep into the reserve.
As they set off, Serena realised it was best not to have Furret running around as she could, inadvertently, alert the poachers to their presence and thus recalled her. She kept Larvitar out, mainly because he kept close to her and since part of the plan was having him speak to this Tyranitar, it would be a waste of time to recall him, only to call him back out. Besides, this way he will get to feel more confident around Ranger Mason.
Speaking of her, she took the lead with her Croconaw, who appeared to be ever aware. It made sense, they have been working in this reserve for a long time and should be aware of what to look out for. It's just a little jarring, this Croconaw is nothing like Ash's, who is the one she has had the most time with. He isn't even like Marina's.
Shaking her head, she began looking around the reserve. Ranger Mason signalled for them to be quiet, presumably to keep our own location secret. As she did, she notice how barren it looked. Not even flying types were roosting within the trees. It was a little eerie, as if someone would jump out any moment.
As they were walking through the forest, Serena couldn't help watching her small rock ground type. He had moved in between her legs, almost as if every step closer has made him even more nervous. She didn't have chance to question, however, as a loud roar echoed through the forest.
"That's Tyranitar," Ranger Mason gasped, quickly running off into the forest. Her Croconaw at her heel.
Not waiting another second, Serena followed her. Her hand reached for her belt and she grabbed a Pokéball. She soon came into the clearing behind Ranger Mason. In front of her was a large, green, Tyranitar trapped in a metal cage. It was big enough to hold it but just barely. Looking closely, she also saw some sort of mark on the rock dark types metal grey stomach. She felt a small pair of hands touch the back of her leg.
"Lar?" her rock skin Pokémon asked, arriving at her heel. She also saw Misty arriving at a similar time, but the boys we're further back. Taking out the Pokedex, she scanned the trapped Pokémon:
Tyranitar, The Armor Pokémon. The final evolved form of Larvitar. Tyranitar is so overwhelmingly powerful, it can bring down a whole mountain to make its nest. This Pokémon wanders about in mountains seeking new opponents to fight. Special reserves have been set up to help protect this endangered species.
"We need to break her free, but they would've seen us by now," Ranger Mason growled.
"Ash... I have a plan. Misty, Mason, and I will distract them. Then you and Brock try to break Tyranitar out," she informed through her ESP, "stay out of sight so they don't expect it."
"Got it," Ash's mental voice replied.
"Alright then Ranger Mason. Let's stop them!" she tossed her Pokéball forward, "Tangrowth, let's go!"
In a flash of light, her large grass type appeared. She stood tall and looked ready for battle. Mason's Croconaw quickly joined at the side and in another flash of light, so did Misty's newest team member. All three stood in wait, as Serena subconsciously grabbed another Pokéball of her belt, just to be ready in case they need the re-enforcements.
The ground shook as a giant metal robot appeared through the treelines. It was a blacked-out metal dome on top of a thin but tall metal device. Two legs standing it up and a series of metal arms waving out.
"Ranger Mason, a pleasure as always," a snarky voice boomed out, "guess you wanted to come for the goodbye party. But didn't you know the invite was one plus one per person!"
Coming to a stop behind the metal cage, the black dome pulled back to reveal three males sat in some sort of control panel. The one on the far left had medium length, light brown hair. The middle one was sat slightly higher and had a purple cap on his head. Finally, the last one was by far the largest of the group and worn a light indigo bandana. All dressed in the same grey army all-in-one outfits.
"Hahaha, you should know little girls that this beast is ours," the large one laughed.
"And you can just forget about trying to free Tyranitar," the smallest one added.
"But I'm feeling in a generous mood," the middle one smirked, "so just hand over those beasts you've let out and we'll let you go in peace."
"You can't be series!" Misty called back.
The blacked-out dome lowered once more as the multiple metal arms raised up. "Either way, we're taking Tyranitar and your little beasts, so defiance is just going to hurt yourselves."
"Quick Tangrowth, restrict its arms with your vines!" Serena shouted.
Her pure grass type let out her mightiest cry as several large vines extended out of her body. Shooting across the forest, they wrapped around the arms, trapping them together. A tug of war between the two soon came under play as each side tried to take control.
The machine whipped its arms in one motion, sending a shockwave down through the vines and into Tangrowth, sending her flying in the air.
She flew sideways and smash into a tree, but it forced the machine to turn as well so they were no-longer watching the cage.
As soon as she landed, Tangrowth extended even more vines but this time directly below her. Thanks to ingrain, she was now stuck and being sent anywhere.
"Alright Poliwrath, charge in with Submission!" Misty shouted.
The large blue tadpole Pokémon began running across the ground like some sort of football player. He smashed into one of the metal legs and attempted to knock it over.
Unfortunately, a single kick sent him flying back towards Tangrowth.
"Mason, does your Croconaw know Hydro Pump?" Misty asked.
"Yes, of course," she replied, as they all began to move closer to the two Pokémon for a better angle.
"Great!" Misty jumped, "on my single, have him use Hydro Pump on Poliwrath!"
"You heard her Croconaw," Mason replied.
Reaching the two Pokémon, Poliwrath was getting back up to his feet. Misty moved in close and whispered something to him to which he nodded.
From here, Serena could just make out Ash and Brock reaching the cage. Ash brought out Phanpy and Brock his Golem. The megaton Pokémon was attempting to break one of the bars apart as Phanpy was using rollout to pick up speed. Every so often slamming into the cage to break it out. Electric sparks zapping each of them as they connected, which made sense why they both went with ground types.
Poliwrath entered another sprint towards the machine but quickly leaped onto the air. He landed on a collection of vines still restraining the machine and bounced off them like some sort of trampoline.
"Now!" Misty shouted.
Croconaw took a deep breath and launched out a powerful Hydro Pump. It slammed into the back of the flying Poliwrath, sending him straight up.
His fist was glowing bright white as he slammed into the blacked-out dome. Punching into it, the cover smashed revealing three terrified poachers.
One by one, he reached in and pulled the brothers out, sending them hurdling towards the ground. Jumping down, he landed behind them as Tangrowth let the machine fall due to not having anyone control it.
All three groaned in pain as they stood over them.
"Chico, Braggo and Blurt Grayson, your all under arrest for-"
"Hehehe, don't so fast. You didn't think we'd come here without a backup plan," the leader coughed. Pulling out some sort of square device with a big red button as its only noticeable feature.
"That's our machines self-destruct button," the smallest one explained, as the leader pressed it, "in thirty seconds it'll go boom so either we all go up or you run and leave us."
A red light burst out of the machine's cockpit and a loud syrone with it.
Not wasting another second, Serena quickly recalled her Tangrowth and made run for the boys. Ranger Mason and Croconaw were quick with her, as Misty also recalled her Poliwrath.
All three of them dived for the cage as the explosion took place. Flying through the air, Serena turned and tried to put up a psychic barrier to protect against the blast. It worked - if only for a second. Redirecting the flames away but the shock wave still sent them flying.
She felt herself slam into something and fall as she squeezed her eyes shut. A groan of pain escaped as she peaked out. She came face to face with Ash.
"Hey," he smiled, causing her to return the gesture.
Just above her boyfriend was Larvitar on his stomach. He pushed himself up and he had tears in his eyes. Climbing off Ash, she crawled over to him and picked him up, using a little ESP to help with his weight.
"sh, sh, sh, sh," she comforted him, bouncing him up and down as gently as possible. She felt him clutch onto her stomach with a hug, nuzzling into him.
"Lar," he cooed.
A loud roar echoed around them.
Tightening her grip on her rock skin Pokémon, she spun around to see the result. Tyranitar was struggling to its feet, the cage having been destroyed and sliding off its body. Its eyes were bulging but narrowed by the eyebrow-line. Its teeth showing through the threatening growls.
With another roar, it launched a powerful Hyper Beam directly at them. Diving to the side, she rolled on the dirt as the monstrous Pokémon loomed over.
Launching a second Hyper Beam into the sky after standing, with another roar. Tyranitar took off into the forest, pushing a tree over as she passed it.
Moments later, Ranger Mason appeared overhead, offering a hand. Accepting the offer, the reserve ranger pulled her to her feet. "That could've gone better."
"At least we freed Tyranitar," she sighed, letting Larvitar down by her feet.
"I wonder... she didn't pursue to attack us?" the ranger mused.
"Maybe she just wanted to get away," Misty suggested, approaching with the others.
"No, I don't think so," Ranger Mason shook her head, "that first Hyper Beam was aimed directly at you... even if angered, Tyranitar has shown restraint but-"
"Not today?" Brock questioned.
"Right, and I can't help but wonder if it's to do with your Larvitar," Mason admitted, "you said you met him as an egg, correct?"
"Yeah, at Professor Elm's lab," she explained, "he hatched right in front of me."
"Meaning he would've imprinted on you, to a certain extent," Mason mused, "okay, this will sound crazy but what if this Tyranitar is Larvitar's mother?"
"What?!" the group chursed.
"I know it would be a massive coincidence, but you saw that mark on Tyranitar's stomach?" the group nodded to answer, "well that was from the brothers first attack. They attacked a nest up in the mountains but no Larvitar, Pupitar or Tyranitar we're taken... we didn't keep track of the eggs until they hatched because of the parents attacking us. So, they could've taken the egg which would later end up at Elm's lab."
"I suppose it's possible," Brock added.
"And so, if Tyranitar saw you with Larvitar, it would be a logical assumption you brought her egg from those brothers," Ranger Mason explained, "it would explain why she singled you out, even if she knew the brothers were the poachers."
"So why would she stop so suddenly?" Ash asked, approaching Serena, and embracing her with a one arm hug.
"Larvitar," Mason shrugged, "maybe hearing him cry out snapped her back to her senses. Seeing as she almost attacked her son, it would explain her eagerness to get out."
"I'm guessing she wouldn't normally do that?" Brock asked, "even after one of the brothers attacks?"
"No, like I've said, we've become friends over the months," Mason explained, "normally she would wait and come back to the base. I'd give her a check over and stay for a hot meal. Even if she didn't need medical attention, she would visit just to spend time together."
"Well, I guess her being Larvitar's mother would make sense," Serena uttered, glancing down to her rock ground type. He was clutching her leg tight and looking up with wide eyes, tears threatening to escape, "but what will happen if that is the case?"
"It's just a theory but maybe she has refused to leave because her egg was taken," Mason sighed, "but before we jump to any conclusions, we will need to discover if this hypothesis is correct. We should get back to the base, there we can check records and dates to see if they match up."
With everyone nodding in agreement, they set off through the forest. As they did, Serena couldn't help but watch the rock skin Pokémon practically glued to her side. If Tyranitar truly is his mother, then she'll need to leave him here. It would hardly be fair for her to split them up again... but at the same time, she has grown close to the little guy. It's not going to be an easy decision, especially since they'd be shipped off to another regions reserve.
She walked across the dirt ground and saw one of her squads stood in a circle. Three men were on the floor, while her soldiers held them at gun point. Her dragon was stood to the side, locking eyes with her. Approaching them, she looked down at the worms.
"I've been summoned?" she asked.
"Sir," one of her soldiers saluted, "we found these other poachers operating in the air. Tell her what you were doing!"
"W-well, you see, we were trying to capture that Tyranitar," one of them stuttered.
Her eyebrow twitched. "What happened? Exactly?"
"Well, the ranger stopped us, we made an explosion to escape and then we lost Tyranitar," the other one explained, "b-but don't worry. We can help you; we can get it and deliver it straight to you."
"You want to work for me?" she asked.
"Your reputation surpasses yourself," the biggest one explained, "working for the Hunter J is like, the best gig any poacher could get."
"Fine, you have one chance. Go into that forest and find that Tyranitar for me," she growled, "and whatever you do, don't damage the merchandise. It brings down its price."
She watched the men scutter to their feet and run into the forest. Waiting until they were out of sight, she turned towards her Salamence, who stood tall and seemed to be waiting for her command. A small smirk grew on her face.
"Flamethrower on the forest, burn down the entire mountain if you have to," she instructed. Her dragon nodded before taking off into the sky.
Watching it take off, it soon became nothing more than a blue dot against the sky and streams of fire rained down over the forest. Clouds of thick black smoke soon covering it further from sight.
Happy with the new plan, she turned towards her squad.
"Now these flames should ward off any more interferences and trap Tyranitar," she informed them, "once you've located it, contain and return to the ship. I'm going back to ensure the rangers don't interfere with our mission, understand?"
"Sir," the solider saluted, "but erm, may I ask something?"
"Permission," she granted him.
"What about those other poachers?" he asked, "I thought you were giving them a chance to-"
"As if I would leave something as valuable as a Tyranitar to those ammatures," she cut him off, "if everything goes to plan, you'll see their charred and burnt bodies on the way to containing the target."
"Why did you tell them that you would give them a chance?" he asked. She paused and faced him entirely, a sinister smirk forming fully.
"It's simple," she replied, "if I told them I'd kill them, they would've wasted more time in begging. This way, I save more time and don't need to waste valuable ammo on them either. Now you have your mission."
Not waiting for a response, she turned back towards her vehicle and climbed back in. Her driver quickly setting off through the flaming forest. Of course, her trucks were designed to handle all sorts of Pokémon attacks, including fire moves so a little forest fire wouldn't damage them.
She knew that this fire wouldn't hurt Tyranitar either, it's a rock monster. The plan is simple, have it fight the flames with his sandstorm, tire itself down more and have her crew catch it when they do. Although there is one concern, those buffoons who should be burning alive right now claimed to have attempted containment of that target on a number of occasions, which could mean it's already damaged. If it is, then they'll need to go somewhere else because damaged goods aren't apart of her collection.
Not that it's a massive deal, everywhere with notable Tyranitar nests are also have several other high value assets. It would just need to wait until the job in Hoenn is complete.
Right now, however, she has to find the ranger in charge of this reserve and ensure they can't call for back up. While she knows she'd win an all-out war, the damages that could be ensued would take to long for that job upcoming job.
Serena stared out the window from the ranger cabin. Larvitar had since decided to return to his Pokéball for a rest and she handed Tangrowth's Pokéball over to Brock, who offered to give her a check-up after the battle with the poacher brothers. Mason was trying to reach her command base through the radio but so far, she had no luck. It's not that she is disinterested in the turn of events, its just-
Her thoughts became interrupted as she saw the sky become blocked by thick black clouds of smoke. Unable to see anything other than it, she turned towards the group, "erm guys," she uttered. They turned towards her and all she could do was point out of the window.
"What's going on?" Ash asked.
"It must be a forest fire!" Brock explained.
"That isn't good," Mason gasped, "when we had many Tyranitar and its whole line living here, it kept more common wild Pokémon out but since they left, more Pidgey's, Hoothoot's and such have moved in. We never really kept track since they could come and go as they pleased."
"Well we can't just stand here," Misty declared, "we should use our Pokémon to help fight the fire. Even if we can't save the reserve, we could help some of the wild Pokémon that might be trapped!"
"Right!" Ash agreed.
"I'll stay here and try to contract for back up," Ranger Mason explained, "if I can get through then we could get an actual fire team here."
With everyone agreeing upon the plan, they set off out of the cabin. Serena had to cover her mouth to avoid breathing in the black smoke as they charged into the woods. It didn't take long for them to find a set of trees burning, blocking their path.
"Misty calls everyone!" she shouted, "do what you can to help fight these flames!"
In a flash of light her team of: Tentacruel, Golduck, Vaporeon, Marill, Corsola and Poliwrath all appeared in a line. Vaporeon darted into the flames, using quick blasts of water gun to clear her path. Returning moments later with a few Ratatta. She quickly disappeared towards other burning trees. Tentacruel, Golduck and Poliwrath stood in a line, each launching an even stronger Hydro Pump to fight the bigger flames. Marill and Corsola, stood by their feet, using weaker water attacks to attack smaller flames.
"You guys help too!" Brock added.
The first to appear of his team were Golem and Dugtrio. His larger team member slammed his hands together. A barrage of mud and dirt shooting out of his body and splattering on the flames. Dugtrio, however, seemed to take on Vaporeon's job, charging into the flames. His Bonsly appeared at Golem's side, forming small rocks at his three green bulbs, and launching them onto the smaller flames. She knew he also had Forretress and Delibird at the moment so they wouldn't be much help in this situation. Finally, his Stantler closed her eyes and released some sort of illusion energy, fading out some of the smoke.
"Stantler's using her psychic tricks to help us see where Pokémon are trapped!" Brock explained.
"I choose everyone!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu was the first to respond, shooting into the forest, helping other trapped Pokémon escape. Pidgeot was the next noticed as she began using her wings to fan away flames in a widespread area. Different Pokémon shooting off in teams as they expanded the salvaged forest land. Phanpy appeared and swung his truck around, launching sand onto the smaller flames as Croconaw joined Misty's team in using water attacks. Muk also appeared but before she could question what it could, he disappeared in a shadow sneak. When he reappeared, he had several other small forest Pokémon.
Taking out her own Pokéballs, she released her team. Quagsire joined in the water section, using his Water Gun. Beedrill shot into the flames without hesitation, even where they weren't currently fighting the flames. Murkrow was a little more hesitant but rode on Pidgeot's wind to get in safely, helping guide some smaller Pokémon out, as Sylveon lead Furret into the flames, using her Fairy wind to fight them. Larvitar joined Phanpy's side, and while a little more hesitant, started firing off some rock throws to fight the flames.
"Guy's, I'm going to set up a medical base to check over the rescued Pokémon," Brock informed them, "mind if I borrow Tangrowth and Meganium to help?"
"Of course," she replied, not even casting a second glance.
"Actually, Brock, I've got another idea," Ash replied, pulling out his Pokedex, "we need some way to fight this fire at its heart!"
"And how do you plan to do that?" Misty asked.
He seemed to have found what he was looking for in his Pokedex and placed a Pokéball on its transport pad. Moments later, it disappeared before an Ultra Ball took its place. Ash smirked as he took it and launched it into the air, "with rain! Go Dragonite!"
She appeared high above the trees, only visible thanks to Stantler's efforts. The dragon flying type appeared to be looking around for a moment before letting out a cry. It was difficult to make out any change but a few moments later Serena felt raindrops start to fall.
"Nice thinking Ash, not only does that help us with fighting the fire but it makes all our water moves more powerful!" Misty beamed.
"How did you do that when Mason hasn't been able to get her tech to work?" Serena asked
"That radio set up is old, and the Pokedex run off completely different systems," Brock explained, "whatever might be causing the rangers issues shouldn't affect the Pokedex. They have backups behind more backups to ensure Pokémon being transferred are completely safe."
"Right," he smirked, turning up towards the sky as the smoke began to actually fade, "and once the rain is stable, help us out with Aqua Tail!"
Soon whips of water slash down across the field. It was less delicate, destroying the charred trees in its path but it still helped with putting out the flames which remained. Taking the chance to look up to the sky once more, the smoke was thin, and it seemed like the flames had stopped. Although something caught her sight, a blue dot with a hint of red in the sky, shooting out what looked to be flamethrowers.
"What is that?" she asked no-one imparticular. Glancing at her friends, she saw Ash with his Pokedex, clearly trying to scan it.
"Salamence?" he questioned.
"Wasn't the at dragon from Alto Mare?" Brock asked.
"J?!" she gasped.
"Dragonite, take it down!" Ash shouted.
With a mighty roar, the orange dragon shot across the sky as a crack of lightening lightened the backdrop. From this position, she could've taken the opponent by surprise... if not for her battle cry. Not missing a beat, they took off after the queen with Ash leading the pack. Serena felt her fist clench tight at the thought of another encounter with the bounty huntress.
As her truck pulled up to the wooden cabin, she saw a few figures take off into the burning forest. They didn't appear to be dressed as rangers, but she would deal with them once the ranger in charge has been silenced. Checking her capture beam attached to her wrist, and the other tech she was taking.
"Keep the engine running," she instructed, "and keep an ear out for any updates on the targets capture."
Receiving a nod from her driver, she climbed out of the vehicle and walked towards the cabin. A figure was running around through the window but didn't stay still long enough for her to properly identify them. Reaching the old-fashioned building, he grabbed the handle and pushed the door open. Taking a step inside, she watched a women dressed in a typical reserve-ranger outfit leaned over some sort of old-style radio board... and a Croconaw by her feet.
She smirked at the sight. "Ahem," clearing her throat.
The two turned around and the women's eyes opened as she stepped back, her hand leaning against the control board. Her eyes flickered down to the water type, who appeared to have a similar reaction but soon it stepped forward in a defensive manner.
"Y-your Hunter J!" the ranger gasped.
"Always pleased to meet a fan," she turned her attention back to the ranger, "you must have seen our little detour in the forest. My apologises. I never intended to damage this place, just capture my target. Then those idiots in grey messed up our plan and we had to improvise. You understand."
"You set the forest on fire?" the ranger gasped.
"It's what needed to be done. Like I said, it's nothing personal," she reached into her pocket, "and neither is this, but I can't have you calling for back up and messing up our escape."
As soon as she finished speaking, she pulled out a hand pistol and shot. The bullet landed square between the ranger's eyes and her body slumped down on the floor. Blood trickled out of the open wound, pooling around her head.
Croconaw looked at her with wide, wet eyes. It turned around and shot out a water gun which knocked her gun away.
"Runt," she growled, withdrawing her hand.
The water type jumped at her with a wide jaw, clearly intending to bite her. She swiftly turned and it landed on the floor where she once stood.
Not giving it chance to stand up, she pointed her capture device at it and shot out a single beam. Turning the Croconaw to a golden-bronze stone. Kneeling down towards it, she glanced out the door to see a transport pad shooting out of the truck and moving towards them.
"Don't worry, I'll be sure to find someone willing to pay a price worthy of yourself," she snarked.
The metal disc arrived and slide under the statue. It levitated slightly above the ground and she checked its statistics. Confirming that all was fine with her new product, she stood up and began walking towards her vehicle. Her new prize following shortly behind. She waited at the truck's door as her Croconaw moved into the back of the vehicle, her eye wondering up to the sky.
Her Salamence was high above them, still continuing his Flamethrower over the reserve. A smirk flicked across her lips as the sight of a sand tornado appeared in the distance. Now that it revealed itself, it's just a matter of time before she has what she came for.
A small orange dot appeared zooming towards her Salamence. Slamming into it, it knocked her dragon out of the air and stopped the flamethrower. Her visor lowered over her eyes and zoomed in. She quickly identified her own dragon, but she was surprised the culprit of attack her Pokémon was none other than a Dragonite. It appeared to be summoning a rain cloud as the sky darkened over them.
Not that it matters now they've identified the Tyranitar's location, but she isn't fond of her powerhouse being attacks. She could try to capture that specimen, as no-doubt it would also bring a nice price tag, but they have already wasted enough time. If the opportunity presents itself, like with Croconaw, of course she'd take it but if not... Guess she'll need to settle for just taking Croconaw and Tyranitar.
Although, if she can identify this beast's trainer or where it came from, it would make a good target for after the job in Hoenn. She climbed into the truck.
"Set course for where Salamence would've touched down," she told her driver.
"What about Tyranitar?" he asked, already setting off into the forest.
"The capture squad can deal," she informed, "I don't want to be wasting even more time by having to wait for Salamence to deal with them."
The truck took off through the burning forest as a rainstorm began. The flames were quickly dying around them, but it doesn't matter. They only used them to identify where the initial target was hiding. As they powered through the charred reserve, she noticed that nothing seemed to survive the blaze. Trees were nothing more than charred trucks, the once fields of grass being stood covering the ground and not a single sign of life other than in the truck.
"We had word from the containment squad," her driver informed, "they are about to engage the target, and, on their way, they identified the burnt remains of those poacher brothers."
"Serves them right for standing in my way."
An explosion taking place as both dragons became visible from the sky once more. They were locked in some sort of combat, but they were too far away to properly make out. Different attacks fired out, even a Dragon Pulse exploded near their vehicle. Swerving out of the way of the explosion. Grabbing up to the handle above the door, she growled in annoyance, lowering her eyebrow.
Whoever is messing up her mission, shall suffer the same fate.
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