My legs churned hard, and my breath came in deep breaths as I pushed myself further down the path to the Castelia City. My eyes looked up towards the sky, watching as the sun rose bright and early. My bad arm now moved free from its sling as I sprinted. Lula had begged to stay out and although it was against my better judgement I let her. She followed behind floating on a translucent bubble, keeping pace with my long strides. We had woken bright and early, grabbing a quick meal of poffins and yogurt before heading back onto the road again. The fuel helped, as we pushed mile after mile behind us step by step. Lula remained quiet, her eyes focused on me as we made it to.
"Master."
"Yeah?" I stopped mid stride and turned to face her, noticing her focus on me.
"You're scaring me," she said, her eyes focused in on mine. I stopped for a minute, trying to catch my breath.
"How so?"
"Master. We've known each other almost seven years. You've watched me grow from a two month old Popplio. Yet, you've never driven this hard to get anywhere. Normally you rest often and run less. I just don't want us to get caught in a situation like when we fought Mewtwo. He ripped us apart, and we didn't have a plan to retreat. You tried to hold him off, and he decimated us. What happens when we get there?"
Her fears and concerns weren't entirely unfounded. She had some valid points and thought provoking logic which was solid. I could sense why she was uneasy. It seemed I was head charging in without a second thought and for the most part I was. Getting there was our first priority. Once in I would make plans for my exfiltration with my Pokemon. I was sure that whatever situation I got in, I might not be able to silence my actions entirely. So the real question became risk vs reward. And the answer to that was not so simple.
"When we get there we can formulate a plan. Right now we have to decrease the time she's in harm's way. I'd rather not start fighting about it before we even see who or what we have to deal with to get to her."
"But now is the perfect time to strategize. Before the engag-"
"No plan ever survives the first skirmish with the enemy," I interrupted, placing a single finger onto her muzzle.
Her paw slammed into her face as she recognized one of my favorite quotes.
"Really?"
"I know," I said firmly. My breathing evened out and the lactic acid in my muscles was catching up. I needed a break from all out sprinting. Lunch sounded delicious and we were close to entering Castelia City. One meal, boarding a ship, and then it would be a one day voyage to Couramarine City. Then we would travel down Route 13 to the heart of Kalos. So two more days and we would be in Lumiose. From there it was simply finding the Lopunny Garden. As such considering that we had no way out at the current moment was disconcerting to Lula. To me, it simply meant that we didn't have enough intel to craft one.
I started walking through the desert, step by step, with Lula following close behind.
"Master?"
"I know Lula. You're right," I relented, shaking my head as we moved towards Castelia City. The gate to the bustling metro, was straight ahead and I looked forward to returning to the familiar skyscrapers and malls.
"Let's discuss it over our lunch. It'll be two hours before we can even board the ship, so might as well at some goods for the journey there. Maybe get you some throat relaxants and a couple ribbons for you."
Her muzzle turned up at the prospect of shopping for goods for her, and she immediately hugged me. I blushed at the contact even as we entered into the air conditioned gate. Other travelers past by us, in a rush to go explore, and those returning from their adventures to stock up on resources. As I entered into Castelia, my Pokewatch went off, alerting me of a vid chat. Holding up the camera on the uppermost left hand of the screen, I swiped to accept the incoming face to face with my mom and sister.
"Sweetie!"
"Big brother!"
"Hey you guys!" I called out stepping to the side to avoid being in the way of people.
"You okay? Eating well? Have you been safe? Did the Pokemon Center take a look at your arm?" my Mom asked, throwing question after question at me.
"Moommmm-" my sister chimed in trying to slow her down.
"Is Lula okay?"
I waited patiently for the storm to die down. She did this the first time I had ever left town and was used to the barrage of questions.
"Where are you now? How long before you start heading home? And lastly….do you need anything?"
"Yes. Yes. Yes. No. Yes. Castelia City. Don't Know. I'm fine," I replied watching as the gears in her head turned with each answer.
"Good…though you might want it to get looked at," she stated with an agitated huff. I nodded in agreement, although I glanced down at it. The pain was long gone, and feeling had returned along with a lack of stiffness. It felt like it had healed properly in the small amount of time I had been gone. By tomorrow I would be back in tip top shape.
"Big brother! Big brother!"
"Yeah?" I asked giving her my undivided attention.
"Do you think you'll be able to get me a souvenir from Lumiose?"
My sister was always curious about the new regions that I visited. It was something I adored about her and gave us plenty of things to discuss.
"I promise. Is there anything you want from Castelia's Mall?"
Her eyes lightened up as she considered the multitude of requests she could ask. Instead I was surprised to find she had restraint for one so young.
"A red ribbon. And the ten pokeball pack. I really wanna put my Fennekin in the Premier Ball."
"Anything else my queen?" I said, bowing melodramatically.
"Stop it! Mooommmm!"
The picture focused on my parent's face who tried hard not to crack a smile.
"You make sure to get that arm checked out. For our and her sake okay? "she stated. Her voice was filled with absolute worry.
"I promise Mom. Once we hit Couramarine City we will visit the Pokemon Center there for a quick check up."
She exhaled and rubbed the bridge of her finger with her index and thumb.
"You know I worry about you two kids. You're both a bunch of troublemakers," she said with a groan.
"Hey. We get it from you," I jested watching as her frown turned into a smile.
"Watch it young man. I still have to remove the stitches when you get home," she said.
"Ouch!" I mocked, causing us to both burst into fits of giggles.
"Love you Mom."
"Love you too sweetie. Be careful and I'll see you when you get home with her."
I agreed and hung up staring at Prima who was watching someone make Cotton Candy.
"Let's go, Lula," I said, rolling my eyes. My family may be weird at times but I loved everyone with my whole being.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER
As we boarded the luxurious yacht, I felt a wave of fear hit me. The words from the grunt had me worried that just maybe this was all in vain. What use did Mewtwo have for my Absol? Outside of a hostage? In fact, if he had wanted, he could have killed her in a heartbeat. It would have been fruitless to chase a lead. Logically she would have been a hostage until he was safe from Eon, and then she would have been cast away. I shoved my doubt down fast, focused only on getting to Lumiose City. I needed to be sure before I attempted to call off the search.
"Master?"
My attention shifted itself to my water type who was watching the water below us with a giant grin.
"Thank you for the trinkets from the mall. I wonder what kind of Pokemon we will find in Kalos? I know about Hoenn and Alola."
I smirked as I had been very young when my father had brought me there. The last time I had visited Kalos I had met the Fighting Gym leader Korrina and Diantha had just become Champion. Now Serena was champion of Kalos and had been for the past couple years. I smiled at the thought and gave Lula a poffin from my backpack.
"It's all good. Should be interesting for us both. I hear we might be able to hitch a ride from Couramarine City to Lumiose via Fly."
"YAY!" she cheered causing several of the people to stare at her. She blushed hiding her face under her paw, while I chuckled.
"Anyways, for now let's try to just get some rest and prepare for the journey ahead."
"Are you sure?" Lula asked, staring at the Pokemon designated buffet line. My eyes followed hers before giving a nonchalant shrug.
"Go ahead. It won't kill to have some fun while you are onboard. I'm gonna head to our room and sleep. Apply some of the medicine Mom gave me too. I need my arm to be combat ready for when we arrive"
As I made my way to our cabin, passing by people, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. Pursued. Followed. As I turned a corner I spun around ready to confront my hidden stalker, I was displeased to find no one there. My heartrate remained high, despite the lack of evidence and I let out a groan. I felt overly paranoid but nonetheless I couldn't shake the feeling. Moving down the carpeted hallway I reached my room. Glancing twice around, I entered the pin with my hand covering the numbers before walking through the entryway. I shut the door firmly behind me and detached my bad arm from the chest piece. As I rotated my shoulder I winced in pain. I still wasn't fully healed but much better than when I had left.
"Two to three days huh?" I asked no one in particular as I grabbed the strong smelling ointment from my hardshelled bag. Unzipping the sleeve in half and allowing my arm to breathe, I rubbed the medicine along my forearm, elbow and wrist applying liberally around it. Almost immediately my arm began to burn and itch as the healing ingredients got to work. I let out a low hiss before lying down on the bed. Lula could come in when she was done eating. Then tomorrow morning we would arrive ready and fresh to begin investigating.
"Kat. Where are you? Are you okay?" I asked the air. I hoped for an answer but my stomach dropped when none returned.
The woman let out a sigh, as she watched her prey enter into his room. He had been aware of her presence and took a detour to bait her into revealing herself. Moving a single strand of hair out of her face, and winding it around her index finger, she contemplated her next move. It would be folly to continue investigating while his guard was up. And his Primarina would most likely return shortly after getting her fill of food. Raising her Pokewatch to eye level, she typed up a quick report to her partner. He wouldn't be happy to hear it but it would prevent her from getting yelled at. As she clicked send, she considered her secondary objective. Hopefully there wouldn't be too much blood in the water. The last thing she needed was to attract any lone sharks looking for an easy meal. She considered her options for dealing with the boy. If things got out of hand, her hand would be forced. Then things would become really complicated. Grabbing a mint out of her pocket she sucked on it thoughtfully. She hated messy jobs.
"He's really gonna owe me after this," she said before moving out of the hallway. Onto bigger and badder enemies.
The overcast weather was a nice departure from the default humid and heat that had soaked us through while we were in Unova. A cool breeze swept across our forms as we stepped off the brow and entered Kalos for the first time in over ten years. A nice cool breeze greeted our arrival as we stepped off the ship with our minimal belongings and decided the best course of action.
"It's been five days. I hate to say it but I'd rather not waste any more time discussing options that won't pan out in the long run," I stated, glancing to Lula.
Our discussion about finding Kat had turned from joking to dead serious in the span of the boat ride and now we were in the process of making contingency plan upon contingency plan.
"Kyle. Leaving your weapon behind puts yourself in danger. Are you sure you really want to risk another severe injury?"
I could hear the concern literally pouring from her voice. We had been arguing the past five minutes about my decision to leave my weapon and backpack in the Pokemon Center room.
"I don't have a choice, Lula. This place is probably very secure to get into in the first place. Going anywhere with a weapon like that will give off the wrong vibes. I don't want to draw attention. Especially if I intend to get her out safely."
She followed behind me on a water bubble, at a slow rate, staring at my backpack.
"Kyle. Going into this dangerous place and asking questions is only going to bring more focus to you anyways. I think this is a bad idea. Not only that but using a Pokeball is the safest way to get her out."
"I'll have it just in case," I acquiesced. She could win this part of the battle.
She groaned at my statement, and pushed me gently from behind.
"That's beside the point."
"We don't have time to argue."
"What about your arm?"
I glanced down. After the little nap, and time I had to stretch it, I had left in the sling just for good measure. However-
I detached the snaps from my sleeve to my chest and applied a little force to keeping it upright. Although it was still a little weak, I was back to full capacity. Fighting with my left would be a handicap but I could manage with it if need be.
"Almost good as new. By tonight, with a little medication, I should be good to go," I said gleefully.
"Your mom said you should-"
"I KNOW," I replied rolling my eyes dramatically. However I didn't want to waste thirty to forty minutes for them to check out my arm. I was combat ready and didn't need anyone to tell me otherwise.
We continued moving along the trail, watching all sorts of Pokemon move about and frolick. Had I been a trainer my interest in catching one of them would have been massive. Instead I was left with morbid curiosity as to how they lived. I would need to understand that in order to be a good ranger. Just passing the test wouldn't make me a ranger. I'd still have to go through the ecology, resolution and equipment training. A six month course that was completed in region to teach me everything I would need to know. However upon graduation I would be granted a travel Pokemon of my choice to get me around quickly to deal with threats.
"Master?"
"What's up?"
"Where do we go from here?" she asked. I glanced back to notice her muzzle sat on her paw as she contemplated some deeper question.
"What do you mean?"
"If Katherine is not here we will be out of leads with nowhere to turn," she said. Her words carried weight to them, and I had to swallow the lump in my throat before I responded.
"We don't give up. We return home and look for more intel. Pokemon disappear without a trace all the time but it doesn't guarantee she's gone for good," I said grimly.
My comment affected her mood as she lowered her muzzle sadly.
"Lula. It's not over yet. Come on. I can see the Pokemon Center from here."
I pointed off to the horizon where the large metallic structure stood out like a sore thumb. It was about a fifteen minute sprint from our current position.
I've left her alone for five days. I hope she's okay.
Pushing my doubts down, I dashed forward, with Lula in quick pursuit. We didn't have any time to lose.
"We need a flight from here to Lumiose City," I replied. She stared at me momentarily before tapping away at a tablet screen. Within the span of a minute, she returned her attention to me.
"We have a Charizard who just returned from her trip. I think she would be more than accommodating to assist you, however she is pretty exhausted.
She's been nonstop today, since four this morning."
I considered her health for a minute before asking my next question.
"Is there anyone else?"
"Unfortunately no…"
My heart sank, and I glanced to Primarina. She nodded her head. It was that important that we find Absol before more harm could be done to her.
"We'll take her."
"She should be waiting for you outside."
I gave my thanks as I popped Primarina's ball off my shoulder, and aimed it at her.
"Return."
"See you soon Master!"
Rushing outside, I came face to face with a hulking red Pokemon. Her blue eyes pierced my own as she moved her reptilian neck downwards.
"What the literal fuck? I mean, I just got back from dropping some asshole over six hundred miles away, after no dinner and the trainer throwing up all over me. Now I get back and you come asking me to fly you to Lumiose City for what?"
I could feel her rage and remained calm as I considered the best way tohandle this.
"Charizard. Thank you for taking my request."
She huffed, black smoke filling the air as she glared at me.
"Look. I know you are tired and angered by your earlier patron. You haven't eaten, and I don't have all the time in the world to wait, however, I'll make it worth your while."
"Oh really?" she demanded leaning in with a gnarly grin. Her white teeth gleamed as she exposed them to my face.
"If you carry me to Lumiose City, and you drop me off at a Pokepuff shop, I will purchase a dinner worthy of a queen."
Her eyes widened at the offer and I watched her recoil at my comment.
"Wh-Why would you?"
"Because one of my friends is in danger. I need to get there. You help me, I'll pay you back. What do you say?"
She struggled for a moment, before she replied.
"You promise? I'm going out on a limb here. My shift ended thirty minutes ago, and if you cross me on this, I will fucking burn the city to the ground in an effort to find your ass."
I laughed at the threat, and tightened the straps on my bag, before holding up my right hand solemnly.
"I, Kyle Brenson, do solemnly swear to purchase you dinner upon landing in Lumiose City."
She laughed at my sarcasm, before she placed proper riding gear in front of me. Goggles, gloves, knee pads, a coat and helmet were provided for my usage. Wasting not another moment, I got equipped for the ride, the coat warming me up considerably.
"Are you ready?" she asked kneeling down.
"I won't throw up. I've done this once or twice before," I said, as I approached her body.
"Place your feet in the stirrups, and your hands on the bar. Several straps will tighten to hold you in place and from there we head up to above the lowest clouds. I know how to get where I'm going. Got it, shorty?"
I nodded, giggling at the nickname, as I pulled myself up her back and into the seat. True to her word, as my feet touched the two metal bars on either side of her, two metal bars clamped my legs in place. I winced as they pressed in. As my hands held the support beam in front of me, I felt her tense up, her muscles bulging. Before I could speak, she launched herself skyward. My vision grew blurry as the earth raced away at a rapid pace. My stomach dropped as she rolled midair, letting me watch as the ground sank further and further away. Rolling until I was upright, my breath came in short pants as we levelled out.
"You okay back there?" she asked, looking at me over her shoulder.
"Yeah…" I gasped my head swimming from the fast change in altitude. Blood rushed my forehead and I felt giddy as I sat on her back, her powerful wings flapped taking us higher.
"You know…you are actually pretty cute for a human."
Her comment made me blush, hiding my face in my hands as she proceeded to take off in the direction of what I could assume was our final destination. Her speed made it hard to see, even with the goggles, so I settled to nestling my head in my arms, and falling asleep. A sudden lurch woke me up approximately two hours later. Glancing to Charizard, I noticed she was slowing down, and we were descending into town. The wind which had been roaring past us, became little more than a slight breeze, until we landed with several steps. As I pulled myself free, I noticed she was panting, exhausted. Her tongue lolled out and her muscles shivered from simply standing. However, we had arrived not only an hour prior to our eta, but we were standing in front of a Macaron shop. I wasted no time in leaving her on the sidewalk, and entering the sweet shop. I was hit by the fragrance of thepastries and the warmth of the room. Taking a moment to admire the many different Pokemon and Humans interacting in the shop, I made my way to the front of the shop.
The male cashier watched my awkward approach before greeting me with a smile.
"Welcome to Slurpuff Pokepuffs where all our treats are sweet eats," he said, bowing slightly. "How may we help you?"
The atmosphere reminded me of an internet cafe, and I wasted no time, in picking out the dish best for the hungry Charizard.
"I'd like sixty pink Puffs please," I replied, reaching for my pouch. As I grabbed my card, my eyes caught sight of several Team Magma grunts. I noticed their eyes had homed in on me and were watching me like a hawk. I grew uneasy under their stare and returned to the desk before I was handed two giant bags with the meal.
"Thank you for visiting us. That will be 2000 poke dollars."
I nodded as I passed over my credit card which paid for the sale with relative ease. After another minute, I was back outside. The sun was gone, and night had turned the streets cold. Shivering slightly in my attire, I placed the bag at the giant lizard's feet.
"As promised."
Her eyes widened at the treats before staring at me. I tried to get my bearings, only for the floor to fall away as I was lifted up by the Fire/Flying type.
"Thank you very much. I am sorry for acting like such a bitch. It's sad that so few folks are as cute or as kind as you. I'd ask to come with you but I'm not much for battling," she said, picking one of the sweets out of the blue striped paper bag.
"Of course. Hey. I'm looking for a place. Have you ever heard of the Lopunny Garden?" I watched the Charizard's smile turn sour as she glared at me.
"Why the fuck would you want to go there? Oh…let me guess. You're one of those sick bastards who gets off on raping Pokemon? Is that it? And here I thought…"
"No. It's not like that at all. My Absol was…sent there. I'm just trying to get her back."
"Really?" she growled lowering her head until we were eye to eye.
"If I were into that kind of thing, don't you think I'd be more interested in you than that place? No. I'm trying to save my friend. That's it," I stated, levelly.
For a moment she appeared to not believe me but backed off entirely.
"You've done right by me, so I don't see any reason to doubt you. The Lopunny Garden is down this street about five to six blocks. You'll get to an alley way, and you'll find the shady room there. You may get harassed on the way in. A lot of people here don't like that place. "
I nodded my thanks, before taking off with a wave. I needed to get there as fast as possible. My eyes ignored the sights and sounds around me as I focused on the task at hand. As I got to the edge of the clearing I noticed it immediately. The smell of smoke, alcohol and gunpowder permeated the air.
The scent took me by surprise almost knocking me on my ass figuratively and literally. I looked down the dark alleyway, apprehensively. It was shady as fuck, and I could feel my heart racing as I realized that I would be entering a world I had never been to. However, my friend's life depended on me and I refused to just walk away. Hiking my backpack higher I followed signs to the nearest Pokemon Center, and requested a room. This time I was greeted by a Chansey who guided me to the vacant room.
"Thank you!"
"You're most certainly welcome!" she replied walking away with a hop and a skip. Her sweet fragrance calmed me and I felt myself put at ease by it. Opening the door, I released Lula, and addressed her before she could speak.
"I'm leaving you here."
"Master? What-"
We had spoken on many things but this was the first time I had told her she wasn't coming with. I had intentionally avoided that topic as I knew how much of a fight she was going to put up.
"Where I am going is dangerous. Far more dangerous for you than me. I'd rather blend in and if I put anyone in harm's way it's going to be myself. I know you want to protect me, but I have to go."
I watched her eyes widen and fill with water, as she stared at me.
"Master. Not everything needs to be done alone," she whispered.
I watched her demeanor grow sadder with each passing moment. Fear and worry took place of the happiness she had felt earlier. I knew it was cruel to leave her in a room all alone with nothing but the TV for company however; to bring her along would only put the mission in further jeopardy. She was a big girl, and could take care of herself.
"I'll be back soon. I promise," I said, kneeling down and placing a hand on her shoulder. It would be hard to leave, but I placed a kiss on her the side of her muzzle and turned on my heels. Before she could stop me, I exited the room and slammed the wooden door shut. I could feel shame fill my gut, but it was the right decision. If Primarina could be caught, then all my enemies had bargaining chips to use against me. It was dangerous in this club and I had a feeling she would be on the sexual equivalent of a Most Wanted list.
I rushed down the steps two at a time, my breath coming in short pants. I rushed out the door jogging lightly down the street. I retraced my steps back to the alleyway, stopping just short of the mouth. I watched a heavily tatted couple leave the alleyway. The male was smoking some type of blunt, a pungent smell entering my nostrils. This was a world that I knew existed but avoided. I was aware that there were areas like this back home and tried to avoid them at all costs. This time, I'd be diving headfirst into the danger, looking for my friend. I was afraid of what might happen or what scars would occur to my naivety but I knew that I had to go. Wasting time wouldn't get me anywhere, so I started down the alleyway. I had left my weapon and bag at home, which meant I would have to rely on my five senses for protection. I continued forward, brushing past people, and ignoring the snickers and glares I received.
I noticed a small wooden door, and a single lit sign beside it. I recognized the lettering for my target, and stopped in front of it. No external doorknob. I held my hand over the smooth wood and steeled myself before letting my hand knock three times hard.
The slot slid open and two dark brown eyes emerged.
I waited patiently as he looked me over.
"You'se pretty young for dis club. Keep it movin kiddo," he said. As he started to shut the slot, I spoke immediately.
"I don't give a fuck how old you think I am, I want in."
I listened as several locks came undone, before the door was shifted open slightly. I came face to face with a bald bulky man, who stood over six feet and weighed twice as much as I did.
"What was dat? You don't tell Pete what to do. I oughta mess you up…"
I smiled as he glared down at me as I considered my options.
"Easy man. I'm here to see the girls. I won't cause you much trouble. A drink, a date, and I'm out. Promise," I said, reaching into my back pocket.
I had grabbed some cash from the purse, and held out a big bill watching his eyes narrow. His hand reached out, and I pulled the bill back slightly. His face scowled at my reaction, but I quickly set it straight.
"Look. You want the money. I want in. You're much bigger than me, and if you wanted to you could probably break every single one of my bones. Just let me in, and I'll pay you."
The door opened wider, and I stepped in, my eyes homing in on his shoulders. If he intended to attack, I wanted to be ready. Loud bass filled my ears as I met a dark blue lit hallway.
"Cash buddy."
I waved him off, passing him the money and continuing down the hallway. I glanced back and watched as the bouncer sat back down on his chair.
"So far so good," I whispered to myself. I didn't have any weapons but I wasn't entirely defenseless. In fact, I was shocked that I knew the fight earlier would have been entirely in my favor. Level 50? I was over 30 levels higher than him and faster in every sense. I could take the damage and pay it back. However, if he was only the gate keeper it made me worried about what opponents I would have to face and how I'd be able to leave with only one exit.
Two heavy silver doors lay at the end of the hallway. I could only imagine what lay beyond them.