Pokémon Journey: Kalos Quest
Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 54 and Chapter 11 of the Kalos Quest. At last the hand I had played on Chapter 20 has finally been revealed. It just goes to show you rough life is,like a reality show. So like I said in the previous chapter,those clues were in the tiniest detail. The outfits,the kind of target. It gives some sort of thought over who's behind the mask.
On to the now,a siege at the Kalos Plant,right now I'm telling you,expect ALOT of dark stuff. I'm telling you now. Have fun.
"On wrongs swift vengeance waits."- Alexander Pope
Chapter 54: Malevolence
"Sir there's a large task force outside our door. We won't be able to hold much later." Said one of the men. "We don't have to hold them long Lieutenant,just long enough." J said. Suddenly two of the men came and it was Jason and Keith with the briefcase in tow. "Sir we're back but we had to leave Mike behind." Said Jason. "I know. And now our enemies are coming because of him." J warned. "Wait..Sir you mean?" Keith asked. "The Ketchums know." J said. Kieth and Jason were surprised. The sudden change font their boss's plans by revealing themselves to their enemies surely put a time acceleration in their plans. "And now they're coming here." Said J.
"Sir what are our plans?" The Lieutenant asked. "We now have the plans. Start Evaluation Plan Alpha. Have the helicopters prepped from the center rooftop. Evaluate in twenty minutes,and put the scientists in the Mess Hall,you know what to do there." J snickered.
"Excellent Sir." Said the Lieutenant. "And Lieutenant...before you leave,be sure to overload the central reactor. I'll be assigning Jason and Keith here as your backup." Said J. The Lieutenant felt skeptical about this two since the incident with Mike,but knew he had no choice. "You're the Boss." He said as J then left. Overlooking the monitors J evilly smirked as she didn't leave Ash and Drake out of her grasp as she too had something special planned for them.
"Look there it is!" Ash said. "Come on Clemont,we don't have time for dilly dally." Said Bonnie telling Clemont to step it up. The group was putting it into high gear as the Power Plant was within visual range.
When they got close she saw a large group of policemen who were being lead by Officer Jenny. They appeared to set an entire command post composed of a big tent and several police carriers. Right by them was Rene out of her robe and still in her adventure attire. "Rene!" Drake called,who still was carrying an unconscious Mike on his shoulders.
"Madam they're here." Rene told Officers Jenny as the group finally made it to them. "Thank Arceus you guys made it." Said Rene. "Hey I recognized you two. You were the two trainers who helped Professor's Sycamore Garchomp on top of Prism Tower awhile back." Said Officer Jenny. "Nice to see you too Officer Jenny." Said Ash,hoping they won't go back down Memory Lane about that night. Rene then saw the unconscious man Drake had on his shoulders.
"Drake,is that guy ok?" She asked. "Probably,I only punched him to knock him out." Drake said. "Come again?" Rene and Officer Jenny asked. "This is one of the grunts we will be dealing with in there." Drake then shrugged Mike off his shoulders as two officers then held him. "That helps alittle,but we still don't know what we are up against." Said Officer Jenny.
"Well,the good news is we do." Said Ash. "Great,who are we dealing with?" Officer Jenny asked. Ash and Drake simply looked at each other and couldn't really explain to them the situation they now face. "Uh... you see...that's the bad news." Drake broke the silence. "O..k?" Rene said. Drake still couldn't explain the situation and couldn't take it anymore and suddenly dragged Rene and Officer Jenny away from everyone. Ash then followed them right outside the tent.
"Uhh?" Drake was still tongue tied. "Drake,I'm sure it's nothing we can't handle." Rene said feeling the stress coming from him. "That's the thing,we maybe in way out of our heads." Drake said. Rene then started to look anxious,for something that must really level Drake like this must be a very serious issue. "Drake...it's going to be fine. Now,what are we dealing with?!" Rene and Officer Jenny closed in.
"Well...let's just say..that my Sins from Sinnoh have followed us here." Drake admitted. Rene and Officer Jenny were then puzzled as to why he said that.
After calming down,Ash and Drake then told them about Hunter J and how they crossed paths in Sinnoh two and a half years ago. And now she was back and more powerful then ever. "Ok,so we are dealing with a vengeful Pokémon Hunter who has a history between the two of you?" Officer Jenny asked. Ash and Drake simply nodded as they really didn't want to say anything else. "We really need to start planning guys." Ash said. "Right,I'll inform my men about this." Officer Jenny left back inside the tent with Ash in tow,leaving just Drake and Rene.
Rene looks to see the slum look on Drake's face and knew that one thought he was thinking of. "I know that look,don't be going soft on this." Rene said. "So? This isn't like any other moment we had Rene. This is a ghost that came back from the Great Beyond just to have my head." Drake said. "That's it,you'd never let anyone Tower over you." Rene said. "It's not that...it's what I know J is now capable of." Drake said,he doesn't know how much J's mentality has shifted,but for someone who wants someone's head surely has afew screws loose.
"She can't be that bad." Rene said. "Bite your tongue,she was already bad two years ago. Now this...this is like the Madhouse." Drake said. "She's a great tactician so she maybe already two steps ahead of us. On top of that,in combact she's goes not play around. One mistake might be your last." Drake said. "So that's why we'll face her together." Rene said. "*sigh*the last I want is to bring someone else in this crazy little game we have to play." Drake hung his head. "Drake,don't worry,we'll succeed today." Rene said. Drake nodded and both headed back into the tent. However on the back of his mind,Drake cursed about this. Rene obviously doesn't know who's she's dealing with.
Inside the tent Officer Jenny,Rene,the group,followed by a few lead Officers helped in the planning process. "They have all entrances blocked with barricades,several guards,and Pokémon. Problem is that we may be able to penetrate the outer wall surrounding the complex. Only way for that is active the switch to open the doors." Said Officer Jenny. "Only thing we need to is get inside. We can't go from above. And J will obviously have more then enough surprises to keep us busy." Said Ash. "I don't see any other way to get inside though." Said Drake. "Not conventionally at least." Everyone then turned to Clemont,who seemed to have a plan.
"I suppose you know a way." Said Officer Jenny. "Well,when I was here to handle the advanced programming of the binary systems,I overlook and studied the map layout of the entire Power Plant." Clemont said. "Is there another way?" Rene asked. "Well,I recall a external escape hatch connected to the main ventilation system." Said Clemont. "That's good,we'll force our way from there." Said Officer Jenny. "Uhh,technically no. The vent and main access hatch could only fit so many people,and it wouldn't be able to take the weigh of you and the entire task force here." Clemont explained.
"That's alright Clemont,we,and Rene will head inside. From there we will work our way to the controls to the outer wall. Do you know where they are?" Drake asked. "All I know is there they're controlled by a security terminal,but I'm afraid I don't know where it is." Clemont said. "I'll be okay Clemont,right now we just need to get inside. Where is this external escape hatch?" Ash asked. "If I remember,it's just outside the outer wall. Right inside the canal over there." Clemont pointed just beyond their command post. "Great,now before you go." Officer Jenny was then handed some equipment for the group.
"You're going to need these." Officer Jenny laid four small small black things followed by a very small device with a red button. "Ear pieces?" Drake grabbed out. "That way,we're be in contact with you and with one another." Officer Jenny said as Drake,Ash,Rene,and Clemont took each ear piece and put it in their ear. "And this?" Rene grabbed the small button. "That is to signal us for when you open the outer wall. From that point we will barrage in and provide the backup. Just don't start the fighting until we get there." Said Officer Jenny as the group nodded. "Bonnie,stay here with Officer Jenny." Clemont said. "But I what to help you guys." Bonnie said. "This isn't a game Bonnie. Stay here and you'll be safe." Clemont said. Bonnie was about to say something until Clemont gave her the look,and from that point she kept her mouth shut from that point.
Ash then looked at Serena but Serena,knowing what Ash was going to tell her. "Serena." "Let me just stop you there. Either I go in with you or you stay out here with me. Either way,I'm not leaving your side." Serena glared at him. At that deal,Ash knew he had no say in the discussion and only nodded. "I won't be leaving yours either." Ash then embraced her. The others saw this and could only smile. "See?,that right there is what you need." Rene told Drake. "Now's not the time." Drake said through his teeth. "Come on,let's get going." Drake said as he lead the others outside. "Clemont,you'll lead us to the hatch. You know this place better then we do." Drake said. Clemont nodded as he took point.
As they walked towards the hatch,Drake and Ash conversated. "Is there really a plan?" Ash asked. "I don't know,but I have a hunch that J is expecting us on the inside." Drake said. "You mean we're walking into a trap?!" Ash said. "Most likely,but what other choice do we have on getting inside." Drake argued. "Besides,if there is a trap...I'll be the one springing it." Drake said. Ash was about to say something until Drake stopped him. "This is my choice Ash...and I'll take that to the grave." Drake halted until he walked ahead of him. Ash knew and was thinking that Drake had other plans and will certainly involve J.
Finally arriving in the canal,the group slided down the slope and preceded to the escape hatch. Finally removing it,the gang then preceded down the pipe which then lead to the ventilation system. Crawling inside a vent was a shove,a small space and constant creaking from the expanding metal,it's a wonder that they haven't been discovered yet. As they crawl they saw openings under them,some that lead to hallways with guards walking,and others lead to other rooms. Finally arriving at a certain air shaft where it lead to an empty secure room,but inside were three males with lab coats,two of them looked in their late twenties while the third looked in his late thirties,trying to stay hidden. Inside they opened the vent and Drake was the first to drop in.
The three were startled but Drake quickly reacted. "It's okay,it's okay. We'll here to help." Drake said. "Who's we?" One of them said. "Guys,come down." Drake whispered. Then one by one,Rene,Clemont,Ash,and Serena dropped inside. "You three must be the ones who tripped the silent alarm." Said Rene. "Yes,ma'am." One of them stood up and suddenly looked at Clemont. "Henry,is that you?" Clemont said. "Clemont my boy it's great to see you again." The oldest said. "Guys this is Henry,the lead scientist of the Power Plant." Clemont introduced. "It's nice to meet all of you,these are two of the working scientists,Thomas,and John." The other two waved hello. "I only wished this was under peaceful circumstances,You know what we're dealing with here Clemont." Henry said.
"Yea,there's some sort of cyborg she-devil marching around here and she brought a lot of muscle." Said John. "And please it's not just you five here against an entire small army." Said Thomas. "You'll have to excuse them,but they are right. Is there anymore of you guys." Henry asked. "Right now,there's an entire task force just outside,but the outer wall needs to be opened for them to get through." Said Drake. "Henry,you know where the controls to the outer wall are?" Clemont asked. "It's over at the security terminal in Security station B..it's located around the command center,just outside the Cortex. The good news is that you can still make it via the ventilation system,there should be another shaft you could enter through. Here use this layout of the Plant to navigate." Henry explained while giving Clemont a Halo Caster. On it was a holographic map of the complex.
"Great,the good news is that is close from where we are." Said Clemont. "Very well,however there is one more thing." Everyone then turn around once again to Henry. "What is it?" Ash asked. "When the Neanderthals took over the entire Plant,they shut down the primary systems and left only the emergency powers running. I'm afraid without it,doors,lifts,and other power systems are inoperable." Said Henry. "Without power,Officer Jenny and her task force won't be able to navigate inside. Where's the switch?" Drake asked. "I'm afraid it's in the main Command Center and that's.""surrounded by J and her grunts...is there any other way?" Drake asked. "Yes,you're have to activate the secondary generators manually. They're in Sub Level one so I'm afraid you'll have to sneak your way there." Said Henry.
Drake just stood to think,of course he'd would have to do this,but it's a very dangerous trek. "On the tip of the iceberg,our friends and work associates are trapped in the Mess Hall on the far side of the Plant." Said Thomas. "Alright,for now we just need to open the outer wall and restore power. We can rescue everyone when the task force is inside." Said Rene. "I agree...you four head to the Security Terminal to open the outer wall. I'll head to the Sub Level to restore power." Said Drake. "Not alone you're not. I'll go too." Rene argued. "No,one person means a less chance of getting caught,and I can move faster by myself...just get the wall open and the distraction will follow." Drake said. Rene was still looking at him angrily at suggesting such a reckless plan. "Look,we could either argue about this or we could do our job." Drake said. Rene however didn't say much until Ash broke the silence. "Guys..he's right and don't have much time." Ash said.
All four then helped one another back into the vent with Clemont leading them using the Holo map. Meanwhile Henry gave Drake a copy of the layout and onto his Pokewatch. "Thanks Henry,wait here until someone comes to pick you up." Drake then left out the door and followed the wall while looking at his map. Outside the hall,the coast was clear so for and Drake had to travel through Dock D,past Security Office A. From there is a staircase that leads to the Sub Levels. With that he continued to Dock D.
Meanwhile,Clemont,Ash,Serena,and Rene continued to crawl through the air vent. Every once in awhile they had to stop due to pasting guards down below otherwise they would know they're there. Meanwhile Ash heard Rene grumbling about something. Whatever space they had,he'd let Serena past him while he decided to ask Rene what's wrong. "What is it?" Ash asked while he whispered. "Well...Drake is unbelievable,he shouldn't be on his own." Said Rene. "Well,he was kinda right. Think about it,we'll be more vulnerable to surprise if we were together." Said Ash. "That still doesn't make it right." Rene said. "I know,but we are in a situation where we have to make impossible choices though." Ash said.
"I get that,but Drake seen to have another reason why he wanted to be alone." Said Rene. "I picked that up also. I have a hunch that it'll involve J." Ash said. "Clearly he's not going to be able to stop her by himself." Rene said. "I think he'll try...but..I think he'll blame himself for this as much as he can." Ash said. "Again with the blame game..Drake surely doesn't blame himself for that psychopath." Rene said. "Then clearly you don't know him that well...*sigh* I know different since I'm partly to blame as well." Ash said. "Why's that?" Rene asked. "Because he'd tried to save her when an explosion knocked them out while fighting...and me and my friends told him to leave her there and save himself...did it,and now...he's now regretting that decision." Ash said. "He'll have to get over that this time,or his nobility for saving lives...will cost him his life." Rene said.
"Nobility is part of a Guardian Rene,That I know." Ash argue. "I know..but I also know that nobility isn't Drake's problem..it's hubris and that's Drake's deadly flaw." Rene said. "And?...he's always had that since we were kids." Ash argued. "It's that...*sigh*" Rene said until she just couldn't talk anymore. "Look...you have a problem...take that to him,because I can't argue for him in his place." Ash said,then crawled ahead,leaving Rene in her thoughts.
After avoiding several guards,Drake was traveling down a corridor until he'd stopped in a corner. There were one guard stationed at the door that lead to the staircase. Luckily there was one and the opposite wall gave many opportunities. Using one of his Kali sticks,he looked for the right angle in which the Kali stick will ricochet off of. Finding the right spot,he aimed and then threw the stick of metal which bounced off the wall and smashed right now the guards face and knocked him out. Drake then carried him to a nearby broom closet then pressed down the staircase.
After another five minutes,the group noticed two guards seated at the controls. After opening the vent,Ash and Rene quietly dropped down as they planned to knock the two guards simultaneously. Ducking right behind them,Ash waited until Rene gave the signal. Right away both then grabbed the guards from behind as both muffled the guards mouth with one hand and knocked them out with a punch to temple with the other.
"Nice..Drake clearly taught you well." Rene said. "Well I still need to get a better grip on the whole punching thing." Ash waved his hand as the blow caused pain to it. "You get used to it." Rene said. Giving the signal Clemont and Serena dropped in and saw the two knocked out guards off the side. "Wow..you guys did that?" Clemont asked. "Yea,pretty much." Rene said. "And your first guy too Ash." Clemont said. "Yea,you're right..though I'm still used to using my head." Ash chuckled. Meanwhile Rene then found the manual release switch for the outer wall. "Ok I'm really." Rene then keyed her ear piece. "Drake have you made it to generator?" Rene asked.
"Drake,have you made it to the generator?" Rene copied. Drake was still looking until he found the primary controller. "Give me a second. I need to prep the primary turbines." Drake then put a series of commands and gave the turbines the push into running. At last the turbines were operational. "Alright,I'm all set." Said Drake.
"Alright." Rene then tuned to contact Officer Jenny. "Officer Jenny,we'll all set. Be ready to move in." Rene said. "Good work. Sarge! Gather the men and meet at the wall." Officer Jenny said. Right away each officer released one to two Pokémon for the assault. Mostly were standard police Pokemon like Growlithe or Manectric,but some had some speed like Houndour or muscle like Machoke. All moved towards the wall waiting to be open.
"Lieutenant. There is something going on outside the outer wall." Said one of the grunts. In the command center,the Lieutenant saw the camera visuals of the entire task force right outside the door. "Hmm...there's is something we don't know about." He said.
"Ready Rene?" Drake said through the ear piece. "Ready on this end." Said Rene.
"NOW!"
Right away both switchs were pulled and the outer wall began to open as Officer Jenny and her squad poured inside.
"Sir they're inside the compound!" Said an overwatch. "What?! How did they open the outer wall?!" Said the Lieutenant. "That's not the only thing Sir. Secondary Power Generator has become online." Said another grunt. "We had storaways inside." Said the Lieutenant,who then tried to contact J. "Sir do you copy. We have intruders inside the Plant!" Said the Lieutenant. "You don't need to shout Lieutenant. I already knew they were inside." Said J. "We're out of opinions Sir. What are your orders?" Said the Lieutenant. "Have most of the men begin evaluating,while those close to the outer wall setting fires. That'll slow down Jenny and her team. I'll be lying in wait for Ketchum." J said.
After narrowly dodging attacks and pressing their movement,Jenny and her team were at the main doors. "Ready? Breach now?!" The doors opened and immediately Jenny and several officers moved in,leaving some to guard the entrance.
"Alright,we're inside. We'll meet you guys in the central hub that connects to everything." Said Officer Jenny. "Got it." Rene said. "I'm on my way." Drake said while moving out.
As they ran through the corridor,Rene and the others noticed that all the guards had abandoned their posts. "Where is everyone?" Clemont asked. "I don't know,but I don't like it." Ash said. "We figure it out once we get to the central hub." Rene said.
Meanwhile Drake was traveling down not that far from the staircase until someone standing the shadows in front of him. "Hey stop!" Drake said but the figure ran and he started to give chase. The figure ran turns while Drake was hot on his heels until he ran into an unlocked room. Drake went inside and the room was pitch black,he tried to use his Aura Vision until a sudden slam of the door shut,and the last thing he heard was evil laughter and heavy blow to the back of his head.
After ten minutes of running the group finally arrived at the Central hub. "Alright we made it,but where's Officer Jenny and Drake." Serena said. "We're right here. Now we could get busy." Officer Jenny along with the Sargent and a few men. "But Drake still isn't here yet." Ash said. "I'm sure he'll catch up. Now we need to get started." Officer Jenny said. " we need to get Henry,Thomas,and John from the small maintenance room. Clemont said. "Very well,let's get going." Officer Jenny said.
Left unknown. Drake's vision was fuzzy and couldn't see anywhere past the pitch black darkness that surrounded him. Above him was a bright spotlight that aluminate where he was placed. He tried to moved but he couldn't as he focused his vision to see that his arms were bound by chains from above,and was left on his knees. "Hello!" Drake shouted. "Who's there." Drake struggled with the chains as he tried to break them but couldn't as he was left weakened. Suddenly he heard laughter coming from ahead of him.
There he heard footsteps that sounded as they were getting closer and closer,until he notice the red eye glowed in the dark. "Like a Venomoth to a flame. It's comes running."
J said as she stood proud. Drake looked up to see a new outfit compare to J's old one from two years ago. Compost of a tight pitch black combat pants with a leg guard on her lower part of her left leg. She had a tight black long sleeve along with a light black vest on. All this along with metal reglan shoulder pad screwed into her vest,and a metal arm guard on her right arm. The left sleeve and right pants leg was cut so that her cybernetics limbs were visual. Her hair was still shaven so that there's alittle left,while her right temple was mechanized with her right red eye.
"Wow,you've gonna handsome." J saw Drake's entire body. "Please tell me I'm dreaming." Drake angrily glared at her. "You wish...you know who was it that said.."There's nothing to fear but fear itself." J asked. "Even I don't read that much poetry but I have a feeling you're going to tell me." Drake grumbled. "Nope..since I don't know who said it either,but whoever said was way smarter then the both of us." J laughed. "So has insanity finally set in." J didn't enjoy that and punched Drake right in the gut. "*groan* I'll take that as a yes." Drake said.
"Say I wonder if it's still there." J took a knife and tear a part of Drake's clothing where his right shoulder is. On it was a deep skin patch that his body healed but left deep scar tissue present. Drake knew about that since out of all the wounds he's sustained that shoulder wound was the worst one. "Ahh...memories." J touched it,making Drake remember about that. It happened on the day J was defeated.
"Of course you'd say that...you drove a rebar through me and pinned me to the wall like some kind of animal that day." Drake said. J then look on the other side of his shoulder to see similar tissue damage from the rebar. "You still got pass it..the way you just pushed yourself out of that rebar...must've hurt like a bitch." J said. "And you...you're still walking around like the deranged psycho you are." Drake snarled. J then punch Drake in the jaw with her mechanical arm.
"Watch your mouth. You can't even comprehend the torment I had to endure." J threaten while Drake spit out the blow he took. "Ha..you knew one person once,and you tango with the new one so,humor me please." Drake said. "Oh..you mean that little trip you took Sinnoh,and came back three years older?! Please,save your sob story for your mother." J said. "Leave my family out of this!" Drake yelled.
"You still haven't changed much I see...came from a dysfunctional family,no father in the picture,angrily took on the Indigo League and came out on top...of course that was after you got one of your Pokémon partners killed." J said. Drake could only tug against his chains but to no avail. "Then you got for those three years the worst Champion Kanto has ever had...you thought you were making everyone proud,probably shoving it up to dear old dad in spirit..but no." J said. "Some time pass then...you been having a lot of fun since Sinnoh...Team Galactic,Unova,the nefarious Team Plasma,which by the way were nothing more then just stuck up hippies with that whole Pokémon Liberation plan." J mocked.
"And finally...finally putting down the all powerful Team Rocket after six years of blood and sweat,but I also read that it wasn't without sacrifice as someone else died,and on your watch too no less." J said.
"Shut up." Drake said.
"Let me ask you something,from that point. What's the body count up to now?" J said.
"SHUT UP!" Drake blew. "So,pretty high I should say." J said,still towering her captive. "Look at yourself...what do you see when you look at me?" J asked. "A hairless harpy in a cage?" Drake said which caused J to punch him in the jaw again,this time spilling blood from Drake nose. "Your opinion and mine...well I see you as alike."
"Come again?" Drake asked.
"To be honest,nature has been known to play sick jokes,like you and me for example." Said J. "Don't you dare compare yourself to me..we are not the same!" Drake said. "A question of perspective but I see it...let's be honest,we both crave knowledge,power,and we do anything to get it..." J smiled.
"You're crazy." Drake said.
"Am I?...come on Drake think!...you killed people,I killed people..and well,let's face clearly...we both are not normal people." J laughed. "I've never killed anyone." Drake admitted. "Tell that to the body count you've stacked up over the years and I know your the ACE officer for old man Giovanni after you ended Team Rocket...AND I also know on THAT day you were so close to actually sealing the deal...but of course fair is fair..he killed your friend and in turn you kill him...what stopped you?...even by the look in your eye you still want to kill him." J asked. "Guess we never know what we really want." Drake said.
"And that's it...this proves you're like me..unhinged,powerful..and who knows..maybe one day it'll happen again." Said J. "I'll stop you and put you in a cage." Drake said. "Really? Wake up Drake...nature made us into a common thing...Freaks...that's what we are." J declared. "And yet you still want to kill me." Drake hung his head.
"Oh I do...as a wise man once said...this world isn't big enough for the two of us." J grabbed Drake's chin to make sure he was looking right at her. "Then you better do so right now,because if not...I'll hunt you down and I will never stop." Drake said. "Ok...then let's get this party started." J then started to punch Drake repeatedly all over his body. "And I'll stop...just use your safe word." J laughed. "Blow me?" Drake said. J's responded by continuing to punch Drake over and over until he bleed.
Meanwhile Rene,Ash and the others reached the room and knocked on the door. "Who is it?" Said a voice. "Henry its us." Clemont said. Right away the door slid open and the three we're obliged to see the others and with backup too. "Officer Jenny,thank goodness you're here. The situation has gonna way out of hand." Said Henry.
"I understand sir,we are moving to address it." Said Officer Jenny. "Guys we've been monitoring radio comments from here and know what they're doing. They're going to overload the energy ring in the Cortex." Said Thomas.
"I take it that's bad." Said Rene. "Worse,the energy ring is an alternative used of reusable energy. For it to overload would be catastrophic." Said Henry. "How bad are we talking?" Rene asked. "A blast radius of six miles." John concluded. Right away everyone was shocked at such a plan.
"How do we stop it?" Ash asked. "We could try to take apart the wiring on the energy ring inside." Rene said. "That's years of work down the drain!" Said John. "Well it's either that or six mile blast radius." Officer Jenny argued. John then kept his mouth shut for the next minute. "What about our friends? They're still holed up in the Mess Hall" Thomas asked.
"Seems we have to spilt up." Ash suggested. "Right,myself and my team will rescue the scientists in the Mess Hall." Officer Jenny said. "Meanwhile,we head to the Cortex and shut down the primary Energy Ring." Ash said. "I'll tag along." Rene joined. "Wait what about Drake?" Serena asked. Everyone groaned as they forgot all about him. Ash then tuned his earpiece to get Drake on the line. "Drake,Drake do you copy?"
After a ten minute piece of torture,Drake was left bloodied,with a black right eye,blood coming out of his nose,mouth,followed by dried blood spattered on the ground in front of him. No doubt underneath his torn up clothing lied many bruises and more blood as it stained his shirt. J was still punching him when he ear piece on the ground called through. "Drake,are you there?" A voice called as J realized who it belongs to. "Seems little brother is worried. Should I tell him or should you?" J asked. Drake despite being beaten was still angry an aware what was happening. J then decided to answer the call herself.
"Drake,do you copy?" Ash said until there was finally a response and it wasn't who he expected. "Hello Ash,been awhile. Sorry Drake can't answer the call. He's...alittle tied up." Everyone was already worried but now this deepen their feelings more. "J?...where is he?!" Ash asked. "I gotta say you have changed a lot more then the other guy. How's the girl you finally landed..um...Serena? I believe is her name?" That made Serena very fearful and hid behind Ash.
"WHERE ARE YOU J?!" Ash demanded. "I'm close..closer to Drake you know.." J said. "I'm gonna find you?!" Ash threaten. "Ooo..little Ketchum finally grew a pair I see...so you're training to become your big bro...guess what it means nothing! I could beat Drake and I can certainly beat you into submission with ease." J said. "Oh compare to this guy next to me...the difference between you and him is..you're weaker,and more vulnerable...I think you know what I'm talking about." J laughed. Everyone then looked at Ash and the latter knew exactly what she meant.
"Right now..I believe you got a meltdown to stop..right about..now." Right away the alarms ran red,filling the hallway. "Te minus ten minutes to critical overload." Said the intercom. "And I believe you got those poor souls in the Mess Hall...FYI they're gonna go out with a bang." J whispered. "Wow so much to do,not enough time...so Ash what will it be: stopping the tick,tick boom,the trapped geeks in the Mess,or Drake tied up in the ET shop? You chose..oh and you may want to decide quickly." J ended with laughter.
Ash then hung his head against the wall. J's right,his priorities are now split. "Alright here's what we're going to do." Officer Jenny said. "I'll still take the Mess Hall along with the three scientists here." Officer Jenny said. "Right,I'll take the Cortex." Clemont said. "Ash and you?" Serena asked. "I'll resuce Drake." Ash decided. "No Ash,I'll do it,Clemont will need your help." Rene said. Ash still couldn't say anything else but nod. "Alright let's move." Everyone nodded as they took a direction.
"Okay that's done." J said. "You know...you could threaten me...beat me...but you'll regret threaten my family." Drake said. "Duly noted." J then picked up a walkie talkie. "Lieutenant,is all said and done?" J asked. "Most of the men have begun evaluating." He said. "And the geeks in the Mess Hall?" J asked. "All prep,those pigs won't know what hit them..matter of fact,they're close now." He snickered. "Then you have my green light. precede as plan." J smiled evilly then hung up. "What did you do?" Drake said. "You'll see." J smiled.
"Hurry,the Mess is just ahead." Said Henry as he,Officer Jenny and all the others ran towards the door at the end of the hall. Suddenly they noticed smoke slipping through the cracks of the door,but by the time they realized,it was too late. The door suddenly exploded in a fiery backdraft,sending a bust of air that knocked everyone back. Everyone coughed up smoke as the fire blazed around the door and inside the Mess Hall.
"No!" Officer Jenny said,all the scientists that were trapped inside..now gone. "Ma'am we lost one." Said an officer while cough. Officer Jenny then steadily rose up to see they suffered one casualty,the Sargent and her second in command,took hot shrapnel to the chest. "No." Officer Jenny said. "Ma'am we got to go now! The fire is getting closer" Said the officer next to her. "Help me get him out of here." Officer Jenny said as she tried to pick up her dead colleague while the other helped.
A rumbling was felt inside the ET shop. "What was that?" Drake asked. "I believe that was the lives of nineteen geeks..up in smoke." J snickered. That drove Drake over the edge as he angrily tug against the chains aiming his ferocity at J,but nonetheless she was too far out of reach. "You bastard! You'll gonna get it. I swear!" Drake yelled. "You mean stick me in cage? Even I can't be contained...well looks like my work is done." J then preceded to the door. "Goodbye Drake..don't let the bombs hit you on the way out." J said as Drake continued to yell and tugged his chains but atlases he couldn't be free. Drake angrily grunted at himself,he fell into J's grip and has been playing the whole group from the start. And now nineteen lives were lost,and a meltdown is interment...and there's nothing he could do,but pray.
Meanwhile Ash,Clemont,and Serena were running towards a big sliding. Inside the Cortex was large center ring that creates energy. "What is this it?" Ash asked. "Yep...it's a shame..I helped build this,and now I have to take it apart." Said Clemont. Ash saw the sadness and went over. "It's for the greater good Clemont." Ash said. They then went to the basic panel to start working as Pikachu used an Iron Tail to break the cover.
Inside were the internal wiring and a glow red sphere. "Alright,we got to do this delicately." Clemont said with somewhat steady hands. "Clemont just pull the wiring." Ash said. "I'm just gonna try to do this safely." Clemont said. "We don't have time for safely." Serena then shoved him and pulled the wiring herself,causing the energy ring to cease.
"Sir look!" The lieutenant saw that the ring stopped running,thus stopping the meltdown. "Can you bring it back up?" He asked. "No Sir,all controls to the ring has ceases." Said one of the grunts. "Sir down there." Another pointed to Ash and the others by the ring. "It's the younger Ketchum. You! With me! Everyone else get to the choppers!" Said the lieutenant as he and one guard left. "Sir,what's the plan?" He asked. "It's obvious. You deal with those two. I'll deal with Ketchum personally."
"Guys we got to go now!" Serena said. The boys nodded as they try to run to the door until the door opened by itself and inside were two grunts in uniform standing in the way. "Who are you guys?" Serena asked fearfully. "The ones who end you." Said the lieutenant. Right away his parnter released a Magnezone. All three prepared to fend them off until the lieutenant stopped Ash.
"Not you Ketchem you're mine." He charged at him and then tackled him down. "Ash!" Serena shouted. "Serena,I'll need your help." Clemont said when he took out Luxio to battle. Serena was spilt between helping Ash or Clemont,but knows that she'll just be a tool for the thug to use against Ash like J said,so she released Fennekin and chose to help Clemont.
Pinned on the ground with a guys hands around his throat,Ash struggled to breathe. "Ha you're not so tough." The guy said as he continued to choke Ash. Heart racing adrenaline pumping,Ash eyes now shifted to blue,and send some sort of shockwave that propelled the guy off him. "What the?!" He said overlooking the now glowing teenage boy. "I won't go down that easy." Ash said.
"Luxio use Swift." "Fennekin use Flamethrower." Both Pokémon launched their attacks at the floating magnet. "Magnezone use Thunder." Summoning at powerful thunderbolt,Magnezone fired at the combined attacks and cancelled them out. "Now use Flash." Magnezone then aluminized the space around it in a bright light,blinding both Fennekin and Luxio even Serena and Clemont. "Now use Spark on Fennekin." In a blue electric veil,Magnezone then charged in and heavily tackled Fennekin,causing damaged. "Fennekin!" Serena shouted.
Ash still fighting his foe continued to trade blows,difference was with Ash's Aura working overtime somehow healed his bruises as soon as they formed. Ash still remembered what Drake told him about an...Aura Burst they call it since his Gym battle against Korrina,and will put a strain on his body should he keep it maintained overtime. However in this battle Ash will have to wrap it up soon.
"Fennekin!" Serena ran over to her parnter. "Now...end them with Thunder!" Summoning another Thunderbolt,Magnezone then fired another blast of lightning. Luxio saw this and jumped in from of them and took the continuous blast. "Luxio!" Clemont shouted. Taking a long blast of lightning..of course it would hurt even for an electric type. Despite this Luxio remained standing while screaming in pain. Suddenly in a last scream of adrenaline caused Luxio to begin glowing in a bright light. Everyone was marveled by the sensation as Luxio's features were growing by height,fur,legs and even tail. When the light dimmed Luxio had become a Luxray while Serena took out her Pokédex.
"Luxray,the Gleam Eyes Pokémon,it has eyes which could see through anything. It spots and captures prey hiding behind objects."
"Wow Luxio,you've evolved." Clemont ran to hug it. "Clemont,I think he also learned a few tricks." Serena said while handing him her Pokédex. "You're right." Said Clemont. "Good job...now we could steal that overgrown fur ball as well." Clemont and Serena saw they weren't done yet with battling. "Can Fennekin still Battle?" Clemont asked. "Fennekin can you?" Still slightly in pain,Fennekin slowly stood up. "Ok,we're ready Clemont."
"Aghhh come on. Where is this place?!" Rene was still running around the plant to find the ET shop. Rene grew worried,who knows what Drake's condition is currently.
Ash and the lieutenant were still trading blowed but Ash was already feeling alittle more then a tight feeling inside its body,and was feeling worn down. "Ha,you can't keep up kid." He said. Ash only grunted as he knew he maybe right.
"Luxray use Thunderbolt." "Fennekin use Flamethrower." Both Pokémon fired their attacks at Magnezone. "Use Thunder." Magnezone then fired another blast of lightning but this version connected with the other attacks that caused a bigger explosion. "Luxray use your X-ray vision and use Wild Charge!" With its glowing eyes,Luxray could see clear as day through the smoke and charged at the blind Magnezone in a small electric veil and smashed right into it.
Blocking several hammer punches with his arms,Ash finally had enough,and broke his opponents combo strikes and wave his hands quickly and fired an Aura Sphere that sent the guy flying.
"We're not done yet." The grunt said at Serena and Clemont until they heard screaming. The grunt looked up and saw his superior flying through the air and coming towards him red hot. The next thing was the lieutenant landing on his parnter now defeated. Serena and Clemont turned to see Ash still glowing and looking like a strain weighted on his shoulders. "You all may have won,but next time you won't be so lucky." Said the lieutenant. "Magnezone,Flash!" Magnezone then flashed a bright light to blind everyone and when they could look again,the three evildoers were gone. "It's over." Clemont sat down.
"Ash!" Serena ran over to him. By then Ash's Aura died out and he collapsed on his knees,by then Ash spewed blood out of his mouth onto the floor. This strain was worse compared to his Gym Battle with Korrina. "Ash are you okay." Serena said worriedly. "I'll...I'll be find." Ash slowly stood up. "Drake warned you about that Aura Burst. You shouldn't have done that." Serena argued. "I'm sorry I worried you...It was my first fist fight." Ash said. Serena then just embraced him for that. "I'm just glad you're ok." Serena said. Ash embrace her tightly as well. "I'm glad you are too." Ash tried to inch closer to kiss her. "No..your breath smells like blood." Serena inched off. "Sorry." Ash said embarrassed. "Guys we have to get outside. Officer Jenny is expecting us." Said Clemont.
On the roof the lieutenant and his parnter made it just in time before the last of the choppers were leaving. They boarded the one with J,Jason and Keith inside as they were taking off. "And with ten seconds to spare,lieutenant." J said. "We took a chance with Ketchum and his friends." He said. "Seems like he showed you who's boss." Jason laughed looking at the damaged to his two comrades covered in dirt,smoke,and for the lieutenant,a few bruises. "Shut up!" The lieutenant said. "Both of you shut up." J said while putting on a headset. "Are we at cruising altitude?" J asked. "Yes sir." Said the pilot.
"Sir they managed to stop the meltdown." Said the lieutenant. "That's why there's a backup plan. All choppers you have the green light." J said through the headset. "Very well...Bombs away." Right away the hovering choppers then opened their cargo compartments that dropped several small bombs each. As soon as they land per they all exploded all over the complex,creating smoke debris,and the whole area looked like a war zone.
Inside the buildings,Rene felt the rumbling from the explosions,now time was running out as debris fell on top of her. She continued to run into she finally found the door to the ET shop. "Drake! Drake!" She pushed the door opened to see a frightening sight. Aside from the falling debris inside the room,Drake was left near faint and was badly beaten. Blood coming from his head,nose,mouth,and no doubt probably on his body. His clothes were torn and skin was shredded from the chains that held him in place. Hair was all over the place and filled with dirt.
"Drake!" Rene took her staff and fired two Aura Waves that broke his chains and Drake collapsed on the floor. "Drake,Drake!" Rene ran over and cradled him in her lap. Not feeling very faithful about his condition Rene was in tears. "No,come on Drake give me a sign here." Whatever strength he had left,Drake lightly opened his eyes. "*groan* are you an angel sent to get me?" He asked. Rene chuckled about that and debris continued to fall. "Alright,come on buddy." Rene then tried to carry him and run out of there. Since Drake was a big guy,she'd struggled but didn't waver to that. Drake's life is on the line and she couldn't complain now.
"Where are they." Officer Jenny said as she and her team waited at the command post as they saw the bombing take place. "Ma'am look." Officer Jenny saw at the main entrance was Ash,Clemont,and Serena coughing from smoke as they ran outside and towards the outer wall. "Go help them!" Officer Jenny sent two men to help the three get to three to safety. "Are you guys alright?" Officer Jenny asked. "We're fine,but has Drake and Rene come yet?" Ash asked. "Not yet and J and her choppers have dropped bombs all over the compound." Said Officer Jenny. "And the scientists,where are them." Clemont asked. No uniform said anything giving the three the worst thought they could imagine. "J set us up...we didn't stand a chance." Officer Jenny said.
"Ma'am look!" Officer Jenny looked back at the entrance and running through the smoke was Rene and looked like she was carrying someone. "Go help her!" Officer Jenny said as a few men went over. One of them came back earlier before everyone. "Ma'am it's bad." He told her. "What do you mean?" Ash asked. By then Rene and the rest of the men came over to see her carrying a bloodied Drake in her arms. "Drake!" Ash ran over suddenly. Rene then laid him on a cot as Officer Jenny quickly checked his pulse. "He's barely consciousness. Get the medic! We need a medic here now!" Officer Jenny shouted as everyone was then rushed to save Drake. "Drake." Said Rene next to him. "Drake,hang in in there man!" Ash said in tears with Serena,Bonnie,and Clemont crying. "Drake..Drake are you there. Stay with us. Stay with us." Said Officer Jenny. The voices echoed in his ears as Drake stood between consciousness as he then saw a bright light and in the center was a person. Not a stranger but a familiar person.
"Drake...Drake...be strong...hold on...they need you." It said."
The voice was something Drake could never forgot.
" ...Sara."
"Sara." Drake moaned out. Everyone heard what he said but was too focused on saving his life.
"Drake...I'll always be with you."
Slightly waking up Drake quickly sat up but groan over the pain he has. He stood up to see he was at the command post inside a tent. He saw a mirror and grabbed it to see his crown bandaged up,some bandages on his face,and from noticeable skin discoloration from blood clots on there as well. He then realized that his only in his briefs (at least his body is fit.) and noticed that his body is too wrapped in bandages,and bruises covered his torso. He thought..more for his body and wished he could laugh but knew that would hurt him.
Finding a white t-shirt and grey pants,he put them on and stepped out. He then walked to the Command tent to see everyone hurled at the table. They turned to see Drake up and walking. "Drake." Ash said as he walked over and gave a brotherly hug. Feeling pain Drake stepped back. "Aghh..ok no one hugs me ok." Drake said. "Are you alright?" Rene asked. "Abit shaken up..but I'll get over it." Drake said while holding his gut in pain.
"What happened?" Drake walked over. "Drake...you're lucky you're not crippled. Let alone dead." Officer Jenny said. "What was the prognosis?" Drake asked. "Aside from a busted face,bruised ribs which were very close to being broken,blood clots,grade two concussion,heck even deprivation of water and food. So here you go." Rene explained then handed a plate of food to Drake. As Drake ate he asked questions.
"Officer Jenny...did those scientists?" Drake asked "yes I'm afraid...including one of my men from the blast from the explosion." Officer Jenny sadly said. "So that makes twenty lives..lost...and J still got away?" Drake asked. "Don't forget the extensive damage to the entire complex by the bombs they dropped." Said Henry. "So...the only thing we did was stop the meltdown." Drake asked. Everyone nodded as they hung their heads.
This was a major defeat for them..personal losses,colateral damage,and their target got away with exclusive information. Drake then got up and went outside,too damaged or angry to talk to anyone. Everyone was quiet not to do anything. "I'll go." Rene broke the silence and went outside.
She saw Drake not that far from the tent,looking at the smoke and fires being put out by the fire department. She accompanied him by his side looking at the Plant. "You know...I didn't even noticed it was early dawn." Drake said as he saw a bit of light coming from the East. "Yea,you been unconscious for twelve hours." Rene said. Both couldn't even talk nor think of anything. "I'm sorry Drake." Rene apologized.
"For?"
"For not listening to you." Rene said. "I warned you,but what does it matter. Even I didn't listen to myself." Drake said. "Did she tell you anything?" Rene asked. "Aside from the beating..nothing we could use...only thing she told was how much we have in common." Drake said. "She's insane..you're nothing like her.." Rene said. "Am I...she knew everything...what I did for the past two years...my accomplishments..my failures...my ambitions...Rene..she even knew about Mara." Drake said. "Okay that is low." Rene raised her voice. "She didn't know her name...just that I stacked quite a body count over the years." Drake said. "Drake..those losses are not on you." Rene argued. "Are they...let me ask you something...am I a Freak?" Drake asked.
"What?" Rene asked. "Like her...am I a Freak?" Drake asked with a sad look. "No..no you're not ok?" Rene said. "Why are you telling me this?" Rene asked. "She said...my ambitions...my history is similar to hers. She rose from the dead so did I...she rose to power from lost..so did I,and...this whole thing has escalated to Aura and Cybernetics." Drake said with tears in his eyes. Rene could say nothing but embrace him while he cried on her shoulder. Rene couldn't even think of anything that could break Drake...but his past of course she knew it was bad...but this..this was Hell. "Drake." He reacted to look at her.
"There's a difference between you and her...you could've become a hunter,a mastermind,or a bane of goodness. But you didn't..instead you chose to help people,to lead them...she can't nor will ever do that...not in the name of goodness." Said Rene. "If that's the case...there's only one thing left." Drake said while heading back inside the tent.
Inside he approached Henry. "Henry,the information that was inside the Plant and on the flash drive at the oasis,what was on it?" Drake asked. "That's the thing,nothing that she could use...it was just advanced research based around Electromagnetic waves. The idea was it to boast the energy output of the of the Energy Ring for increase power,but the idea was still in the prototype stage and we hid the data for safekeeping." Henry explained.
"But why would J want to use electromagnetic waves for?" Officer Jenny said. Drake thought about as he had a light bulb of a similar idea he and Ash encountered several years ago. "I think I got it." Said Drake.
"Explain."
"Ok...it's a long shot,but I don't think she wants power. I think she wants to create an electromagnetic wave." Drake said. "To what end?" Ash asked. "Little brother think..we encounter something like this before." Drake said. Ash then thought of the times they seen science used like that and remembered a situation hat involved Team Plasma one time. "You're not suggesting?" Ash dared.
"I think she's trying to take control of Pokémon's minds." Drake said. Everyone gasped at such a devious plan. "Is that possible?" Henry asked. "Yep,we seen it happen with a few criminal organizations who tried it and it worked." Drake said. "That insane!" Rene said. "Believe me,that's why she may need those plans." Ash said. "But with just those plans and the equipment to make something would only be powerful enough to cover a certain area." Said John.
"Not if she has some sort of amplifier to boast the strength of the wave." Drake said. "Oh no." Thomas said. Everyone then zoned in on Thomas. "The Amplifier Projector,it does that exactly and we kept one in Storage for years." Said Thomas. "Which no doubt they stole as well." Said Officer Jenny. "This is bad...with the Amplifier Projector,they could create a wave large enough to cover an entire State,maybe even the whole region." Said Henry. "They also need a radio antenna and a highly operable area to launch it from." Said Drake.
"Lumiose City." Everyone then turned to Clemont. "Prism Tower also serves as a radio antenna for most broadcasting stations." Clemont explained. "With this...J has the power to control Pokémon's wills and bend them to hers." Drake said. "She'll create an army,or...maybe even selling them to clientele." Ash said. "Either way...she'll be back in business." Drake concluded.
After rounding up everyone and the equipment,Officer Jenny and her team were going to role out. "Okay we'll be going now." She told the group. "Sorry for your loss Officer Jenny." Drake apologized "I'm even more sorry for the scientists we couldn't save in there...some them even had families." She said. "Be ready for anything Officer Jenny...J will take the time to prep her plan,and then she come like Thunder and hit hard like a bullet." Drake said.
"We'll be ready...we'll see you all when you get there." Jenny said until Clemont stopped her. "Clemont what is it?" Ash asked. "Guys...i need to leave as well." He said leaving everyone surprised. "Why Clemont?" Ash asked. "With the Plant no longer generating Power,Lumiose City most likely has lost over ninety percent of its power...I need to get back to Prism Tower and starting working on getting the secondary generators operational." Said Clemont.
"Ok Clemont,its for the best." Said Drake. "Serena...will you take care of Bonnie?" Clemont asked. "She'll be safe Clemont..I promise." Said Serena. "And Bonnie,you be good." Clemont said to a crying Bonnie,she was never one for goodbyes. Even though it's for a little while.
While the cruiser,trucks and police cars gone along with Clemont,it was just Ash,Drake,Bonnie,Serena,and Rene. "Will you be going too?" Drake said. "Yes...I'm going to get some training done." Rene said. "Alright,but stay close to Lumiose City...this fight is far from over." Drake said. "I know..will you be alright?" Rene asked about his condition. "With probably a day and a half...I'll be good as new...it's a good thing we heal faster then normal." Drake said. "Yea right." Rene said until summoning Arrow for takeoff.
After Rene left,it was just the group. "Well,let's get going." Drake said. "There's small village up ahead with a Pokémon Center there." Serena said on her tablet. "Good,we'll stay there until..I could at least walk with no trouble." Drake said as they started walking. "Do you really think J's crazy enough to try to do all that." Ash asked. "Heh..if she's crazy to call me and her equals while trying to take both our heads...then yes." Drake said as he looked at the rising sun and the color of it was blood red. The omen of a bad start,now that J is out there...may Arceus help them all.
"Sir,we're approaching the Ship now." Said the pilot. "Good,now comes the calm before the storm." J said. "And what sir?" Asked the lieutenant. "With the world burning around them,the Ketchums will be begging me to end them." J laughed as they approached a giant highly advanced ship.
Done! WHOOO OKAY. Now this one was long and based off my word count..this was the longest chapter...ever...period. So I apologize if this took longer than expected but with planning and blocked thoughts,I really wanted this chapter to make a big hole in your minds...just to be amazed and all.
Now this was a sudden realization for all as you now see...even good...super..or anything sort of goodness needs to fall every now and then...hence this major defeat for our heros...like I said this still going to get worse before it gets better...trust me.
Now comes the calm before the storm,and which means a buildup...trust me you're gonna be surprised...and if you guys still haven't seen it...since the beginning of this story...the VERY FIRST thing I want you guys to know about me is
"I am unpredictable!"
And that won't change...
So hit that like button,comment your thoughts and thanks for reading. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.
