Seeing someone die for the first time is a strange experience. It's even weirder if it's someone you know. One minute, the can be perfectly fine, not a care in the world. The next, you slowly watch the life slip away from their eyes as the body goes limp and they cease to exist in this plane. I have no idea where a dead person's soul goes or if they even go anywhere. What I want to believe for my mother, however, is that she's watching right now and isn't disappointed in me.
I have no idea exactly how long I stayed there clutching my mother's burned corpse, but it wasn't long enough. Eventually, I ran out of tears and simply dry heaved. Meanwhile, the fire continued to burn all around me , making me sweat, but I didn't care as the fire spread to the forest. When I had finally had enough, I walked out of my burning childhood home and didn't look back, holding on to my last image of the place when I had left earlier that morning.
I took my time getting back to the lab at first, not caring and walking in a daze. Shock, I suppose. However, smoke came at me from both directions and near choked me, causing me to speed up. At one point I even took off my shirt I felt so hot; my thin frame letting beads of sweat drip down my chest to my stomach, still ripe with baby fat.
I put my shirt back on when I neared town. The flames had died down by then and all that was left of the buildings was ash. As I walked into the lab, a cool air whooshed over me and I sighed in the artificially fresh air. Jane was looking at a readout while standing by the table I had first found her at. When she heard the door open, she looked up with those eyes made of ice.
I smiled slightly, then looked down as I thought of how to explain what had happened while I was gone without bursting into tears. Twinleaf looked at me, her icy eyes in a strange look of compassion. She shook her head, which told me not to say a word, as if she already knew. Maybe it was the look in my eyes, or my posture, or maybe just the smell of smoke and flesh on my clothes. Either way, I'm grateful to her for that.
After taking a deep breath, I strode to her and looked at the document as I stood next to her. "What's that?" I asked. She glanced at me, but kept an eye on the readout. "It's a message from my counterpart in Unova. Apparently, the same thing is going on there too." She waved to a small stack of papers on the desk. "All of the regions, in fact, have sent a confirmation of the incident." Twinneedle looked strangely passive at the revelation of that, but she had had time to ponder the implications of it.
I widened my eyes as I looked at her. "You mean...this is happening everywhere?" She simply nodded as she set the readout down and walked to a TV in a corner of the room. I tilted my head, curiously. "Why are we about to watch TV?" She gave me a firm stare as she turned a dial. "Because, I want to know how bad it is everywhere else. Now hush." I did so as a familiar blond cried her eyes out on the screen.
"...it was terrible. The Charizard just carried Jim, my cameraman, off. I tried to save him, run after him but..." More crocodile tears fell from her face. "It was too late. Then the rest of them came. Every kind of Pokémon from the region you can think of. They attacked people, including Nurse Joy. Even the children. I barely escaped with my life!" She looked frantic at that last statement, and her hands were wringing. A redheaded reporter holding a mic to her face asked a question, calmly. "And do you believe that there was a reason that you, and only you, escaped Sandgem Town?" The blond suddenly looked dried up now, her eyes not even red and her makeup peculiarly not smeared. She looked at the camera, a pleading in her eyes. "Yes, I do. I believe I was sent to warn people of what was coming, the preserve our race before it's destroyed. We need to band together before it's too late. And I think that I should-" At that moment, the camera went to static and an explosion could be heard from Jubilife City.
I looked at the television in awe as the former professor spoke what my thoughts. "That lying little-" She glared at the static ridden TV and turned it off. She looked extremely angry. "She didn't even try to save anyone! She ran off without even waiting to see what happened. How would she know what it means to actually see someone die in front of her own eyes!?" She banged her fists on the table angrily as I quietly watched. After a moment of seething, she closed her eyes, took a breath, and opened them again, looking at me.
"Forgive me, Jacob. We need to be strong at times like these." She looked in the direction of Jubilife City and spoke again to me. "No matter what, I am still a scientist. Therefore, I want to find out exactly what is going on. I intend to do so or die trying." The graveness of that didn't seem to register in her voice as she turned back to me. "And I want you to help me."
I looked at her strangely. "Me? You want me...to help you...figure out...this situation?" I spoke slowly, registering my own words as I did. I didn't understand at all; how could one of the former leaders of Pokémon research need my help, and how could I help in the first place?
She held up her hand, as if anticipating my questions. "Let me explain." She walked to one of the computers and typed on a few keys before images began popping up. Jane beckoned me to come and look.
The first image was of an ancient Pokemon fossil. "Since the beginning of time, Pokémon have existed. Among the first were Arceus, Mew, Dialga, Palkia, Celebi. Then even more, like the fossil Pokemon, Omanyte, Aerodactyl, Kabuto. Then even more, from regular Pokémon like Magby or Nuzleaf to Mythical or Legendary Pokémon seen maybe once in a lifetime, if that, like Jirachi, or the Legendary Birds or even the Lake Guardians."
She clicked a key and a black and white photo of a weird looking Pokeball emerged. "Of course, when humans came into being, they naturally wanted to study them. The first prototypes of Pokeballs were...less than effective. However, as it seems humankind always does, they didn't take no for an answer."
The next photo was of a Machamp helping carry steel bars to an unfinished building. "At first, we simply wanted to study them. But, over time, we began to realize that we could use them, to make our lives easier. Again, it seems humankind tried to find the easiest way out. That's probably where the philosophy most terrorist organizations had came from, too, unfortunately."
Now a photo of a very young Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket appeared. "These organizations all had different agendas, of course. Some actually thought they were doing good. Most, however, wanted the decidedly biggest prize there is: World domination."
An image of Celestic Town appeared on the screen. "Of course, Pokémon never give up without a fight. In time, people learned to build relationships with them instead of using them as tools. However, not everyone has agreed with the philosophy of Pokémon throughout the years. Even these days, some are entirely against the use of them."
The proceeding photo was of a basic Pokémon battle. "Then, as it seems we always do, humans became bored with simply connecting with Pokemon, so needed another way to stimulate ourselves. Being a natural aggressive race, battling was the natural answer. Now we fight them for sport and reward the for doing well, while also rewarding ourselves."
The photo after was of a fainted Pidgey, its trainer, a young boy, in tears. "However, just as Pokemon do, we eventually evolved into a race that didn't just battle for sport, at least not completely. Some say it the journey; others say to travel. Boys may want to seem cool, girls may want to prove themselves. The young want to live their dreams and the old want to make their last years worth it."
The final photo was of the Pokemon League, shining in its brilliance. "We all have to end our journey, however, no matter what the purpose. Whether that journey is life or simply our Pokémon journey. But, even when the journey ends, there is still a yearning to know what comes next."
Jane looked at me with steely blue eyes. My motivation has always been to help Pokémon and then,later on, to study them. However, as I've done more and more research, there seems to be a constant in all behaviors of Pokémon." She looked away from me and seemingly stared at something beyond the walls of her lab. "Pokémon are by no means stupid. They know when a human or even another Pokémon intends to harm them. Slowly, it seems like humankind has become more and more corrupt and pokemon have noticed. So, my theory is that they are stopping the whole of our kind before we get the chance to destroy them. Its survival of the fittest, a theory even the the most evolved and the most rudimentary species can comprehend."
Twinneedle looked at me, who had been trying to wrap my mind around what her point could be, and spoke. "However, Jacob, I have a plan, inspired by you, believe it or not." I looked at her incredulously as she continued. "You could have just left me behind, this town behind. You could have not tried to warn your family of the incoming danger. You didn't even have to bring up your worries about your friend."
The former professor's eyes softened as she continued. "But most of all, Spider, you have continued to listen to me talk, not even interrupting or interjecting once. You just listen and take everything I say, considering before you speak."
She walked closer to me, and put a hand on my shoulder. "You see, Jacob, you represent the good and innocent, the selfless in the world. And I believe that if I can simply gather all of the others left in the region like you, we may be able to stop this."
She pulled her hand away and walked around me, like a mad scientist around her creation. In a way, I was. "Its a fairly simple plan. I send you out into the world, to gather all the good souls left. You seem to have an eye for seeing the light in people and knowing the darkness in their hearts. But don't be fooled, many will try to deceive you, and take advantage of you. But, I believe, with my help, we can bring the good ones together, and, if necessary, rid the evils."
She glanced away from me and bit her lip as she spoke now. "I don't mean to lay my ideas on you. I may sound like I know what I'm talking about, but many others have different beliefs than I and will try to convince you that they are right. And they may well be, but others, including me, sadly, are too prideful to hear of it."
She made eye contact with me now as she sighed. "I will not lie to you Jacob. I want to use you, rather than go out myself. I understand if you think less of me for it, but I can only hope that I'm the worst you will encounter if you go."
She took a deep breath as she seemed to almost be finished. "Jacob, you may not understand everything I have told you, but I know you're not certainly not unintelligent. So, I leave the decision in your hands. Do you wish to help me in my quest to find the bright souls in the world or will you leave my mad ramblings and simply try to survive? I will not think less of you no matter your decision, but I want you to know: this is an offer you can refuse."
Jane Twinneedle was quiet at that point and sat at her computer now, leaving me time to think. At the time, I didn't fully understand her plan; even now I still don't, but I still considered it as best I could.
When I look back at that moment, it seems as if the decision only took five minutes. Should I have thought about it longer? I don't know. I feel as if one way or another, either decision would have been wrong. It was as if I were choosing the lesser of two evils. I have often wondered, on the one hand, how a respected scientist could possibly believe in souls and the goodness of people's hearts saving the world. However, as I mentioned earlier, the end of the world can make people ponder even the most insane of theories. However, I made my choice, despite what I think now, in that moment about whether I believed her or not and it doesn't matter if I regret the decision. It only matters that I made it and what I did with it.
I don't quite remember what inspired me to lean one way or the other. Maybe it was her eyes, or her story or her words. Perhaps her reputation or the beliefs she held. Or, the most likely reason, is that I realized that no matter what I did,she had absolutely nothing to lose. And, being the kind soul I was, I couldn't leave her to be stagnant. I had to help her go the only direction she could: up.
"I accept." I simply said. Jane spun around in her seat at me, as if surprised. However, she smiled, an erratic joy in her eyes. "Thank you, Jacob. Together, I'm sure we can bring the region together and stop the Pokémon from attacking." She quickly got up and spoke rapidly, obviously excited, as she began gathering items.
"Our first target is Jubilife City,for several reasons. First, it is the closest, so we won't be wasting time, since we will need to go there anyway. Secondly, it's where the latest attack was, so maybe we can get some more insights into how they work and find survivors. And, most of all, it seems that everyone that we've encountered has fled that direction; your friend Jerry, Nurse Joy, and even that reporter."
She laid several items on the table in front of her and beckoned me forward. "Now, as I said, I'm not going to leave my lab. I need to communicate with my counterparts in different regions, her their ideas, and do more research into anything the can help us. However, I still want to be able to contact you." She held up a very expensive and modern looking watch and gestured to my wrist. "This is the newest Pokewatch. I see you have one already, but I feel this one may have more features." She removed the one already on my wrist and replaced it as she continued. It contains a clock, obviously, but it can also monitor your health, tell you of any pokemon near the area, and even has a map and a built in Pokedex. Just hold it up to a Pokemon to scan it, if you decide to get that close." She tapped the watch twice and it displayed a white screen. "It can also communicate with any other watches in the area, or in the contacts. Double tap it to see all the watches you have on file " Jane quickly demonstrated by adding her own and calling me on it, making a pinging sound. I tapped and the sound of her voice was amplified out of it. I then closed the call and looked up at her as she smiled.
Next, she gestured at about five Pokeballs. I raised an eyebrow, looking skeptical. She sighed. "Look, I have no idea if these will actually work, considering our situation. However, I can only hope that it will at least stun them or distract them, if nothing elsem and if you do catch one, bring it back soon as you can or put it in a PC, so I can access and study it."
Next she displayed different drinks: bottles of water, lemonade, even potions. She also had an array of berries. "These usually work on Pokemon, but research has shown that they can be beneficial to humans as well. Besides, we all get hungry and thirsty, especially when you're travelling."
Finally, she pulled out a red, black, and white back. "And this, dear Jacob, is to put all of it in. It's yours, no matter if we fall out. Think if it as a gift; a fly offered to the spider in exchange for not eating the grasshopper." I tried not to bristle at that analogy as I filled the bag with my newly acquired items. I put it on my back and blinked with my emerald eyes, marveling at how light it was. Jane Twinneedle crossed her arms and smiled at me, waving hair out of her icy eyes. "You actually look like you could have been a formidable trainer, Jacob." She gave me a smile that seemed genuine and her eyes seemed to be clear of any cloudiness in them. Then, she did something unexpected. She reached over the table, and ruffled my hair. I tried not to think not to think of my mom, but I had to admit that the sensation of it again felt good.
She stopped after a few moments and pulled away, even as she continued smiling. "I have faith in you, Jacob. Now, time to go save the world, my little Spider." I nodded as I turned away and began to walk to the entrance.
Throughout my trip there, I had barely talked and asked anything. However, now I had to ask a single question. I turned to her as I reached the exit, and she looked at me curiously. "Ms. Twinneedle...what if our plan fails?"
Jane Twinneedle, the former leader of Pokémon in the region, who believed in the goodness of people, thought for a long time on that question. The fact that she could not give a response was enough of an answer for me. That was the first time in my life that I knew the good guys didn't always win. However, I wanted to try everything in my power to change that, so I walked out of the laboratory, leaving the mad scientist behind, silently considering the question given to her by a child that she could not answer.
Hey! It's Drew, the author. I know this chapter took a while, but I had more work than expected this week. Besides, I get mor inspiration during the weekends anyway, when I'm not focused on other things. I hope the size of the chapter is good and constantly working on making sure I can give as much as I can for every chapter.
I hope that you like the direction this story is going, as my mind is changing constantly as new ideas pop in my head. However, again, I always love hearing your opinions and criticisms and anything else you can think of, which is why I hope you, follow, favorite, read, review, and make an aspiring fanfic writers day. ;)
Oh, and also, I hate to sound annoying here, but my poll is still up on my profile. Again, it does affect my story, drastically, and I'll need time to make necessary changes depending on the final decision. To date... not very many people have voted, and I'm sorry that I have to ask but please, take a moment and vote after reading. It'll give you a voice and a choice into where this story goes and I really want to include my audience in this decision as much as possible. I know that it may seem small, one vote or one question, but it would mean the world to me.
Anywho, I hope that my writing and the dimensions I'm trying to give my characters goes well. If everything I say about the universe isn't exact, keep in mind that this isnt the same universe we know, as I've tried to establish simply by the existence of a different Pokémon professor and the unknown behaviors of Pokémon. However, I do try to keep lore as accurate as possible.
Okay, I realize that this note is too long, but its been almost a week and want to give you the information and opinions and whatnot that you deserve. Overall, my point is: Vote, follow, review, and give me any advice you so desire. I'd also like to hear your ideas on where this story is actually going. I love hearing ideas that I wish I had thought of first. :p
If you read all of this, thank you, and know that you are an amazing person, no matter what anyone else thinks. Goodbye, and good luck! Oh, and I changed my profile pic. Hope it looks good! *waves, fades*
