Nother chapter, folks. I apologize if it's kind of short, and there really
isn't any action.there will be some more action soon in coming
chapters.enjoy, and as always, I do not own Pokemon.
*****
Tall One breathed in the new dawn air heavily from her position on the branch of the lone tree that marked the position of the Pikachu's temporary new home. With a sigh, she leaned back, eyes hooded as she scanned the horizion.
No humans here.
Jasauq had led the family to this secluded area, which although was not too far from Viridian Forest, was much less habitated. Instead of countless trees crowding each other, this country was distinguished by its lack of trees. Instead, the ground was covered in tall grass, so tall that even two Pikachu heights would not span a single blade.
Nearby, Jasauq had found a quiet pond. Water source. Tall One half- smiled as she watched a group of young ones, led by Tumble, dash into the water as each tried to splash water higher than the other. At least they were safe.
Safe.
All but one.
Tall One's mind still wandered to Strange One. Where was he? Was he still travelling? Would she ever see him again?
She knew it wasn't his fault for being different, or for wanting to rescue Tumble from being Taken. But, she thought, pounding a paw against the branch in anger as she thought so, it just wasn't fair for her to throw him out like that. This was her fault.
No it wasn't.
Tall One turned slowly, and found herself looking into a pair of brilliant blue eyes. Bowing her head, Tall One intoned the greeting. Greetings, Legendary Mew.
The feline creature sat beside her, watching the young ones down on the pond. Without looking at Tall One, she spoke. He would have left anyways, you know.
Tall One blinked. Why? Why would he leave his family?
Protection. Strange One realized where he had come from, and as he recalled this past year, it finally came to him that maybe, just maybe, those same people who had held him captive might be trying to locate him.
But why return to the laboratory?
Mew turned her head, and looked Tall One in the eyes. When Strange One was in the laboratory, I released him from his cage. You know this, yes?
Tall One nodded, remembering Strange One recalling that night.
I must admit, there was a reason I released him, and only him, Mew said. If I had released the entire laboratory, there would have been a massive panic. Not just our world, either. The human world as well. The only way they will all be set free is if that evil place is turned to dust and rubble. However, the rules of this world disallow me to intervene on such a level. Therefore, I chose him.
You knew he would return?
Mew nodded.
But why?
Mew stared ahead once more. Strange One is a very special creature, you probably realize that more than anyone. He has power, not just in his strength, but in his heart. He is very brave, a little bit impulsive, but still quite intelligent and resourceful. He is compitent.
Tall One nodded again.
Do not worry about Strange One, my friend. If anybody can save the world from that place's evil, it his he. Do not worry. We are watching him.
With a blink, Mew suddenly disappeared.
Tall One sat alone with her thoughts, still slightly overwhelmed by who she had just seen. But something lingered in her mind. Mew had said, 'we are watching him.'
We?
*****
Watson allowed himself a rare smile.
BLIP.
Ah, he thought to himself dreamily. That wonderful sound.
BLIP. BLIP.
The scanner finally showed him what he had been searching for what seemed forever. The beacon. He had found his test subject, in probably the last place he would ever expect to find it.
On Cinnabar Isle!
The blips had started even before the helicopter had landed, making Watson all the more impatient to get off that noisy piece of equipment. Even as he stepped off the copter, he gave orders left and right to various trackers.
"Block off all outgoing sea vessels and aircraft. I don't want a single thing leaving this island, do you hear me?!"
"Hey you there! Collect a dozen others. We have a little test subject that needs neutralizing-huh?"
His phone was ringing. With an internal cringe, Watson picked it up with a scarred hand. Some hunch told him he knew who was calling.
He was right, too.
"WATSON!"
"Y-yes sir?"
The voice began, more calm this time, but still controlled by much rage. "What in the name of anything is taking so long? I have the media breathing down my neck about this...this anomaly. Quarrantining the island even!"
"Well sir, I thought that keeping the island isolated so that the subject does not es-"
"IDIOT! As if you thought the media wouldn't catch a scent. I have thousands of reporters right now beliving there is some sort biological hazard there, a plague. Thanks to your 'quarrantine,' we're close to having a crisis here. Much more of this, and we'll be shut down for good!"
"Well sir, I apolog-"
"Don't apologize, fool! Fix it! Now!"
There was a loud bang, as if the person on the other line had suddenly and forcefully thown his phone against a wall. There was a hiss, quickly cut off by the sound of a dial tone. Watson stared at the phone nestled in his scarred palm. Then he jerked upright like a puppet on a string.
"The boss says this is urgent, otherwise it's our heads."
One of the trackers sniggered. "You mean yours."
Five minutes later, they were scouring the island in groups.
*****
Promise peered out, squinting at the orange blaze of another day's sunset. Wrinking his sable black nose, he sniffed the wind. With a grunt, he withdrew his head, turning to where Strange One huddled deeper in the cave.
Humans. We might not be safe here for much longer.
Abruptly, Strange One began glowing again. With a scowl, he forced the Ice power to stop manifesting. It wasn't a pleasant sensation, and made him feel overly antsy and sarcastic.
Great. I'm bound to be discovered. And I need to get to that laborotory.
Promise furrowed a brow. Why do you want to do a thing like that?
Two reasons. With eyes closed, Strange One slowly arched his back, reliving it of all its tension. First, I'm going to free the place of all the others the humans have tortured. Second, I'm going to destroy that building.
The Umbreon sighed. Quite a large task for one little Pikablu, don't you agree?
I have to do it. For my family's sake. For everyone's sake.
Well then little friend, if you belive so greatly in your task, then I can't help but try to aid you in any way possible. The Umbreon sat up, almost posing as his scarlet eyes twinkled slightly.
Thank you. Strange One breathed out. As of yet, he had no idea just how many were kept prisoner in that laboratory. Not to mention even the thought of going back to that...that place...caused the fur on his neck to rise. But it wasn't a time for cowardice. He was needed.
Inching slightly out, Strange One allowed nothing more than his head to peer around at the entrance. Wrinkling his nose, he recognized the familliar scent. Yes, these were the same humans that had threatened his family.
Hide!
Instinct brought his head swiftly back into the cave entrance. Luckily for him, it was just in time. A moment later a large steel-toed boot blocked the sunlight streaming through the entrance. The stink of threat almost became unbearable.
Promise just shook his head. I fear your quest may be all in vain, my friend.
Strange One's jaw stuck out. I'm not giving up. If only I could still teleport-
You could what?
The Pikablu nearly facefaulted. Of course, he had never told Promise about his Mimic ability. What if-
It was just at that exact moment that inspiration smacked him upside the head.
Figuratively, of course.
Hey Promise, is it true that Umbreons can phaze in and out of shadows?
When night had fallen, Strange One tested his hypothesis.
The dim glow of Promise's rings told him that night had truly fallen. You see, he explained quickly to Strange One, It works better at night, more shadows, you see...
Strange One nodded a little. Do you think there will be enough shadows tonight, Promise? He shuffled from side to side slightly in his antsyness.
Hopefully. You ready?
The Pikablu nodded. Do it.
Abruptly, Promise's image faded into nothingness. The only thing that truly gave away the Umbreon was the faint glow of the rings. But even the most sharp-eyed of observers would probably miss these.
Oh well, thought Strange One. My turn.
He closed his eyes and concentrated. Mimic...Mimic...
His eyes flew open abruptly. While the Teleport mimic had caused a strange abrupt feeling in the back of his head, this Dark mimic caused his stomach to twinge. Apparently, adapting to Dark power was a bit of a leap ahead of adapting to Psychic. He blinked several times.
While the world had appeared quite dim a few moments ago, it now appeared quite clear. In fact, all shadows now contrasted brightly. No problems identifying shadows, then. He could see in the dark now.
In fact, blinking around him now, he noticed other changes. Goldish colored rings, just like the Umbreon's, had appeared on his shoulders, hips, and tail. Something told him that there were rings on his ears and forehead as well.
Youch, he said. I guess it worked.
A bodiless chuckle from nearby told him Promise agreed.
Abruptly, Strange One fazed out, just as Promise had done.
Welcome to the land of the night, Strange One! Promise appeared at his side, slightly transparent, but much more visible than before. A bit different than what you're used to, eh?
I'll adjust, Strange One grinned. But in the meantime, I think it would be good to make our exit and get to the laboratory.
I agree, said Promise.
And the two left the cave entrance, striding boldly to the shadows towards where the eerie building loomed in the distance.
*****
Tall One breathed in the new dawn air heavily from her position on the branch of the lone tree that marked the position of the Pikachu's temporary new home. With a sigh, she leaned back, eyes hooded as she scanned the horizion.
No humans here.
Jasauq had led the family to this secluded area, which although was not too far from Viridian Forest, was much less habitated. Instead of countless trees crowding each other, this country was distinguished by its lack of trees. Instead, the ground was covered in tall grass, so tall that even two Pikachu heights would not span a single blade.
Nearby, Jasauq had found a quiet pond. Water source. Tall One half- smiled as she watched a group of young ones, led by Tumble, dash into the water as each tried to splash water higher than the other. At least they were safe.
Safe.
All but one.
Tall One's mind still wandered to Strange One. Where was he? Was he still travelling? Would she ever see him again?
She knew it wasn't his fault for being different, or for wanting to rescue Tumble from being Taken. But, she thought, pounding a paw against the branch in anger as she thought so, it just wasn't fair for her to throw him out like that. This was her fault.
No it wasn't.
Tall One turned slowly, and found herself looking into a pair of brilliant blue eyes. Bowing her head, Tall One intoned the greeting. Greetings, Legendary Mew.
The feline creature sat beside her, watching the young ones down on the pond. Without looking at Tall One, she spoke. He would have left anyways, you know.
Tall One blinked. Why? Why would he leave his family?
Protection. Strange One realized where he had come from, and as he recalled this past year, it finally came to him that maybe, just maybe, those same people who had held him captive might be trying to locate him.
But why return to the laboratory?
Mew turned her head, and looked Tall One in the eyes. When Strange One was in the laboratory, I released him from his cage. You know this, yes?
Tall One nodded, remembering Strange One recalling that night.
I must admit, there was a reason I released him, and only him, Mew said. If I had released the entire laboratory, there would have been a massive panic. Not just our world, either. The human world as well. The only way they will all be set free is if that evil place is turned to dust and rubble. However, the rules of this world disallow me to intervene on such a level. Therefore, I chose him.
You knew he would return?
Mew nodded.
But why?
Mew stared ahead once more. Strange One is a very special creature, you probably realize that more than anyone. He has power, not just in his strength, but in his heart. He is very brave, a little bit impulsive, but still quite intelligent and resourceful. He is compitent.
Tall One nodded again.
Do not worry about Strange One, my friend. If anybody can save the world from that place's evil, it his he. Do not worry. We are watching him.
With a blink, Mew suddenly disappeared.
Tall One sat alone with her thoughts, still slightly overwhelmed by who she had just seen. But something lingered in her mind. Mew had said, 'we are watching him.'
We?
*****
Watson allowed himself a rare smile.
BLIP.
Ah, he thought to himself dreamily. That wonderful sound.
BLIP. BLIP.
The scanner finally showed him what he had been searching for what seemed forever. The beacon. He had found his test subject, in probably the last place he would ever expect to find it.
On Cinnabar Isle!
The blips had started even before the helicopter had landed, making Watson all the more impatient to get off that noisy piece of equipment. Even as he stepped off the copter, he gave orders left and right to various trackers.
"Block off all outgoing sea vessels and aircraft. I don't want a single thing leaving this island, do you hear me?!"
"Hey you there! Collect a dozen others. We have a little test subject that needs neutralizing-huh?"
His phone was ringing. With an internal cringe, Watson picked it up with a scarred hand. Some hunch told him he knew who was calling.
He was right, too.
"WATSON!"
"Y-yes sir?"
The voice began, more calm this time, but still controlled by much rage. "What in the name of anything is taking so long? I have the media breathing down my neck about this...this anomaly. Quarrantining the island even!"
"Well sir, I thought that keeping the island isolated so that the subject does not es-"
"IDIOT! As if you thought the media wouldn't catch a scent. I have thousands of reporters right now beliving there is some sort biological hazard there, a plague. Thanks to your 'quarrantine,' we're close to having a crisis here. Much more of this, and we'll be shut down for good!"
"Well sir, I apolog-"
"Don't apologize, fool! Fix it! Now!"
There was a loud bang, as if the person on the other line had suddenly and forcefully thown his phone against a wall. There was a hiss, quickly cut off by the sound of a dial tone. Watson stared at the phone nestled in his scarred palm. Then he jerked upright like a puppet on a string.
"The boss says this is urgent, otherwise it's our heads."
One of the trackers sniggered. "You mean yours."
Five minutes later, they were scouring the island in groups.
*****
Promise peered out, squinting at the orange blaze of another day's sunset. Wrinking his sable black nose, he sniffed the wind. With a grunt, he withdrew his head, turning to where Strange One huddled deeper in the cave.
Humans. We might not be safe here for much longer.
Abruptly, Strange One began glowing again. With a scowl, he forced the Ice power to stop manifesting. It wasn't a pleasant sensation, and made him feel overly antsy and sarcastic.
Great. I'm bound to be discovered. And I need to get to that laborotory.
Promise furrowed a brow. Why do you want to do a thing like that?
Two reasons. With eyes closed, Strange One slowly arched his back, reliving it of all its tension. First, I'm going to free the place of all the others the humans have tortured. Second, I'm going to destroy that building.
The Umbreon sighed. Quite a large task for one little Pikablu, don't you agree?
I have to do it. For my family's sake. For everyone's sake.
Well then little friend, if you belive so greatly in your task, then I can't help but try to aid you in any way possible. The Umbreon sat up, almost posing as his scarlet eyes twinkled slightly.
Thank you. Strange One breathed out. As of yet, he had no idea just how many were kept prisoner in that laboratory. Not to mention even the thought of going back to that...that place...caused the fur on his neck to rise. But it wasn't a time for cowardice. He was needed.
Inching slightly out, Strange One allowed nothing more than his head to peer around at the entrance. Wrinkling his nose, he recognized the familliar scent. Yes, these were the same humans that had threatened his family.
Hide!
Instinct brought his head swiftly back into the cave entrance. Luckily for him, it was just in time. A moment later a large steel-toed boot blocked the sunlight streaming through the entrance. The stink of threat almost became unbearable.
Promise just shook his head. I fear your quest may be all in vain, my friend.
Strange One's jaw stuck out. I'm not giving up. If only I could still teleport-
You could what?
The Pikablu nearly facefaulted. Of course, he had never told Promise about his Mimic ability. What if-
It was just at that exact moment that inspiration smacked him upside the head.
Figuratively, of course.
Hey Promise, is it true that Umbreons can phaze in and out of shadows?
When night had fallen, Strange One tested his hypothesis.
The dim glow of Promise's rings told him that night had truly fallen. You see, he explained quickly to Strange One, It works better at night, more shadows, you see...
Strange One nodded a little. Do you think there will be enough shadows tonight, Promise? He shuffled from side to side slightly in his antsyness.
Hopefully. You ready?
The Pikablu nodded. Do it.
Abruptly, Promise's image faded into nothingness. The only thing that truly gave away the Umbreon was the faint glow of the rings. But even the most sharp-eyed of observers would probably miss these.
Oh well, thought Strange One. My turn.
He closed his eyes and concentrated. Mimic...Mimic...
His eyes flew open abruptly. While the Teleport mimic had caused a strange abrupt feeling in the back of his head, this Dark mimic caused his stomach to twinge. Apparently, adapting to Dark power was a bit of a leap ahead of adapting to Psychic. He blinked several times.
While the world had appeared quite dim a few moments ago, it now appeared quite clear. In fact, all shadows now contrasted brightly. No problems identifying shadows, then. He could see in the dark now.
In fact, blinking around him now, he noticed other changes. Goldish colored rings, just like the Umbreon's, had appeared on his shoulders, hips, and tail. Something told him that there were rings on his ears and forehead as well.
Youch, he said. I guess it worked.
A bodiless chuckle from nearby told him Promise agreed.
Abruptly, Strange One fazed out, just as Promise had done.
Welcome to the land of the night, Strange One! Promise appeared at his side, slightly transparent, but much more visible than before. A bit different than what you're used to, eh?
I'll adjust, Strange One grinned. But in the meantime, I think it would be good to make our exit and get to the laboratory.
I agree, said Promise.
And the two left the cave entrance, striding boldly to the shadows towards where the eerie building loomed in the distance.