Luis:
I'll consider including Celebi, but I'm not going to make any promises.
Gijinka Renamon:
Yeah, the 9/11 attacks were my inspiration for Negligence's manifestation. I might use your characters, but they'd have fairly minor roles. The trainers like you described wouldn't know about the Stones unless one of the heroes or enemies told them.
Disclaimer:
Toei and Bandai own Digimon, and Nintendo owns Pokemon.
The Stones of Doom
By: RB3
Chapter 14: Ignorance is Misery
The Kanto Team gathered in a briefing room inside of a camouflaged tent. The room was filled with charts and maps of Kanto. There was the chatter of several resistance members discussing what the mission might be, and tension was high. The Liberators were glad for their great victory at the concentration camp and the destruction of the Stone of Doom, Despair. However, the enemy would be much more vigilant in their defence of the remaining Stones. It would only get more difficult from this point on.
Lt. Surge walked up to the front and began the briefing. "Okay troops, at ease. We've scored a big success by knocking out that concentration camp, and slowing the proliferation of weapons to Kanto's troops. We must continue to take the fight to Kanto."
A beautiful brunette with short hair walked up to the front. She had a slender, but muscular build with fair skin. Despite her attractiveness, her tough, determined facial expression indicated that she was not one to be trifled with. Like the other Liberators, she was wearing camouflage army fatigues. She was as tough as any of her male comrades, and held a prominent role in the resistance. She was Electra; one of Surge's former Gym caretakers back in Vermillion City, and now one of the Lieutenant's underlings.
"Our agents have located a Stone of Doom hidden inside a radio station in the heart of Lavender Town. Actually, it's more of a propaganda centre rather than a radio station. Play that tape, Lieutenant."
Surge took over the briefing and played the recording of a subliminal message. We found this hidden in the radio broadcast produced at the propaganda centre. It was taken two weeks after Mephistomon gained control of the TV and radio stations." The inhuman, hypnotic voice of the recording was as soft as a whisper. "Obey the Empire! Destroy its enemies! Kill them all!"
Surge shut off the recording and continued the briefing. "You wouldn't believe what hearing this crap does to people! Watch this tape."
On the screen was an image of a mob of angry men and women outside of a building. Their vengeful screaming filled the air alongside the shattering of glass. Several members of the crowd lit Molotov cocktails and lobbed them into the building. One crashed through a glass window and ignited a fire within. Armed with a sledgehammer, another crazed rioter smashed the "Kanto Socialist Party" sign above the main entrance. The crowd behind him cheered with a victorious fervour as the sign tumbled down and shattered into pieces. The streets were the scene of a slaughter with the bodies of dead Socialists littered on the ground.
Despite having already killed many Socialists, the mob was still unsatisfied. They dragged a male Socialist out and turned their ire upon him. The man's body was bruised, bloodied, and battered with baseball bats, planks of wood, and pipes. Other members of the mob watched the brutal beating and cheered with a joyous fervour once he was dead. The fire erupted with a loud boom, becoming a raging inferno and consuming the HQ of the Kanto Socialist Party. This violent event elicited another chorus of cheers from the crowd.
"This happened just after a rally in downtown Saffron," noted Electra. "Such fanaticism can only be the work of the Stone of Doom. Izzy will take it from here."
"The Stone of Doom we're up against is Ignorance," stated Izzy. He punched a few buttons on his laptop and brought up an intelligence picture of the Stone. "Ignorance manipulates a person's thoughts through subliminal messaging. That much we can deduce from the information available. Gennai warned me of its second, scary power; the ability to put up mental blocks. Once you believe the lies, you're trapped into believing them for as long as Ignorance exists."
The assembly broke into a chorus of chatter over the insidious nature of Ignorance. "Quiet!" cried Surge. "We don't have to worry because we know the truth. Izzy, please continue."
"Where I'm from, we have a saying for this. 'Ignorance is bliss.' In this case, I'd say Ignorance is misery." Everyone chuckled lightly at the irony of Izzy's joke. "We have to get rid of Ignorance if we are to free Kanto from Mephistomon's control."
****************************************
Meanwhile in Pallet Town, it was late in the afternoon. A red truck with speakers on its roof was driving down the streets. On its chassis was the black symbol of the Kanto Empire; a mountain being struck by lightning from an overhead storm cloud. The truck pulled to a stop in downtown Pallet and its left side opened to reveal an array of TV screens. People began to gather around to watch the program, a newscast made by Kanto on the Liberators' attack on the concentration camp.
"A week ago the terrorist group known as the Liberators of Kanto attacked a Pokemon summer camp to the southwest of Pallet Town. We have a video clip of the aftermath, but we advise viewer discretion as the scene is very gruesome."
As the news anchor promised, the scene appeared on the TV, and it was a horrifying sight indeed. Several log cabins were on fire and plumes of smoke billowed into the air. Littered on the ground were the bodies of male and female camp counsellors, and several children from the age of ten to their early teens. The camera panned closer to the body of a child who couldn't have been older than ten years of age. There were several bullet wounds and burn marks on his skin. The viewing audience was angered and became more vengeful by the second.
An unidentified man with short black hair walked out of the van. "These terrorists have killed too many of our people! It's time we fought back! I know where they are hiding! Who's with me?"
The crowd cheered with an approving fervour. "Let's get them! KILL THEM! KILL THEM!"
"Avenge the deaths of our people! Victory will be ours!" cheered the man. A second van and several buses pulled up. The van driver opened his back door and began distributing assault rifles.
****************************************
Surge gave a briefing on the plan for attacking the propaganda centre. "Okay, here's how we'll hit the place. We're going to rendezvous with our cell in Vermillion city. They are sending members with us to rig the centre with explosives. I will..."
The banging of assault rifle fire ripped through the air as an alarmed soldier ran into the briefing room. "Sir, several armed civilians are attacking from the southwest!"
Surge was in disbelief. "Everyone, defend our camp!" Surge pointed to a few random soldiers. "You, get the trucks ready to evacuate the slaves!"
"Yes sir!" replied the troops.
The Digimon Digivolved to their Champion level. The Pokemon trainers released a Pokemon each to defend themselves from the rioters. The Kanto Team rushed out of the tent to join the battle. They were greeted with a scene of anarchy and violence. The civilians were nothing more than crazed rioters who sprayed their gunfire at anything that moved. A deranged man with explosives strapped to his body rushed towards a tent. The soldiers inside opened fire, but the suicide bomber mashed a button and unleashed a massive explosion. It levelled the tent and vaporized the soldiers within.
"We have to get Mrs. Ketchum to safety!" cried Casey. "Go to the medical tent!"
The Kanto Team minus Surge made their way through the anarchy of the attack. Greymon called a Nova Blast and spit a massive, explosive fireball. A crowd of rioters leapt for safety as the Nova Blast smashed the ground and exploded. Surge's submachine gun banged and behind him, an evolved version of Pikachu was arcing electricity from his cheeks. This Pokemon, Raichu had a darker coat of fur, and was orangey compared to the bright yellow of Pikachu's fur. He stood a head taller and was larger overall than his smaller brethren. All this made him look much tougher and more menacing.
"I'll hold them off, you guys go help the slaves escape," ordered Surge. He dove behind the sandbags at the base of the tent and returned fire on the enemy.
Machamp picked Delia off the bed and slung her around his shoulder. "What are you doing? What's all the commotion about?"
"The camp is under attack!" replied Brock. "We have to get out of here!"
"Over here! There's a truck!" noted Casey. "Everyone get in!"
The Kanto Team helped everyone they could to get onto the truck. Under Brock's orders, Machamp placed Delia into the truck. Another truck came by, and they loaded more slaves in. Outside a crazed rioter lobbed a Molotov cocktail into the medical tent. The canvas began to burn and in response; Tracey called out Marill to douse the flames. However, the people outside grew impatient and began to lob more Molotov cocktails to accelerate the burning. Tracey was swamped as only his Marill was able to put out the fires.
"Hurry, I don't know how long the tent will hold!" warned Tracey. The air in the tent grew hot and thick and it was difficult to breathe.
Matt helped the last slave enter the truck. "That's the last of them!"
Surge ducked then peeked up and fired several rounds. "Good! We're issuing a full retreat. Let's get out of here!"
Electra came charging into a line of riots, forcing them to scatter out of self preservation. She stopped her truck outside of the tent and Surge provided cover fire as the rest of the Kanto Team boarded. The Pokemon trainers recalled their Pokemon, and returned them into their Pokeballs in flashes of crimson light. The backed out their engagements with the rioters and De-Digivolved into the truck. Everyone had been accounted for and Electra hit the accelerator and sped away. After a brief exchange of fire, the truck was out of range and was heading to safety.
"It's just like Gennai described Ignorance. Fanaticism feeds off the ignorance of the people," noted Izzy. "Ignorance is the primary weapon of any tyrant or fanatic. Adolf Hitler is proof of that."
Another truck followed behind the Kanto's team's truck, and Tai gave a sigh of relief. "Damn!" Tai punched the floor of the truck out of frustration.
"Where are we going?" asked Casey to the driver.
"I'm taking us to the cell in Vermillion," replied Electra. "They will take us in."
****************************************
Electra's truck entered the area of Vermillion City. They travelled down the streets until they came upon an abandoned factory in the outskirts of town. It was dirty and unkempt as the result of years of neglect. Despite being abandoned, the factory was still structurally sound. The Liberators had renovated the interior and reinforced the factory's structure for use as one of their hideouts. The truck passed by a pair of lookouts and parked in the lot at the front. Surge walked up and identified himself to the guard posted at the door.
Surge introduced the Kanto Team to the cell members and gave them a guided tour. Despite being dirty on the outside, the interior was actually fairly clean. The dorms seemed somewhat cramped, and had sections for male and female cell members. The meeting room had all the necessary equipment including a board, video cassette player, and chairs. As they toured, the aromatic scents of delicious food filled the nostrils of the Kanto Team. They came upon the source of the scents, a mess hall where dozens of cell members were eating. The Kanto Team was hungry from their escape and Surge let them take a bite to eat.
"So what will we do now, Lieutenant?" asked Tai.
"We're going to relax a little to catch our breath before we go after the propaganda centre. The mission will be at night tomorrow, so be well rested before then."
"What about Ash' mother?" asked Brock.
"The drivers were told to come here in case of emergency. They left ahead of us so they should be here already and if not then soon," replied Surge.
Minutes later, a soldier came in, helping a weakened woman to the mess hall. That woman was Delia Ketchum. "Hey guys, Ms. Ketchum here wanted to see if you guys were ok."
"We're relieved that you got away fine!" said Brock.
"I'm ok Brock. I'm glad to see no one else was hurt," answered Delia. "Have you heard from Ash?"
"I'm afraid not," replied Surge. "He went to meet up with a cell in Johto to fight the enemy there."
"I hope I hear from him soon. I'm worried sick."
"Don't worry. He's not a baby. He's a tough kid. I fought him in a Pokemon battle and he beat me fair and square. He can take care of himself."
****************************************
The next night, the Kanto Team, minus Izzy and Tentomon, snuck into the limits of Lavender Town under the cover of nightfall. They were wearing black clothing designed to blend in with the darkness. Somewhere nearby, a stray cat meowed as it searched for food. The wind picked up, blowing Casey's violet locks of hair up. It was cool and stars were twinkling in the sky above. The Kanto Team ran down a deserted alley way, and their footsteps echoed off the cement and brick walls. They were just blocks away from the propaganda centre, and quickly approaching.
"We're almost there!" whispered Casey to her friends.
The team crossed a second alley and their target entered their sights. Outside of the alley was a street grand commercial building. It had an antenna constructed on top with a rotating dish at the top. Inside was a reception room visible through the glass from the outside. Another room to the right had a lit light, and looked like an artist's work area. Inside was a beagle-like Pokemon with a head appropriately shaped like an artist's beret. He was painting a picture of some sort using his tail as a brush. He didn't seem too happy to be expressing his artistic side. Rather, it was as though he was being forced to work against his will.
The door opened and a man in a security uniform walked in. He checked the room, said something unknown to the Pokemon, and then returned to his rounds. The guard walked over to the reception area, checked around, but found nothing of note and disappeared into a door on the left. Using this opportunity, the Kanto Team snuck across the street and ducked under the front windows. The only person who was in the position to spot them was the Pokemon, a Smeargle, who was too wrapped up in his painting.
====================Pokedex====================
Name: Smeargle
Type: Normal
Evolved From: None
Smeargle, the Painter Pokemon. Smeargle's brush-like tail oozes a strange fluid that acts like paint. He is an aspiring painter, and can duplicate Pokemon attacks with his Sketch ability.
==============================================
"I don't know about you guys, but that Smeargle doesn't look too happy to be chained in there like that," noted Tracey.
"We should help him," suggested Kari.
"Are you sure?" asked Gabumon. "What if he calls the guards on us?"
"Why don't you have one of your Pokemon talk to him?" suggested Casey. "Smeargle might not sound the alarm on a Pokemon."
"Yeah! Great idea!" Tracey reached for the Pokeball containing Venonat. "Go, Venonat!"
In a flash of crimson light, a small insect Pokemon appeared. His eyes were large, red, and appropriately insect-like. His body was covered by a thick coat of bushy, violet fur. It had a pair of small feet which he used to walk, and a pair of small claws used for gripping. On its head was a pair of antennae, and on its face was a small fanged mouth. Venonat jumped into the air cheerfully, and was happy that his trainer wanted him to see him. He turned to Tracey to hear what he wanted.
"Venonat, please talk to Smeargle," requested Tracey. "Tell him that we're here to help."
Venonat jumped onto the window sill and tapped on the glass. Smeargle walked over and opened the window. "Smeargle? (What are you doing here?)"
"Venonat. (I want to know why you're so unhappy,)" asked Venonat.
"Smear. (I have to paint these posters, or else the humans will punish me.)"
"Venonat, venonat. (I'm so sorry. I have some friends who are trying to stop the bad people from hurting any more Pokemon. They want to stop the bad people, but they need your help.)"
"Smeargle, Smeargle. (I can't. They'll catch me, and I'll be punished.)"
"Venonat? (Are there are other Pokemon here? Aren't you concerned about how they're being treated?)"
Smeargle thought hard about it. "Smear. (I don't like what the humans are doing any more than you do but I can't.)"
"Venonat. Venonat. Venonat! (You can't be let people push you around. You have to make a stand otherwise they'll push you around forever. Help us stand up to them for all Pokemon! Please?)"
Smeargle paused momentarily to reflect on Venonat's words. "Smear! (Okay, you talked me into it!)" He opened his window and allowed the Kanto Team to come in. "Smeargle! (Be careful! There are nine other Smeargle here. Remove my chains and I'll lead you to them.)"
Tracey called out his Scyther to slice the chains that trapped Smeargle in the room. "There!" said Tracey triumphantly.
Smeargle seemed much lighter upon having his chains removed. "Smear! (This way!)"
"Wait a minute," demanded Surge. He took out his radio and gave a call to Izzy. "Izzy, have you hacked into their security network yet?"
"Yes, almost..." replied Izzy. The sound of typing filled the radio waves. "Prodigious! I'm in! Security system going off-line now!"
****************************************
Elsewhere in the centre, static consumed the monitors being watched by a pair of guards. They tried to punch some commands in, but the system wouldn't respond. "It's not working. The cameras aren't responding," remarked the first guard.
The second held his radio up to transmit a message. "All units; our cameras just went down. Be on alert for intruders. We're trying to solve the problem ASAP. Over and out."
****************************************
The Kanto Team snuck out of Smeargle's art room and entered a hallway. The walls were made of white plaster and the floor consisted of white tiles with black marks. There was a camera hanging on the end corner, but fortunately, it was offline due to "technical difficulties." The team made its way down the hallways and corridors, checking each room under Smeargle's guidance. They rescued the other Smeargles, placing them into Pokeballs for transport away from the centre. Tracey opened the door to the tenth and final Smeargle.
"Those poor Smeargle," remarked Kari. "How can anyone be so cruel?"
"They won't have to suffer anymore." Tracey brought out his Scyther to slice the chains. "We're here to free you! Come into the Pokeball!"
"Smeargle! (Don't worry! You can trust them!)" assured Smeargle.
The tenth Smeargle allowed himself to be captured by Tracey's Pokeball. The Kanto Team continued their search for Ignorance. They moved deeper into the centre, passing a TV and radio station to enter a massive, grungy room. It was filled with machines with rolling parts and canisters of ink. The machines were clearly printing presses for making copies of posters, newspapers, and other paper media.
The team looked at one of the posters out of curiosity. The poster had the picture of a smiling serviceman in a salute. He looked proud and noble, which was ironic considering the actions of Kanto's army. The background was red, and contained the emblem of a black mountain with a cloud over it. A pair of lightning bolts came from the cloud and struck the mountain. The poster had an ominous air about it, and made the serviceman look much more intimidating than he should. The poster had the words "Join the Empire's Army."
The team delved deeper, eventually finding another TV studio. It was a vacant room, with the exception of electronic equipment, and one other interesting object. At the centre of the room was their target, Ignorance. No matter how many times they looked at it, Ignorance had an unusual, but eerily ironic appearance. It was connected to the equipment by wires. At the base the head's mouth was a bowl which collected the unknown clear ooze that dripped out of its mouth. Surge looked over the set up closely, as though inspecting it for anything suspicious.
"Eew! What is that stuff?" asked Casey.
Tai looked at the fluid. "I have no idea. I'll ask Izzy." Tai called up Izzy on his radio and told him the news.
"I believe they mix it into their ink, otherwise they use it as ink," replied Izzy. "Whatever it is, they use it to manipulate people who read the posters you described."
"These wires aren't connected to any alarms," informed Surge. "They must feed the subliminal messaging into the recordings." Surge made a final check and to ensure that no alarms were connected to the Stone. He called Vermillion cell members and received confirmation of the setting of the bombs. "Okay, let's take the Stone and get out of here!"
"Agumon, your turn!" said Tai.
"Agumon, Digivolve to... Greymon!" Agumon's strength rose exponentially as Greymon and he scooped Ignorance up with a single hand.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" screamed something unknown like a banshee. It was so loud and disruptive that everyone had to cover their ears.
"Argggh! What is that?" asked Brock.
"It's Ignorance! It doesn't want to be removed from here!" cried Kari.
"I didn't know they were alive!" cried Casey.
"Never mind. We gotta move! The place will be crawling with guards!" warned Surge.
Before anyone could react a pair of creatures burst into the scene. The Digidestined members of the team recognized them as Digimon; Datamon to be exact. All of them were about three feet tall with pill-shaped bodies made of metal. The top half of their bodies was a dome that encased complex circuitry that functioned like the creatures' brain. The bottom half was connected to a pair of hands and feet by a set of metal cables. The creatures scanned the team using their artificial right eye and their exposed organic left eye.
====================Digimon Analyzer====================
Name: Datamon
Type: Virus
Level: Ultimate
Attacks: Digital Bomb, Nano Swarm
Datamon are knowledgeable in all things technological. They use their technical aptitude to further the goals of whoever they may serve.
====================================================
"Casey, Matt, help me distract these bucket heads!" ordered Surge. "The rest of you, get to the extraction point ASAP! Surge and Casey released Raichu and Bayleef respectively from their Pokeballs.
"Gabumon, Digivolve to... Garurumon!"
"Raichu, shock'em good with Thunderbolt!" commanded Surge.
Crackling electricity arced from Raichu's cheeks and struck one of the Datamon. The electricity surged all over the Datamon's body, but he suddenly snapped out to Raichu's surprise. Garurumon employed a Howling Blaster, exhaling a gust of scorching blue flames onto the second Datamon. He flinched, but recovered and smacked his attacker with an explosive Digital Bomb. Datamon lobbed a second bomb, and its explosion smashed Bayleef into the ground. She landed before her trainer with a thud.
"Bay!" she grunted.
"You okay, Bayleef?" asked Casey. Bayleef replied in the affirmative, and leapt onto took a defiant combat stance before her trainer.
"They're Ultimates, so they're tougher than the other Digimon we've fought. Don't give up! We can still beat them!" shouted Matt encouragingly.
"Digital Bomb!"
A weapons bay opened in one of the Datamon's hand and produced a grenade. He lobbed it at Raichu, but the Mouse Pokemon was faster and evaded the booming explosion. Raichu countered with a Slam attack, ramming his body into the Datamon. The second initiated his Nano Swarm attack, and released several small, metallic probes into the air. Surrounding Garurumon and Bayleef like mosquitoes, the Nano Swarm crackled with the discharging of several electrical shocks into Garurumon and Bayleef.
The probes were a great nuisance to the two monsters, and prevented them from mounting any form of offence. It was Surge who came to their rescue, calling Raichu to aim a Thunderbolt upon the Nano Swarm. Each of the probes fell dead, allowing their victims to exploit the turning of the tide. Garurumon's fiery blue breath melted the Nano Swarm into puddles of metallic goo. Bayleef sliced and diced the last remnants of the cloud with rapid fire Razor Leaves, dumping a metallic salad onto the ground.
A guard ran into the room, and Surge did a double take upon identifying his face. "Watts?"
"We have to get out of here!" stated Casey. "Bayleef, Vine Whip!" Bayleef's vines extended from her neck and lashed the Datamon into Watts painfully.
****************************************
Greymon smashed his way through the wall, blowing chunks of cement all over the ground. Ignorance continued its shrill screeching which could be heard for miles around. The first half of the Kanto Team ran down the darkened streets of Lavender. They looked back and saw Surge and the others following behind. The headlights of police cruisers shined like beacons in the darkness of night. Lavender Town's police bore down on them, intent on stopping the resistance's escape.
"You are under arrest! Drop your weapons and surrender!" ordered an officer.
Surge activated his radio. "Electra, get here on the double!" Surge switched frequencies to the Vermillion cell members. "Vermillion cell, now!"
A pair of black vans pulled up on the street ahead. Several booms ripped through the air alongside a multitude of explosions that tore the propaganda centre asunder. The night sky was lit up in a blaze of vibrant light. The police was distracted, and only a few noticed the vans speeding away. Ignorance's screeching was unbearable, and Izzy typed away frantically on his computer in an attempt to reach Gennai. After a few minutes, the Digidestined's guide responded. A flash of light ensued and Ignorance was pulled into a portal to the Digital World. The Kanto Team uncovered their ears in relief.
"Ow! I thought my ears were going to burst," remarked Tai.
"We have more immediate concerns at than that!" said Izzy, in reference to the cops.
"Hold on everybody! This is going to be a bumpy ride!" called Electra.
Everyone looked back as the bullets ricocheted off the steel body of the van. Each hit shot flickering sparks into the air. Everyone was thankful for the mechanics that reinforced the armour of the van. A few bullets hit and bounced off the rear window. The glass had been rendered bullet-proof just like the van's chassis. Electra swerved to evade enemy fire, and everyone held on for dear life. The faint sound of something slicing the air drew closer, and everyone recognized it as the rotary blades of a helicopter. A light from above shined through the rear window.
"Oh great!" grumbled Electra.
"It's easy to evade squad cars, but a chopper?" asked Izzy rhetorically.
A message came in over the radio from Surge. "Once we leave Lavender's city limits, I'm going to shoot that baby down! When I give the signal, cover me!"
After several minutes of chase, the car chase burst onto the southbound freeway. Surge waited until there were no buildings in sight, then gave the signal. From the open rear window of his van, Agumon spit a fireball which the police instinctively dodged. Tracey released Marill, and he sprayed a jet of pressurized water. It punched through a squad car's windshield and drilled the driver in the face. The driver lost control of his car, and began to swerve erratically. It suddenly struck a cruiser moving in his blind spot, dangerously grinding their chassis together and scattering sparks.
"Hey, watch where you're driving!" called the driver to his comrade.
In the second van, Surge opened a wooden case and pulled out a rocket launcher. He loaded a SAM into the tube, and leaned out of an open window. Upon pulling the trigger, the missile swooshed out and veered upwards to the helicopter. The chopper burst into flames and dropped onto the ground to explode with brilliance. Thick, black smoke rose from the crackling fires of the wreckage. Surge turned his attention to the pursuing police cruisers and tucked the rocket launcher away.
"Get down!" cried Surge, as he opened the rear window.
Surge pulled out his submachine gun and fired a burst at the front tire of the lead car. The first three rounds clanged as they punctured holes into the car's chassis. A hail of bullets flew at him, thus Surge ducked behind the safety of the door. He peaked out and fired another burst, finally landing a hit on the tire. It let out a faint hiss as air gushed outwards. The car lost speed considerably and the driver struggle to maintain control. The trailing cars passed their leader, but Surge's bullets ripped their tires to shreds. One by one, the cars dropped out of the chase, leaving the vans free to get away.
"Phew! I'm glad that's over!" remarked Casey.
"Yeah," agreed Surge.
"Lieutenant, who was that guard you saw at Lavender? You seemed to recognize him," observed Matt.
"Yeah," admitted Surge. "His name is Watts. We used to be squad mates during the war."
"The war?" asked Matt.
"I learned about this in school," replied Casey. "It was a world war in which Kanto and Johto were on opposite sides. I heard that the world fell under a depression and someone like Mephistomon took advantage of things to gain control of Kanto."
"Sounds like World War Two in my world," remarked Matt.
"Casey's right. Do you want to hear my story?" asked Surge.
"Of course," replied Matt.
"Okay. Like Casey said, the war happened ten years ago. Back then, I was a soldier working for a resistance group much like the Liberators of today."
****************************************
A younger Lt. Surge gazed upon a map of the wilderness east of Vermillion City. In this area was a tunnel network originally created by Digletts and Dugtrios. It had an exit located east of Viridian Forest. Kanto had taken control of this tunnel and have been using it as a pathway to go directly to the west. They used this tunnel to move troops from Vermillion's army bases to Viridian and then to the front further west. It was strategically important to the enemy, thus eliminating it would greatly hinder their war effort.
Surge looked up to see the faces of his comrades. Of his comrades, three faces stood out; the first of which was a younger Electra. The second belonged to a thirty year old man with a medium build, black hair, and a bushy beard. This man was Surge's squad leader, Sparks. The third and last face belonged to a blond haired, blue-eyed man with a thin build. He was young, about eighteen years old, and had the look of grim determination on his face. This last man was Surge's war buddy, Watts.
"Okay, our allies in Viridian are set to destroy their end of the Diglett tunnel. Kanto isn't moving any troops tomorrow night, so that's the best time to strike," briefed Sparks. "Get a good night's sleep and be prepared for our mission."
The next night, the partisan army prepared for their mission. "So Max, what will you do after the war is over?" asked Watts.
"I've been thinking about opening a Gym in my home town," said Surge.
"Ah, a future Gym Leader! After the war, many people will want some way to enjoy the peace. I'm sure a lot of trainers will come by to compete in the Indigo League."
"How about you? What do you plan to do?"
"I'm not sure, I haven't given it much thought... My only hope is that the war ends soon."
"Yeah, I hope so too. Well Greg, let's go! We've got a tunnel to bomb!"
Surge's squad snuck their way past several enemy guards and into the tunnel. It was a dark cave, and its earthen walls were lit only by lamps scattered within the tunnel. It was cool inside, despite the lack of movement from the air within. True to the briefing, no one was moving through the tunnel that night. Surge released Raichu and set him on lookout while he worked. He reached into a bag and pulled out a mass of what looked like grey plasticine. He stuck it onto the sides of the tunnel and joined a detonator to it with electrical wires.
"Okay I'm done!" whispered Surge to Watts.
Watts finished attaching his detonators. "Let's go!"
Surge's squad fled the tunnel with utmost haste. As they ran, Surge pulled out a transmitter and pressed the button. A massive wave of explosions boomed in the tunnel behind him. Blasts of flames jetted out of the Diglett Tunnel's entrance. Dirt from above tumbled onto the ground, and the tunnel was blocked off completely. The enemy spotted them fleeing into vans and gave chase. Several bangs filled the air as assault rifles unloaded round after round.
Watts' assault rifle banged as he returned fire. "Hurry! Get in the van!"
Watts gunned down two advancing enemy soldiers. A bullet from an unseen source struck him in the chest. Blood burst out of the wound, dying his uniform a deep crimson. Watts turned to his attacker and took him down in expedient fashion. More soldiers entered the scene, hitting Watts in the chest before he collapsed. Bangs burst from his squad mates they shot down the soldiers. Surge leapt out of the van and yanked his comrade to safety. The squad's medic, Volts, began to examine his patient as the van sped away from firing enemies.
"Are you ok Watts?" asked Surge.
He was in great pain, and from Volts' diagnosis, Watts had lost a dangerously large amount of blood. "They got me..." Watts coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"Is there anything you can do for him, doc?" asked Surge desperately.
"I'm sorry," replied Volts. "He's beyond my ability."
Watts drifted into a deathly silence. "WATTS!" cried Surge in anguish.
****************************************
"It's so sad," remarked Casey.
"Yeah, Watts and I were the best of friends," replied Surge. "After the war was over, I hoped to show him the Gym I opened in Vermillion." Surge sighed. "...But that won't ever happen. After the war, we exhumed his body and gave him a proper reburial in the Veterans' Graveyard in Vermillion."
Matt was skeptical. "I'm still wondering how that was possible. He died ten years ago didn't he?"
Surge was adamant about spotting Watts back at the propaganda centre. "He did, but I know what I saw! That was Watts back there! I can't explain it," said Surge before taking a brief, pensive pause. "Listen, I'm going to the graveyard to check things out. Call it a hunch, but I have the feeling that I need to see something there."
The Kanto Team pulled into the base of the Vermillion resistance cell. They ate a nice, hearty meal in celebration of their removal of Ignorance's influence over Kanto. A Liberator soldier bearing good news came into the mess hall and interrupted the meal. The message came from the Johto Team. They had destroyed Negligence, thus stopping it from manipulating further accidents in Johto. The Johto Team were on their way to the Lake of Rage to remove the next Stone.
"Yeah, alright!" cheered Casey. "Three down, five to go!"
****************************************
Under the cover of night, Surge made his way to the Vermillion Veterans' Cemetery. The night was cool and the wind picked up, blowing up strands of Surge's blond hair. He kept a vigilant look out for anyone who might recognize him for what he was. He came upon the gate to a great graveyard at the outer boarders of Vermillion. Police were stationed around the door, as though denying access to the grounds inside. Surge climbed over the fence and was greeted with the sight of rows upon of rows of cross-shaped headstones. An unsettling feeling came over the Lieutenant as he walked deeper inside.
Any graveyard was a creepy place to be in at night. There were many stories about the dead rising from their graves to seek vengeance upon the living. The sight of a restless spirit or cannibalistic zombie would make even a tough man like Surge wet his pants. Although there's skepticism about the existence of human ghosts, science has confirmed the existence of Pokemon ghosts in the Ghost type Pokemon. So far, the cemetery was completely devoid of anything of interest. However, Surge pressed on and scanned the grounds for anything amiss. He soon came upon a series of open graves, and each had a pile of dirt lying beside it.
He approached one of the headstones and took a close look at the inscription. The grave belonged to a man named Jones, a veteran of the same war Surge and Watts fought in. Surge realized the strangeness of this situation, noting that Jones' body was missing. There was no coffin or body within any of the other holes either. Someone had exhumed the body and took it away. Surge began to grow concerned. He was close to making a very important, but unpleasant discovery.
Surge continued his search, finding more open graves in his path. He soon came upon the headstone of Gregory Watts, his fallen comrade from the war. Surge's jaw dropped as he took in the sight before him. Watts' grave was open just like the others were, and a pile of dirt was left discarded on the side of the grave. Nothing was inside of the hole except for a few blades of grass from the digging during the exhumation. Surge heard something wooden bumping into something elsewhere and dove behind a nearby tree for cover.
He peeked at the source of the sound, a floating jellyfish hauling a coffin away with its tentacles. It had bumped its coffin into a headstone by accident. Its main body was blue and had red, bubble-like growths that almost looked like eyes. Surge recognized the creature as being the Water Pokemon, Tentacruel. However, normal Tentacruel didn't have the ability to float in the air. They could only function in the water. They also didn't have violet snakes protruding from their body.
They slithered around, as though keeping a vigil for intruders. Surge moved slightly to the left to remain hidden from the monstrosity's sight. He recognized those snakes as being Ekans. This creature didn't look like any normal Pokemon that would be found in the wild. It had to have been the result of some warped genetic experiment. He wondered who was deranged enough to create such an abomination. Deciding that this situation called for discretion, Surge snuck away and ran back to the Liberator base to report the news.
I'll consider including Celebi, but I'm not going to make any promises.
Gijinka Renamon:
Yeah, the 9/11 attacks were my inspiration for Negligence's manifestation. I might use your characters, but they'd have fairly minor roles. The trainers like you described wouldn't know about the Stones unless one of the heroes or enemies told them.
Disclaimer:
Toei and Bandai own Digimon, and Nintendo owns Pokemon.
The Stones of Doom
By: RB3
Chapter 14: Ignorance is Misery
The Kanto Team gathered in a briefing room inside of a camouflaged tent. The room was filled with charts and maps of Kanto. There was the chatter of several resistance members discussing what the mission might be, and tension was high. The Liberators were glad for their great victory at the concentration camp and the destruction of the Stone of Doom, Despair. However, the enemy would be much more vigilant in their defence of the remaining Stones. It would only get more difficult from this point on.
Lt. Surge walked up to the front and began the briefing. "Okay troops, at ease. We've scored a big success by knocking out that concentration camp, and slowing the proliferation of weapons to Kanto's troops. We must continue to take the fight to Kanto."
A beautiful brunette with short hair walked up to the front. She had a slender, but muscular build with fair skin. Despite her attractiveness, her tough, determined facial expression indicated that she was not one to be trifled with. Like the other Liberators, she was wearing camouflage army fatigues. She was as tough as any of her male comrades, and held a prominent role in the resistance. She was Electra; one of Surge's former Gym caretakers back in Vermillion City, and now one of the Lieutenant's underlings.
"Our agents have located a Stone of Doom hidden inside a radio station in the heart of Lavender Town. Actually, it's more of a propaganda centre rather than a radio station. Play that tape, Lieutenant."
Surge took over the briefing and played the recording of a subliminal message. We found this hidden in the radio broadcast produced at the propaganda centre. It was taken two weeks after Mephistomon gained control of the TV and radio stations." The inhuman, hypnotic voice of the recording was as soft as a whisper. "Obey the Empire! Destroy its enemies! Kill them all!"
Surge shut off the recording and continued the briefing. "You wouldn't believe what hearing this crap does to people! Watch this tape."
On the screen was an image of a mob of angry men and women outside of a building. Their vengeful screaming filled the air alongside the shattering of glass. Several members of the crowd lit Molotov cocktails and lobbed them into the building. One crashed through a glass window and ignited a fire within. Armed with a sledgehammer, another crazed rioter smashed the "Kanto Socialist Party" sign above the main entrance. The crowd behind him cheered with a victorious fervour as the sign tumbled down and shattered into pieces. The streets were the scene of a slaughter with the bodies of dead Socialists littered on the ground.
Despite having already killed many Socialists, the mob was still unsatisfied. They dragged a male Socialist out and turned their ire upon him. The man's body was bruised, bloodied, and battered with baseball bats, planks of wood, and pipes. Other members of the mob watched the brutal beating and cheered with a joyous fervour once he was dead. The fire erupted with a loud boom, becoming a raging inferno and consuming the HQ of the Kanto Socialist Party. This violent event elicited another chorus of cheers from the crowd.
"This happened just after a rally in downtown Saffron," noted Electra. "Such fanaticism can only be the work of the Stone of Doom. Izzy will take it from here."
"The Stone of Doom we're up against is Ignorance," stated Izzy. He punched a few buttons on his laptop and brought up an intelligence picture of the Stone. "Ignorance manipulates a person's thoughts through subliminal messaging. That much we can deduce from the information available. Gennai warned me of its second, scary power; the ability to put up mental blocks. Once you believe the lies, you're trapped into believing them for as long as Ignorance exists."
The assembly broke into a chorus of chatter over the insidious nature of Ignorance. "Quiet!" cried Surge. "We don't have to worry because we know the truth. Izzy, please continue."
"Where I'm from, we have a saying for this. 'Ignorance is bliss.' In this case, I'd say Ignorance is misery." Everyone chuckled lightly at the irony of Izzy's joke. "We have to get rid of Ignorance if we are to free Kanto from Mephistomon's control."
****************************************
Meanwhile in Pallet Town, it was late in the afternoon. A red truck with speakers on its roof was driving down the streets. On its chassis was the black symbol of the Kanto Empire; a mountain being struck by lightning from an overhead storm cloud. The truck pulled to a stop in downtown Pallet and its left side opened to reveal an array of TV screens. People began to gather around to watch the program, a newscast made by Kanto on the Liberators' attack on the concentration camp.
"A week ago the terrorist group known as the Liberators of Kanto attacked a Pokemon summer camp to the southwest of Pallet Town. We have a video clip of the aftermath, but we advise viewer discretion as the scene is very gruesome."
As the news anchor promised, the scene appeared on the TV, and it was a horrifying sight indeed. Several log cabins were on fire and plumes of smoke billowed into the air. Littered on the ground were the bodies of male and female camp counsellors, and several children from the age of ten to their early teens. The camera panned closer to the body of a child who couldn't have been older than ten years of age. There were several bullet wounds and burn marks on his skin. The viewing audience was angered and became more vengeful by the second.
An unidentified man with short black hair walked out of the van. "These terrorists have killed too many of our people! It's time we fought back! I know where they are hiding! Who's with me?"
The crowd cheered with an approving fervour. "Let's get them! KILL THEM! KILL THEM!"
"Avenge the deaths of our people! Victory will be ours!" cheered the man. A second van and several buses pulled up. The van driver opened his back door and began distributing assault rifles.
****************************************
Surge gave a briefing on the plan for attacking the propaganda centre. "Okay, here's how we'll hit the place. We're going to rendezvous with our cell in Vermillion city. They are sending members with us to rig the centre with explosives. I will..."
The banging of assault rifle fire ripped through the air as an alarmed soldier ran into the briefing room. "Sir, several armed civilians are attacking from the southwest!"
Surge was in disbelief. "Everyone, defend our camp!" Surge pointed to a few random soldiers. "You, get the trucks ready to evacuate the slaves!"
"Yes sir!" replied the troops.
The Digimon Digivolved to their Champion level. The Pokemon trainers released a Pokemon each to defend themselves from the rioters. The Kanto Team rushed out of the tent to join the battle. They were greeted with a scene of anarchy and violence. The civilians were nothing more than crazed rioters who sprayed their gunfire at anything that moved. A deranged man with explosives strapped to his body rushed towards a tent. The soldiers inside opened fire, but the suicide bomber mashed a button and unleashed a massive explosion. It levelled the tent and vaporized the soldiers within.
"We have to get Mrs. Ketchum to safety!" cried Casey. "Go to the medical tent!"
The Kanto Team minus Surge made their way through the anarchy of the attack. Greymon called a Nova Blast and spit a massive, explosive fireball. A crowd of rioters leapt for safety as the Nova Blast smashed the ground and exploded. Surge's submachine gun banged and behind him, an evolved version of Pikachu was arcing electricity from his cheeks. This Pokemon, Raichu had a darker coat of fur, and was orangey compared to the bright yellow of Pikachu's fur. He stood a head taller and was larger overall than his smaller brethren. All this made him look much tougher and more menacing.
"I'll hold them off, you guys go help the slaves escape," ordered Surge. He dove behind the sandbags at the base of the tent and returned fire on the enemy.
Machamp picked Delia off the bed and slung her around his shoulder. "What are you doing? What's all the commotion about?"
"The camp is under attack!" replied Brock. "We have to get out of here!"
"Over here! There's a truck!" noted Casey. "Everyone get in!"
The Kanto Team helped everyone they could to get onto the truck. Under Brock's orders, Machamp placed Delia into the truck. Another truck came by, and they loaded more slaves in. Outside a crazed rioter lobbed a Molotov cocktail into the medical tent. The canvas began to burn and in response; Tracey called out Marill to douse the flames. However, the people outside grew impatient and began to lob more Molotov cocktails to accelerate the burning. Tracey was swamped as only his Marill was able to put out the fires.
"Hurry, I don't know how long the tent will hold!" warned Tracey. The air in the tent grew hot and thick and it was difficult to breathe.
Matt helped the last slave enter the truck. "That's the last of them!"
Surge ducked then peeked up and fired several rounds. "Good! We're issuing a full retreat. Let's get out of here!"
Electra came charging into a line of riots, forcing them to scatter out of self preservation. She stopped her truck outside of the tent and Surge provided cover fire as the rest of the Kanto Team boarded. The Pokemon trainers recalled their Pokemon, and returned them into their Pokeballs in flashes of crimson light. The backed out their engagements with the rioters and De-Digivolved into the truck. Everyone had been accounted for and Electra hit the accelerator and sped away. After a brief exchange of fire, the truck was out of range and was heading to safety.
"It's just like Gennai described Ignorance. Fanaticism feeds off the ignorance of the people," noted Izzy. "Ignorance is the primary weapon of any tyrant or fanatic. Adolf Hitler is proof of that."
Another truck followed behind the Kanto's team's truck, and Tai gave a sigh of relief. "Damn!" Tai punched the floor of the truck out of frustration.
"Where are we going?" asked Casey to the driver.
"I'm taking us to the cell in Vermillion," replied Electra. "They will take us in."
****************************************
Electra's truck entered the area of Vermillion City. They travelled down the streets until they came upon an abandoned factory in the outskirts of town. It was dirty and unkempt as the result of years of neglect. Despite being abandoned, the factory was still structurally sound. The Liberators had renovated the interior and reinforced the factory's structure for use as one of their hideouts. The truck passed by a pair of lookouts and parked in the lot at the front. Surge walked up and identified himself to the guard posted at the door.
Surge introduced the Kanto Team to the cell members and gave them a guided tour. Despite being dirty on the outside, the interior was actually fairly clean. The dorms seemed somewhat cramped, and had sections for male and female cell members. The meeting room had all the necessary equipment including a board, video cassette player, and chairs. As they toured, the aromatic scents of delicious food filled the nostrils of the Kanto Team. They came upon the source of the scents, a mess hall where dozens of cell members were eating. The Kanto Team was hungry from their escape and Surge let them take a bite to eat.
"So what will we do now, Lieutenant?" asked Tai.
"We're going to relax a little to catch our breath before we go after the propaganda centre. The mission will be at night tomorrow, so be well rested before then."
"What about Ash' mother?" asked Brock.
"The drivers were told to come here in case of emergency. They left ahead of us so they should be here already and if not then soon," replied Surge.
Minutes later, a soldier came in, helping a weakened woman to the mess hall. That woman was Delia Ketchum. "Hey guys, Ms. Ketchum here wanted to see if you guys were ok."
"We're relieved that you got away fine!" said Brock.
"I'm ok Brock. I'm glad to see no one else was hurt," answered Delia. "Have you heard from Ash?"
"I'm afraid not," replied Surge. "He went to meet up with a cell in Johto to fight the enemy there."
"I hope I hear from him soon. I'm worried sick."
"Don't worry. He's not a baby. He's a tough kid. I fought him in a Pokemon battle and he beat me fair and square. He can take care of himself."
****************************************
The next night, the Kanto Team, minus Izzy and Tentomon, snuck into the limits of Lavender Town under the cover of nightfall. They were wearing black clothing designed to blend in with the darkness. Somewhere nearby, a stray cat meowed as it searched for food. The wind picked up, blowing Casey's violet locks of hair up. It was cool and stars were twinkling in the sky above. The Kanto Team ran down a deserted alley way, and their footsteps echoed off the cement and brick walls. They were just blocks away from the propaganda centre, and quickly approaching.
"We're almost there!" whispered Casey to her friends.
The team crossed a second alley and their target entered their sights. Outside of the alley was a street grand commercial building. It had an antenna constructed on top with a rotating dish at the top. Inside was a reception room visible through the glass from the outside. Another room to the right had a lit light, and looked like an artist's work area. Inside was a beagle-like Pokemon with a head appropriately shaped like an artist's beret. He was painting a picture of some sort using his tail as a brush. He didn't seem too happy to be expressing his artistic side. Rather, it was as though he was being forced to work against his will.
The door opened and a man in a security uniform walked in. He checked the room, said something unknown to the Pokemon, and then returned to his rounds. The guard walked over to the reception area, checked around, but found nothing of note and disappeared into a door on the left. Using this opportunity, the Kanto Team snuck across the street and ducked under the front windows. The only person who was in the position to spot them was the Pokemon, a Smeargle, who was too wrapped up in his painting.
====================Pokedex====================
Name: Smeargle
Type: Normal
Evolved From: None
Smeargle, the Painter Pokemon. Smeargle's brush-like tail oozes a strange fluid that acts like paint. He is an aspiring painter, and can duplicate Pokemon attacks with his Sketch ability.
==============================================
"I don't know about you guys, but that Smeargle doesn't look too happy to be chained in there like that," noted Tracey.
"We should help him," suggested Kari.
"Are you sure?" asked Gabumon. "What if he calls the guards on us?"
"Why don't you have one of your Pokemon talk to him?" suggested Casey. "Smeargle might not sound the alarm on a Pokemon."
"Yeah! Great idea!" Tracey reached for the Pokeball containing Venonat. "Go, Venonat!"
In a flash of crimson light, a small insect Pokemon appeared. His eyes were large, red, and appropriately insect-like. His body was covered by a thick coat of bushy, violet fur. It had a pair of small feet which he used to walk, and a pair of small claws used for gripping. On its head was a pair of antennae, and on its face was a small fanged mouth. Venonat jumped into the air cheerfully, and was happy that his trainer wanted him to see him. He turned to Tracey to hear what he wanted.
"Venonat, please talk to Smeargle," requested Tracey. "Tell him that we're here to help."
Venonat jumped onto the window sill and tapped on the glass. Smeargle walked over and opened the window. "Smeargle? (What are you doing here?)"
"Venonat. (I want to know why you're so unhappy,)" asked Venonat.
"Smear. (I have to paint these posters, or else the humans will punish me.)"
"Venonat, venonat. (I'm so sorry. I have some friends who are trying to stop the bad people from hurting any more Pokemon. They want to stop the bad people, but they need your help.)"
"Smeargle, Smeargle. (I can't. They'll catch me, and I'll be punished.)"
"Venonat? (Are there are other Pokemon here? Aren't you concerned about how they're being treated?)"
Smeargle thought hard about it. "Smear. (I don't like what the humans are doing any more than you do but I can't.)"
"Venonat. Venonat. Venonat! (You can't be let people push you around. You have to make a stand otherwise they'll push you around forever. Help us stand up to them for all Pokemon! Please?)"
Smeargle paused momentarily to reflect on Venonat's words. "Smear! (Okay, you talked me into it!)" He opened his window and allowed the Kanto Team to come in. "Smeargle! (Be careful! There are nine other Smeargle here. Remove my chains and I'll lead you to them.)"
Tracey called out his Scyther to slice the chains that trapped Smeargle in the room. "There!" said Tracey triumphantly.
Smeargle seemed much lighter upon having his chains removed. "Smear! (This way!)"
"Wait a minute," demanded Surge. He took out his radio and gave a call to Izzy. "Izzy, have you hacked into their security network yet?"
"Yes, almost..." replied Izzy. The sound of typing filled the radio waves. "Prodigious! I'm in! Security system going off-line now!"
****************************************
Elsewhere in the centre, static consumed the monitors being watched by a pair of guards. They tried to punch some commands in, but the system wouldn't respond. "It's not working. The cameras aren't responding," remarked the first guard.
The second held his radio up to transmit a message. "All units; our cameras just went down. Be on alert for intruders. We're trying to solve the problem ASAP. Over and out."
****************************************
The Kanto Team snuck out of Smeargle's art room and entered a hallway. The walls were made of white plaster and the floor consisted of white tiles with black marks. There was a camera hanging on the end corner, but fortunately, it was offline due to "technical difficulties." The team made its way down the hallways and corridors, checking each room under Smeargle's guidance. They rescued the other Smeargles, placing them into Pokeballs for transport away from the centre. Tracey opened the door to the tenth and final Smeargle.
"Those poor Smeargle," remarked Kari. "How can anyone be so cruel?"
"They won't have to suffer anymore." Tracey brought out his Scyther to slice the chains. "We're here to free you! Come into the Pokeball!"
"Smeargle! (Don't worry! You can trust them!)" assured Smeargle.
The tenth Smeargle allowed himself to be captured by Tracey's Pokeball. The Kanto Team continued their search for Ignorance. They moved deeper into the centre, passing a TV and radio station to enter a massive, grungy room. It was filled with machines with rolling parts and canisters of ink. The machines were clearly printing presses for making copies of posters, newspapers, and other paper media.
The team looked at one of the posters out of curiosity. The poster had the picture of a smiling serviceman in a salute. He looked proud and noble, which was ironic considering the actions of Kanto's army. The background was red, and contained the emblem of a black mountain with a cloud over it. A pair of lightning bolts came from the cloud and struck the mountain. The poster had an ominous air about it, and made the serviceman look much more intimidating than he should. The poster had the words "Join the Empire's Army."
The team delved deeper, eventually finding another TV studio. It was a vacant room, with the exception of electronic equipment, and one other interesting object. At the centre of the room was their target, Ignorance. No matter how many times they looked at it, Ignorance had an unusual, but eerily ironic appearance. It was connected to the equipment by wires. At the base the head's mouth was a bowl which collected the unknown clear ooze that dripped out of its mouth. Surge looked over the set up closely, as though inspecting it for anything suspicious.
"Eew! What is that stuff?" asked Casey.
Tai looked at the fluid. "I have no idea. I'll ask Izzy." Tai called up Izzy on his radio and told him the news.
"I believe they mix it into their ink, otherwise they use it as ink," replied Izzy. "Whatever it is, they use it to manipulate people who read the posters you described."
"These wires aren't connected to any alarms," informed Surge. "They must feed the subliminal messaging into the recordings." Surge made a final check and to ensure that no alarms were connected to the Stone. He called Vermillion cell members and received confirmation of the setting of the bombs. "Okay, let's take the Stone and get out of here!"
"Agumon, your turn!" said Tai.
"Agumon, Digivolve to... Greymon!" Agumon's strength rose exponentially as Greymon and he scooped Ignorance up with a single hand.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" screamed something unknown like a banshee. It was so loud and disruptive that everyone had to cover their ears.
"Argggh! What is that?" asked Brock.
"It's Ignorance! It doesn't want to be removed from here!" cried Kari.
"I didn't know they were alive!" cried Casey.
"Never mind. We gotta move! The place will be crawling with guards!" warned Surge.
Before anyone could react a pair of creatures burst into the scene. The Digidestined members of the team recognized them as Digimon; Datamon to be exact. All of them were about three feet tall with pill-shaped bodies made of metal. The top half of their bodies was a dome that encased complex circuitry that functioned like the creatures' brain. The bottom half was connected to a pair of hands and feet by a set of metal cables. The creatures scanned the team using their artificial right eye and their exposed organic left eye.
====================Digimon Analyzer====================
Name: Datamon
Type: Virus
Level: Ultimate
Attacks: Digital Bomb, Nano Swarm
Datamon are knowledgeable in all things technological. They use their technical aptitude to further the goals of whoever they may serve.
====================================================
"Casey, Matt, help me distract these bucket heads!" ordered Surge. "The rest of you, get to the extraction point ASAP! Surge and Casey released Raichu and Bayleef respectively from their Pokeballs.
"Gabumon, Digivolve to... Garurumon!"
"Raichu, shock'em good with Thunderbolt!" commanded Surge.
Crackling electricity arced from Raichu's cheeks and struck one of the Datamon. The electricity surged all over the Datamon's body, but he suddenly snapped out to Raichu's surprise. Garurumon employed a Howling Blaster, exhaling a gust of scorching blue flames onto the second Datamon. He flinched, but recovered and smacked his attacker with an explosive Digital Bomb. Datamon lobbed a second bomb, and its explosion smashed Bayleef into the ground. She landed before her trainer with a thud.
"Bay!" she grunted.
"You okay, Bayleef?" asked Casey. Bayleef replied in the affirmative, and leapt onto took a defiant combat stance before her trainer.
"They're Ultimates, so they're tougher than the other Digimon we've fought. Don't give up! We can still beat them!" shouted Matt encouragingly.
"Digital Bomb!"
A weapons bay opened in one of the Datamon's hand and produced a grenade. He lobbed it at Raichu, but the Mouse Pokemon was faster and evaded the booming explosion. Raichu countered with a Slam attack, ramming his body into the Datamon. The second initiated his Nano Swarm attack, and released several small, metallic probes into the air. Surrounding Garurumon and Bayleef like mosquitoes, the Nano Swarm crackled with the discharging of several electrical shocks into Garurumon and Bayleef.
The probes were a great nuisance to the two monsters, and prevented them from mounting any form of offence. It was Surge who came to their rescue, calling Raichu to aim a Thunderbolt upon the Nano Swarm. Each of the probes fell dead, allowing their victims to exploit the turning of the tide. Garurumon's fiery blue breath melted the Nano Swarm into puddles of metallic goo. Bayleef sliced and diced the last remnants of the cloud with rapid fire Razor Leaves, dumping a metallic salad onto the ground.
A guard ran into the room, and Surge did a double take upon identifying his face. "Watts?"
"We have to get out of here!" stated Casey. "Bayleef, Vine Whip!" Bayleef's vines extended from her neck and lashed the Datamon into Watts painfully.
****************************************
Greymon smashed his way through the wall, blowing chunks of cement all over the ground. Ignorance continued its shrill screeching which could be heard for miles around. The first half of the Kanto Team ran down the darkened streets of Lavender. They looked back and saw Surge and the others following behind. The headlights of police cruisers shined like beacons in the darkness of night. Lavender Town's police bore down on them, intent on stopping the resistance's escape.
"You are under arrest! Drop your weapons and surrender!" ordered an officer.
Surge activated his radio. "Electra, get here on the double!" Surge switched frequencies to the Vermillion cell members. "Vermillion cell, now!"
A pair of black vans pulled up on the street ahead. Several booms ripped through the air alongside a multitude of explosions that tore the propaganda centre asunder. The night sky was lit up in a blaze of vibrant light. The police was distracted, and only a few noticed the vans speeding away. Ignorance's screeching was unbearable, and Izzy typed away frantically on his computer in an attempt to reach Gennai. After a few minutes, the Digidestined's guide responded. A flash of light ensued and Ignorance was pulled into a portal to the Digital World. The Kanto Team uncovered their ears in relief.
"Ow! I thought my ears were going to burst," remarked Tai.
"We have more immediate concerns at than that!" said Izzy, in reference to the cops.
"Hold on everybody! This is going to be a bumpy ride!" called Electra.
Everyone looked back as the bullets ricocheted off the steel body of the van. Each hit shot flickering sparks into the air. Everyone was thankful for the mechanics that reinforced the armour of the van. A few bullets hit and bounced off the rear window. The glass had been rendered bullet-proof just like the van's chassis. Electra swerved to evade enemy fire, and everyone held on for dear life. The faint sound of something slicing the air drew closer, and everyone recognized it as the rotary blades of a helicopter. A light from above shined through the rear window.
"Oh great!" grumbled Electra.
"It's easy to evade squad cars, but a chopper?" asked Izzy rhetorically.
A message came in over the radio from Surge. "Once we leave Lavender's city limits, I'm going to shoot that baby down! When I give the signal, cover me!"
After several minutes of chase, the car chase burst onto the southbound freeway. Surge waited until there were no buildings in sight, then gave the signal. From the open rear window of his van, Agumon spit a fireball which the police instinctively dodged. Tracey released Marill, and he sprayed a jet of pressurized water. It punched through a squad car's windshield and drilled the driver in the face. The driver lost control of his car, and began to swerve erratically. It suddenly struck a cruiser moving in his blind spot, dangerously grinding their chassis together and scattering sparks.
"Hey, watch where you're driving!" called the driver to his comrade.
In the second van, Surge opened a wooden case and pulled out a rocket launcher. He loaded a SAM into the tube, and leaned out of an open window. Upon pulling the trigger, the missile swooshed out and veered upwards to the helicopter. The chopper burst into flames and dropped onto the ground to explode with brilliance. Thick, black smoke rose from the crackling fires of the wreckage. Surge turned his attention to the pursuing police cruisers and tucked the rocket launcher away.
"Get down!" cried Surge, as he opened the rear window.
Surge pulled out his submachine gun and fired a burst at the front tire of the lead car. The first three rounds clanged as they punctured holes into the car's chassis. A hail of bullets flew at him, thus Surge ducked behind the safety of the door. He peaked out and fired another burst, finally landing a hit on the tire. It let out a faint hiss as air gushed outwards. The car lost speed considerably and the driver struggle to maintain control. The trailing cars passed their leader, but Surge's bullets ripped their tires to shreds. One by one, the cars dropped out of the chase, leaving the vans free to get away.
"Phew! I'm glad that's over!" remarked Casey.
"Yeah," agreed Surge.
"Lieutenant, who was that guard you saw at Lavender? You seemed to recognize him," observed Matt.
"Yeah," admitted Surge. "His name is Watts. We used to be squad mates during the war."
"The war?" asked Matt.
"I learned about this in school," replied Casey. "It was a world war in which Kanto and Johto were on opposite sides. I heard that the world fell under a depression and someone like Mephistomon took advantage of things to gain control of Kanto."
"Sounds like World War Two in my world," remarked Matt.
"Casey's right. Do you want to hear my story?" asked Surge.
"Of course," replied Matt.
"Okay. Like Casey said, the war happened ten years ago. Back then, I was a soldier working for a resistance group much like the Liberators of today."
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A younger Lt. Surge gazed upon a map of the wilderness east of Vermillion City. In this area was a tunnel network originally created by Digletts and Dugtrios. It had an exit located east of Viridian Forest. Kanto had taken control of this tunnel and have been using it as a pathway to go directly to the west. They used this tunnel to move troops from Vermillion's army bases to Viridian and then to the front further west. It was strategically important to the enemy, thus eliminating it would greatly hinder their war effort.
Surge looked up to see the faces of his comrades. Of his comrades, three faces stood out; the first of which was a younger Electra. The second belonged to a thirty year old man with a medium build, black hair, and a bushy beard. This man was Surge's squad leader, Sparks. The third and last face belonged to a blond haired, blue-eyed man with a thin build. He was young, about eighteen years old, and had the look of grim determination on his face. This last man was Surge's war buddy, Watts.
"Okay, our allies in Viridian are set to destroy their end of the Diglett tunnel. Kanto isn't moving any troops tomorrow night, so that's the best time to strike," briefed Sparks. "Get a good night's sleep and be prepared for our mission."
The next night, the partisan army prepared for their mission. "So Max, what will you do after the war is over?" asked Watts.
"I've been thinking about opening a Gym in my home town," said Surge.
"Ah, a future Gym Leader! After the war, many people will want some way to enjoy the peace. I'm sure a lot of trainers will come by to compete in the Indigo League."
"How about you? What do you plan to do?"
"I'm not sure, I haven't given it much thought... My only hope is that the war ends soon."
"Yeah, I hope so too. Well Greg, let's go! We've got a tunnel to bomb!"
Surge's squad snuck their way past several enemy guards and into the tunnel. It was a dark cave, and its earthen walls were lit only by lamps scattered within the tunnel. It was cool inside, despite the lack of movement from the air within. True to the briefing, no one was moving through the tunnel that night. Surge released Raichu and set him on lookout while he worked. He reached into a bag and pulled out a mass of what looked like grey plasticine. He stuck it onto the sides of the tunnel and joined a detonator to it with electrical wires.
"Okay I'm done!" whispered Surge to Watts.
Watts finished attaching his detonators. "Let's go!"
Surge's squad fled the tunnel with utmost haste. As they ran, Surge pulled out a transmitter and pressed the button. A massive wave of explosions boomed in the tunnel behind him. Blasts of flames jetted out of the Diglett Tunnel's entrance. Dirt from above tumbled onto the ground, and the tunnel was blocked off completely. The enemy spotted them fleeing into vans and gave chase. Several bangs filled the air as assault rifles unloaded round after round.
Watts' assault rifle banged as he returned fire. "Hurry! Get in the van!"
Watts gunned down two advancing enemy soldiers. A bullet from an unseen source struck him in the chest. Blood burst out of the wound, dying his uniform a deep crimson. Watts turned to his attacker and took him down in expedient fashion. More soldiers entered the scene, hitting Watts in the chest before he collapsed. Bangs burst from his squad mates they shot down the soldiers. Surge leapt out of the van and yanked his comrade to safety. The squad's medic, Volts, began to examine his patient as the van sped away from firing enemies.
"Are you ok Watts?" asked Surge.
He was in great pain, and from Volts' diagnosis, Watts had lost a dangerously large amount of blood. "They got me..." Watts coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"Is there anything you can do for him, doc?" asked Surge desperately.
"I'm sorry," replied Volts. "He's beyond my ability."
Watts drifted into a deathly silence. "WATTS!" cried Surge in anguish.
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"It's so sad," remarked Casey.
"Yeah, Watts and I were the best of friends," replied Surge. "After the war was over, I hoped to show him the Gym I opened in Vermillion." Surge sighed. "...But that won't ever happen. After the war, we exhumed his body and gave him a proper reburial in the Veterans' Graveyard in Vermillion."
Matt was skeptical. "I'm still wondering how that was possible. He died ten years ago didn't he?"
Surge was adamant about spotting Watts back at the propaganda centre. "He did, but I know what I saw! That was Watts back there! I can't explain it," said Surge before taking a brief, pensive pause. "Listen, I'm going to the graveyard to check things out. Call it a hunch, but I have the feeling that I need to see something there."
The Kanto Team pulled into the base of the Vermillion resistance cell. They ate a nice, hearty meal in celebration of their removal of Ignorance's influence over Kanto. A Liberator soldier bearing good news came into the mess hall and interrupted the meal. The message came from the Johto Team. They had destroyed Negligence, thus stopping it from manipulating further accidents in Johto. The Johto Team were on their way to the Lake of Rage to remove the next Stone.
"Yeah, alright!" cheered Casey. "Three down, five to go!"
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Under the cover of night, Surge made his way to the Vermillion Veterans' Cemetery. The night was cool and the wind picked up, blowing up strands of Surge's blond hair. He kept a vigilant look out for anyone who might recognize him for what he was. He came upon the gate to a great graveyard at the outer boarders of Vermillion. Police were stationed around the door, as though denying access to the grounds inside. Surge climbed over the fence and was greeted with the sight of rows upon of rows of cross-shaped headstones. An unsettling feeling came over the Lieutenant as he walked deeper inside.
Any graveyard was a creepy place to be in at night. There were many stories about the dead rising from their graves to seek vengeance upon the living. The sight of a restless spirit or cannibalistic zombie would make even a tough man like Surge wet his pants. Although there's skepticism about the existence of human ghosts, science has confirmed the existence of Pokemon ghosts in the Ghost type Pokemon. So far, the cemetery was completely devoid of anything of interest. However, Surge pressed on and scanned the grounds for anything amiss. He soon came upon a series of open graves, and each had a pile of dirt lying beside it.
He approached one of the headstones and took a close look at the inscription. The grave belonged to a man named Jones, a veteran of the same war Surge and Watts fought in. Surge realized the strangeness of this situation, noting that Jones' body was missing. There was no coffin or body within any of the other holes either. Someone had exhumed the body and took it away. Surge began to grow concerned. He was close to making a very important, but unpleasant discovery.
Surge continued his search, finding more open graves in his path. He soon came upon the headstone of Gregory Watts, his fallen comrade from the war. Surge's jaw dropped as he took in the sight before him. Watts' grave was open just like the others were, and a pile of dirt was left discarded on the side of the grave. Nothing was inside of the hole except for a few blades of grass from the digging during the exhumation. Surge heard something wooden bumping into something elsewhere and dove behind a nearby tree for cover.
He peeked at the source of the sound, a floating jellyfish hauling a coffin away with its tentacles. It had bumped its coffin into a headstone by accident. Its main body was blue and had red, bubble-like growths that almost looked like eyes. Surge recognized the creature as being the Water Pokemon, Tentacruel. However, normal Tentacruel didn't have the ability to float in the air. They could only function in the water. They also didn't have violet snakes protruding from their body.
They slithered around, as though keeping a vigil for intruders. Surge moved slightly to the left to remain hidden from the monstrosity's sight. He recognized those snakes as being Ekans. This creature didn't look like any normal Pokemon that would be found in the wild. It had to have been the result of some warped genetic experiment. He wondered who was deranged enough to create such an abomination. Deciding that this situation called for discretion, Surge snuck away and ran back to the Liberator base to report the news.