Chapter 22
The TV crews hoarded around Setijin, pushing each other aside, reaching forward with
their microphones, camera men stretching up over the gathering to get a clear shot at him.
Setijin stood nervously in the center, attempting to organize things.
"What was it like out there?" one reporter asked.
"Incredibly nerve wracking!" Setijin replied, turning towards a second reporter, tapping
him on the shoulder.
"Hi. Elsa Brown: EGC News: Why did you decide to forfeit the match?"
"I didn't want my pokémon to get hurt anymore," he responded.
"But you let your first pokémon take a beating."
"…" He paused, the reporters behind him calling to get his attention. He raised his hand,
and pushed his way out of the circle, grabbing his bag and heading over to the two
officials.
"Thanks," he finished, walking in between them, pushing the door open. He stepped
through, the officials closing together, blocking the reporters.
Scores of people, dressed in black, team rocket issue uniforms conversed, gathered on the
floor of a huge, warehouse like building. Speaker systems were fitted on each concrete
pillar supporting the walls, the rafters high above littered with crude spotlights, a small
metal balcony at the end of the room standing vacant, with large flags emblazoned with
rocket 'R's hanging either side of it. The lights clicked on as the black haired, suited man
emerged, holding a microphone, the cables dangling down, swinging between his legs.
The crowds hushed as he began.
"Well, what a selection we have here!" he started. "It's quite humbling to see so many
rockets before me. I find it hard to believe that but a year ago, we were compiled of no
more than a few people, but now! It almost brings tears to my eyes!" The rockets below
mumbled to each other, as if flattered by his compliments. "Anyway, lets get down to
business. First off, the experiments we've been running have proved successful! We can
now successfully prematurely evolve any and all pokémon, unleashing their full
potentials. With this technology under our belts, we are already superior to most out
there. Rivalry will thin, and our ultimate quest shall be easier to come by." He stopped,
stepping aside to allow a second person onto the balcony. He wore a rocket uniform, his
one much smoother and more casual. It split down the center, with a white collar, much
like a suit. He took the microphone, and continued the speech.
"With a simple procedure, we can evolve any pokémon in almost no time at all. Because
of this, and our ultimate aim, you are all encouraged to remain here after this speech to
have one of your pokémon squad evolved. This will greatly improve your power in battle,
and our power overall. Think of it not as a personal gain, rather than a…a bonus for
Team Rocket itself." The crowd murmured once more, as the leader took the mike.
"As for our ultimate aim, we are right on track. Our genetics experiments are coming
along successfully, and its only a matter of time before the pokémon of legends all fall to
our beck and call!" as the sentence drew to a close, his voice grew more forceful and
excited, lowering as he continued. "As for now, go back to your usual duties. We shall
call for new admins periodically, encouraging new Rocket bases to be founded around
the areas of the world, each with Evolution inducing capabilities. With a constant stream
of new power flooding in…" he slowed to think, before rephrasing; "With a constant
stream of power flowing THROUGH our ranks, we are sure to crush any resistance.
Rockets, I thank you. Spread the word of our revival, and make sure all who stand in your
way know that Team Rocket are the reason for their demise!" He handed the microphone
back to the admin, and left the balcony, the audience applauding him. The admin made
hand motions, attempting to restore quiet.
"Now, if you'll all be so kind, queue single file to the double doors below and prepare to
have your pokémon examined and treated accordingly." With this, the crowd moved
back, funneling in at the front, thinning out more and more the closer to the door they
moved. Slowly but surely, they started to file through to receive their 'upgrades'.
Setijin sat on his bed, talking to Winona via his pokénav. Arc stepped in through the hotel
door, closing it quietly and waiting while the conversation continued.
"You don't think I made the wrong choice then?"
"Not at all! Don't be so stupid. What you did was honorable," she snapped.
"People keep telling me this, but it seems wrong considering that Umbreon took such a
battering…"
"I can see why you'd think that, but…" she paused.
"But?"
"Uh…I'm sorry, I can't think of a way to finish that sentence."
"So you agree with me then."
"I suppose I do see your point, but don't beat yourself up over it. I know very well that
you love Umbreon and Medicham both the same, and I'm sure they do too. Its just that
Medicham has a very odd way of showing it."
"Heh."
"Anyway, I have to go now. Lucia and I are going to get some training done. See you
later!" The other end of the line clicked as if to close, Setijin dropping the nav onto his
pillow. Arc stepped forwards.
"All travel arrangements are set. The boat will be arriving at Mossdeep in two days
time," he explained. Setijin smiled.
"Excellent! I'm guessing that means it won't be stopping here then."
"Nope. But that's what you have a bird pokémon for!"
"Yup." Setijin stopped, looking up at Arc. "I guess this is goodbye then?"
"To a certain degree, yes," he replied. "I'll still be keeping in touch with you all, and
we'll no doubt bump into each other again!" He outstretched his hand, unfolding it.
Setijin clasped it and shook.
"Thanks for the lifts, support…everything," he said. Arc grinned.
"See you around then," he finished, turning away and leaving the room. Setijin sat
smiling, before returning to his things, shoveling his clothes into his bags and fitting his
utility belt.
"Looks like its goodbye to you too Ever Grande City!" he sighed. He stood up, slinging
his backpack over his shoulder, shuffling his jacket and flinging his room key into the air,
snatching it back, striding out, closing the door behind him.
Winona and Lucia stood facing each other, more than 5 meters apart, their pokémon
tussling in between them. Plusle and Minun aided one and other, flipping each other
forward, clapping their partners on, or simultaneously unleashing attacks. Pelipper and
Winona's new pokémon Pidgey evaded attacks, often swooping back around to tackle
their opponents.
"That's one powerful Pidgey!" Lucia exclaimed.
"I caught it back in Fortree before we came here. He put up quite a fight." As she
finished, Pidgey flew back into the air, flapping its wings quickly, causing a small
updraft, and flipping Plusle into the air. Minun, looking up at it leapt out of Pelippers
charge and charged its cheeks with electricity.
"Miiiiiinun!" it squealed, guiding a ball of lighting through the air, encircling Pidgey. IT
compacted in on itself, imploding with power, stunning the bird, dragging it to the
ground. The winds died and Plusle landed back on the floor.
"Nice moves!" Winona complimented, Pelipper fluttering back, opening its wide beak,
inhaling deeply. Plusle and Minun rested, steadily dropping off to sleep as Pelipper
continued to wait, absorbing more energy from the air. A minute passed, Plusle and
Minun finally waking up, charging their cheeks once more. Both shot forward, sped up
by a recent agility boost, skidding to a halt directly beneath the air born sea bird. They
howled as small storm clouds quickly gathered above the battle, rumbling with thunder, a
thick bolt of lightning sparking down, traveling straight through Pelipper, the two mice
below reveling in the power. Pelipper struggled as it flapped desperately, attempting to
stay upright. It swallowed the energy gathered in its beak, the result effectively refreshing
it, the burn marks on its feathers dissolving, and its flight returning to peak form.
"Plusle, quick attack it!" Lucia ordered. As Plusle leapt up, ready to aim its attack, Lucia
continued: "Minun, cheer it on!" Minun remained below, clapping its hands, Plusle firing
forwards, colliding directly with Pelipper. Both fell back to the ground Plusle leaping
away from the felled bird, Minun quickly zapping it with a short jolt of electricity.
Pelipper wailed in submission, Winona applauding Lucia.
"Very nicely done." She returned her two pokémon, walking up to Lucia congratulating
hers. The two shook hands, Winona removing a Feather badge from her jacket pocket,
handing it to her opponent.
"I can really have this?" Lucia asked excitedly.
"You beat me. Therefore, you've officially earned it. She smiled, jumping back as her
pokénav rang. She picked it up and flipped it open, listening to Arc on the other end.
"All the preparations are set Winona. The S.S.Aqua will be arriving at Mossdeep the day
after tomorrow."
"Oh excellent!" she replied.
"First class cruise all the way to Johto!"
"Really?" she squealed ecstatically. Lucia overhearing this grinned leaping up, going
bleary eyed imagining the up coming trip.
"Setijin should be on his way too, although I think he plans on heading back to Fortree
for a few things."
"Oh, ok. Is he ok with the pokémon I sent him?"
"I presume so. He hasn't really talked about it too much."
"Oh, I hope its ok," she worried.
"He should be fine…out of curiosity, what pokémon have you lent him?"
Swellow shot through the air, clouds shooting by at high speeds, Setijin desperately
clinging onto its back, the speed causing his eyes to water, his hair flapping backwards
vigorously, scenery blurring past far below.
"Tooooo faaaast!" he whimpered.
The TV crews hoarded around Setijin, pushing each other aside, reaching forward with
their microphones, camera men stretching up over the gathering to get a clear shot at him.
Setijin stood nervously in the center, attempting to organize things.
"What was it like out there?" one reporter asked.
"Incredibly nerve wracking!" Setijin replied, turning towards a second reporter, tapping
him on the shoulder.
"Hi. Elsa Brown: EGC News: Why did you decide to forfeit the match?"
"I didn't want my pokémon to get hurt anymore," he responded.
"But you let your first pokémon take a beating."
"…" He paused, the reporters behind him calling to get his attention. He raised his hand,
and pushed his way out of the circle, grabbing his bag and heading over to the two
officials.
"Thanks," he finished, walking in between them, pushing the door open. He stepped
through, the officials closing together, blocking the reporters.
Scores of people, dressed in black, team rocket issue uniforms conversed, gathered on the
floor of a huge, warehouse like building. Speaker systems were fitted on each concrete
pillar supporting the walls, the rafters high above littered with crude spotlights, a small
metal balcony at the end of the room standing vacant, with large flags emblazoned with
rocket 'R's hanging either side of it. The lights clicked on as the black haired, suited man
emerged, holding a microphone, the cables dangling down, swinging between his legs.
The crowds hushed as he began.
"Well, what a selection we have here!" he started. "It's quite humbling to see so many
rockets before me. I find it hard to believe that but a year ago, we were compiled of no
more than a few people, but now! It almost brings tears to my eyes!" The rockets below
mumbled to each other, as if flattered by his compliments. "Anyway, lets get down to
business. First off, the experiments we've been running have proved successful! We can
now successfully prematurely evolve any and all pokémon, unleashing their full
potentials. With this technology under our belts, we are already superior to most out
there. Rivalry will thin, and our ultimate quest shall be easier to come by." He stopped,
stepping aside to allow a second person onto the balcony. He wore a rocket uniform, his
one much smoother and more casual. It split down the center, with a white collar, much
like a suit. He took the microphone, and continued the speech.
"With a simple procedure, we can evolve any pokémon in almost no time at all. Because
of this, and our ultimate aim, you are all encouraged to remain here after this speech to
have one of your pokémon squad evolved. This will greatly improve your power in battle,
and our power overall. Think of it not as a personal gain, rather than a…a bonus for
Team Rocket itself." The crowd murmured once more, as the leader took the mike.
"As for our ultimate aim, we are right on track. Our genetics experiments are coming
along successfully, and its only a matter of time before the pokémon of legends all fall to
our beck and call!" as the sentence drew to a close, his voice grew more forceful and
excited, lowering as he continued. "As for now, go back to your usual duties. We shall
call for new admins periodically, encouraging new Rocket bases to be founded around
the areas of the world, each with Evolution inducing capabilities. With a constant stream
of new power flooding in…" he slowed to think, before rephrasing; "With a constant
stream of power flowing THROUGH our ranks, we are sure to crush any resistance.
Rockets, I thank you. Spread the word of our revival, and make sure all who stand in your
way know that Team Rocket are the reason for their demise!" He handed the microphone
back to the admin, and left the balcony, the audience applauding him. The admin made
hand motions, attempting to restore quiet.
"Now, if you'll all be so kind, queue single file to the double doors below and prepare to
have your pokémon examined and treated accordingly." With this, the crowd moved
back, funneling in at the front, thinning out more and more the closer to the door they
moved. Slowly but surely, they started to file through to receive their 'upgrades'.
Setijin sat on his bed, talking to Winona via his pokénav. Arc stepped in through the hotel
door, closing it quietly and waiting while the conversation continued.
"You don't think I made the wrong choice then?"
"Not at all! Don't be so stupid. What you did was honorable," she snapped.
"People keep telling me this, but it seems wrong considering that Umbreon took such a
battering…"
"I can see why you'd think that, but…" she paused.
"But?"
"Uh…I'm sorry, I can't think of a way to finish that sentence."
"So you agree with me then."
"I suppose I do see your point, but don't beat yourself up over it. I know very well that
you love Umbreon and Medicham both the same, and I'm sure they do too. Its just that
Medicham has a very odd way of showing it."
"Heh."
"Anyway, I have to go now. Lucia and I are going to get some training done. See you
later!" The other end of the line clicked as if to close, Setijin dropping the nav onto his
pillow. Arc stepped forwards.
"All travel arrangements are set. The boat will be arriving at Mossdeep in two days
time," he explained. Setijin smiled.
"Excellent! I'm guessing that means it won't be stopping here then."
"Nope. But that's what you have a bird pokémon for!"
"Yup." Setijin stopped, looking up at Arc. "I guess this is goodbye then?"
"To a certain degree, yes," he replied. "I'll still be keeping in touch with you all, and
we'll no doubt bump into each other again!" He outstretched his hand, unfolding it.
Setijin clasped it and shook.
"Thanks for the lifts, support…everything," he said. Arc grinned.
"See you around then," he finished, turning away and leaving the room. Setijin sat
smiling, before returning to his things, shoveling his clothes into his bags and fitting his
utility belt.
"Looks like its goodbye to you too Ever Grande City!" he sighed. He stood up, slinging
his backpack over his shoulder, shuffling his jacket and flinging his room key into the air,
snatching it back, striding out, closing the door behind him.
Winona and Lucia stood facing each other, more than 5 meters apart, their pokémon
tussling in between them. Plusle and Minun aided one and other, flipping each other
forward, clapping their partners on, or simultaneously unleashing attacks. Pelipper and
Winona's new pokémon Pidgey evaded attacks, often swooping back around to tackle
their opponents.
"That's one powerful Pidgey!" Lucia exclaimed.
"I caught it back in Fortree before we came here. He put up quite a fight." As she
finished, Pidgey flew back into the air, flapping its wings quickly, causing a small
updraft, and flipping Plusle into the air. Minun, looking up at it leapt out of Pelippers
charge and charged its cheeks with electricity.
"Miiiiiinun!" it squealed, guiding a ball of lighting through the air, encircling Pidgey. IT
compacted in on itself, imploding with power, stunning the bird, dragging it to the
ground. The winds died and Plusle landed back on the floor.
"Nice moves!" Winona complimented, Pelipper fluttering back, opening its wide beak,
inhaling deeply. Plusle and Minun rested, steadily dropping off to sleep as Pelipper
continued to wait, absorbing more energy from the air. A minute passed, Plusle and
Minun finally waking up, charging their cheeks once more. Both shot forward, sped up
by a recent agility boost, skidding to a halt directly beneath the air born sea bird. They
howled as small storm clouds quickly gathered above the battle, rumbling with thunder, a
thick bolt of lightning sparking down, traveling straight through Pelipper, the two mice
below reveling in the power. Pelipper struggled as it flapped desperately, attempting to
stay upright. It swallowed the energy gathered in its beak, the result effectively refreshing
it, the burn marks on its feathers dissolving, and its flight returning to peak form.
"Plusle, quick attack it!" Lucia ordered. As Plusle leapt up, ready to aim its attack, Lucia
continued: "Minun, cheer it on!" Minun remained below, clapping its hands, Plusle firing
forwards, colliding directly with Pelipper. Both fell back to the ground Plusle leaping
away from the felled bird, Minun quickly zapping it with a short jolt of electricity.
Pelipper wailed in submission, Winona applauding Lucia.
"Very nicely done." She returned her two pokémon, walking up to Lucia congratulating
hers. The two shook hands, Winona removing a Feather badge from her jacket pocket,
handing it to her opponent.
"I can really have this?" Lucia asked excitedly.
"You beat me. Therefore, you've officially earned it. She smiled, jumping back as her
pokénav rang. She picked it up and flipped it open, listening to Arc on the other end.
"All the preparations are set Winona. The S.S.Aqua will be arriving at Mossdeep the day
after tomorrow."
"Oh excellent!" she replied.
"First class cruise all the way to Johto!"
"Really?" she squealed ecstatically. Lucia overhearing this grinned leaping up, going
bleary eyed imagining the up coming trip.
"Setijin should be on his way too, although I think he plans on heading back to Fortree
for a few things."
"Oh, ok. Is he ok with the pokémon I sent him?"
"I presume so. He hasn't really talked about it too much."
"Oh, I hope its ok," she worried.
"He should be fine…out of curiosity, what pokémon have you lent him?"
Swellow shot through the air, clouds shooting by at high speeds, Setijin desperately
clinging onto its back, the speed causing his eyes to water, his hair flapping backwards
vigorously, scenery blurring past far below.
"Tooooo faaaast!" he whimpered.