Chapter Four—Nascour's Plan and Mt. Battle
Rays of light were the first thing to meet Char's sleepy eyes as he opened them the next morning.
The next thing, was Nascour, who was lying very close to him.
Not wanting to wake him, as he seemed to be quite soundly asleep, Char slid out of bed and walked silently toward the window.
Upon reaching it, he gazed out at the world of Orre—his soon to be kingdom. He wondered. 'Orre, it is truly vast! But after Orre, what? Perhaps the far regions where they say Pokemon originated?'
Char once dreamed of visiting places like Hoenn, Johto, and Kanto. He'd read books on them, he'd talked to people from the regions. They were described like heavens—all of different kinds, Hoenn with its great seas and Johto with its large, wild, uninhabited areas—teeming with life. Even the densely populated Kanto seemed appealing, with its many cities and Pokemon, many of which had not made it to far-off places like Orre.
Char thought aloud. "Why did I have to born in this sand-pit?"
At that, he felt arms slide around his naked body, pulling him back a few steps from the window and into an embrace.
"This sand-pit, is where I was born as well," Nascour replied, holding Char in an almost fierce hug. "If you hadn't been born here—you and I probably would have never met."
Char nodded, looking upward at Nascour. "You're right about that."
The two stood in silence, looking out the window at the early morning view.
Finally, Nascour broke the silence. "So, no one's up. I have a presentation that I'm giving on the up-coming operations, so I should be awake—and getting ready. Want to get some breakfast?"
Char wasn't feeling sleepy anymore. "Sure, breakfast sounds good."
Downstairs, Char and Nascour feasted on a sumptuous meal of—cereal.
Sitting very close to eachother at the table, sometimes even feeding eachother, the two idly chatted about Cipher's upcoming takeover plans.
Char was satisfied, except for one thing. "In this plan, it seems that you won't be doing a lot of battling. Sneaking about, spy work, supporting, yes, but for the straightforward battle, you aren't really much of a dominant force.."
Nascour just shrugged. "You know, while Evice paraded me around as a warrior, I have to admit, while strong, I don't like to battle," Nascour said, gaining a look to his eyes.. "And Char, you know me. Which sometimes I play at it," and here he moved closer to Char, "I'm not a dominant force.. am I? I rather like being.. controlled.."
Char suddenly became uncomfortable in his chair. Putting an arm around Nascour, he whispered to him, "No.. I guess you're not."
There was silence for a beat, and then—a crash of two chairs and a cereal box.
The 'meeting' was already off to a fantastic start.
---
About a hour later, life was seeping its way back into the house. The Cipher minions were anxiously stirring—getting their uniforms on for their first official meeting, while the Admins were making sure they looked their absolute best. They loved making good impressions.
Char and Nascour had finished in the kitchen, and were now in the sitting room—soon to be presentation room.
Nascour was setting up the projector while Char watched him. 'Nascour was so dedicated to his plans,' Char thought.
Just as Nascour turned on the projector to reveal a map of Orre, the Cipher peons, being led in by the Admins, filed into the room, and sat down.
Nascour stood next to the map, a pointer in his hands. "Members of Cipher!" he called, looking around to make sure everyone was paying attention. "I have called you here to discuss our plans for the takeover of Orre! As I'm sure you all know, Cipher is an organization that has been trying to achieve this for years, but—we're now... under new management."
A slight chuckle came from the crowd.
"And I, along with most of you, feel that the change in leadership is truly a blessing to the organization."
"Especially because you're the big boss now, Nascour!" laughed Dakim, while the other Admins nodded.
"Yes yes, I am now one of the official heads of Cipher. But we cannot forget about the other boss of Cipher—Char!" Nascour said, pointing to Char who was lounging in a chair.
Applause. Char nodded to the gathered group, before the clapping died down and the focus was on Nascour once more.
"Now I know you know why I've called you all to this meeting, and that is—yes, we ARE taking over Orre. But how are we going to do it? Well, I'll have to say that the plan I intend to follow, while effective, isn't exactly new! And I'm sure my Admins will know this. My plan, is to return you to the areas you once ruled. Once you are in place, you will gather more Cipher peons, appoint the special Mystery Troops, and most importantly, add more pokemon to Cipher's 'army'. When the areas are securely in your grasp, we will move onto the next phase of the plan."
Nascour smacked the pointer against Realgam Tower on the map.
"This tower, has been a symbol of Cipher ever since it was erected. Right now, according to my knowledge, it is being held by the Pyrite Police. But we all know how frail their system is, don't we? I mean, they couldn't even hold me in jail!"
A roar of laughter, accompanied with the occasional 'Yeah, what a joke!' and 'They won't stop us!'.
"Yes, that is true. The Pyrite Police poses little to no threat. But, we must still act with caution and safety. I'm know for a fact what can come of small mistakes! So, while the Realgam Tower attack is coming up, I want no one idly talking about it! I don't want us caught off guard by enhanced security because the information got leaked to the police!"
Nascour then pointed to Mt. Battle.
"Now—the first phase of the plan is to recapture the four areas we once controlled. Mt. Battle, The Shadow Pokemon Lab, The Under, and Pyrite Town. I believe that it is in our best interest to start with Mt. Battle, so Dakim, listen up."
Dakim nodded. Nascour continued.
"Now, Mt. Battle has already been weakened. The barrier that blocks outsiders from getting in has been destroyed, and the police and remaining Mt. Battle trainers have not been able to get it back online. That is good for us. And also, thanks to Char, the strongest Area Leader has also been taken out. We should be able to essentially walk right in and take over. While there is a police presence at Mt. Battle, the main force is NOT there, because they are well—looking for me."
Char smiled. So his order to Duking would help them!
"So now, the plan for Mt. Battle!" said Nascour, smacking the projector screen again. "Is as follows. We are going to Teleport to the top of the mountain, and from there, work our way down, eliminating all threats in our way and stealing any pokemon we can. Once we reach the lowest platform, I will have Xia recreate the barrier. The police and anyone else will be sealed out, but because this barrier is not machine-made, but made out of psychic power, it will allow Cipher to pass through as they wish. Once the new barrier is in place, Mt. Battle—will be ours. Simple?"
Another cheer from the group.
"We strike tonight! So make sure you and your pokemon are in top shape! You are dismissed! Except the Admins, I'd like you to stay for a few moments longer."
The peons shuffled out of the room, off to train their pokemon for the night's attack. The Admins, however, moved closer to Nascour and listened closely.
"Now, I know just as well as you do that there is a greater threat out there than the police." Nascour said, all serious. "Evice is still out there. And I know for a fact there are those still loyal to him. Those who wish to continue creating those demons known as Shadow Pokemon. And I know that he wants to take over Orre still. His dream hasn't faded. And neither has mine. In this war—we're going to be on opposite sides. And while I am confident, I know first-hand what Evice's power was like. If he is able to regain a Shadow Pokemon with the capabilities of the Tyranitar he once had—we're all in trouble."
"Yes," Char spoke up, having battled Evice in the past. "I know that his power is great. And I also know that Team Snagem was very loyal to Evice. I know that a man like Gonzap is too stubborn to give up, and that his followers will follow him until the end. It will be no surprise if we find them allied with Evice and stealing pokemon again. Pokemon that will become Shadow Pokemon. If this comes down to a war of two armies, Shining and Shadow, we must do all we can to make sure that the Shining light that is Cipher—prevails."
The Admins nodded, realizing just how devoted Char had become.
"What Char says is the truth! We must be careful." said Nascour, beginning to put away the projector screen. "Gather the peons you'll be taking with you Dakim. Go observe their training and make sure you get some done too. As for the rest of you, do what you wish."
The Admins left the room then, leaving Nascour and Char by themselves.
Char was confident. "I'm sure that Evice can't be too powerful, Nascour. I mean, I defeated his Shadow Pokemon with normal pokemon in the past. How can he even stand up to us now?"
"You don't know this, Char, but one of Evice's strengths is the ability to adapt. He'll have Shadow Pokemon, yes, but I bet they'll be a LOT stronger than they were—because that's what he needs. Before, he did not realize your power and created pokemon to a strength level that he thought was suitable. Knowing that now—that level isn't—he's just going to get stronger."
Char knew that Nascour was telling the truth. Not losing his confidence, however, he smiled and tried to make the situation brighter. "Well, just remember—Shining Pokemon are fueled by love, not hate. And only one of those powers, is infinite."
Nascour smiled back at Char. "You're right about that. Now let's do some training," he said, giving a Char a quick kiss, "We're going with Dakim, and we might have to battle too."
Char pulled Sneasel's pokeball from his belt. "You up for a match against me?"
"Why not?"
---
It was late now, with the sun just setting. The sky was a mix of purple and red—as seen from the balcony of Nascour's mansion, favored place of Char.
Downstairs, everything was bustling, as the chosen peons of Cipher were on edge—the thought of their first mission on their minds. They moved about, chatting, sitting, standing, fumbling with their equipment. They would eventually lose this trait—this jittery feeling. But for now, they were nervous.
Dakim, however, was the example of calm, standing outside in the red, waning light, Gimubar next to him. In the poor light they looked somewhat like a statue, depicting a great warrior and his pokemon, in reflective and strategic thought right before battle. And that—was what they were.
Nascour was also downstairs, speaking to the remaining peons and Admins about what to do in case anything happened while he and Char were away. He had placed Ein in charge, not because of his calm, in-control attitude, but because..
He'd won the rock-paper-scissors game. (And Nascour knew that he had cheated)
Char however, was still way upstairs, watching, even as the peons filed out onto the lawn, standing with Dakim, ready for battle. He sighed. He wasn't nervous. He was just too ready.
Hearing a faint, 'whrrrp' sound, he looked up to see Nascour, riding atop Xia, hovering above him.
"Char, it's time to go. Are you ready?"
Char nodded slowly, taking Nascour's outstretched hand and floating down to the others with him.
Still floating on his pokemon, Nascour gave his orders to the waiting Cipher.
"When we get there, we will be on top of the 100 Platform. We will be proceeding down from there! Do NOT split up, I repeat, do NOT split up! On this mission we function as a group. Understood?"
A confirming shout from the crowd, a glow from Xia's eyes, and they were off.
When the light faded, Char, Nascour, Dakim, Xia, and all the peons were safely standing on the 100 Platform. Everyone had expected the enemy—there was none without a pokeball in their hand.
When they found that no police were around, they of course, had to find out why, before they could move on—lest they walk into a trap.
Char found the answer in a sign.
'Because of the recent dangers, no one is to venture up to Platform 100. If you are reading this sign, you are in an unauthorized area and you must move to a lower platform—Pyrite Police'
Nascour laughed. "Well, we've had our welcome! Let's go!" he said, full of excitement. Pointing toward the stairs down, Nascour needed only nod and they were off.
---
The takeover was going amazingly well. They had captured almost all of the police force's pokemon and were heading toward Area 1, the final area on their descent.
Regrouping in the Break Room, they were counting their pokemon gains.
"30 pokemon!" cried Nascour. "Beautiful! The best of these will go to you, Dakim."
Dakim nodded. "Good. Although all I need is Gimubar, really. No one can defeat—"
Dakim froze, along with pretty much everyone else. A loud conversation was heard through the Break Room doors.
"It's DANGEROUS here Vander! The police have reported that not only are they attacking in a giant swarm, but they're stealing pokemon too! It's absolutely foolish to stay! You can't fight them all!"
"HE's with them! I heard it from one of the officers at Area 5! As long as he's here, I'll stay and fight! I swore that one day I'd defeat him! And today is that day!"
"Vander! Listen to reason! I know that your Slaking has tremendous power, but I've heard reports saying that these criminals are using special pokemon! Kinda like those Shadow Pokemon, only different!"
"I couldn't care less what kind of pokemon they use!"
In the break room, this conversation meant very little other than 'just another idiotic target' to most. But Dakim..
Burst from the Break Room, stomping and roaring, Gimubar following.
"No!" shouted Nascour, "Damn it! I should have known this would happen!"
Char knew what was going on as well. He knew the situation between Dakim and Vander all too well. He watched, curious to see what would happen.
"Vander!" shouted Dakim. "So we meet again—Leader of Area 1! You couldn't stop me before. You can't stop me now!"
"You're a fool for thinking that, Dakim! And it will be your downfall!"
"Shut up!" roared Dakim. "Gimubar! Rock Blast!"
Vander would have none of that. Grabbing a pokeball, he screamed, "GO Slaking! Use Earthquake!"
Before Gimubar could throw the rock it had created, the entire platform began to shake, along with the Break Room.
Nascour tried to calm down the hysterical peons, while Char just watched, gripping the side of the Break Room door.
Gimubar quickly lost its footing, slumping down on its rocky body. This stalling gave Slaking plenty of time to be Truant.
Vander was arrogant with his minor success. "I swore to defeat you! And I'll never go back on it! Slaking! Earthquake again!"
Dakim was trying his hardest to find a way. While Gimubar had amazing power, he knew that the Golem was weak to Ground attacks. He could only watch as the Golem fell down again—after just barely rising onto shaky legs. But then.. he had an idea.
"Gimubar! I know its difficult, but quickly now, raise to your feet, and focus!"
The pokemon, heeding the orders of Dakim, jumped up, and stood, staying intently at the Slaking.
Slaking began to go Truant, and Vander just smiled. "I don't need to attack every turn! Your pokemon is so weak now, one more Earthquake will do it!"
Dakim wasn't listening, he had victory on his mind. "Now Gimubar! While it's Truant! Focus Punch!"
"Whaa?" cried Vander. He knew what that meant!
The loafing Slaking was hit dead-on by the punch, and went rolling backwards, almost off the platform.
Vander ran over to it. "Slaking! Get up! Do you hear me! I said get up you worthless—" here he stopped talking.. and began kicking.
But before his foot could land another blow on the weakened Slaking, Dakim had seized him up and lifted him into the air.
Dakim was angry. "I should just throw you off this platform!"
But Vander would have none of it. Quickly reaching for another pokeball, he threw it down. A Pidgeot emerged, and was soon ordered to attack Dakim. In the confusion, Vander recalled Slaking, hopped on Pidgeot, and began to fly away.
"We'll meet again, Dakim! I swear that one day, I'll defeat you! And it will be so terrible, that you'll never be the same again!"
Dakim roared. "Nascour! Quick! Teleport him back here! I swear it, Nascour, he's gone too far!"
Nascour just watched as Vander flew out of sight. "No, Dakim. Let him go. He's not worth your rage. Save it for the real enemy."
Dakim began to calm down, realizing that he could very well ruin the mission with his anger. "I guess you are right."
Walking over to Gimubar, he patted it. "You were amazing. And don't worry, one day, we WILL defeat him."
Char, who had been watching the whole thing, decided it was his time to do something. Walking forward, he too a quick survey of the area. "You guys? I think the battle caused the police to flee. We're the only ones left."
Nascour, a bit shaken from the events, quickly took advantage of the announcement. "Good! Dakim! I'm going to teleport you and the peons back up to Platform 100. I want you to divide the pokemon we've stolen among yourself and them, and station them among the platforms. While I'm gone, I want you to observe their actions, and promote those who do well to Mystery Troop. Char and I are going to set up the barrier afterward, and then we'll leave. If ANYTHING happens, I want you to not even think about hesitating to communicate me. Are we understood? You are now in charge of Mt. Battle!"
Dakim nodded. "Yes, sir. It is understood."
A flash of blue surrounded the group, and when it faded, only Nascour, Char, and Xia remained on Platform 10.
Nascour sighed. "Glad it's almost over."
Char nodded. "Let's finish this up."
---
Standing at the entrance to Mt. Battle, Nascour and Char observed the power of the new, radiating, purple barrier.
"This will secure them. Only Cipher will be able to pass through."
Char yawned. It was very late, even early morning, he couldn't tell. "Are we going home now?"
Nascour smiled. "Yes. It's time to go home. Xia? Home please."
If Metagross could smile, Xia would have been as she teleported her two favorite humans back to Nascour's mansion.
Plodding through the door, Char quickly sat down on the couch. He was tired.
Nascour, however, did not do that. He first, had to check on things.
After a quick communication to Ein, who was in his lab, and said that everything was fine, Nascour was ready for bed.
Char was already asleep. He didn't normally have good dreams, but tonight, he dreamed of a purple angel, carrying him into the sky.
When Nascour reached the top of the stairs, he headed into his room, dumping his precious cargo into the bed.
End Chapter Four