Watching the Gathering Storm Chapter 1, a pokémon fanfic

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Note from the Author: One thing people are bound to complain about with this fanfic is the fact that it is set in the quote-unquote "real" world. I strive for some modicum of realism in my stories, even in an obviously fantastic setting. In this particular story, it manifests as being set in actual, recognizable locations. I find it interesting to try to see how Pokémon would interact with a more realistic world than that set forth in the games. If this offends some people, then I must apologize.

Text in italics signifies thoughts and/or telepathic speech.

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Part One:

As the skies darkened over Annapolis, Maryland, a figure stood watching, his face hidden by the shadow of dusk. Thunder crashed in the distance, and the roiling clouds on the horizon indicated a storm brewing. The figure took all this in, seeming to nod to himself as the thunderstorm swept down from the mountains inland, heading towards the Chesapeake Bay.

"Soon," he said, his voice deep and cruel, "Soon I will have the key. And soon, I will hold this city, this state, this country in my grasp! The power of nature is one mankind cannot equal, and soon I will control that power." He turned suddenly, his face, gaunt and malevolent, coming out of the shadow. His glaring, grey eyes searched the room attached to the balcony he was standing on, darting back and forth until he found what he was looking for.

Sneering, he yelled into the room, "Espeon! Come over here!"

The small, purple-furred, catlike creature slowly walked over, the split tip of its tail twitching in annoyance. Its large, peaked ears flicked this way and that, searching for a sound that could indicate some distraction so it wouldn't have to face its master. Unfortunately, it didn't hear anything, although the whistle of the wind indicated that they probably shouldn't stay outside for much longer than absolutely necessary.

It sat in front of its master, looking up with its deep, black eyes. Yes, Master Townshend? What can I do for you?

Townshend glared down at the Psychic-type Pokemon. Seeing as he was usually glaring, this didn't frighten it at all. However, there was something in Townshend's demeanor at the moment that made alarm bells go off in Espeon's head.

The Pokemon's master nodded slightly, and said, "Yes, Espeon, there is something you can do for me. Tell me why your searchers haven't found the slightest clue as to the whereabouts or even identity of the Thunderstorm Pokemon. You know very well that this plan will not come together until I find and capture it!"

The Espeon cringed, having known that Townshend would eventually ask that question. It had been hoping to have an answer ready when he did, but it didn't. Its constant searches and communications, and those of its companions, had turned up nothing, even when it had consulted with the Legendaries themselves.

It lowered its head, closing its eyes in shame. Perhaps, it thought, especially when it had consulted with the Legendaries. They had seemingly known of its purpose, and had been most unhelpful at providing any clue as to the name or whereabouts of the fabled Thunderstorm Pokemon, a Pokemon which, it was said, could control the weather to the point of being able to create a hurricane over land!

Townshend looked the creature over, his eyes narrowing as it seemingly refused to respond. He grit his teeth before snarling, "You dare defy me! You are but a servant! Do I need remind you of what I could do to you?"

Before Townshend could continue, the Espeon spoke up, its telepathic voice harshly controlled. I must apologize, Master Townshend. I could not find anything about the Pokemon you seek. The only ones that I can think of that would know anything about it are the Legendaries, but they will not tell me anything.

Gritting his teeth again, Townshend's glare tightened for a moment before he realized that the Espeon spoke the truth. He knew that the Legendaries would not willingly divulge any information that could disrupt the so-called "balance" of the world. He nodded at the Psychic-type, saying, "I understand. We must be more persuasive if we are to find this Thunderstorm Pokemon. Go, call your team together and tell them that they need to find a way to sneak past the Legendaries' defenses. It is now more imperative than ever to find this Pokemon!"

The Espeon nodded, and then turned to walk back inside, grateful that it did not have to be anywhere near Townshend for a while. It slunk back into the room and looked around for a moment, getting its bearings before suddenly vanishing in a flash, having used the Teleport move to get where it needed to go.

Townshend watched this, smiling a cruel, thin smile when the Espeon had gone. He then turned back to the storm, his smile getting crueler as he watched the lightning flash in the clouds. "Soon," he said, "Soon."