Watching the Gathering Storm Chapter 3, 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 Three:

Townshend frowned, watching the overcast skies. It had been three days since his 'discussion' with Espeon, and he hadn't heard a word from it since. He supposed that it had gone to speak with the Legendaries again, since that was the only reliable source they knew of. If Espeon could not succeed in deceiving the Legendaries this time, then they would have to look for other sources.

His frown grew deeper as he thought of where he found the first mention of the Thunderstorm Pokemon. The Internet was a vast resource, he knew, but it had its flaws. One was that its information could not always be taken for granted. It was possible that the Pokemon he sought did not, and had never, even existed. Finding what little information he did have was pure chance. He had almost literally stumbled upon it, clicking on a wrong link while trying to find the weather for a city that he was surveying for one of his 'customers'.

But if the legend was, even in part, true, then his customer would be glad that he had been sidetracked. For he who controlled this Pokemon could potentially control the world. The legend he had read had said that the Pokemon was responsible for all of the severe weather in the world, things like thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and the like. While that was likely an exaggeration, it was equally as likely that this Pokemon did have some form of control over local weather conditions. That was something Townshend could work with.

There was a sudden, bright flash in the room behind him, and he turned to look. Standing there, panting slightly, was Espeon. He was accompanied by another of Townshend's Pokemon, an Umbreon. The little black fox also seemed tired, but it sat upright and looked at Townshend, awaiting his command.

Sneering, Townshend said, "So you are back. Did you find anything worthwhile? Or are the Legendaries still being stubborn about this?"

Espeon lowered his head, ears back. They did not cooperate, Master Townshend. However, we did find another lead. One of the lesser Pokemon there told us that he had heard of a Legendary that, it was rumored, controlled the weather for most of the East Coast. Whether this Pokemon is the same as the one we seek, I do not know.

Townshend raised an eyebrow. Slightly surprised, he said, "This Legendary Pokemon was not at the council?"

Espeon nodded, looking back up at his master. Our contact said that the Legendary was never at the council unless there was an emergency. Unfortunately, he did not remember much more about that Pokemon, not even a name. I have arranged to meet with him again in hopes that he will remember something further, but I cannot guarantee it.

This last comment brought a response from the Umbreon, who said something in the common tongue of Pokemon. Espeon responded in a similar fashion, seeming embarrassed by what the Umbreon had said. Townshend looked at Espeon, curious as to what could possibly cause the Umbreon, normally a very quiet Pokemon, to say something about the Pokemon they had met.

Espeon looked back up at his master, ears back in embarrassment. Michelle was merely commenting on how unpleasant she found our contact. Perhaps it would be better if I went alone to our meeting. I doubt having anyone else there would help, anyhow.

Townshend smiled slightly, amused by this revelation and Espeon's embarrassment. Being one of Townshend's few Pokemon that could communicate directly with their master, Espeon was often called upon to act as a translator. This occasionally caused some discomfort on Espeon's part, and tonight was no different, apparently.

There was a moment's silence, during which the roll of thunder could be heard, indicating that another storm was brewing. Then Townshend turned back to the doorway, saying, "Go alone then. It is crucial that we find more on this Legendary, and the sooner the better. Return only when you have the name, but be swift. Our employer grows impatient, and the more impatient he becomes, the more impatient I become."

Glaring slightly at the back of Townshend's head, Espeon said, Yes, Master Townshend. I will try to hurry, but these things cannot be rushed. Besides, I am certain that the search will go much faster when we know the Pokemon's name.

As the Eevee evolutions turned to leave, Townshend smiled cruelly at the storm brewing outside his window. Nodding, he said, "You will find a name, Espeon, and you will find more than that, or you needn't bother returning at all. This country will soon be groveling at our feet, regardless of whether or not this plan succeeds. You will be there, or you will not, it does not matter in the grand scheme of things. Your failure will just make it more difficult."

Abruptly, Townshend turned to look at the two Pokemon in the room. Sneering at them, he said, "Now go! Prepare for your meeting, and do not fail me! I do not view kindly those that do."

The flash from Espeon's Teleport nearly blinded Townshend, and he blinked for a moment, trying to clear his eyes. Then he turned back to the window, chastising himself for not remembering to turn away from Espeon when he teleported. Catching sight of the flashes of lightning outside his window, he smiled cruelly as his mind returned to his plans.