Rated T for blood, violence, and references of child abuse.
Well, here's the rewrite of The Path Anew. :)
Chapter One
The halls of the facility were dimly lit, the fluorescent lights above giving off a weak glow as a guard made his way down the hall. A Raticate patrolled by the man's side, the brown Pokemon's eyes narrowed as it scanned gray corridor. Whiskers twitched as a light down the hall flickered– but nothing but silence filled the air.
The grunt let out a long sigh, his eyes sliding down towards the watch around his wrist. He still had two more hours until his nightly shift was over– then he could finally retire to bed. It was a dull job, but one that he had no option with taking. Grunts like himself didn't get any choice with what jobs they were assigned, but the pay he got was better than having nothing. And if he did his work well enough, then perhaps one day he might be promoted.
The thought made him perk up a bit, briefly touching the red 'R' on his black shirt. He had been assigned to guard one of the hallways that lead to the laboratories– and everyone knew that what was done in the laboratories were top secret. They wouldn't have just thrown in any grunt to do this job, so clearly he must have done something to earn himself such an honor. A small grin flickered onto the Rocket grunt's face, squaring his shoulders slightly as he resumed his pacing of the hallway.
His Raticate suddenly stopped dead in its tracks, going completely still.
"Raticate?" He asked, glancing back at the Pokemon. It didn't move, not even a twitch of its tail. Frowning, the grunt headed towards his Pokemon, receiving no response as he approached. "Hey, Raticate, snap out of it. We have a job to do."
If they didn't have a Pokemon of their own when they joined Team Rocket, then the grunts were given one from the stores to use. Typically Rattatas and Zubats were received, as those were abundant and easy to capture in the wild. But even with that being the case for this grunt, that didn't mean he hadn't grown attached to his Raticate. She had been with him since his first day in Team Rocket, and had never failed to listen to his orders. She was decently strong as far as her species went, and had the habit to nibble on his ear when he let her.
The grunt paused as he drew closer to his Pokemon, making out her narrowed pupils in the dim light. She didn't seem focused on anything, body tensed and stiffened as she stared straight ahead with unfocused eyes. Frowning, the grunt knelt down next to her, waving a hand in front of her. She didn't blink, didn't tense, just stared off at nothing. The grunt frowned, his hand going for her Pokeball. Perhaps she was just exhausted from the night shift, and needed a few minutes to rest.
A low growl rattled the Raticate's throat– and then she sprang at her trainer.
"Gah!" The man let out a scream as his Raticate slammed into his chest, claws tearing at his shirt. The Raticate desperately slashed, tail lashing, teeth snapping inches from his face. Thin claws ripped through his shirt, leaving cuts across his skin. He shoved the Pokemon from off of him, sitting straight up as he desperately reached for her Pokeball again. The normal type twisted, springing at his wrist– teeth sinking into his skin. His hand pulled back as he cried out, now fighting to get the Pokemon from off of him once more.
There was no focus in her eyes, no reason in her attacks. She was blinding lashing out, gaze not even locked on him as she attacked. The grunt stared into those empty eyes as he managed to shove the Raticate off him again, blood spreading across the slashes. The man's breathing turned heavy, scooting back as his Pokemon slowly crept forward.
"Rati!" The Raticate shrieked, a black aura covering her form. She sped forward with a Pursuit, the energy gathering around her tail. The man raised his arms to block the attack, but the Raticate darted around him, delivering the blow to the back of his head. A gasp of pain escaped him, darkness dancing across his vision.
He collapsed forward, the blow having been far from gentle. He let out a grunt as he hit the ground, and he could feel his consciousness starting to fade. Out of the corner of his eye he could make out the shape of his Raticate shaking, stumbling back as she tossed her head side-to-side. After a moment she blinked, looking around as if confused.
"Cate?" She whimpered, eyes focused once more. She looked over at him, her eyes widening when she saw the state he was in. The Pokemon bolted forward, small paws pressed against his shoulder. He knew that she was calling out, but he could barely hear her as darkness overtook his vision.
The last thing the grunt felt as his slipped into unconsciousness was the steady thumping of footsteps, and everything went black.
"Cate?!" The Raticate cried, shaking her trainer in confusion. "Raticate?!"
The distress was rolling off of the normal type in waves, the fear coming from her sharp and desperate. It was a feeling he couldn't just push away, the intensity filling the entire hallway as the Pokemon tried to make sense of what had just happened. She looked down at her paws, confusion twisting around her when she noticed the blood on her claws. The realization seemed to wash over her as she stared at them, the fear coming from her spiking up.
Down the hallway a small figure shifted, his heart feeling heavy as he watched the Pokemon. He hesitated for a moment, but he knew he couldn't linger. Time was something he didn't have to spare– and was something he had already wasted enough of. Mustering his courage, he forced himself to press forward, towards the fallen man and his Raticate. The Pokemon's ears twitched, whipping around as he approached.
She stared up at the teen, confusion still humming around her form. The boy tilted his head slightly, carefully scanning the Pokemon. Black eyes met his red gaze, and the Raticate let out a small growl, placing a paw forward. Even with her trainer knocked out, she still had a job to do. The boy flinched as he heard the growl, but he didn't back away.
He could sense the fear and confusion around the Pokemon, as easily as he could make out her small form. His pale red gaze hardened, his eyes deeping to a bright crimson. He didn't move an inch, but yet he was mentally reaching out towards the creature, taking hold the of the emotions around her. The fear was the easiest to grasp, abundant around her, and an emotion he knew quite well.
The growl coming from the Raticate slowly faded, a whimper taking its place as he twisted the emotions around her. The fear she was feeling seemed to intensify, flaring up into a pure terror that surrounded her. What she was fearful towards, the Pokemon did not know. All she felt was a horror, a keen sense of danger that was overtaking every thought. Her trainer on the ground faded from her mind, this intruder in front of her meant nothing– she needed to get away!
Ears pressed back against her head, cries coming from her throat, the Raticate bolted forward– racing past the boy as she scampered down the hall. Claws clicked against the floor as she ran, her silhouette swiftly fading in the dim light as she scurried around the corner, racing out of sight. The teen glanced over his shoulder, slowly withdrawing his influence from the Pokemon. The fear around her would linger for some time, and hopefully by the time it faded he would be gone.
Shivers ran across the boy's skin at the thought. Gone, he was going to be leaving tonight... he was going to be free.
He carefully pressed down the hallway, taking care that each step was as silent as possible. Perhaps from a distance no one would give him a second glance, his gray apparel not that different from the black attire the grunts wore, even complete with an 'R' on the front. But if anyone caught a glimpse of the band strapped around his ankle they would know that he was someone not meant to wander unsupervised.
And if anyone saw his bright red eyes they would know exactly who he was.
A large metal door stood at the end of the hall, a red 'R' plastered across its front, and an electronic lock bolting it into place. A red light flashed above a keypad and scanner, only the most trusted members of Team Rocket being allowed access into this section of the lab. The teen looked at the doors, having been through them many times before, but this was his first time being here alone. He knew what awaited him behind this door– and he knew that this was his last chance if he wanted to turn back.
The creature waiting through here was cruel, ruthless, and the boy was confident it was insane. It made no effort to hide its dark past, nor what it was capable of. He had sense the hatred boiling off of it many times, and had witnessed the pain it was willing to inflict on humans. There had always been a twisted gleam in its eyes, a humor when it saw its captors struggling. It would be more than happy to let those around it die.
But it was also the only being he felt he could call a friend.
Taking in a deep breath, the boy stepped towards the door, reaching into his pocket. His hands wrapped around a white keycard, pulling it out. Like everything else in these buildings, the signature 'R' of Team Rocket ran down one side of the card, a series of text next to it. There was an image of an older man on it, perhaps in his forties. The boy's eyes flickered over the words: Carl Tambert, Team Rocket Head Scientist.
He had snagged the card off of Dr. Tambert earlier today, in this very same hallway after he had locked this door behind him. It had been so much easier than Red thought possible, having carefully pulled it from the lab coat pocket when he was confident no one was looking. The lab coats always hung loosely around humans, so Tambert hadn't even felt that someone had been fishing through his pockets. The teen had then stuffed it into his own, and since no one suspected he would dare do such a thing, no one had given him a second glance.
And normally this was something that he would never even dream to do. The punishment for stealing something, especially a keycard... he flinched just thinking about it. His entire back tingled, aware of what had been inflicted on it before for the mildest of offenses, let alone something this major. Instinctively his arms wrapped around himself, fingers brushing against the white scars that ran down his upper arm. The ridges were pale and thin, standing out against the rest of his skin, and many more of the same scars covered his back.
But he knew he couldn't turn back now. He had been lucky enough coming up here– heading back would be nothing but a guarantee to get caught. He had slipped passed several guards to get here, but eventually the one he had knocked out would be discovered. And of course the keycard would eventually be reported as stolen, and it wouldn't be long until the theft was traced back to him. His choices were to pass through the door and take his only chance at freedom, or to turn back and suffer the consequences for what he had already done.
Knowing that turning back wasn't an option, he approached the door. He tapped the keycard against the scanner, the light of the lock flashing yellow, and he reached towards the keypad. He had never been told the passcode, but it had never been hidden from him either, and he had seen it entered many times. His fingers were trembling slightly as he pressed in the numbers, and the light on the lock then flared to green. He stepped back as he heard the locks unclicking, gears shifting as the large metal door slid open, revealing a large laboratory on the other side.
The ceiling stretched far above him, computers and wires covering the walls. Bright lights flickered on as soon as the boy stepped through the door, the dark room becoming lit. He raised a hand to block the sudden brightness, his eyes taking a moment to adjust. Controls and more computers were resting on top of a series of tables and desks, monitors beeping, a loud humming filling the entire room as they ran. The technology and sheer size of the room itself was impressive– but what stood at the center of the lab was what always took in everyone's focus.
A large glowing dome stood in the center of the room, the energy a deep, burning blue. Within this dome was yet another barrier, this one a harsh purple. And while he could see right through the harsh domes of light, the boy knew from experience that the barriers were impenetrable. They were not meant to be a light show, but rather a cage for the creature they housed. His gaze quickly shifted to the being within the domes, who was watching the human that had just entered the lab.
The Pokemon was vaguely humanoid in shape, but yet the creature looking nothing but alien. It was covered in pale lavender fur, hovering in the center of the domes that encased it. Darker purple fur highlighted a thick tail, which was flickering in the air. Sharp teeth were visible within its mouth as it grinned, feline ears atop its head. A second spine sprouted from the back of its head, connecting to its back.
A glow filled the Pokemon's purple eyes eyes, and the outer barrier flickered in response– blocking out the psychic energy radiating from the creature. Unless someone was within the outer barrier, the creature's mental influence was null. The being let out a small growl of annoyance, before waving his arm at the boy impatiently. He knew what it was trying to tell him, and he hurried towards the control panel that sat in front of the domes, an array of buttons and switches in front of him.
The plan was simple– he was to disable the first barrier, allowing the Pokemon's psychic influence to reach him. Then from there it would direct him on how to disable the inner barrier, allowing the psychic Pokemon its freedom. Setting such a being free wouldn't go unnoticed... but that was exactly what he needed. He would set the Pokemon free, and in return it would serve as the distraction he needed to escape from this place himself.
The boy took the keycard, swiftly scanning it to unlock the controls, before searching for the buttons he would need.
He had seen Dr. Tambert disable the outer barrier many times, but still it took him a moment to locate the controls he would need to press. He flipped several switches, before pressing a large blue button. A loud whirring filled the room, screens on the wall flickering as the first barrier faded away.
A rush of psychic energy instantly filled the room, the power of the creature radiating out into the lab. The teen felt a pressure building up in his mind, wincing as a small headache began to build. After a moment it relented somewhat, though the new presence lingered in his mind.
For a time I believed that you had decided to back out of our bargain, Red. The creature's thoughts flooded his head, the intensity of the telepathy drowning out every other thought in his mind. There was a sharp clarity to each word, tingles of pain pricking at him as it spoke.
Red had to close his eyes, reminding himself to keep breathing as he took in the creature's words. Impatience pressed down onto him, the Pokemon's presence unrelenting– demanding an explanation. And with the creature having already linked to his mind, Red couldn't hide a thought from it.
That was how powerful it was– even when trapped behind a barrier that physically restrained it, its psychic powers were unlimited. If he so wanted he could tear through every memory in Red's mind, and with enough focus drive him to insanity. The purple barrier was never lowered for more than a few seconds for this very reason, but Red had come to trust this creature. He had been within its mental grasp many times, and it had never hurt him... permanently. They had talked, comforted each other. After all, they were both prisoners here.
And tonight, both of them would escape.
I was just being careful. Red thought, the Pokemon hearing his thoughts. He offered no resistance as the Pokemon tugged his memories of his trip here to the surface of his mind, looking over them. You told me to be careful, Mewtwo.
That I did. Mewtwo mused, withdrawing from Red's memories, but not his mind. But that is of no concern now– all you need to focus on is disabling this last shield.
Mewtwo raised a hand, a mass of ghostly energy forming in his paw. He didn't allow it to grow to large, simply ficking it at the barrier. The dome flickered to a deep blue, diffusing the attack across its surface, neutralizing the move. Mewtwo eyed the dome with distaste, and Red could feel the frustration humming across his form.
There had once been a time where he had witnessed the clone mercilessly hammer the same barrier, throwing every attack he could at it. The dome had flickered and shuddered, been pressed to its very limited– but no matter what attack he had sent at it, the dome had held. This energy was meant to cage Mewtwo, and Team Rocket had taken no risks of him getting free. The only way to disable the barrier was from the outside.
Which Red had promised to do.
Are you hesitating? Mewtwo asked, letting out a small growl. Your task is simple, human! Open the barrier! Do you not want freedom?! Or would you rather remain here, suffering by the hands of your own kind?!
The telepathy had gotten more forceful with each word– pain flaring across Red's head, Mewtwo practically screaming. He let out a small whimper, clutching his head. He tried to remind himself that the psychic was simply impatient, that they were so close to freedom that it didn't want to risk it. It wasn't mad, it was nervous, it wasn't mad...
You said you would tell me how. Red replied quietly, a faint headache still pulsing. He had never seen the inner barrier be disabled– so he had no idea of where to begin.
The frustration coming from Mewtwo seemed to relent, though there was still a stiffness in his form. His arms were crossed across his chest, tail flicking, and he was gliding back and forth between the edges of his confinement, teeth bared. Red closed his eyes as he felt Mewtwo's mind touching his– a brief memory washing over him.
The scene Mewtwo was showing him was simple, a tall bald man instructing Dr. Tambert on the very same controls Red stood in front of. Unable to do anything but watch the memory unfold, Red carefully listened as the bald man told Tambert how to turn off the barriers surrounding the Mewtwo. It was very strange to see Tambert look so uncertain and on edge– Red always having known the scientist to be the one in charge of these labs.
The memory was suddenly cut off, leaving Red slightly dizzy as he stared down at the same controls.
Release me. Mewtwo ordered.
Swallowing, Red leaned forward to look over the controls once more. The memory he had seen had clearly been from Mewtwo's perspective– having still been locked away behind these same barriers. It was hard to think through his lingering headache, to flip the angles he had seen in his mind about to match what he was looking at now.
He picked up the keycard one more time, swiping it against the scanner again just in case. The last thing he wanted to do was set off any alarms or get locked out of the system. He could feel the tension coming from Mewtwo, the sheer eagerness it was radiating making it hard for Red to focus. But he understood why it was like this, just moments away from freedom.
After tonight they would both be free.
He didn't understand why the controls had to be so complicated. So many other devices were simple– press the button and done. But this had clearly been purposely designed to be headache, probably so no accidental releases took place. He flipped several switches, buttons clicking as he pressed them down. Finally he flicked a large purple switch, a light on the controls flashing.
"Request to disable barrier.2 [physical] registered," A robotic voice crackled through the speakers overhead– and Red nearly jumped out of his skin, thinking for a moment somebody had entered the lab. "Please do not proceed unless Project M2 is full sedated, and complete your task with caution."
Crimson eyes flickered towards the final button, his hand reaching out to press it. A faint click was heard as he pushed down, and for a moment silence filled the room.
He looked up as he watched the blue barrier flicker, its light beginning to dim. The hum of the energy faded as the done of the light flickered away– leaving nothing between Mewtwo and the lab. The clone was faintly smirking as his cage faded, eyes lit with a blue light. A wave of energy washed over the lab, the powerful aura of the creature no longer inhibited. Mewtwo rose higher into the air, psychic energy surrounding his hand.
A blast was released down towards Red– the boy's eyes widened as the attack came flying towards him. He threw himself to the side, crashing into the cement ground. The psychic blast struck the control panel– engulfing it in a flare of light.
See if you can contain me again, humans! Mewtwo spat, his telepathy directed at no one in particular. There was a glee around him, a childish excitement that Red had never quite sensed from Mewtwo before. I am free once more– and you will not claim me again!
He waved his hand– a Psywave being released around him. The blue energy crackled as it collided with the computers and screens, shattering them upon impact. Overhead alarms began wailing, but another psychic blast destroyed it. Still Red could hear more alarms echoing throughout the lab, and probably throughout the entire Rocket base. It wouldn't be long until others would arrive, and Red knew they needed to leave now.
Every device in the room laid shattered on the floor as multiple attacks were fired, every cable ripped from the wall, every desk left as nothing but splinters. Mewtwo seemed to have no intentions of stopping, his psychic energy ripping apart the horrid room he had been locked away in for years. Cracks spread across the wall, ripples of psychic light rushing through the room. Red scrambled away as a section of wall came tumbling down, crumbling against the ground.
Mewtwo turned his eyes down towards the boy that had set him free, and his cruel smile slowly turned into a grin. He raised a hand, a blue light engulfing the human. Red's eyes widened as he found himself locked within the psychic grasp, telekinetically being lifted into the air. He locked gazes with Mewtwo as he was dragged up– and with a flick of the clone's finger he was slammed back against the wall.
A cry of pain escaped the child, and Mewtwo quietly drifted forward, unconcerned with the alarms echoing in the distance. Red looked towards him in confusion, struggling to break free of the force that was holding him up. His mouth parted as if he were about to say something, but no sound escaped his lips. Instinctively Red reached out for the emotions that surrounded the Mewtwo, trying to take hold of them, but the sheer power the creature possessed was too much for him to control. Mewtwo's gaze hardened, and the psychic grasp around Red tightened.
I vowed, Mewtwo muttered quietly. That once I was free, that I would destroy every human in this cursed lab. And that includes you, Red.
The boy's eyes widened, his thoughts racing. Mewtwo let out a small chuckle, able to know exactly what he was thinking without him needing to attempt to telepathically respond to the clone.
It is quite simple– I lied to you. Mewtwo replied, drifting closer. The humans thought your measly powers were enough to control me– but I bend to no one. He let out a snort. But you were so desperate. And seeing how the humans had already broken you, I saw an opportunity. It was easy to commune with you, the humans willingly placing you within my reach multiple times– and you had access to the outside! All I needed was your trust, and then I had my key to freedom.
Red knew this creature was cruel, he knew it had killed dozens of humans the first time it had escaped. Despite this he still went still as he listened to the harsh telepathy, Mewtwo making no effort to be gentle as he had in the past. The words painfully washed over his mind, the powerful psychic energy pressing down on him.
Do not worry though, Red. Mewtwo said, the force of his telepathy relenting somewhat. You have already suffered enough from the hands of your own kind, and have brought no harm to me. Your death will be swift and painless. His lavender gaze hardened. Unlike the fate the other humans here will taste. Consider this mercy... a thank you, for freeing me. The blue glow in Mewtwo's eyes flared up. Goodbye, Red.
Fear raced through Red, and he felt the psychic energy building up in his mind, a faint pain quickly flaring up. He couldn't move, the control of his body quickly fading away. His lungs went still, no longer drawing in air and Mewtwo's influence rushed through him. His limbs went limp, and it would only be moments before the clone's control engulfed him, forcing his body– his heart– to shut down–!
The thoughts in his mind were desperate, scrambled, but yet they still reached Mewtwo. The Pokemon froze up, the psychic energy in Red's mind retreating. For a moment the Pokemon didn't move, eyes narrowing.
He then flung Red to the ground, a snarl ripping from his throat.
NEVER! He roared. Compare me to your filthy species!
Red heard a snap as he collided with the earth, a burst of pain filling his wrist. He let out a gasp, clutching it to his chest. The pain didn't fade as it so often did, throbbing as he cradled it close. But adrenaline was pumping through him, and he knew that he only had a few moments until Mewtwo retaliated. He rolled away, a psychic blast raining down on where he had been laying, scorching the ground. He felt the energy ripple out, hot against his skin. He looked up at the clone, pure anger radiating from it as it hovered in the ruins of the lab. Red swallowed, opening his mouth, but his throat had tightened.
I helped you! Red cried out with his mind instead, hoping that Mewtwo was still reading his thoughts. If you kill me for helping you then you're no better than humans! Than Team Rocket!
The pain Red could take, he could silently suffer without complaint, take what was given to him only because of the fear of receiving more. But death... it terrified him. The thought of vanishing from existence, from being ripped from this form he knew... It was a concept he was afraid to even consider. His mother had been taken from him, and the same with his younger brother– and to even think of suffering the same fate...
The anger crackled around Mewtwo, the waves of energy so powerful he was startled that they weren't visible as they twisted about the feline. He knew that his attempt had done nothing but make this creature's rage grow– and he realized there would be no reasoning with it now. Mewtwo had intended to kill him, and his words had done nothing but make that desire grow.
Mewtwo closed his eyes, psychic energy crackling around him. Red remained still, his aching wrist being cradled to his chest. He didn't move, waiting for the Mewtwo to end it.
I... I am not... For a moment the anger around Mewtwo seemed to fade– though only for a moment. Glowing blue eyes flashed at Red, and the creature raised his hand. He watched the psychic energy form, the flare of the light harsh against his eyes as the Pokemon released the blast.
The pulse flew over Red's head, colliding with the wall behind him, cement crumbling. Confusion ran through Red, looking up towards Mewtwo as he turned away. The anger was still there, a burning bitterness taking hold.
I am not like those Rockets. He said, telepathy soft in his mind, almost like a whisper. But still Red could feel the anger the Pokemon was struggling to keep back. So I keep my end of our bargain– leave, human– and then I shall owe you nothing. But next time I see you I will see you as I do any other human– and I will kill you in the most painful way possible.
He said nothing else to the one who had freed him, not any kind of farewell, nor even a backwards glance. The Mewtwo simply formed yet another mass of blue energy in his hand, releasing the blast of psychic energy straight up. The ceiling shuddered, cracks webbing out as it shattered– debris from the blast raining down into the ruined laboratory. Mewtwo rose up through the hole, telekinesis repelling the rubble as he rose.
Red was left on the ground, shivering. His back ached from being flung around, his wrist feeling as if it were on fire from the pain, but it didn't seem to limit him as he shakily pushed himself to his feet. Somehow mercy had found him tonight, but he knew she would not linger if he stayed here. He staggered towards the hole Mewtwo had created in the wall, knowing that if he were to survive he would need to leave. He dragged himself through the opening, pausing as he looked out at the dark night ahead of him.
The outside was far from peaceful– sirens and alarms wailing, screams starting to fill the air as Mewtwo attacked the Team Rocket base. For many years Red had known this place as home, but never once had it been a place of safety.
He looked down at the black band around his ankle– and from experience he knew he wouldn't be able to take it off. But keeping it on was just as much as a risk. Mewtwo had once promised to destroy the device, but now...
He shook the thought from his head, grabbing a chunk of metal from the rubble that littered the ground. He shifted it in his good hand, nervously licking his lips as he sat down. He studied the band one more time, aiming for the thickest part of it, and stabbed it with the metal. The plastic shell cracked, and he twisted the metal, wires within it snapping at the force. It would take more work to get it completely off, but hopefully this would be good enough for now.
A loud crash echoed through the night as Red crawled out of the lab, freezing up as he listened to the sounds of shattering glass and beams twisting. Part of the base had caved in, or perhaps had been fully destroyed. Knowing Mewtwo, either was possible.
Red didn't care where he was heading as he ran off into the night– knowing that he just needed to be anywhere but here.
There was a salty scent in the air as Samuel Oak made his way through the forest, the sound of waves crashing off in the distance. Despite not being far from the beach, the land here was practically untouched. The cliff-lined shores appealed little to tourists, leaving this entire land in its natural state, which was perfect for the Pokemon professor.
At his side a Nidorino snorted, tossing its head as he trotted alongside his trainer. The poison type's gaze was turned up towards the trees, a low growl rattling his throat whenever a Pidgey so much as glanced their way. The birds would watch him with a careful eye, before taking to the sky, knowing that this was a Pokemon they would not want to anger.
"Focus, Nero," Samuel said, and the Nidorino's gaze returned to him. "Remember, we're looking for revival herbs– hopefully ones that have started going to seed."
He pulled out a bundle of the plant, holding it out to the Pokemon. The Nidorino sniffed it a few times, shuddering at the bitter scent of the leaves. He had tasted the horrible herb a few times, and while it did wonders when it came to healing, the taste was absolutely revolting. The professor chuckled at this reaction, placing the leaves back into his pocket.
"That's why we're out here, old friend," Samuel said. "If the other parts of the plant have the same healing properties I just might be able to use it in my revive experiment– since trying to dilute the taste of the leaves just makes it less effective."
It was his latest project, attempting to make some sort of medicine that could have the same effects as a revival herb. It was a critical medicine in Pokemon Centers and others facilities, able to give Pokemon a surge of energy and close minor wounds. It could be used to help pull a Pokemon from unconsciousness, and after a brutal battle it was often needed to help them make a swift recovery. But of course Pokemon often rejected the herbs due to its horrible taste, making it difficult to use despite its effectiveness.
So if he could create something with the same effectiveness, that could be easily produced, and wasn't as hated by the Pokemon... that would definitely be a huge step forward.
Nero sniffed the ground, trying to catch the scent of the herbs the professor had let him smell. They definitely weren't a common plant, but they could be found out in the wilds. Seeds weren't common in marketplaces either, and so if they could find a wild plant then hopefully Samuel could start cultivating his own crops to use for his experiments– hence why he, his Nidorino, and granddaughter were out here in the early morning.
Nero turned off the path, making his way into the underbrush as he tried to seek out the plant. Nidorinos weren't known for their tracking abilities, but Samuel knew that the Pokemon's nose would be much better than his. He trailed after the poison type, frowning as they went farther from the path.
"Do you smell something, or are you just looking for the scent?" He asked after a few minutes. "Because I'd prefer to stay on the trail."
Nero snorted, but continued pressing forward. His ears flickered forward as he looped around a tree, eyes narrowing on a plant up ahead. He threw his trainer a proud glance over his shoulder, sitting down. The professor's gaze settled on the revival herb, which his Pokemon made no effort to go near.
"Nido," He said, tossing his head.
"Heh," Samuel said, smiling as he approached the plant, kneeling down. "Good work, Nero, you did well."
He didn't want to take it all, best to let it stay and spread in its natural environment. Still he plucked several of the long leaves from it, adding it to the bundle in his pocket. And while the roots made an effective medicine as well, he turned his focus to the long stems that had once held flowers, where pods of seeds now grew. He selected a few of them, wrapping them in a cloth before setting them in his bag.
"I think that ought to be enough to start off with," He said with a nod. "Now to–"
His words were cut off by a loud scream.
Samuel and Nero tensed– Pidgeys taking to the sky as the cry filled the air. The professor stumbled to his feet, skin noticeably paler as he glanced about. But he didn't seem to know which direction the scream had come from. The Nidorino jumped up, the barbs on his back tensed, ears straight up as he charged off into the woods.
"Daisy!" Samuel cried, taking off after his Pokemon as fast as he could, though Nero was much faster than him.
His grandaughter didn't reply, which only made him increase his pace. Nero was just a purple blur ahead of him, the Pokemon charging towards the unknown threat. Soon a brown haired girl was in view, tears running down her face as she stumbled forward. There was a Ponyta by her side, sparks coming from his mane. Samuel rushed towards her, heart thumping in his chest.
"Rino!" Nero snarled, poison forming at the tip of his horn as he looked around– but saw no threat.
"Daisy, are you okay?" Samuel asked, pulling the crying girl against his chest. He too looked around nervously, but saw nothing.
"G-gramps," She gasped, shaking. "There's a– th-there's a–!"
"Sshhh," He soothed, holding her close. "Um... just breathe, deep breaths..."
His eyes turned towards the Ponyta, who looked just as shaken as Daisy did. You could see the whites of his eyes, the Pokemon tossing its head unhappily, pawing at the ground with a hoof. Nero had taken to pacing around the group, frustration lining his every feature as he searched for the threat, looking for something to attack.
"G-gramps," Daisy whispered, pulling back, bright green eyes lined with tears. "There's a... there's a b-body."
"...A Pokemon's?" He asked quietly, silently hoping she was just shaken up from stumbling upon a Pokemon's hunt– but he knew that wouldn't be the case. Daisy shook her head, breaking down once more. "...Where is it?" He asked quietly, and she tensed. "You don't have to go back, just tell me where it is..."
She shakily pointed to the south, skin looking pale. He brushed her brown hair back, trying to calm her, but he wasn't sure what he should say– comforting had never been his forte. So instead he carefully guided her hand to the Ponyta, placing her palm against the creature's head, and began to make his way to where she had pointed. His stomach was twisting, not wanting to see what laid ahead, but he knew that if there was human remains it had to be reported, and he most certainly wasn't going to place that burden upon Daisy. He had no idea what state the body could be in, and there was a fear for what he was about to see.
Nero was at his side, the Nidorino poking its head through the grass. He grunted as he reached the edge of a small ditch, looking back at the professor uncertainly. Samuel swallowed, took in a deep breath, and strolled forward.
The body of a teenager met his gaze, pale skin and dark black hair, laying face down in the dirt. He felt his throat going dry, realizing that this child was probably no older than Forrest. The boy's clothes were dirty, torn in numerous places. Several Rattata were scurrying around him, which only make his stomach twist even more.
"Nero..." The professor whispered, and the Nidorino hopped down into the ditch– scattering the Rattatas with just his presence. Nero huffed as they ran, and then approached the body himself, sniffing the air. Samuel opened his mouth to stop him, but yet no words managed to escape his throat, and he could only watch his Pokemon nudged the teen's limp form.
"Nido!" Nero cried, his eyes suddenly widening slightly. He whipped around to face Professor Oak, his tone urgent. "Rino! Nidorino!"
Samuel stared at him uncertainly, not sure of what the Pokemon wanted him to do. The poison type's ears went back in frustration, turning towards the teen again. The Nidorino swiftly nudged the boy once more– who let out a small rasp as the horn pressed against his side.
He jumped back, startled– though the sick feeling in his chest instantly faded. Alive– the boy was alive! Relief rushed through him, though that too faded as he again looked over the teen. He may not be dead, but he clearly wasn't too far from that either. He swiftly made his way down the side of the ditch, hurrying over to the boy.
"Daisy!" He called, his fingers pressing against the boy's neck as he knelt at his side. He frowned as his fingers ran over faded scars, but his focus shifted as soon as he felt a pulse– one that was very faint. "Daisy, he's still alive, I need you to come here!"
"He is?" A small voice called out, relief in her tone, though she still sounded shaken up.
"Yes, but he's hurt!" Samuel called, his hands going to the boy's side. He let out a small grunt as he flipped him over onto his back, since there was no way he could breathe properly with his head in the dirt.
He heard the sound of hoofsteps, and looked up to watch Daisy and the Ponyta cautiously approaching the edge of the ditch. She looked down at her grandfather uncertainly, eyes flickering between him and the unconscious boy. One hand tightly grasped the reigns of her Pokemon, her skin still looking very pale.
"What do we do?" She asked in a quiet voice.
He didn't answer her right away, still looking over the boy's form. He saw no visible injuries outside of several cuts and bruises, nothing to suggest how he could have gotten into this state. He grabbed the boy's arm, carefully pinching the skin on the back of his hand. Green eyes narrowed as the skin held its shape for a moment, slowly falling back into place– a sign of dehydration.
"...I'll have Barney carry him," The professor said, eyes still scanning him. "And I'll fly back on Aquila. You'll be okay heading back to Pallet on your own, alright? I can leave Nero with you."
His gaze settled on the boy's wrist, which upon closer inspection was swollen, and far more bruised than the rest of his form. He didn't touch it, not knowing if it was sprained or broken, and gently set it on the boy's chest. His hand went to grab a Pokeball, knowing that there was no way he could carry him on his own– but paused when he noticed a small symbol on the teen's shirt: an unmistakable, bright red 'R'.
The symbol of Team Rocket.
For a moment Samuel didn't move, his heart thumping in his chest, a bitterness rising in him as he looked at that horrid letter. His hand tightened on the Pokeball, gaze narrowing as he once again regarded the boy. His apparel was basic– just an underling of some kind then? But where there was a Team Rocket grunt there was always more, so where was the rest of this boy's group? Had they left him out here? That wouldn't be surprising for a Rocket.
"...Gramps?"
Daisy's quiet voice snapped him out of his anger, and he quickly pulled the Pokeball from his pocket. He pressed the button on the front, a bright beam of red light snaking out from the sphere. A towering figure appeared in front of them– orange scales gleaming in the morning light as the powerful Pokemon was released. Bright blue eyes looked down at Professor Oak, a head curiously being tilted to the side.
Samuel took in a deep breath– a Rocket or not, he couldn't leave the boy out here. He was no older than his own grandson, still just a child. No one deserved to suffer like this, not even a Rocket.
"Barney," Professor Oak instructed. "I need you to carry this boy back to my lab for me, okay? He's injured though, so please be careful, you don't want to make anything worse."
"Bah!" The Dragonite trumpeted, a gentle gaze turning towards the injured teen. The dragon carefully scooped him up into his muscular arms, cradling the human against his chest. The Pokemon glanced at his trainer as if to make sure he was doing everything right, and then opened his wings.
"Shouldn't we take him to a hospital?" Daisy whispered uncertainty as Barney took to the sky, the boy safely tucked away in his arms.
Samuel pushed himself to his feet, slipping the Dragonite's Pokeball away, before grabbing another one. "The nearest one would be in Cerulean, and the closest clinic is in Pewter, and I don't think it would be safe to fly him all the way there– he needs treatment now. If we had a Pokemon that could teleport perhaps that would be another matter... but I should have the supplies at my lab to at least stabilize him," He pulled out his second Pokeball, holding it up. "We will take him to a doctor from there as needed."
He released his second Pokemon– a beautiful Pidgeot bursting out of the sphere. The eagle tossed her head as she was released, the Pokemon almost blinding them as the sun hit her feathers. Golden light streamed from off of her, the shiny Pokemon practically glowing as her feathers reflected the sun's rays in every direction.
"Aquila, can you please take me back to the lab?" Samuel asked quietly, placing a hand on her back.
"Rrhh," She cooed, lowering herself so he could mount onto her back. Normally he wouldn't ride her without a proper harness, but he didn't have time to waste by walking back to Pallet Town, and he was far too large for the Ponyta to carry him effectively. He pulled himself onto the Pidgeot's back, wrapping his hands into her long flowing crest. It wasn't the first time he had ridden her bareback, and he hoped he wasn't out of practice.
"Nero, guide Daisy home," Samuel ordered his Nidorino, who quickly nodded. "If any wilds attack, then protect her– but don't go starting any fights."
"Nido," He said, and Aquila spread open her wings.
"Be careful," Samuel said, his gaze shifting to Daisy. "Stick to the paths."
"Sure thing, Gramps," She replied, shifting slightly.
He gave the Pidgeot a gentle nudge in the side– and the eagle took to the skies.