Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Please support the official release.
~x~
Violet has formulated a plan for everyone to follow in order to catch Benedetto. With the newly named Zenara the Mareep and Cenza the Dedenne, Topaz and company split up to investigate the Grand Lake Resort for any suspicious activity. Unfortunately, much lurks in the shadows during Hoopa's Eve.
~x~
"Thank you for your patronage, have a hoopy loopy day," The sales clerk happily stated adorned in his blue zombie themed outfit.
"Err thanks again, you too," I replied simply walking away with the bag of items I had just bought from the Pokemart. I made my way over to a bench to sort out my newly obtained potions, ethers and more into capsules so I could stick them into my bag. I left a few inside normally just for easy access at least.
That should be more than enough and no Snorlax capsules needed. Let's get to work.
"We need to gather information from as many coordinators as possible. You three, try to get as much as you can from the Pokemon while I talk to the trainers. It'll be hard for me to get as much as I want from a bunch of teenagers, but you guys should be able to work it out," I explained to the three.
[Leave this to me, General. Such egotistical and uppity Pokemon can be broken with the slightest amount of pressure,] Lou proclaimed proudly.
[Aren't they used to being under pressure? And being judged? Isn't that what contests are all about?] Donut asked questioningly. [You'll prolly do best stroking their egos before goading information out of them.]
[Oooh, I can charm them with my cuteness!] Cenza offered.
I sighed in exasperation. "Well… sure I guess. All of that works, just try not to draw too much attention to yourselves. We don't want authorities on our case."
They all agreed readily, so we made ourselves out the market and into the streets. I hadn't taken the time earlier to properly examine the resort, but they had gone all the way for Hoopa's Eve. It was still midday so most of the decor and lights lost the spooky impact, but I could tell it would be quite entertaining to see at night.
All of the trees' leaves were a beautiful gold, amber and crimson shade. Pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns were in front of every building. Although it was still daytime I could see several ghost types causing mischief with the foreign trainers. Misdreavus were scaring unsuspecting strangers, a lone Duskull was sifting through someone's bag, likely out of sheer curiosity. Drifloon were floating in the wind carrying small pumpkins with them.
I wonder if they eat them.
The resort itself was rather luxurious. It's at the perfect location for those interested in swimming at the beach, shopping at Sunyshore or exploring the Great Marsh by Pastoria. There's also Lake Valor, but the League increased the restrictions to the area, so it's more accessible to Sinnoh natives rather than foreigners. We already know not to mess with it, but others might simply view it as just another pretty, big lake. Rangers were enforcing that, along with making certain no wild Pokemon were caught if they didn't want to be.
I've never spent too much time here myself for obvious reasons. At most I've done some double battles at the restaurant for some fun and a free luxury meal. Besides that it seems like a nice rest stop for a journey and an ideal place to hold a contest.
Otherwise, the coordinators themselves… Usually when I think of them I imagine them wearing flashy outfits and prancing around, but most of them were either posing for pictures, talking amongst each other or doing training. Really they didn't necessarily look all that different than battling trainers, but I suppose the ratio between girls and boys leaned more toward the girl side at this event.
As Volkner mentioned there were scouts talking to some coordinators with many even wearing their merch, I assume to promote whatever brand they were working for. I know some trainers tend to do the same thing during big league matches, but from what I know about with contests it's a way bigger deal. With enough exposure you can become a model, movie star, singer and more. Wallace made his splash to fame though by being an amazing coordinator AND one of the strongest trainers in Hoenn, so once again the easy path to fame is power.
Still can't beat Volkner in a fight.
[Isn't Flax interested in the gaudy prostrations of contests, movies or what have you?] Lou questioned.
"Oh yeah Flax really loves movies right? He's always copying the TV whenever we head over to Jade's."
[Yup. He wants to be an actor or something,] Donut piped in. [Makes sense considering who his human is.]
Like trainer, like Pokemon. Both are interested in the finer arts. Jade has always been coy about what he's been interested in as a trainer… I wonder if he plans on being a coordinator and didn't tell me.
[General over yonder! That lass and her Lunatone! I sense weakness within them, interrogation shall be swift and painful!] Lou shouted in my head.
He began aggressively shimmying to Lunatone. Lunatone perked up at the sign of imminent danger as they used Psychic on their trainer and flew away.
[Cowards! No matter, I shall scope out our next target.]
"Err stand down, soldier. How about I take the lead and you follow up. Capisce? Roger?"
How do you speak military? I'm not fluent in hardass.
[You are correct, Sir! I had forgotten about your silver, no, your platinum tongue, General! We shall have the answers we need toot suite. Let us march on to glory!]
[Your friend is funny,] Cenza giggled.
Donut blew a raspberry. [That's one word to describe him.]
After getting everyone on the same page we properly began speaking to as many coordinators as possible. It was a little awkward to needle out information from them though. Many thought I was a lost child looking for my parents.
Not anymore, but it'd be nice to know regardless.
Others considered me a nuisance until Lou nearly attacked them in my honor for their blatant disrespect. Then I was considered a threat forcing them to quickly take their leave.
Fair enough.
Talking to so many different trainers outside of the gym was a bit strange though. First of all, I'm definitely not a people person. I wouldn't consider myself shy, but it can get a bit anxiety inducing to just walk to random strangers and ask them questions. I almost preferred running away from the man eating monkeys. At least I knew what to do in that situation.
Another thing I noticed was how differently trainers from other regions spoke to me. Sinnoh, Hoenn and Johto trainers were all fairly polite with some nuance. They were the group I was most familiar with and thus the easiest.
Kanto trainers on the other hand. It's hard to get anything out of them without them thinking you're interrogating them. They kept their responses tacit, guarded or disinterested.
The Unova trainers were the opposite as they were a bit more talkative and amicable than I needed. They were nice and all, but overwhelming.
Kalos trainers were easier than I had anticipated. Besides mixing in some French into their sentences they were rather forthcoming. Unfortunately, none of the trainers I spoke to seem to see anything especially noteworthy.
Donut had been talking to their Pokemon, only allowing Lou to speak when they gave him backtalk. They quickly shut up after a quick rant from our little battery bug. Thanks to his surprising diplomatic skills Donut managed to find us a semblance of a lead, just an area to keep an eye out for.
As we made our way around the recommended location I spotted a familiar face. A girl with long braided black hair who wore a white dress shirt with a turquoise ribbon, and a turquoise jacket wrapped around her waist. Despite it being fall she wasn't shivering in the slightest.
"Is that… Candice?" I stopped before she could spot me and hid behind a tree.
[Candice? Who's that? Oh! Is she with the bad guys?] Cenza asked with baited breath.
"No no, she's one of the good guys. She's uhhh she's a good guy in training, just like me," I explained as simply as I could to a Pokemon who knew nothing about Leagues. "Which is why we probably shouldn't be seen by her in case she remembers me."
Hiding from a League official… what am I doing with my life?
Candice is around my age or so yet she's already a candidate to become the next gym leader of Snowpoint City. While the current gym leader Khione isn't looking to leave her position yet, they have made it known that Candice is definitely in the running. Volkner praised her aptitude with ice types although he did mention her hotblooded personality being too close to Flint.
I leaned over a bit more to see her cheerfully talking to two other girls. The one who drew attention first was one with similarly braided golden yellow hair, though only in the one braid. She caught attention because she was dressed more like a coordinator than most, though not quite at the level of 'I'm going to compete in a global contest'. She wore a golden orange and black t-shirt, black pants with some embroidered snowflake patterns on them, a golden bag she'd slung over her shoulder and black sneakers. She had a meat skewer in her hand as well, with a Buneary trying to sneakily reach for it from her shoulder. It didn't work, but the two laughed it off all the same.
Gold and black, spot on color scheme.
The girl right behind her had long, free hanging teal hair that seemed almost naturally jagged like a gemstone. I swore it reflected light. She had a long sleeved cobalt shirt on, but it didn't seem like it was a sweater or anything insulating. It was matched by a skirt that faded from blue to black like a night sky and black boots. She had a blue bag and was staying between the two girls with her and away from random strangers as much as possible, clutching a Buizel close to her chest. They looked simple and content.
Candice has got a whole posse with her. Really don't need to deal with all that.
[Looks like she has her friends with her. They must be enjoying the festival,] Donut inquired.
[The yellow one is encroaching upon our General's bright color scheme and I shall not let this stand!] Lou declared as he began to scurry over at her to hurl obscenities at another poor stranger until I picked him up and told him to hush.
"Lou, what did I say? What did I just say!?"
He looked down ashamed. [Do not threaten random strangers on the street.]
"No. I said do not threaten random strangers on the street without my permission."
[It was to defend your honor! It was a valid reason, my General!]
I pinched the bridge of my nose and pushed back my headache.
Arceus save me.
"Hmmm, our lead is supposed to be here, so we can't very well leave yet. We'll just have to wait until they move on."
[Too late. She spotted us.] Donut pointed to Candice looking around curiously till she pointed at Lou.
Are you serious?
The group walked over, Candice waving and smiling. If a bit concerned. "Hey, you doing okay? I've not seen a bug type like him before and I know resting bitch face is an option but this looks like more than that."
I paused. Lou looked at me. I looked back at him. I realized I was still holding him hiding behind a tree. There was a pregnant pause.
Oh, so this is how stupid I look.
She raised an eyebrow. "Uh, are you okay-" and then he began buzzing and trying to launch at her. Her friend too. He was ready to attack.
I began to hold on for dear life as he began squirming. "Lou, what are you doing!?"
[I am trying to get them to leave! Distraction distraction!] He shouted before buzzing again.
Donut facepalmed in shame while Cenza looked like she was having the time of her life watching this, peaking out of my bag.
The girl with yellow hair looked at him with confusion and concern. No fear. Just concern. "Is bug type rabies a thing? Should we get him to a Nurse Joy?" Then to me. "Are you okay? Like physically, he looks ready to bite off appendages. Do you have all your fingers?"
Considering who he is, that's not off the table.
"My Pokemon does not have rabies and all my fingers are intact," I retorted pridefully.
After a few more seconds Donut hopped onto my leg, grabbed Lou's Pokeball and recalled him on his own. As he was sucked in I could hear one last 'Distraction!' before Donut placed the ball back on my belt.
[You're welcome,] Was all he said before he jumped back into my bag. I awkwardly turned to the three girls wondering how I should even go about this.
"Damn bug, it's always a war with this one," I muttered mostly to myself.
Candice raised an eyebrow with a bemused grin. "You good? I don't mean to pry but I kinda feel like we deserve something of an explanation after…" she flailed her hands a bit. "Whatever that was." She extended one. "I'm Candice. You're… Topaz, right? You live with Volkner?"
[Oh goodie, she remembers you.]
I laughed in that awkward painful way. You know the one. When you smile and chuckle because you can feel your soul exit your body in disgrace. That's the sound that just left my mouth.
I can see why Volkner doesn't fake pleasantries. It's because he can't. Okay, focus, what to do, what to say. Let's see if I can salvage this exchange.
"I'm surprised you remember me, I figured you would be too busy," I looked over to her friends. "I don't remember them though."
Knowing my memory, I likely forgot about them.
She just smiled and put a hand to her chest. "I make it a point to remember people! All you gotta do is focus!" She gestured to the two. "The girl your bug buddy seems to hate is Amber, and the one behind her is Crystal. And the two with them are Cinnamon the Buneary and Tide the Buizel."
Amber gave a two fingered wave and a grin. "Hey! Nice to meetcha." Cinnamon hopped up onto her head and waved happily, giving an excited "Bun eee!" Crystal meanwhile just waved and seemed… less inclined to engage in social interaction. As did Tide, who just nodded at me.
You and me both.
"Yo," I turned back to Candice. "Sorry about Lou, he's easily excited. So I'm guessing you're all here for the Wallace Cup?"
I wonder if they are here with any adults. I suppose it's not illegal for junior trainers to leave home, but if they are all from Snowpoint then this is quite a ways from home. It'd be totally crazy if the trains hadn't been set up recently.
"Yup!" she exclaimed, "We wanted to see what the deal was! Contests are battles in their own way, and we wanted to pick up some souvenirs for a friend. She's not a big fan of ghosts. Not to mention picking up some things ourselves!"
"According to research if you were to ask a random sample of any population across the planet what their least favorite type is, it is most likely they will name ghost types. It's a bit unfortunate for the type and those who love them, but they can be a tad more dangerous and unpredictable compared to other types. It's an understandable fear," I rattled off without thinking.
Candice started giggling before laughing in full for a short moment. "Yeah, you definitely live with Volkner. You and her would get along great, she'd actually love to be able to appreciate ghost types more. But past that, what're you here for? I doubt it's to tell random folk about studies. Someone so close to Volkner wouldn't go around people just for that."
I put a hand to my chin. "Well I initially came here to see what all the fuss was about although I did learn that most of the contests are happening after dark to maximize the Hoopa Eve theme. Hmmm…" I began stroking my chin ever so slightly.
Let's try this out then. A little gossip for the greater purpose.
"I've been hearing rumors there are some shady folk around here. I dunno what basis people are making this claim on though. It is Hoopa Eve and it's a congregation of strangers. Aren't shady folks the norm?" I stroked my chin again and screwed my face into a typical pondering expression.
Let's see what she knows…
Immediately her demeanor shifted, her eyes narrowing and a hand going to her bag. "Yeah, but still. I thought I heard something happening closer to the shore… Could you elaborate please?"
I decided to tell her what I knew from simply asking around which wasn't much at all in truth. I wasn't even sure what was true or false, but after a bit Crystal began whispering in Candice's ear. After a bit of quiet discussion Candice turned back to me.
"I think you're onto something. We thought it sounded a bit weird, but that sears it. There has to be something going on at the shore. Let's check it out while we still can."
"If there's assholes around, we take 'em on together." Amber stated, cracking her knuckles while Crystal nodded behind her.
Candice paused, nodded, then looked back to me. "Well, we've got a new destination then. I might just be a gym leader in training, but that just means I have all the more reason to look into this."
The shore, huh? Finally something concrete, maybe she had her suspicions and I just confirmed them? She stuck her hand in her bag so she's likely reaching for a communication device. I can't very well go to the shore with them can I? But it's the League so… it should be fine.
[We should go too,] Donut spoke into my mind. [I feel like we can trust them, but I don't think Amethyst and Violet would want them to get involved.]
[You can feel it?] I asked mentally.
[Pokemon perks include an improved sixth sense. I learned when I was baby you humans have got a terrible one, but it's still there,] Donut explained.
Hmmm, I've got my theories about that, but now isn't the time.
"You three are pretty proactive. I guess with a gym leader in training it should be fine to come along, right Donut?"
"Pika pika," Donut squeaked aloud. What it meant didn't matter, all I needed was an affirmation. Cenza simply watched quietly.
[You two are good at this,] She thought to us.
Candice grinned, a Piloswine materializing beside her as she pulled out a phone. "You know it! Just gimme a second to let Khione know what's happening. You all set to go?"
So she's letting Khione know? Duh, it's protocol. That's the smart thing to do. She's doing the smart thing, unlike me.
"Ready anytime," I spoke up. Good thing I restocked immediately.
She speed typed a message before putting it back in her bag and looking to the other two. "Do you guys have everything you need?"
Amber shrugged. "I mean. Much as we can, didn't exactly expect to go busting bad guys today. But we keep stuff on us just in case. This is a very 'just in case' moment."
Tide gave Crystal's cheek a lick, which made her smile a bit before she nodded to Amber, who looked to Crystal. Who then looked at me.
"We've got our posse all ready to go, now let's go kick some bad guy butt!"
I had a question to ask before set out. "Hm. Are you all even gym trainers? You do know if anything happens we'll be facing dangerous criminals right? I'm not saying we shouldn't go, but..."
I was fairly confident we'd be fine and in the worst case scenario we could contact Amethyst or even Zachary. If they were anything like the goons from Route 214 we could likely take them.
Amber just waved me off, rolling her eyes. "Puh-lease, we haven't been lazing around doing nothing. Even if we weren't training to make sure we're strong enough to keep up with Candice over here, you don't live in Snowpoint and get by without knowing what you're doing. Your winters are like what, two feet of snow max? That's a summer day for us."
"Heh, we are called Sunyshore for a reason. I see what you mean though, let's go," I nodded. "Follow me, I know the fastest way to the shore."
~Resort Beach - Route 213~
The beach was pretty sparsely populated as it was October. Some couples walking around, the occasional Pokemon playing in the sand, a few coordinators training but it was way too cold for any humans to swim in the ocean.
"Here we are the Grand Lake Resort beach, if you head west you end up on Route 213 all the way to Pastoria," I explained before scanning the area. "Doesn't look like there's much going on at first glance."
Candice put a fist to her chin. "That makes sense, not like everyone goes swimming this time of year. Still, we should check around. It'd be best if we split into pairs to cover the beach and boardwalk." She turned to her friends. "Amber, Crystal, you mind focusing on the beach?"
Amber gave a mock salute while Crystal nodded, Amber giving a chipper "Aye aye! We'll comb the beach for beached baddies! We'll let you know if anything happens."
She smiled before looking back at me. "Me and you should scope out the boardwalk. There's likely a lot of shady deals going on both on it and probably under it, and there might be some bigger fish to fry in all of this. If we find anyone just follow my lead."
"You're the boss."
Now let's hope these thugs were smart enough to go to the boardwalk so we can find what we need.
She led the way to the boardwalk. It was rather dolled up for Hoopa's Eve with several decorations around and some stages for coordinators to do some free shows, although I had a feeling for some it was for some free publicity. There were some shops and stalls as well selling some rare items such as incense as well as a Moomoo milk place. There was a small Pokemon center outpost in case anyone got injured at the beach as well.
[So Cenza, do you remember where you escaped from?] Donut asked telepathically.
[Sorry I don't. I just remember escaping the cage, the place we were stuck in and then running till I found anyone to help. It's all still a bit hazy,] She apologized.
[It's alright, we just need to follow our leads till we get somewhere,] I mind spoke to them as I began searching around the boardwalk. [Don't beat yourself up, we'll save your friends.]
She squeaked cheerfully at that and I continued my search. I considered letting Lou out, but I figured it was prolly best I saved him for battle. Also I didn't want him having another episode in public.
"Yo, any luck Candice?" I shouted out.
She shook her head. "Nothing yet. It's not been that long though and we're still in the populated area, so let's head to where there's less people and more shadiness."
I nodded in agreement as we made our move. There were far less people on this end of the boardwalk. Not for any particular bad reason, it just wasn't the prime time for people at the moment.
Which made me quickly suspicious when I spotted a mediocre looking coordinator and an older man dressed in a suit with sunglasses with slick black hair. He had a cartoonishly thick cigar in his mouth that was easily the size of two of his fingers together.
That's an unusual pair. Perhaps his agent? Or maybe...
I got within earshot and hid behind a stray rock to listen in on their conversation.
"I tells ya, ya don't wanna miss this chance. We ain't gonna be in town forevers, and there's plenty of other people who'd jump at this," The older man said in an accent that I… I could not even discern.
Did he leap out of a movie? Or a cartoon?
The nervous looking coordinator spoke up swiftly. "No I know! I just… need to make sure you're serious is all."
A Kantonian accent eh?
"Oh don't worry bucko, I'm all kindsa serious. Only the finest breeders around, we don't take less'n the best."
"You're certain?"
"Sure as the sun shines." He took a large puff of his cigar that caused the coordinator to cough.
I'm guessing this trainer didn't ask for any sort of credentials.
"Well… alright then. Do you have a Gogoat? I don't really want to train a Skiddo but I think a Gogoat would fit with my routine quite well."
"We definitely got one a those, but it'll run ya back quite a bit."
"It's worth it to win."
"Aight, that'll run ya back around 50,000 yen."
"That much?!"
He'd be better off with a legal adoption agency. Do these people have no sense?
"When's the last time ya saw yerself a Gogoat?"
"Uh…"
"Zactly. Show me the money first, then I'll getcha yer Gogoat."
"All… alright." He handed over a pretty hefty wad of yen to the guy, whose face broke out in a very yellowy, toothy grin.
"Pleasure doin' business with ya. Now just sit yer fancy ass down here an' I'll be back with yer Gogoat."
The man put the money away into his coat pocket and began walking down the boardwalk. I changed my position slightly to remain out of sight from him as he walked in the opposite direction of me.
I'm only 12 and even I know you've got to confirm what you're receiving before you hand over any money. Granted if he believes that buying Pokemon from a smuggler will make him a better coordinator then I can't really expect much intelligence.
[His folly has given us a lead. Cenza, hide in the bag in case anything happens, Donut to my shoulder. Stay focused,] I informed my two companions. Cenza quickly scurried into my bag as Donut popped out and slumped on my shoulders. After a few seconds I began to follow the man in the black suit, passing by Candice on the way.
Hmmm. We don't want the League involved… but we're already in this deep and I already trust her more than Violet.
I silently signaled to Candice to begin following me. "Nice find. Just keep your cool and stay focused."
"Where's Piloswine?"
"Underneath the boardwalk. Staying off the radar and on the scent trail."
Makes sense. They are rather large, but their noses far surpass mine and even Donut's.
We remained silent from then on following the man as he made his way down the boardwalk. He was constantly vigilant, looking around and behind him often so we had to move nimbly and from a distance. It didn't take too long until he veered off from the boardwalk proper, towards the docks and a warehouse that looked pretty abandoned.
Are the Pokemon in there? Are they in Pokeballs? But that'd register them to the criminals exposing them all. How are they confining them all?
Candice quickly pulled me behind a stack of boxes, whispering "Hold on. Do you see them?"
"You spotted something?" She nodded over further towards the back of the warehouse, I leaned over to see Amber and Crystal trailing a teenage girl in some rough clothes who was trailing her own man in a black suit.
"Is someone else involved…?" I asked mostly to myself, my voice trailing off. "Or is she another smuggler?"
"Probably, but now's not the time," Candice noted gravely. "Whatever's going on, the important thing is making sure the Pokemon involved are rescued and the criminals brought to justice." Her Piloswine lumbered up next to her, snuffling her slightly as she put a hand on them and ruffled their fur. "On my signal, we head in."
I nodded to her and motioned for Donut to get into position. He hopped off my shoulder and his expression turned from lax to semi serious. At the very least I could tell he was attentive.
I could hear Cenza snuggle deeper into my bag, likely sensing the tension in the air. Candice glanced over to Amber and Crystal, gesturing towards the warehouse. We met up closer and at the side.
"Amber, are there any entrances besides the front?"
She nodded. "Just a few, but we plugged those up. Just had to move a couple crates with some help from Cinnamon."
Candice grinned, but different from before. This one was full of determination and anticipation. "Alright, everyone in before me." They both nodded, Candice looking to me for confirmation. I nodded back with an eager smirk. Being the one doing the ambushing was much more satisfying than being the ambushed.
She gave a quick look around the area before gesturing, exclaiming in a hushed voice "Go, go!" Amber and Cinnamon ran in first with Amber summoning her Amaura, Crystal following right behind with Tide running at her side. Donut and I followed after them, Donut crackling with electricity. Upon entry I didn't really see much of anything that stood out besides the people themselves. It was more or less an average looking warehouse with loads of crates.
The same suited goon from earlier looked over. "Hey, what're yous-"
Candice stepped in front of the entrance, smiling. "Yakushina, let's focus up!" A Pokeball's light shone, forming into a huge Abomasnow that took up nearly the entire entrance of the warehouse. She stood in front of them and crossed her arms. "So, are you gonna chill or do we need to put you on ice?"
Amber rolled her eyes, smiling while Crystal chuckled a bit. Amaura just seemed confused, Tide groaned and Cinnamon fist pumped.
Ah there it is. The ice pun I was waiting for. Was she saving it for battle?
Donut didn't really seem to even acknowledge it beyond a simple sigh. I turned to the thugs who were reaching for their belts.
"Freeze!" At my command Donut lanced the closest thug with a swift Thunder Wave forcing him to crumple to the ground a paralyzed mess.
[You know that was another ice pun, right?] Cenza noted.
[That time it was literal. Ish. I defend my word choice, stop coming for me.]
You could feel the air dry up as all the moisture turned to snow and ice, spiraling around from Yakushina's ability Snow Warning. Winds whipped up from nowhere, sending bits of wood and ice hurtling around and threatening to knock you out or worse. The three girls seemed to be handling it pretty well, but the sudden drop in temperature along with thick snow was far from agreeable to me.
Their eyes never left their opponents, constantly darting about to take in everything that was happening. Making sure that they and their teams got out of this alright.
I've trained for this. I've gotta focus.
"Yous think yous can get in our way?!" The man who we had been tracking us shouted, hiding behind two Pansage.
Candice just glared. "No, I know we can kick your ass."
Donut was ignoring the cold while facing off an ornery Mankey when the windows around us shattered. On the ground rolled tiny little balls that were slightly smoking. It took me a mere second to realize what those were.
"Smoke bombs! Donut, to me!" I shouted at him to retreat as I covered my mouth and the balls exploded into thick, black choking smoke. Donut ran to my side coughing, so I picked him up and placed a hand over his mouth as I made my way closer to where the other girls were. From the windows I could see others emerging and the sounds of vicious grunts from within the smoke.
What is going on?
It was hard to see within the smoke so when I backed up into another entity I nearly swung at them with my baton out of reflex. Luckily it turned out to just be Crystal who was coughing roughly along with Tide.
"You alright?" I asked from underneath my hand, holding back a cough and tears.
She just shook her head, keeping a piece of cloth over her Tide's mouth and having pulled up her shirt to cover her own. She looked pleadingly at Tide, who nodded and began whirling their tails to blow away some of the smoke.
"Crystal! You there?"
"Bun bun!"
Amber and her team ran over, having covered their mouths as well. They were coughing and crying a bit all the same, but her face was hard when she saw her friend. She only took a moment to click her tongue before looking to her Amaura. "Help Tide!"
"Mua!" They puffed out their chest before blowing an Icy Wind along with Tide. Tide added in a water gun, and slowly not only was the smoke getting blown away but also… freezing!
By adding water and ice to the smoke, they froze the particles in midair turning it into a dusty snow. I can already feel the effects pay off.
[Donut, Cenza, can you both breathe?]
[It got a little stuffy, but I'm okay,] Cenza informed me. Donut removed my hand slightly and nodded at me with a grateful little smile.
[I'm still okay. Thanks Zio.]
"Anytime…" I smiled down at him before looking around. "Nice going everyone, but where's Candice and her Abomasnow. Yakushina right?"
Amber jabbed a thumb over towards the entrance, which was still obscured by smoke. You could make out silhouettes of a large Abomasnow, a girl in front of them and a horde of what were probably Mankey and their captors going at her. "Still making sure nobody gets out the way we got in. They think they're gonna win because they have fighting types on their side." She gave me a small grin. "I'm sure you know how short sighted that is."
"Certainly looks futile," I muttered before turning back ahead, readying my baton as Donut hopped from my hands. "I don't think the man in the black suit noticed us, but a third party is indeed involved. Let's try and stick to a formation and see what we can do."
Smoke bombs though? Not impossible for any trainer to have one in case of emergencies, but this is a bit much. First of all, they smoked us out so they obviously don't care much about our influence in all of this. Second of all, I don't believe they just sell them in any old shop and those looked a bit different than the Smoke Ball I'm familiar with.
"I'll lead the way, let's move in," I advised the others before cautiously stepping forward where the smoke was a tad thicker, even if it was beginning to flow out the windows. They moved quietly with me, keeping close to the wall and moving behind boxes as we went. From what was happening? Staying out of it was the best course of action.
The goons from before were fighting, but not all against Candice. There was another group of teenagers it seemed to be? It was mostly teenagers of varying ages. They wore neckerchiefs covering their faces and looked a bit dusty, if I had to describe it. Their Pokemon were matching the smuggler's Pokemon blow for blow, pushing them back with numbers and thanks to their ambush. And so were they. This wasn't some typical League approved battle. Both sides were going at the other and drawing blood. A pretty sizable amount of it. Pokemon and humans were assaulting each other all the same.
It'd be nice seeing them work together if they weren't trying to murder each other.
"You thought you could come to our turf and deal, you fucks!? Who the hell do you think you are?" Shouted one of the teenagers as her Corsola shot spikes into the crowd of smugglers. Both humans and Pokemon alike had to dodge her air raid in fear of getting pierced.
"Filthy street urchins, the lot of you! Kill these fucking brats, Mankey!" One of the smugglers was shrieking with rage as he commanded a horde of Mankeys to begin attacking the teenagers' Pokemon, who were doing everything in their power to keep them away from their trainers. What few got past assaulted some of the kids, but their allies managed to beat them off before any lives were taken.
"All rock types, Harden and charge through! Let's show these bumfucks why you don't fuck with Dispetto!" One of the older teenage boys commanded. The rock types' bodies began to tense up as the thickness of their skin increased before forming a wall and forcibly pushing the Mankeys back, ignoring whatever attacks that were used on them.
Sudowoodo began grappling and crushing whatever Mankey got within reach, Corsola stabbed one in the eye after they ripped off one of her branches. A Lairon was being hounded by several Panpour water attacks until an immense Rock Slide from a Solrock began crashing down on them.
It was sheer chaos and violence, even worse than what I had witnessed within the electric web I had set up in Route 214 for the Mankey. All we could do was watch from a distance as the two groups mauled each other without mercy. Some of the teenagers and adults had even elected to fist fight or beat each other with various weapons.
I took a sudden step back reflexively throwing my hand out in front of Amber and Crystal when an injured smuggler was thrown over close to us. It took him a few seconds to slowly get up, causing Donut to tense up before he backed away in surprise as a large boulder smashed down upon where the smuggler had been.
I-what?
Crystal put a hand over her mouth and Amber winced, but neither of them was as… shocked? Taken aback? Something along those lines at seeing a person die.
"You holding up, Crystal? Topaz?" Amber looked back at us both, speaking in a hushed voice. Crystal just nodded, shaking a bit but not turning away.
What the hell have they been through in Snowpoint?
I swallowed my nerves before speaking. "They're killing each other and not us, so relatively speaking. I am fine."
[Topaz? You're shaking,] Cenza noted. [I can help. Just breathe in and out.]
I looked at my right hand quivering more than I realized. I grasped it with my left and held it down before I took a deep breath. I could feel fairy energy emanate from my bag decreasing the intensity of the shaking, as well as calming me down proper.
[Thanks Cenza. Guess I'm not used to near death experiences yet,] I mentally laughed. She didn't reply. Donut turned around a moment to give me a sad look before his ears perked up as he dodged a stray Rock Throw. The three of us immediately tensed up as we stared down a teenage boy with a Boldore along with a woman smuggler and her Primeape.
"Don't think we forgot about you little fuckers. All the small fry here are on my new shit list," She leered at us with her crazed Primeape who beat their chest wildy before their eyes landed on Donut, Tide and Cinnamon. Each Pokemon shifted into a proper battle stance immediately. "Don't think we'll let you go after what you've seen. Your Pokemon are coming with us, dead or alive."
"What the hell are you kids doing here? No one's gonna save you if you get in the way. Go home or we'll make you," The teenage boy threatened, but his Boldore didn't turn away from Primeape.
Amber just narrowed her eyes. "We're protecting our home. We're not about to let you lot mess everything up because you're too stupid to understand that maybe being an asshole isn't the best course in life. Juniper, now!"
"Amu!" Suddenly, the stack of boxes and a bunch of stray steel beams came crashing down towards the Primeape due to tipping them over with a boulder. Cinnamon sent stray rocks hurtling at them while Crystal had said something that made Tide speed around the side. Amber glanced back. "We've got this. This much fighting right here and Dispetto's involved? Something's here that they want. Go find it and make sure neither of them get it!"
After her suggestion I noticed her tilt her head over to two smugglers in the back of the battle talking before one ran deeper into the warehouse while the other returned to the fight. I realized what she meant immediately and chased after them with Donut running by my legs.
"What in the- hey!" The teenager tried to say something, but was quickly cut off as Tide had launched a Whirlpool filled with ice and several crates straight towards him, his Boldore, the smuggler and the Primeape. I dashed behind several crates behind the smugglers so no one would notice. All I could do was pray that Candice finished whatever she was doing and support the others before they ended up-
I shook out my morbid thoughts and kept on running till the smuggler stopped at a specific crate with an electronic lock. He looked around exhausted and dirty before he began inputting a code into the lock.
"Fuckin' told those 3 idiots to just let the Dedenne go and look what happened. Got the whole bloody region breathing down our necks when this could've been so fucking easy. Next time I see them I'm blowing up their heads my goddamn self," He muttered angrily, likely talking about Cenza and the three blokes who chased us. "Took ALL those Mankey and still haven't come back. Useless. Gotta take what I can and book it back to base. The boss ain't gonna like this."
Before I could emerge and rain on his parade he rolled out of the way in a panic avoiding the near fatal Smack Down from a Crustle. A teenage girl, the same one Amber and Crystal had been following, trailed behind her Pokemon with a wide grin on her face.
"Thought you could run and we wouldn't find you? Imma let you know, I'm a master at hide and seek. Now step away from the crate and maybe I could let you go with only a few broken bones," She warned him. "We know what goodies you've been hiding, so why don't you share with the rest of us criminals?"
The smuggler scurried up to his feet and tossed out a Pokeball. "Darmanitan, get rid of her!" The Darmanitan looked back at their trainer due to the vague order while the smuggler scrambled back towards the crate.
Dispetto and Benedetto both want what's in that crate… which means I can't let either of them have it!
[Donut!]
[Already read your mind,] He casually stated before he jumped into the air and used Flash blinding everyone in the vicinity. Taking advantage of their momentary blindness Donut followed up with a Discharge shocking the Pokemon and the smuggler, but the girl managed to roll behind a crate.
I booked it to the crate as fast as my feet could carry me until the Darmanitan regained their sight and made a large leap towards me. Without a moment's hesitation I removed the Luxury ball from my waist and summoned Lou right in their face.
He launched out of his Pokeball like a jack out of the box, stabbing the descending Darmanitan in the abdomen with his pincers before spraying a String Shot directly onto them. The sheer force of it sent the Darmanitan flying in the sky till they collided into the ceiling, trapped in the thick web. The web that covered them was stained crimson red.
"Smack Down on the weird ass bug!" The Dispetto girl ordered rubbing the effects of Flash out of her eyes. Crustle didn't look to have fully recovered from it, but I wasn't about to test their accuracy.
"Donut deflect the rock with Iron Tail! Lou use Mud Shot on the girl!"
Donut leaped into the air, his tail turning a sheen silver before he smacked the rock heading for Lou back at Crustle. While Crustle took the time to block, Lou seized his chance to spot the girl and fire a slough of mud towards her. Upon realizing he was serious about attacking their trainer the Crustle moved in front of her to protect her, taking the full force of the attack.
"What the hell kind of kid are you?" She glared at me. I returned her glare with one of my own as my Pokemon stood by me. "You've made an enemy out of Dispetto. You and your shit friends don't know what you've done!"
"Good thing I never planned on being your ally, Dispetto," I spat out the name near the end in disgust. "Benedetto, Dispetto, Galactic it doesn't matter. We should throw you all in a cell and lose the key. Donut, Lou, Battery Bolt!"
Lou activated his ability, Battery, condensing his special power at the forefront allowing for Donut to easily access it. Donut hopped onto Lou's back gathering the electrical energy Lou was emitting before launching an intense green Thunderbolt at the girl and her Crustle.
The Crustle tried to withstand the blast by hiding underneath their shell, but upon contact the electric blast caused their shell to crack under pressure and for them to be smashed brutally into several thick crates. Their trainer was blown away by sheer knockback, where she hit her head on one of the steel beams, losing consciousness immediately.
I admired the destruction for a moment, the potency of our combo attack. There were signs of electrical burns all over the Crustle and the floor where they stood had been scorched. Donut and Lou looked no worse for wear, with Lou simply needing to deactivate his ability and for Donut to just shake off the extra green electricity.
I rubbed both of their heads in thanks when I heard a shuffle several feet over. I turned to see the smuggler shaking standing up, trying to lock the crate once more.
"Lou, confine him with Spiderweb," I ordered. Lou sucked up some air before he spat a complete net of web straight at the smuggler restricting all possible movement and slamming his body straight into another crate.
He groaned in pain before leering at us. I made my way over and crossed my arms.
"Where is Benedetto and the Pokemon you smuggled in?" I asked.
"Fuck off, go back home to Mama," He spat at me. Not literally, but he was on the verge.
"We'll let you go if you tell me where he is and why those goods absolutely have to get to him," I asked again, keeping my voice steady and firm.
This is how Volkner would handle it right? Keep calm, maintain control.
"You pissants don't know what you're involved in. Benedetto is a powerful man, kid. If I don't want to fuck with hm, you definitely do not," He advised, as though I cared.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I know that, but we can't really turn away from your actions no matter how powerful you claim him to be. He's no boogie man, he's human and weak, just like everyone. So how about you just tell me where the captured Pokemon and Benedetto are and I'll prove it. Okay?"
I need to leave with this stuff before any of his allies come around.
This time he did give me a pondering look which I thought was a good sign. Until he literally spat at me. Luckily I dodged before I got a face full of saliva, but it set Lou off on the spot. He sprang forward, embedding his pincers in his legs and electrocuting him. His screams were visceral as his body began to seize and contort from the immense pain, doing whatever he could to endure it. His screams echoed across the warehouse which would've been distracting if not for all the other screaming that was going down in the brawl. I on the other hand was speechless. I'd never seen Lou so… violent before. Blood splattered all over his body and he refused to let go. Donut just stood by and stared with a grave expression not lifting a hand to step in. Before I could voice my complaints about this tactic, the smuggler began to beg for mercy.
"Make it stop, make it stop! I'll tell you whatever you need to know! Just please, make it stooooop!"
It took a moment for me to register this is what we wanted before I called off Lou. "Stop Lou, he's ready to talk!" Immediately after my command he actually stopped and waddled over. There was blood on his face, but I did my best to ignore it. Unfortunately, staring at the smuggler's mangled, shuddering leg with visibly exposed bone and pouring blood didn't help much either.
His breaths were ragged and pained, but he managed to speak. "Great… Marsh…" He sputtered, biting back whatever pain gripped his mind. "Close to… Highshire Town… south of… Hearthome…" His eyes were beginning to glaze. "We have… a rendezvous point where… We store Pokemon. He should be… somewhere around there…"
Before I could ask for more his head slumped unconscious. Donut muttered some words to Lou causing him to look disdainfully at the smuggler before he spat a String Shot at his leg, preventing further blood loss. I was still trying to catch up with everything that happened until Donut's voice rang through my head, calm as ever.
[We should take what he was trying to deliver and meet up with those girls again. Then we should probably go tell Amethyst what we learned,] He looked up at me with concerned eyes. [I'm sorry you had to see that…]
I clenched my chest and realized my heart was beating a mile a minute. I shook my head before looking back at Donut.
"We've got to save those Pokemon. He… that man had vital information for the mission… Lou did what he had to do," My last sentence trailed off a bit at the end. Lou didn't look as proud as I expected, likely due to my lack of jubilance over all this. "We should keep moving, we wasted enough time. Let's get the goods and go."
Vicious battles, dead bodies, attacking other humans. Is this what Volkner has to do to keep the peace? Is this what the League has to do over and over again to combat evil? Am I… ready for this? Ugh, ready or not I'm in it now and won't stop.
We finally made our way to the crate to inspect its contents. Donut and Lou hopped onto the sides while I leaned over to see what was inside, what Benedetto and Dispetto both wanted so badly.
I had to raise an eyebrow at the contents. There was a large chunk of ore glowing whimsically and radiating a foreign type of feeling I couldn't quite name. There was no refinement to it, it was fairly evident that it had come straight from the rock it was chipped out of into this crate. I reached out to touch it, my fingers caressed the rock which didn't seem special to me. I recognized the sediments, but not the ore within. I moved my hand over to the ore when it suddenly hit me. It shone lightly giving me an intense case of vertigo and euphoria at the same time before I pulled my hand back. Donut and Lou gave me anxious looks.
[Your emotions went everywhere all at once when you touched that rock,] Donut explained before looking at himself. [Even we felt pretty strange when you touched it.]
"Hmmm," I hummed to myself. "We've got to be careful about how we touch that then. Now what is this?"
In a separate secure compartment there was a metal arm brace attached to a metal gauntlet by a chord. Judging by the glove I had to guess it was meant to be equipped on the left arm, but its purpose escaped me. I picked it up and began looking it over until I found a logo hidden within the machine: A slick modern silver C with the phrase 'Capture, compile, control' in Unown letters underneath it in a tiny font.
Definitely not from any organization in Sinnoh. It must be foreign if it came from Benedetto. What group starts with a C and manufactures creepy machines?
"Bzzzt bzt zip," Lou whirred beside me. It took me a moment to realize why.
"Ah, the telepathic connection must've cut off when I put you inside the ball. Well, if you just listened that wouldn't have happened. We'll reconnect it later, for now we should… hmmm."
The smart decision would be to reconvene with Violet right? But the others… I can't leave them behind. That fight was dangerous, we've got to head back.
I reached into my bag and took out item capsules for the ore and the metal device for easy transportation. Luckily it worked on both of them so I didn't have to go through the trouble of lugging them manually.
The sounds of battle had begun to die down, which meant the fight was nearly over. I was about to bound away before I turned back to Lou, holding his Pokeball.
"Sorry, you're a bit of a mess right now. I'll clean you up later, I promise," I told him. He simply nodded, allowing himself to be recalled without trouble. Donut hopped onto my shoulder as I ran back to where the fight had occurred.
When I laid my eyes upon the carnage, I was barely surprised. Bodies, dead or alive, were strewn everywhere. I wasn't sure which was which and I did everything in my power to avoid finding out. There were holes in the walls, boulders piling everywhere and scorch marks all over. My heart skipped a beat in relief when I saw Candice and the others sitting a bit aways, all dusty and tired, recovering their Pokemon with potions and bandages. Candice and her team looked the best of the trio, but it was obvious judging by her sweaty brow that she was grateful for some peace.
"You're all okay…" A simple statement of relief was all I could muster. I barely knew them, but the thought that I had left them to die stirred my heart more than I had thought.
Crystal looked over first, sighing in relief and smiling. Amber followed her gaze and waved. "Hey! Toldja we could handle ourselves just fine!"
There was a pause, and her face fell into a more serious look. "It was rough on you, huh?"
Candice then looked over, having been bandaging Yakushina and glancing at her phone. "You okay? Injury wise I mean, everyone's not hurt too badly?"
I looked at myself checking for any signs of injury. I realized I had gotten pretty dirty over the course of the day, fortunately besides some snags in my clothing I was still alright. Donut on the other hand looked genuinely tired now, so I laid him down on the ground and pulled out an ether for him to drink. A Pokemon energy drink essentially. I held it out to him with shaky hands. Donut simply placed his hand on mine and accepted the ether gratefully, evening my nerves out with the slightest jolt.
I wonder how my face must look to them. Not as stoic as I'd like I'm guessing.
I gave him a slight nod before answering Candice. "Just tired."
She gave me a warm smile. "That's good. Nobody escaped? With whatever they were trying to get out with I mean. Amber said you went after someone?"
"There was some conflict, but nothing compared to this. My team was more than enough to handle it," I answered. I hesitated before continuing, mulling over a question I had. "You're all still junior trainers, yet you all seem too… acquainted with all this violence. What have you been through?"
And how can I be that way too?
Candice looked at me, screwing up her face in thought for a moment before answering. "Four things, really. First off, it's a Snowpoint thing. Winters aren't exactly easy when there's enough snow and ice to bury you in your house for maybe weeks at a time. Just living there is a fight for survival we wouldn't make without the aid of our Pokemon companions. Second, again, Snowpoint. All of us are trained to be ready just in case Regigigas wakes up. Sure, they might've pulled the continents into place. But they don't see a reason to stop. Not to mention that groups like Galactic would kill hundreds for that kind of power at their beck and call. We have to protect everyone from Regigigas as much as we have to protect them from everyone. Third… A lot of people die on the way to Snowpoint. One of the jobs of the Leader there is to make sure they at least get a proper burial rather than just being abandoned and dying alone in the cold. Less since Cynthia made it mandatory to be 15 to travel and more time spent learning survival skills, but from what Khione's told me you used to find a corpse every other week frozen somewhere."
Her face darkened. "And fourth… Helheim. None of us were there, but that friend we mentioned earlier who can't handle ghosts? Entirely because of Helheim. She's not really good at keeping stuff in her own head without blowing up, so she lets it flow and deals with it as she goes. Hearing about how someone had people brutally murdered in front of them makes a battle like this easier to stomach."
Crystal just looked over at the boulder that fell on the smuggler earlier, speaking for what I realized was the first I'd heard from her. "A-at least they died quickly… Th-they didn't have time to die in agony."
"I-I see… I never knew," My voice trailed off as it tried to absorb all that information.
They have a friend who survived Helheim and she's around our age? That means… she was around 6-years-old when she was kidnapped. 400 humans and Pokemon were kidnapped and according to reports… only 20% made it out alive, after 5 months being subjected to Team Galactic's cruelty. Vika and Garland never went into detail, but it's obvious they've been through some shit. I can see why they don't like to talk about it. As for Snowpoint… I always imagined it as some winter wonderland, like how you see on TV during Lumifrost. Guess some idyllic image of the place wasn't the best impression.
"The gym leader of Snowpoint… they inherit the role of guardian of Snowpoint Temple, right? That means once you become leader you'd be responsible for Regigigas, the Colossal Pokemon… I see. It all makes sense now," I muttered before staring at Candice. "The decision to declare you a gym trainer trainee. I can tell it wasn't made on a whim, it makes sense why you were chosen."
I looked over to the other two. "Sunyshore City isn't like most Sinnoh cities. It's a place of innovation, new ideas and convenience. The notion of living in the freezing tundra to guard a Legendary that can pull continents… it's a concept that would be lost on most of us. I have to say, I respect your fortitude."
The three smiled, Amber just shaking her head. "Someone's gotta do it, y'know? From what I've heard, Cynthia had to make the rest of the region treat Pokemon like we always have." She chuckled. "Man if electric types gnawing on generators was the worst we had to worry about." Then waved herself off. "Anyway, you look wiped. Not sure if you noticed, but it's getting dark and I don't think walking home would be a good idea."
I checked my Poketch for the time. I had left Sunyshore around noon and had spent the entire day on my feet. That energy drink earlier was able to tide me over a bit, but also reminded me I hadn't eaten anything either.
Not like I have much of an appetite anyway. Ugh, walking, training in the forest, running for my life, fighting against criminals. I thought my stamina could handle it, but I guess I overestimated myself. Just another reminder how far I've got to go… if I was an official trainer, would I be handling myself better?
"Hmmm… guess I need to take a break. Are you all waiting for the League?"
They nodded, Candice speaking up. "I let them know what happened, since I am just a gym leader in training and it'd be either Volkner or Wake who'd handle this. We're just resting for a minute before they get here."
My uncle… I… it's only going to get harder if I keep going down this path, isn't it? If I keep listening to Violet anyway. Is this really for the best? Am I really meant for this or am I just kidding myself? No, I can't think like this. I promised Cenza, no matter what, I would save her friends… my head is pounding, I should lie down before I do anything drastic.
"Whoever comes can handle this then. I'm not really looking for glory, a bed though would be nice. Donut and I are gonna head out," I announced, picking Donut off the ground and into my bag.
Candice nodded, them waving and their Pokemon doing similarly. "Rest up! We got this, don't worry about us." She snapped her fingers. "Oh, and don't worry too much about the people lying around. We managed to get through and make sure that the worst most got is a few broken bones. They'll wake up tomorrow, if sore as hell and with a free ticket to rehab and prison."
"Heh, lucky them. I'll see you all later then, hopefully when things are a bit less hectic," I waved back at them before turning around and making my way out of the warehouse and off the boardwalk. It was already dark out, it was autumn so it wasn't unreasonable, but a still testament to how long my team and I had been out. I pressed my fingers against my temples and focused.
[Amethyst? Do you read me? It's Topaz.] I tried reaching out. Telepathy was still a bit uncomfortable for me, but I hoped she could still hear me from wherever she was located.
[I can hear you, and you don't need to announce yourself. I'd be concerned if it wasn't you talking out of your brain. Meet up with us at the train station. We gotta stay ahead of your League buddies.]
"The train station… sigh, no rest for the weary, huh Donut?"
Donut didn't even deign that with a mental response. All he could muster was a tired 'pika' as I made my way off the beach to find the train station. I was beginning to see the decorations I had mostly ignored during the day, illuminating the darkness of the night. Coordinators and Pokemon alike dressed in their costumes to make an impression before they even got on stage, fitting the glow perfectly.
It took me a bit to actually make my way over to the train station considering how sluggish I felt as well as how much colder it had become, but I eventually made it. It was a brand new regal train station, one of many created under Cynthia's railroad initiative. According to Volkner it took a while to find a track that didn't interfere with Pokemon's wellbeing, while also utilizing stable ground and then actually building the thing, but at the very least this line is finished. As for the station itself, it was quite large. Mostly made out of marble and blue stone, it fit the aesthetic of the rest of the place quite nicely. There were several shops immediately in the building, as well as well furnished waiting rooms. Even a deep pool for water types to relax in. Unless you're a Wailord, but a lot of things are unless you're a Wailord. Anyway, the main focus for now was the platform. There were a couple, each with overhangs and benches along with perches for various bird Pokemon.
Currently in the station was the train itself. Headed by a large steam engine, the car behind was fashioned to hold water for boiling. Heat rocks and Flame Orbs were inside, and while Flame Orbs are usually illegal using them as a perpetual fuel source is perfectly fine. A couple brown passenger cars were next, followed by two dining cars. Then were a few sleeping cars, and finally a long line of cargo cars trailing out of the station. Boxcars, railcars and a red caboose at the back. The whole thing was draped in orange and purple lights, fitting the theme like everything else.
[We're here.] I called out again.
"I noticed."
I nearly whirled around and punched her, but it was just Violet and Amethyst standing there with Zenara's eyes shining happily. Violet looked unamused, but her eyes looked even more intense while Amethyst gave a small wave and a grin.
I rubbed my face in barely constrained annoyance and in an attempt to regain my bearings. "Ergh."
She simply held out two large boxes and a slip on top of it. "Topaz, a train ticket. Donut, two boxes of one dozen donuts each. They would not allow me to purchase more, as humans want to deny Pokemon of their joy."
Donut sprang to life at the mention of donuts as I took the two donut boxes as well as the train ticket. "Highshire town? So you know already. Read my mind?"
"No. Hacking communications, listening in on what happened in the warehouse via their telecommunicator channel and our own intelligence gathering. I would be more irritated had I not expected this to happen, but that aside. You should allow the Pokemon with you time to rest." She then began walking away.
Before she could leave I grabbed her arm. She turned to me slowly with her usual unamused expression, but it was now mixed with 'Do not touch me'. Zenara meanwhile just looked confused.
"While I will be going to Highshire, I need you to convince me again why you would know better than trained professionals that have been through this time and time again. You two are obviously capable, but after what I just saw… if you keep going on like this, I doubt you could save the Pokemon, fend off all of the cronies and then defeat Benedetto. I just worked with the League to liberate the warehouse and they once again reminded me why I trust them a helluva lot more than I trust you." After I said my piece I let go of her hand. Donut looked at me with concern, but he didn't object.
Her eyes narrowed. "And you expect me to explain myself thoroughly on a train platform scant few minutes before the train departs around several other humans who are thoroughly unaware of the current situation, some of which may well have ties to Benedetto and you are alerting him that there is more than just the League on his tail?"
I gave her the most 'Does it look like I care' face I have ever mustered. The fatigue was starting to hit and I wanted to just sit down, but I also needed an answer.
"I managed to allocate some interesting cargo from that warehouse. There's a gym leader in training whom I'm sure would greatly appreciate me handing it off to her so the League may examine it," I added.
She sighed deeply through her nose, muttering "Humans…" again before grabbing my arm in a vice-like grip and pulling me into the train. Before I could object she replied "Regardless of whether or not you care, we need to be on the train that leaves in a scant few minutes. If you decide that I am not someone you are willing to work with, that is acceptable. However, I am not about to talk about confidential information in the middle of unknown specifically human variables."
"I made a promise to Cenza that I intend to see through, whether I work with you, the League or even on my own. I'm just thinking logically here."
"This train goes to Highshire."
"Yes and?"
"Then at absolute worst we do not work together, you end up in Highshire come tomorrow morning, and you have ample time and opportunity to contact whoever in the League you like before we come remotely close to arriving if you come with me at this specific moment."
Either she's flippant or confident. Whatever happens it won't change her intentions. She won't beg me to stay or go, whatever happens, happens. What a difficult person… my head is too frazzled to make a decision, I need to rest.
"Okay then," That's all I could really say. There wasn't much else to say after all that.
She dragged me through a couple train cars, eyes never once diverting from where she was headed. Quickly through she went before halting abruptly, turning, opening a door and dragging me inside.
I hadn't ridden the trains that much since they were built and I certainly haven't slept in one before. It was a sleeping car consisting of the normal windows, bunk beds, a nightstand, table and a few other general furniture. It was a relatively confined space for obvious reasons, but it seemed comfortable.
Course all this manhandling or is it girlhandling? All this handling isn't fun.
She then turned to me, still standing. "Firstly, you underestimate the quarry. As of this moment you have stolen something from him in his eyes, driven him out of where he was operating, gotten help from the League and alerted them to his presence twice with the severity increasing the second time, and you have shown you are going to pursue him. If he believes the League will be assisting you, he will cut his losses and run. He is cowardly and weak and while he may be willing to take you on, he is not even remotely willing to attempt to fight anyone associated with a Leader or higher." She took a deep breath before speaking again.
"Furthermore, you did precisely as anticipated and got assistance from the League. While this expedited the process of finding his goons, it has also put him on guard to the point where even if he was not paranoid he would flee quickly. You did not expect three Snowpoint denizens to be nearly as powerful as they were, and I know for certain you know less about Amethyst and I than any one of them. Judging power on numbers alone is folly, and nearly any numbers advantage can be quickly outstripped and dealt with when you understand your enemies better than they understand themselves."
"But the League has managed to arrest everyone who I've been involved with, I doubt any of them had the chance to contact Benedetto to tell him who I am. Plus, for all they know I am a part of the League. A junior trainer with enough training is still no slouch. Even if they saw you, they might think you're League too. Just a bunch of renegade preteens trying to make a difference," I began stroking my chin in thought. "Not like we can do anything about what he knows. We're going as fast as we can, but the League is likely faster regardless."
Though I doubt they'd resort to Lou's means…
"I know where he is. Did you forget that I have my tablet tracking his whereabouts at all times? Now that I was able to establish a link from devices connected to his proper, I have his location. There is no more doubt where the Pokemon are being held captive."
"And I'm guessing you won't tell me the exact location until we're there, will you?" I could turn on her and report this information to the League if she told me now. Keeping me on a short leash… At the same time, I have the device and the stone I recovered from the warehouse. I don't believe there were any cameras covering that area, so it may have been a blind spot. In other words, she's blind on that part, for once.
"No, I-"
"Reep!"
We both turned to see Zenara, looking annoyed at… me?
"Zenara?" She was… defending Violet? Even Donut didn't know what to make of this. Lou knows her best, so maybe he could decipher this, but I also felt like he'd attack Violet in my honor or something.
[What're you even so mad about?! Sure, she hasn't told you much, but all she knows about you is that you were willing to help Cenza and like the League. That's like, nothing! I know you humans are bad at figuring out when someone's got things they don't want to talk about, but yeesh I didn't know it was this bad.]
And now I get to argue with the sheep. "Yes, I can at least tell that she has 'issues' with humanity, but it's not easy to work with someone whose-"
Eyes look dead.
"-so abrasive! You're just some girl tracking down a criminal. I don't know what humanity has done to you to make you like this, but…" I stopped mid sentence and clutched my forehead. I was just so tired, too tired for all this shit. "Do whatever you want, I just want to sleep."
She simply kept looking at me. "Doing what I want is not the important thing here. But clearly you are incapable of such discussion at the moment, so I will depart. Rest, for Benedetto and his allies will not be satisfied at simply pointing out your lapses in judgement."
I just glared at her, but didn't respond before turning away to go sit on the bed and look through my bag. The conversation was over. I could hear Violet walking out and I assume Amethyst. I just heard an exasperated [You're both nice, this is stupid.] from Zenara. And when I looked, she'd walked out after them.
It was silent for a bit. I had taken out the generator for Cenza to regain whatever power she needed, while Donut sat on my lap for some much needed brushing. We'd been through a lot today. Neither of them said anything, but Cenza looked a bit sad. I wanted to cheer her up, but I was not in the right mindset to be helping anyone emotionally.
"Sorry for yelling. Guess we humans are pretty stupid even when trying to do the right thing," I offhandedly stated. Donut looked up at me with sad amber eyes, similar to my own, and snuggled into my chest. He always knew how to make me feel even a little bit better.
Once I had finished brushing him I headed over to the tiny sink they had on this car and summoned Lou. The blood was still on his face, but I don't think he really cared. I silently picked him up and carefully began washing his face, he instinctively retracted his pincers to ensure he didn't accidentally cut me. Donut sat on the bed quietly eating his donuts, Cenza sat by the generator looking ready to sleep at any moment and Lou silently allowed himself to be cleaned. It was the first bit of peace I had felt since I had left the gym all day.
~Chapter 14 Fin~
Trainer: Topaz Heart
Age: 12
Class: Youngster
Funds: ¥6,000.
Gear: Pokedex, Poketch, 10 Luxury Balls, 10 Super Potions, Escape Rope, Cellphone, Several Berries, Baton, Explorer Kit, 9 Ethers, 6 Full Heals, First Aid gear.
Deck: Fool, Devil.
Team: Donut (Pikachu), Lou (Charjabug).
Other: Cenza (Dedenne).
x
Donut (Pikachu/M)
Equip: Eviolite.
Moves: Thunderbolt, Discharge,Iron Tail, Brick Break, Quick Attack, Rollout, Tickle, Charge, Nuzzle, Thunder Wave, Flash.
Ability: Static Chance to paralyze opponent upon physical contact.
Likes: Pastries, sweets, naps, relaxing, quiet, Topaz's bag.
Dislikes: Bitter food, stress, stupid decisions.
Tactics: Maneuver (Creates a thunder wave barrier to sense attacks), Enhanced Tickle (Enhances his tickles with electricity to hit the nerves of sturdier opponents), Spin Dash (Rollout+Iron Tail), Battery Bolt (Combo: Lou's Battery + Donut's Thunderbolt).
x
Lou (Charjabug/M)
Moves: X-scissor, Spark/Wild Charge, Acrobatics, Mud Shot, Iron Defense, Screech, Dig, String Shot, Spiderweb.
Ability: Battery Boosts allies' special attack moves.
Likes: Bugs, war, battling, General Topaz, usurping oppressors.
Dislikes: Birds, criminals, condescension, threats to his unit.
Tactics: Mud Pit (Digs a hole underneath the opponent and traps them in a pit of mud), Mud Spin (Digs into the ground and begins throwing mud all over around himself), Grapple Bug (Uses string shot to reel in himself or the opponent), Web Sling (String Shot+Acrobatics).
Allies
Trainer: Violet
Age: ?
Class: ?
Funds: ?
Gear: Tablet, Pokeball, Berries, ?
Team: Amethyst (Meowstic), Zenara (Mareep).
x
Amethyst (Meowstic/F)
Moves: Psychic, ?
x
Zenara (Mareep/F)
Moves: -
x
Author's Note
It's finally finished! This chapter was probably the most difficult to write. So much editing and reworking to ensure the chapter made sense. It also ended up being super long, so binge readers shall eat good tonight. Any who, Topaz is stressed and tired, but he will push on!
I'd like to thank HellowYellow17 (author of an amazing Orre fic called Of Sand and Shadows, please check it out you will not regret it) for all the amazing reviews!
Even just one person's queries and opinions have affected how we write the story and have given us loads to think about! So remember to try and leave a nice review, no matter how small, about how you felt!
~It's me again! I hope y'all are enjoying Violet and her shenanigans, and we get some Snowpoint rep! The best ice town, fight me. This definitely took a minute but I hope you're enjoying the pace picking up. Next chapter, more stressed Topaz!
Question: Who is your favorite ice type specialist?