What's popping everyone? Sorry for the break, but I'm finally back with an upload. Hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 21
Deep in the land of Hoenn a tall, beautiful blonde-haired woman walked a trail leading to a fabulously large tree.
"How stunning." She whispered in awe of the beauty of the tree. After gazing for another few moments, she once again began to move forward, keeping her hands very close to her pokéballs as she walked. This area could be very dangerous for those who unprepared.
However, as she moved forward there seemed to be very little disturbance.
"How strange." She mused. "Very unlike the stories I have heard about this place."
Though there did not appear to be any danger, she did not dare to let her guard down. She wouldn't risk herself or her Pokémon getting hurt because of carelessness. Though battling was her passion and what she was best at, she loved to explore historical and architectural areas such as this.
She loved the thrill of trying to uncover the ancient history of the world they inhabited. She was greatly appreciated to be able to travel outside her region to investigate, despite the circumstances. One day when she steps down from her current position, she would love to do this full time. It was not the time or place for such thoughts though as she needed to concentrate at the issue at hand.
She continued to push forward feeling increasingly eerie at the lack of activity surrounding her. She was glad to not have to combat any Pokémon, but she still didn't feel safe. Surely something would have appeared to stop her.
She continued, traversing more and more dangerous pathways. She eventually reached the tree itself. Her head lifted to gaze skyward as it loomed over her. She entered a crevice in the tree and moved onwards.
Again, no creature came to greet her which only exasperated her feeling of anxiety. After gracefully moving through some more precarious areas she reached the heart of the tree.
At the root of the tree was what looked like a mass of blue crystal. She approached to see both a man and a Pokémon frozen within.
"So, this is Sir Aaron." She muttered, her eyes aglow with awe. "And this must be Lucario."
Suddenly a loud sound snapped her from her curious stupor. It was a loud cracking noise as if the air itself was breaking. She spun quickly with, seamlessly grabbing a pokéball and preparing to throw it before seeing who stood before her."
"That was quicker than expected." She spoke, lowering her guard.
"Psychic Pokémon come in handy, teleporting saves so much time." Brandon told her while withdrawing his Beheeyem.
"Still when I heard you were in Johto I expected you to take longer." She replied.
"To think the Sinnoh champion thinks so little of me." Brandon said dryly, rolling his eyes.
"Of course, I don't." Cynthia replied. "I just have high standards."
"As much as I love our small talk," Brandon sighed. "I think we should get to the problem at hand."
"I agree, but it's not looking good." Cynthia told him.
"What's the situation?" Brandon boomed.
"It's just as we feared. I didn't meet any Pokémon at all on the way into here, let alone any of the Regi's or Mew."
"So, we were too late." Brandon muttered angrily.
"Looks like it." Cynthia replied solemnly. "They're all gone. What do you think happened?"
"I think someone took them." Brandon answered.
"Who would have the power to do that?" Cynthia asked.
"Judging by what happened when I was in Kanto, Team Rocket were causing trouble. I think it's entirely possible they extended their reach to here."
"Any evidence?" Cynthia asked curiously.
"Just a feeling." Brandon replied.
"That's enough for me to believe you." Cynthia told him. "Still, we shouldn't be too hasty."
"But we also can't wait too long." Brandon added.
They both then heard footsteps from behind them and both turned quickly pokéballs in hand.
"Please don't attack." The woman pleaded. She was a tall woman with long blonde hair wearing an elegant purple dress. Even in defence she carried an air of sophistication. Beside her a Mime Jr. was mimicking her every movement.
"Queen Ilene I may assume?" Cynthia asked.
"Correct." She confirmed.
Brandon and Cynthia put away their pokéballs.
"We apologise your majesty." Brandon spoke. "But we have to be careful."
"No need to apologise you were both quite right." Lady Ilene told them.
"We don't mean any harm to the tree or this area." Cynthia said sincerely.
"I know, you are Cynthia, the champion of the Sinnoh region correct?" Ilene stated.
"I am." Cynthia replied, shocked that someone from royalty knew her.
"Don't be so surprised I enjoy watching Pokémon battles myself." Ilene smiled. "Part of my duty is to also know champions, gym leaders and other high-profile people in the regions. Much like Brandon here."
Brandon was also surprised to be known.
"Well, we can skip the introductions now at least." Brandon said dryly. "Lady Ilene what can you tell us about the recent history of the Tree of Beginning."
"Well, for years this tree was perfect. There were no problems until a couple of years ago. Sir Aaron's Lucario re-emerged after being stuck in his staff. He, along with the trainer who allowed his escape, came to this tree. Mew and the tree were dying but because of that Lucario's sacrifice they were both saved."
Cynthia and Brandon's eyes instinctively moved to the Lucario frozen in crystal.
"Now the tree is beginning to die once again, and it is very weak." Ilene continued. "And more worrying I haven't seen Mew for a while, and on the way here none of the Regi's that usually protect the tree appeared. Things have been off for weeks now, hence why I sent for help."
"Don't worry we're here to assist you in any way possible." Cynthia smiled.
"I am eternally grateful." Lady Ilene bowed as her Mime Jr. copied the motion.
"Both Cynthia and I have studied landmarks, ancient history and architecture so we were believed to be the best people who can help you." Brandon spoke proudly.
"So, you said this was the second time that the tree began to wane?" Cynthia asked receiving a nod in reply. "And there was a trainer who helped stop it then correct? Maybe they could help again? Do you remember their name?"
"How could I forget it after all their help." Ilene answered. "His name was Ash Ketchum."
"Ash?" Both Cynthia and Brandon shouted in surprise.
"Do you know him?" Ilene asked.
"He has a habit of sticking his nose into trouble." Brandon sighed.
"Yet he always found a way out and helped everyone along the way." Cynthia smiled.
"So, your idea is to have Ash return here to help?" Lady Ilene questioned.
"I'm afraid that's out of the question." Brandon interjected. "At this moment Ash is currently having some trouble in Kanto with Team Rocket. I just came from where he was and he's currently out cold and I assume Team Rocket will be tracking his movements. So, asking him to come out here will cause more danger for both himself and the tree."
"So, what do we do?" Lady Ilene asked.
"The best action is to discover what happened to the Pokémon that resided here and work backwards from there." Brandon suggested.
"I noticed on the way here that there was plenty of unnatural marks and damages that looked like they could have been caused by a battle." Cynthia explained.
"You don't think the Pokémon here were captured, do you?" Ilene asked shocked.
"Unfortunately, we have to consider that possibility." Brandon sighed.
"Who could be powerful enough to capture 4 legendary Pokémon?" Cynthia asked.
"I can't say for sure but considering what I saw in Kanto, I wouldn't be surprised if they managed it." Brandon proclaimed as another leaf fell from the once majestic tree.
"They got away?" Giovanni roared slamming a powerful fist on his desk.
"We were caught off guard." Kenny protested.
"I don't care I gave you all a job and you failed." Giovanni snarled.
"We had them where we wanted them but then this pathetic trainer hesitated." Drew explained.
"I may have hesitated, but I would have got the job done if you had all done your job and protected me." Ritchie argued.
"The facts are all of you messed up and allowed some low tier Frontier brains to rattle you." Paul pointed out.
"Oh? And what were you doing to help us?" Drew asked angrily.
"I know you heard what I was capable of on my mission to Sinnoh." Paul spat. "I'm above helping the likes of you."
"Enough of your bickering." Giovanni shouted. "You were all lucky that we had another operative in the forest as a safety measure. At least he got one of them."
"Least I could do honey." The tall boy trilled.
"Don't call me that." Giovanni growled, causing the boy to fall silent.
"Where did you find this freak?" Domino asked.
"What a beautiful neck." The boy noticed. "Would be a pleasure to slit it."
Domino wasn't scared by the threat, but it made her feel uneasy. The way the boy changed from calm to sadistic so quickly.
"Harley here was the only one to actually do his job out there." Giovanni shouted. "I gave you another chance Domino and your team failed. You won't be allowed to fail again."
"What do you expect when you lump me with these idiots?" Domino spat.
"Well you've proven no better so deal with it." Giovanni replied.
Just then there was another knock at the door.
"What now?" The Team Rocket leader sighed. "Enter!"
Butch and Cassidy shuffled into the room with their heads hung in shame.
"What do you two want?"
"We are here to report on our mission." Cassidy cowered.
"And?" Giovanni asked with a raised eyebrow.
"It was unsuccessful." Butch whimpered.
"What a surprise." Giovanni replied sarcastically. "I should've known better than to think you two would be competent."
"We also have something else to report." Butch burst out.
"What might that be?" Their boss replied, seemingly uninterested as he petted his Persian.
"Team Rocket members Jesse, James and Meowth have committed a treasonous act and stopped us from completing our mission."
Giovanni sat up slightly after hearing this.
"They were just starting to be somewhat useful." He muttered. "Still, you let those three buffoons stop you?"
Butch and Cassidy exchanged a frightful look, terrified of what their boss might possibly do to them.
"Honestly, what has become of my organisation?" He shook his head. "Just when we're getting closer to our goal someone messes up and we hit a snag. You two used to be useful. Especially you Butch, what happened to that fire you used to have when we first recruited you?"
This seemed to stir something inside of Butch as he stopped shaking in fear and his eyes kind of glossed over.
"I'm giving you two one more chance." Giovanni warned. "It's either their heads or yours!"
"Mark my words sir we will kill as many of them as it takes." Butch growled, his voice laced with a tone Cassidy had never heard before.
"Sir, are you sure killing them is the only option? Is there no other way?" Cassidy asked hesitantly.
"Don't worry darling, killing is a beautiful act." Harley spoke. "What is more beautiful than the crimson stain of blood pooling as the tears of their loved one's cascade."
Kenny took a couple more steps away from Harley as he spoke.
"I'm not going into that much detail just get the job done. Dismissed!" Giovanni finished.
With that Butch and Cassidy left the room as quickly as possible.
"Sir, should you not be more worried that Jesse, James and Meowth have betrayed us?" Drew asked. "What if they tell people about our plans?"
"I'm not worried about them. I'd never tell them any of our big plans because I knew they'd slip up eventually. Still to think that they'd have the courage to outright defy me..." Giovanni mused. "Now anything else from any of you?"
"Boss what do you want us to do with that prisoner we captured? You know the student?" Kenny asked.
"What else will we do with her? Just give her the minimum food and water to keep her alive and I'll get Professor Namba to use his biological expertise to find the best way to torture her effectively." Giovanni spoke calmly.
"Sounds delightful." Harley smiled.
"It's time for all of you to leave." Giovanni stood up. "I think it's time I had a look at our haul and see what we're missing."
"So, a Latias attacked you in the middle of a forest in Johto and you almost died?" Brock asked in shock.
"It's one to tell the grandkids alright." Gary yawned.
"Then your Umbreon somehow luckily found a pokéball that just happened to have and Audino in it and it healed you?" Leaf quizzed.
"Correct." Gary confirmed.
"Sounds awful convenient." Max said dryly.
"Well I can explain one thing." Gaz stood up. "Gary show me the Audino's pokéball."
Gary looked puzzled but handed over the ball. Gaz threw it in the air and the Audino emerged. As soon as she realised who was in front of her she rushed forward wrapped her arms around Gaz.
"I'm so happy you're safe Audino, thank you for helping Gary." Gaz told her.
"Dino." She smiled back.
"This is your Audino?" Gary asked in surprise.
"Yep." Gaz nodded. "My whole memory of the incident is hazy, but I have a faint recollection. I think I was aware that someone was hurt nearby, I could hear their grunt of pain. So, I instinctively tried to get Audino out to help them. I must have dropped the pokéball."
"Well that explains that." Misty started. "Thank you Audino, for saving Gary."
"Thank you so much Audino, I appreciate it." Gary joined in.
"Aud, Audino." The Pokémon replied, doing a "stop it you" hand gesture.
"Rest up Audino you deserve it." Gaz praised as he returned her.
"Your instincts saved Gary so thank you too Gaz." Brock spoke up. "But he wouldn't have been in that position if you and Ash hadn't put yourselves in danger.
"I know what I did was stupid and I'm sorry that Gary got hurt. My emotions got the best of me." Gaz replied. "But I'm making that decision 10 times out of 10 in that situation."
"I figured he'd say that." Serena sighed.
"You can get yourself hurt I can't stop you there but you're not hurting anyone else here." Brock spoke seriously.
"I don't want to hurt anyone else here but let's be honest danger kinda follows us around." Gaz retorted. "We're all old enough here, we know the consequences."
"Start acting like it then is all I ask." Brock countered.
"I understand you're a big brother figure to a lot of people here but that doesn't apply to me." Gaz shot back angrily. "I lost my family years ago don't go trying to act like them."
"Then don't endanger mine, with these bright ideas of yours I might be starting to think that you're helping Team Rocket track us like Drew and Kenny suggested." Brock shouted.
"That's enough you two." Dawn shouted, getting between them. "This isn't helping anyone."
Both Brock and Gaz froze seeing the distress on Dawns face as she pushed them apart. She didn't need this.
"I'm sorry Gaz I don't know what came over me." Brock apologised.
"I'm sorry too." Gaz replied sincerely. "A lot of what you said was right."
All three then took a seat as the rest of the group just took in the aftermath of what they just saw.
Dawn shot a quick look at Gaz. She had never seen or expected that side of him. He was always so light-hearted, but it was like a switch was flipped. And what did he mean by he already lost his family?
Max decided it was time to move things along.
"So, you three," He turned to Team Rocket who were just sitting there awkwardly the whole time. "What is Team Rocket planning?"
"We don't know." Jessie answered.
"You expect us to believe that?" Iris scoffed.
"Honestly it's the truth." James insisted. "We're not told the important plans."
"That actually makes sense." Serena murmured.
"Recently we've just been tailing you guys at a distance and reporting when we can." Meowth admitted.
"So, it was you giving away our positions all the time?" May asked.
"Actually, we lost track of you a lot, so we were only able to update them once or twice." James admitted sheepishly.
"So, we're back to square one." Iris sighed.
"The only way to find out is to learn from one of the other members." Jessie advised.
"How would we do that?" Cameron asked.
"There's no chance of that probably." Meowth advised. "We know from the past operations that almost all members are in the HQ awaiting orders, aside from special operatives."
"Where is the HQ?" Leaf asked.
"Very close to here actually, just a few miles to the east." Jessie told them.
"Thank you for being so co-operative so far." Gary started. "I hope you'll keep it up because I have a plan."
"What is it?" Gaz asked.
"We need to find out what Team Rocket are up to and put a stop to it, so we need to find a way into their HQ."
"How do you plan on doing that?" Meowth asked.
"Simple really," Gary smiled. "You're going to get us in."
Thank you for reading and I hope you all enjoyed that chapter. Please follow, favourite or review if you wish. Stay safe out there!
