Happy tenth chapter!
With this chapter, I hope to kind of end the period of writing a story where I'm practically doing nothing other than setting things up for the rest of the story itself. And while there will be a lot of worldbuilding and some setting things up still, I just want to get to the stuff I'm excited for. I don't know how long it'll take to finish this fic, but I do have a vision as to how it'll look.
Thanks for getting on board with this fic, honestly, despite the premise… I do take this seriously.
Especially you, Candlewick6969, thank you.
See you in the next chapter and when I inevitably break 50k words.
The air had turned cold, despite the sun still bearing down on us. The staring from Pokémon I passed had turned into whispering, too fearful to ask me my name or what I was. Occasionally I saw fear in their eyes… I didn't really care why.
So long as they kept it to themselves, I couldn't care less what they thought of me.
Scarlet was beside me, tension between us. Kira had let us know that we were needed in the Guild. Apparently Lloyd and Ronin were back with some really bad news. Paranoia, my old friend, was already knocking at the doors to my mind. Begging to be let back in.
We marched up the stairs and opened the large wooden door to the Guild. The atmosphere changed to deafening silence after the wooden clicking of the door shifting back into place.
Thankfully the Pokémon in the Guild looked at me and Scarlet only with curiosity. I hoped they kept it to themselves. With a gaze around the area, I found that Kira and the others weren't here… even though they said they were.
We approached Merek, who was behind his desk with his warm and welcoming smile. "Ah, young Mason and Scarlet, nice to see you both today."
"It's nice to see you too… have you seen Kira around here?"
He pointed down the hall behind him with one of his many wavy tentacles. "They told me to tell you that they were in Ace's office waiting for you both."
"Thanks." I briskly walked past him down the familiar hall. Remembering the room I passed out from blood loss was on the other side of this door. I nearly laughed at how that was only two days ago, yet it felt so long ago.
The door opened, inside were my waiting team, and Ace who was pacing back and forth. I could feel my mood shift to fit the serious tone. I closed the door behind us, deciding to stay standing right next to it like I used to back home.
"Mason, I'm sure you're quite aware of the mixed reactions surrounding your presence here. Especially since you're working under my command and in a Guild Team. Your race effectively disappeared and nobody knew why, answers were never found and still haven't been. And now, thanks to the passage of time… all everyone has had to go off of has been legends and myths… some painting you as benevolent gods of creation… and others… painting you as violent merciless devils that not even Giratina could control their evil."
I folded my arms behind my back. "And what does that have to do with me?"
"All eyes are on you." he put emphasis on each word. "I'm taking this opportunity to tell you this because other Guild leaders are coming here to Narkin in three days to discuss a number of things. One of them... is you and your situation."
Memories of similar requests being made to me came to mind. I didn't really care all that much about being singled out, after all, I do recognize that I am not the everyday situation for them. "I understand. You can't vouch for someone in good faith if they act like a thug, is this whole thing because of something I did?"
"No, you've been fine thus far. I'm just giving you a warning. Especially since… well… one of the Guild masters that'll be coming really doesn't like the idea of humans coming back. That ideology is present in most of the Pokémon that are in that Guild, and with at the least two teams coming as escorts for each Guild master… I think you can see the possible altercations that might break out." Ace stopped his pacing and sat down on his chair. Stress still present in his expression.
I nodded. "I'll try, but I make no promises." I saw him about to speak in protest. I raised a finger. "Can we just move on to what we're actually here for?"
Ace looked stunned for a moment, turning his head to the side. He muttered something under his breath. A sigh escaping him as he shook his head before turning to me. "Right… I think Lloyd should be the one to brief you."
"Alright, so what's the big picture then, Lloyd?"
"We're going to be... working with Ace's team," The Greninja's voice grew lower. "This mission of ours has turned into an extermination."
I squinted a little, unsure of what exactly he was talking about. "What changed?"
"We found, uh, this." He put a- bullet casing on the table. My jaw nearly went slack, who the hell did this belong to? I picked it up and realized what caliber it was. One I was intimately familiar with, one that I in fact used with a particular weapon.
Eight-millimeter Mauser… originally created by Germany just before World War Two. I bought and used the ammunition because I so happened to have a Kar sniper rifle back home. But it was more or less an antique, and I was always better with my Remington either way…
There was a theme that I began to notice, World War Two tanks and opposing forces, and now World War Two weapons and ammunition. How did this stuff get here? Let alone survive intact.
I blinked in disbelief while giving back the foreign casing. "So something is running around with a gun and it needs to be stopped. What are we chasing?"
"We don't even know what they are, you'll remember them by the golden masks they wear. What they have done in the past is… well… nothing short of horrifying. We know how to get rid of it despite the danger... but with you, it'll be easier." Lloyd explained.
Slowly I squinted in suspicion. "How would I, a single human, make that much of a difference against something I don't even know how to fight?"
A weapon that used Eight-millimeter Mauser that'd make sense for this 'golden mask' thing to use would ironically be a Kar. With them being afraid of it… I wouldn't be surprised if this thing somehow knew proper human sniper tactics. But that's crazy… right?
"Oh, I'm going to be the one providing a plan for this, aren't I?" I muttered in realization.
Ronin nodded dutifully. "Pokémon who've fought them, say that they fight from the shadows. No honor or mercy in their decrepit existences. What you described to me earlier today… a sniper…"
"... Perfectly describes them." I added as I realized what we were going to be fighting. I could probably sum it up as a super soldier assassin who's good with a Kar, but this was a world full of crazy powers everywhere… I don't think it'll just be that.
If anything, I should be expecting something much, much worse. At the very least I have a lot of experience with sniper rifles. Sightlines, wind conditions, places that you would be shooting from…
I shook my head. "I… I can't give a big overarching plan that will systematically dismantle this thing from the moment it gets put in place… but I can give everyone a general strategy for this sort of thing."
Ace nodded, whatever faltering I saw in him before having long since left. He got up and gestured for us to follow him with his tail.
"Tell us of your plan after I introduce to you the rest of my team. Now c'mon chaps, we don't have all day." We all followed closely behind him.
Every part of me was worried about what was to come. The way they worded it… an 'extermination'... just what were these things? Why did they have weapons from my world? And most scarily of all… how were they employing tactics that are so clearly human made as well if Ronin's description wasn't exaggerated slightly?
Something was off about them. Just from the description of what they do alone, I don't even know what they look like yet, and I don't look forward to finding out.
Just who the fuck went into my head and gave me this shit to remember from seemingly out of the blue in the first place? Is that why they hired Luson to get me? Because they're afraid that I'll… oh… oh YES. I just have to survive long enough for a memory to come up that gives this guy away!
I almost walked into a wall as the excitement at my realization quickly faded. Eliciting a look from Scarlet who seemed to silently laugh to herself. I had no idea how long that'll be, if even at all. Something external bringing it to the surface would be my best bet. Could a Pokémon help with that?
[Is something wrong, human?] I noticed Scarlet's ribbon was lightly wrapped around my left wrist.
I almost pulled away in reflex, silently berating my mind to remember how her ribbon feels so I don't embarrass myself again. [Whoever did this to me doesn't want me to see their face, seeing as they hired someone to get me for them…]
[What are you insinuating?]
Paranoia bloomed inside me, having finally broken through the door to my mind against my will. [What if they have a reason for not wanting me to recognize them?]
I like to plan things out, and to have each part of that plan finely tuned to perfection. I like when everything goes according to that plan. And I especially like it when the desired results I expected to occur turn out as dead on.
So how could I do everything right, and still fail?
Anger wasn't an emotion I let myself feel. It does nothing except cloud judgement, or muddle the perfect strategy. This failure was a learning moment that I'd have to be better next time. Unless those two mercenaries I hired get it done faster then the time it takes for me to formulate a new plan.
Worst case right now would be the two of them failing, not even able to slow Team Heartbound and that human down in their search of information. Then the human would start remembering things about me… and that would all end in me being found out.
The rustle of a bush caught my attention. Though I remembered who it was, Fin was here to pitch to me an idea. The mercenary Decidueye was quite remarkable in his own right, his brother though… left much to be desired.
"Talk, please. I don't have much time here to spare." I said.
Fin nodded hastily. "It has come to our attention that Team Heartbound will be bringing the human and the Guild master's team out to somewhere we aren't able to figure out."
"You think I'll know about where they're going, don't you?"
He froze, silent for a moment before slowly nodding. "Y- yes. If they're out in the open, me and Luson will win."
"Well then in this case, you both are extremely lucky. Do you remember where that old cache with some human relics was located? They're going there. Probably because they finally figured out what was lurking in their backyard."
"Dare I ask… but why is that thing even there in the first place?" Fin tentatively asked. "I just fail to see why-"
I lowly chuckled. "Your thinking is confined to the short term, open your mind. That move was one I made a while ago in preparation for the final act of this grand scheme. Kingdoms do not fall within a day and neither will this one. But I digress- the Revenant will help you two secure the human should they enter its territory."
"Then we will act when the time is right."
"As you should." I affirmed. "But I digress again, I'm running out of time, and you should be going now to go prepare."
Fin nodded, silently leaving the way he came into the shadows of the forest around us. I smiled slightly as I started back off towards Narkin, soon I will complete my mission. The human threat will be quashed once more just like all the other times Celebi tries something new.
Don't dilly-dally now, human, wherever you are. Your fate is sealed, and nobody can defy fate.
I was having an odd sense of deja vu with a headache brewing in the back of my mind. Ace had led us to the far side of this building where rooms were, and where you could conveniently find quite a few teams that lived in the Guild itself. One such room was at the end of a hall where the Inteleon was apparently leading us.
Anxiety had clawed back up inside me along with this headache, both being unwanted visitors that I wish would leave. They only increased with strength the more I thought about what was to come. The thoughts swirled around, unable to be stopped from distracting my already tense self.
Our Inteleon leader opened the sturdy wooden door, creaking as it did. We entered briskly without a word.
"I know you've already met Salem, Mason," Ace said as he briefly gestured to the Zoroark sitting upright on a couch with a bored expression on her face. She perked up on our entry. The Inteleon continued with the forms of an Escavalier and Noivern revealing themselves. "Here is the rest of 'Team Rampart' in all its glory, chap."
The Escavalier looked me up and down. "I expected it to be taller."
"It is as tall as Ace. Making it taller than you could ever hope to be," the Noivern retorted in a frustrated tone.
Without even paying attention to what the Noivern said, the Escavalier continued. "Human, is that slender form really what your kind looks like?"
So this was Ace's team. My confidence had plummeted straight through the ground and into the ninth circle of hell.
"Both of you shut up why won't ya," Salem injected with a huff. "Mason here doesn't even know your names."
The Noivern collected himself immediately, sitting upright in a more posh pose. "My birth-name can't even be pronounced by any of you either way, you'll just have to call me Noivern."
"Is it a different language?" I asked.
A loud sonic noise emitted from the Noivern's ears, rumbling through me with varying intensity. As soon as it came the noise abruptly stopped. "That was my name. So yes, you'll be calling me Noivern… unless of course... you can replicate that…"
"Yeah- I'll stick to 'Noivern'." I could still feel the reverberating in my bones… was it supposed to do that? "What is your name, Escavalier?"
"Lance!" he proclaimed proudly.
I was cringing intensely, trying my hardest to keep a straight face and failing horribly. My sympathy for Noivern had swelled. "I… see…"
"Oh dear, is something the matter, human?"
I wanted to say that I was losing my mind, but something told me that this guy would actually offer to go looking for it if I did.
With a sigh I shook my head and put on a friendly smile. "No."
"Can we bloody get on with it?" Scarlet demanded. "I reckon wasting time isn't going to do us any favors."
Ace nodded. "Rather brash, but you're right. Introductions aside it is time for our plan of action."
Everyone turned to me with a readiness in their eyes. They were depending on my ideas to work, to carry us through this horrific sounding encounter. I was thankful that I had some training to fall back on. At the very least, we had a chance.
"The plan is simple, Salem, me, and Scarlet will keep our target distracted by using illusions and rapidly changing cover using shadow sneak. While the rest of you get into positions to… kill it… I guess."
Salem shook her head. "I'm afraid it doesn't work like that. My kind's power isn't passive, I need to know where the thang is first and reach into its mind. Assuming it has one for me to fool."
"Alright, then me and Scarlet alone will draw its fire. I trust you all will eliminate it before it puts a piece of hot lead in my brain."
Scarlet's sarcasm was dripping off her tone like it was venom. "Not worried about me?"
"You're solid metal, it'll take more then a single Eight-millimeter Mauser shot to kill you. If I were to be afraid of anyone here it'd be you because of that very reason." I retorted. She seemed to perk up but stayed silent. I hoped she didn't get any ideas, she wasn't invincible despite being made of metal.
I continued after a short silence. "Any questions?... or complaints?"
"I have no complaints, it sounds good for this situation." Noivern said.
Kira stared at me with concern. "Why are you putting yourself on the line? Surely it'd be better for someone like Lloyd or me and Ronin to-"
"I've trained for years to combat this exact situation." I began in a low and firm voice. "Getting shot at isn't something new to me, but it will be for you. If me being the target is what it takes to get you close… then that's how it's gonna be."
Memories came to me, crawling out of the depths of guilt I wish I could kill. I took a deep breath as they nagged at me still. My mind had long since taken a turn and wandered down the old crevices that I wished to be left abandoned, lest its hand reach out and tear down what little confidence I had in myself. I cannot afford to be indecisive or slow to the draw.
I'll just have to let my training take over. These memories and the emotions tied to them were getting too much for me to remember all at once. One misstep will spell out my death written in my spilt blood. Or worse, someone else's life.
Ace nodded as determination took hold. "In my book, experience outranks everything. And if you're saying you have the most experience… then I trust you. Let's get ready for action. We'll meet back up at the entrance to Narkin Roost when we're ready."
Everyone nodded, Kira began to glow as the environment abruptly became nothing but blinding white light. I breathed out, finding the pain to not plague me this time as we reappeared back at base. I spotted the leaf cloak me and Kira created… now was the perfect time to use it.
I pulled it over myself, finding it slipped finely over what I already had on without getting in the way. Now I somewhat had a way to blend in. And when against a sniper, that was paramount.
Inside the backpack that belonged to 'Mark Miller' were plenty of things I would need but found odd to be in there. From changes of clothes that oddly fit me, to even some extra ammo that conveniently worked for a nineteen-eleven. It wasn't much, but it'd prove useful in the future.
Since I got it, I haven't been able to answer the question of where it came from. And I don't think I ever will be able to until I get back… if I get back…
I shook my head and made sure I had the essentials. I took off my equipment belt, since it'd do nothing but get in my way while I was trying to run. I did the same with my vest, especially since it didn't even have any kevlar in it.
I never did find out where that damn kevlar went, did it? Or my glock... or a lot of things…
Man, I got to start looking for this shit before it gets into the wrong hands. Kevlar would be wonderful to have again, especially since I can tell it'll make me that much more durable against most Pokémon.
After this is over, I have to go back to where I supposedly appeared and start over. Retrace my steps and hope whatever made my dad so good at detective work is biologically ingrained in me somewhere.
"Heyo, we're ready to go now," I heard Lloyd call up to me. "Are you?"
I got up with just my revolver, some extra ammo, the blast seed pouch, and two iron thorns in my various pockets or holstered somewhere on me. "Yeah, I'm ready to go now." I said as I came down to them.
Ronin began to glow, I breathed out in reflex. "Be ready for anything."
The air expanded out as green flooded my vision. Greys dotted about with rocks of the nearby cave, but kept hidden by the all encompassing trees, bushes, and shrubbery. Clouds were above us, rolling in from who knows where, and I could smell the rain coming from here…
The familiar cave entrance was behind us, the sign saying 'Narking Roost' still hanging precariously from the ceiling. The memory of the supposed vision and the encounter with the Reflection came back to me. And with it… came an odd pull… like the mystery dungeon wanted me back…
Ace's voice snapped me out of my stupor, I saw him coming down from above the mountain, catching a glimpse of Merek teleporting away. "So how are we going to go about this?"
"The easy way." I twirled my revolver into hand and pointed it into the sky. "We're going to travel for a few minutes towards the cache, then the rest of you will break off, I'll make some noise, and you go and find it when it inevitably shoots at me and Scarlet."
Noivern chuckled. "I'll be sure to make some noise for you to track us when we find it. But until then, good luck."
"This time Luson, we must be quick and efficient. Like the flow of water." I began as we prepared ourselves for hopefully the final fight keeping us from freedom. "I doubt they'll think we're going to show up. But... having surprise on our side does not guarantee victory. Far from it, we must be PRECISE in every movement, PATIENT to not rush in, and most importantly-"
Luson rolled his eyes and waved his claws dismissively. "Yeah yeah, I get it. I'll follow behind you this time. Happy?"
"Just don't be stupid and just follow our rules of engagement. That's all I want."
"Alright," Luson yawned. "When do you think that-"
A loud bang echoed through the forest. I jumped a little in shock, Luson didn't even flinch. He laughed a little as a fist tapped my shoulder. "Looks like it's showtime."
"Indeed… so let's proceed with caution." I responded with my power of the ghastly variety kicking in. The shrouded area that made up this forest became ample means to traverse through quickly. And with rain soon coming down… nobody will see us coming.
That monster will either hold their attention long enough for us to strike, or outright kill all of them except for the human. It's golden mask was burned into my memory, and its voice… I never want to be around one again.
Minutes went by of us stalking about, looking in the general direction of the deafening and iconic bang of a human weapon. We knew it wasn't from the Revenant, it's direction was opposite from Narkin and the mystery dungeon.
More minutes went past. We both snapped back to attention as a second shot rang out, one from the Revenant's side.
"GET DOWN," I heard yelled from a nearby clearing. It took me a few moments to even see him, I realized the human had fashioned himself a cape-like thing made of shrubbery. It was only thanks to the Chosen Honedge wrapping its ribbon around the human's arm and pulling him away did I see it.
Smart on his part, but it's not enough. I nocked an arrow back while Luson made his move.
Luson lunged from a bush and raked his claws across the Honedge as my arrow wrecked the human's weapon. The Honedge screamed in pain as it was knocked onto the floor, Luson already trying to deliver the killing blow. I let loose another arrow into the human's leg, the shocked expression on his face turning to one of anger and rage.
Luson's blow was deflected by a glowing shield, its band was glowing like it was active. I noticed the human's purple scarf had ruins… they were glowing like they were in a mystery dungeon.
The human put a hand to his head, gripping it like he was in intense pain. It began to scream intensely as a glow-
My senses were dulled and slowly coming back. The sense of foreboding swelled as I realized what happened again.
I didn't think, I did not use logic. My right hand grabbed my revolver and shot twice into the bush to our right and behind us. I picked Scarlet up by her handle and ran before she could say anything. Her protests fell on ears that were not listening.
An arrow lodged itself into a tree beside me as I ducked. Suddenly she asked me to go faster.
We had to get to Narkin Roost.
