The Blackout

Slateport City was never very illuminated during the later hours of the day, the always clear skies leaving a glistening moon that shone down on the beach, coastline and nearby markets. However, the hum of technology was always in the air and the houses of the many inhabitants of the seaside town. Street lamps had begun to flicker as an eerie wind seemed to descend from the northern volcanic regions of the Hoenn Region as Pokemon began to retreat to their homes, scurrying out of sight and into safety. Rod's Ivysaur was sleeping peacefully next to its trainers in the small hotel room as suddenly the hum of the digital world stopped, leaving a gloomy unfamiliar silence. Everything got colder, and the Seed Pokemon opened its eyes and shivered, its growing bulb shining in the moonlight peeking through the windows.

However, it was the trainer that reacted first, "You feel that as well, right Ivysaur? The cold and silence."

Rod was not sleeping calmly by any means, dreams thickened by nightmares and anxiety of everything that had happened over the recent months, but something felt even worse off now. Looking at his transceiver, the morning still very early, Rod shifted and sat upright in his bed to realize that his device was no longer charging despite being plugged in. Attempting to flick on the lamp next to him, darkness continued to shroud all around the hotel room. No power, a blackout?

Ivysaur yawned and stood up, caution causing its entire body to stiffen up in the cooler temperatures as Rod wandered to the window and cracked open the blinds. The streets were empty and terribly dark with the street lamps flickering out without electricity to power them, but something felt stranger as if coincidental, but was it just his anxiety kicking in? Deciding to examine further, Rod grabbed his Pokeballs and got dressed, leaving his bag on the bed before leading Ivysaur towards the door and opening it to the shadowy hallway. As expected, nothing was heard apart from the slight snoring from Forrest in the next room, and Rod aimed for the staircase to head into the Pokemon Centre downstairs.

Ivysaur kept wary as it remained close to its trainer, moving down the stairs as movement was suddenly heard. Reaching the bottom of the flight, Nurse Joy appeared looking stressed as Rod called, "Nurse Joy! What's happened with the blackout?"

Turning around, her silhouette appearing in the oncoming moonlight, she gasped, "Rod! The back-up generators aren't working and I can't contact anyone, someone has cut the power at New Mauville!"

"New Mauville, what's that?"

"A power plant to the north of here, near Mauville City. It powers this entire section of Hoenn, normally we have back up power due to the Pokemon Centre, but they have been cut as well!" Nurse Joy was panicking, and Rod suddenly understood the danger of this situation. Many Pokemon were still recovering here, needing the power to help the machinery heal them, but without the back-up generator functioning, they could be in an even worse state.

Ivysaur looked at its trainer, glancing around the darkness cautiously as Rod put a hand on Nurse Joy's shoulder and spoke calmly, "Is there any other way we can get power until it's fixed up there?"

She thought for a second before her eyes widened, "The Lighthouse, Captain Stern has set up solar power there and he can direct the power back into the city. I would have thought he'd do it by now, but something must be wrong."

"I'll go check it out! Ivysaur, let's go!"

"The Lighthouse is nearby the coast, you can't miss it!"

…

The streets of Slateport City were mysteriously quiet as Rod jogged through, Ivysaur running just ahead, and the sense of tension was in the air. Every streetlamp flickered, electricity for some reason not reaching the entire city but the sky was clear with moonlight falling onto the Hoenn Region. The air was cool, smelling like seaweed as per usual, but this run allowed Rod to focus in a peculiar situation. They were set to leave the port-side town towards Mauville City in the upcoming hours, his friends still asleep in the Pokemon Centre, where Rod aimed to take on Wattson, the next Gym Leader with his newly evolved Nidoking. But something felt wrong, and this was a familiar feeling he would never get used to.

Ever since the events in Oldale Town and facing off against Damon, then nearby the mysterious Oldale Ruins, he had been a bit cautious. Cynthia and The Light finally brought some sense of security, but they didn't seem to be anywhere near them now. Norman was still in Slateport, but even he liked to keep to his own self, this would be one of the few times where Rod was free to actually roam without a sense of danger.

The Lighthouse appeared ahead, towering over the coast as the waves crashed against the beach and caverns. Usually it would be shooting light into the horizon to guide ships, but it seemed the solar energy system had failed throughout the day as it lay there cold and quiet. Rod wandered closer to it, diving over a small picket fence onto the sandy beach as the Lighthouse blocked the moonlight with deep shadow covering his darkened silhouette. Ivysaur looked around, sniffing the sand as a Krabby poked out sleepily to fend the Seed Pokemon away. Ushering his starter closer, Rod bent down and whispered, "Captain Stern doesn't seem to be around…"

Ivysaur growled back as it continued to look around, Rod approached the Lighthouse door and tugged at it. After a couple attempts, the heavy door creaked open as Rod fell back slightly breathing heavily. Complete darkness appeared inside as Rod called for Stern, but nothing returned apart from a mere echo.

One split second later, everything changed.

Rod took a step in just as Ivysaur turned to follow its trainer, but then the door slammed shut behind. Calling out in shock, Rod hit the cool stone floor as he struggled in the darkness, Ivysaur growling angrily from the outside and pounding the door with Vine Whip. The door glowed purple slightly and then remained completely still – Psychic power.

Scrambling to his feet, Rod called loudly, "Ivysaur! Someone is using Psychic, you need to find safety!"

No response at all as Rod sank to his knees, the darkness dominating his surroundings and the fear that he had been separated entering his body. A voice then spoke, low and dangerous as it echoed from somewhere above, "So the ringleader decided to go exploring did he? I've been looking forward to playing with you."

Ringleader? The voice was somewhat familiar, but Rod was in no mood for games as he grabbed another Pokeball from his pocket and called back bravely, "Let me out, I'm only here to resolve the power…the blackout."

"Young and naïve. I'm also here for something too."

"Perhaps we can help each other?" Rod had begun to pace slowly in the dark chamber, his left hand reaching forward and feeling a handrail. The steps would spiral up to the top of the Lighthouse, the location of the voice, but the fear of Ivysaur's whereabouts were starting to get to him.

"Now you're thinking. Come upstairs then kid, and maybe I won't hurt you."

Rod was about to respond as an almighty roar echoed through the entire Lighthouse, forcing him back in shock as he yelled. The cry of a Salamence, and dread crept into Rod's body.

…

The Thieves Guild and Team Rocket had amassed themselves at Mauville City, but their Leader Giovanni had decided to not arrive. Deciding to stay and operate the take-over of Kanto, Officer Proton had been tasked to lead the Thieves Guild and the interception of Rod and The Light. Damon was still missing, exploring a volcano for some answers, but Proton had no care for that – he was now in charge…to the dismay of others.

Feeling more powerful than ever, he marshaled his troops and grunts every morning into sometimes menial tasks with his other commanders gazing upon in disgust. How such an idiot was given power was extraordinary, but his track record was somewhat decent. He was successful in Oldale Town to an extent, but still the decision to award him power left a sour feeling throughout the entire organisation.

New Mauville was the next target after operations settled down, and still The Light were nowhere to be seen despite the Thieves Guild warning them of their aims. New Mauville controlled half of the Hoenn Region, enough electrical energy to power anything, but also a perfect place to control and work for their devious plans. It was simple, as soon as Rod and co arrive they would capture them, fend off The Light and leave back to Kanto with the search for Red and Blue coming to a close. Simple, but yet Proton seemed to have no care in the world for following it.

The night was cold and blustery but he sat in the Pokemon Centre with four female grunts around him fetching him food and drinks, his ignorance would soon become fatal. The Light had reached Mauville City several days before but had chosen to remain underground in the extensive sewer system the Thieves Guild had not decided to pick up. Gary had been busy with the local Pokemon Rangers to capture and control the local Grimer and Muk in the area, their cooperation being crucial in a surprise attack.

Norman had been warned of the plans, but the information would not reach Rod who was still in Slateport City. The further away they were from this the better and the Thieves Guild would continue to believe he would arrive soon. With one fire between them all, Gary leaned back and muttered, "We'll be ready by morning to fire an attack, Officer Jenny has already begun escorting the locals away."

"I don't want any bloodshed, Gary." Cynthia responded as she took a swing of water, the sewer continuing to smell around them, "We are here for answers, not to kill some stupid Team Rocket grunt."

"Bloodshed is up to the enemy. We have enough firepower here with Muk and Grimer to start, and we have a few more agents also in the area ready to attack."

"Good."

Agent Proton may be an idiot, but he was an obvious target to gain information about the future aims of Team Rocket. Cynthia had lost contact with their agent within the organisation, and this was something that worried her. Was he taken out or discovered? Uncertainty of that issue had been continuing for several weeks now, but she had to ignore that now with their plan so near to action. The Thieves Guild had a lot of agents in Mauville City, but they had the firepower to topple and nothing would go wrong.

Gary noticed her deep in thought and snickered, his arrogant side kicking in, as he went for another stroll through the large circular chambers. Cynthia had always been emotional about these things, but he knew what had to be done and the Thieves Guild would not succeed here with whatever they were trying to accomplish.

…

Rod had reached the top of the Lighthouse with his hands still holding onto a Pokeball. The voice had not continued ever since he started to climb the stairs and the tension had continued to rise. The roar of the Salamence earlier had frightened him hugely, and it would have only belonged to a single person – The Faceless. They had met very recently here in Slateport City, and it turns out he had returned once again. Rod knew what his motive was, and despite the dire situation, this seemed completely serious. This man had turned off the entire power outage to the city just to attract Rod to the Lighthouse, so something heavy had to be on the cards.

Opening the heavy metal door, Rod was greeted with a warm jolt of light as he was forced to cover his eyes. Light orbs were floating around the entire chamber where the central light source of the Lighthouse remained, unmoving and darkened. Blinking, Rod forced his eyes open as two silhouetted figures appeared and his worst fears truly came alive.

The Faceless stood there as his Salamence flew past the opened windows, it dark shadow echoing a roar that sent shivers down Rod's spine. The man was smiling, but not as much as the person next to him – Devon.

Wasn't it what Emma said after she was captured? Her father was responsible? Maybe she was right as he stood right there, his white lab coat slightly stained and also holding a mysterious yellow/white Pokeball in his hand.

Rod gasped, adjusting his headband, "Devon…Emma was telling the truth about you. You're after he, and you hired The Faceless to get her back."

Devon adjusted his glasses and took a step forward into the light before replying softly, "She abandoned me, our family and the facility I put so much work into."

"She wanted to leave to go on an adventure, to be a trainer."

"Shut up child. That is not her decision or yours."

Rod took a step back defensively as Salamence roared loudly as it swooped around Slateport City. He could see the Pokemon Centre in the distance, but the entire town remained dark and silent, there was no way he would be able to call for help. Rod responded carefully, stretching his arm out to aim the Pokeball at the two men, "You both are crazy hunting down a girl like this! I will not let you harm her."

"Don't you get it, Rod?" Devon yelled, his voice echoing as an image of madness flashed across his face, "She is going to be a part of one of the biggest inventions Devon has ever created, we need her, she is the future for us! You have no choice in the matter, she is already gone."

The Faceless snarled and roared, "The girl is already gone, kid. I have been ordered to end your interference on the matter."

"What do you mean she's gone?"

Devon smiled, looked at The Faceless and called loudly, "Alakazam, use Teleport!"

Rod glanced, sweat dripping down his cool neck as the Psi Pokemon appeared, wielding two large spoons, as it flipped over and flashed brightly. In its arms materialized Emma, Rod gasped in shock as she was still asleep, completely in a trance of some sort as she slumped against the Pokemon. Raising a Pokeball in rage, Rod threw it forwards and bellowed, "Nidoking, use Hyper Beam!"

"Salamence, use Fire Blast!"

The Dragon Pokemon appeared, crashing through the window as Rod's Drill Pokemon flashed into life. Their attacks met seconds later as the entire Lighthouse shook under the weight of the attacks, sending Rod flying backwards towards the open window. Nidoking noticed its trainer and immediately ran towards to help, but Salamence attacked once again with another fiery attack. Rod yelled as the flames scorched through Nidoking, sending his newly evolved Pokemon flying over the edge as it roared in pain and shock. Desperation kicked in, Rod wheeling around and ordering his Pokemon to return safely from the perils below. Anyone falling from this height would die instantly, and Rod was in no way going to risk his Pokemon like that.

Scrambling back onto solid ground, Devon continued to smile as he called, "You are weak, an amateur with some new toys. I'll let The Faceless finish you off for good. Alakazam, let's go."

"Emma…EMMA NO!" Rod screamed as he dived towards the Psi Pokemon, but his outstretched arms hit nothing but pure air as Devon, Alakazam and Emma vanished into nothingness. Landing hard on the ground, a feeling of failure and distraught echoing through his body, Rod twisted around to see the large shadow of Salamence approaching.

The Faceless announced with a sheer cry of laughter, "This is one thing I love about my job…destroying pests like you. Salamence, use Dragon Claw! Send him down!"

Rod screamed as he tried to dash away, but the Dragon Pokemon caught him easily and soon he was sent airborne. The Lighthouse vanished around him as all he saw was the darkness of the sky, the mere silence of the waves and the weight of death below. Trying to grab onto anything, he swung around to no avail but it was no use as he screamed once again, his entire body picking up speed and momentum.

The ground approached fast, but soon everything seemed to slow down as the volume of the world returned. A voice yelled, "Steelix, use Sandstorm! Ivysaur, catch him with Vine Whip!"

Rod felt the sand kick up around him as he began to fade in and out of consciousness and the familiar touch of Ivysaur's vines. Opening his eyes and seeing the ground rush towards him, Rod hit the ground hard and rolled a couple of times before jumping back to his feet and glancing around. Tears flickered through his eyes as he saw nothing in the skies above, Salamence had vanished, Alakazam had vanished and so had Emma. Devon had swooped and moved so quickly to grab her and disappear into thin air.

Forrest ran up, his footsteps pounding in the sand below as Steelix roared loudly with Ivysaur nearby, he called, "Rod! What on earth happened? Emma vanished from the Pokemon Centre!"

"They've taken her, Forrest!" Rod pleaded, sinking to his knees, "Devon and The Faceless were here, they used Teleport and grabbed her. We have to start searching!"

Another voice rang out from the cold darkness as they all glanced around, "There's no use, Rod. Teleport could have taken them anywhere, Devon's Alakazam is a strong Pokemon."

It was Norman, his ears weary but yet alert at the same time as he wandered across the beach, the shadow of the Lighthouse cast upon him. Rod shook his head and responded, "We can't just let her go, Devon told me she was to be used in some sort of experiment…a new invention of sorts. We have to help her!"

Norman shook his head firmly and yelled back, "This is not your fight, Rod. Your safety comes first, and she was causing danger to you all and Slateport City. She brought this upon wherever she went! Devon is crazy, and now you know why."

Fury kicked into Rod as he ran forwards towards the Petalburg City Gym Leader, Ivysaur growling and following its trainer. He bellowed, "You let this happen! You'll pay, Ivysaur use Vine Whip!"

"Trapinch, use Arena Trap."

Forrest was about to follow but the ground began to cave in around them as the sand sunk deep, preventing any of them from moving as Rod slowed and fell to one side. He furiously called again, "Norman, let us out! NORMAN!"

"Do you have any idea what is at stake here, Rod?" Norman called as he walked into the moonlight, "You are a target to the largest criminal organisation out there, and you want some girl to join your party? She is a threat!"

Forrest piped up, Steelix roaring angrily as it struggled in the sinking sand, "This is not your decision Norman."

"I have orders, and from now on you both will make decisions on my call."

A cold sweat began to appear on Rod's face as he struggled in the constricting rings of sand, the cries of a Trapinch seemed to continue around them as the fury and anger remained inside. He could do nothing about it, but Norman here was far more extreme than he had ever expected. Would there be any way out of this?