'Our fears have been realized…'

Well, this was off to a bad start… Such dramatization, I almost missed the old commander, asshole he may have been, but he didn't speak so dramatically.

Then again, if anything, he underestimated threats. Although underestimating or overestimating could be problems.

'They have a Legendary Pokemon under their control.'

You would think she was speaking to a crowd in a stadium, rather then only me in a tent. Perhaps this was practice for when she had to speak to some of the higher-ups, I mused.

'So, do we have any idea which one?'

'Indeed, we know its exact identity, in fact. Once you put all the facts together, it becomes obvious that it is Kyogre.

I furrowed my brows, recalling the name vaguely. 'It can control the ocean and rainfall… Wasn't Team Aqua after that Pokemon?'

'Yes, I'm not sure if we should tell them about this. On one hand, it might make them more eager to help, on the other; they may try to drag us on a suicide mission to take it.'

I shrugged. 'They're bound to find out eventually, you may as well tell them, they might be somewhat pissed if they learn about it through their own methods.

She sighed. 'That was the conclusion I arrived at as well, I was hoping you might have an alternative in mind.'

'…Anyway, I assume I need to know of this for a reason?' Here it comes, I should have known the last mission was too easy.

'Quite simple really, infiltrate the compound which contains the legendary Pokemon, and find a way to prevent Team Rocket from using it. Whatever method you deem fit…'

As I thought. '…You do realize this is a suicide mission, right? I'm good, but this compound is bound to be heavily guarded…'

'…If you would not interrupt, perhaps I can tell you the good news!' That shut me up. Her eyes glinted with displeasure as she continued. 'They're going for the whole "less security means they won't notice" trick. There aren't too many guards, although they would probably be somewhat high ranked, most likely secret agents so we don't question what high-ranked Rocket members are doing guarding a random base.

'…Hardly good news.' I did everything in my power to not show the fear I was experiencing. I could already see a dead look in her eyes, it was kind of funny that she was already getting the hang of sending people to their death. Why did that have to be the first thing she got accustom to? 'I don't suppose I get help?'

'And here I thought you liked to work alone.' I didn't give her the undeserved chuckle. She sighed. 'Look, I'm going to level with you. This mission is mainly to save face, we need to show the high-ups that we're willing to send the best to prevent this disaster.'

'…You expect me to sacrifice myself just so you guys look good?'

'…I trust you know it's the best we can do, the longer we wait, the more likely they will get it mobilized for combat.' Finally, she had the courage to look at my face. 'Nobody is hoping you fail.'

'Sometimes I can't help but wonder.'

'Look, we'll give you the best possible chance you can have. We'll arm you well but lightly, to allow quick and stealthy movement. We'll give you a Pidgeot in a secure location to help you get in and out as fast as possible, I'll trust your judgement on where you choose to land.'

Well, it was the best I was gonna get. 'Very well then, but…' She shook slightly as I bent my head slightly towards her, making sure my eyes betrayed nothing. 'Let it be known that I took this mission not for some bastard alliance from these criminals and politicians, but for a glimmer of hope for the people who have suffered so much.'

'…I'll be sure to, I'll make it poetic as well.' She recovered quickly. I turned and left the tent, not looking back. This mission was one of my toughest yet, unlikely to succeed. Even if I got past the guards, what exactly would i do once I found the legendary pokemon? Fight it and die? Release it and hope it's merciful? No pleasant thoughts sprang to mind, much to my distaste. I usually prided myself at planning things out well, but every plan I tried to concoct to nullify the Legendary Pokemon was full of holes. Hopefully there would be something in the base...

And yet, something drove me forward. Did I actually believe my speech? Unlikely, but something kept me going, a drive I couldn't fathom.