"This is bad~" the guy moaned, lowering his binoculars.
"Lemme see!" A voice said, grabbing it from his hands and peering through. "Holy Arceus there's a lot!"
"Shush!" A woman's voice now, fingers pressed to red lips. "We don't want them to hear us-"
"WOB-!"
"SHUT UP!" The trio whisper-yelled, covering the blue Pokemon's mouth, who had decided to appear at that very moment from his pokeball. They whipped their heads around to see if they'd been spotted. The massive rail yard was as quiet as the grave at this time of night. The many guards patrolling showed no signs that they heard the commotion coming from the treeline.
"Phew, that was close."
"I don't think we're going to be able to fulfill our mission," the guy said nervously, going back to his binoculars. "Not with how many there are."
"We have to," the woman hissed. "Boss' orders. If we fail this-"
"What about asking for help?"
A pause.
"No other operatives are in the region."
"Yes," he said impatiently. "Buuuuut..."
"Oh no," she exclaimed in a loud whisper. "No way are we involving them. They should be allowed to take a break after what happened before."
A snort from the guy. "You and I both know that they probably already got on their bad side. Besides, who better than them to help us?"
She couldn't argue with that. Doesn't mean she didn't try. "Even so, we can't just ask them to walk into danger with us."
"With how important this mission is, I don't think we have much of a choice," her partner turned back to the rail yard they'd been observing for a better part of the night. "And we don't even know what they're fully planning yet."
"I hate it when you actually make sense." A thump as she knocked her head against the tree trunk.
"Why thank y-" Pause. "Are you saying I never have good ideas?"
"Quit your yammering already and call him," the third voice said impatiently.
"Not tonight," the woman shook her head, preparing to leap from the tree. "We'll call him in the morning. And no matter what happens, we put our plan into motion tomorrow night."
"You guys are not going to believe this!" Robert announced as he walked back into the PMC room the trio were sharing, holding up a magazine. "It's absolutely brilliant!"
"And now I'm awake," I grumbled as I sat up, blinking at Robert. Alex, who was sleeping on the other side of the room launched her pillow at Robert, who sidestepped the projectile.
"Look!" Robert said gleefully, presenting the cover. Covering the sides of the cover were different articles of fashionable clothing styles for both men and women. Elesa's Latest Fashion was written across the page in fancy gold lettering. But none of that really caught my attention when I realized what the main picture of the cover was a picture of. It had obviously been taken at the ball Alex and I had attended 2 nights ago. And the two people dancing on the cover-
"She put us-!?" Alex turned bright red as she trailed off.
"She called you the cutest and youngest couple at the Ball," Robert practically squealed. "Look, there's even a page detailing how Elesa is partnering up with famous Kanto fashion designer and fellow gym leader Erika! I guess they plan on making traditional Kanto and Johto fashion into a trend."
Alex, having reddened even more, slowly grinned evilly. "You know, the whole reason we ended up at that ball was thanks to you, Robert. And I never got to properly thank you for it."
Robert's wide grin faltered as Alex stood, cracking her knuckles as she tilted her head to the side. With the look she was giving Robert with that fake cheery smile seemed to give her a red aura. Robert opened his mouth, but he never got to say a word.
I realized Robert's Pokedex-device that he insisted to be called "Robby" was buzzing. Tuning out Robert's screams of agony I grabbed it from Robert's top bunk and glanced at the visual display.
"Hey, I'll be outside if you need me," I told Alex and Robert as I passed them on my way to the door.
"HELP MEEEE- AUUUUUUGH-!"
I shut the door behind me as I stepped out into the curved hallway, Robert's screams thankfully muffled. I clicked on the answer icon and a familiar voice spoke.
"Zeno?"
I broke into a wide grin. "Jessie! How are you?"
"Glad we were able to get a hold of you." James' voice this time. "We called earlier, but you must've been asleep."
"Oh, I've been using an X-transceiver lately," I said. "Here, I can send directions on how to contact me through that, just give me a sec-"
"You can do that later," Jessie cut in, voice becoming firm. I paused, finger hovering over the digital keyboard.
"Is something up?" I asked.
I could imagine both Jessie and James glancing at one another in the silence that followed. "We..." James paused. "We need your help, kid."
"I've heard a lot about Unova's famous Shinkansen," Alex said as we descended the steps down into Nimbasa's Gear Station. "How fast can it go?"
Robert, who was still limping from the beating he took, pulled out his "Robby". "I've seen the stats before, but... Ah, yes. 300 mph is it's top speed. Though it usually only goes at around 250."
We entered the large, circular station. Trainers and passengers alike were busy moving in several directions. The trainers, some along with their Pokemon out and about, were signing up in droves for the Battle Subway while separate crowds of people were hurrying for other trains.
"This whole subway network spans across the whole of Unova," Robert informed us. "You can get to just about anywhere on one of these trains."
"How is that safe?" I asked, pointing to the Battle Subway.
"The trains are made with Pokemon battles in mind," Robert said, shrugging. "They're basically just battle arenas, but made to look like subway cars. They're supposed to provide a unique battling experience that's supposed to make one more adept at fighting in an unfamiliar setting. Anyway," He pointed towards the far end of the station. "The Shinkansen will arrive in two minutes."
"How can you know that?" Alex asked as we followed him through the crowd. "It could be a few minutes late, or even early. Happens all the time."
Robert shook his head as he paid for our tickets at the ticket booth, allowing us to pass through the ticket stands. "Not how it works for the Shinkansen. They're all about arriving and departing on time. If anything, they're only seconds, and I mean seconds, early or late."
We stopped next to a pillar where we were mostly surrounded by tourists. And standing straight and in a line near a wall were several people in a blue shirt and black pants uniform. Standing in front of them were over a dozen Pokemon. There were Trubbish, Minccinos and Cinccinos, Lilligants, and Roselias and a Roserade.
Alex peered at them over someone's shoulder. "Who are they?"
"You'll see," Robert said, checking his X-transceiver. A minute later, exactly on time, the Shinkansen arrived at the station. The doors opened and the crew of people and Pokemon hurried inside in groups.
"7 minutes start," Robert said, nodding to the crew as they finished filing inside.
"7 minutes for what...?" Alex asked.
"Cleaning," I answered. "It's the same in Kanto and Johto. There's a similar subway system there."
"Really!?" Alex's eyes widened. "The ENTIRE train in 7 minutes!?"
"Yep!" Robert grinned. "It's known as the 7-Minute Miracle. Dunno what Pokemon they use to help in Kanto and Johto, but here they have a crew of people, Minccinos, and Trubbish dust and collect the garbage while a squad of Cinccino spread oil from their fur to make everything nice and clean. All the while Lilligants and Roselias help make the train smell nice and clean, with a single Roserade to help things along. But for those who are allergic to their aroma, there is a single car in the back where it's kept aroma free."
We watched as the cleaning crew passed by the windows with the Minccinos sweeping their tails across the glass as they went. In just 7 minutes, the crew had assembled back outside in front of the train, and both human and Pokemon alike bowed respectfully to all the passengers. The tourist oohed and aahed as pictures were taken. Soon we were on the Shinkansen and were speeding away for Anville Town.
"So did they say what they needed help with?" Alex asked in a low voice, turning her head to look at me. She sat in the seat between Robert and I, with Robert getting the window seat. We'd luckily gotten seats with no one else sitting near us, but talking quietly would help prevent any eavesdroppers.
"No," I shook my head. Robert was still looking out the window, but his head was tilted to show that he was paying attention to the conversation. "But they sounded on edge, almost reluctant. They've definitely gotten into some sort of trouble again. Those three are a magnet for it."
"Whatever it is," I went on. "If they're asking us for help..."
"It's bound to be dangerous," Alex mused. "But very important as well."
We stopped talking as the door to the front of the car, which our seats were close to, opened and several men walked through. They were all dressed in leather and messy hair. Typical biker looks. One of them gave us a side glance before the small group of four went and sat a few rows behind us. Out of habit, and precaution, I kept my senses alert.
I found myself thinking back to yesterday when Robert broke the news about N. Alex looked surprised and had been lost in thought for a while. I had felt... unsurprised. After seeing N meet with the shady figures I now realized were likely members of Team Plasma, I had grown suspicious of him. So when I heard the news that he was their so-called "King", it just made sense. So just add that to the list of enemies we already have to deal with.
The feeling started as a prickle. I noticed Alex and Robert were talking about something, but I could hear other people talking as well. Quiet murmurs, nothing I could make out. Angling my X-transceiver, I could see a few seats behind me without actually looking back. Sure enough it was those bikers. They were staring at us, eyes narrowed. Not good. They definitely didn't seem like members of Team Plasma, so it was more likely they were part of the criminal organization.
I made sure to relax my body. If they saw me tensing, they might strike. And I didn't know if they would choose to strike now or when we arrived at Anville Town.
I leaned my head close to Alex and whispered softly, "Don't look, but stay alert." A little louder, but still in a quiet voice, "I need to head to the bathroom."
I got up and turned around to move past the seats. I made sure not to glance at the bikers as I passed them, but I knew they were keeping an eye on me. I resisted the urge to grab for one of my pokeballs as I neared the back of the car. On my way, I took note of how many other people were in the car. About a dozen others. If a Pokemon battle broke out, it could turn bad.
Slipping through the door at the end of the car, I closed it and I carefully peeked through the rectangular window. Being over here and my friends over there, there would be less to deal with. Time to see if they'd take the bait.
I quickly sent a text through the X-transceiver to Robert. Bikers. Possible Threat. Watching us. Don't look back.
I watched as Robert looked at his device and then glanced around him. I groaned as his gaze lingered on the bikers for a second before quickly shifting them away. Well, there went trying to be covert about it.
The bikers all rose and moved into the seats behind and across from my two friends. I released Greninja next to me before slipping back into the car. I tried conveying my emotions to him through a glance, and it must've worked because he nodded as Water Shurikens formed in both webbed hands.
One of the men rose, coming up to the row of seats Alex and Robert were in. They tensed and he sneered, reaching for one of his Dusk Balls clipped to his leather belt. Just as he wrapped his fingers around it, the door closest to them and on the opposite side of the car I was on opened and a familiar face appeared.
A suit wearing dark pointy haired teen stood in the doorway, adjusting his dark green scarf. "Man, I was seriously hoping you gentlemen weren't going to be any trouble, but it seems I was being too optimistic."
"Move along kid if you know what's good for you," the standing biker growled, unclipping his Dusk Ball. The other three stood up as well, blocking the aisle. I heard several gasps around me as people stood and backed away. Greninja and I were forced to move onto a seat as they rushed past us. A Scrafty, Krookodile, Golbat, and Pignite were released as Alex and Robert hurried away, going for their own pokeballs.
"Nah, I'd rather not," Kendrick said, releasing his Flygon who hovered in front of him, eyes glaring. He looked past the bikers at me coming down the aisle. "Good to see you again. Zeno, was it?"
"Yep," I confirmed as the bikers quickly turned around to see me and Greninja. They were effectively trapped between us.
"They're just some big headed brats," one of the bikers snarled as he glared at me. "Take 'em down! Golbat, Air Cutter!"
"Mat Block!" I shouted and Greninja slapped his palms together and spread them apart, forming a long green mat which held up against the Air Cutter before disappearing. "Now Quick Attack!"
Greninja burst forwards, bouncing off a window and slamming into Golbat, both of them crashing down into some seats. On the other side of the car Alex had sent out Darmanitan while Robert his Maractus. Darmanitan was tussling with Krookodile, both Pokemon crushing seats and denting the train walls while Maractus deflected Scrafty's High Jump Kick with a Spiky Shield. Kendrick's Flygon endured a heavy Flamethrower from Pignite before he whipped his body around, slamming his glowing tail across Pignite's middle, sending him crashing through several seats and denting the wall and shattering a window.
Loud gasps behind me made me turn around to see several more goons coming from behind. A blur sped towards me, giving me no time to react. Then Greninja was there and the blur slammed into Greninja before bouncing backwards. Greninja was thrown against me and I managed to catch myself with a seat. Between a Crawdaunt and Gurdurr was an Accelgor, which must have been the blur.
We rose and I glanced back to see the Golbat getting back up into the air, wings starting to glow as the three new Pokemon all looked ready to charge. I tensed as I felt my thoughts sync with Greninjas. Immediately I threw myself behind some seats as the Golbat opened fire and the other three charged. A torrent of water roared to life around Greninja, forming into a cyclone as he repelled the attacks.
Dispel it, I thought. We can't risk the Shinkansen's integrity.
Greninja burst from the water, swinging his arm around, gathering the water around it. The water spun as it condensed, slamming into Golbat before Greninja brought it around and slammed it into both Gurdurr and Crawdaunt. Windows shattered and the Accelgor moved too quickly for Greninja to hit him.
"Wrap Gurdurr up with Hydro Shield!" I shouted and Greninja swung off his cloak as he dashed forwards, whipping it around the Fighting type's body and kicking him into the Crawdaunt. The bubbles making up the cloak expanded, exploding, the force sending Crawdaunt slamming into the door, denting it badly.
Before I could give another command, Accelgor appeared above Greninja, a loud screeching sound slamming Greninja's senses. I fell back against a seat in pain, holding my own ears. I felt my connection to Greninja waver frantically, as if the sound were messing with it. When I managed to force myself back up, Accelgor had zoomed behind Greninja and body slammed into his back.
"We're going to have to be faster about this!" I growled. "Greninja-!"
A blur of speed and Accelgor was rocketed towards the completely damaged door, busting it completely. A glow of light faded and Flygon shook himself as he stood, tossing Accelgor into one of the goons. Greninja took this opportunity to take down the other two and bind all three up with his tongue. On the other side of the train a battered and bruised, but still very lively, Darmanitan had all four bikers backed into a corner.
"That was some speed," I spoke in a bit of awe, looking back at Kendrick who was coming down the aisle. "I didn't even see Flygon slam into him."
Kendrick smirked. "A bit of a secret move of ours. Though it looks like you have a few of your own as well," he said, nodding towards Greninja, who was still in his bond form, minus the cloak. "You definitely didn't show me that in our battle in Nimbasa."
"When did you two battle?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow.
I coughed, trying to hope my face didn't go slightly red. "Just, uh, before I came back to the Pokemon Center." Alex took a second before nodding, understanding in her eyes. Turning back to Kendrick, I noticed he was studying us. "What?"
"Hm," He mused. "You three are a curious bunch. By the looks of it, you definitely have experience in this kind of situation... How about this?" He grinned as Flygon hovered above him. "Whatever reason you're going to Anville Town, I want to help."
