Chapter 5
Fox left her after dinner but she decided to creep behind him, Otter's curiosity getting the better of her; she tailed him with eevee in tow across town from the trainer's lodge. They were heading back towards Brill Harbor Gym, Fox held back though, staying out of sight of the gym. Otter held well out of his range of vision also well hidden. Both of them had years of practice hiding all over Matpa Town with Rabbit from when they were kids playing hide and seek.
It was an event that when they became teenagers they took even more serious. Something that Rabbit took great pride in, she was the best of them; while Otter and Fox could meld with the landscape, she took it a step further, vanishing into her surroundings like she never existed. Otter shook her head, clearing her thoughts from the nostalgia.
She could pick out Fox, but to someone without half of their experience they would never know he was there. Fox waited until Nora and her students left the building, after which he pulled a can of spray paint and a stencil from his pack. Otter couldn't see what the stencil was but she suspected it was something to tell the others of The House this gym was possibly a sympathizer or worse for the Prophets.
Fox satisfied over his work began stalking after those from the gym. Otter followed but only after a brief pause looking at the stencil. It was of a howling arcanine in a circle of fire stenciled in blue. She pondered it a moment longer before they took off after Fox. Otter could no longer see those from the gym but she could still see Fox and they wandered a circuitous route across Brill Harbor before walking past a movie theatre the others had ducked into.
The marquee stated that it was closed for a private event and Fox paid no mind to the theatre as if he held no concern of it. Otter cut down the alley after the theatre with her pokedex out as if she were looking for something nearby. Fox had already turned the block ahead of her possibly circling around to come up the alley.
Pulling eevee back into the pokeball, Otter found a hiding place between the refuse bins and she heard soft footsteps approaching. These were human, she could tell the difference between the pitter patter of ratatta feet and hoped it was Fox, otherwise she would have to come up with a cover.
"If you wanted to tag along on surveillance duties, you could have just asked. Come on, up the fire escape with me. Hiding amongst the refuse, we're not savages you know." Fox chided before scampering lightly up the fire escape making only the barest hint of noise.
Otter followed suit and they pulled themselves onto a bare roof top apart from the usual accompaniments of the location. He let out ninetales who, with a hex, unlocked the roof access door. They crept down into the building neither of them talking at this point. They could hear murmurs from below them somewhere.
Moving towards the source, they found a door that led to a catwalk overhead from where it was originating. The theatre was full, Nora and her students were on stage next to a daunting man in a crisp, white suit. He paced back and forth across the stage waiting for the murmurs of the gathered to stop. When they didn't, he cleared his throat, not loudly but the people in the theatre jumped.
"We had a set back with Briar Pointe yesterday but we were able to obtain a colleague of Professor Shadbush's from the Sinnoh region and we should be back on track. Though it may be three weeks before the good professor will be with us. We are moving her discreetly, given the predilections and rumors surrounding Giovanni of Kanto, we want to make absolutely certain that no one hears of this. We Prophets will cleanse the old world and herald in a new one.
I just wanted to gather you here today to spread the word that the Prophets of Renewal will keep our promise. The government of Merifos is trying to suppress our gospel but go out, find trainers like yourselves and bring them into the flock. We need Prophets to guide the survivors and those of you here will be those Prophets." The man wasn't speaking with a microphone but he projected loud enough to be heard.
"And what of those Prophets that have disappeared? Do you think the government or Giovanni has found out about us?" Nora spoke up from the stage.
"We have kept the movement of our word as discreet as possible and our real goals under wraps enough that the government assumes us an assembly of nutcases; they only seek to suppress our 'propaganda' and Giovanni is dealing with enough pressure on his end he hasn't been able to turn his attention on Merifos. No, those that have disappeared have revoked the gospel of the Prophets of Renewal. They have, I would guess, gone to ground in an attempt to avoid the Prophets' wrath." The man explained.
Fox was taking pictures while the man was speaking and he tapped Otter wordlessly, motioning for her to follow him out. As they were leaving Fox was sending messages along to Hank and Zeke both with pictures of the man and describing what they had witnessed. When they got back to the roof, rather than risk the fire escape again, Fox released dragonite.
Despite the twilight that had fallen Fox still had dragonite rush straight up into the cover of the clouds preferring not to risk discovery. Flying off to woods near the lodge they were both staying in, dragonite landed easily and they discreetly returned to their rooms after checking on Otter's Pokémon at the attached Pokémon Center though they didn't stay in their rooms for long.
Venusaur was sitting under a sun lamp in one corner of the room and they both rested on the grassy knoll against the flank of Fox's Pokémon.
"What did they mean about Giovanni being a concern? I though the Kanto government said Team Rocket was disbanded at some point." Otter saw Fox prepare to answer her but a familiar looking man interrupted them.
"Excuse me, may I let out my grass Pokémon here and join you for a pleasant evening of bragging about our Pokémon?"
"That depends, are you burning the midnight oil?" Fox responded.
"Only with a candle from both ends." The familiar man responded.
"Otter, this is Hank, you two have met already."
"You! The man who looked and smelled like drunken hobo? That was you?" Otter was incredulous, the man before her, while still having long hair was clean and meticulously groomed.
"One and the same, I only let myself go that far for the disguise which included the Pokémon you saw me with. This is my partner." Hank released a torterra that nearly rivalled venusaur in size.
"You're from Sinnoh! I've read about these torterras but never thought I would get an opportunity to meet one face to face." Otter turned towards the Pokémon's head and gave a bow.
She waited for Hank's Pokémon to nod back at her. When he finally did, Otter gave the muzzle of the torterra a good scratching that had his eyes closed and crooning with delight.
"I am, thank you for knowing the proper courtesy for a Pokémon like torterra. Not many people here do and many get rebuked by him for their ignorance." Hank smiled.
"You are most welcome; I actually think the match may have gone differently had you used this guy in our match." Otter realized she was gushing.
"I still think you would have given us a run for our money. Your Pokémon even young, were still quite strong. I think torterra would have been hard pressed for the win. Those three you fought by the way, were loaners from another trainer in the House of Valor."
"Yo! My midnight oil is burning a candle at either ends or however you want to call it. Can my charizard and I sit with you?" A wiry man with a crazed look in his eyes interrupted.
"Zeke, nice of you to join us, I wanted to ask you a few questions more about Briar Pointe." Fox greeted less than enthusiastically.
"Of cou-" Zeke hadn't even finished his statement before Otter had turned around and slugged him square in the face, falling backwards he landed heavily on his rump and looked up in awe. "I may have deserved that, I like her Fox, is she joining The House?"
"Your work in Briar Pointe caused that, and no I don't think she will be though that is still up to her." Fox hid his smirk quickly lest Otter turn her temper on him.
"Oh, well alright," Zeke let out charizard before bringing out a bag of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. "What do you want to know about Briar Pointe?"
"You told me there weren't any witnesses, describe in detail to me about that night we sent you there." Fox guiltily took some marshmallows from Zeke as Otter stared in gape mouthed shock at him.
"I teleported in right as that girl-" Zeke tapered off as Otter glowered at him. She wanted him to use her name and for the life of him he couldn't remember it despite seeing the report on the television. Started with an 'r', what was that damn name, "I mean of course, Rabbit specifically, we teleported in and the Professor was already dead; she was calling emergency services. We came in and there was a gengar protecting the girl; we torched the rest of the place and when we approached the office the door was closed.
When we opened it, Rabbit was gone and we just assumed she had gotten out until we saw the news the other day. Of the people that I have been assigned, an innocent woman like Rabbit was the only one I've felt guilty over. I just didn't know how it happened, I know sometimes when I'm having my Pokémon torch a place I go into these fugues and black out."
"Do you think you may have blocked something out from that night?" Fox prompted.
"I hope my mind isn't protecting me but there is no other explanation as to where she's gone." Zeke gave a sigh; his marshmallow had burnt to nothing over his charizard's tail but he just grabbed another,
"Ma'am, please accept my deepest apologies, I never wanted anyone other than the Prophets to get hurt."
"That takes any hope of a miracle away from us. I accept your apology but I doubt I will ever forgive you Zeke." Otter was the only one not roasting marshmallows or s'mores over the fire Pokémon's tail but she could not share a snack with a man like Zeke.
"Hank, we know what Professor Shadbush was studying; what is in your homeland that the Prophets of Renewal could possibly want?" Fox's answer was muffled by marshmallows but still intelligible.
"The three dragons of Sinnoh; Dialga of time, Palkia of space, and Giratina of the Distortion World: The Professor they're looking for or have kidnapped specializes in ancient lore and technology with a focus on the Reverse World. Apart from that, I know nothing else or can correctly theorize why they would want her." Hank grimaced.
"Those dragons control that much power?" Otter had read the stories but they were still incredulous sounding to this day.
"And the one who created them was said to have given birth to the whole universe that we know." Hank finished another s'more as he talked.
"So where does Giovanni play into all of this?"
"It was theorized that there were other organizations across the world who had grandiose ideas of taking the world and remaking it in their image. Two teams from Hoenn almost destroyed the world fourteen years ago about six years after he was imprisoned for 'terrorist actions', after the Hoenn Incident though he was released under mysterious circumstances and has gone to ground. There are plenty of rumors that Giovanni has been quietly manipulating everyone to keep any one team from rising to power. I think we can use that to our advantage though; the leader of Team Rocket is like a bogeyman in someone's closet for any organizations like the Prophets of Renewal." Zeke explained having come from that region for a new start after the trial of his former employer.
"Zeke, Hank, who do we have that can watch any smuggling lanes and shipping lanes coming out of Sinnoh?" Fox was creating another s'more as he awaited their answer.
"There are a few submersibles that we can obtain, an oceanographers' fleet in our back pocket. We have a handful of teams that we can call up as well to monitor specific sectors of the oceans. This will stretch us thin as it is but I think we can manage. How are we going to get someone in on the inside though?" Hank asked the question that was on everyone's mind.
"I can work with Nora and her students, I already gave them the key phrase; they probably already think I'm one of them." Otter suggested.
"I like the idea but, consider that if we get you in based off of the key phrase, you're starting from the bottom. I don't know if we're going to have that kind of time." Zeke countered.
"Zeke, you have a point, we need to play on their sympathy; I have an idea but this is not going to be pleasant for me." Fox groaned at the thought.
"The look on your face tells me none of us are going to find this pleasant in the least. What do you need from us?" Hank passed a s'more to Otter who had finally relented.
"Otter and I are going to her match against the gym leader tomorrow; while we're there gather any operatives from the surrounding area. Zeke, I think you understand what I need from the other operatives."
"What is he talking about Zeke, Hank?"
"Fox is talking about playing the sympathy note. Give the Prophets a poster boy for their propaganda." Hank took a guess.
"It's almost as if we are in a gang, one exit beating on order sir. We're just going to apologize now." Zeke realized he sounded too enthusiastic and mumbled a second apology sheepishly.
"What am I supposed to do in all of this?" Otter saw that of the plans so far, she had not been included in them.
"The list of gyms I gave you, find out whose side they're on and if they're unaffiliated, get them on our side. Hank, get Otter a breeder's license, I need someone to care for my other four Pokémon. That is the most important thing to do and if you happen to need one of them for a gym battle, then they should respond to you.
Just spend some time with them before you try and command them. Last thing, Otter is in charge; let the rest of the House know as well." Fox let out the rest of his Pokémon after that, the tone in his voice told them that after tonight they wouldn't see him for a while.
Zeke and Hank went off to prepare for after the battle, neither of them fond of what they were about to do. Otter and Fox stayed up a little longer after that, spending a somber evening in with their Pokémon. When the day broke the next morning, it was on old friends weighed down by the choices they were forced to make.
Otter was apprehensive and it trickled down to her Pokémon. When the gym battle against Nora started, her Pokémon fidgeted and took a few attacks they should otherwise have been able to avoid. Otter took a deep breath, focusing only on the match before her and she gave a whistle calming her Pokémon who were soon able to rally their spirits into a gargantuan battle.
Fox looked on with pride as she valiantly pitted her Pokémon against Nora's but soon the gym leader began pushing back and her last Pokémon wound up being a blastoise. Despite the advantage Otter had taken, Nora took it right back leaving Otter with just kangaskhan and Precious nursing an injury.
The fight between kangaskhan and blastoise left the arena scarred from the onslaught of their battle leaving both trainers exhausted from the stress of the fight. Otter's win was a huge event, many trainers taking on a gym for the first time rarely succeeded in their matches completely and Fox whooped nearly as loudly as Otter did; as many in various establishments and homes did as well.
Nora grinned widely, she was happy for the newcomer but there was something about Fox she wanted to know.
"Fox, tomorrow, come back and visit; I wish to talk of what you've gotten into since last we spoke. I have seen many of your matches and I wish to discuss your strategies. Tea, tomorrow afternoon, leave Otter behind; I am certain she will understand about old friends catching up." Nora said holding Fox back by the arm after she had spoken with Otter who was already on her way out.
"Tomorrow afternoon around one then?" Fox agreed.
"Splendid! I look forward to it." Nora gave him a hug before he jogged out to catch up with Otter.
We have another day to prepare, I'm going in for tea with the gym leader at one. Fox messaged Hank.
Perfect, we're still wrapping up here. The response came back.
"Otter, after today we probably won't see each other. At least not for a little while, we'll meet up in Borealis and take down the gym in Rabbit's honor. That list I gave you, adhere to it and I look forward to hearing about your journey the next time we see each other." Fox had a hard time smiling but he managed one for Otter.
"Borealis, of course." Otter responded weakly.
"Hank will call you when this is over. Take care of my Pokémon and they'll take care of you." Fox patted the tray of four pokeballs.
"I promise I will. See you in Borealis."
Otter watched Fox walk upstairs and out of the lodge minus his pack with venusaur at his side. She hated how this felt but she knew it had to be done; it was for the greater good though that didn't mean she had to like it. She shot Hank a message letting him know Fox was on the way.
Fox patted venusaur's pokeball as he walked with a feigned jauntiness that helped ease his mind a little. He whistled an old tune as he walked quickly for Brill Harbor Gym and try as he might, this afternoon weighed on him in the back of his head.
Fox's steps grew heavy and slower as he approached, trudging as the building began to loom closer. A pair of men in black uniforms blocked the entrance to the gym. Fox reached for his pokeball but was sent reeling by a fist to the side of his head. He hit the ground hard and his pokeball rolled just out of reach. More footsteps could be heard running up and Fox struggled to rise in greeting.
More fists and boots thudded into him, the beating continuing until he blacked out. The uniforms were chanting something but Fox couldn't quite understand it. A blast of water surged over the people in black uniforms. They rushed off having been discovered, leaving Fox's broken body outside the gym.
Nora's students held back and called emergency services as she ran up to check on Fox. He was struggling to open his phone and Nora plucked it from his hands, noticing Fox had managed to unlock it. She seized on the opportunity and found Otter's contact information; with a grin Nora began typing.
Go ahead and leave Brill Harbor, I will catch up to you later. Nora as Fox sent out.
Be safe Fox, see you in a while Otter responded.
Otter looked at the message that had been sent directly to her instead of their usual group chat. Nora had taken the bait it looked like and was not as good of a person as most would think. Otter chuckled over that before pulling up Hank's number.
It appears to have begun, how are things on your side?
We're soaked and hating ourselves right now but yes, I believe you're right. Nora has Fox now he has his mission, you have yours, we have ours and the breeder license should be in by the time you reach the next city. Hank's message filled her with a grim determination.
Sir, we have a situation, are you still in Brill Harbor? Nora messaged her boss.
I am, where should I meet you?
Brill Harbor General, Fox is being admitted to the intensive care unit there.
THE Fox? The one that's been showing such promise over the last year?
Yes Sir, that one.
Be there soon. Nora's boss responded before she left him alone until the hospital.
Nora followed behind the ambulance not wanting to be late to the meeting with her boss. He was a patient man and wasn't perturbed by being left waiting but most of his employees preferred not to test his limits. Nora watched as they carted Fox inside and she saw her boss watching the procession.
"Nora, to what do I owe these summons?"
"Fox was beaten by Team Rocket and they took all but one of his Pokémon. They were chanting something but we only heard it muffled from inside. I think Giovanni is on the move once more." Nora looked nervous and understandably so.
"This is a situation; if he truly is on the move once more, we will need to keep our heads down but with all our sources looking for Team Rocket. If Giovanni has set up shop here, there will be more cases of trainers having all but their starter Pokémon stolen.
That is a clever decision on their part. Can't have the agency suddenly have an alert that something is wrong in Merifos. Thank you for letting me know Nora, please return to your gym, I hear there are a handful of trainers coming to register with you today. I will keep by Fox's side until he wakes up." Her boss dismissed her.
"Yes sir, do you think he'll join us after this?"
"I think the probability of having a trainer of his quality joining us is high after an incident like this. The only thing he has left in this world is his venusaur; I had his lodge room checked and his pack is gone as well. I see no other option for him than to join us; we will accept him with arms open and we will ensure that he feels integral. Though, in all fairness, I doubt Fox will be out of that hospital bed anytime soon." He looked back at the double doors that the trainer had been rushed through.
"Thank you sir, have a great day." Nora shook his hand before heading back outside for the parking lot.
Registering with the nurse at the counter, he sat and waited until someone came to let him know when Fox was out of surgery. He needed to see and speak with the trainer, see if anything else was known or if he had seen any more. That cursed Giovanni, popping up where he didn't belong.
Kanto needed to keep their criminals in check but after that Hoenn incident with those idiots trying to reshape the world, he had vanished. Other regions had reported an influence tampering with their plans and he would not be amongst those regions that had fallen. He and the Prophets of Renewal could cleanse the whole world and if there was a problem with the first plan, they had a backup one that could cleanse Merifos at the least. They would tighten security in their ranks, they could unleash both plans if they were well prepared.