Hello everyone, hello. It's been a while hasn't it? Not too long, by my own standards, but still a bit over 6 months. Time sure flies!
Sigh, I miss the days when I could dedicate much more of my time to writing. But a man's gotta eat and I'm lucky enough to have a stable job.
Anyway, I say it's about time we move on with the show. Enjoy!
"She came with the dawn through the opened gates. We'd prepared for her, of course. Had been expecting her for days, really, but we all thought she'd come after us at night. Fit with her MO, you know? All sneaky and shit, keeping to the shadows, taking us out one by one without being noticed. We'd prepared for that.
Instead she revealed herself during sunrise, bold as brass and without trying to hide herself while most of us were tired as fuck cause we didn't get a wink of sleep. A frontal assault, led by a single woman.
By all rights, it should have failed. We outnumbered her fifteen to one. Almost thirty Pokemon against two mutts and a bird."
"What happened next?"
"I dunno. The alarm was raised and we all scrambled to react. Then the damn bird spread Haze through the whole freakin' warehouse and it was chaos. Everyone was shouting, moves were being used everywhere and no one could see a damn thing. Next thing I know, I'm being clocked in the head and I'm on the ground with a concussion. By the time I got my bearings, it was over and you cops were all over the place."
"What else can you tell us?"
"...Whoever she is, she's no regular trainer. I've only heard of that kind of ruthless efficiency from... Rocket special operatives. At least Huntress doesn't go for lethal attacks."
Transcript from the interrogation of REDACTEDby Chief Officer Sherles.
P.S. : I am still waiting for that report, officer Johnson. It better be on my desk by the end of the day.
Aileen huffs beneath her mask as another grunt falls to a well placed strike of her baton, Electrike and Poochyena making short work of his Pokemon, a Magneton, with a single Flamethrower and Bite attacks.
"Howl! Next target!" She says and both Pokemon take a sharp sniff of the air, releasing a combined Howl before heading further into the Haze, Aileen on their heels. Truly, the fact that the clouds of darkness are odorless and don't prevent the canines from using Odor Sleuth is a godsend. Without Murkrow, she would never have been able to enact such a plan.
"Still, for so many of the small fry to be in one place... Sophia's intel is right. This warehouse has to be a dropping point for supplies, otherwise it would never be guarded like this."
Aileen hastily ducks under a spray of Acid shot by a Grimer, fixing its trainer with a cold gaze. The man sneers back at her, even though she can see a hint of fear in his eyes. She gives a sharp whistle and Poochyena leaps out of the Haze, a shadow with red eyes and gleaming fangs in the shape of a hound as she pounces on the Grimer with Shadow Rush and sends it flying into its trainer, causing the man to fall backwards as the Sludge Pokemon collides with him.
The two are put out of commission, courtesy of Electrike's Thunder Wave.
"Howl! Next!" She barks and both of her Pokemon howl again before heading for the closest target they can smell. It's a much an intimidation tactic as it is a way to slowly ramp up their attack power.
On and on they go, neutralizing both human and Pokemon under the cover of the Haze, weaving as best as they can between attacks blindly thrown into the dark fog. It's an effective strategy, one that she, Murkrow, Electrike and Poochyena worked hard for days to make viable, since it also cuts her visibility of the battlefield.
"And yet," Aileen reflects as she evades a Golbat's Supersonic, Electrike taking out the flying/poison type with a Shockwave immediately after. "We're making it work for us."
"Houndour, find the bitch and use Flamethrower!"
The amber-eyed woman quickly rolls to the side, feeling the scorching heat on her back as the flames narrowly miss her.
"Even if it's also incredibly reckless and risky!" She amends in the privacy of her mind. "Electrike, take 'em down! Spark Charge!"
The Lightning Pokemon charges at high speed into the Houndour, his form wreathed in electricity and making the dark type howl in pain as the current passes through it before the impact sends it skidding away. The grunt curses, trying to punch Aileen in the face with a clumsy haymaker, which she easily ducks under before retaliating with a sucker punch followed by a strike of her baton to the back of his head, making him slump to the ground unconscious.
And, just like that, it's over. The Haze starts dissipating as Aileen feels Murkrow landing on her shoulder and she allows the tension to leave her body, wincing at the pain in her right side.
"Didn't expect the Machop to know Detect. If that hit had properly connected, my ribs wouldn't just be bruised, they'd be broken."
Poochyena and Electrike are not unscathed either. The dark type has dirty and burned patches of fur all over her and her fellow canine is obviously trying to avoid putting his weight on his left front leg, which has traces of a nasty bite.
Still, they've won.
Aileen takes the time to tie up the grunts, returning the unconscious or paralyzed Pokemon to their balls before setting them aside. It didn't seem like there were any Shadow Pokemon among them, but she unfortunately has no way to be sure. With that taken care of, she heads deeper into the warehouse. It doesn't take long for her to reach the objective of this raid.
Cages. About three dozen of them and each containing a different kind of Pokemon. Looking closer, Aileen can't help but grimace under her mask as the state of some of the poor creatures. Some look catatonic (though if that's the result of drugs or having the fight beaten of them, she's not sure she wants to know), others glare suspiciously at her and others still cringe away from her, trying to make themselves look as small as possible. All are wearing collars around their necks.
Most of them she recognizes. Cubone, Zigzagoon, Pidgey, Growlithe, Sentret and more. There's also couple she can't outright name, such as the small Pokemon very similar to a hermit crab that she knows is native to Unova and another looking like a black and gray lizard with an orange line running down its back and tail that she's fairly sure is from Alola, a Sala-something.
She doesn't know if she should feel relief or disappointment over the fact that neither Rhydon or Aron are among them.
Cautiously, Aileen approaches the cages, the low hum of an electric current running through metal reaching her ears. The locks are electronic and quite sturdy. Fortunately, a quick search reveals a remote set aside on a nearby table.
With the push of a couple buttons, the electric current is disabled and the lights on the cages turn green as the locks disengage and collars fall to the ground.
"There, you're free now." She says, her mask hiding her smile as the Pokemon hesitantly push open the cages and step out. Well, those that can still move, that is. "You can go wherever you want. Be it back to your original trainers if you know where to find them or back in the wild. However, if some of you wish for a safe heaven, if only for a few days to regain your strength, then I would ask that you follow me. I will be taking those who are seriously injured there."
Some of the fliers are already gone by the time she's finished, their wings carrying them out of the warehouse. The single psychic of the bunch, a Kirlia, teleports away after giving Aileen a small bow, but not before projecting a feeling of gratitude-happiness-freedom-home-family into the young woman's mind that almost sends her reeling. Somewhat unsurprisingly, most of those that can neither fly or warp away stay put, either not having the energy or having no idea where to go if they do.
With the help of some of the ex-captives, the few Pokemon who are unconscious or too injured to move are transported out of the warehouse and, with a few directions from Aileen, to a waiting SUT a block away.
"Well I'll be damned. You did it." Dobit says as he exits the driver seat of the vehicle and opens the back. "Not gonna lie, I wasn't too confident about your chances. No offense."
"Some taken." Aileen huffs, gently laying down the comatose Zigazagoon in her arms onto the SUT before helping the other Pokemon climb into the space. It's a tight fit, especially with the Ponyta, but they make it work. "Take it away, Dobit. I'll be right behind you."
"Got it." The shopkeeper acknowledges, climbing back into the driver seat and starting the engine. "Don't tardy too much, yeah? Wouldn't want those guys to get nervous without their rescuer."
"Don't worry," Aileen replies as the pickup truck speeds away, eyeing one of the alleys... from which half of a giant afro is spilling out. "this won't take long. What can I do for you, Mirror B.?"
"Ah, it seems my reputation precedes me! And to be spotted so easily, I expected nothing less of you, Huntress darling!" The flamboyant villain says as he steps out of the shadows. Murkrow's grip on her shoulder tightens slightly.
"...You're not exactly the picture of stealth." The young woman deadpans, eyeing the sparkling bright yellow outfit and the humongous two-toned haircut. "What do you want?"
"Why, simply to introduce myself to Orre's number one vigilante! Though it seems unnecessary, well informed as you are." He shakes his head theatrically. "You've become quite a thorn in our side, y'know? The others think you're a small fry who'll soon bite off more that she can chew, but I'm of a different mind." He lowers his sunglasses, fixing her with a look. "There's a fire inside of you, darling. One that, if not extinguished quickly, will shine light onto places we'd rather not have anyone looking."
Aileen tenses, palming Electrike's pokeball. If Mirror B. decides to fight, here and now, the best she'll be able to do is a fighting retreat. As much as it had made her laugh in the past that his team is comprised almost entirely of Ludicolos, she has to remind herself that in front of her is a man who managed to reach a position of admin in Cipher with only one kind of Pokemon. The theatrics are but the velvet glove hiding the iron first that rules Pyrite Town.
Suddenly, Mirror B. claps his hands. "But luckily for you I don't feel like doing that today!" He laughs at her confused gaze. "I've got quite a mess to clean up, thanks to you. And having most of my boys arrested just won't do at all!" He raises a single finger. "So I'll let you off, just this once. Besides, if you're set on pursuing this endeavor of yours, it is inevitable that we will meet again."
Amber eyes narrow dangerously. "What do you know?" She demands.
"Ah ah! No ruining the surprise." The Cipher admin says, almost teasingly, as he waves his finger from side to side. "Run along now, Huntress. Lest my patience runs out."
It leaves a bad taste in Aileen's mouth to let the villain have the last word, but to challenge him now would be a foolish mistake. Wordlessly, she turns around and runs for her bike, Murkrow taking flight as she jumps onto the Daytona's seat and turns the ignition key before speeding away without looking back.
"Bye, darling! See you soon! Fuhohoho!"
It doesn't take long for Aileen to catch up with Dobit's SUV. From there it's smooth sailing all the way to Agate Village, where they're greeted by Eagun, Marina, her grandmother Lisa, and a few other villagers.
Aileen had called Marina in advance to ask if it would be alright to transport the abducted Pokemon to Agate's daycare. The village was a safer location than Phenac and being away from the hubbub of civilization would probably do recovering Pokemon good. Needless to say, Marina had swiftly agreed with her and, after discussing logistics with her grandmother and Eagun, had given Aileen the green light.
"So many..." The daycare heiress mutters as they start transporting the Pokemon from the SUV to the Pokemon Center for a medical check-up. "I, I didn't expect this."
"Neither did I, to be honest." Aileen admits to her friend on the other side of the injured Ponyta, both helping the fire-type climb up the last slope to the Center. "Just shows how much resources these people really have. I just hope that we can get this guys back to their trainers without too much trouble."
"Hopefully." Marina nods, before giving Aileen a small smile. "I love the outfit and the new hair color, by the way. You cut a striking figure."
The compliment startles a laugh out of the vigilante, who absently tucks a strand of flame-colored hair behind her ear. Though the roots are still raven black, about a third of her hair length starting from the tips is now sporting dyed highlights in shades of red and orange that get darker the closer to the roots. "I'll make sure to pass your words on to my stylist."
The final verdict from the Pokemon Center nurses is grim. Out of the nineteen Pokemon that Aileen has rescued, seven will have to stay in the Center for intensive care with the chances of complete recovery being low, three of which might never wake up from their coma. Of the twelve others, some have worst injuries than others. The Ponyta, though it would recover, might never run again without risk of crippling itself while the Alolan Pokemon, identified as a Salazzle, had its poison glands heavily bruised to the point where it will never be able to use poison-type moves again without feeling pain.
"Have they been able to determine if any of them match reports of stolen Pokemon?" Aileen asks, nursing a cup of tea in Eagun's home.
"Not yet." The elder replies from his seat. "But I've sent word to an old friend who has contacts in the authorities. We will know before long." He gives her a look. "Are any of them... afflicted?"
The vigilante shakes her head. "I didn't spot any sign in those who were awake when I got them out. Regarding the other three, however, I do not know."
"We will watch them closely then." Eagun hums, stroking his beard. "Still, I must commend you, Aileen. What you've done is no easy feat, especially on your own with only two Pokemon to your name."
"Maybe, but I fear it will only get harder from here." She frowns thoughtfully, twirling a strand of fire-red hair between her fingers. "As useful as the guise of Huntress is, it makes me more recognizable and Cipher is starting to dedicate more men and resources to stop me. Add in the fact that the admins are already aware of me... well, it's only a matter of time before I become a serious problem in their eyes."
"Moreover..." Aileen grimaces. "I fear that, the more Pokemon I free from their clutches, the more they'll task Snagem to escalate their operations to steal Pokemon from people. It will turn into a vicious cycle. One where I won't be able to keep up." She takes a sip of her tea, musing internally. "Hopefully Wes will make his move soon. Once the original snag machine is out of commission, it will make things much easier."
"A good trainer knows to adapt, improvise, and overcome obstacles in their way but they also need the means to do so." Eagun says. "Your recent victories speak well of your strategic thinking and combat instincts, you need but broaden your arsenal and sharpen the tools you already have."
Aileen sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I know. But teaching Poochyena new moves is not an option until her condition has been overcome. Murkrow isn't mine and already fully trained, there isn't much I can teach him. Maybe if he evolved but that option is off the table." She says, absently scratching the chest of the bird perched on her shoulder, who lets out a pleased noise. "However, I've been hoping to pick your mind about Electrike. He's got a diverse moveset but there's a lot to be refined."
"Of course." Rui's grandfather nods. "I assume you'll be staying a few days?"
"That's the plan."
With a nod, he drains the rest of his tea and rises from his seat, prompting Aileen to do the same. "Then we will use that time wisely. Follow me."
Eagun leads her to one of the open battle fields, taking a pokeball from the folds of his robe and from it comes out a Raichu. The electric rodent shakes it head a couple times before gazing at Aileen with calm eyes. And although the Pokemon looks to be in its twilight years, the young woman doesn't doubt for a single moment that it can wipe the floor with her Pokemon, even if she sends both Electrike and Poochyena against it.
"This is Raichu, my first partner. He'll be the one instructing Electrike for the duration of your stay. Speaking of which, please send him out."
With a nod, Aileen releases Electrike. The Lightning Pokemon materializes with an enthusiastic bark, looking back and forth between Aileen and Raichu with his tail waggling.
"No more battles today, boy." Aileen snorts, amused by the canine's enthusiasm. "Raichu is here to help you with training, so listen to him and do your best, okay?" She has to resist the urge to laugh when Electrike sits back on his haunches and gives her a serious bark that can only translate to her as an 'aye aye ma'am'. "Alright, off you go then."
"You know what to do, Raichu." Eagun says to his own Pokemon, who nods back at him before gesturing to Electrike to follow him. "Tell me, Aileen, do you know what is the best quality one can find in an electric type?" The elder asks her as their Pokemon walk to the far end of the field.
Aileen crosses her arms thoughtfully. After a moment, she gives her answer. "Can never go wrong with speed. How fast it can generate electricity and how quickly it can use said electricity."
"Not a bad answer but not the one I was looking for, as the same could be said for other types such as Fire. The correct answer is control." He pauses. "Any electric type can learn to send big blasts of electricity as they grow older and more powerful. With more power also comes, albeit to a lesser degree, more speed as they generate more electricity to power those big moves. But learning to control that power? To not send indiscriminate shocks, to be able to hit a target with pinpoint accuracy, to be able to focus and mold the energy to one's will? That takes training and dedication. It is something that can take years for a Pokemon to learn, so most trainers don't think it is worth investing into."
"Morons. If you're not ready to sink years, if not decades, into being a trainer then you're not taking it seriously." The young woman scoffs, amber eyes fixed on Electrike as he sends a Shockwave at Raichu, who deftly catches it in his paws. "What the fuck?" She mutters, completely befuddled.
"Language." Eagun chastises teasingly. "But yes, this is an example of what control can do. Some Pokemon have talent for it, others struggle with it, but it remains something that can be honed and taught. Of course, having knowledge of the inner workings, of the science, behind the element or phenomenon you're trying to work with helps. Be it electricity, fire, ice, water..." He turns to her. "So tell me : how much do you know about electricity?"
Aileen blinks. "Um, more than most people but probably less than I should for this?"
"Hm. Then it seems as test and a lesson are in order. Come along, young one."
"I can already feel the headache coming." The raven and flame haired vigilante laments internally as she follows the elder. "Oh well. No pain no gain, I suppose."
"I regret everything." Aileen moans as she flops onto a chair beside Marina and lets her head fall onto the table with the dull sound of flesh hitting wood. "Please end my miserable existence?"
The daycare heiress cocks an amused eyebrow at her from behind her book. "How about I get you some headache medicine and then you can tell me about it?"
"My savior. Yes please and thank you."
"So what happened?" Marina asks, leaning her head as Aileen pops a couple of pills in her mouth and takes a swig of a water bottle to rinse them down.
"Elder Eagun decided to give me an impromptu course on the finer workings of electricity and electric types." The vigilante says, massaging her temples. "Don't take me wrong, I'm thankful and this will help me tremendously when training Electrike, but I just realized how out my depth I am when it comes to being a Pokemon trainer."
"Really? I think you're doing just fine." Her brown-haired friend replies. "I mean, have you seen what you've accomplished? You're basically undefeated, Aileen. You've succeeded against the odds every time, at least so far."
"Against low-tier grunts with little to no grasp of strategy or tactical thinking." Aileen counters with a snort, shaking her head. "The moment I'm up against someone who knows what they're doing or who's prepared well enough against my usual tactics, I suspect things will go differently." She sighs. "I need time. Time to properly train Electrike and try to teach him new moves, time to make progress with Poochyena, time to get other Pokemon... Yet there's always new intel coming in that requires my attention and, more often than not, intervention. Shipments of Pokemon who were stolen or poached from overseas, drugs and other pharmaceutical products, even simply money and foodstuff. There's just so much. I already knew Cipher's a big and old organization but I think I underestimated just how big. And I'm just one woman."
"You haven't been able to get more people to help you?" Marina asks, frowning.
"Oh there's plenty of people willing to help. Just not directly." Aileen replies, leaning back. "Most of them are part of the information network Sophia has cultivated over they years. There's also those like Dobit or Wulfric, who give me discounts for their services. You have to understand, Marina, that fighting knowing you might die -or worse- if you lose is a scary thought. The base instinct of most individuals is not necessarily to fight. It's to survive. To live another day. So I'm not really surprised no one has actively joined me. And most of those who'd be able, never mind willing, to fight remember how Cipher dealt with whoever stood against them."
"When you put it like that..." Marina grimaces. "What do you think it'd take? For people to actively join the fight, I mean."
"Defeating one of Cipher's admins." Aileen answers immediately. "If I can take down one of their chief enforcers, then the people might take a chance and rally to me openly. But I'm still a long way from being able to challenge them. Which goes back to the 'I need more time' problem. Maybe if I-"
A nudge at her shin makes the amber-eyed young woman glance down, eyes coming to rest on a cat-sized bundle of white fur with a black curved horn on top and red eyes staring innocently at her.
"Why hello there, little one." Aileen coos as she bends down and takes the Absol... pup? Kitten? In her arms and deposits it on her lap. She gives Marina an accusing look. "You didn't tell me the egg had hatched."
The brunette blinks owlishly at the dark type currently leaning its head against her friend's scratches. "...That's because I didn't know. Grandma should have warned me the moment it had started."
"And I didn't because I received the alert from the incubator only minutes ago. Little scamp must've been pretty impatient to hatch that quickly. " Said grandmother says as she joins the two, looking at the Absol on Aileen's lap. "Hello, Aileen. It's good to see you in good health. How is that Poochyena of yours?"
Aileen smiles at the old woman. "Hello, Sheryl. Thank you, you seem to be doing well yourself. Poochyena is currently at the Pokemon Center for some healing but she's shown a heartening amount progress in the past few weeks."
At least that's certainly what it seems to Aileen. As much as care and affection help to 'open the door to the heart', the shadow energy still needs an outlet and nothing but a real battle is enough for that. Something which Poochyena has seen plenty of in the past few weeks.
Sheryl nods. "I'm please to hear it, perhaps you will attempt the purification ceremony again soon?"
"Perhaps." The vigilante repeats with an uncomfortable shrug, glancing down at the baby Pokemon all but purring under her hands. She and Eagun have told Sheryl and her granddaughter about the Shadow Pokemon, just in case there were some among the rescued of Aileen's operations. "But I'd like to make sure it will work first."
"How would you? Make sure, I mean." Marina asks. "From what you've told us, it's not like we have a way to ascertain if a Pokemon is ready or not."
"Without sounding as if I'm assuming, I think that only if I feel like I'm not making progress with Poochyena anymore should I try again." Aileen replies, grimacing. "Even saying it like that sounds wrong but that's all I can base myself on." "At least until I can get Rui to take a look at her."
"A wise course of action." The daycare owner nods approvingly. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to give the little one here a check-up." She adds, approaching and gently lifting the Absol, who starts whining and squirming, grabbing a strand of black and flame-colored hair between its claws as it looking pleadingly at Aileen. "Well, it would seem someone is attached already." She chuckles, holding the small Pokemon for Aileen to take back. "Do you mind giving me a hand?"
The young woman smiles, rising from her seat. "With pleasure." She says, obligingly taking the youngling into her arms.
"Then follow me." Sheryl says, turning around. "Marina, I leave the front to you."
"Leave it to me, grandma."
It takes a good half hour of poking, probing and looking at Absol's, well, everything before Sheryl nods to herself and gives the all clear.
"Did you expect anything wrong?" Aileen asks the older woman, still petting the dark-type even as it glares at Sheryl while also eating baby Pokemon food.
"No, but it never hurts to make sure and check for symptoms. Even if everything looks fine on the surface, there are symptoms one can look for and recognize that can point to potential future issues." Sheryl answers as she finishes putting away her tools. "There's a reason owning a daycare requires to have at least a nurse diploma to your name. If you can't at least see the signs in time to contact a Pokemon Center for treatment..." She clicks her tongue. "It can get ugly very quickly, to say the least."
Aileen blinks. "Sounds like you've seen a lot."
"And I also keep in touch with the breeder community, along with other daycare owners. The stories I could tell you..." Sheryl says, shaking her head. "She's a female, by the way."
"Good to know." The woman says, amber eyes looking softly at the dark type. Under her ministrations, Absol has slowly relaxed, her glare shifting to the half-lidded gaze of a young animal on the verge of falling asleep now that her belly is full. "Any idea why she sought me out?"
"You've been in contact with another dark-type for an extended period of time. You probably feel familiar to her, in some way." The older woman replies. "Dark-type Pokemon tend to have a certain presence to them that leaves traces behind. Other dark-types, ghosts, and psychics can naturally sense it to a certain extent."
Aileen nods. "I see. Hopefully me leaving won't be a problem."
Sheryl barks a laugh. "Girl, I'd bet an arm that cub has imprinted on you already. But don't worry," She continues, seeing Aileen's grimace. "I'll take care of her for the meantime. The frontline of a guerrilla war is no place for a child, be they human or Pokemon. You'll want to consider leaving something with your scent behind, however."
"Thank you, I appreciate it." The vigilante says gratefully.
"I expect to be paid, however."
"Of course." Aileen laughs quietly, careful not to wake the now sleeping Absol.
- Three days later -
Hands slam loudly on the table.
"What do you mean there's nothing?!"
"Aileen, please-"
"Are you telling me that not a single one of the trainers those Pokemon belong to has filed a report for Pokemon theft?! Bullshit!"
"I understand your frustration," Eagun says, trying to placate her. "but-"
"Have we asked the Pokemon's side of things?! Surely there are some who could confirm they belong to a trainer! There's no way-"
"And we have!" Eagun interrupts her, his voice authoritative. "Of course, there are many who did confirm that they have a trainer. Yet my friend has found nothing but a few reports of poaching from overseas that match some of the Pokemon you've rescued. Until he dug deeper, that is. Into the missing person files." He finishes, somber.
Aileen stiffens. "You mean...?"
The elder slowly nods. "He found a few matches there. Of trainers with who disappeared seemingly without a trace and whose last reported team members include some of the trainer-owned Pokemon you rescued. The rest, we assume, have been cowed into not reporting the theft or simply saw it as futile and did not bother."
The young woman stares at Eagun speechlessly for a moment before she slumps on herself. "Fuck." She hisses, dragging a hand down her face.
"That's not all, I'm afraid."
Aileen looks up with a grimace. "There's more?"
Eagun's mouth is set in grim line as he speaks once more. "As my friend dug more and more, he discovered a pattern in the reports. A single line repeated across almost every single one. 'He/She was last seen in company of an imposing man with white hair'." Aileen pales at his words. "Judging by your reaction, I assume you know something?"
She nods tightly. "I do not know his name, but that man is at the top of the totem pole. Second only to the actual leader of Cipher." She looks back at Eagun. "I would advise your friend to not look too deep into this. If he starts making inquiries... I wouldn't want anything to happen to him."
"I shall let him know." Eagun ascents. "Will you want a list of the names?"
"Please." Aileen says, sighing. "I'll break the news to the rescued Pokemon myself, if you don't mind." "Hopefully those that chose to go their own way once they were freed were all wild."
"Very well." Rui's grandfather nods. "If you could wait a moment, I will be back shortly." He says, walking away.
"Also..."
He turns back to her. "Yes?"
Aileen says nothing for a few seconds, touching one of the pokeball at her belt. "...If you could you ask your friend if one of those missing trainers owned an Electrike, I'd appreciate it."
"Ah." Comprehension dawns on Eagun's face. "I see. Yes, I shall ask on your behalf."
The amber-eyed young woman gives him a tight smile. "Thank you, Eagun."
"It's the least I can do."
"I'm sure you're wondering why I gathered you all here, so soon after you've gotten your freedom back." Aileen starts, sitting on a bench inside the daycare's paddock. Gathered in front of her are the freed Pokemon, or at least those belonging to trainers, most of them looking at her with curious eyes. " First off, allow me to say I'm glad to see you're all recovering well, for the most part. What you've been through... nobody, human or Pokemon, should be subjected to that." She sighs. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid I must be the bearer of bad news."
The Pokemon look between themselves worriedly as Aileen takes out her pokenav. Some of the faces staring back at her from the screen are young. Almost painfully so. She would not be surprised if they were ten years her juniors, if not more. "I have here a list of trainer names. If you recognize any of those names, I ask you to step forward." Her gaze passes over the assembled creatures and she takes a deep breath. "Loid Rivers, Frederick Brook, Anna Lowell..." On and on the list goes, her heart wrenching a bit more each time a Pokemon steps forward. By the time she's done, all but two of the twelve Pokemon (three others still being in a coma and four of the sixteen left being poached wild pokemon) have answered to one of the names Aileen has listed.
Looking at the four who haven't stepped forward, the Ponyta, a Totodile and a pair of Nuzleafs who gaze back at her with trepidation, she sighs again. "If your trainer wasn't among those names, then we don't know who they are yet and they haven't reported the fact that you were stolen to the authorities." "Or haven't been able to." She internally adds. "We will, of course, do everything we can to find them and reunite you but it may take some time." "If they're alive, that is." She finishes and she can see the four Pokemon relaxing, if only a bit.
Aileen turns to the other twelve. "As for you..." She closes her eyes and bites the bullet. "There is no easy way to say this. Your trainers have been reported as missing persons. We do not know if they are still alive or dead."
There's a beat of silence before chaos erupts, roars and cries filling the air with denial, sorrow and anger. For some, it seems to be confirmation of what they already knew while others look as if the world has suddenly titled on its axis. Aileen cannot say she blames them.
Without her input, the pokeballs on her belt open and both Electrike and Poochyena materialize. The electric canine's eyes take one look at the assembled Pokemon before him, gazing back at Aileen only for an instant, before he takes a deep breath and the loudest Howl she's ever heard from him cuts through the cacophony of the other Pokemon, Poochyena joining in a second behind.
Slowly but surely, the other Pokemon quiet down, the silence returning as the Howl trails off. With a satisfied nod, Electrike looks back at Aileen, before motioning at the assembled Pokemon with his head.
The young woman gives the Lightning Pokemon a small grateful smile. "You have my thanks, Electrike." She says before fixing her audience with a determined expression.
"I understand your anger, your sorrow. I understand that it feels like you have nothing left, like you've failed your duty. But this is need not be the end. Your trainers may be gone, their fates unknown, but justice may yet be done." Aileen, no, Huntress says. "I know the man who is responsible for this. I know his organization and I know they won't stop. That this will keep happening if nothing changes. And I, we-" She gestures to Electrike, Poochyena and Murkrow, who has been watching the proceedings from his perch on the roof of the daycare. "are fighting them with everything we have. Because we want this to cease. Because this is personal for us too! Even now, human and Pokemon both are suffering because of these people, and we choose to not let this go unanswered!" She exclaims, flinging her left arm out as she stands, black and flame-colored hair moving in the wind. "We choose to fight!"
"And so, I ask you this." She says after a pause, extending her outstretched hand toward the freed Pokemon. "will you fight with us? Fight for those we have lost, for those we can yet save?"
"I do not expect an immediate answer. This is not something to be decided lightly and I would understand if you have doubts. Even if you do not wish or cannot fight, there are other ways you can help. The choice is yours." Aileen finishes. "Murkrow and Electrike can answer any questions you might have. I will be leaving tomorrow and, if you have made a decision by then, I would hear it. But know that, no matter what you choose, I will not hold it against you."
With her piece said, the vigilante heads inside the daycare, Poochyena on her heels, closing the door behind her.
"Nice speech out there." Sheryl says, making Aileen jump and whip around to find the older woman casually sitting at the table with her granddaughter.
Marina's eyes are shining as she claps her hands in applause. "That was so moving, Aileen. I had no idea you could be so eloquent!"
"Ah, well..." The young woman bashfully glances away as she sits down, Poochyena curling up at her feet. "I have my moments, I suppose. I do read a lot, y'know?"
"So we've heard." Sheryl chuckles before fixing her with a piercing look. "But do you honestly expect they'll join you? Just like that?"
Aileen exhales slowly, raking a hand through her hair. "Honestly I would've preferred to wait a few weeks, even a couple months, before springing that kind of offer on them. They need time to heal, physically as well as mentally." She shakes her head. "But I'm afraid time is a luxury I do not have much of at the moment. I cannot afford to wait for them, for there are more who need my help." The figure of a small quadrupedal steel-type flashes in her mind's eye. "And every day I stand around doing nothing is one more for Cipher to create more Pokemon like Poochyena."
"You will burn yourself out if you continue like this." The daycare owner says in a knowing tone. "And if you do, who will help those people and Pokemon in your stead?"
"Don't worry, I know to pace myself." Aileen replies, smiling tiredly at her. "And besides, I'll have help before long."
Gray eyebrows climb up. "Oh?"
"Is it Elder Eagun?" Marina asks.
A laugh bubbles out of Aileen's throat. If only her friend knew! "No, he's already got his hands full defending this place. And I'm afraid the antics I get up to wouldn't be gentle on his old bones."
"Youth..." Sheryl grumbles with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. "This is why I give the duty of looking after the younglings to Marina. It tires her enough that she can't get up to such crazy things."
"What?!" Her granddaughter squawks in outraged shock. "That's not fair!"
"It was the only thing that could keep her in place as a kid and tire her enough that I could tuck her in bed without trouble afterwards." The daycare owner continues as if she hasn't heard anything. "Worked like a charm, I must say. You should take notes for when you have children yourself, Marina."
"Grandma!" Marina cries out, cheeks red in embarrassment, which only serves to make Sheryl laugh and Aileen chuckle.
The rest of the day passes quietly, with Aileen helping at the daycare along with Murkrow after sending Electrike to Eagun for one last training session with Raichu, assisting both grandmother and granddaughter in their day to day tasks. It takes her mind off the inevitable pile of intel that's probably waiting for her review in Phenac City and the subsequent operations that would no doubt follow. She's pleasantly surprised to find that Marina's Chikorita has evolved into a Bayleef and is now much more adept at reigning in the small horde of young Pokemon.
Absol, when she's not sleeping in the daycare itself or on Aileen's lap when the vigilante takes a break, is a constant white shadow hounding her every step and demanding her and, surprisingly, Poochyena's attention. Even more surprising is the fact the larger dark-type doesn't negatively react to the young Disaster Pokemon's attempts to play, though she doesn't reciprocate, going as far as jumping on Aileen's lap and curling around Absol when the youngling falls asleep.
"She's come such a long way." Aileen thinks, smiling fondly at both Pokemon as she idly scratches Poochyena behind her ears. While Absol's fur is of a purer white than the Bite Pokemon's, she'd be quite surprised if anyone could be able to tell where one began and the other ended from afar. "It won't be long now, I'm sure. Soon you shall be freed from this curse, Poochyena."
"You seem pretty comfy." Marina remarks as she approaches with Bayleef, a smile on her face as she beholds the Pokemon sleeping on her friend's lap. "Aww, they're so cute!"
"That they are." Aileen chuckles before sighing. "I worry about Absol's reaction once I leave. She's already gotten very attached, as you can see."
"That I do." Marina says teasingly. "Now, it's true that she'll probably be sad for a while. But she'll acclimate soon enough, you'll see. Besides, I don't think it will be an issue so long as you come visit regularly. Which you will, won't you?" She adds, though it's more a statement than a question.
"I'll do my best." The vigilante replies, her hand absently moving to pet Absol. Marina raises an unimpressed eyebrow at her. "Alright, alright. I'll make time." She amends.
"You better."
"Such a harsh taskmaster for a friend I have." Aileen quips before her face turns solemn. "You'll watch over her while I'm away, right?"
The other woman looks almost insulted. "Of course I will. You don't even need to ask."
"Yes, I suppose I don't." The vigilante murmurs, closing her eyes and savoring the calm atmosphere of Agathe Village while she still can. After all, who knows when she'll be back?
"Though it was brief and not because of joyous circumstances, it was a pleasure to see you again, Aileen." Eagun says as they stand at the village's gateway. "I hope you find the time to visit again soon. Beluh and I are quite fond of your company and perhaps I'll even be able to introduce you to my granddaughter Rui."
"The feeling is mutual, Eagun. Again, you have my thanks for everything you've done." Aileen replies with a smile, strapping her bag to her bike. Murkrow, as has become usual, is perched on her shoulder. "Unfortunately, evil doesn't rest and I can ill afford to give Cipher the opportunity to turn the tables on me. Still, Marina made me swear to find the time to come back somewhat regularly and I am loathe to break a promise."
"Treasure your friends, for sometimes they know you better than you know yourself. Until next time, Aileen." The elder sagely says, inclining his head to her and walking back into Agathe Village.
"So none showed up, in the end. Guess it was too optimistic to hope I could convince them so early after their captivity." Aileen mutters, amber eyes closing with a sigh. "Ah well, no use dwelling on it. Let's go, Mur-"
"Cu! Cubone!"
The cry grabs her attention just as she sits on the Daytona, her head turning to find the, admittedly somewhat strange, sight of a Cubone riding a Growlithe, the fire-type panting as it covers the last dozen meters between them.
"Hello there." Aileen greets the duo. "What can I do for you? Did you come to say goodbye? Or is there something you wish to tell me?" "Do I dare hope?"
For a moment, both Pokemon simply stare at her, seemingly searching for something. Then, wordlessly, the Cubone points its bone club at Aileen before lightly smacking both its chest and the Growlithe's flank.
Her lips curve into a smile. That's certainly explicit enough. "Are you sure? This won't be easy, you know?" Yet even as she says that and they nod, she can see in their eyes that their minds are set. She takes two empty pokeballs from her belt and sets them on the ground. "Last chance to back out."
Both pokemon step forward, touching the pokeballs' buttons and disappearing inside. A second later, the two balls click shut, signaling successful captures.
"Welcome to the fight, Cubone, Growlithe. Welcome to the team." Aileen says softly, clipping the pokeballs on her belt. "Looks like I spoke too soon, eh Murkrow?"
"Krow." The flying/dark type huffs with an amused expression.
Fixing her desert googles on her face, Aileen turns the ignition key and, with the roar of the Daytona's engine, speeds away from Agathe Village. The ride back to Phenac City and Sophia's shop goes without incident, thankfully.
"Ah, Aileen. I was wondering when you'd get back." The black-skinned shopkeeper greets her as she comes into the shop through the backdoor. "Congratulations on another successful raid. You've made national news."
Amber eyes blink. "As much as it annoys me, I guess it's not that surprising." Aileen sighs before smiling at her friend. "How are you, Sophia? I hope there hasn't been too much trouble while I was gone?"
"Been doing good. Business is still going strong and not much has happened, surprisingly." Sophia replies with a thoughtful hum before grinning. "Guess you've got them spooked!"
"The encounter I had with Mirror B. says otherwise." The vigilante says, making Sophia go wide-eyed. "Yeah, I didn't expect him to show up either. The man may be a fashion disaster but he's sharp."
"So the admins are already aware, then." The spymaster mutters, rubbing her chin. "And he just let you go?" She asks, raising an eyebrow.
"He figures I'll come after him in due time if I continue on this path." Aileen answers. "He's not wrong."
"Tch." Sophia clicks her tongue. "And we've no choice but to wait for the other shoe to drop. You're right, the guy is smarter than he lets on."
"I'd be wary of anyone being able to achieve the rank of admin within Cipher with a team composed solely of Ludicolos regardless." Aileen says, crossing her arms. "Anyway, I have a couple of new team members I need to assess. Is there anything else I should know before I head for the training fields?"
The shopkeeper snaps her finger. "Oh yeah! Hang on a sec!" She says, typing furiously on her keyboard for a few moments before turning the monitor toward her. "Here, take a look."
"What am I looking at?" The vigilante asks, narrowing her eyes at the blurry pictures on the screen. There seems to be some kind of white and gray shape in common between all of them but what-
"We may have a lead on Aron's location."
At those words, Aileen stiffens, eyes all but burning a whole into the computer as they look back and forth between the blurred photographs. Slowly, she turns to Sophia, her expression one of determination and cold anger.
"Tell me everything."
And that's a wrap for this 6th chapter. Slowly but surely, the timeline of Colosseum is approaching and Aileen finally has a lead on Aron. Maybe.
Cubone and Growlithe will get their proper introductions next chapter, don't worry.
As always, do leave a review, follow and/or favorite if this has caught your attention. I welcome constructive criticism but flames will be ignored.
Until next time!
This is MidnightFenrir, signing out.