Audio Log – Entry 1.1: Introduction
My name is Dr. Maitland Marlow, top researcher under the employment of the glorious Team Rocket, headed by the command of our magnificent leader, Giovanni. Under his orders, I shall be making a recording of my findings of the test subject for Project: Perfect Storm. The subject won't arrive until tomorrow, so it gives me time to make preparations.
It is truly an honor to be tasked by Giovanni to study the creature. He has hired a band of misfit agents to assist with one Thomas Waltz regarding the reverse-engineered PsychoWear. Honestly, though I trust the boss' judgment, I fail to see how those three can contribute to anything. They're an embarrassment to the organization.
Wait…Wait, no, there's four of them. I keep forgetting the robot.
Still, they can't compare to my brilliance. Though I'm nowhere near the brilliance of Namba or Zager, I've made my fair share of contributions towards researching the various Pokémon under our control in hopes of bringing a shining new era under the banner of Team Rocket. I've exceeded the likes of my colleagues with my intellect alone.
Why, Zager was so impressed with my assistance that he…he shook my hand. What an honor! Oh, if only hygiene wasn't so mandatory. I would've preserved that handshake until the end times.
I, uh, should probably redact this from the official reports.
I know very little about the creature Giovanni requested me to study. I wondered why Namba and Zager weren't heading the research themselves. Surely they would do a much more thorough study that could exceed the likes of my own. But no. No, Giovanni wanted me to head the analysis. He said he saw…potential in me. He said only I could study the creature.
I was speechless, but I accepted without a word.
This could be my big break. If I did a good job analyzing the creature, perhaps I'll be promoted to the same rank as my idols. If that happens, I would finally be able to fund my research projects. I've always been inspired by my idols, but to actually have the authority to run my own project? It's a dream come true.
I must not fail. I've studied the most volatile of creatures under Team Rocket's care. I fear no challenge from this monster.
Audio Log – Entry 2.1: The Creature
I headed down to the underground lab bright and early. Papers, pencils, spare pencils, extra spare pencils, a coffeemaker, you name it. I intended to sleep in the lab if necessary. I wanted everything to be perfect. Today was the big day.
I made myself presentable when Giovanni entered the lab to greet me. I'm embarrassed to say I nearly fumbled over my words when we shook hands, but I kept an outwardly coolness…I hope. Dear me, I must've looked like a dork.
He explained a little about Project: Perfect Storm, though nothing of the actual objective with the project. All he needed from me was to study the creature and see if there's a way to…pacify it, he said.
I had to refrain from acting smug. Pacify? Talk about an easy challenge. Team Rocket is no stranger to difficult Pokémon, thus certain measures need to be taken to keep them under control. Brainwashing's too ineffective and time consuming. Mind control technology is at our fingertips, though it's such a hassle to charge dozens of mind control devices. Psychic Pokémon are always an option, too.
Personally, I've always been a fan of a good ol' fashion lobotomy. Sure, it's messier and takes a little longer than slapping a device on and calling it a day, but the long term works out in the end. I don't perform the surgery myself, but I do assist with it. It was especially cathartic with that one Nidoking we performed on. That thing was a nightmare. Nearly skewered me when it broke from its cage. Not so high and mighty now, are you?
Eventually, a couple of grunts wheel in some kind of cylindrical container and take it into the walled-off holding cell divided by a thick pane of glass. I watched one of the grunts grab something off the wall while the other carefully unloaded the precious cargo onto the floor. That man bolted out of the holding cell without even bothering to take the container with him. He looked pale as a Ghost-Type or something.
The other grunt hooked a harness around the creature before taking the container and leaving. His walk was brisk, but not as cowardly as his partner.
Giovanni explained to me that the creature had to be hooked to a special device to keep his…abilities in check. Can't say I understand, but I wasn't going to question the boss. It looked harmless enough. It seemed to be sleeping.
Giovanni left me to my work with a "Good luck", as if he knew I would complete his assignment without fail. I was truly humbled by his complete confidence in my abilities. Oh, I do hope I can satisfy his expectations. I would love to discuss my project ideas with him someday. They would make a glorious contribution to the Team Rocket workforce.
Anyone, that's enough rambling from me. I shall commence with my work and report back afterwards.
Audio Log – Entry 2.2: Examining the Creature
It's been three hours since the creature was left in my care. When I was informed the creature was unlike anything I've ever seen, I expected it to be something from another region. Turns out, I was further from the truth than I suspected.
Upon first glance, this creature appears to be some sort of Charmeleon. General anatomy and the like check out, or at least what I could register externally. This Charmeleon, however, isn't quite your run-of-the-mill Pokémon. It's…something else, though I'm not sure how to describe it.
Coloration is off. Research has concluded the existence of a type of Charmeleon with a lighter skin pigment bordering on a pale orange. The so-called "Shiny Pokémon" phenomenon where a Pokémon gains a glittery luster to their skin along with an unusual change in their skin's normal pigmentation. This, however, is unlike any pigmentation I've seen from this species. It's closer to the Charizard, and even that's not entirely accurate.
Dark purple skin and light purple underbelly. A purple flame flickered on the tip of its tail. I dared to step into the cell during its slumber and examined the eyes. No reaction from my flashlight.
The eyes were very strange. The sclera was a light shade of purple. The irises were red. Actually, red may not be the best description for them. They were like two little beacons of light. They seemed to give off a stronger glow in reaction to my flashlight. It was like staring at a Noctowl in the dead of night with its creepy, unblinking eyes.
I speak from experience, of course.
Seeing as the creature was still unresponsive, I used this time to extract a blood sample. I may have pulled too much, but it'll live. I wouldn't want to harm Giovanni's prized test subject.
Though, as I am currently looking at the blood while recording this, I must say it's…unnerving to look at it. I've seen some weird things from studying Pokémon anatomy, but I've never quite seen black blood. It is actually quite disgusting, and I am no stranger to blood. It looks like old molasses mixed with coal tar. This is the kind of thing I would expect from a corpse, not a living creature.
That thing was alive when I checked on it, right? I…don't remember if I felt for a pulse or not. I…well, I assume the subject is alive. Yes, Yes, Maitland, it's alive. Stop getting funny ideas. That thing would've been partway decomposed if its blood turned this color.
What a fascinating creature, though.
Audio Log – Entry 2.3: The Blood
I am currently examining the blood I drew from the creature, and I've come upon a most unusual discovery. I used a machine to test the DNA, and it's…I, uh…I am not sure how to best describe it.
I've tested it with blood samples from the Charmeleon line to find a link. There's something, but it's different. There's something else about the DNA I can't describe. Ugh, use your words, Maitland. Remember: professionalism.
This creature's blood appears to have undergone some form of mutation when compared to a normal sample. I prodded a sample of the corrupted blood with a soldering iron to see how it reacts to extreme heat, to see if it maintained any of its normal blood's characteristics. Strangely, even as I prod it now, I get a reaction I wasn't quite suspecting.
The destroyed blood cells have been newly replicated.
Audio Log – Entry 2.4: The Blood's Properties
Incredible! Truly amazing.
As I tested the limits of the blood's replicative properties, even as it rests inside a dish away from the body, it continues to regenerate. Its cellular replication is incredible. It's like it's repairing itself each time it is induced by physical trauma.
Further analysis required.
Audio Log – Entry 2.41: The Blood's Properties
This goes beyond normal blood production. Blood is normally produced within the bone marrow of a creature, yet this substance replicates itself without fail. I'm beginning to question if this stuff can truly be called blood.
Further analysis required.
Audio Log – Entry 2.5: The Blood's Internal Mechanisms
My analysis of this substance I shall continue referring to as "blood" has yielded some fascinating results. My hypothesis that this substance is not normal blood couldn't be further from the truth. If anything, it almost mirrors the biology of a Ditto, yet not quite.
Ditto are fascinating research subjects. I've studied quite a few, and my research on them might solve this conundrum with the "blood".
I took a skin sample off the creature and found it closely resembles the substance's makeup. Much like a Ditto, this substance may not be just an ambiguous liquid, but the actual creature itself. I even found that after I took a skin sample off the creature, the flesh repaired itself just as soon as I got up.
From close examination, I've determined that the substance stores vast amounts of energy in its individual cells. I also discovered that in very, very minute seconds upon inducing damage to the substance, any energy from a lesser group of cells instantly transfer to the majority.
Let's suggest that ninety percent of the creature's body was eradicated, leaving behind half a limb. In that moment, all the energy inside the creature's cells transfers as much of itself as possible to the unaffected body part to induce regeneration. Though, this…this is absurd. Not only is each individual cell working in tandem with each other like a computer, but…to transfer so much energy from the body and store it into a smaller space? That is beyond normality, or basic science. There is clearly more to the creature's biology than human eyes can perceive.
I do wonder if my Ditto comparison still stands true. Though, Pokémon can draw from a force we humans cannot perceive. This is how most can induce attacks despite some breaking the laws of nature. If we can accept something like Kyogre or Dialga, then that just leaves the question of this creature's origins.
I wonder how Giovanni even came across this creature.
Current working theory: the creature may be a lost link from the Ditto.
Audio Log – Entry 3.1: Awakening
I am now currently recording my reaction. The creature has finally roused from its slumber. According to the boss, this creature has been asleep for five days upon its capture.
It is currently taking in its new surroundings. It has taken notice of the harness strapped around its body. Light prodding and scratching, though it doesn't look like it feels trapped or in danger. It's more curious than scared.
It stands on its two legs and stretches. It continues to search through the cell. Huh, it almost looks…annoyed, yet also bored. I could never tell what a Pokémon was feeling through its facial expressions. They usually try to stampede over me during experimentation. Though, as of now, the creature doesn't appear hostile—
It just turned toward me!
My…My word, its eyes are such a haunting red.
Audio Log – Entry 3.2: Behavioral Analysis
With the creature now awake, I attempt to socialize with it by offering it food. I gave it a brand of poke food meant for Charmeleon. I cannot imagine how hungry it must be after five days unconscious.
It studies the food with little concern. It doesn't hesitate for a moment to pick the food up and sniff it. It seems annoyed. It does not appear to like the food—no, no, it's now eating the food.
Oh, that's an unappealing face. It does not appear to like the taste, though it's still eating from the bowl. Still, this is going much better than that Nidoking incident. The creature hasn't even tried to break out of the cell once.
Audio Log – Entry 3.21: Behavioral Analysis
Upon finishing its meal, the creature occupies its time by roaming the empty space. There's a certain elegance to how it studies the cell. It walks much like a man. Proper, refined, and with a quizzical demeanor. It's just walking around, tapping on the walls.
TAP, TAP, TAP!
It just passed by me, tapping on the glass that divides us.
Did…Did it smirk at me?
Audio Log – Entry 3.22: Behavioral Analysis
It's sitting in the middle of the cell. It looks like it's meditating. Even the flame on its tail has calmed, flickering like a flame atop a candle wick. It's quite enchanting to watch. This thing is much smarter than I anticipated.
I wonder what it's thinking right now.
Audio Log – Entry 3.3: Break
Currently eating soup.
…That's all.
Ugh, I'm bored.
Audio Log – Entry 3.4: Contact
I believe I have earned the creature's trust enough to conduct socialization. Though I cannot understand Pokémon, the creature's intelligence favors me. We should be able to speak despite the language barrier.
Ahem…hello, creature.
"…"
My name is Dr. Marlow, and I wish to learn more about you.
"…"
You're a fascinating creature. A remarkable find by the glorious Giovanni. He must take keen interest in you to authorize this study. Rest assured, you're in good hands under my care, provided we don't have any difficulties with each other. Understand?
"…Cha…"
Ah, do you wish to say something? It will all be recorded, so speak clearly.
"…Cha…Cha…heh. Charmed, I'm sure. A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Marlow."
…What the fu—
CRASH!
Audio Log – Entry 4.1: Speech?!
It talked?! The creature! It can speak! How is this…?
Calm yourself, Maitland. Calm down. This…isn't as abnormal as you're making it out to be.
Uh, I need to lie down for a moment. And clean up this mess I made.
Audio Log – Entry 4.2: The Creature can Speak
After composing myself, I've concluded that the creature is capable of understanding AND speaking human speech. This phenomenon is commonly found among Psychic-Types, who communicate using telepathy, but Team Rocket was blessed with knowledge that any Pokémon is capable of reciting in the human tongue. One of our very own, a Meowth, is one such example.
This is most fascinating. Further analysis required.
Audio Log – Entry 4.3: The Interview
In my attempts to research the creature's biology, I must make contact with it. This'll be a grand discovery of a lifetime.
"Are you going to keep narrating to yourself? You're boring me, human."
The creature seems to have a baseline understanding of human thought, capable of making "quips" as it were.
"Ah, brilliant deduction, Doc. You passed your primary education. Gold star for you."
Ugh. The creature also appears to have something of a mouth. A rather rude one.
"I've entertained your little science show long enough. How about you let me out of this cell, and I can show you what I'm really capable of."
I do not negotiate with Pokémon. You are a test subject for the glorious Team Rocket, and my research on you will prove a mighty boon to our forces.
"Is that the lie you were fed? Oh, this should be fun."
I'd advise cooperating, creature. I have methods to keep you under control.
"Oho! This is getting even more entertaining. Very well, Doc, proceed with your interview. I'm all yours."
I am glad we are seeing reason. Now, to begin: tell me about yourself, creature. I have been studying your unique biology for sometime, and you do not behave like a normal Charmeleon. Could you perhaps give credence to my Ditto theory?
"If you expect me to say I'm related to those goofy-faced blobs, then…well, actually, I wouldn't be surprised. Who knows what my creators through into the blender to create me?"
Creators? Do you speak of Arceus?
"I speak of science, genius. I am what you call a Darkmon, the missing link between Pokémon and their destructive capabilities for mischief and evil. And I am their leader. I am the Lord of Fear. I am the God of Evil. I am…Dark!"
…Pardon?
"What?"
You refer to yourself as a Darkmon, and your name is…Dark?
"Yes?"
…Rather uncreative.
"I was alive for about a few minutes when I came up with that name. Cut me some slack. I like it. Simple and straight to the point. What kind of a name is Maitland, anyway?"
I believe we are getting off track. What can you tell me about these Darkmon?
"…You actually don't know who I am, do you?"
You are the test subject for Team Rocket, and I was entrusted to learn all I can for Giovanni.
"…Heh."
What's so funny, creature?
"Oh, nothing. Shall we continue?"
Audio Log – Entry 5.1: Darkmon Biology
The creature known as Dark was most cooperative in explaining the facets of his biology to me, and he provided a most fascinating array of details. Truly these…Darkmon were a great find. A shame we don't have any more to study.
My theory about the replicating blood was given credence as Dark explained to me the Darkmon's regeneration factors, allowing them to rebuild their bodies at an accelerated rate provided they had the energy to spare. Darkmon can store vast quantities of energy in their bodies, relying on the same principles of how Pokémon pull the ethereal energy needed to create their moves. This energy is stored in the blood cells, acting as miniature pocket dimensions of sorts where each can store a finite amount.
However, according to Dark, he doesn't seem to have a limit to how much energy he can store. According to him, he does have a limit, but it's so astronomically high that it is a paradoxical ceiling that has an undefined height. It is like a perceivable distance between two points, yet a paradoxical infinity keeps these two points from ever reaching each other. He has the potential to evolve in a manner beyond basic evolution.
With a power like that, I am amazed Team Rocket was able to subdue this creature.
Audio Log – Entry 5.2: Darkmon Energy Manipulation
Referring back to ethereal energy for a moment, Darkmon appear to have a unique connection to this force as well. According to Dark, Darkmon other than him draw upon the natural energy of whatever Pokémon they mirror and amplify its effects with their own corrupted energy. This magnifies the capabilities of their corrupted types, like producing a more potent form of poison or greater terrain manipulation.
Dark appears to, again, be the exception, claiming he can absorb the natural energy of a creature and copy it. He claims to have mastery over the eighteen known types, and he believes he can gain even more power should he ever come in contact with the legendary Pokémon.
A creature like this under Team Rocket's control would be incredible. We have had a share of failures trying to restrain a great number of Pokémon in the past, especially of the legendary variety, so to have a creature like Dark under our control would allow us to gain that power without having to control so many dangerous threats.
I am curious why Dark is explaining all of this to me so casually. I expected him to be a bit more resistant since he's, you know, our prisoner.
Well, perhaps he sees the potential in working for Team Rocket. For that, understandable.
Audio Log – Entry 5.3: Darkmon Diet and Sleep Cycles
Dark just complained about his food again. He finally informed me that Darkmon have a strong craving for sour foods. Apparently wherever these creatures supposedly lived, their forest grew an abundance of fruit that had a strong sour taste to them.
I provided the sourest food I could find and offered it to him. He didn't seem impressed, but satisfied that he received something palatable.
I eventually got to witness the sleep cycle of the Darkmon as Dark went to sleep for the first time since he woke up. After reviewing the security footage, Darkmon can go several days without sleep, often only sleeping once a week. Dark seems to sleep around eight to twelve hours during this period.
Curious, I attempted to see how vulnerable he was in this state. I borrowed the lobotomized Nidoking from the lab and sent it into Dark's chamber. On my orders, the Nidoking attacked.
I…was both amazed and horrified that it took no less the three seconds for that Nidoking to not only come hurtling toward the window, but it passed through without breaking the wall open. I did, however, have to jump out of the way as it crashed through my workstation and into the far wall.
I…I could've sworn that harness was suppressing Dark's abilities. That's what Giovanni said, right?
Audio Log – 6.1: The Suppression Harness
Against my better judgment, I had to enter the security chamber to check the harness. I prepared myself in case Dark's reflexes kicked in to attack me, but he continued sleeping without reacting to my presence. It gave me all the time I needed to check his harness for faulty wiring.
Thankfully, there didn't seem to be anything wrong. It was working as intended. Still, that didn't explain how the Nidoking passed through the wall like a ghost. Dark had to have done something to influence its spatial displacement. Maybe it was a fluke.
I am feeling tired. I will continue my research in the morning.
Audio Log – 7.1: Ugh…
I didn't get much sleep last night. I am not sure why. All I could do was lay in bed alone with my thoughts.
It's kind of chilling the things that are conjured up in your mind when you can't go to sleep. Something has to compensate for the darkness, I suppose.
Two hours isn't what I call optimal, but I have work to do.
Audio Log – 7.2: Oops…
I, um…
I appeared to have walked in on the communal cafeteria…in my boxers. The female grunts weren't too amused by this.
Alright. Grab my pants, and get some coffee. I am off my game today.
Audio Log – 7.3: Back on Track
Hopefully this coffee will keep me awake. What was I…oh right.
Well, things seem to be looking better today. My broken workstation got fixed up last night. Even all the equipment I needed was replaced, and exactly as how I would arrange them, too. That's what I call quality service—
"So, I heard you walked into the cafeteria in your boxers. Classy."
…I have just discovered the creature known as Dark can also read minds.
"Pink hearts. Classier."
…I wonder if I can convince Giovanni to lobotomize this creature.
Audio Log – 8.1: Difficulties
It seems whatever comradery I've worked out with the test subject was a fleeting deal. Once speaking to me about his biology and history, he now ignores me whenever I try to prod him for information. I detect no change in his behavior, so I cannot reason why he is acting so defiant all of a sudden. He ignores my demands and meditates in the middle of his chamber.
I may have to implement certain procedures to get him to listen—
"You must love the sound of your voice, doc."
Ugh. The creature refuses to communicate beyond snide jabs, but I must remain professional if I am to unlock the secrets of his species—
"An idiot like you? That's a laugh."
Grrrrrrr. The creature appears to—
"You forget my name or something? Man, I knew you humans were underdeveloped lifeforms, but you must be a special case."
AGH! Why do you taunt me, creature? If you do not cooperate with me, I will be forced to take drastic measures!
"Drastic measures? Oh, that's cute. You think you can threaten me."
Team Rocket has many ways to get difficult creatures like you under control. You will not defy the glory of Team Rocket and the supreme Giovanni!
"Oh? I'd like to see you try."
Tch. Very well.
Audio Log – 8.2: Preparation to Pacify the Creature
After funneling his chamber with knockout gas, I had Dark strapped down and prepared to be placed under our control. I called for Team Rocket scientists, though they were far too cowardly to step into the same room as him. Pathetic. This creature isn't above us. We are humans. We are his masters, and he will obey us.
Team Rocket has a great number of methods to pacify and control difficult Pokémon. It is the only effective way to keep defiant monsters under our thumb. Psychic Pokémon, Dr. Namba's mind control devices, auditory hypnosis, and more. There isn't a technique we've tried that failed to make these loathsome creatures bend the knee.
I shall oversee the procedure and await for Dark to finally understand who is his true master.
Audio Log – 8.3: Psychic Manipulation
We've created a great number of machines designed to amplify and transmit the psychic power of particularly powerful Pokémon. One case file in particular refers to Agents Cassidy and Bob during a mission on Mandarin Island where they used a Drowzee to broadcast its psychic influence and command the island's Pokémon to deliver themselves. It was a perfect plan, though it seems it was foiled due to interference from…
Someone named Ash Ketchum, apparently. Why did they highlight this name? Is he an enemy agent?
Well, regardless of that, these machines should prove useful in bending Dark's mind to our will.
Audio Log – 8.31: Psychic Manipulation
I, uh…um, oh my.
I am reporting in after fifteen minutes of running the psychic control machine, and some peculiar results came from the test. We implemented the psionic abilities of some of the strongest telepaths we could find: Hypno, Grumpig, and even a Malamar that had been obtained from the Kalos region. All three of these Pokémon have tremendous mental manipulation abilities that should've given the machine the boost it needed.
To my and the scientists' horror, however, the machine backfired. Actually, that's putting it gently.
The machine exploded after ten minutes of trying to probe and bend Dark's mind. That, however, wasn't the worst of our current situation. All three Psychic Pokémon are currently convulsing on the floor, trapped in some sort of nightmare-induced coma according to the scientists.
From the brain scans we captured before the machine's destruction, it…appears they made no progress on warping Dark's mind. Actually, I think HE was warping their minds during that procedure.
I may have to check the harness again.
Audio Log – 8.4: Mind Control Device
I've lost a great deal of support from the scientists due to the incident with the Psychic Pokémon, but I managed to convince some to help me with the next step of my plan. I managed to bother one of Dr. Namba's mind control devices. This is able to amplify the aggression levels of a Pokémon while keeping it under our control.
Should, at least.
I can't bother to spare the details. The device exploded seconds after we attached it to the creature. I had to check and make sure he was still unconscious. We've been pumping anesthesia into him nonstop. I dare not think what this creature would do if he were awake.
Audio Log – 8.5: The Dark Ball
I almost appreciate the irony if it wasn't so painful.
The Dark Ball is a device used by the man known as the Iron-Masked Marauder. He was a former elite agent of Team Rocket that once tried to capture Celebi in a bid to overthrow Giovanni. Fortunately, that never came to pass. We have repurposed the Dark Balls he utilized and have been at work recreating them since then. These devices can hijack any Pokémon regardless if they're registered to a trainer or not. Upon capture, they will be put under the influence of the user and become much more powerful and violent. Quite similar to a device rumored in the Orre region from what I've heard.
Due to Dark being asleep, capturing him would be effortless. I am currently holding the Dark Ball. I am now tossing it onto Dark. His body is being enveloped in the dark energy. Now we just wait and—
BOOOOOM!
Audio Log – 8.51: The Dark Ball
…I'm starting to think Darkmon biology has a natural aversion to machines.
Audio Log – 8.6: Auditory Hypnosis
AAAAAGH!
I'm not even going to bother with the explanations! It's not working! There's no change to his brain waves at all! It's like we're trying to dig our way through concrete, only there's hundreds of layers of concrete layered with hundreds of layers of steel EACH!
I know I said earlier I wanted to lobotomize him, but I don't think even that will work! He can have his head cut off and he'll be just fine! What's stabbing his brain going to actually accomplish?!
"Dr. Marlow, maybe you should take a break—"
Oh, shut up! I've got work to do! Have the creature transported back to his holding chamber!
Audio Log – 9.1: Still Can't Sleep!
Who cares about sleeping at this point?! Giovanni ordered me to find out what makes this creature tick, and I'll figure out what makes him tick!
I just need some coffee, and I'll be good to go.
Audio Log – 9.2: Almost Died!
Oh my gods, oh my gods!
That blasted Nidoking! How did he escape his cage?! He came barreling through my room and nearly killed me! I barely managed to shoot him with a tranquilizer. He really looked like he was aiming to kill me!
Agh, I thought he was under control. What were those blasted scientists thinking?! They can't keep one creature under control?!
Audio Log – 9.3: WHAT?!
I…what?! I don't…huh?!
I reported the incident to my higher ups to condemn those incompetent fools who let the Nidoking escape, but…he was still in his cage?
Not only that, when I brought them to my room to investigate the damage, it was perfectly intact. I-I don't understand, I know I was attacked. I saw it with my own eyes! What's going on—
When did you get in here?!
CRASH!
Audio Log – 10.1: He Escaped!
Dark's escaped! He's not in his holding chamber! Oh gods, oh gods! He's somewhere in the building! If Mr. Giovanni finds out about this, I'm screwed!
C-Calm down, Maitland. I just need to bother some Pokémon and track him down. I can sort this out.
Audio Log – 10.2: HuNtInG tHe CrEaTuRe
I borrowed a Houndoom and Mighyena from the storage room to track Dark down. Fortunately, I have samples of his blood they can use to track his scent. I'll have them lead me to the escaped creature.
Audio Log – 10.3: Are You Kidding Me?!
You incompetent mutts!
"ARF!"
"Woooooof…"
Quit your whining! You're less than useless! Why would you lead me back to his holding chamber?! He's not even in here! Do you see anything in here?! DO YOU?! Why are you backing away from me?! Do you realize the trouble I'm in if Giovanni finds out about this?!
I should euthanize you idiot mutts for leading me in circles—YOU!
DARK! Get back here!
You can't escape me!
After him, you idiot hounds! He's right there! Why are you looking at me like that?!
UGH! Useless!
I'm currently in pursuit of the escaped creature! I'm armed with my tranquilizer gun, and he will not escape from me!
I fired a shot, but he phased through a passing grunt. I continue my chase, pushing past the disoriented grunt, and keep firing at the fleeing creature. He is currently taunting me—STOP INTERRUPTING ME!
Do you think you're better than me, creature?! I am Dr. Maitland Marlow! When I get my hands on you, I'll have you dissected molecule by molecule until I've figured out what makes you tick! I am the one in control here!
Oh, you think you're so smart, creature?! You think you can stop me?!
AGH! He went through the walls!
Audio Log – Number Whatever! Who Cares?!
Hahahahahaha! You haven't gotten away yet, Dark! I've armed myself with some special serums that should keep you nice and pacified. I just need to—
AHA!
This is the end of the road for you, Dark! Nothing will get in my way of earning Giovanni's respect! He entrusted me to study you, and I intend to follow his demands to the end of time!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! What's the matter?! You having trouble getting away from me?! I'm not done with you yet, Dark! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! GET BACK HERE!
AHAHA! You fell into my trap! That wall was coated in a special serum that prevents Ghost-Types from passing through! Take this!
AHA! I got you! I got you GOOD! AHAHAHAHA! Yes, YES! Succumb to the effects of the tranquilizer!
Oh, I'm going to enjoy this next part~! Once I pump you full of these drugs, not even your regeneration will save you! Get ready, you mindless little cretin!
AHAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA—AGH! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Audio Log – 12.1: My Final Report
The creature is now on Day Five of complete pacification. He has shown no signs of his former self since being administered with the serum. His intellect has tragically regressed as a result, but that is to be expected.
He currently hobbles around the chamber on all fours, whimpering and laughing in mad bursts. He seems confused by his surroundings, like a scared animal trapped in a tiny cage, yet he takes joy whenever he sees me for some reason. Random bursts of hysteria at my face, perhaps. Perhaps a sign of trauma.
He's still eating his food, though his table manners have regressed as well. What a messy eater. As expected from a lower lifeform.
I'm afraid the effects of the drugs have left him unfit to serve Giovanni's goals, but this is the price to pay for research. This creature serves as a reminder that we are not gods, but mortal beings that have our own flaws and shortcomings. We aren't perfect.
Well, except for me, obviously. I can't do wrong.
I'm surprised he lasted through my tests as long as he did. Giovanni already has plenty of data on the Darkmon. He just needed to make sure their fear-amplification abilities wouldn't pose a problem. Thankfully, it's something only the first Darkmon can do. After all, he is the Lord of Fear.
Well, I've had my fun. Thank you for this entertaining round of research…Dr. Maitland Marlow.
Dark shut off the recorder and set it aside. He sat back on Maitland's desk and smirked through the glass pane dividing the lab from the holding chamber. The former doctor wobbled around, his clothes stained with dirt and grime, and his body and hair unkempt from his dip into madness. He panted like a wild hound Pokémon, clawing at his scalp with a crazed look in his eyes.
"Oh Maitland~."
The human doctor jolted toward the pane. Dark stood by the window, waving with a mocking grin and sinister glow in his eyes.
"How are we doing today?" he whispered.
Maitland met the haunting gaze of the Darkmon and suddenly burst into a fit of hysterical laughter so intense that tears streamed down his face. He crumpled to the floor, clawing at his face hard enough to draw blood from his cheeks. He kicked the floor, convulsing in his maddening laughter.
Dark's smirk grew. "Ah, same as usual. Good to know."
"I believe I've seen enough."
Dark smirked over his shoulder as someone entered the lab. "Want a sample of what he's having, Giovanni?"
The leader of Team Rocket narrowed his eyes. "You will be the key to Team Rocket's success. If you can assist me in taking over the world, you will have free reign to do as you please with humanity. So long as you swear allegiance to me."
Dark scoffed. "I swear allegiance to no one." He smirked back at the holding chamber. "However, I did have fun toying with your scientist here, so…I suppose I could at least make myself useful around here. As long as I can rebuild the Darkmon and have our own stretch of land to flourish, I couldn't care less what you do with the rest of the world."
Giovanni smiled evilly at the malevolent Charmeleon. "Then it appears…we have much work to do."