Author's Note:
Here it is, the fifth chapter and the introduction to one of the more important side characters. She got a slight cameo in the first chapter but as far as rivals go, she has one of the more interesting game arcs. I really wanted to implement their story from the games, and they'll have some roles for things further down the road. Expect them to be a mixture from the games & anime. We also get more of a look into Plasma & their methods with over-arching goals. Oh, happy holidays to everyone whose celebrating and you can expect the next chapter on the first day of the New Year. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin
Chapter five: Plasma & the Dream yard
His eyes flashed up as a sign welcoming them to Striaton stood tall. Unlike the previous towns, this was a fully instigated city with some decent sized buildings in the air. If it were any other region, he'd guess this was the regions capital but being Unova, he knew they went big with everything they did.
Glancing down to his side, his pure ground type ran ahead with a slight skip in his step. He's been the most excited about a possible gym battle. Having to sit out both of his last Johto gyms meant he's been itching to earn another badge. Heh, if he's being honest. Marowak is more excited than even himself about the league challenge... he originally started competing to impress his father but given the recent developments there... he shook his head.
"Guess you're going to run off straight to the gym?" Iris asked with a know-it-all tone.
"Nope..." he rolled his eyes. "First thing is centre, check-up and room booking. Then I need to see what sort of gym we'll be facing. Consider the options-"
"Just let Charizard loose sweep." She shrugged. "I doubt a first gym can handle a dragon like-"
"How many times, Charizard isn't dragon, he's fire flying." He cut her off. "And news flash, gym leaders have set teams for different skilled trainers."
"Not in Unova," she replied.
"What?" he asked.
"They use too." She continued. "But Plasma scared a lot of gym leaders off. It was hard for the league to keep eight of them open. Take Striaton."
"It's not gonna be some know-it-all kid who just got the job like a week ago?" he asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"No... it's a group of brothers," she replied, "I heard none passed the gym leader test but the eldest won a tournament or something. They can only be the first gym because of their combined experience. Rumour has it, they pick which one battles based on the Pokémon the challenger has."
"Yippee... sounds like it won't be until the later gyms that they provide a challenge-" He sighed. "Guess they could still be useful for the Unovan team. Maybe they could be a decent test for Tepig or-"
"And why not just use Charizard?" she asked. "Your guaranteed to win."
"First, don't talk in absolutes. It's stupid." He clarified. "Second, it would be easy but what's the point. I'd rather let Tepig lose and learn what we need to work on then let Charizard or any of the others win a battle I know they'll win and learn nothing. It's a gym, not the league, I can rechallenge if needed."
"Why do you need to list everything like it's an answer on a test?" she asked with an annoyed groan.
"Maybe you'll actually learn something." He replied, flicking his eyebrows up with a smirk.
"Whatever." She rolled her eyes. "There's meant to be a farmers market nearby. I'm gonna check out the fruit vendors. Meet you outside the centre."
Not being one to argue, he enjoyed the peace and quiet as she took off towards the bustling street on the left. Taking the split path, he continued to read the signs as he made his way to the centre. Marowak slowed down and walked by his side, seeming to have calmed down from the gym anticipation.
Upon entering the centre, he walked up to the cue at the front counter. His eyes focused on the assistant Pokémon, being a bipedal, pink-and-cream Pokémon with oval, blue eyes. The top of their head, back, and arms are pink, while the lower half of their face, body, ears were cream-coloured, as well as the front and fingers. The patterning of pink and cream on the chest resembled a sort of jacket. Each hand had three digits while the feet each had two. With a puffy, white tuft for a tail. With floppy ears with thin, curled extensions on the underside.
Watching the medical mon serve the trainer in front, his attention turned towards two boys. They were sat at a table by the window having a pretty loud discussion. He couldn't say he's surprised since everyone in Unova seems to lack an indoor voice.
"Just stay away from there!" The clearly older boy ordered. "You know what Plasma does to trainers and there Pokémon."
Feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, he turned and stormed over to them. "Where's Plasma?" he asked, leaning down on the table.
"Wha-" the older boy gasped. "Your that hero from Nuvema! Your apart of Plasma!"
"Don't insult me!" He raised his voice, slamming a fist on to the table. "I'm no hero and I'll never be a part of Plasma. Don't make me ask twice."
"Th-they're doing something in the Dream yard-" the older boy stuttered. "I don't know what, but they don't want a crowd."
"And the cops?" he asked.
"You're kidding?" the younger boy asked.
"The cops don't even investigate when they take trainer's Pokémon and call it liberation," the older boy explained, "ever since the group got a following the president's been lenient. At this point they could storm the Capitol building and riot and he still wouldn't stop them."
"Right-" he sighed, closing his eyes. Standing up, he turned and started walking to the videophone booth.
"Maro?" he asked.
"Yeah bud-" He nodded. "The gyms going to need to wait. And we're going to need some reinforcements."
Taking a seat, he called the lab back in Pallet. Speaking with the elderly professor, he quickly exchanged his line-up. Attaching each device to his belt, he made the mental note of his new line up of: Charizard, Starmie, Machamp, Snorlax and Piloswine. With Marowak right beside him.
Walking away from the videophone, he clipped the last Pokéball back onto his belt. As he exited into the lobby, he found Iris waiting with Axew.
"Care to tell me what you've been up to?" she asked.
"Getting reinforcements." He pulled a device off his belt to show her. "We don't know what to expect in the Dream yard so-"
"Dream yard?!" she gasped. "What're you-"
"Plasma's doing something and I want to know what." He declared.
"Y-you're seriously going after them?" she asked. "B-but the police-"
"Let me give you a little bit of advice." He cut her off. "The cops don't care. Plasma want to raise themselves up by stepping on other trainers and their Pokémon's throats. They need to be stopped and if it won't be the cops, or the courts... then it's going to be me."
"B-but-"
"I'm not going to force you to join me." He turned and started walking towards the location. "But Plasma has already proven to be a threat."
With each step, his mind focused on the mission ahead and just what exactly they'll find. Pulling out his Pokégear, he looked up the location.
It clearly isn't a public protest given the secrecy around but from his research it's an abandoned industrial complex overtaken by wild Pokémon. With it getting the name because of it being a new environment for the Munna species to repopulate.
Glancing back, he noticed the aspiring dragon master quietly following. Turning his attention back, he really wasn't bothered by her choice.
The image of the green haired boy from Accumula town flashed in his head. Would he be meeting N again so soon? Will he finally see their true colours?
He tightened his hand around his club as the sounds of Pokémon crying echoed from the distance. Rushing up to the shrub, he peaked through to see an old laboratory building with a massive section destroyed and different vegetation creeping inside. A large pick-up truck was parked up beside the dismantled wall with a blonde-haired girl tied up and gagged, a round orange Pokémon lying next to her, unconscious.
In front of him, however, stood three humans. Two were dressed in the silver armor the plasma grunts from before wore while the other was in more robes like that Ghetsis guy. This time being beige in colour and not quite as large or show-off-ish. The grunts were kicking a Pokémon around as others of the same species littered the surrounding area. His hands shook in anger as tears stung his eyes.
The pink, nearly spherical quadrupedal Pokémon cried out. The shiny, oval, red eyes with two discernible upper eyelashes wept tears as they crashed across the ground. Four tiny, tapered limbs were useless to stop the assault. With dirt splattering up and messing up the purple, five-petal flower markings with dark pink centres which covered most of the body. A tapered snout lifted up to reveal the sizeable mouth as a pink mist exhaled from the top. As the snout lowered, he saw the exhale coming from the darker shade of pink, oval spot between the eyes.
"There's the dream mist-" the sage hissed. "Collect it, Cofagrigus."
A blue and yellow sarcophagus-like Pokémon with red, menacing eyes and four ebony hands that seemed to be shadows phased in in front of the poor Pokémon being abused. Sharp fangs made up a taunting smile beneath the eye-mask with a sinister laugh seeping out. His trainer pulled out his Pokédex:
Cofagrigus, The coffin Pokémon. The final evolved form of Unovan Yamask. There are many depictions of Cofagrigus decorating ancient tombs. They're symbols of the wealth that kings of bygone eras had. Grave robbers who mistake them for real coffins and get too close end up trapped inside their bodies
"That's Bianca!" Iris gasped.
"Keep it down or you'll give up our location already-" Drake shushed her. "We need a plan of attack."
"What're you thinking?" she asked, in a hushed voice.
"We've got three jobs... rescue this Bianca... save the Munna and stop the trio..." He sighed. "Obviously, Cofagrigus is one of the heavy hitters... I think Snorlax will make a good counter. Given the normal and ghost type immunities. While we create a distraction with a battle, Marowak, I want you to sneak around and get the Munna they've hurt to safety. Out of sight and don't draw attention either. We'll try to drag out the fighting until your back on our side."
"What about me?" Iris asked.
"You know whoever this Bianca is-" He shrugged. "You can use the same distraction to go and free her. I'm sure Axew can cut those ropes without difficulty."
"She's a trainer... an assistant to Professor Juniper-" she replied, "we had a battle the day before I met you. Don't you care about her safety?"
"I told you that you can save her, I'm more needed in battling these guys-" he replied, "and will caring about her help save her or the Munna?"
"W-well-"
"I thought not." He cut her off, unclipping a Pokéball. "And I'll continue to not make that mistake. I suggest you do the same."
Stepping out of the bush, he tossed his Pokéball into the air. Bursting open, the large normal type materialised and slammed down on the feel, sending a small seismic shockwave out. Causing the two grunts to stumble over as he let out a loud robust cry. Drake ran up and stood to his side, locking eyes with the sage.
"A trainer?" the elderly man asked. "Who are you, boy?"
"The trainer whose going to stop you from hurting these Munna," he replied.
"Hurt? We're merely collecting their dream mist," he replied, "this is for their own good. If you knew what we're going to do-"
"Doesn't look like it's for their own good," he replied, "you claim to be all in on Pokémon rights but you're the ones kicking them about. Talk about hypocrites."
"You'll see-" The man snickered. "When you've heard our kings heartfelt speech with the dream mist in your system-"
"So, your using the mist to... what?" Drake cut him off. "Hypnotise the public... you know you're in the wrong, so you need to brain wash others?"
Pinching his lips together and narrowing his eyes. His mind rushed through the Pokémon he knew from Kanto and Johto, the closest comparison would be the Drowzee species. With it being a singular evolutionary line with a pure psychic type who have connections to the dreams. He looked up to warned his trainer.
"Sigilyph... if you'd please-" A shadow blocked out the sun and he turned to see a second Pokémon floating down. "You see, I am one of the Seven Sages of Team Plasma. Ghetsis, another of the Seven Sages, will liberate Pokémon with words alone! The remainder of the Seven Sages have ordered their compatriots to take Pokémon with full force! And given your chances of escape are minimum, we'll have your thoughts sorted before your free to go."
He quickly studied the multicoloured, totem pole-like Pokémon. A single cyan eye on the stick where the head should be. With two similar-looking eyespots (distinguishable because they never blinked) on the body. The base was mostly black with a green zigzag pattern in the middle and the black pattern surrounded by green. A pair of wings and a long tail-like appendage that were yellow with blue and red stripes on each of the feathers. Two black 'feet' with three toes on each stuck out to the side of the body. Drake pulled and scanned the second opponent with his Pokédex:
Sigilyph, The avianoid Pokémon. A discovery was made in the desert where Sigilyph fly. The ruins of what may have been an ancient city were found beneath the sands. Some say they were the guardians of the ancient city. Others say they were the guardians' emissaries.
"Why bother trying to resist when your clearly out number?" the sage asked.
"Just because you've got Bill and Ben to get their hands dirty doesn't mean you've got me outnumbered-" Drake smirked, tossing out two more devices. In a flash of light, Charizard and Starmie joined his side. Sneaking over to a nearby tree, he kept hidden by the vegetation.
Charizard roared and charged up into the air. The golden feathered bird tried to follow but was clearly lagging behind.
Psychic waves radiated out of the avianoid Pokémon as the force keeping him on earth increased. He almost tripped as he slowed his run.
A quick shot of ice struck the psychic flying type, cancelling out the gravity. Knocking them further into the air, a series of flames engulfed from above.
Shaking his head, he stood up and located a few of the Munna. Diving out into the open, he picked two up before turned and diving back into the bush.
"You guys, okay?" he asked.
"We've... been better-" one of them groggily replied, "wh-where did you come from?"
"My trainer... he's the one fighting right now," he explained, "he said to use the distraction and get as many of you to safety."
"The ones by the truck... they were used first-" the second one coughed. "I'd go for them next."
"Will do..." He nodded. Standing up and peaking around the tree. "Just keep down and quiet. We need to be stealthy."
His eyes landed on to the battle between that ghost coffin and Snorlax. The normal types fists were coated in flames as he swiped straight into the blue fire balls coming from his opponent. Hovering barely off the ground, the ghost type kept just out of reach of the massive beast.
A red beam shot out of Cofagrigus' eyes and struck Snorlax. Freezing in place, his fists returned to normal as the flames disappeared.
"Use the earth to protect from burns!" Drake's voice echoed.
Shaking out from the trance, a new wave of will-o-wisps came flying. Stomping his feet on the ground, a cloud of dust erupted around him.
Flying out whilst curled up like a ball. He crashed into his opponent, knocking them down onto the floor. Uncurling as he flew over, he thrusted himself down onto the ghost type. Sending out a massive seismic shake across the ground. Bracing himself, he sent out his own magnitude as a seismic shield.
The two grunts stumbled over and fell on the behinds as Snorlax crunched down hard on his opponent. Swinging his head to send him flying over the ground.
Seconds after the shaking stopped, he took off and ran towards the truck. His eyes locked on the Munna lying on the ground.
Skidding to a halt, he used his body to cover one of the psychic types. Looking around, he found Iris and Axew climbing up onto the truck to the girl.
"Wha-Hey!" A male voice cried. "There's some more of them!"
Turning to the source, he found the grunts getting up and looming towards them. His hand tightened around the bone as his heart beat increased.
"Oh no, Axew-" Iris cried as he dragon jumped onto the ledge of the truck.
"Get the girl and these Pokémon to safety." He growled back to the dragon. "I'll deal with them."
Standing up, he flicked the bone in his hand as each of them produced a Pokéball. Tossing his projectile forward, it struck the first grunts head and flicked back into the air as he took off running. Leaping off the ground, he grabbed his weapon and entered an arc into the first grunt he hit.
Landing with his feet onto his shoulders, his full body weight knocked him over. Spinning on top of the grunt, he extended the bone out.
Hitting the back of the second grunts legs, he tripped the second one up. Having them both lie next to each other.
Walking off the two downed grunts, he spun the bone in his hand and slammed it down into the ground. Two rocks burst out of the ground, in diagonal directions, acting as a cover and trapping both of the Plasma members without being able to move enough to release their Pokémon.
"I thought you guys were all about Pokémon liberation." He sneered. "I'm saving you from putting your Pokémon through a fight you hate so much."
As he walked back over to the truck, he noticed Iris carrying a Munna as the girl leaned on her shoulder. Axew was carrying a Pokéball, presumably with the pig-like Pokémon inside. Letting out a breath of relief, he let the moment wash over him but a shadow from above came back into play.
The golden-feathered bird came down from above. His eyes looked around and noticed the Cofagrigus holding Starmie down as Snorlax tried to break the grip.
Charizard could be seen high in the sky, but he knew the avianoid Pokémon could get off a couple moves first. Running forward, the eye glew with ESP.
Kicking the ground, a sharp stone jumped up out of the ground. Swinging his bone like a baseball bat, he sent the smack down rock flying at high speed.
Entering a run, it struck the flying psychic type. Causing the opponent to lose altitude as he closed in. Closing his eyes, he let the inner pain and darkness of his past spread through his cells. Engulfing his bone with dark type energy, he flung it and the club struck Sigilyph once more.
He jumped and knocked the bird into the air more as the fire lizard grabbed them. Shooting out a flamethrower as they took off once more.
A fire torrent surrounded both of them as he landed beside the human girls. Turning on a heel, he noticed more of the Munna on the floor.
Taking off, he refocused on his initial mission. Picking up more of the Munna as Snorlax continued to battle the defensive ghost type.
Draken narrowed his eyes as Starmie turned slightly. "Scald straight down!"
A jet of water shot out of his water psychic type blasting them up from the grip. Spinning through the air, his Pokémon landed beside him.
"Let's let Snorlax handle this and go-" Before he could finish the sentiment, a flaming fire ball landed before him. Sigilyph was in the burning mess with scorch marks over the body. His starter landed behind them with a powerful roar. "So much for keeping the distraction up whilst the hostages are saved."
Looking back to the two Pokémon fighting, he saw Snorlax holding the bottom of his opponent. Spinning around on spot as a gust blew around them.
"Maro Marowak." His ground type arrived with a Munna in hand. Glancing further behind, he noticed the rest of the psychic types along with the girls safely behind them. A smirk spread upon his lips as his eyes caught sight of the grunts trapped under a rock tomb.
"Alright, time to finish this... let them free Marowak-" He turned to the final battle taking place. "Snorlax... its time!"
Letting go off his opponent, the ghost went crashing into the dust. Closing his mouth, his stomach expanded before he opened his mouth.
A thick purple belch liquid erupted from his mouth, engulfing the down ghost. Leaving a trail of toxic liquid straight to his feet.
Clenching his fist, flames erupted around it. Throwing it down, it struck the trail and sent a series of flames across the ground. Reaching the coffin Pokémon, it exploded and sent the opponent flying out. Starmie acted fast, spraying the flaming puddle with water to put it out.
"Y-your Snorlax was toying with him all this time?" Iris stuttered.
"All three of my Pokémon were-" he replied, "they could've finished this in a third of the time if we went all out."
His starter tossed the golden feathered bird down in a puff of dust next to the ghost. His eyes narrowed whilst scanning the elder and couple grunts.
"You hypocrites are done for-" he was cut off.
"Are you threatening us?" the old man scoffed.
"Charizard-" He turned back to his starter. "Next one which speaks, take for a flight." He turned back. "Now that was a threat. See the difference?"
"W-well actually-"
With a powerful roar, his fire flying type flew straight into the grunt. Clutching his arms around the boy, he turned and shot up into the air.
"The difference!" He declared. "Is a threat only works if carried out. Anyone else need an example?"
He waited but no answer came. Only the syrones of police cars. Clicking his fingers, his starter brought the grunt back down. Dropping him off, he nearly fell over as vomit spewed out of his mouth.
"It seems you're the one done for boy-" the elder sneered.
"I know you have the police in your back pocket." He shrugged. "Which is why I'm coming in with... insurance."
"I'm sorry?" he asked, as Charizard slammed back down on his feet, letting the grunt go. He wobbled back and forth, throwing up onto the ground.
"Before we made our move, I tasked another team member with recording the proceedings." He smirked. "It caught everything from your abuse of the Munna and kidnapping to our battle. Including how diligent your commands were or how you allow your underlings to treat the creatures you claim to protect."
"So, it shows you attacking us and trespassing?" he asked.
"Mutually assured destruction-" he replied, "but if I'm arrested then who'll stop the auto upload to every social media site and anonymous email to the news stations? This facade Plasma has worked so hard to show will disappear. Everything you've worked for, gone."
"How do we know that you'll stop it anyway?" he asked.
"Did I stop for an interview after Nuvema port?" he asked. "Of course, not. I hate that public attention. Media are the lowest forms of life you could encounter... present company aside. Why would I inflict more half bit news channels chasing their fifth-teen minutes which will hinder my chance to stop you?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"If I release that clip, your done for in Unova... maybe the whole united states," he explained, "but you can just relocate and start again. I'm going to be opposing you for a time given our... different views. And I'll pull this insurance card again. Once you know I'm being truthal after today's incident by not revealing that footage, you'll allow my daring escapes again until I've figured out a way to stop you for good. Not just scare you into hiding."
"You really think you can just ruin our plans and walk away?" he asked.
"Yeah." He deadpanned.
"Maybe we'll have you arrested to teach you some manners first." He threatened.
"A threat is useless unless followed through." He rolled his eyes. "Then you can be the one to explain to Ghetsis why video of not only your grunts abusing wild Pokémon but a senior member of the organisation watching and encouraging it is trending or whatever happens on... Mew-Tube and Chatot-"
"I think it's called X now." Iris interjected.
"Of course, it is-" He sighed, wiping his face with his hand. Turning back to the man, "so what's it too be? I doubt an abusive prick like him is merciful."
As if on cue, the syrones of police cars echoed and raced towards them. Three cop cars pulled out with an officer Jenny, stepping out first, followed by a few police constables. He couldn't help but notice the difference in attire to her Kantoian and Johtoian counterparts. Instead of different shades of blue, her uniform was plain beige with black highlights with an emerald emblem centre of her cap. The officers surrounded them as Jenny walked between the groups.
"What's going on here?" she asked, directed towards the sage.
"Oh, you know-" He interjected. "Heard Plasma were up to no good. Saw them abusing the Munna... after falsely imprisoning Bianca here and attempting to steal her Pignite. We would tell you all about it but your clearly just interested in listening to the terrorists side. Might as well be talking to myself."
His eyes narrowed as the Jenny moved closer to chat with the sage. While what was being said couldn't be heard, it was clear the man was spinning some sort of story to them. Biting down on his inner cheek, he could only watch as the conversation ended. The officers stood between them as Plasma team packed up into their truck and drove away. Clenching his fist in anger, he knew what the guys from the centre said but he hoped they might've been wrong about it.
"You kids are luck that Gorm doesn't wish to press charges," Jenny spoke, walking towards them. "It's very rude to just attack some-"
"Terrorists?" he interjected. "Just curious, are you going to actually ask what happened or just take their word for it?"
"We know why Plasma were here," she sighed. "They were studying how this laboratory turned into a natural reserve to see if they could do the same with other institutions abandoned by humanity. I know trainers don't like Plasma but that's no reason to attack them."
"Is the kidnapping, falsely imprisoning a trainer and attempting to steal her starter a reason in your eyes?" he asked. "Or them abusing the wild Pokémon?"
"Don't be melodratic-" she warned. "Now one of officers is going to escort you back to the city. I suggest you don't make a habit out of interfering in matters which don't concern you."
"Right-" he muttered, sneering at the warning.
"What about the recording?" Iris whispered in his ear as they walked over to the car. Recalling his Pokémon except for Marowak.
"I was bluffing... but it worked. They brought the bluff," he replied, "it's also a good idea... I'll need to remember it next time."
Climbing into the back of the police car with his ground type taking the seat next to him. Iris climbed in on the opposite side, her Axew sat nicely on her lap and Bianca climbed into the front seat, the injured Munna still resting in her arms. The constable climbed into the driver's seat as the other cars took off.
"How did you know to come anyway?" he asked as the vehicle started moving.
"We already knew of the Plasma research then we heard rumours of some trainers going off to interfere," he explained, "and a Doctor Fennel said an assistant to Professor Juniper was visiting and went to research the Munna themselves."
"And you just took Plasma's words as truthal?" he asked. "Rather than investigate for the truth."
"We've got bigger problems to deal with right now." He sighed. "I might not like their message, but they aren't hurting anyone. Don't get caught up in something you can't handle because next time the members might not be so understanding."
"Of course-" he sighed.
Turning his head to the side, he watched the wilderness disappear as they re-entered the city. An awkward silence filled the car as they came up to the centre, being the first to climb out, he watched the others follow and the car take off. Leading the way inside, he ran up to the desk where Nurse Joy was waiting.
"What happened?" she gasped, looking at Bianca and Munna.
"Plasma happened." He growled. "They were beating dream mist out of the Munna and this one got it the worst. They also tied up Bianca and beat her Pignite into submission. We had to battle them to set both of them free. My Pokémon could use a check-up but it's not urgent by any means."
"Oh my-" she replied, "Audino will take care of the Pokémon. Come on through dear, you need a check-up as well."
Two of the healing assistant Pokémon came along, each with a stretcher. Bianca lay the Munna down on one before following the Nurse deeper into the building. Looking to the second stretcher, he noticed several Pokéball containers. He took off his five Pokéballs and placed them into one of the trays as Marowak jumped up. Axew landed next to him, and they disappeared into the building as well. He figured she'd handed over Pignite's Pokéball at some point.
The patter of footsteps echoed as he turned to see someone running towards them. A women in her mid-to-late twenties came running in with a lab coat on over a pink top and jeans. Her hairs was dark blue and long, flowing down by her legs. She had a small pink and violet flower hairpin keeping it out of her eyes. Rectangle glasses were pushed up as she held her hand over her heart, panting heavily.
"It seems we're not the only ones which need seeing too-" he muttered.
"I-I'm sorry. I was told someone was being brought here," she replied, "I'm sorry for bothering you... I just need to know if Bianca Harlacher has-"
"She came in with us and is being seen too right now-" he explained, "as are her Pokémon."
"Seen too?" She gasped. "What's wrong with her?"
"I don't know the specifics." He shrugged. "But she was captured by Plasma and her Pignite knocked out. We found her tied up on a truck."
"Oh dear," she muttered, stumbling back to a seat on the sofa behind. "If only I insisted on going with her."
"Sorry but who are you?" Iris asked.
"I'm Fennel, Doctor Fennel Plummer-" She introduced herself. "I used to intern at the lab before it became the dream yard."
"What were they working on?" he asked.
"We were studying the Pokémon Munna and their evolved form Musharna... but the company funding us were a part of a hostile takeover and the new backers ended our research," she explained, "over time the Munna and Musharna broke the building apart to be more of a special reserve for themselves."
"And you was working on?" he repeated, tapping his foot.
"The dream-mist the species create and how it can used medically," she replied, "I'm a practising, forensic psychiatrist who specialises in dream therapy."
"Dream-therapy?" Iris asked.
"I believe we could use the dream mist to enter the subconscious, sort of like how we know psychic Pokémon can transmit neo-activity to project their voices and others into someone's head," she explained, "the practical implications are endless, but my own studies are done on a much smaller scale."
"So, what was Bianca coming to you for?" he asked.
"She was picking up my latest report for Professor Juniper," she replied, "she's been overseeing my study and helping with directing the research."
"Now the real question..." He muttered. "What was Plasma planning on doing with this dream mist?"
"I assure you, I haven't the faintest idea," she replied, "but... I never said thank you-"
"And you never have too." He turned and walked up to his room. Pulling out his Pokegear, he began skimming every article he could find on Plasma and also the dream mist... He isn't sure what their over-arching goal is but after the meeting today, he's certain its anything but good.
"Looks like your good to go-"
He hopped off the bed and bowed to thank the nurse who performed his check-up. Walking over to the door, he held it open before glancing back, staring at the Pokéballs on the side. Giving a silent nod, he made his way through the door and out into the corridor. Walking back down the corridor, the way in which they brought him down originally, he gave his bone a light toss as his mind focused on his trainer.
It didn't take long for him to find his trainer back in the lobby, sat at a table to the side of the room with Iris opposite him. He was scrolling through his Pokegear with a troubled expression. He swiftly moved over to join the two humans, with their travelling companions voice becoming hear-able.
"-after what you did, I just not buying it any longer." She declared, sitting back with a triumphant smirk.
"Buying what?" he asked, rolling his eyes.
"This whole, 'I'm not a hero', thing you've got going on." She mimicked with a brooding tone. "You totally are!"
"Not-" he growled.
"What would you call what you did early then?" she asked. "You saved Bianca... and Pignite... and the Munna."
"Do you know why I did what I did today?" he asked. "Why I'm so dead set against Plasma?"
"You're a her-" He cut her off before she could finish the sentiment.
"I'm selfish and a jerk," he replied, "I couldn't care less about Barbra... or whatever her name is. I went to fight Plasma because if they succeed, they'll take away Marowak and the others from me. You should just leave before getting more dragged into a fight you're not ready."
"I may not know why but your so blinded by self-hatred that you can't accept the truth." She retorted.
"And what truth is that?" he asked.
"That you are a hero-" she leaned back with a confident smirk. "It's not who you are underneath... or what you want to be... it's what you do that defines you."
"Heyo!" His trainer turned to face him, and his lips stretched up for a brief moment before settling back down but he kept that glint in his eye.
"But I think your right-" She continued. "Before... I wasn't sure about Plasma. I mean, they make some good points. But they didn't care about the Munna or Pignite. For all their talk about Pokémon liberation, it seems like they're just after power. And they need to be stopped."
"You know, it's unlikely that they're all like the ones today." Drake stood up. "Like that N guy we met... I don't doubt he believes in the lies being spread."
"So, what do we do?" she asked.
"We show the world that their morals is a big joke... that the only one both people and Pokémon can succeed is together," he replied, "and we can only hope that they see the truth... that the guys behind Plasma... their talk is cheap, and actions speak volumes about themselves."
Following his trainer's lead, they walked down a corridor with Iris following behind him. He wasn't really paying attention to the signage on the walls, and they soon came to a stop in front of a door. Drake pushed the door open and stepped inside, following suit, he found the girl from the dream yard sat at the bedside with the Munna lying on the bed, strapped up to some monitors.
"Oh, it's you kids again-" some female in a lab coat greeted. "I'm going to give you some time to catch up. Does anyone want anything from the cafe?"
"No, thank you." "None for me." "No."
He watched the twenty-something women scurry out of the room, leaving just the three trainers and himself with Munna. Walking around the edge of the bed, he climbed onto an empty chair before leaping over to join the psychic type in between them.
"You're the trainers... the ones who save us... Thank you... thank you so much. I can't believe it. Here I am, a Trainer, and I can't even protect my own Pokémon... I'm sorry..." She covered her face as tears leaked down the side. "I'm so sorry about this..."
"It's okay... you've had a tough day-" Iris reassured, walking up to pat her on the back. "It's alright... everyone is safe now."
"Thank you, Iris! No one was hurt. More than anything, I got my darling Pokémon back again!" She lowered her had to reveal a bright smile. "How could I ever thank you... I don't even know your name-"
"You don't need to thank you." Drake mumbled, seeing her attention fully on him. "But you could help. Tell us everything that happened."
"Wha-" She gasped. "why?"
"Because if I'm going to stop them in the future," he replied, "I'll need all the information I can get."
"Are you some sort of cop?" she asked.
"No..." He shook his head. "I'm a trainer... like you. The cops won't be any help."
"What do you mean?" Iris asked.
"You heard the officers earlier. And Plasma themselves." He sighed. "They use the dream mist to make the audiences at speeches more open to having their thoughts changed. With the police covering each protest, the officers have been exposed more than anyone else. We can't trust any of them to fight Plasma."
"That's horrible," Bianca gasped.
"It's what they would've done to you too," he replied, "an airborne drug able to rewrite someone's brain into thinking like you... perfect for any dictator."
"We should tell-" Iris went to suggest.
"No!" He declared. "All we've got is our word and what they said. Chances are anyone who could do something about it has already been exposed. Our best bet is just figure out their end game and stop them before this nightmare they're pushing for becomes a reality."
A slight grumble drew everyone's attention as the pink floating psychic type levitated out of the bed. A thin wire connecting her to the monitor acted as a leash with a wincing expression. She mumbled something but he couldn't quite make it out as she floated over to the blonde-haired girl.
"Huh?" Bianca questioned. "What's wrong, Munna?"
"If I were to guess." Drake interjected. "She's thanking you."
"B-but-" she stuttered. "Why me? You two were the ones who-"
"We may have helped but you went in there first... you risked everything to save her," Drake explained, "and she knows it. You were the hero she needed."
"It wouldn't surprise me if she wished to join your team too." He glanced behind the two trainers he travels with to see that women in a lab coat walking back inside. "People and Pokémon bring the best out of each other. It's the truth people like Plasma can't accept and I think you'd make a formidable partnership."
"I-is that true, Munna?" Bianca asked.
"Ye-yeah-" She nodded. "If you'd have me."
"This isn't the first time Plasma has attacked the Munna... and it likely won't be the last," Drake interjected. "A strong stable trainer-ship over being abused and used... it makes total sense. Thank you-"
Jumping off the bed, he followed his trainer out into the corridor. "Yo! Wait up! You can at least share with the rest of the class!"
"Sorry Marowak, I just had an epiphany-" He turned and kneeled. "Plasma... at least the guys at top. They're playing this like some sort of debate... we're not facing down a criminal organisation like Rocket was... it's a political race..."
"Oh great-" He rolled his eyes. "And I thought that your stabby cousin was a psychopath... is it too late to head off to Hoenn instead?"
"Afraid so-" his trainer chuckled. "We're already in this race... so we're going to need to see it through to the end."
He shot out of his Pokéball and looked around. A cool shiver covered his body as he looked around. He found himself in some sort of metal laboratory with different machines filling the room. Shooting out some light embers from his snout, he tried to warm himself up.
Shaking his body as he embraced his own fire. He looked and found an out-of-place wooden door. Running over to it, he used his head to make a small gap, allowing him to squeeze through. Rolling out onto a wooden floor with a carpet, he sat and took in the corridor. A fresh homely scent filled his nose, one which reminded him off the breeders farm where he hatched before going to Professor Juniper's. His eyes locked onto the staircase heading downwards.
Wondering over to them, he peaked down to see some sunlight illuminating the bottom floor which shared the corridor's design. The light chatter of others drew his attention as he swallowed hard. His leg wobbled slightly as he tried to waddle backwards.
"Hiya!"
"Gwa!"
He cried and lept forward. The ground beneath him disappeared and his behind went flying over his head. The world spun as he went flying down the stairs and he squeezed his eyes shut before landing on some sort of soft bean-bag. Opening his eyes, all he saw was purple.
"Cuddle!"
Pushing himself up, he found some sort of deformed Garbodor which was little more than a puddle of gunk on the floor. Bouncing off the unknown Pokémon, he noticed the large arms stretching out. A small white flying Pokémon came charging down and tackled into the sludge monster with a hug.
"Okay, just the one for now buddy. We've got a new friend to show around-" As the hug ended, the fairy shot up before hovering just above him. A bright smile spread over the Pokémon's face. "I'm Togetic! Part of the Welcome Waggon here! Who are you?! Whose your trainer?!"
"Te-Tepig." He stuttered. "Wh-where am I?"
"Professor Oak's laboratory in Pallet!" The fairy smiled. "Our trainers send us here when they hit the carry limit. So, who is your trainer? Ash? Serena?!"
"Drake."
"Oooooh, so your trainer is my daddies brother... that makes us cousins!" He beamed. "I think."
"Your trainer is... your dad?" His eyebrows fell as his mind went racing.
"Not literally... but yeah-" He smiled. "Come on, we can be friends. I'll show you around!"
"Drake says he doesn't have friends," he muttered.
"That's ridiculous!" He threw the stubby arm wings into the air. "I'm his friend!"
"B-but he said-"
"I'm everyone's friend!" He clarified. "Having friends is fun! So, we should also be friends! Come on, I'll show you around!"
Jumping to his feet, he tried to catch up with the flying fairy but couldn't quite make it. Jumping over the ridge on the door, he landed on the patio ground. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of the luscious green hills and crystal water lakes. Acres of trees as far as the eye could see with some rocky terrain to the west. Multiple different species of Pokémon he's never seen before scattered around doing their own thing.
"Where do you want to start?" he asked. "Oh, and I'm Togetic by the way. Just realised I never introduced myself. Whoopsie! Where do you want to start."
"I dunno..." he muttered. "Are there any other fire types? I'd like the chance to do some work on the bits we were doing before."
"Of course!" He swirled up with a sprinkle of sprinkles fluttering behind. "Oh, but you should know, we tend to keep training for the rocky area. To save damaging the overall environment. There's also two lakes, the large one is just for hanging out while the further one is where water types train."
Running after the flying fairy type, he couldn't help but take in the fresh mountain air which filled his nostrils. He couldn't remember ever receiving such a breath which energised each cell in his body. Looking around as he ran, he noticed a fire horse running across the field with a flowing fiery mane. Several birds filled the sky, including Charizard... who seemed to be trying to out fly a large brown bird but couldn't quite reach them.
As they entered the rocky terrain, a spew of flames drew his attention. The searing flame thrower came from sort of black canine with a dagger tail.
"Hiya Houndoom!" Togetic cheered.
"Togetic?" he questioned turning towards them. "This isn't our normal training day. What do I owe this visit?"
"I'm showing Tepig around! He's Drake's new fire type!" He cheered. "Say hello Tepig, this is uncle Houndoom! He's my new friend!"
"He's your... uncle?" he questioned.
"Just go with it-" the dark Pokémon whispered. "Can I assume this is just a social visit. Showing the sights?"
"Actually, Tepig's looking to get in some training!" Togetic declared. "And you're an awesome trainer!"
"Wouldn't one of Drake's other Pokémon be the better? They know Drake's battle style better and can adapt to help with it." He reasoned. "I believe Pinsir is nearby, and he'd be far more effective a trainer-"
"Why can't we be friends even with different trainers?!" Togetic cried.
"Erm-" He raised a paw to try and interject.
"-I like making friends!" He continued.
"Hehehe, I know you do, and I didn't mean we couldn't battle or be friends should we wish-" He clarified. "It's just, our trainers have very different styles. Ash allows us to do our own thing and calls out help as we need it. Also allows him to come up with on the fly, out there strategies because we handle the basics."
"Your point?" he asked.
"From what I've seen, Drake is far more precise and ridged in his style," he replied, "if I were to train him for independence on the field, it could back fire when he's thrown onto a battle field with his own trainer. When picking a teacher, you need someone who's the best fit for the student. And yes, you can be friends, that's nothing to do with this issue. I only suggest Pinsir because he's been with Drake the longest other than his starter... who I believe is currently in Unova."
"I saw Charizard flying around early." He interjected.
"That's not the Charizard on Drake's team, silly!" Togetic replied, "he's Ash's Charizard."
"I wouldn't mention that you mixed them up if I were you." Houndoom chuckled. "With their rivalry, I doubt either will take kindly to the mistake."
Bidding the fire type goodbye, he continued to follow the flying fairy deeper into the training ground. He couldn't help but notice some more brawly Pokémon locked in combat. Imparticular, he noticed some sort of tall, spiked, purple monster locked hand to hand with a grey, four-armed muscular humanoid.
"Erm-" He uttered, swallowing hard. While he turned his head away, his eyes lingered on the brutal show of strength.
"And here we have mister Pinsir!" Togetic declared.
Looking forward, he found a medium sized brown bug with two large spiky-curved horns sticking out of his head. Gripping them onto a rock sticking out of the ground, he stood up, unearthing the boulder. With squinted eyes and gritted teeth, he seemed in great pain until the rock crumbled, raining smaller rocks over his body. Shaking his head as the rubble piled around his feet, he turned towards them with a narrowed gaze.
"What up, twinkle?" he asked, walking over. "You want another practise battle?"
"Not today, mister Pinsir-" He smiled. "I'm showing Tepig around. He's my new friend! Oh, and you have the same trainer."
"So, you're the fresh meat-" he grumbled, leering down on him. "Not to say I'm disappointed but I had hoped for something more... tough."
"Another..." He shook his head. "Wait, so you two battled before?"
"Kinda-" He grumbled. "I put up the pressure to help him when learning ancient power."
"Why-" he tried to find the right string of words.
"What can I say, the little guy is friendly." Pinsir shrugged. "Plus... Aerodactyl asked. I'm tough but I'm not stupid enough to cross a dinosaur."
"And didn't he mention not using another of Ash's other Pokémon because they'd deliberately hold themselves back?" Togetic asked.
"So, this just a friendly visit or?" Pinsir asked.
"Oh, can you help Tepig with some training?" he asked.
"Sure, let's get to it kid."
"Just like that?" Tepig asked.
"What can I say, we've got the same trainer so sooner or later we'll end up on a battle together," he shrugged. "Might as well make sure you can cover it."
"Thanks mister Pinsir!" Togetic sang as he swirled up into the air. "And catch you later, Tepig! Have fun!"
He watched the flying fairy zoom off high in the air before he turned back to the scary looking bug. Taking a few steps back, he turned to face him.
"So, your... what? Fire type?" he asked. "Ground."
"Fire..." He nodded. "But I become part fighting when I evolve."
"And what do you want to work on?" he asked.
"I dunno... Drake just taught me flame charge but it's not perfect-" he muttered. "maybe I could get another move or-"
"Right... You'll get fighting type when you evolve but for now... I bet you could use rollout." A dark brown glow surrounded his body, and he stomped down hard as a large rock, not to different to the one he destroyed when they approached, burst up out of the ground. "What do you know about how types work?"
"I know I'm fire type and-"
"Nope, not like that-" He cut him off. "The world is made up of atoms. Small things which make up everything in the world. Different atoms are charged with different elements which we differentiate with typing. For example, the electric type manipulates electrons or electric atoms."
"By default, Pokémon are able to manipulate one, maybe two different types which is where their typing comes from. Due to their natural affinity, they will naturally be more efficient and able to manipulate that element further. I can create a rock, but it has to come from the earth where those atoms are already present, while a rock type might be able to condense and focus the energy above their head and form one from collective energy alone."
"Now your gonna need to learn how to manipulate this for yourself..." He glew once more. "And I believe experience is the best teacher."
Stomping his foot, he barely had time to move as a force shot up underneath him. The world went dark as his body became stuck in place.
"Don't worry, kid, I'll break you out in a bit." He reassured. "Just focus on the energy around you. Feel the energy and you'll get a feel for the rock type."
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...