Author's Note:
Here it is, a chapter which is based off an episode from the Hoenn anime... kind off. It's not an exact copy but it's the closest comparison story wise. We get a new team member and setting up one of the four pillars of this arc. You see, I've tried the grid method to explore the issue(s) Plasma are involved in. Its picking two categories (in this case: Should Pokémon split & does the character want to help Pokémon) with the four pillars being this character introduced, Drake, N and Ghetsis. None of them answer the two questions the same way, for example, both Drake and N want to help Pokémon but disagree on the split. This is to give me the chance to explore the different viewpoints on the subject matter. It's something explored in other fictional works when the focus is on a deeper meaning and seeing different viewpoints. One example I can think off, is in the film batman begins. There are four main pillars of: Batman, Malony, Scarecrow and Ra's Al Ghul with the question(s) being around fear and who they use it on and for what purpose. Batman and Ra's Al Ghul both use it for order but Batman on bad guys while Ra's on the general public. Malony and Scarecrow both use it, but Malony is used on everyone for power, but Scarecrow uses it on villains for his own purposes. If you'd like a better explanation, check out Just Write's video on the subject in the YouTube video: What writers should learn from Batman Begins, it's a six-year-old video at this point but it still holds up, as does the whole channel if your into writing. Oh, also expect something new from Iris this chapter, but it'll get explored more next time but this is a sneak peak, let's say. This one of her major changes in this series so I hope you like it. Happy Feburary and expect the next chapter on Single Awarness Day (14.2.24). Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin
Chapter eight: A Poached Ego
She reached down and took a mouthful of grass. Looking back up, she smiled at the sight of her father running along the outer ring of the herd, checking in on everyone. Chewing her food together, she swallowed as the empty-sting of her missing mother hit once more. It's only been a few weeks since her passing and while he's been kind in helping her get through the difficult time... he's got the whole herd to look after.
Lowering her head once more, she took another mouthful. Slowly chewing the grass, she opted to not lift her head this time. It's not like she hates her herd, far from it... but everywhere she looks she's reminded of her. Even if the older herd members mean well, whenever they bring up stories of her mother it just brings back the overwhelming feelings of loneliness. It leaves a sickening feeling in her stomach.
A low rumble vibrated across the ground, and she shot up. Her father already ushering the others away across the field.
Entering a run along with them, memories of the previous attacks flashed in her head. A human with two Pokémon she couldn't name has been attacking.
They already took the rest of the Zebstrika adults... leaving just her father who helped guide them away.
She ended up skidding to a stop as a wall of earth blew up around them. Unable to stop in time, she slammed into the patch of earth.
"This way!" Her father yelled.
Turning to the open area, she saw him stood off to the side. Before she could get three steps in his direction, a brown bird Pokémon shot down.
The long beak hit her farther as he spun. Leaving a bloody patch on his upper leg. Her eyes widened as she remembered that horrid day.
Images of her mother, impaled on sharp rocks. Left standing in the field they once called home as the truck drove off with the other Zebstrika inside.
Shaking her head, she noticed her day fire off a bolt of electricity. It thundered towards the bird, but a cloud of dust blew up, blocking it from impact.
With wings spread out, the predator shot back. Another wall of earth shot up, blocking the only exit they had available.
"Hehe, that's it-" A human voice scoffed. "Just nice and easy."
Turning, she found the same green-haired man with a small grey Pokémon beside him. Arms crossed with a large open cage beside him.
The wall behind them began moving closer to the cage. She turned to try and climb out, but a series of sharp rocks burst out from the moving slab. Her lower leg is stabbed, bleeding from the sharp edge. Moving further away, she wobbled on her injured hoove. Unable to remain in place, she followed the others.
Climbing into the metal cage with her fellow Blitzle. With a heavy clunk, the door shut, and she found herself looking out beyond the bars.
Sounds of her father's battle echoing out from beyond the wall. His Pokémon lowered the earth wall, revealing a red vehicle linked up to the cage. Some of her fellow Blitzle charged up some electricity. Expelling it out over their bodies, they slammed into the metal bars.
They cried out in pain as the charges seemed to travel down into the engine once more, she turned to see where they were going.
Her father stood in front of the jeep; a ring of electricity surrounded him. It shot towards the jeep, but a rock shot forward, piercing it apart.
The stone crashed into his neck, knocking him sideways. As the electricity faded, the jeep shot forward straight towards her dad.
Squeezing her eyes shut, the vehicle and cage travelled over a bump. A lump formed in her throat as she tried to imagine it being something... anything... but her father's body. Tears leaked out of her eyes as she felt the entire world disappeared from her own thoughts.
Marowak smiled as he bounced along in the wide-open field. The flames of his team mate flowed in the wind rushing past as his eyes scowered over the open field they were given the chance to train in. Riding on Rapidash's back, she increased the heat as he worked on enduring the temperature.
While he'd prefer the chance to meet some wild Pokémon, he noticed early on that the area was pretty quiet. It was certainly intriguing, but his trainer was quick to put up the training regime. It's one reason he selected the fire horse as his partner. The chance to see more of the land, maybe find out what happened since this should be a wild Pokémon paradise. Fruit filled trees and shelter but not even rodents scattered across the floor. No birds in the trees.
As he spotted the camp site coming up on the horizon, he took notice of their fellow team mates. Piloswine was still setting up rocks for Tepig to break through, building up his physical strength. While some rocks were shattered on the floor, he knew they just kept increasing the thickness for the next time.
Pinsir and Xatu were locked in a battle. The psychic bird sent a strong tailwind down the path as the beefy bug thought against the gust with just his strength.
Cilan was off with his cooking utensils set up. His Trubbish by his side as he seemed to be studying some plants with his newest team member.
As they passed by, he took in the final set. Iris and Axew were facing Pansage, with both dragon claws active. Running to try and strike the grass type, he easily jumped out of the way. Not using any counter attacks... if he were to guess, they were getting the dragon use to using the move in battle.
Feeling the sweat drip down his skull-head, he reached up and wiped it away. Rapidash asked, "you ready for a break yet?"
"One more lap." He struggled to utter, as he started coughing.
Leaning over the side to be polite to his partner, she slowed down slightly until the moment passed. Returning to his sitting position, he narrowed and encouraged her to pick up speed once more. The clatter of hooves echoed as he felt the heat raging underneath.
"Can you hear-"
Rapidash's voice cut off as a raging engine shouted over the field. Skidding to the side, he jumped off and watched as a jeep ran past. The cool wind already started to cool his body as he toon in the sight of the vehicle raging down the road. A metal cage rattled along behind, holding some sort of Pokémon.
Numerous Pokémon whose body shape resembled Ponyta but black and white, with thick, double-pointed white stripes on their neck, chest, back and hind legs. Large, rounded muzzles with a large, dark nose and oval, blue eyes with yellow sclerae. On the top of their heads were short, triangular ears with blue insides. Below the knees, the four legs were white with black hooves. Stubby, white tails waved from the behinds with two points. Running up their necks were spiky, white mane, which culminates at the front in a long extension that resembled a lightning bolt.
A syrones echoed as a Police motorcycle and side car came flying over the hill, in clear pursuit of the jeep. Turning to look at the fire type, both of their eyes widened in realisation. "They're heading towards the others!"
Jumping back up onto her back, he gestured for her to enter a straight run. No heat making his endurance as they charged over the ground.
Feeling a lump in the back of his throat, he continued to grip the reigns as the syrones raged through his head. His eyes narrowed as both vehicles came back into view. The wind rushed past as he mentally tried to work out how far from the camp both of them were.
His worst fear came to fruition as the group came into view over the hill top. For a split second, everything stood still, and time seemed to freeze.
In a flash, everyone in the path of the two vehicles disappeared. Reappearing in a group far out of the way with Xatu in front of them.
A series of rocks flew out from the jeep's passenger seat, striking the cops front. Wobbling from the stone edge, the emergency vehicle turned and flipped over, throwing both Officer Jenny and her canine partner out of the grass. Leaving the hunk of metal smoking on the grassy field.
Slowing to a stop, he trotted up beside the officer as the others moved close. Cilan kneeled beside her, putting her into the recovery position as a Herdier stood up and moved to inspect his trainer. He stopped the fire horse right beside their trainer as everyone took in the situation.
"This isn't good," Cilan informed. "Officer Jenny is out cold."
"Who was that?" Iris asked.
"A Pokémon poacher called Rico." Herdier barked. "We've been pursuing him for months. He captures herds of wild Pokémon and locks them in an electric cage. Rumour has it he came over from Johto after some other poacher scared him out of his territory."
"Clearly no-one good," Drake growled, recalling everyone but himself and Rapidash. "I'm going after them. You two call for assistance and get the officer some first aid. We can't just let them get away with... whatever they're doing."
"You can't be serious!" Iris shouted, as he climbed up behind him onto the fire type.
"I'm the only one with a Pokémon who might be able to catch him," he replied, leaning forward, and trapping him, "come on girl."
The patter of footsteps echoed as they took off down the path the jeep raced away on. It didn't take long for them to reach a high gallop.
Slowing to a stop, black smoke rose up just over the hill. Climbing off the fire horse, Drake gestured for her to wait, not wanting her flames to give away their element of surprise. Walking to the top of the hill with his ground type, they used the trees for cover.
In front of them was a minimum camp site. A single fire with some sort of open grill as the old green-haired man chomped down on his food. Two Pokémon seemed to accompany him, one large Fearow with a mark over one eye and a Pupitar. Both of which were scoffing down their own meals. The red jeep was sat at a crooked angel with a cage attached to the back. Some species of Pokémon was trapped inside. One of the prisoner's tried to tackle the bars but they didn't budge, releasing an electric shock on the trapped Pokémon.
"Oi, knock it off already!" The poacher growled. "You can't break iron and anyone outside will get a nasty shock if they try anything."
Seeing his ground type stare up with a questioning look, he gestured back down to the fire type at the bottom of the hill. Quietly walking back down, he took out a Pokéball, releasing Xatu to join in the conversation. Huddled in a circle, he took a second to consider the options.
"Here's the plan," he whispered, "Xatu will lead our attack. Use future sight and rain hell down on them. Using the opening we'll run in and Marowak, your immune to electricity so you can break the cage. Rapidash. Set up a wall of fire around the camp so they can't just drive out. I'll get Pinsir & Piloswine to fight the Pupitar & Fearow and once the cage is open, you can join the fight-"
"Maro?"
"-I know it's not an ideal match but it's the best we've got." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Rapidash, I want you to escort the Pokémon through the fire. Get them to safety. If things go back, Xatu, it's your job to get us outta there with teleport. Everyone understood?"
Receiving three nods, he turned as his psychic bird teleported up behind the same tree they viewed from. Her eyes blue blew and the rest of them silently crept up closer to the top of the hill. With his hand on his bugs Pokéball, he held his breath with eyes locked to the sky. Bright white balls formed and shot down like meteors over the camp site. Using the distractions, he ran up with Marowak beside his side.
Bright flashes making it difficult to make out as cries from the poacher and his Pokémon echoed. Running in, the blur of orange flames zipped round to the side. A wall of fire rose up as they entered the heart of the chaos. Holding two devices out, his fighting Pokémon materialised in a flash of light.
"Pinsir get Pupitar!" He ordered. "Piloswine, Fearow. Don't let him get up into the air!"
His two Pokémon nodded and turned towards the duo. The long beak Pokémon already flapping wings to get some air beneath him.
A ball of ice struck his chest, causing him to stall and fall slightly. With an icy wind blowing against him, preventing him from recovering and crashing down.
While his beefy bug picked up the rock ground type. Slamming the hard-shell Pokémon down into the floor, creating a crater in the floor.
"Oi, get off of the merchandise!" The man growled with a thick accent.
He turned to see him running up to the case, which Marowak had already opened by repeatedly whacking the lock. Swinging on the open door, he watched as the black and white Pokémon moved out, now in full view of the green-haired poacher.
"Rapidash, escort them through the flames!" He ordered. "Marowak provide cover!"
His fiery horse shot through the fire wall, positioning herself between the herd and the man. Blowing a stream of flames into the wall, it created a small gap.
With a cry and stomp of her hoove, she ushered the black and white Pokémon out into the open area. Following behind as the last one jumped through.
Marowak threw his bone down onto the floor and jumped off the door. It bounced off the floor, hitting the man on the chest, causing him to stumble back.
Running along, his open hand caught the bone as he ran along. Swiping at the legs, he caught the back and tripped the man up. Holding his weapon over the man's body, he let out a cry, daring him to try and get back up, with a hidden glint in his eye.
A soft cry drew his attention as he turned to the cage. Inside was one of the black and white Pokémon, cowering in the corner.
"One of them is still here!" He called out, running up to the cage.
Jumping up onto the platform, his hand brushed the metal cage. A strong shock of electricity blasted through his body as fell down onto his knees. Panting heavily, he heard the patter of hooves, presuming it was Rapidash, he opened his eyes and shuffled slowly over to the Pokémon. Tears stained the long face of the unknown species which he finally got a good luck at... given the lightning bolt mane, he guessed it was some sort of electric type.
His eyes studied the Pokémon for a little more before seeing a bloody wound on one of the front legs. Closing his eyes, he guessed she couldn't walk on the injury, and he didn't exactly have the supplies or time to help. With a long sigh, he turned to the only way in... his eyes widened-
"Rapidash look out-"
Before he could finish, she turned and launched a searing flamethrower out. It struck the beak Pokémon and knocked him back.
Blasting the predatory bird directly into Piloswine. Both Pokémon exploded into flames, causing him to wince.
"Not good-" he uttered under his breath, standing up. "Alright. Rapidash take care of this one. I'mma check on Piloswine. It can't take that much longer."
Receiving a nod of affirmation, he turned and jumped out of the cage. Running over to the small centre fire. He pulled out a Pokéball and recalled his ice type.
"Sorry about that," he whispered, knowing Rapidash wouldn't have seen him before the bird. Just acting on pure instinct of seeing the predator bird.
Turning to the second battle, he saw a series of sharp rocks hitting his bug type. With arms crossed in front of his face, he gritted his teeth as they blew him back further, feet skidding in the dirt. Closing his eyes, a red light radiated off his body as he built up his focus energy.
Stomping one foot down, a pillar of earth shot up in front of him. Acting as shield, he loosened his defensive stance.
Channelling fighting energy through his whole body, he pushed into the rock. Sending the boulder flying over the ground.
The hard-shell Pokémon ended his stone edge. Throwing his body to the side, barely avoiding the forceful rock-tomb shield.
Diving as the opponent, he straddled on top. Punching down with his full force, he delivered some powerful beatdown with his submission.
Jumping up, he took the headbutt into the gut. Stumbling back as a purple and black vortex of dark type energy shot out. Hitting his stomach and blowing him back across the field. While hardly effective, the quick succession allowed the opponent to gain some ground on him.
Shimmering, the entire grey-shell shined. Shooting forward, he crashed into the bug type with a heavy thud, ending up on his stomach.
Violently thrashing down, he winced seeing his bug as he tried to climb out from underneath. A white glow engulfed the rock ground type, slowing down in the midst of his assault. Using the opening, his bug pushed him off and climbed back to his feet as the opponent's shilluette grew and changed.
When the glowing stopped, the now bipedal, newly evolved Pokémon was revealed. Green armor-like covering his body. Two pairs of pointed teeth which were revealed as he roared loudly. Several spikes of varying sizes protrude from the back of his head, neck, and shoulders. Both sides of his chest, the centre of its back and his knees had two triangular holes. There was a grey, diamond-shaped patch of scales covering its belly, and a smaller one on its back. Each hand and foot had three claws with a ring of spikes surrounding the tip of his tail. An ear bursting roar echoed out from the titan.
A swirling wind blew past them, causing him to crouch to prevent being blown away. His vision became blurred by the bits of earth swirling around them.
"Of course, Pupitar would evolve." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Pinsir... Can you keep going?"
Clicking his horns together, as his answer, he didn't need his brother to translate. His first caught Pokémon wouldn't give up until taken out.
"Your bug moves will be more effective now because its part dark type-" He informed. "But fighting is still the best option."
Squinting through the sandstorm, he noticed his brown bug charging forward. His ability to build up momentum affected by the sandstorm. Crashing into the fully evolved pseudo, who stumbled backwards slightly, as he punched forward with fighting type energy radiating off his body.
"Marowak!" He shouted. "Leave him and come and help fight!"
Hearing the footsteps of his trusted partner, he attempted to look through the sandstorm once more. The blur of his ground type shot by.
Throwing his bone, it banged off the pseudo's head. Leaping and throwing his feet up, he smashed his feet into the titans stomach.
Delivering an earthquake straight into the opponents stomach. It caused him to land on his behind as his own Pokémon jumped off, landing beside his weapon. While Pinsir charged in with closed fists. Fighting type energy radiated off him as he delivered several punches in quick succession.
The moment his close combat concluded, Tyranitar swung his head down. A clung of metal striking his bug and knocking him back across the dirt.
Climbing back onto his feet, he took a double-edge curtsy of his own ground type. Without the force of the previous earthquake, he swung his bone up.
Hitting the pseudo's jaw, he chomped down and picked his partner up as he refused to let go. Swinging his head vigorously, he sent his ground type flying.
Skipping over the ground, he ran and kneeled beside the bone keeper Pokémon. He looked up to see Pinsir charging back in himself, an x-scissor ready.
Spinning around on the floor, his large tail swung. Knocking into the beefy bug and spinning him to the side. Skidding over the ground to the fire wall.
"I've got an idea!" He shouted. "Set up rock tomb around the fire wall! Not the full way, just enough to disrupt the wind current!"
Hearing his bug cry out, he shield his eyes as the sandstorm became too much. It seemed to take an eternity until the rushing wind slowed around them.
Opening his eyes, he dusted the sand off his face. Just in time to see the pseudo smashing his bug into the fire wall. He slumped forward, covered in flames as one of the rocks he just created tumbled. Pushing himself up, his knees wobbled as he rested on them in a sitting position.
His body began glow dark green as his horns vibrated. An x-shape formed in front of him. Crashing straight into the green giant, causing him to stumble.
Holding the hands out flat, they glew with fighting type energy. In quick succession, he delivered three swift brick breaks into the pseudo's stomach.
A loud roar echoed out and he knocked the bug back. Flipping over as he bounced across the ground, he ended up flat on his back.
The newly evolved Tyranitar stomped after him, blocking view of his first caught Pokémon. His heart thumped harder as he went to charge over to him.
His attention, however, was drawn to the side. A loud roar echoed from outside of the fire-wall, one he couldn't place anywhere from his journey thus far.
A creature burst through the fire wall; flames draped over the body as it flew into the pseudo legendary. It took him a second to register the sight, a decent size bigger than himself with rugged edged spikes over his body. The body was a navy-blue body with red spikes scattered over the two arms; one on each shoulder; both legs; and four on the tail. Long white claws stuck out of the hands and feet. Two growths stuck out of the back, almost like wings but he doubted they could achieve flight. Seeing the opening, he ran up to Pinsir, recalling his fallen bug type.
Latching onto the face of the green titan, the rugged teeth sunk into rock dark type. Raising one clawed hand, it burned with a dark blue flame.
Slicing down with the right claw, the left followed the same motion. As he rotated between the two dragon claws, the newly evolved Tyranitar stumbled backwards. Shaking his head viciously, he couldn't break the multicoloured combatants grip. Puffs of smoke blew out of the sides of the head.
A beam of dark type energy with a purple outline blew the intruder back. Sticking one claw into the ground, it slowed his blow.
Running over the tilted ground, a brownish-red colour radiated off the body. The two arms were caught by Tyranitar's arms.
Being lifted up by the towering pseudo, his feet flexed out. Crashing into the body, the force knocked them backwards.
Straddling on top of pseudo, the rugged Pokémon continued to thrash down. No rhyme or rhythm to his assault.
Rocks burst out from the ground, knocking the Pokémon away. They began orbiting the rock dark type as it struggled back to his feet.
Sending the sharp stone edges into the unknown Pokémon. The razor-sharp claws shimmered in metal. Bringing both arms up, he blocked the oncoming rocks, which blinked off. A threatening roar boomed out of the rugged Pokémon as he took off towards the armor Pokémon.
"Heh, guess we need to make our leave!" Rico scoffed from the jeep. "Break that wall open!"
Slamming both arms together, a swirling vortex and wind formed around them. Sand and bits of earth ripped up from the ground.
Expanding outwards, the sandstorm knocked the multicoloured Pokémon back. Blowing the fire wall down as a red light consumed the pseudo legendary.
He was forced to close his eyes as the unnatural weather also blew him back. Slamming down onto the ground with a painful thud.
He found a blue blur fill his vision. Closing his eyes, he counted to ten until his eyes opened. Reopening them, he took in the sight of the blue sky, locating the sun, he figured it couldn't be too long since he was knocked out. Moving slowly, he moved the different parts of his body, checking for any signs of pain.
Other than a general ache, which he kind of expected. He pulled himself up into a sitting position, taking in the sight around him.
A ring of burnt grass surrounded the area, presumably a result of the fire wall curtsy of Rapidash. Numerous police vehicles were around with some medical vehicles. With a Nurse Joy over seeing a crew of Audino. Cilian was stood with the pink haired Nurse, discussing something. His eyes wondered around, and he noticed his fire horse standing on the edge of the makeshift camp, over-seeing the herd of once caged Pokémon.
Continuing to scan the area, he found a shadow over him. Looking up, his stoic Xatu seemed to have taken up the role of watching him. Giving a small nod to her, showing his appreciation, memories of the battle flooded back. He reached to the belt, confirming Pinsir, Piloswine and Tepig's devices still on his belt.
His female bird let out a meke cry, and he caught the glimpse of her psychic eyes. Moments later the footsteps of his pure ground type drew his attention, walking up to him. The surprising thing was a Pokémon egg in his arms, taking up about a third of the bone keeper's body. It was a pale blue colour primarily with four white feather shapes meeting at the top and dropping down the sides. Strikes of silver-grey wrapping around the sides in two-circles.
"You just can't help yourself, can you-" he muttered. "Where you pick this one up?"
"Maro Marowak."
Two arms came around the side of him, gently patting his arms. He caught an Audino out of the corners of his eyes, placing a red blanket on him.
"Audi Audino!"
"Why are you putting this blanket on me?" he asked, pulling it off but the normal type quickly reapplied it. "I don't need this blanket on me."
"It's for shock!" A voice echoed from behind him. He turned to find an officer Jenny stood over him.
"I'm not in shock," he replied.
"The press got word and are on their way here," she explained, "they'll want to take photos of the scene... they'll want-"
"What about the poacher?" he asked.
"Cleared off before we got here-" she replied, "consider yourself lucky. If your friends hadn't come then-"
"Xatu would've teleported us out." He interjected. "I had it all planned out."
"It doesn't look that way," she replied, "but we've got nothing to go on."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that-" He smiled. "He used none-native Pokémon, found common in Johto... I guess Kanto too for the Fearow but given the Tyranitar, they live on the mountainous side of the divided country. When I was there last year, they had a hunter calling herself J-"
"I doubt this green-haired man was the Huntress J-"
"-I didn't say that. I said she was operating in Johto, which pushed other poachers out through fear of retaliation-" He continued. "-there's really two types of poachers. Those who target individual, high value targets... such as J. But this is more a quantity catcher. Of course, the electricity could be the reason, but I doubt these are the only electric types in Unova. He was willing to risk arrest. Question is why?"
"The client could've asked for them specifically, but I doubt this is their only inhabitants in the region. Open fields must be dime-a-dozen. We've already ruled out a territorial connection though him not being native to Unova so why here specifically. What does he get from this-"
His words died in his mouth as his brain continued to work. He clearly had publicity and theirs currently another group who he knows require attention but, on the surface, they seem to be at odds with each other. Biting down on his inner cheek, he moved to stand up from his spot. Spreading his legs to help balance.
"I've still got some questions for you." She brought him back.
"Oh, what now?" He groaned, spreading his arms out to turn the blanket into a cape. "I'm in shock. Look, I've got a blanket."
"Fine-" She sighed, putting her notebook away. "Have it your way."
"Maro-wak."
"What about the egg?" he asked his ground type.
"It was recovered from the poacher earlier today. We believe it fell off when the jeep ran over the herds leader," Officer Jenny explained, "we don't know where it came from or even what species it is. But your Pokémon took guard off it from the moment we arrived on the scene. Very protective indeed."
"Wak." He nodded, proudly. "Marowak."
"You want to keep it?" he asked.
"It does need a home... if not you, it'll likely go back to a Nurse Joy to hatch..." Officer Jenny explained. "Only to be released once that happens."
"Fine-" he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Looking back to the ground type. "But you have to clean up after it. This is a big responsibility."
"Maro Maro-wak."
"Go get both yourself and the egg checked out," he instructed. "I wanna leave soon. I'm not sticking around for the press."
Receiving a nod from the ground type, he watched him run over to one of the Audino's. Pulling the shock-blanket off, letting it fall onto the floor. Turning towards Xatu, he took out a Pokéball and recalled her. Setting off across the makeshift campsite, he walked over towards his fire type.
As his feet moved, he couldn't help but notice her watchful gaze over the herd of small Pokémon. A longing in her eyes as he approached. The words of the officer about the herd leader echoed in his head. A sickening pit formed in his stomach as the pieces fell into place. He reached her side and sighed.
Placing a hand on her back, he gently stroked the golden fur as she turned to face him. Lowering her head, she nudged him slightly, in a search for affection.
"How you holding up?" he asked, receiving a sad mumble in return. "You know their leader was found... Rico ran him over."
She let out a long neigh, shaking her head which he stroked. Raising her head, she stared out over them before turning back.
"They need someone to take care of them... keep them safe-" He sighed. "-someone they can trust..."
Rapidash nodded slightly, turning back to look at them. He reached too his belt and pulled her device off. Holding it out, he turned the centre button and pressed it. A blue light shot out and surrounded her before breaking free. Causing her to look back with wide eyes.
"We don't have time to find someone else and you fill the role perfectly-" He sighed. "I-I'll come back. Before we leave the region but right now-"
A lump formed in his throat as he closed his eyes. Wiping away the tears filling up in them, he forcefully swallowed before turning back to her.
"-right now, they need you more." He finished. "I told you I would make you strong when we met... now your strong enough to protect them."
Her own eyes leaked with tears as she shook her head. Leaning into his shoulder as he gently returned the hug.
"Please Rapidash..." His voice cracked. "Don't make this any harder... harder than it already is."
A slight rustle drew his attention, and he found her mouth holding the sooth bell which hung from her necklace since the day they met. Seeing her nudge with her head, he opened his hand just in time for her to drop the item into his palm. Letting out a whining sound, he looked into her pleading eyes.
"Alright-" He nodded, squeezing it shut and putting into his pocket. "But you have to keep this safe."
Receiving the nod of affirmation, he moved closer and tied the old device onto her necklace. Standing back, the trainer and Pokémon stared at each other for what felt like two seconds... but in reality, was far longer. She turned and galloped over to the herd of small black and white Pokémon, ushering them across the field towards the wooded area. She was quick enough to circle the wild herd and nudge those falling behind into catching up with the others.
Squeezing his eyes shut as his fingers embraced the sooth bell, memories of his time with the fire horse flooded his head. The day they met and ran the race, even if they came last... or when she evolved during his Violet city gym battle or when he properly rode with her across the open lands of Johto.
As his eyes opened once more, the herd were out of sight. Swallowing hard to pass the lump in his throat, he quickly wiped away the evidence of sadness.
A slight nudge on his back arm caused him to turn. One of the Pokémon from the herd stood behind, staring up to him with wide eyes.
"You-your-" He shook his head. "Let me get Xatu. She'll teleport you back to the-"
The small Pokémon shook her head, stepping closer. His eyes drawn to her bandaged front leg.
"Are you the one who was stuck on the cage?" he asked, receiving an affirmative nod. "And you don't want to go with the herd?"
"Zel, zel-" The Pokémon vigorously shook her head. Nudging at the Pokéball's on his belt with her snout.
"A-are you saying you want to come with me?" he asked, to which the Pokémon nodded. "Y-you know. I'm some soft touch. I train my team, and I train them hard. If you want, I can get Xatu to-"
The words died in his throat as he stared into the wide blue and yellow eyes. As if to test the resolve, he pulled an empty device off his belt and held it out.
Without hesitation, she leaned forward and pressed her snout into the device. A red light engulfed her body, sucking her inside. It wiggled slightly once before dinging to show an affirmative confirmation. Staring down to the device, he blinked... pulling out his device, he held it over the new team member:
Blitzel, The electrified Pokémon. Its mane shines when it discharges electricity. They use the frequency and rhythm of these flashes to communicate. When thunderclouds cover the sky, it will appear. It can catch lightning with its mane and store the electricity
Type: Electric
Ability: Motor Drive
Hidden Ability: Sap Sipper (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Timid (Note: This nature could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): quick attack, tail whip, charge, thunder wave, shock wave
Putting the Pokédex away, he clipped the device back to his belt. Checking the others were safely secure in their own Pokéball's, he walked over to his two travelling companions as Marowak ran up to his side. The egg sat neatly in his embrace.
"You know you can't just hand it back five minutes in when you're bored?" he asked
"Maro!" He nodded with determination in his eyes.
"Alright, we're going-" He declared to his two human companions. "We're wasting sunlight."
"Don't you think it's a little premature?" Cilan asked. "Given everything which has transpired-"
"Let me rephrase it-" He cleared his throat. "I'm leaving now and if you want to rack up your medical bill then be my guest. Have a nice life."
"That's hardly-"
"Don't blame me." He shrugged. "I'm not the one from a place where life and its basic functions are a commodity."
Without another second for a response, he began
"Oh, and Iris-" He turned to face her. "Be sure I'll be interested in that friend you've been hiding. I can finally see your worth in travelling together."
"That-" She paused. "That might be the nicest thing you've said to me."
"Probably-" He shrugged. "And it probably won't get any better... I'm just being honest."
"Druddigon was quite the character." Cilan nodded thoughtfully. "I concur on that thought, at least."
"I always knew that you had a second Pokémon-" He shrugged. "I just didn't care enough to find out who... until now-"
"You're like a little kid, getting excited over a new Pokémon." She laughed.
"More like intrigued... and it's a new sparring partner-" He corrected. "So, why keep him secret? Doesn't listen to you seems like a likely reasoning."
"I'll explain everything-" She sighed. "It all started when-"
The poacher grumbled as he stood against the jeep. Parked in front of a supposedly abandoned warehouse, black smoke spluttered from the engine. While he got a massive power boost, it was hardly a useful addition. No longer can the jeep carry Tyranitar which means no ammo during a chance, and he lost a cage full of merchandise. Kicking his foot forward, he thought back to his time in Johto.
He never had this sort of trouble back in the traditional town. Heh, he only ended up leaving because J decided to impose on his own territory. If she thought for a second, he was a risk to her own jobs, he'd be dead. He had heard rumours she was off to Hoenn though so-
A limo came up beside him and a man dressed in silver-chainmail and some sort of royal armor climbed out. Opening the back door, and the man who hired him for the Blitzle job climbed out. He must've been in his seventies, if not older. With a long coat of different shades of black, grey, and white covering his large build. Some sort of fancy staff assisting in his walk. He didn't care for all his fanfare, but he certainly paid well.
"It seems the job didn't go as planned," the weak voice of a life-long-smoker muttered. "I can't deny I'm not disappointed in the outcome."
"You try getting ambushed by a fire wall!" He growled standing up to leer down at the old man.
"Calm down, Rico!" He slammed his staff down, demanding authority. "I understand that things came up. And my disappointment comes from the true target having already passed on. He never would've seen your handy work in this area, making it a fool's errand."
"Oh yeah, that kid you've got-" He sneered. "Seems like a weird family bonding thing you've got going on."
"He must experience the horrors of the world if he's to fulfil his destiny-" the man explained.
"Yeah, yeah." He waved off the cool-ade talk. "I told you before, I don't buy into whole legends and battle of truths or ideals."
"I don't require your loyalties to the cause..." He clicked his fingers and one of those idiots in chainmail brought out a briefcase. Opening it up, he saw several stacks of bills in an orderly line. "As long as your still up for work, we have another job to discuss."
"Heh, why didn't you start with that?" He smirked.
"I will warn this one has a much higher chance of arrest than the previous ones... but you'll be compensated for such dangers-" He informed. "We'll cover any legal expenses, including bail and should it come to it, can arrange... early release."
"I'm listening-" He looked at the photo of a small feline black Pokémon with red spots, which was placed on top of the notes. "That's your son's-"
"I need you to acquire it from him... don't care what happens to it after-" he explained, "it needs to be acquired during his visit to Nimbasa. Which is currently scheduled for two months' time. However, that could change. While you can hurt him, don't mane or kill. He still has to fulfil his role effectively."
"Sounds easy enough."
"I advise you to use the time given effectively," he explained, "we require quiet the spectacle. My son needs to emerge in the public eye as a surviving hero, whose gone through a great loss. It shall make our endgame much easier to implement."
"Yeah, yeah-" he waved it off.
"And it's also why we're providing these recently liberated tools for your services-" one of the guards produced two Pokéballs onto the briefcase. "Once this job is complete, you may use them for whatever purposes you see fit. And feel free to lay low as it were in this facility. It should provide everything you require and as for your vehicle... we'll arrange for modifications in time for the job. Tell me your thoughts?"
"I think this'll be just fine-" he smirked, taking the two Pokéballs. The briefcase was slammed shut and handed over to him.
"You'll receive the second half upon on completion-" The man informed. "As per the usual arrangement."
Standing back, he watched the old man climb back into the long vehicle before it pulled off. Turning around, he walked into the barely furnished abandoned warehouse. It was a minimum room with one corner set up like a kitchen, and another with a bed. A beaten-up couch with an old tele was on the far wall with a centre table. Placing the briefcase down, he held out the first Pokéball and let out the first of his new weapons for the job.
A crocodilian Pokémon that had a thick, maroon-coloured body, black back, and white stomach stood in front of him. It had five triangular spikes on its back: four around the middle and one large one at the beginning of the tail. All of the smaller spikes on the back were linked to black, triangular spikes that reached around to the front, slightly overlapping on the white stomach. The tail has three, thick, black stripes, with the last stripe covering the tip. Its legs were very short and directly attached to its feet, which were wrapped in black and have three white claws facing forward. The arms were short and thin with a black stripe around the elbows. It's long, thin fingers are each tipped with a white claw.
"Heh, nice." He smirked, switching to the second Pokéball. Once again, he let out the second gift from his client.
A bipedal, lizard-like Pokémon stood beside the Krookodile. Oval, wide-set eyes with small pupils and grey eyelids, as well as small nostrils and a wide mouth which bared teeth, giving the appearance of a permanent sneer. It had a red crest on its head, similar in appearance to a mohawk. Baggy yellow skin hangs off the shoulders, falling halfway down the back. It pulled this up and used it to cover his face like some sort of hood. Scrafty's body was orange, with thin arms and a grey, scaled belly. It's lower body and tail were also covered by loose yellow skin resembling baggy trousers. On the tail was a single red scale.
"Now if I had you two, we'd have those shockers to sell on-" He grunted, turning, and walking away.
He approached a table which was laid out on a table in the centre of the room. A large map of the city of Nimbasa covered it with several chess pieces available for him to place on. His lips flicked up in a smirk as he began laying out the board as plans for the job filled his head.
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...