Chapter 6 - Dark Clouds

Aisha examined the readings from her machine. Lucian didn't dare let Heracross out, and the two of them had furrowed brows and open mouths as the numbers came back. The Pokémon wasn't normal. It was stronger, unstable, and in great amounts of pain. All the while it was actively trying to break out of the Pokéball. The only thing holding it back was the machine keeping the ball closed nice and snug. "And you said this knocked out four of your Pokémon?"

"That's right. It was very nearly all six of them. I don't know what I would have done if I failed to capture it." She nodded and adjusted her glasses. The numbers didn't lie - Heracross definitely had the power. "I have no idea what to make of this…"

"I don't either. I've never seen such readings, and the machine can't properly heal it either. Almost as if…it wants to die." She said with a somber tone. Unheard of, even wild Pokémon known to be hostile wanted to stay alive. The two of them exchanged a look before Aisha nodded. "I think one of my teachers would know more. He is currently teaching a lecture circuit in Hoenn, but let's try to get in touch with him." Lucian nodded. It was late, nearly midnight, but if he was recalling correctly it should only be mid afternoon in Hoenn.

The two of them headed over to the PC and fired up the video call function. It took a long time to connect, but finally an elderly man appeared on screen. He adjusted his glasses and whipped some crumbs from his face. "Ah, Doctor Sayomi, a pleasure to speak with you again."

"Hello Professor Krane, the pleasure is mine." Aysha smiled and motioned to Lucian. "This is our Gym Leader, Lucian. He encountered a strange Pokémon today, and we want you to take a look at the readings." Both men exchanged a quick greeting before the Professor adjusted in his seat.

"Certainly. Send me the readings. Perhaps it's a new species or regional mutation. How exciting that would be for Acria!" He spoke with a big smile, his glasses nearly falling from his face. The information transferred over to him in a few seconds. He politely excused himself and began to read the information. His smile gradually lowered into a studious gaze, then a worried expression, then his face paled and twisted into a shocked scowl. And the scowl was filled with many other negative feelings.

"No…no, no, no…." His fists clenched, and he took his glasses off. "That's impossible. Impossible." There was a long, agonizing silence before he hissed. "...where did you find this?" His voice was stern, and he leaned forward. Even from across the world, Lucian could feel the intensity in his voice. And a desire. A deep, terrifying desire to be wrong.

"The forest. Just outside of the city."

"In the wild? It wasn't with a trainer?"

"No, it was definitely wild." Lucian answered, watching the man's reactions. He looked troubled, concerned. He kept muttering under his breath. Finally, he leaned back and sighed. The professor looked defeated, in denial.

"Was it…did it hurt anyone?" Lucian nodded slowly. A few tears began to fall down Professor Krane's cheeks. "I can't say anymore over the phone. I'll be there in five days." His face grew serious and his voice dropped to a whisper. There was a hint of fear and anger underneath the glow of determination. "Do not let it out of your sight. Do not let anyone take it. And - for the love of Mew - do not let it out of the Pokéball." He stood up and hung up the call, leaving Lucian and the doctor in silence. They looked at each other for a long moment before Aisha handed him the Pokéball back.

"That sounded…serious." She shuddered slightly and grabbed her shoulders. "Did you see his face? I don't…this Pokémon gives me a bad feeling." She shook her head and closed her eyes tight. "What should we do?" Lucian thought for a moment before putting the Pokéball on his belt.

"I'll keep it with me. I won't let the Pokéball leave my person." He looked down at the item in his hand. It kept shaking and groaning as the Pokémon within writhed. He felt bad for the rabid creature, but could do anything right now. All he could do was wait for Professor Krane to arrive. He grabbed his jacket and winced, clutching his sore side.

"Are you sure you're fine?"

"Yeah, I had someone check me for broken bones." They both sighed and she helped him put the jacket on. "Thanks…I'll leave Muk and Gliscor here for the night."

"Of course, I'll take good care of them.". She smiled and waved as he started to leave. After writing a note about the Professor, she shut down the PokéCenter for the evening and headed out. She felt like someone was watching her, and she turned. There was nothing but a lone Joltic hopping around the entrance to the Center. She smiled at it and started walking towards home.

— — — — —

Donnelwin drowned his sorrows in booze. It was working, for the most part, as now he only felt anger and rage. He downed another mug of beer and cursed softly. His pride was the most damaged part of his being right now. The Captain had absolutely reemed him for not just harassing the locals, but fighting a League Gym Leader. The Crossbones were already on thin ice with the League, and now that foothold was starting to crack. He was going to be walking the plank soon if he didn't make things right.

Another fresh mug of beer was placed next to him, but not from the bartender. A woman with long dark hair and a delicate smile stood just over his left shoulder. Her lab coat and heels were out of place for such a place, but she acted as if she owned the place. "Eh? What do ye want, lass? Come t'gloat? Yer Leader don't be here to protect ye, this time." Doctor Aisha shook her head and sat a seat away from him, chuckling. "I'd watch yer tone round the Crossbones."

"Or what? You'll sic your lizard on me?" She leaned forward, an amused smile on her face. Donnelwin looked about ready to blow. He took the beer mug and threw it against the wall, shattering it to pieces. The other patrons barely gave the noise a look. Aisha herself seemed unamused, her fingers delicately rolling a Pokéball across the bar. "Let's be honest, mister First Mate, you were thoroughly trounced by a weakened Pokémon. With your skill, you don't stand a chance against him."

Donnelwin sat down in a huff and drummed his fingers on the bar. She was right, and he wanted to strangle her for it. He was still too sober for this conversation. He let out a low grumble and looked at the Doctor. "And yer point be?" She giggled and stopped toying with the Pokéball. It began to move and thrash on its own, as if the Pokémon inside was screaming to come out. It sent a shiver down his spine, and his Pokémon were equally on edge. A sinister light filled her eyes as she continued to speak.

"I work for an organization called Cipher. Heard of us?" The pirate shook his head. "Ah, of course not. Suffice to say, we are a research group. If you're willing to do us a few favors, we can make Pokémon stronger. Much stronger." He listened quietly, weighing his options. Her honeyed words dripped with hints of terrors beyond his understanding. But the way she commanded the room with the simple threat of a Pokémon held his attention.

"What strings be attached, yes?" She held up three fingers.

"First - we'll need your Feraligatr for a few days. It'll be…finished training in, oh say five days?" She smirked and dropped one of her fingers. "I need you to steal trainer Lucian's Pokémon. They'll be in his house, I'll give you a list of them." He nodded and she started her final demand. "I need you to kidnap someone for me - a Professor Krane. He owes the organization a great debt and needs to pay up."

"Aye…so ye also want t'chase im out'o town. Why?" He asked while firmly grabbing her wrist. Aisha's finger hovered over the release for the Pokéball, but she appeared to be completely calm despite the situation. "Ye seemed mighty chipper earlier."

"Ugh, don't make me laugh." She said with a smile. "After that last one, yuck." She shuddered and her smile finally dropped. "The last one was a disgusting piece of trash…" her jaw tightened and she finally took a slow breath. "So…are you in?" She held out her other hand and waited. It was a tempting offer. A great offer. A deal with the devil and then some. But revenge and alcohol clouded his judgment.

"Aye. Let's." He placed Feraligatr's Pokéball into her hands. She wrapped her fingers around it and slowly stood up.

"Thank you…I'll see you here in a few days. Good luck, First Mate." Doctor Aisha turned and walked out, and the half dozen escorts stood up from around the bar and left with her. The deal had been struck, and that was that. Donnelwin struggled with some emotions for a bit but finally turned back to the bar and ordered another round. He needed to steel himself for a kidnapping.