Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 167: Time Before Time: Part 8
-Present Day Prologue-
"You know, I've been holding back my powers too." 15 remarked.
"What do you mean?" Yukiko asked.
"You haven't noticed it?" 15 questioned, "I've yet to use my virus power. As you've witness, I'm able to manipulate concentrations of darkness like Seth. However, I've never showed you what unique powers I possess."
15 was right. He did not use his virus power during their last fight either. When Seth and Froslass were dragged to the Realm Between Life and Death…that was all Dusknoir's powers as a Reaper.
The dark aura surrounding 15 began turning white. This white light quickly spread throughout the entire top floor of Circle N.
"What's going on?" Fear/Seth kept his guard up but was perplexed. The white aura surrounded everything…to the point where nothing was visible in Circle N. Not the equipment. Not the floor. Not the giant window. Not the view of the ruined city of Prypiat below. All that was visible to Fear/Seth was 15 himself.
"The power I possess will lock you within the confines of what Prypiat was 30 years ago. You and everyone you know will live in Prypiat. You will love. You will lose. You will lose what you love. It is up to you to build upon these connections to save Prypiat from the nuclear disaster that will occur. Do you have what it takes to save this town in 7 days?"
"!" The white light became blinding to the point where Fear/Seth and Yukiko had to cover their eyes.
'I hope you will learn to love Rose through this too…' 15 didn't say this out loud. If Seth were to fight his way out of the Prypiat Disaster and defeat 15, this would be 15's parting gift to Rose…
What lied ahead for Seth? Only time would tell. Though time is something Seth will come to wish he had more of. Will Seth be able to overcome Prypiat's impending doom and defeat Commander 15?
-End Present Day Prologue-
Flora and Woshis spent the entire morning searching for Willow's record, but with no luck.
Flora sighed.
"Thousands upon thousands of records to go through…I don't understand how you can do this everyday and an Administrative Officer, Flora!" Woshis was becoming grumpy as he passively tossed a record out of frustration, "This is my first time handling such a large amount of paperwork and I can't stand it!"
"Calm down." Flora remained calm, but her patience with Woshis' flamboyant, quirky attitude had its limits. "We'll find Willow's record eventually."
Woshis groaned, "For my sake, I hope you're right."
"Hm?"
Another voice echoed throughout the Classifieds Vault. This was neither Flora or Woshis.
"What's going on here?" Upon entering the vault, the student was bewildered. "The door was open so I thought some staff would be here. But I've never seen you around campus before."
The student's name was Saki, and he began his confrontation with Woshis and Flora.
Saki narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
In an effort to ease the tension, Woshis took a step forward and raised his hand, "Fancy meeting you here, eh?"
Saki was not amused.
"We're here to gather information regarding a former student who is suspected of attempted acts of terrorism at the Nuclear Facility." Flora answered.
Saki stared at Flora intently, but Flora's gaze didn't waver. Color Saki intrigued. Flora…she reminded Saki of someone in his class…But that was beside the point. Saki adjusted his glasses, "Even if you were telling the truth and you were solving, you have no right to go snooping around here."
"Damn it, I'm sick of playing 'friends' with this smart ass schoolboy!" Woshis, growing impatient, dropped his friendly façade. "You have no authority to prevent us from scouring these files!"
"Know your place, strangers." Saki wasn't moved by Woshis' attitude, "I can contact law enforcement to have you arrested for trespassing at any moment." Saki narrowed his eyes, "I suggest you leave before you get in trouble."
"…" Woshis furrowed his eyebrows. If there was anything he despised, it was being in a position of no power. "You haven't heard the last of me, schoolboy!" Woshis begrudgingly turns to take his leave.
Flora follows, but not before receiving one last question from Saki.
"Who are you, exactly? I can't help thinking I've seen your face before."
Flora sighed.
"Arceus, damn it! Who does that little punk think he is?!"
Flora and Woshis had returned to the car, where Woshis was in the middle of a tirade.
"The police be damned! Trespassing shouldn't take precedence over stopping terrorism!" Woshis continued ranting. "I swear, that schoolboy will regret crossing paths with me!"
Flora sighed. 'Woshis acts like a child when he doesn't get his way – scratch that. Rose acts more mature than him. I wonder how Rose and Seth are doing…Maybe Saki was referring to Seth when saying he saw my face before…'
"FLORA!" Woshis yelled.
Woshis' outburst started Flora from her thoughts, but she remained calm on the outside. Flora was all ears.
"Don't you have a school age kid? Why not use him to get Willow's record?" Woahi…his idea made sense…however…
"I decline." Flora didn't entertain the plot.
Woshis glared at Flora, cross-eyed. "Come again?!" Once again, Woshis was in a position of no power. "Flora, by not capturing the terrorist, you risk your job!"
"I understand that." Flora remained calm, "However, I will not involve my children in this terrorist plot under any circumstance."
Woshis gritted his teeth, "Are you kidding? This isn't just another ordinary job! We're talking about the lives of everybody in Prypiat, including your children!"
Flora pulled over, looked Woshis in the eye, and bluntly told him, "My kids will not be involved. End of discussion."
"No! This isn't the end of the discussion! Your job is on the line. My job is on the line!"
Working at the Nuclear Facility was Woshis' livelihood. It meant everything to him.
With a fight brewing, Flora's composure showed its first crack as he usually monotone voice changed tone. "You're in no position to tell me how to raise my kids, just as it wasn't our position to challenge Saki at that school."
Flora remained neutral…this only served to add fuel to Woshis' flame. The look on Woshis' face said it all. He was coming up with something to say. "…" But he bit his tongue and said nothing. 'I have no choice but to report to Bastion…' He was no longer in any mood to keep Flora as a partner in crime.
Once Flora dropped off Woshis, she decided to take the rest of the day off. Its been a long few days away from her family.
Rose had long since dozed off, and found herself dreaming…
"Ow!"
It was another day for Rose spent in the manor that was Neo Snagem's Base. Rose was in the classroom, in the middle of her studies. The education she studied toward required much dedication-moreso than the average human, but Rose did not realize this fact. All her life, she has been completely isolated from the outside world. The isolated life of a 'princess' was all Rose has ever known, so Rose was unable to become depressed, no matter how emotionally fragile she was.
"Ow!"
Some days, Rose would be left alone in order to study uninterrupted. Other days…
"Ha ha!"
"Ha ha!"
"Ow! Let go!" Other days…*sigh* Rose would be endlessly harassed by the always-obnoxious masked Inamorati.
"Hahahaha!" Volbeat held Rose by the black bow donned on her long, blonde hair.
"Hahahaha!" While Illumise clapped continuously, entertained by the tears in Rose's eyes.
Just why do Volbeat and Illumise endlessly harass Rose like this? Could it be because Rose was the only person in Neo Snagem who was younger and smaller than they are? Maybe. Or maybe they don't need a reason. Maybe they tease Rose just because.
"Please leave me alone!"
Well, to tell the truth, Rose does kind of make it all too easy for herself to be picked on. Rose couldn't help wearing her emotions on her sleeve-with the tears, the desperate shouting and helpless flailing, how can Volbeat and Illumise resist amusing themselves!
"Roseli!"
"Lilli!"
Even on days when Roselia and Lilligant would leave the cathedral to keep Rose company, Volbeat and Illumise wouldn't stop. Why do Roselia and Lilligant not fight?
"…"
"…"
Oh, they've tried. The obnoxiousness of Volbeat and Illumise is just too much. You know what they say: Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
"Aw! Look at the little baby!" Illumise showed her 'awe' with much satire and sarcasm.
Volbeat, excited to see Rose's tears, commented, "I think she's cranky!"
Illumise flew to where she was face level with a Rose being held by Volbeat, "Does the little baby need a nap?! Yes you do! YES YOU DO!"
"Hahahahahah!"
"Hahahahahah!"
"HAHAHAHAH!"
Volbeat and Illumise continued to egg Rose on.
"Hrm…"
"…"
If Roselia and Lilligant had teeth, they would be gritting in frustration right now.
'Leave her alone!' The Grass pokemon knew by now that fighting Volbeat and Illumise would just be a lost cause. Even knowing this, they could not stand to do nothing. "Hmph!" Roselia launched herself at Volbeat.
"Whoops-" All too excited, Volbeat quickly rolled to the left. "-A daisy!" Roselia's charge amounted to nothing.
Roselia and Lilligant weren't 'fighting' pokemon. They were more suited to the domesticated life. They were able to act in self defense if need be, with the ability to induce sleep, paralysis, or confusion. But of course, out of all the pokemon in the world, Volbeat and Illumise were the only ones able to render the Grass types' self defense useless, with their Prankster-like obnoxiousness.
"Ow…" But at least Roselia's charge caused for Volbeat to let go of Rose.
Rose sighed as she swiped the dust from her black dress. Without word, she started walking away from the scene and toward the exit of her study chamber. Roselia and Lilligant followed her.
"Hm? 26, where are you going?"
"Hm? Where are you going, 26?"
The masked Volbeat and Illumise excitedly followed 26 and the Grass types.
'They refuse to leave us alone…!' Rose was exasperated. She wondered why the fireflies were electing to follow her rather than continue their bullying. They were probably going to resume soon enough.
"Vol volbeat!"
"Illumise!"
Of course, whatever words came from the creative mouths of Volbeat and Illumise could only be heard as their normal pokemon cries to Rose. What were they saying? Rose knew they were making fun of her.
What could Rose do? She has already told Mother Flora and Lady Beatrice what Volbeat and Illumise have been doing. Of course, Volbeat and Illumise were punished, they just never learn their lesson. Eventually, Rose found the punishments to Volbeat and Illumise to be remedial.
From the confines of her study, and outside the Neo Snagem Headquarters. The sun was bright, making for a perfect day to be outside-if you weren't being followed by those annoying fireflies.
Rose made her way to the dilapidated cathedral where Mother Flora always spent her time. She stopped in front of the cathedral, the duos of Roselia & Lilligant and Volbeat & Illumise halting behind her.
'Mother Flora is sick today. I do not wish to disturb her while she is resting'.
That's right. Mother Flora seemed to be coming down with some sort of flu yesterday. Chances are, the illness has gotten worse today. If Rose were to bring Volbeat and Illumise in the cathedral now, Mother Flora's recovery wouldn't be as swift. Rose would want Mother Flora to get better soon-like tomorrow.
Without stepping foot in the cathedral, Rose turned back and began wandering. Not too far from the organization's headquarters, she was sure no punishment too great would befall her should Father Atticus discover she'd wandered away from her studies.
There was a fine line between the main city, and the outskirts. From this line, Rose stared into the many tall skyscrapers Of Goldenrod.
"…" The world seems so much more closed-more small-when traversing between the skyscrapers. Between the buildings, the sky doesn't seem as wide and expansive as it does in the rural world. Rose much preferred the quiet life, with no strangers around. In the rural world, she would be able to tend to her roses and savor the endless sky. "…" The world she was in right now, wasn't the world she wanted.
As she continued on her walk, Rose could hear Volbeat and Illumise getting a little excited. It was only a matter of time before they would start picking on her again…
But for now, Rose had returned to the organization's headquarters. She didn't go into the building per say. She just continued her walk, through the garden and into the training compound.
"The training compound?"
"The training compound?"
Volbeat and Illumise both questioned Rose's 'itinerary', as Rose was not a Pokemon Trainer.
The fireflies looked at each other, seemingly dumbfounded. Then, as if a lightbulb went off in their heads, the two fireflies hatched an idea.
"Hey!"
"Selia?!"
Volbeat pulled Roselia.
"Hey!"
"Lilli?!"
While Illumise grabbed Lilligant.
Volbeat and Illumise looked to Rose, and in unison, they sang, "Let's have a battle!"
"What?" Rose clenched her fists, "No!"
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
"YES!"
Volbeat and Illumise were obnoxiously chanting.
"YES!"
"YES!"
"YES!"
Illumise stopped cheering, and asked Volbeat with a smile, "Uh, why do we keep chanting yes?"
"If we keep chanting yes obnoxiously, I'm sure we'll win the battle and be rewarded the World Championship on the grandest stage of all!" Volbeat clapped, "I saw some guy do it on TV a while back, YES I did! YES! YES! YES!"
"But he was supposed to be an obnoxious bad guy." Illumise replied. "Oh well, beggars can't be choosers."
"Let's fight right now!"
Volbeat and Illumise dragged Roselia and Lilligant to the Training Compound's battlefield. They flew to the other side of the field, and readied their attacks.
"Lill?!"
"Roselia?!"
"HAH!"
"HAH!"
Rose, Roselia, and Lilligant all flinched as Volbeat and Illumise launched white beams of energy.
'Why do they never leave us alone?!' As Rose thought this, a tear became visible, making its way down her face. She was tired and frustrated, but she also knew that 'playing dead' would not get the fireflies to leave her alone. She, Roselia, and Lilligant were hapless and helpless, as they were everyday.
As the Signal Beams made contact, a cloud of smoke was created.
"…"
"…"
"…"
Rose, Roselia, and Lilligant said not a thing.
"We did it?" Volbeat began getting his hopes up.
"We did it!" Illumise answered.
"We did it!" Her answer was parroted by Volbeat as they both cheered, "YAYYY!"
"!Lo hicimo!"
"WE DID IT!"
"Hm?" The Signal Beams made contact, just not with Rose, and the smoke kept the fireflies from seeing that for themselves. When Rose realized this, she opened her eyes.
"Lill?"
"Roselia?"
Roselia and Lilligant were confused.
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
When the smoke cleared-
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Volbeat and Illumise looked, to see something else standing in between them and Rose.
"Rn…" It was a sizeable pokemon with an imposing presence.
"You will leave the girl alone."
"Hn?!" Rose was startled, and her eyes widened as that voice came from behind. 'No! A stranger is here!'
"Wha?"
"Wha?"
Just looking at the man, Volbeat and Illumise were no longer playing around. "Ron." Him and the Lairon that stood in front of Rose were calm and collected, but their size alone was enough to remind people that they could let loose and cause major destruction.
"Should Leader Atticus discover what you are doing to his daughter, there will be Hell to pay." The man started, "Prankster abilities won't help you escape imprisonment…or death, will it?"
That was a threat, and a cold one at that. It was enough for the fireflies to freeze in place. Fear was present in their eyes. This wasn't just an artificial fear acted for the sake of adding drama. No, this fear was for real.
"Hmph." All the man had to do was raise a single Pokeball.
"Ngh!" Volbeat and Illumise gritted their teeth. It was as if they knew what was in that Pokeball. Yes…that had to be it. They knew this man too. For them to be instilled with fear before this man and his Lairon even launched an attack, they must've had some sort of past.
Volbeat and Illumise were in a tough spot. The only thing they could do, was 'exit offstage', making their escape as they flew from the Training Compound.
"Lilli!"
"Roselia!"
FINALLY, the fireflies were put in their place! Lilligant and Roselia couldn't contain their excitement, as they hugged each other and danced in a small circle.
Inside, Rose was conflicted. She was happy to finally be rid of Volbeat and Illumise, but now she was in the presence of a new stranger. Who was he?
"Lairon!"
"Woah!" Rose was about to ask who this man was without turning to face him. But before Rose was afforded the opportunity, she was abruptly pulled out of her thoughts as an excited Lairon picked her up and landed her on his back. Rose was now sitting on Lairon like a trainer getting ready to ride his Rapidash stead into the wilderness.
"Lair?" Lairon was excited, waiting for Rose to answer back with her own excitement.
"Um…" But Rose was uneasy. Lairon was a stranger too. She was about to scream, before…
"Roselia!" Excited, Roselia and Lilligant both approached Lairon.
"Lilli? Lilli lilligant!"
"Seli Roselia?"
"Lair!" Lairon, Lilligant, and Roselia shared a collective nod in agreement.
They were all smiling, and Rose took note of this. 'Maybe they are nice?' This allowed for Rose to calm down. She even formed a subtle smile on her face.
"Lairon!" With Rose still riding him, Lairon turned around, allowing Rose to face the man who saved her.
Under the sun, the man appeared as a silhouette to Rose. He was a tall man on the burley side, and his long, black hair was in a ponytail.
"Who are you?" Rose asked.
"…" Before the man answered, as if on cue, the sun positioned itself to where he was no longer a silhouette to Rose. Revealed, were his cold black eyes that had a hint of warmness in them.
His name…Rose knew who he was. It was her neighbor, Bastion?
End of the dream…
Like with all dreams, this one came to an end, with Rose waking up in the living room of her house. She was cuddled with her older brother on the sofa as the two watched a movie on television. On tv was a holiday program for Christmas, which was five days away.
Rose had questions. Why was she having dreams about Bastion? What were these dreams?
"Whats wrong?" Seth asked.
"Well, I-" Rose was about to tell Seth about her dreams, until the front door opens.
"Good day, kids." It was Mother Flora! She was home!
"Mom!" Rose perked up and immediately ran to her mother, who picked her up and hugged her tight.
"It's good to see you, darling." Flora gave a rare smile. Besides Rose and Seth, Flora has only been seen smiling a number of times. As Flora held Rose, she randomly gazed around the living to find someone new in the house.
"Sage!" Pansage quickly hid behind the hallway wall.
Color Flora surprised, "You two caught a Pokemon!" She placed Rose on the ground.
"Please mom, please let me keep him!" Rose jumped up and down, pleading for her mother to let her keep Pansage.
"Yes, but only if you understand what goes in to caring for a Pokemon."
Rose again hugged her Mother, "Thank you mom!"
And so, Rose and Seth would spend the rest of this peaceful night with their Mother.
5 Days Remaining…
Location: Nuclear Facility
It was midnight, and the Nuclear Facility was left a heaping mess in the wake of Woshis roaring in frustration. He was upset about not finding information on the terrorist, and he was outright furious that Flora refused to use her children to fetch Willow's record at the school. Woshis had an extensive history of acting this way. He wasn't particularly a company guy, he just believed he was always right.
He was a narcissist.
Woshis approached the Administration office as he continued grumbling, and stumbled upon Flora's desk. There lied a single picture of the woman. Flora was embracing both Seth and Rose. "She has TWO children, eh?" Woshis smiled. He had ways of making Flora cooperate with him, whether she liked it or not. Boss Bastion would be on board, but in reality Woshis was only deluding himself into thinking he was right, just like always.
On this night, Rose had another dream about Bastion…
Who would've thought Rose would cross paths with the many she once called 'Uncle' today?
"How long has it been since you left the organization?" Commander 15 asked, "About a year now?"
"Lair." Command Bastion's Lairon nodded.
Rose and 15 were very close. It was only natural that the two would catch up on what's gone on in each other's lives. Rose was elated when 15 released Lairon from his Pokeball. It was like the good ol' days when Rose sat on Lairon's back like he was her stead.
"Is Mother Flora well?" Rose hasn't seen her Mother since leaving Neo Snagem.
Bastion gave a long-winded sigh, one which Rose could pick up on his exasperation. "Your Mother was devastated when you left. She became…distant. She was never one to express much emotion, but you could see depression written all over her face."
"…" Rose, for the first time, was learning of the ripple effect that her departure had on the dearly beloveds of her old life.
"Flora almost took her own life."
Rose froze. Those words were startling.
"But what if she were to go through with overdosing herself? What then?" Bastion continued, "What if her baby girl decided she wanted to come home? Flora left the pills alone and began waiting. Despite hoping against all hope, she began to pray for your return."
Rose's gaze shifted from Bastion to down on her dress, "Mother Flora is still waiting for me?"
The 15th Commander nodded, "Not just Flora, but Lady Beatrice as well." Bastion was told about when Commander Beatrice encountered Rose in Mahogany Town. "Come with me ,26."
The eyes of Rose widened.
"Hand in hand with Beatrice and I, you can return home to your Mother, at long last…"
Once again, the dream unceremoniously ends…
"Erm…" Rose woke up in the middle of the night. "Another dream about him…"
Why? Why was she having these dreams?
"Sage?" Pansage, who was woken up by Rose's stirring, asked the girl if she was okay.
"I am fine. Thank you for worrying." Rose gently pet the Grass Type.
The Next Morning…
Next door, Bastion had closed and locked his house door, ready to go to work. Going to his car, "Hm?" He spotted Flora's car next door. "So, Flora came home…" Flora coming home without calling Bastion let him know that she had yet to find Willow. Bastion was fine with this, as Flora would be on the case again today.
"Mr. Bastion, good morning!" Snapping Bastion out of his thoughts were Yumi and Haru, as Yumi greeted him.
"Good morning." Bastion returned Yumi's greeting as he promptly got in his car and started on his way to work.
As Bastion rode away, the door to Flora's house opened. "Yumi, Haru, good morning." Flora greeted the two students and invited them inside.
Once inside, Yumi greeted the siblings. "Seth, Rose, good morning."
"Good morning, Yumi." Rose greeted.
"My, you're getting tall, Haru." Flora remarked.
"Not to mention handsome!" There was a glint in Haru's teeth as he smiled. He then turned to Yumi and got on one knee, "I'm only handsome enough for you, my love!" Like many times before, Haru extended his hand hoping for Yumi to accept.
Flora, Seth, and Rose were left speechless.
"Um…" Yumi wasn't sure what to say.
"Sage! Pansage!" Luckily, Pansage was able to break the silence. He jumped from the top of the sofa and into Yumi's arms.
"Oh, you're so adorable!" Yumi hugged Pansage as she sat on the sofa next to Seth and Rose.
This left Haru 'at the alter'. Flora watched as he dropped the act. For a split second, she could see Haru frowning before adopting his usual cheery nature.
Haru and Yumi came to the house often enough for Flora to become aware of Haru's crush on Yumi. In fact, it was earlier this month when Haru declared that he would get Yumi to go to the Christmas dance with him. Here they were, five days from Christmas, and Haru was no closer than where he was at the start of the month.
As Haru had Yumi on his mind, and Rose was readying to say goodbye to Seth as he left for school this morning, Flora had other things on her mind. Woshis was heated when she last saw him. Has he calmed down now? Has he told Bastion anything? Perhaps. Bastion's car wasn't in the driveway when Flora came home last night, meaning that he came home after her.
Location: Nuclear Facility
Woshi had briefed the events of yesterday to Bastion. Being a 'Topside worker', Bastion was unfamiliar with Woshis' character. Nonetheless, Bastion kept his cool as Woshis vented his frustration. His frustration was about how his bid at uncovering Willow's information was thwarted by a mere schoolboy. About how Flora had the means of retrieving Willow's information through her children, and how Flora refused to use said extra means, resulting in an extra day of field work.
"I understand where you're coming from," Bastion said, "We're both top brass in our respective departments. However, unlike scientists like you who work in laboratories underground, Topside workers like Flora and I have to adhere to politics. Involving children on a mission is ill advised. On the heels of the initial terrorist scare a few days ago, News Outlets are hungry to put a negative spotlight on the Nuclear Facility."
Woshis gritted his teeth.
"However…" Bastion spoke back up, "The benefit of stopping a terrorist attack on the Nuclear Facility outweighs the risk of involving outside sources. Your fate may already be sealed should you choose to stand idly by…"
Bastion…was he aware of the false reality plunged before him? Was he aware of the destruction Prypiat was fate for? This didn't register with Woshis, because for him this was reality.
"I will permit you to pursue Flora's older child."
Woshis gave off a sly smirk, "You have my utmost gratitude."
In return, Bastion gave Woshis a knowing smirk. 'I will return to their residence to see if Rose knows anything.'
Location: Prypiat Residential District
Seth, Haru, and Yumi had just left Seth's house, and were now on their way to school.
"Yumi?" Haru called Yumi's name.
"Yes?"
"Yumi…" This time, Haru wasn't trying to be funny. "Will you go to the Christmas Dance with me?"
"Hehe!" But Yumi couldn't take him seriously, "Haru, don't joke around!"
To save face, Haru joined Yumi in the moment of laughter. Only, his laughter was faint hearted.
Seth, as usual, simply spectated Yumi and Haru's dynamic. This had Yumi bringing up the question to Seth. "Seth, who are you taking to the Christmas Dance?"
"Nobody."
"You know, I haven't heard you talk about the Christmas Dance even once. Why not?" Yumi was genuinely curious.
"That's not my thing." At least Seth was being honest.
"Are you even going to the dance at all?" Haru asked.
"No." Christmas Day…Seth remembered Summer and Winter muttering '7 Days Left' in class a few days ago. He's been thinking about those 7 days ever since. He couldn't help thinking he may have been told what was going to happen in 7 days. But what? Where could Seth have heard such a thing?
Before Seth could truly think about this question, Haru pats Seth on the shoulder, "Well, you've never been the most sociable guy in the world. You probably intimidate the ladies. Me, on the other hand…" Haru adopts a triumphant smile as he boldly declares, "I'll totally steal the show at the Christmas Dance! Mistletoes, kissing hot girls, becoming King of the Dance with my irresistible singing…! Laaaalaaaalaaaa!"
Haru began singing off key, causing a few neighbors to stare at him.
Annoying.
This also attracted the attention of Saki, who was a fair distance ahead. He didn't live in the immediate area, but this was where he typically crossed paths with his fellow Shinku Secondary School students in the morning. He knew of Haru's obnoxiousness like every other student. As Haru continued singing, Saki couldn't help looking back at the group. His gaze shifted from Haru, to Yumi, and finally…
"Him…!" Haru's eyes widened. His mind flashed back to the encounter he had with those two strangers who showed up at the school yesterday. Woshis and Flora…Saki knew he saw someone with a face like Flora's before. That someone was Seth. Saki concluded that Seth may have been related to Flora.
Location: Shinku Secondary School
Once at school, Saki stopped and abruptly turned to face Seth. After a brief staredown, Saki asked, "I wish to speak with you, alone."
"Why do you need to speak with Seth alone?" Yumi asked.
"Who are you anyway?" Of course Haru didn't know who Saki was.
Saki didn't respond to Haru and Yumi's questions as he continued staring at Seth.
After another brief staredown, Seth told Yumi and Haru, "Go on ahead."
"But Seth?!" Yumi is about to argue, until…
'A chance for me and Yumi to have some alone time? Count me in!' Haru gave an excited smile as he grabbed Yumi by the hand and started dragging her, "Come on Yumi! Let's leave these two alone!"
This left Seth and Saki alone. Meanwhile…
"Dear me, now why did I think searching for someone who looks like Flora would be a simple task? Their must be at least a thousand students coming to this school." Arriving at the school was Woshis, who paid no mind to the passing students…for the most part. 'Last time, I was forced to play the game by Flora and the schoolboy's rules. But this time, I have Bastion's blessing.'
You see, Woshis has never been above breaking the rules in order to get ahead in the world. If there was a way to achieve his goal, he would take any turn to achieve it.
'I need leverage just in case I encounter that schoolboy again…'
"What was that all about? I just don't get Saki sometimes. You know, Haru?"
'Hm' Woshis' ears perked up as he overheard someone talking about the schoolboy. It was Yumi and Haru.
"That guy thinks he can go around telling everyone what to do and it really grinds my gears!" Haru couldn't help complaining about the guy. The two were in different classes, but their encounter moments ago may have put them on worse terms than two complete strangers.
As Haru and Yumi entered the school, Woshi grinned as he thought to himself, 'So…these students know the schoolboy.'
Location: Flora's House
Back at the house, Rose had long since dozed off. When she woke up, she arose to an empty house, with only Pansage to keep her company.
"Sage…" Pansage was fast asleep.
Great minds think alike. Rose thought this as she took a page out of Pansage's book, dozing off once again.
'Whispers of the Apocalypse.'
Rose's eyes snapped wide awake. "Hello?"
That voice…it felt so ghastly, yet familiar. Where did Rose hear those whispers before?
"Sage…" Rose's stirring has woken Pansage. "Sage?" The Grass type asked if Rose was alright.
Rose nodded. "…" But as her gaze was on Pansage, she caught something in the corner of her eye. "Hm?" She shifted her gaze to see nothing…
Outside the window, it felt like some sort of dark cloth had been blown out of sight. Rose only saw it for a fraction of a second, but she was sure something was there. The moving cloth and the 'whispers'…they had Rose uneasy. She and Pansage were alone, and there was something wandering outside. What if it came inside?
Holding Pansage in her arms, Rose slowly approached the front door with caution. When she opened the door, she was surprised by what she saw. It wasn't the clothed figure she suspected. Rather, it was her next door neighbor: Bastion.
He stood with his back toward Rose, staring at the clouded sky. When he turned to Rose, the two exchanged a long stare. This stare…it was warm. It was like Rose and Bastion were very close to each other – like family.
"Mr. Bastion?" Rose uttered.
Bastion smiled, "You look like your mother, Rose." This compliment served to break the ice, allowing for Bastion to go into his next question. "Would you mind if I had a word with you?"
Location: Nuclear Facility
Back at the facility, Flora had been searching for Woshis. Her search brought her to the underground laboratories – a place where topsiders like her rarely traversed.
"I'm sorry, but I haven't seen Woshis all day." A labworker replied.
Was Woshis at his normal workstation? No…he wouldn't have abandoned searching Willow's record without reporting to Bastion first. Flora became uneasy. She remembered how angry Woshis became when she declined to involve her kids in this terrorist mess. Woshis didn't become Lead Scientist of the Nuclear Facility's underground Laboratory for nothing. It certainly took initiative and due diligence. Could that same initiative drive Woshis to utilize Flora's family against her wishes?
Beginning to worry, Flora started away from the underground laboratory and outside the Nuclear Facility. She got in her car, hoping to find Woshis before her children were put in danger.
But it was too little, too late…
Location: Shinku Secondary School
Wearing glasses and a white lab coat, Woshis didn't exactly look out of place in school. He could have honestly passed as a staff member. He used this to his advantage as he trailed Yumi and Haru from behind. There were countless students and staff traversing the halls of the school, giving Woshis the perfect cover. He watched as Haru and Yumi entered a Classroom – Class 2-B.
'So this is where they're seated. Perfect.'
Meanwhile, Seth and Saki stood on the school's rooftop. Neither students were big on small talk, so they got straight to the point.
"Yesterday, there was an incident that happened at this school. It was an incident involving a woman who favors you, Seth." Saki took out a photo and showed it to Seth.
Seth was caught off guard. "Mother Flora…" The photo was of Seth's mother, and a man he did not know.
"What does your Mother do for a living?" Saki questioned.
"…" Seth didn't answer. Was he withholding information? Or did he just not know what exactly his mother did?
Seth and Saki were both aware that Flora worked at the Nuclear Facility.
"It was strange to find these two on school grounds looking for information on a suspect linked to the incident that's been in the news over the past few days." Saki's eyes narrowed. "Was your mother and this unidentified man looking for a FALL GUY because they THEMSELVES were involved in the accident?"
"You have no evidence." Seth refuted Saki's claim. "There's no way my Mother would do something like that."
Saki didn't buy it. A moment of silence passed before Saki asked one random question. "Where is your Father?"
"He travels for work."
"So if I were to have your mother arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, what would you do? If your father isn't around, how would that affect you?"
This felt like an interrogation Seth was not going to win. Seth didn't say it out loud, but he needed time to answer Saki's probing questions. But then, in what appeared to be a miracle for Seth…
Class is now in session.
The school bell had rung.
Seth sighed in relief, as class would provide a moment of reprieve from Saki's interrogation.
"Good morning, Seth."
"Good morning, Seth."
As Seth entered the classroom, he was greeted by Summer and Winter. "Good morning." He took his seat.
"We enjoyed you and you sister visiting us on Saturday." Summer smiled.
"We should do it again some time." Winter added.
Seth's eyes were blank, remaining unforcused.
"Hello?" It was only when Summer waved a hand in front of his face that Seth gave the twins his true attention.
"Do you two know about the rumors of terrorist conspiracies in Prypiat?" He asked.
For a moment, the twins paused. Before muttering something in unison.
"5 Days Left."
"5 Days Left."
Seth began to suspect the twins knew something…
Location: Principal's Office
Shinku Secondary School was a successful institute of learning. Leading this institution was the Principal. His name was Dart, and he was a capable man – albeit overly stringent at times.
"Mar."
Unceremoniously flying into Dart's office was a Pokemon.
"What the?!" Pokemon sightings were rare in Prypiat, so Dart was understandably startled. Unaware of the power this specific Pokemon had, Dart had his guard up…but that wasn't enough.
"Mar…" The pokemon known as Malamar started glowing a light blue aura.
"Ahh…" Principal Dart was surrounded by an aura that was the same light blue color.
Malamar had just hypnotized Principal Dart. The Principal was now a mind puppet under Malamar's complete control.
"Mar."
Malamar immediately put his mind puppet to use, directing him to sit in his chair and press a red button on his desk. This red button…turned on the intercom which could be used to communicate with all students and staff at the school.
"Excuse me, I have a very important message to make." Principal Dart's voice was lifeless and monotone. "Students Yumi and Haru are to report to the School Auditorium immediately. I repeat: Students Yumi and Haru are to report to the School Auditorium immediately."
"Us?" Yumi and Haru looked at each other.
"What could the principal want from us?" Haru asked.
The entire classroom was intrigued, including Class Rep Mura. The green haired girl turned to the teacher, "Mr. Mito, do they have your permission to go?"
Mr. Mito nodded.
This wasn't just heard by Mr. Mito's class, but by Ms. Beatrice's classroom as well.
Seth narrowed his eyes. He was skeptical.
This was noticed by Saki, who had a feeling something may be wrong. 'Principal Dart has NEVER summoned students using the intercom.'
Summer and Winter took noticed of this as well.
Meanwhile, Flora was on her way to Shinku Secondary School.
'If my intuition is right, I can hopefully find Woshis before he does anything that would put anyone in danger…'
Location: Shinku Secondary School – Auditorium
Yumi and Haru entered the auditorium to discover it was empty.
"There's nobody here." Haru remarked.
"I wonder why we were called here?" Yumi questioned.
"Maybe Principal Dart wants to announce us and King and Queen of the upcoming Christmas Dance!" Haru attempted to lighten the mood.
Yumi…despite constantly friendzoning Haru, his idea brought stars to her eyes, "You really think so?!"
"I should've brought a mistletoe for this occasion!"
"Oh, Haru!" Yumi playfully pushed the brown haired boy.
Haru thanked the heavens that he wasn't outright rejected this time. 'Maybe I DO have a chance with Yumi after all!'
Just then, Yumi and Haru's attention was grabbed by the auditorium stage in front of them.
"Hm?"
"Hm?"
They watched as Principal Dart descended in front of them. "…"
"Weird." Yumi noted. "Humans can't fly."
Upon seeing Principal Dart unresponsive you Yumi's remarks, Haru stepped in and waved a hand in his face. "Hellooooo?"
Principal Dart's presence was enough to keep Yumi and Haru from noticing Malamar, who quietly descended behind Yumi. "Mar."
"Eek!" Malamar wrapped his tentacles around Yumi, who yelp became muffled once Malamar covered her mouth.
Haru turned around and stood agape. "What kind of Pokemon is that?!" This soon became the least of Haru's problems as Yumi became engulfed in the same psychic aura surrounding Principal Dart.
"…" Yumi's muffled yelling ceased. When she was released from Malamar's grasp, she stood there like a zombie.
"Yumi, are you okay?" Haru asked this with no response. "Yumi! What's wrong, Yumi?! Say something!" Haru turned to Malamar, his eyes about to see red, "What did you do to Yumi?!" Haru came to the conclusion that both Yumi and Principal Dart were in trouble. What was Haru to do? How was he – a human – supposed to free the girl he loved from the spell of a psychic powered Pokemon? He loved Yumi…He needed to rescue her…no matter what! "Let Yumi go!" Haru lunged at Malamar. "Woah!" Only to be caught by his psychic energy.
"Mar."
"Bravo!" The sound of clapping started echoing throughout the auditorium.
"Ngh…" Haru was still conscious when he heard the clapping – and footsteps - coming in his direction.
It was a silver-haired man wearing a lab coat and glasses – Woshis. The man grinned at Haru, who was beginning to lose consciousness.
"W-who are you?"
"Rest tight." Woshi whispered maliciously, "You and the girl will be key to me obtaining what I so desperately seek."
To Be Continued…
