Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 128: Mission Complete, Inevitable
Location: Violet City
Commander 12's POV
On the heels of a defeat to former Commander Zero, I found myself mulling for a purpose. Was I to continue chasing after a Zero with a new resolve? I didn't know…and I hadn't the time to think. For soon after their fight, I was found by scientist Zeno, under the clouds.
"The Spell of the Unown…It is key for Team Neo Snagem to seize Violet City. By exploiting the power of the Unown, we WILL be successful this time." Zeno, the scientist, was plotting.
Zeno, Chatot and I were gathered in a building in inner Violet City. They were 'hidden in plain sight'.
We weren't alone.
"I did not expect to run into you here, 12," Zeno said, "I was prepared to carry out this plot with a few 'familiar faces'."
Zeno gestured to two other members of Neo Snagem who were thought to be long gone-Commanders 19 and 21.
There was also an Emboar that was large in size. This pokemon, I was not aware Zeno or the Commanders ever had. I questioned if they've always had Emboar, when really, Zeno explained to me that Emboar was a recent addition, when reforming the Neo Snagem alliance that originally failed to seize Violet City way back when. He expressed that it would be an insult to treat Emboar like any other lowly pokemon; Emboar was the muscle to compliment Zeno's brains, and was key in playing Neo Snagem subordinates AND Violet City citizens as pawns.
Commander 19 was a little rough around the edges. He now sported dark brown hair. He wore a dark grey shirt under a red vest. He also wore black pants and black boots. This was the standard Neo Snagem uniform, reserved for grunts and lower ranked Commanders.
"Don't mind 21," 19 was sour about being in the same room as 21, especially considering 21's hesitant nature caused for Neo Snagem's attempt to take over Violet City to flounder. "The moment he hesitates, I'll make quick work of him."
"Hmph." As if on cue with 19's threat, the Emboar stepped closer to 21 and gave a deep growl, in an effort to intimidate the Commander.
21 wore the standard Neo Snagem uniform as well.
"…" I didn't care to acknowledge their existence right now.
"You are, not impressed?" Zeno asked.
He guessed correct, but that wasn't the only reason I was silent.
'My goal is…to destroy Team Neo Snagem…' What Zero said back there… 'Your goal to be the best like no one ever was will never defeat my new resolve…"
Our fight today was so much different from the ones we had in the past. Despite my effort, the fight was one sided…in HIS favor. Why HIM?! It was SO frustrating! My goal to eclipse Zero has been my resolve for as long as I could remember…so WHY has HIS resolve eclipse mine in the matter of an instant?!
…Should I question my resolve to eclipse Zero? It would be the first time if I did. If I were to give up on catching Zero, then what would be my life's purpose? Asking myself that question made me feel so uncertain about the future. It was a realm of uncomfortable only felt by those whose outlook on this world is most bleak. I didn't want for my mind to drift in that direction. Even if Zero's victory was convincing, I refused to give up and face uncertainty. I had no choice but to continue chasing after Zero.
I was deep in contemplating thought, but was interrupted by Zeno and his brief.
"Prepare yourselves. For the scope of this 'mission' is larger than you realize," Zeno called out.
"What do you mean?" I questioned.
Zeno smirked. The evil scientist made a snicker that would give people the impression that he was a sly, cowardly rat of a human being, "Commanders 19 and 21 aren't the only eliminated Neo Snagem members to be recruited by me."
Commander 19 had his arms crossed, "The Neo Snagem grunts who were defeated on that dreaded day…they once again stand on the side of Neo Snagem. Hundreds of Grunts now hide in the shadows of Violet City, ready to make their move on our command."
Commander 19 glared darts at 21 as the next words escaped his mouth-
"-Any person not on the side of Neo Snagem will be treated as nothing more than one of our civilian victims-to-be." …Rumor has it that 21 was in the midst of an 'existential crisis' during his previous mission in Violet City. Questioning the ways of Neo Snagem, it was his complacency that led to the downfall of himself, Commander 19, and their many grunts. There was tension in the air between the two. "Perhaps prison has hardened you, but its best not to let our guard down…" 19 allowed his arms to exit their crossed stance, "…I won't hesitate to kill you, should you prove to be an incompetent Commander again."
"Mm…" Embroar glared at down at 21. It was not as if 21 was short-Embroar was just formidable in size and height.
"…" 21 remained silent, but maintained his composure. He was minimally fazed by 19's threat.
"Realize that I am the leader of this mission." I reminded the two conflicted Commanders that I was of the highest rank here.
"And I am the mastermind." Zeno added. "I concoct a plot to have Neo Snagem's goal realize, and 12 here puts that plot into fruition."
"What is the plot?" Chatot had remained silent up until this point. The bird had been perched upon my shoulder when he finally spoke up. He repeated, "What is the plot?"
"I mentioned it earlier: We are going to use the Spell of the Unown to seize Violet City." Zeno replied, "Follow me. I am sure you are all aware of the Unown Ruins just outside the city."
Zeno then reached for a Pokeball. "Hmph." He stared at it for a moment before smirking slyly. "Go." He threw the Pokeball into the air, the Pokeball producing a white light. When the light faded…
"Zooooooooone."
"I'd be amused to see the upper Commander try to take Magnezone away from me, like they did Metagross," Zeno said as he casually walked on top of the Magnezone, grabbing onto the Steel type's antenna and holding like some sort of means to support him standing up right. "Magnezone, let us go now."
"Zooooooooone." Magnezone…it was Zeno's mode of transportation. The Magnezone, in the air, started itself and Zeno in the direction of the Unown Ruins, away from Violet City.
I watched as the others followed.
Embroar pushed Commander 21 forward, as if demanding him to proceed against his will. 21 was able to keep his composure before, but not now. With an annoyed expression on his face, he readied to face the large Fire type, but…
"A direct order." Commander 19 stood in front of 21, arms crossed, "Walk!"
Embroar pushed 21 again, as 19 moved aside. 21 didn't want to give 19 the satisfaction of getting an emotional reaction, so he quickly put aside what little pride he had and did as he was told.
Embroar was behind 21, leaving so room for separation.
"Hmph." There was nothing but apathy coming from 19 as he was the last to start following Zeno.
That left just me…
'Zero…' I wonder if I'll find myself a new resolve that pushes me beyond my known potential? My goal is to defeat Zero. But in the meantime, maybe I'll find a stronger resolve while doing missions?
"Let's go. Cha tot. Let's go." Chatot was able to stop me before I could slip back into contemplative thought, telling me not to let Zeno and the others get too far ahead.
Leader: Commander 12
Mastermind: Zeno
The Strongest: Emboar
Grunt Commander: Commander 19
Questionable: Commander 21
An group of 5 within Neo Snagem which contains old and new members. They are, The New Alliance. And what The New Alliance commands, is the fate of all in Violet City-whether they are with Neo Snagem, opposed to Neo Snagem, or indifferent to preference.
Now, Neo Snagem grunts are assigned to posts that are hidden, all throughout Violet City. From the checkpoints leading to and from the city, to the waters in front of Sprout Tower, to the Pokemon Center, to wherever the Pokemon Gym in unaware of their presence…to the Unown Ruins.
Neo Snagem is determined to right yesterday's wrong. They have Shadow Pokemon roaming the sky.
"Star. Staraptor."
"Manndibuzzzz."
Staraptor and Mandibuzz led a group of Flying pokemon, roving the sky and ready to alert the grunts should a certain Gym Leader and his Pidgeot discover Neo Snagem's resurfacing.
….
They have Shadow Pokemon in the sea.
"Shar…pedo…"
"Vana. Carvahna."
Sharpedo, Carvahna, and various other Water pokemon lingered in Violet City's pond. The people and their pokemon of Violet City will have no means of surprise countermeasures by hiding in water that is deceptively deep.
…...
They have Shadow Pokemon, ready to be deployed at city borders.
There, at the checkpoint separating Violet City and the route to Cherrygrove. It seems as though ordinary trainers are resting. The average police official would become psychologically blind to this sight, jumping to the conclusion that Pokemon Trainers WOULD wish to rest.
The Grunts held Pokeballs…containing the Shadow Aggron, Shadow Gigalith, and Shadow Golem capable of barricading the thousands of people from escaping.
…
They have pokemon hidden beneath the ground.
"Sand slash. Sand slash."
"Ga bite."
"Steeelix!"
Many Pokemon roamed the underground, but none more menacing than a Steelix capable of terrifying Earthquakes. Neo Snagem's strategy to control the underground has guaranteed their side homefield advantage.
…..
At Zeno's cue, Neo Snagem will surface from the shadows of the city. Violet City is destined to be purged into chaos…
Location: Unown Ruins
Commander 12's POV
Zeno, Emboar, 19 and 21 all stood at the foot of the Unown Ruins, waiting for me to catch up. We were still under the clouds summoned by Noivern earlier.
…
…
…
What were we waiting for?
"The Unown Ruins…home of another failed mission, on my part," Zeno talked, as Magnezone started floating forward. "A shame the mission ended because the upper Commanders got impatient. These Unown Ruins are a mysterious enigma."
I started following Zeno and the Magnezone. 19, 21, and Emboar kept close behind me.
"For centuries, scientists like myself have been enamored by the thought of deciphering what the Unown spell out. With little to no success…until now!" Zeno pulled his sleeve, revealing some sort of device on his wrist.
The device was simply called an Unown Decipherer, and it was given to Zeno by me, on the way here. How did I get my hands on such a device, you ask?
Flashback
Location: Goldenrod City-Neo Snagem Headquarters
It took one of Neo Snagem's top Commanders to invent a way to decipher the Unown messages.
Commander 03, Kuryami, stood tall, ready to address Neo Snagem's other Commanders. Her long, silver hair brushed in the direction of a man known as Spencer Hale.
Spencer Hale was a researcher who has spent many of days and nights studying the Unown, through books and even being transported to the Unown's dimension first hand.
Spencer Hale did the dirty work, and now Commander 03 is taking the credit. Her Salamence always stood right behind Spencer, waiting for reason to strike him down should he oppose the very Team Neo Snagem that holds him captive.
Couldn't Spencer just oppose 03, and let her Salamence put him out of his misery? At least Team Neo Snagem wouldn't be able to capitalize on his talents….But Spencer, he doesn't have that option. In the town of Greenfield, he has a daughter, Molly Hale, he needs to return to.
"Commanders, I have pushed for a device which will hasten Neo Snagem's conquest of the world. This Unown Decipherer will grant us control of the Spell of the Unown, at long last." Commander 03 announced.
End Flashback…
Zeno's presumed defeat is really what pushed for Neo Snagem to strive for the Unown Decipherer. Zeno was our best scientist, and if HE was unable to uncover the mystery of the Unown…Hmph.
"Forgive me for my memory seems to be failing me right now," Zeno said while guiding Magnezone, "The Unown Ruins…the way it's mapped out has changed since my last visit."
I instantly had a theory, "Perhaps the events involving Commander 03 and Spencer Hale have given the Unown alarm."
"But how?" Commander 19 asked, "Based on what you've heard, Commander 03 never awakened the Unown."
"The Unown more than likely would've remained in a dormant state from within their own dimension." 21 added.
"True." I agreed, "Kurayami never awakened the Unown…But Molly Hale DID. She used the Unown's dimension as a means to travel from Greenfield to the Unown Ruins, in an effort to rescue her father."
"With the Unown on alert, they MUST be expecting us," Zeno kept his eyes forward as he added his take, "We'll force their hands-once they transport to this dimension to try and stop us, I'll have them cornered…Hehe." Though his back was turned, we could see him as he smiled as slyly as ever.
…
…
…
"Hrrmph."
"Hm?" I turned around.
…It sounded like someone, or something passing by.
"Boar?" I didn't realize I was inadvertently staring at Emboar. He questioned me before I could slip into contemplative thought.
"What's the matter?" Chatot asked.
"We're not alone."
"Hrrmph." There it was again, this time, from in front of me.
I returned to facing forward. The only thing to greet my eyes was a hint of separation between Zeno and the rest of the group.
Zeno wasn't aware that we'd stop. He halted Magnezone and asked us, "You would like to be left behind, correct?"
"No." 21 answered.
"Then stop milling around over trivial crap." Zeno replied as he started forward again.
"Something is here," I answered.
"Never mind whatever it is," Zeno said, "The only thing we're after is the Spell of the Unown."
"No. We stay put, for now." Despite Zeno being the mastermind, I was still the Leader of this mission. I spoke in a commanding tone that caused for Zeno to halt, again.
Zeno watched as I began to fiddle with the vizor-like sunglasses I wore.
"We wait for this 'thing' to appear again, then we strike." The plan I gave was very vague, but given the fact that we have big numbers right now, being vague was acceptable.
"Hmph." Zeno stood, as Magnezone shifted to a battle stance.
"Boar." Emboar readied for battle as well.
Commanders 19 and 21 each readied a Pokeball.
The vizor-like sunglasses I wore was really innovative technological specs. No other specs like these exist. They had many abilities, such as battle simulations, lock-on targets, and scanning the surrounding area for any and all anomalies…like this!
My specs flash blue, lighting the entire dim lit hall of the Unown Ruins. Emboar was awed, while the others watched routinely, having seen my specs used before.
The entire field scanned, I knew where this mysterious figure lurked.
I looked to the ceiling and yelled, "Show yourself!"
"Uuuuunoooowwwwn…Uuuuunoooowwwwn…" We remained unnerved by the transparent sound of a long, dragged out tune being seemingly sung by many creatures in unison. The unisonous singing faded, and once the blue light from my specs reached the ceiling… "Raaarrrgh!"
Its figure was revealed, and we were all astonished.
"Raaarrrgh!"
A legendary pokemon…that…'solid crystal', was it? Yes, it was solid crystal keeping this legendary pokemon bound to the ceiling. It jumped using its hind legs, and landed on the ground.
"Raaarrrgh! Rmm…" Its roars qwelled into that of calm growls, and it eyed us menacingly.
"That pokemon…" Zeno was without words.
"It's…!" As was Commander 19.
"Entei…?" My mouth was slightly agape as I finished the sentence with finality.
"Entei? Here? How can this be?" Zeno asked as he and Magnezone slightly backed away.
Over the last five years, there have been rumors about the Unown that serve as the connection between the Unown Ruins and Greenfield. It was said that way back when, the Unown created an illusionary Entei and befriended some little girl. The girl and Entei were 'alone in their crystal castle', on the brink of living happily ever after. However, the girl was brought back to reality when the Spell of the Unown was broken. The Spell of the Unown finished, the illusionary Entei ceased to exist…or so they say, apparently.
…
…
…
Said girl's name was Molly Hale, and the illusionary Entei was really a manifestation of her father, Spencer Hale, created by the Unown. The Unown returned to their own dimension, allowing for Molly and Spencer to live happily ever after…until peace was disturbed by us: Team Neo Snagem.
"Rmm…Rraagh!" Entei's growls returned to intimidating roars, echoing throughout the entire Unown Ruins. As this happened, more of that solid crystal started surface from where Entei stood. It was as if Entei was summoning the solid crystal, crystalizing everything on contact and headed in our direction.
"Watch yourselves," I warned, "Getting careless will lead to crystallization, which means automatic defeat." I started collecting information on my technological specs.
"?" Entei looked at my technological specs with a hint of intrigue. It knew not of what I was capable of, and I knew not of what it was capable of-that is why I use the specs in the first place. The technology was so alien to Entei. It was a legendary pokemon, but that shouldn't overshadow the fact that it's still 'wild'. This 'wild' legendary acted in a way any other wild pokemon would react to the flickering lights of my specs, by launching a stream of purple fire.
"Hmph." While the heat of the flame was impressive, I felt no need to panic, not until gauging how our forces match against the illusion, "Emboar, defense mode."
Emboar was a large pokemon, built for balance between high offense and defense. He got in front of me and thrust his arms forward, shielding me from the Flamethrower.
"Now!" With Emboar stationary, I quickly jumped onto his shoulder. From his should, I jumped into the air, and turned to a Chatot who'd stayed perched on my shoulder to this point, "Close in and use Boomburst."
"I will." Chatot left my shoulder and flew down toward Entei.
I landed on the ground-just after crystallization-and prepared my technological specs again. Data Entei's defense and countermeasures will be collected.
Chatot's small stature should not be mistaken for weakness, for he was skillful. "Ha!" Chatot launched a Boomburst stream that was as powerful as the Boomburst known by Noivern.
In response, Entei took a deep breath before performing a huge roar. "Haarrr!" Coming from Entei's mouth was another stream of fire, this one more powerful than the previous.
Chatot's Boomburst was smothered by the flames. No surprise, the Flamethrower sped toward Chatot. The Flying type had enough reflex to escape the path of the flame, without need of my command.
Chatot landed on the ground, and for a moment, the fight slowed.
19 and 21 watched in amazement.
"Rrrmmm." Once again, Entei calmed, waiting for our next move.
Entei…it was much like a volcano. So calm and harmless one moment, then fierce and formidable the next. I wasn't sure if I've ever fought an opponent with such divisive character…at least, no opponent not named…
The image of Zero flashes in my head…
Damn it! Even when he has no role in what I'm doing right now, I think of the rivalry between him and I. Once again, I'm conflicted between being a Neo Snagem Commander, and letting my human nature side distract me.
From calm to field, that was the Volcano, Entei. From silly to serious, that was Zero. They are unaware of the other's existence right now. Their only connection they have is a comparison made by me and my perception.
"If I'm unable to defeat Entei, have I any right to face Zero?" I asked myself.
Scientist Zeno chuckled to himself, "Amazing. Simply amazing, the capabilities of Entei…" He smirked, "Or should I say, a manifestation of Entei created by the Spell of the Unown."
"?" Entei turned slowly turned its attention to the scientist.
"It is unknown, the full potential of the Unown. But I can at least surmise that your full potential is not that of a REAL Entei." Zeno calmly stepped off Magnezone, "How I would love to capture a real Entei and turn it into a Shadow Pokemon right now. I'm disappointed by such a tease brought about by you Unown. But no matter, Team Neo Snagem WILL seize the power to command your Spell as we please. Magnezone, eliminate this illusion."
"Zooooooone." The command to Magnezone given by Zeno was very broad. However, Magnezone was a pokemon with high intelligence that rivals that of a super computer. Even against an anomaly as illogical as the Spell of the Unown, Magnezone was capable of computing every possible scenario, and pick the path most likely to lead to success.
For a few moments, Magnezone was glowing, many decipherable bits of holographic information hovering around it.
"Zoooooooone." It appeared as though Magnezone found an answer. The decipherable holographs surrounding the Electric type disappeared, and the magnets equipped to Magnezone began spinning as a rapid pace.
"Raaaaa!" While Magnezone was by all means a near-blindingly-swift pokemon, Entei and the Spell of the Unown were perceptive. Entei roared, but rather than launching a critically effective stream of fire at Magnezone, he allowed the illusionary crystallization to come Magnezone's way.
"Ngh. Magnezone!" Commander 21 called out in concern.
"Hmph." 21's concern was caught by Commander 19. Inwardly, he called 21 soft-unworthy of being granted the title of Commander. He turned to 21's watched and called an attack, "Emboar, intercept the crystallization! Use Blast Burn!"
"Boar!" For the first time, Emboar was given opportunity to turn his attention away from Commander 21. He jumped into the air. Landing, the Fire type slammed his fists into the ground.
"Woah…" Commander 21 lost his step for a slight second. Emboar was so strong, slamming his fists into the ground caused a slight tremor. Small cracks formed, allowing a fiery-orange light to eek its way through.
The flames grew large, and started on a path to the illusionary Entei. The incoming crystallization was not only melted, but reduced to nothingness. The Spell of the Unown's crystallization was rendered useless.
"Hmph!" Entei wasn't shaken, but still caught off guard enough for Emboar to have gotten a reaction out of him.
"-Zone!"
"Hm?!" NOW, the illusionary Entei was caught off guard. The sheer intensity of Emboar and Blast Burn was enough to take its attention away from the primary threat: Magnezone.
"Zooooooone!" Magnezone was swift.
"Thunder Wave!" Zeno called out.
"Zooooooone!" Yes, Zeno WOULD teach Magnezone such a debilitating move. He simply had the mind to compensate for his lack of brawn. Whether or not Entei was illusionary or the real thing mattered not. Thunder Wave was a move capable of shifting the entire tide of a fight.
Magnezone emitted a ring of static electricity. At point blank range, the illusionary Entei was afforded no time to react.
"Raaaaaa-ngh…!" Entei was roaring-until he was surrounded by the crippling static.
"Let us end this fight!" I called, "Chatot!"
"Emboar!" Commander 19 drew the attention of Emboar, who was ready for a command.
"Magnezone…" Zeno smirked slyly.
It was then, while Entei was paralyzed, we all launched attacks.
"Boomburst!"
"Blast Burn, again!"
"Thunder."
Boomburst from Chatot, Blast Burn from Entei, and Thunder from Magnezone…these were the moves used to solidify the New Alliance within Neo Snagem as a threat. Illusionary or not, defeating an Entei was quite the notable feat.
'Requiring the assistance of Magnezone and Emboar was irrelevant. This, was the first step toward catching up to Zero…"
"Raaaaaaaarrrgh!" Entei tried to parry the attacks with a powerful flame, but was taken over by paralysis. A Flamethrower was never launched, and Entei was consequently stricken by all three attacks. He was pushed back, and eventually knocked off his feet.
"Mission Complete. The Entei has been defeated!" 19 was amazed, and pumped up.
"Hmph. Calm yourself, boy." Zeno was there to keep an excited 19 from becoming complacent, "The Spell of the Unown is but a mere obstacle which separates us and our goal."
Entei was downed, and as it began to recrystallize, I added to what Zeno said, "The Mission isn't to defeat the Spell of the Unown-The Mission is to CONQUER the Spell of the Unown, and use it to seize Violet City."
The crystallization of Entei faded to nothingness, prompting me to walk past, continuing the trek deeper into the Unown Ruins.
"Mission Complete, inevitable." Chatot perched on my shoulder.
Commander gave but a single nod in response. He then turned his attention to Emboar.
"Boar!" Emboar returned to Commander 21, giving him a single push forward.
21 complied, walking ahead. Emboar followed, then 19.
That left Zeno, returning to his place on top of a floating Magnezone. "Proceed forward, at once." He commanded.
Nothing stands in between Neo Snagem's rise to power now.
Mission Complete, inevitable…Hmph, Chatot speaks words of wisdom.
The times of Neo Snagem struggling for scraps is long gone. First Goldenrod, then Ecruteak, then Azalea Town, then Marion City…Next? Violet City. Victory here will all but shore up Neo Snagem's victory over the middle west of this region.
Deeper into the Ruins of Unown, as the journey continues.
Mission Complete, inevitable
To Be Continued…