Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 154: HaruSakiMura Part 4
Flashback
Goldenrod City – A bustling metropolis filled with liveliness and wonder. Thousands of buildings crowded this massive city, with each one closer to the sunny sky than the other.
Hundreds of thousands of people traversed the city. Some people were tourists, while other residents traveling to and from jobs and other important business. There were also Pokemon Trainers who came to this city to further hone their craft.
Day after day, year after year, Goldenrod City continued to grow. They even opened a port on the western edge of the city for sea transportation. This port generated revenue from business and tourism alike.
Then there was the Magnet Train. Previously, it only connected to the land in the far east. But now there were multiple railways in development in hopes to make Goldenrod more accessible to lesser-known cities and towns around the region.
All this progress was being made around one single skyscraper which seemed unsuspecting by all accounts. Little did the world know, there was a person in this tower with an agenda which could change the fate of the world. In this tower which overlooked the entire city, the window was open. There was an exquisite drape that was a royal maroon color, with patterns of gold decorated throughout. Whenever this drapery would blow in the wind, a glimpse of the sun and the distant ocean could be seen. This time, partial clouds could be seen coming from the west.
The Meaning of Life
This was the title of a book being read by Commander 26 as she continued her seemingly endless study. "…" Day after day, she was sent to this room to hone her mental capabilities, but for what reason? "Hm?" Every now and then, 26 would gaze out the window and into the outside world.
"What are you looking at?" With Rose was her Father Atticus – Also known as the Leader of Team Neo Snagem. "You're supposed to be studying." Atticus was never the most patient man. He sat on the other side of the room at a long table separate from the desk 26 was studying at. He stood up and started walking to his daughter.
This room…it looked beautiful. The large tiles were so well-kept that Atticus could see his clear reflection. The tiles were also so white they appeared porcelain. The room was decorated with many portraits of Flora, who was Atticus' wife and 26's Mother. One particular portrait featured the entire family. Flora's smile looked flat, but then again, making her smile in the first place was an accomplishment because it happened so rarely. Her flowing white dress was gorgeous. Flora was standing next to Atticus as the two held hands. Directly in front of Atticus and Flora were their children. Zero was on a single knee as he held 26 close. He always treated his sister delicately. On 26's left was Lilligant, while Roselia was on her right. The two Grass type Pokemon were considered family, and they reflected this as they cheerfully posed next to 26 on their respective side.
Atticus stopped in front of his daughter.
"Father…" 26 and Atticus always maintained a stiff relationship despite being daughter and father. This was always most evident in the way 26 addressed him.
"Get back to reading." Atticus ordered.
26 drooped as she returned her attention to her book.
The Meaning of Life
This was a book explaining the intricacies of the concept of life from a biological perspective.
"Life is a unique, complex organization of molecules that expresses itself through chemical reactions which lead to growth, development, responsiveness, adaptation, and reproduction." Rose began reading aloud. "Life is the quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from with the organism…"
It was here that 26's reading trailed off. Atticus getting her mind off the outside world in order to read the book in front of her was counterintuitive, as all the book talked about was the outside world. This book had 26 thinking: What was the meaning of life? Everyone 26 ever met has told her that she had a very fortunate life, but she didn't think so. Her life was filled with her Father's accomplishments, and one would think this would make her happy. Instead, this made 26's mind wander. Life…Accomplishment…Death. If death was the inevitable fate of humanity and Pokemon-kind, then what was the point of accomplishing anything? Maybe…the inevitability of death is what makes life and its accomplishments meaningful? These truths and ideals went hand in hand with each other, but ultimately left more questions than answers to the mind. So…what about 26 herself?
Atticus, seeing 26 evidently paying no attention to her book, started tapping his foot impatiently. "What is it now?"
26 looked to her Father with genuine wonder. For the first time, she asked, "Why was I born?"
Atticus' eyes narrowed.
"Who am I? Why was I created?"26 asked.
The answers to the questions 26 had were complex. Too complex for a child to comprehend, no matter how book smart she was which is why 26's recollection of this conversation with her Father was a complete blur…
…..
26 and Atticus remained in the same room, and it was going to remain that way for the entire day.
"…" There was another thing on 26's mind. Her Mother, Flora, had come under the weather today. 26 wondered what could've caused the flu in the first place. Goldenrod was a huge city, so the sickness could've come from anywhere.
Atticus being tasked with overseeing his daughter's studies was directly caused by Flora's illness, as she was the one who cared for 26 day in and day out. Typically, Flora would devote herself to the family, as being the Leader of Team Neo Snagem was very demanding for Atticus.
Commander 06 – Lady Beatrice – had been sent on a mission which involved ridding the Goldenrod streets of 'Hail Giovanni' extremists who'd recently surfaced. No doubt, these extremists were 'leftovers' from an organization that 06 herself worked for: Team Rocket. Ridding the city of any potential groups that could oppose Neo Snagem was in the best interest of Atticus. Commander 06 was second in line to look after 26. As 26's Godmother, Lady Beatrice loved babysitting the girl.
Commander 15 – Lord Bastion – had been sent on a mission performing reconnaissance on obscure parts of the region. Cities with Pokemon Gyms and a big population were always Neo Snagem's main goal. However, gaining control of lesser-known towns were each small victories that ultimately helped the organization realize their greatest goal: For their empire to take over the land completely. Commander 26 wasted no time making Lord Bastion her Godfather when he defended her from Volbeat and Illumise. You could say that Commander 15 may have had a better father-daughter relationship with 26 than Atticus.
Zero – The Brother of 26. This was the first time Zero was snubbed in favor of Atticus regarding looking after 26. Zero, like 06 and 15, was assigned to an important mission. Team Neo Snagem has spent years searching for the Purifier – Celebi. The mythical Pokemon had yet to turn up in their hands. Grunts, Admin, and even a few of the Commanders question the existence of such an elusive Pokemon, but Zero, Atticus, and other Commanders at the top refuse to waver. Being in possession of Celebi and its disputed power of time travel was the key for Neo Snagem to achieve ultimate power. Zero alone traveled to the city of Meiji, but no updates on Celebi had been received by the organization up to this point.
Mother Flora, Lady Beatrice, Lord Bastion, Brother Zero…these were 26's closest dearly beloveds. Without them here, she felt hollow and lonely.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Who the Hell could that be?" Atticus walked up to the door and opened it.
Standing in the spacious and exquisite hallway was Lady Beatrice.
"Commander 01." Lady Beatrice addressed Atticus by his Commander rank.
26's eyes lit up in excitement at hearing Lady Beatrice's voice.
"What business do you bring me?" Atticus asked.
"I'm here to watch over 26."
"What about your mission?" Atticus crossed his arms, "I want you to brief me on what you've accomplished."
Lady Beatrice walked into 26's study and walked with Atticus to the table he'd been sitting at. "The Hail Giovanni extremists have been subdued and taken in for questioning. Haru, Saki, and Mura are interrogating them for information. Why has a Team Rocket cult suddenly resurfaced in the city? We need to know everything about this Team Rocket revival before the cult grows large enough to attract attention from the general public."
Being a high ranked Commander, Lady Beatrice had the trust of Atticus, who normally didn't question her word. However, he did have a snarky remark, "I remember you telling me you worked for Giovanni for a time. Who exactly was he?"
Lady Beatrice skipped delving into her past with Team Rocket, "I'll be watching 26 from here on out."
26 kept her eyes glued to her book. She hoped fate would allow Lady Beatrice to look over her.
Atticus looked at 26 and narrowed his eyes, "I've got it covered.
26 would've groaned in frustration in her Father wasn't eyeing her.
"Your wife is bedridden, and you have no idea how to care for a child." Beatrice defers.
The tales of Lady Beatrice defeating over 100 enemies with a single wing of her sword had spread far and wide throughout Neo Snagem. However, no matter how stronger she was, Atticus was stronger. He thrived upon confrontation. "26 is my creation."
"Why did you create her?" Lady Beatrice asked.
"26 is a tool, just like Zero." Atticus was unapologetic.
"But what about 26's humanity?" Lady Beatrice questioned.
"Not every member of the organization embraces their humanity." There were a few Commanders who were unapologetically evil in Neo Snagem. But Atticus was evil incarnate. He presented himself as such when he started emitting black aura.
Lady Beatrice didn't back down, never breaking eye contact with Atticus. Behind the humanity that was in her eyes was a cold-blooded killer.
Atticus made no move.
'I thought so.' Lady Beatrice got up from her seat and walked up to 26, grabbing her by the hand and walking out of the study.
This left Atticus alone in the study. His eyes narrowed as he thought about Commander 06 disregarding the words coming from her Leader's mouth. "…" Atticus then smiled. Lady Beatrice has served him well enough to have earned the right to offer her input for him.
…
Commander 06 kept 26's hand held as she made her way outside and into the streets of Goldenrod. No matter what one thought about Neo Snagem resting in this city, there was no doubt that Goldenrod has been built like a Valhalla city ever since they arrived.
On any other day, Flora could've been found at a cathedral which rested in the city's far western district. Roselia and Lilligant would no doubt be keeping her company as well. But since Flora was sick in quarters, Lady Beatrice decided to skip the cathedral and take 26 somewhere else.
The two stood on a balcony which overlooked western ocean.
26 remained wondering about who she was and why she was created. She had a question for Beatrice as well, "You stood up to Father for me. Why?"
Lady Beatrice's eyes remained fixed on the sunset, "You're my Goddaughter – the child I never had." She answered, "I am known as one of the most ruthless fighters in the organization, but I could never denounce my humanity. I hold family, acquaintances, and dearly beloveds to the same standard."
26 could see a distant look in 06's eyes as she answered this question.
"I've lost my humanity once before during my days with Team Rocket. Serving Giovanni with my entire will became an empty effort, given the fate that would ultimately befall the organization. Following Team Rocket's defeat, I wandered the world aimlessly, searching for a purpose. Losing my humanity like that…I promised to never lose it again…"
This was the first time Lady Beatrice told 26 about her life outside Neo Snagem. Perhaps such questions warranted a situational answer. Again, 26 came back to the questions she asked herself before: Life…Accomplishment…Death. If death was the inevitable fate of humanity and Pokemon-kind, then what was the point of accomplishing anything? Maybe…the inevitability of death was what made life and its accomplishments mean something…The only thing 26 got from hearing Lady Beatrice's answer what that maybe the answer varied by each individual.
"I hope to never lose my humanity as well." If 26 was being forced by her Father to forsake her humanity, should she consider leaving the organization before it possibly suffers the same fate as Team Rocket?
To lose one's humanity would ultimately make all life accomplishments hollow victories at best.
End Flashback…
To this day, Rose still questioned her reason for existing. But the question had taken a backseat to Rose's desire to love and be loved in return.
Haru, Saki, and Mura…the three members of Neo Snagem who oppose Rose…she could sense their humanity. Haru was rambling in the background, while Saki told him he was annoying. Mura facepalmed, groaning at both their antics. The trio's antics were a reflection of how Lady Beatrice treated her subordinates. Their intentions were morally wrong, but they were good people. They were the exact opposite of Brother…
Staring at the group, Rose finally asked, "Why was I attacked by Seismetoad?" Her questioning continued, "Why did you strike down Chapel? And why were there three Pokemon on standby to attack simultaneously? Just who are you?"
Chapel had been struck by an arrow launched by a sniper Saki had placed somewhere in the distance. Ursaring was down, as was Gliscor.
Saki didn't share Rose's curiosity for the details, "Haru, Mura, and I were given a mission by Lady Beatrice. All that matters is to carry out that mission."
"To bring me to Lady Beatrice?" Rose asked.
"If that is what Lady Beatrice desires." Saki confirmed.
It is here that Swampert, Sandaconda, and Eldegoss get in battle stances, ready to do battle with Rose.
"Swam."
"Con."
"Goss…"
Rose takes out a single Pokeball and throws it into the air.
Haru, Saki, and Mura were bewildered as a torn Mime Jr doll appeared from the Pokeball. The Mime Jr doll promptly turned into vengeful Banette.
Together, Rose and Banette were ready for whatever HaruSakiMura had in store.
…
…
…
Attempting to reinsert herself into the fight, Yumi took out one of her Pokeballs.
"Y-Yumi…"
Yumi was startled as she felt a tug on her sleeve.
"Yumi…" It was Chapel…Her eyes were nearly blank as she was barely clinging onto consciousness.
"Chapel…what is it?" Yumi lowered herself to one knee.
"I…I want you to…find who shot me…and defeat it." Chapel had but a single request for Yumi.
Until Decidueye was defeated, HaruSakiMura would always have the element of surprise. Yumi, Rose, or Banette could be struck down at any time.
"Yumi…please…" It was here that Chapel lost consciousness once again.
Yumi rose back to her feet. "Hmm…"
There was a single droplet of blood running down the left side of Chapel's face. Yumi stared at it intently.
'If Chapel was struck on the left side of her face, the arrow must've some from the west.'
Yumi was a ditz, but she wasn't incompetent. Journeying with Chapel had taught her about inductive reasoning. It was here that Yumi left the battlefield. She was confident that the sniper was somewhere in the west.
"I'll come back victorious." Yumi started walking away. "I promise."
…..
This was going to be a two versus three handicap. The team of Rose and Banette versus Saki's Swampert, Haru's Sandaconda, and Mura's Eldegoss.
"Alight then." Saki addressed Swampert, as well and Sandaconda and Eldegoss, "If you are both ready…make your attacks now!"
"Swam!" Swampert was the first to make a move, launching a stream of water.
"A rather basic move." Banette remarked as the stream came closer.
Rose started glowing white aura, using her virus power to ascend into the air. Then, as the stream of water closed in, Rose and Banette took off.
"Swampert!" Swampert launched repeated streams of water, but Rose and Banette were nimble.
From afar, one would think Rose and Banette were moving in front of a mirror, as their movements were in perfect sync.
Determined not to be outdone early on, Swampert changed his preferred attack from Hyrdo Pump to Icy Wind. The goal of Icy Wind wasn't to damage Rose and Banette directly. Rather, the goal was for the wind to disrupt their flying. Icy Wind did just that as Rose and Banette quickly returned to the ground. Rose held her Egg closely, not allowing it to get blown away. With Icy Wind doing its job, Swampert decided to ramp up the pressure.
"Chi…chi…" Chikorita was struggling to keep her footing. She had a history of being tossed around by wind-based attacks because of her light weight. "Chi!" Her footing gave, causing the Grass Type to be blown some distance back.
Rose was in a tough spot. With Swampert increasing the power of Icy Wind, she couldn't move.
Banette was in a similar situation. However, as a Ghost, she had power not present in Rose. Banette took the form of a shadow and phased into the ground.
Swampert's eyes narrowed. He, Sandaconda, and Eldegoss knew that Banette was coming straight for him. However, he chose not to move. Stopping Icy Wind would give Rose the opportunity to regain her composure and retaliate.
Eldegoss and Sandaconda looked to each other and nodded. Eldegoss rushed to Rose's area while Sandaconda remained alert for Banette to resurface.
"Goss!" Eldegoss, like Chikorita, was known for being a light Pokemon. By allowing herself to be carried by Icy Wind, she closed in on Rose in a matter of seconds.
Rose's hair was blowing violently.
Eldegoss took it upon herself to trap Rose in another wind-based attack. Her eyes started glowing green as buds started being produced by the cotton on her head. Upon being launched from her head, Eldegoss trapped these buds in a violent gale separate from Swampert's Icy Wind. The buds started sprouting into full blown leaves. Without a doubt, this was Leaf Storm. Unlike Icy Wind, Leaf Storm was violent enough to life Rose off her feet involuntarily. She'd been caught in Leaf Storm.
Meanwhile, Banette has surfaced in front of Swampert and struck him with Dark Pulse. Swampert recoiled and halted Icy Wind, but was ultimately covered by Sandaconda, who launched a stream of sand at the ghost.
Banette's eyes widened. Sandaconda had the power to manipulate sand, but Banette couldn't dwell on this revelation. Banette quickly ascended to avoid the sand, but Sandaconda was persistent. Sandaconda directed the sand toward Banette in the air. Banette was grabbed by the back of her head and slammed on the ground. The sand was directed to smother Banette, but Banette was able to phase into the ground as a shadow once more.
Rose was helpless in Eldegoss' Leaf Storm, but what could she do?
"Chi…" With Icy Wind having calmed down, Chikorita approached the battlefield once more. Seeing Rose trapped in Leaf Storm, Chikorita hesitated. One bad move, and she'd be trapped in the storm as well…But it appeared she was the only one who could save her. She needed to make a move. "Chi!" Chikorita charged into the storm and straight toward Eldegoss.
Eldegoss was stricken…but most of her form included the large body of cotton on her head. This cotton absorbed most of the damage.
Chikorita bounced right off, but was fortunately able to escape Leaf Storm before her momentum halted and she could be trapped inside. "Chi…" Chikorita gritted her teeth. She needed to time her attack so that Eldegoss' cotton could absorb the impact.
Swampert wasn't forced to hold Icy Wind anymore, which meant that he was free to attack Banette while she was underground. Swwampert jumped high into the air before cratering into the ground, creating a quake felt by Sandaconda close by, and Chikorita in the distance.
Swampert was using Earthquake.
Banette was launched from underground and landed flat on her face.
"We finally hit Banette!" Haru cheered.
For the first time since being sent on this mission, Saki smiled. "It's time for our advantage to become insurmountable.
"What do you mean?" Mura asked.
Saki was the first to realize…Swampert's Earthquake accomplished more than rendering Banette's underground tactics useless.
Haru and Mura followed Saki's eyes to Sandaconda.
"Hnnn…hnnn…hnnn…" Sandaconda was breathing heavily.
"What gives? Why did you hurt Sandaconda?" Haru yelled at Saki, "You're always belittling and hurting my Pokemon when we go on missions!"
"Just wait…" Saki didn't take his eyes of Sandaconda.
Sandaconda…as the Ground type writhed in pain, grains of sand slowly started making their way from the ground.
"This is the first time Sandaconda has been damaged, correct?" Saki asked.
"Um yeah. Why?" Haru questioned.
The small grains of sand making their way from the ground started adding up. Soon, these gusts of sand became visible to Haru, Saki, and Mura.
"Sandaconda has a unique ability. Whenever he's damaged, this ability takes the shape of a summoned Sandstorm that settles on the field and changes the tide of battle in Sandaconda's favor."
Sandaconda rose from the ground and started rattling his tongue.
As a partial Ground type, Swampert embraced the Sandstorm. "Hehe." He smirked.
The violent Sandstorm gave the downed Banette a hard time. She hesitated picking her gaze off the ground, fearing sand to get in her eyes and blind her.
"Earthquake is a move that damages partner Pokemon as well. So when Earthquake hit Sandaconda, his Special Ability was released.
Haru had a look of enlightenment on his face as he finally got was Saki was meaning to say.
"I swear you're a complete loser, Haru," Saki said, "Sandaconda is your Pokemon. How can you have me lecturing you about what your own Pokemon can do?"
"Oh yeah?! I dare you to say that again!" The two rivals exchanged their routine glares.
"Would you two cut it out?" Mura was annoyed.
Unfortunately for Haru, Saki, and Mura, they were unaware of what Banette was capable of. Banette wasn't lying on the ground because she was helpless. She was waiting for Swampert and Sandaconda to let their guard down.
The unknowing Swampert was grinning. Sandaconda was the more serious of the two Pokemon and didn't smile but was still confident in their victory.
Banette began emitting a dark aura that spread like wildfire.
Haru, Saki, and Mura all halted their antics upon seeing Swampert and Sandaconda engulfed in this aura.
Banette quickly phased into the ground, with her echo of a voice addressing the two Pokemon opposing her.
'What's the matter? You two were right on the brink of victory…Your dreams of victory in this fight can't be helped. Unfortunately for you, I'm about to turn your dreams into your biggest nightmare.'
Swampert and Banette were trapped in Banette's Night Shade, where their minds were plunged into the depths of darkness.
Saki gritted his teeth.
"What can we do?" Mura asked.
"Nothing. If we or any of our Pokemon step into that Night Shade, Banette will gain control of our consciousness too." Saki answered. "We have to hope Swampert and Sandaconda have the mental fortitude to survive their own nightmares."
Eldegoss still had Rose trapped in Leaf Storm.
"Chi…" Chikorita gritted her teeth. She tried tackling Eldegoss before to stop her attack but was stopped by the cotton on her head. Eldegoss' cotton made for a great defensive wall.
Just then, Leaf Storm began to die down, as Eldegoss was breathing heavily.
Chikorita was confused. Why would Eldegoss stop an attack that had Rose immobilized? "Chi…"
Chikorita didn't know this, but Leaf Storm was a difficult move to maintain. It was an attack that completely a Pokemon's Special Attack power, and Eldegoss was no different. Eldegoss' mind wanted Leaf Storm to keep going, but her body was telling her to stop. This had Rose slowly descending to the ground.
Rose gazed at Eldegoss before approaching Chikorita and petting her on the head, "Thank you, Chikorita." Though Chikorita was unable to do damage, the fact that she was willing to risk her life to help Rose was enough for the five-year old's gratitude.
With Swampert and Sandaconda trapped in Night Shade, and Eldegoss having exhausted herself, Rose was on the precipice of victory. Was Eldegoss really that unspectacular in battle? No…Eldegoss was primarily a support Pokemon for HaruSakiMura. Nobody anticipated Banette would separate Swampert and Sandaconda from Eldegoss.
Rose approached Eldegoss, ready to finish the job.
…
Decidueye had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to snipe his second victim, but that opportunity never came due to Swampert, Sandaconda, and Eldegoss all using wind-based moves.
"I knew it…" Finally locating Decidueye, was Yumi. Her guess about the sniper being toward the west was correct. She took out her Pokedex and scanned Decidueye.
Decidueye, the Arrow Quill Pokemon:
In a tenth of a second, Decidueye can nock and fire an arrow quill, piercing an opponent's weak point before they notice what's happening.
"Decidueye!" Yumi called.
'Damn it!' Decidueye was impressed. He didn't think that the group would figure out where he was.
Yumi took out a Pokeball and threw it into the air, "Braixen, let's go!"
Appearing before Decidueye was Braixen, who promptly retrieved her wand-like stick from her tail and pointed it at her opponent. "Zen!"
"This is for Chapel…" Yumi was still disturbed by how Chapel was shot by Decidueye earlier.
Braixen focused a large amount of flame at the edge of her stick, preparing to defeat Decidueye with a single super effective hit.
Decideye was about to accept Yumi and Braixen's challenge. "De?" But from the corner of his eye, he could see Rose, free from Leaf Storm and walking toward Eldegoss to finish her off. "De!" This was the perfect opportunity to finish the little girl! It was now or never, as Decidueye quickly aimed for Rose's head.
"No, you don't!" Yumi yelled "Braixen, finish Decidueye now!"
Braixen put all her energy into this single stream of flame. Flamethrower finishing Decidueye in a single hit was absolute. The problem was whether Flamethrower was fast enough to keep Decidueye from firing his arrow.
Decidueye knew his defeat was coming, but that didn't matter now. 'It's now, or never!'
….
"Ack?!" Just as Rose was about to finish Eldegoss when she was suddenly struck by an arrow. 'No…' How could Rose have been careless? 'Why?'
Chikorita froze. She couldn't believe it. Rose had been defeated too. "Chi…"
Rose fell to the ground, unable to move. "…" However, her will to protect the Egg in her arms kept her from losing consciousness like Chapel did.
The Night Shade surrounding Swampert and Sandaconda faded, with Banette being trapped in sand. Not only did Sandaconda have the ability to summon forth a Sandstorm, but he also had the ability to subconsciously control said sand. Even trapped in Banette's nightmare, he was able to trap Banette.
"Swam.." An exhausted Swampert rose to his feet.
"Sss…" Tired, Sandaconda had risen from the ground.
"Goss…" As did Eldegoss.
It was a hard-fought battle that was ultimately won by HaruSakiMura.
"Let's go." Saki directed Haru and Mura to come with him and approach the defeated Rose, "So this is the extent of a Commander's power…" Saki lightly kicked Rose, who made an effort to prevent her Egg from being toughed.
Haru picked up Rose's body and grinned, "I know Lady Beatrice said we didn't have to go above and beyond, but she'll have to treat us to dinner once we bring her 26!"
"Do you ever think of anything besides food?" Mura asked.
Rose, still awake but unable to move, began to ponder to herself. 'Maybe…Maybe this is for the better…' Her body seemed lifeless when hanging from Haru's arm. It was here…that she began resigning in defeat. 'Haru, Saki, and Mura…I would waste no time being friends with them if we were on the same side…Being taken back to the organization, I could be reunited with my family…Lady Beatrice, Uncle Bastion…Lairon, Volbeat, Illumise…Lilligant, Roselia, and Mother Flora…That is what I desire…to surround my child with one big happy family…
Chapel remained unconscious, while Ursaring was defeated as well. Banette was trapped in sand, while Gliscor was defeated by Meteor Beam in the opening bout with Onix. Yumi and Braixen were victorious against Decidueye, but at what cost?
All who remained was Chikorita…but with Swampert, Sandaconda, and Eldegoss still able to fight, what could she do?
"26 and her group did well to make it this far…" Saki gave credit where it was due. At the very least, defeating Onix, Seismetoad, Darmanitan, and presumably Decidueye were no small feats. Unfortunately for them, HaruSakiMura simply had a numbers advantage. "Let's go."
Saki directed for Haru, Mura, and the Pokemon to follow him.
"Once we brief Lady Beatrice on what happened and bring her 26, hopefully we'll all get to return home." After many days spent in this obscure part of the region, even Saki looked forward to returning to his room. It was missions like these that made Saki appreciate days when he could sleep in his own bed. One could call it enjoying the 'fruits of labor' when working for the organization.
'Goodbye…Chapel…Yumi…everyone…'
"Chicori…" Chikorita was left all alone, and there was nothing she could do.
…
…
…
Dark energy started floating in the air.
"Chi?"
This energy floated past the bodies of Chapel and Ursaring, and toward the group leaving the field.
"Swam?" Swampert was the first to notice this aura.
"Sss…" Followed by Sandaconda.
When the darkness made its way into Haru, Saki, and Mura's vision, they halted.
"Dark Aura?" Mura questioned.
"Banette's just trying to use Night Shade on us again." Haru grinned, as he knew Sandaconda's subconscious manipulation of sand could overcome Night Shade.
"No."
Haru, not expecting that reply, looked to Saki. "Lady Beatrice must be here. She might've been watching us the entire time."
Saki shook his head.
"Lord Bastion?"
Same response.
It wasn't Commander 06, nor was it Commander 15.
Neither Haru, Saki, nor Mura had the power to manipulate the darkness.
Rose, being carried by Haru, widened her eyes. She recognized that darkness.
As the manifestation of pure evil awakens, the darkness rises and the shadows settle in. The comatose was over, at long last.
"…" Seth has awakened.
To Be Continued…