Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 164: Time Before Time Part 6
-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-
7 Days Left – Act 2
Location: Chernobyl Nuclear Facility
Various facility workers went about their day, passing a metallic door located on the top floor of the Nuclear Facility's 'Circle N' tower. On the other side of the door was an Executive Office belonging to Bastion.
"…" Bastion clasped his hands, elbows resting on the black table in front of him.
The door opened, and in came the Administrative Officer: Flora.
"You wanted to see me?" Flora asked.
"Please, have a seat." Bastion pointed to the black leather sofa behind Flora.
Once Flora took a seat, Bastion spoke.
"I am certain, you're aware of what happened here? You were here when the Investigation Officer gave his diagnostics." Bastion started.
"Yes." Flora answered, "Is this about the terrorist who tried breaching the Facility?"
Bastion nodded, "As Administrative Officer, you have the Top Secret Security Clearance and 'Need-To-Know' authorization to pull up classified information." He sighs, "You're an intelligent woman, Flora. How are the kids?"
"Please stay on topic." Flora wasn't one for beating around the bush when it came to serious matters.
"Your family has everything to do with this topic." Bastion remarked, "Seth and Rose…you wish to keep them safe?"
"…"
"Anyway, I digress." Bastion got straight to the point, "Flora, I am anointing you as Head of Investigation." Bastion dropped a photo on the desk which sat between him and Flora. It was a picture of the long green-haired suspect: Willow. " This is our main suspect. I need you to do whatever it takes…to give us probable cause to arrest Willow, so we can solve this crime once and for all."
Bastion looked to the necklace Flora wore. The necklace had a picture of her with her family.
Flora clenched the necklace. She vowed to keep Seth and Rose out of harm's warm.
"While you're investigating, I will perform on-field recon to see what Willow is up to.
Flora and Bastion nodded in understanding.
Administrative Officer Flora, and Executive Officer Bastion: They officially have a Case on their hands…
Location: Shinku Secondary School
The afternoon was in full swing. The final school bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.
Seth had just exited the classroom when he was approached by Haru.
"Heh!" Haru couldn't hide his anticipation for his showdown with Seth at SAGE Arcade. "Ready for me to show you why I'm the superior player?"
"Sure, but let me go home first." Seth answered, "I need to pick up Rose."
Haru sighed, leaning against a locker, "You're just stalling."
"Well I think Seth is sweet for thinking about his sister!" Yumi approached the boys with a smile, "He'd make the perfect boyfriend!"
Haru perked up upon hearing Yumi say those words. He immediately took back his statement of Seth stalling by telling Yumi, "I'm plenty mature! I'll gladly be your boyfriend!" Haru got on one knee and took Yumi by the hand. As usual, his antics were getting stares from students passing by.
"What's going on?"
"Is Haru okay?"
Approaching Seth from behind were the twins Summer and Winter.
"Huh?"
Haru and Yumi both looked at the twins questioningly.
"If you don't mind, I invited Summer and Winter to come to the arcade with us," Seth said.
"Well, the more the merrier!" Yumi was all for it.
…
Location: Flora's House
The house was completely silent, save for the television in the living room.
Introducing Ashley Wholesome - The delightful kitchen set which lets you bake all kinds of amazing cake!"
It was a typical ad which nobody would pay any mind to.
Imagine the look on your child's face when they taste your delicious cake, or brownies, or fresh muffins. The Ashley Wholesome Kitchen Set will deliver on all your easy-baking needs!
"Making an exciting cake with my Ashley Wholesome Kitchen Set is so easy." In this ad was a typical brown haired housewife, baking a cake as she spoke, "And everything is non-stick, so there's no messy cleanup!"
These are the kind of deserts you'll find in the finest of bakeries. Chocolate cakes. Vanilla cakes. Strawberry cakes. Rainbow cakes. Cookies n' Cream cakes, and so more! The Ashley Wholesome Kitchen Set – guaranteed to delight you, or your money back! Order the Ashley Wholesome Kitchen Set, now!
To order your Ashley Wholesome Kitchen Set, call 1-123-456-7890. We accept cash, check, and money order. The price shown does not include taxes, shipping, or handling. Allow 2-6 weeks for delivery, or your money back.
The television went from ad to ad, and show to show, but none of it mattered because there were no eyes in the house to witness it.
"…" Rose laid on the sofa, having dozed off and taken a nap.
"Hurry up so we can go to the arcade!"
"Ngh..." Waking Rose from her nap was a familiar yet loud and obnoxious voice coming from outside. It sounded like it was approaching the front door.
The door opens, and Seth enters the house.
"Brother!" Rose immediately perks up at the sight of her brother. As she did everyday, she got off the sofa and ran to Seth, jumping in his arms. The two embraced each other.
"How was your day?" Seth asked.
Rose smiled, "A lot better now, Brother."
Yumi, Haru, Summer, and Winter all enter the house.
"Hey Rose, hurry up and get ready!" Haru chirped, "We need to get to SAGE Arcade before someone takes the Virtual Fighter machine!"
Rose, still in her brother's embrace, smiled. It wasn't often he took her out with him after school. When Seth let her down, she put on her black heeled boots and gently dusted off her dress. She was all set and ready to go!
"Shouldn't we let Flora know we're going out?" Yumi asked.
"Mother Flora called." Rose replied, "She said she was coming home late tonight, so it shouldn't be an issue."
Seth, Yumi, Haru, Summer, and Winter thought nothing of this. Because they were students who spent the day at school, they couldn't watch the daytime News. They knew nothing about the controversy surrounding the Nuclear Facility, or that it directly linked to why Mother Flora was working late. With all this said, Mother Flora working late nights wasn't an uncommon occurrence.
Seth and the group shrugged before leaving the house.
…
Location: Albuquerque Bridge
Since being tasked with looking for clues on Willow or the attempted terrorist plot, Flora has been driving around the town of Prypiat. Willow could anywhere amongst the 200,000+ people living here. It was like looking for a mythical needle in an endless haystack. She'd driven through downtown, the northern and southern residential districts, past the Foreign Military base…everywhere.
How did Bastion expect Flora to find any leads without any decent directions? Flora didn't question it. If there were a terrorist plot out there, it was her job to stop it; not just for the Nuclear Facility, but for Seth and Rose too. If something were to happen to the Nuclear Facility, Flora would be out of a job. And without a job, Flora wouldn't have money for food to feed her family. And then there was the thought of a terrorist plot so massive, it could kill Seth, Rose, and all of Prypiat outright. Fate has left hundreds of thousands of innocent lives in Flora's hands…
'Hm…'
After a day of aimless driving, Flora stopped at Albuquerque Bridge for a rest. The bridge was build over a creek which separated Downtown from a local park. Many families with young children were here. They all were completely oblivious to the terrible fate that could become of them.
Flora fixed her gaze on a young girl picking a flower from the planter. Flora couldn't help imagining Rose doing the same thing. They looked the same age, after all.
No sign of Willow here.
Flora sighed, "Looks like I'll be working late after all."
…..
Meanwhile, Bastion was also searching for clues on Willow and the terrorist plot. He was in the Eastern Residential District, which was filled with military members who'd moved off base. Bastion could tell that most of these foreigners had families.
"Nothing here."
…Bastion was awfully calm about this. What he said about Pyrpiat being safe from Nuclear Power can't be taken back, should something happen…
….
Location: SAGE Arcade
Virtual Fighter
'Insert Coin'
'Insert Coin'
There stood a machine inside SAGE Arcade; a machine where a small group of friends were gathering.
Credits: 1
The first coin was inserted into the machine.
Credits: 2
Then the second.
Choose A Character!
There were 10 playable characters in Virtual Fighter, all of which utilized futuristic Mech Suits. Neos – the fighter with the Palafin Mech Suit – was Virtual Fighter's main character. He is the most powerful character in game lore, but only the third best when it comes to official tournaments. Those same tournaments outlawed the use of Kenji, whose Venemoth Mech Suit was considered too strong for the game. Sakura is a fan favorite with her Meowscarada Mech Suit. She was the first playable female in video game history.
Seth and Haru passed by several fighters before settling on who they wanted to use.
The stage selected was outer space, where the Mech Suits didn't have to contend with being grounded by gravity. The first character to load up was Seth in a black and blue Mech Suit modeled after the Pokemon Luxray.
Joining Seth was Haru, who was in a ruby red Mech Suit which was modeled after Scizor.
Player 1 & Player 2 were ready to do battle.
Ready…Fight!
It was a legendary battle of epic proportions, at least by the standards of the local arcade.
"Come on! Keep it going!" As a spectator sitting in between Seth and Haru, Yumi was cheering for both sides to her heart's content.
"Here it comes!" It was now Haru's turn to go for the Scizor suit's Ultimate Attack. The Ultimate attack consisted of the Scizor Suit transforming into Mega Mode, and then launching a Bulletpunch that was so powerful the resulting shockwave split the planet in two. The exaggerated animations were typical of a fighting game from this era, but it ultimately got Haru the victory.
Knock Out! Player 2 wins!
"I did it! I did it I-I did it- I did it!" Haru was a sore winner, jumping out of his seat and flexing his imaginary muscles. This got the attention of strangers passing by. Only Seth took note of their stares, as he remained in his seat, indignant while Haru continued to gloat. Haru was too busy basking in his bragging rights to care about strangers.
Yumi was just as excited and oblivious as Haru. She gave Seth a light nudge as she told him, "Don't worry. You'll definitely win the next one!"
Meanwhile, Rose and the twins – Summer & Winter – were enjoying a meal at the food court. Rose helped herself to a bowl of ramen, as she always had fun slurping her noodles. On Summer's plate was a couple of croquets, while Winter was eating skewers that were in her hand. Though they were in public, it was a cozy meal for the girls.
It wasn't until all the food was consumed that the twins spoke to Rose.
"7 days left."
"7 days left."
It was just like with Seth earlier today, the way the twins uttered '7 days left' in unison.
Rose was perplexed, but before she could question the twins, she noticed a small hand from underneath the table. Rose grabbed the extended hand.
"Hm?"
"Hm?"
Summer and Winter watched as Rose pulled out a rather strange creature.
"Sage…" It was a Pokemon – Pansage – and it was rather embarrassed that he got caught before getting the chance to steal any food.
"What?"
"Is?"
"This?"
Rose, Summer, and Winter were all comedically serious as Rose raised Pansage to where he was eye-level with the girls.
"Pansage! Pansage pansage pansage!" A flustered Pansage flailed in what was ultimately a futile attempt to free himself. "Sage!" Unceremoniously, he launched a Bullet Seed in the air.
Rose, startled, unintentionally released Pansage.
"Sage!" Pansage was about to taunt Rose but felt stone cold gazes from Summer and Winter.
"I've never seen a Pokemon in Prypiat before; at least not any besides the Indeedee at home." Summer remarked.
"We should bring Pansage home." Winter had a coy smile on her face.
Pansage took a nervous step back as Summer and Winter had coy smiles on their faces.
"Get him!"
Summer, Winter, and Rose all attempted to grab Pansage, instinctively jumped onto one of the room lights hanging from the ceiling. Naturally, Rose and the twins couldn't reach the little monkey.
"Pansage! Pansage!" Pansage proceeded to taunt the girls with an eyelid pull.
"How dare he?" Realizing that she couldn't catch Pansage alone, Rose decided to get some help.
…..
Seth and Haru were still waist deep in their Virtual Fighter video game session when Rose came calling Seth's name.
"Brother!"
"What is it?" Seth paused the game, which elicited a groan from Haru.
"Why are you pausing the game now?! I was just about to get my lead back!" Haru protested, but this fell on deaf ears.
"Brother, I know what I want for Christmas." Rose's eyes were lit up like a child filled with magical childhood wonder. "I want a Pokemon."
"Specifically, a Pokemon that just tried to steal our food." Summer added as the twins approached.
"A pokemon named Pansage." Winter added.
"Hahahah!" Haru couldn't resist laughing, "A pokemon stole your food? I've never seen a wild pokemon in Prypiat! What idiots! Hahahaha!"
"Idiots, eh?" Summer and Winter didn't take kindly to being insulted. The twins gave Haru a big bonk on the head.
"OW!" Haru was laid in his game chair, limp. He'd just been comedically KO'd by the twins!
Yumi chuckled.
"Can you buy me a Pokeball to catch Pansage?" Rose asked Seth.
"Well…" Seth was thinking about it.
"Pokemon a pretty rare in Prypiat, Seth," Yumi said, "Rose might not get another opportunity to catch a Pokemon."
Seth nodded as he looked at Rose, "Lets get you a Pokeball."
"Yay! Thank you!" Rose gave her brother a big hug.
Seeing an aloof person like Seth being so nice to his little sister brought smiles to the faces of Summer, Winter, and Yumi. But then again, what else were they to expect? Rose is the only sibling Seth had, and he cherished her like no other.
Hand in hand, Seth and Rose started away from SAGE Arcade. Yumi, Summer, and Winter followed.
"Ow…" Haru shook himself awake. When he realized everyone was gone, he asked himself, "Where is everybody?" He saw the group walking away and immediately hopped from his seat, "Hey! Wait for me!"
…..
Prypiat was a decent sized town that did well to ease the journeying distance between Mahogany Town and Blackthorn City for aspiring Pokemon Trainers. This was why there was a PokeMart located in the same building as SAGE Arcade, despite wild Pokemon being at a premium in Prypiat. Seth, Rose, Yumi, Haru, Summer, and Winter all made their way to this Pokemon.
Rose was excited to try and capture a Pokemon, but she wasn't the only one who wanted Pansage.
"I have a Pokeball!" Yumi cheered.
"So do I!" Summer smiled.
"I too have a Pokeball." Winter's smile was soft as she held her Pokeball closely.
"You'll all be amazed when I use my Pokeball to catch that Pokemon!" And of course, Haru preemptively declared victory while holding his Pokeball.
"Umm…" Rose looked at the four friends, unsure of what to make of this twist.
"Here." It was Seth who held a Pokeball out to Rose, nudging her to take it.
"Thank you!" Even if Rose wasn't able to capture Pansage, she savored being able to spend the afternoon with her Brother.
"Of course, I'll have a Pokeball as well." This surprised Haru and the girls. Seth was never one to participate in a competition outside of Virtual Fighter.
….
As the group returned to SAGE Arcade, Haru took it upon himself to announce the unofficial competition. "Seth! Rose! Summer! Winter! Yumi! And of course, yours truly! Six challengers, one ultimate prize! Pokeballs ready! Pokeballs set! Begin the competition now!"
As soon as Haru gave the go to, everybody put forth their best effort to locate Pansage. Who would win this competition? Stay tuned!
To Be Continued…