Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 166: 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-
Flashback
"Where are we going?" Rose asked.
Late into the night, Rose was still thinking about Seth and his Christmas Gift to her.
"I just want this moment to be special." Seth answered. "After all, I'm your guardian angel."
"My guardian angel…" Rose's heart fluttered.
Whatever Seth was going for, it worked. The scenic sunset, the clumps of snow on the trees and Albuquerque Bridge, the water running through the canal under the bridge…it gave the scene a somewhat whimsical and magical feel.
Seth held out Pansage's Pokeball to Rose. "Like I said, Pansage is my early Christmas Gift to you."
Rose held back tears of joy.
"Merry Christmas, Rose."
'My guardian angel…'
End Flashback
The magical early Christmas Gift filled Rose with genuine childhood wonder. Her bond with her brother had strengthened to the point of being near unshakable. Upon arrive home, she wasted no time getting acquainted with Pansage. She, Pansage, and Seth all hung out in the living room until it was time for bed.
The scene of Rose receiving her Christmas Gift from her guardian angel played in her mind over and over, until she eventually fell into a deep sleep.
Rose had a great day at SAGE Arcade, but her dream started drifting to something she heard earlier in the day. She began dreaming about the News Report she heard this morning…
"It was a daring and dramatic break in. The target? A Nuclear Facility with an estimated 400 tons of highly enriched Uranium. That's enough to fuel more than 10,000 nuclear warheads." The reporter stood in front of what looked to be a fairly crowded and chaotic scene at the facility, "As a result of the security breach, the facility also known as Chernobyl or Circle N threatens to shut down, with a Congressional on how its Nuclear material makes the people of Prypiat vulnerable."
'This again?' Rose thought to herself.
"Circle N is home to one of the world's most advanced security systems with near seamless protocols. So how could someone break in? Why?" The reporter continued asking questions, "An unidentified man was caught on surveillance attempting to sabotage nuclear material. Was this an attempt to sabotage Circle N from outside forces? Prypiat and the rest of Johto were years deep into a Cold War with foreign nations. Maybe the intruder was a terrorist with the intention of using the Nuclear Facility to harm Prypiat. Or maybe this was an act of espionage from within…"
When the doors to Prypiat's Nuclear Facility opened, out came Rose's next door neighbor: Bastion. The man was immediately swarmed by reporters.
"We're with KTPN Channel 5 News, would it be possible to answer a few questions?"
Rose's dream had played exactly as she remembered…until now.
"…" Bastion didn't answer the reporter's question. Rather, he turned to face Rose. What was Bastion doing? Was he breaking the fourth wall? No…Rose was fully a part of this dream.
"…" Rose couldn't explain why…but she felt warm in Bastion's presence; Like Bastion only wanted what was best for her.
"Please forgive me, Rose."
Rose was bewildered. "Forgive you? For what?"
Bastion sighed. If only the Rose in this illusionary world knew of the bond she shared with 'Uncle Bastion' in the real world.
Bastion - Lord Bastion – was apologizing for this destiny that awaited this ill-fated world. Even if this Rose was illusionary, she was as close to the real thing as Bastion could imagine. It pained him to make Rose a casualty of the illusionary world brought about by his actions as Neo Snagem's 15th Commander.
But Rose knew none of this. She and Seth both believed they'd spent their entire lives in Prypiat with their mother, Flora.
Rose was aware of the fact that she was dreaming, and didn't question Bastion any further. She continued to dream her dream, still not fully grasping the magnitude of trouble her world was in…
Dream End.
Countdown: 6 Days Remaining…
"Mother still has not returned home yet." Rose remarked. "
The next morning had arrived, and Flora was nowhere to be found.
"She's probably pulling another all-nighter at work." Seth wasn't exactly sure what his Mother did at the Nuclear Facility, but he and Rose knew that she was a very busy woman. It wasn't uncommon for them to spend the night home alone.
"Sage." Rose's partner Pansage was still getting used to the layout of the home. He stood on the sofa, watching as Seth and Rose were getting ready.
Today was Saturday, meaning Seth didn't have to go to school. Instead, Seth and Rose were planning to go to Summer and Winter's house. The twins had invited Seth yesterday before the group went their separate ways.
"Where do the twins live?" Rose asked.
"They live in the Ginza downtown." Seth answered.
Seth made no effort to continue their conversation, so it was up to Rose to prevent silence from befalling the scene.
Rose brought up…a very peculiar topic, "You know, the twins said something odd yesterday."
"Hm?"
"When you and Haru were playing Virtual Fighter, the twins said, '7 days left'."
"…" Color Seth intrigued. The twins muttered that same '7 days left' quote yesterday morning at school. "I wonder what they mean by that?"
Being in school all day, Seth was home to watch the news this week. He had no clue about the suspected terrorist plot beginning to make waves around town.
"I tried asking them what they meant by '7 days left' yesterday." Seth remarked. "They said they didn't recall saying anything like that. Maybe they'll remember today."
…..
Location: Prypiat Nuclear Facility
"Unfortunately, none of my leads thus far have been able to produce probable cause to implicate anyone of terrorist plots." Flora remarked.
Flora and Bastion were in Bastion's office. They were fatigued from staying up all night, but it couldn't be helped.
Baston sighed, "Willow remains my sole target, but he remains at large. I haven't been able to locate the potential suspect."
Willow was sure to be somewhere in Prypiat. But where was he?
"Willow is fairly young; 20 years old to be precise." Flora noted, "It wouldn't be farfetched to assume he graduated Secondary School recently." This gave Flora an idea, as she rose to her feet, "Why don't we search every school in the district for possible information on Willow resides?"
Flora already knew her first stop: Shinku Secondary School. But before she leave's Bastion's office, she's stopped by someone.
"Hold up." The man was blocking Flora's way out. "My name is Woshis, and I wish to aid in your search for Willow."
Woshis was a slender man. He had neck length silver hair, and wore a lab coat and glasses.
Flora couldn't exactly pinpoint why, but something felt 'off' about this man.
Bastion and Woshis exchanged a silent, knowing nod.
Woshis gazed at Flora, "I do say, I don't believe I've ever seen your face, despite us working at the same Nuclear Facility!"
"I could say the same thing about you." Flora added.
"Well, I AM Head Engineer of all Laboratory functions underground. I oversee everything to the point that I often go days without going topside!"
Woshis was flamboyant and self-absorbed.
"I know a lot of my lab workers underground resent you topside workers, but it's a pleasure to meet you nonetheless!"
Woshis' smile was fake. Flora questioned wanting to get him involved in this, but realized the fate of Prypiat didn't deserve to be put in jeopardy because she didn't like him. With the threat of nuclear terrorism all too real, Flora could use all the help she could get in locating Willow before he could make his move.
…
Together, Flora and Woshis left the Nuclear Facility. They got in Flora's car and drove into town. Eventually, the car stopped at a red light.
"…"
To the immediate right was a playground where children were playing. This made Flora think of her own children.
'Rose. Seth.'
It was a shame that Flora couldn't spend much of Christmas season with her family. Nevertheless, she hoped that she'd be off Christmas Day. She had hope in spite of the terrorist case she was working on.
Flora sighed before asking Woshis a question, "What do you plan on doing for Christmas?"
Woshis crossed his arms and closed his eyes, "Haven't celebrated Christmas in years."
The light turned green, allowing Flora to drive past the playground.
….
Location: Ginza District
Summer and Winter lived in Prypiat's Ginza District, where their family owned a local eatery. Rah Rah Ramen was the name of the restaurant, and it was one of many businesses lined up in the Ginza. Other businesses included chain restaurants, convenience stores, boutiques, grocery outlets, bargain markets, inns, and lounges. Of course, SAGE Arcade was in the Ginza, but that wasn't why Seth and Rose were there.
"Is this the place?" Rose asked.
"Pansage?"
Seth nodded before he, Pansage, and Rose proceeded through the door. Upon entering Rah Rah Ramen, the siblings were greeted with the smell of tasty food wafting throughout. It was a humble restaurant with a decent reputation.
"Brother, look!" Rose excitedly pointed her finger. "A Pokemon!"
"Sage!" Pansage was just as excited as Rose.
It wasn't just one Pokemon, but two. Indeedee were their name. They wore aprons, and were in the middle of serving customers.
"Dee dee!" Upon finishing with his customer, one Indeedee greeted Seth, Pansage, and Rose at the entrance. He looked to be asking if he could take their order.
"Don't worry, Indeedee." Approaching from behind Indeedee was Summer, who was accompanied by Winter.
"Yeah, these three are with us." Winter added. "They're friends."
"Well, what do we have here!" Upon hearing Summer and Winter say they had friends, the group was approached by an elderly man.
This man had white hair and a receding hairline. His choice of attire was old fashioned, opting to wear a simple black yukata.
Seth knew this man. "You're Yumi and Haru's homeroom teacher."
"You teach at the school Seth attends?" Rose asked Mito before nudging Summer and Winter. "How does it feel having a teacher for a parent? Are you forced to study endlessly?"
Mito, Summer, and Winter chuckled.
"Don't mind her. She watches too much anime." Like always, Seth made light of Rose's obsession with cartoons. It wasn't malicious, it was lighthearted.
Rose remained smiling.
"So, are you three here to dine?" Mito asked.
"Maybe later." Seth answered. "We were invited to spend the day with Summer and Winter."
"I don't believe I've ever seen my daughters make any friends."
Mito was proud, but Summer and Winter were somewhat embarrassed. Their old man could be polite and show more tact.
"I tell you what." Mito spoke up, "Why don't I let the Indeedee twins join you girls!"
"Sage!" Pansage chirped. He was excited at the idea of having other Pokemon around.
"Are you sure?" Summer asked.
Mito nodded, "I expect business to be slow this holiday season. Most residents vacation away from Prypiat during the holidays. Besides, Anju can run things from here." Mito motioned to his wife.
The mother of Summer and Winter was beautiful, sporting long blonde hair. "Heh." She gave Seth and Rose a slight wave.
Summer, Winter, Seth, Rose, Pansage, and the Indeedee all thanked Mito before heading upstairs. Upon arriving upstairs, Summer and Winter led the group into their shared bedroom.
"So…what should we do?" Seth asked.
"I don't know…hangout?" Summer answered.
"We're already doing that!" Winter scolded her sister.
"Your parents were very excited to see us come over." Rose was grateful for the hospitality.
Summer and Winter drooped, "Well, we don't exactly have a lot of friends, you know."
"Admit it," Winter made eye contact with Seth, "Everyone at school thinks we're weird."
"Well…" Seth wasn't one to engage in rumors, but he's definitely heard a thing or two about the twins in passing over the years.
Summer then twiddled her fingers, "We've never had a boy in our room."
The girls had to subdue how giddy they were. Out of everyone in Shinku Secondary School, Seth was their only friend. Of course, Seth had only invited them into his friend group yesterday. But he, Yumi, and Haru welcomed them with open arms. When the twins told Mito, Anju, and the Indeedee how much fun they had at SAGE Arcade yesterday, the entire family was proud of them.
"Sage…" Pansage, being held by Rose, was growing bored of the idle chatter. Maybe a prank would bring some action to this hangout! "Sage…" But how would Pansage pull the ultimate prank? The Grass Type's gaze scoured the room, looking for an idea. Upon gazing at an Eight Ball located on one of the room's upper shelves, Pansage's brain hatched an idea!
"So, have you two ever had a Pokemon Battle using Indeedee?" Rose has seen plenty of Pokemon Battles on television at home, and was curious.
"We tried a few times." Summer answered.
"Yeah, but our Indeedee can't really control their psychic powers." Winter added. "Every time we've tried battling, someone wound up getting hurt."
"Is that why you two have never gone on a journey despite having two Pokemon?" Seth asked.
Winter shook her head, "With us going to school and our dad being a teacher, the family really needs Indeedee to take care of customers during the day."
"Once we graduate Secondary School, we'll inherit the family business." Summer explained.
"Hehe!" The Indeedee found Rose cute and didn't mind her attention.
"Sage. Hehe." Pansage had the perfect idea. Once the humans asked another question, he would toss the Eight-ball from the shelf. To Pansage, it was perfect. But to anyone else, it was rather primitive and luck-based. The prank was dependent on if the Eight-ball would give a negative answer.
"But what if you could go on a journey? Would you?"Seth questioned.
It was at this moment that Pansage hopped onto the upper shelf and threw the Eight-ball. Seth, Rose, and the twins had no idea what was going on…but the Indeedee were a different story.
"Dee?"
"Dee…"
The town of Prypiat was unfamiliar with the world of Pokemon. So Rose and the group hadn't a clue of the research that went on in regard to the Indeedee species. Research has proved that Indeedee have the ability to predict the actions of those around them.
"Dee."
"Dee."
Yesterday, the Indeedee were told of a Pansage that the twins attempted to capture. This Pansage was brash, and a bit of a prankster. The Psychic types predicted that a prank or two would be pulled by Pansage, so they remained on guard. They had there guards up the minute they were free to hang out with the twins today.
The Eight-ball…it fell like a comet falling from outer space, and it was about to hit Winter on the head.
"Dee!"
"Dee!"
The Indeedee, desiring to protect Winter, let loose their psychic power.
This got the attention of Seth and the humans.
"What's going on?" Rose questioned.
The eyes of Summer and Winter widened.
"They're using their psychic powers!"
As mentioned before, the Indeedee had no control over their power. Before the Eight-ball hit could strike Winter, the Indeedee collectively created a mysterious light in the center of the room.
It felt as though the world paused for the twins, for only they knew what was going on.
'Indeedee…you're using THIS of all powers?' Summer thought to herself.
'So…Indeedee is going to bring us all into their room?' Winter was completely oblivious to the threat above her head.
The Indeedee knew that they couldn't control their psychic power, but that was no excuse to allow Winter to sustain an injury. Summer and Winter have always desired friends, and now it was finally happening. It was a dream come true…If Mito and Anju found out that Winter got hurt because of a Pokemon that Seth and Rose brought over, the siblings would never be allowed come over anymore. Summer and Winter…Indeedee were in tune with their emotions, and they knew that both girls were becoming fond of Seth. Indeedee didn't want their dreams to end abruptly. They wanted Seth and Rose to stay…forever and ever and ever…
'Forever and ever and ever…'
The light began engulfing everyone in the room. Summer, Winter, Seth, and Rose…
The Indeedee gave Pansage a side eye. The psychic types were selfless when it came to the twins. However, they weren't above getting revenge on the little prankster. It was about time that Pansage was given a dose of his own medicine.
To be transported to Indeedee's room…THAT would be the Indeedee's prank to Pansage…
…
Location: Shinku Secondary School
On a mission to collect information on the whereabouts of lead terrorist suspect – Willow – Flora and Woshis were sent to scour all secondary schools in the Prypiat School District. Their first stop was Shinku Secondary School, and the duo wasted no time getting to work.
Due to it being Saturday, the school was empty – like a ghost town. The sound of Flora's heels clapping against the floor echoed throughout the hallway. It wasn't long before they found where student records were kept.
As they entered the Classifieds Vault, Woshis was impressed with Flora. "Impressive. I thought the tens of thousands of papers here would have you groaning like a pig!" Woshis was as flamboyant as ever. "That's right! You're the Nuclear Facility's Administration Officer. You're used to dealing with loads of paperwork!"
Woshis began a one-sided conversation of small talk with Flora as she searched through the endless files.
"There may be another reason you didn't groan." Woshis chuckled, "Everyone at work describes you as a rather detached individual. Such a shame you aren't more sociable. You look lovely with your long blonde hair and deep blue eyes!"
Smirking, Woshis playfully poked Flora on the cheek, hoping to get some sort of reaction.
"…" No reaction. Flora just stands there.
Woshis put on his best troll face as he continued poking Flora. "I swear, you must be some sort of statue!"
So, Seth gets his indifferent attitude from his mother's genes, eh?
Determined to get some sort of reaction from Flora, Woshis gave her a pinch on the cheek. On the surface, Flora merely twitched. But inside, she screamed like there was no tomorrow.
Woshis shrugged, "You're cute, but weird."
Surrendering to the fact that Flora could not be bother, Woshis finally joined her in searching the Classifieds Vault for Willow's file.
…
This illusionary world that Rose found herself in…it was filled to the brim with various toys and knickknacks. The toys were alive and playing amongst themselves. In the distance, one could lollipop trees and lemonade seas. Everything was all frilly and cozy…it was like a child's fantasy.
`Welcome to our room. Please make yourselves at home so we can play together…forever and ever and ever…
Whose room was this? Rose was unfamiliar with the voices that echoed throughout the field. What happened when she was with Seth and the twins?
"Brother?" Unsure of what was going on, Rose called on her guardian angel. "Brother!" Rose walked along the long ribbon-like path that was in front of her as she continued calling for Seth. "Brother, please!" Seth didn't answer. She then started calling for the others. "Summer? Winter? Pansage?"
Forever and ever and ever…
Elsewhere, Seth had just come to. "Where am I?"
He rose to his feet and taking in his surroundings. This…was not Prypiat. It looked like some otherworldly field that would be on one of the anime Rose watched in the morning.
Seth was unaware that Rose, Pansage, the twins, and the Indeedee were in this field. While Rose wandered an area reminiscent of a childhood fantasy, Seth wandered a blank world of blackness. This world began showing him strange visions…
'Seth? This is Rose, and she is your younger sister.' The first vision was of Seth and Rose standing across from each other. They were introduced to each other by a Pokemon Ranger while standing in a moonlit meadow of flowers and roses.
'What is this?' Seth was perplexed. He lived in Prypiat all his life. He remembered the day Mother Flora brought Rose home when she was born. Meeting Rose in a field of flowers…Seth was sure it didn't happen, but the illusion felt…real. What was going on?
The next vision was of Rose, pleading Seth to show mercy to the man opposing him. 'Brother please! You must not use that power!'
Seth appeared to be losing himself in some sort of dark power. No…he seemed to be embracing the darkness. It was as if Seth became a different person – a being of pure evil. Rose continued begging Seth to not use this power…until Seth had enough and struck her to the ground.
'You…you struck me…' Rose adopted an expression of fear and horror, looking Seth and the darkness. 'I…I hate you!' Seth froze upon hearing those words come from Rose's mouth. The little girl was so disturbed that she ran away from Seth.
"No." Seth had no patience for mind games. "Enough with this charade. Get me out of this dream!"
This is no charade. These are memories buried deep within you.
Appearing before Seth…was the male Indeedee.
According to Summer and Winter, you've spent your entire life here in Prypiat with your sister. But these visions suggest otherwise. How do you know that your life in Prypiat isn't a fantasy, and that these visions are a reflection of your real life.
"I've no reason to answer you." Seth responded.
What is real? And what is fantasy? These are the questions I ask. They won't go away because you refuse to answer.
"Rose and I…we've lived our entire lives in Prypiat. No illusion you show me will change that." Seth was near incapable of feeling emotion. Every action he made was one hundred percent based on logic…However, his logic could be flawed. He had no recollection of why he was brought to Prypiat in the first place.
The Indeedee shook his head.
You believe you're living a normal, uneventful life. But you were brought here for a greater purpose.
"A greater purpose?"
I cannot say too much. You are supposed to find the answer on your own, but it is my duty to guide you in the right direction.
"…"
But…
"Hm?"
Indeedee began glowing a strange aura as he began emanating psychic power.
No matter how great that purpose is, MY purpose is to please Summer and Winter. They are grateful to you for being their first friend – grateful that you came over to play. Now please stay…forever and ever and ever.
"Forever?" Seth's eyes were becoming blank.
Indeedee was hypnotizing him!
Forever and ever and ever…
Seth attempted to resist Indeedee's probe. However…
'Rose is conspiring against me.' More visions kept appearing. This vision was of Seth being suspicious of Rose 'Do you remember when we were attacked by Corviknight, Bouffalant, and the other mountain pokemon?'
…
'She defended 15 from me.'
The visions were causing Seth to lose focus. Unable to focus on resisting Indeedee's hypnosis, Seth fell to one knee. He was about to be trapped in Indeedee's 'room'…forever and ever and ever…
"Get away from him!"
Just as Seth was about to lose consciousness, it was Rose who ran to Indeedee and pushed the Psychic Type.
With Indeedee's concentration broken, Seth was freed from his hypnosis. "Ngh…" He fell to both knees. Staring at the ground wide-eyed, he questioned the visions he saw.
"Brother!" Rose approached Seth. "Brother, are you okay?"
Still on his knees, Seth looked up to Rose's face.
"Now it's my turn to protect you, my guardian angel." Rose smiled.
Those visions…they couldn't be real. The girl who feared Seth in those visions was not the girl who stood in front of him now.
"I promise, I won't let anything happen to you." Rose held out her hand, offering to help Seth to his feet.
Seth grabbed her hand. Once he stood up, told Rose, "Lets win this fight together."
The siblings both turned their attention to Indeedee.
My purpose is the please Summer and Winter. But my power…I still can't control my power…
Indeedee grasped his head, desperately trying to quell the Psychic power which threatened to escape him.
GAH!
Against Indeedee's wishes, a wave of overwhelming Psychic energy escaped from him and headed straight for Rose and Seth.
The siblings, with no means of defense, braced themselves for the oncoming attack.
BROTHER INDEEDEE!
At the last moment, the wave of Psychic energy was intercepted jumping in front of Seth and Rose was the other Indeedee – the female one.
"The other Indeedee?" Rose questioned.
No more fighting, brother. Our masters are here.
Masters? She must've been talking about Summer and Winter. Seth turned around to see the twins.
"Sage…" Pansage had an indignant look on his face as he was being held by Winter.
Pansage must've been captured by the twins and the female Indeedee.
Our powers…we still can't control them. Though sending everyone to our 'room' was necessary to keep our masters from falling victim to Pansage's prank, using our psychic powers should've ended there.
The male Indeedee couldn't explain it, but he simply responded that he wasn't in control of his actions.
"Don't worry yourself." Summer said. "At the end of the day, nobody was hurt." She approached the male Indeedee and helped him to his feet. "Come on, lets bring everyone home."
…
Location: Shinku Secondary School – Classifieds Vault
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?"
To Be Continued…