Chapter 14: Seized by Shadows
Steam curled lazily from the mismatched bowl filling the air with the salty scent of instant ramen. Johanna stirred the tangled noodles, the spoon clinking softly against the porcelain.
Morning light filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the worn table cluttered with yesterday's mail and an unfinished crossword.
She wore a black t-shirt and red plaid pajama pants, her worn slippers shuffling against the cluttered floor. Wrappers, old magazines, and stray socks were scattered about, hinting at a house that had seen busier, more lively days. Navigating the mess, Johanna made her way to the small living room.
With a weary sigh, she slumped onto the futon, settling cross-legged on the floor. She placed the bowl of ramen on her lap and picked up the remote flicking on the TV, where a bright sitcom was playing.
The characters' exaggerated laughter and dialogue filled the room as Johanna briefly watched a scene where one character was dramatically apologizing for forgetting their best friend's birthday. Johanna ate a spoonful of ramen, barely registering the show as she continued to channel surf.
This time, she landed on a western film. The screen showed a tense standoff between cowboys, each reaching for their Poke Balls in a dramatic, slow-motion draw. Just as the tension reached its peak, Johanna absentmindedly changed the channel again, taking another spoonful of ramen.
This time, she landed on a sappy romance. The scene featured a tearful dialogue where one character, holding a bouquet of wilting flowers, declared, "You're my everything, and I would be lost without you. How could you ever think I could live without your love?"
The melodramatic tone made Johanna shake her head and switch channels once more, her spoon stirring the noodles absentmindedly.
She continued flipping through channels until she saw a familiar face on the screen. Johanna's heart skipped as she saw Dawn, but in her confusion she quickly changed the channel again.
Realizing her mistake Johanna anxiously flipped back, her eyes widening as she saw a news reporter on the screen, standing in front of her daughter with a microphone in hand.
Johanna paused mid-bite, her spoon hovering over the bowl as she focused intently on the TV.
"Excuse me!" The reporter's authoritative voice cut through the room, grabbing Johanna's full attention. "Could you share your side of the story? What happened here today?"
Dawn's face lit up with enthusiasm as she looked directly into the camera. "Hi, Mom, I hope you're watching this!" she said, her voice brimming with pride.
Johanna's eyes widened in shock, her hand trembling slightly as she gripped the remote. She was momentarily frozen with her mouth slightly open in disbelief. The bowl of ramen in her lap was forgotten as her gaze remained fixed on the TV, her heart pounding.
Dawn continued, "Those Team Galactic guys were bad news. If I didn't stop them, who else would've?"
The reporter's voice returned, "And you are?"
Dawn flashed a confident smile. "My name's Dawn Platinum! And I'm gonna be the next Champion of Sinnoh, so Cynthia Shirona better enjoy her last moments of fame, 'cause I'm coming for her title!"
Johanna's breath caught in her throat. Her eyes remained glued to the screen, the reflection of Dawn's beaming face shimmering in her wide, astonished eyes. The world seemed to fall away as she watched her daughter—proud, determined, and glowing with fierce resolve.
Dawn stepped into Floaroma Town, her eyes widening as she took in the picturesque scene before her.
The town was bathed in the soft, golden light of the late afternoon sun which casted a warm glow over the colorful flowerbeds that adorned the streets. Vibrant hues of lavender, rose, and sunflower painted a stunning mosaic across the landscape.
Floraroma's quaint houses, with their charming stone facades and flower-covered trellises, stood silently against the backdrop of rolling hills.
The air was still, but the usual bustle of the market square was conspicuously absent. Not a soul was in sight—no vendors calling out their wares, no children playing, and no townsfolk going about their daily routines.
The serenity of the scene was almost surreal as Dawn walked further into the heart of the town, creating a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere she had expected. She glanced around, her gaze sweeping over the deserted town square and the empty benches lined with potted plants.
She had left Evolution Eats just two days ago, her time there was far from the best, but at least her debt was finally cleared thanks to Professor Rowan's generous payment. Now, as she entered Floaroma Town, the quiet was almost disorienting after the recent chaos of Jubilife.
"This is kinda freaky," she murmured, her voice carrying slightly in the empty space. "It's almost like a ghost town."
Dawn continued to wander through the eerily silent streets of Floaroma. The vibrant flowers swayed gently in the breeze, but there was no one around to appreciate their beauty.
"Hello!" Dawn called out, her voice ringing through the empty town. "Anyone home!?" She waited for a response, but only the rustling leaves answered her.
Her eyes fell on the Pokémon Center in the distance. Relief washed over her as she jogged towards it hoping to find someone who could explain the situation. However, as she reached the doors she realized they were firmly shut. The large glass windows which typically showcased the bustling activity inside were dark and empty. Posters of smiling trainers and cheerful Pokémon that adorned the walls were barely visible through the gloom. Even the bright red roof, a trademark of Pokémon Centers, seemed muted under the overcast sky. She tugged on the handle, but it wouldn't budge.
"This is weird," Dawn muttered, peering through the glass. The lights were off, and the usually bustling center was dark and deserted.
Leaving the locked Pokémon Center behind, the empty streets of Floaroma Town stretched out before her in oppressive silence. For as bright and cheerful as the town appeared, a palpable sense of unease lingered beneath the surface making something feel unmistakably wrong.
As she walked, absorbed in her thoughts and the peculiar emptiness of the town, two shadows began to fall over the ground behind her. They moved with unnerving stealth, shifting with the flickering light from the street lamps. The shadows were elongated and undulating, giving the impression that they were weaving through the alleyways like dark, creeping tendrils.
The shadows stretched and writhed with each step she took, their movement almost synchronized with hers. Dawn remained unaware of the sinister shapes trailing her, her focus on the unsettling silence and the occasional rustle of the wind.
A faint, creeping sensation started to crawl up her spine making her feel as though she was being watched. She glanced over her shoulder but the streets seemed empty, save for the looming darkness of the surrounding buildings.
An unsettling chill swept over her as she continued walking. The shadows, now more defined, seemed to pulse with an eerie energy, their dark forms curling and recoiling as if they were alive. Dawn's unease grew with every step, the feeling of being followed becoming impossible to deny.
Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks, her heart racing. She slowly turned around, her eyes scanning the empty street with trepidation.
"Okay, how about you show yourselves!" she called out, her voice echoing in the stillness.
The shadows seemed to waver for a moment before solidifying into two figures. Both were men dressed in dark, form-fitting uniforms with distinctive black and white patterns. Their outfits featured a prominent "G" symbol on the chest, and their hair was cut into bowl shapes.
Dawn's eyes widened as she took in their uniforms. "Y-you guys, I recognize that uniform!" she said, her voice filled with surprise and recognition.
The one on the left smirked, revealing a flash of sharpened teeth that glinted menacingly. "That's right. We're Team Galactic," he said, his gaze was cold and calculating as he spoke. "And here's the deal: We want all the money you have. Hand it over, now."
With a cold and dismissive look the man on the right extended his hand toward Dawn. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be," he warned, his voice low and menacing. "Give us what we want, and we'll be out of your hair. Refuse, and you'll wish you had."
Dawn's eyes bounced between the two crooks in front of her. She didn't have a single cent on her after her debt was cleared, but even if she did, she would never comply with the demands of terrorists.
She reached into her bag and retrieved two Poké Balls. "I'm sorry, but I don't have any money. Would you guys accept a beatdown instead?"
"Just try it!" one of the Team Galactic members sneered, his voice dripping with challenge. The two men enlarged their Poké Balls and threw them onto the ground.
With a flash of light, a Stunky appeared—its dark purple fur and distinctive white stripe running down its back giving it a menacing look. Its yellow eyes glared at Dawn with a hint of mischief.
Next, a Murkrow emerged, flapping its black wings with a cawing sound. Its beady red eyes glinted with an eerie intelligence, and the feathered hat it wore only added to its sinister aura.
Dawn threw her Poké Balls with precision, and the spheres burst open with energetic sparks.
Out of the first ball leaped Staravia, landing with a decisive thud. The bird Pokémon squared its stance, puffing out his chest and ruffled his feathers projecting an air of defiance.
From the second ball, Shinx emerged in a dazzling display of power. As he materialized a bolt of electricity crackled from its body and arced across the ground leaving a glowing trail that brightened the darkened street.
From her bag, Dawn retrieved her Pokédex and began by scanning the Stunky. She held the device up, but as the Pokédex whirred to life, she grimaced at the overpowering stench wafting from the skunk-like Pokémon.
"Stunky, the Skunk Pokémon. It sprays a foul fluid from its rear. Its stench spreads over a mile radius, driving Pokémon away."
Quickly, she moved the Pokédex to scan the Murkrow, her face still contorted in reaction to the lingering smell.
"Murkrow, the Darkness Pokémon. If spotted, it will lure an unwary person into chasing it, then lose the pursuer on mountain trails."
A tense silence fell over the street as Dawn and the two Team Galactic grunts sized each other up. The only sound was the distant rustle of leaves and the faint hum of the streetlights. The air seemed to thicken with anticipation, each moment stretching longer as both sides prepared for the imminent clash.
Breaking the stillness the grunt on the left suddenly shouted, "Alright, Stunky, use SmokeScreen!"
Stunky obeyed with a menacing growl, unleashing a massive plume of thick, noxious smoke. The cloud surged forth with such force that it quickly engulfed the entire field of vision. The dense, choking smoke spread rapidly, swallowing the street, the nearby buildings, and even the distant edges of the town.
Dawn could no longer see her own Pokémon, the smothering fog obscuring everything around her and casted the entire scene into an oppressive, smoky haze.
Amidst the vast smoke, Shinx's electric sparks flickered weakly barely penetrating the thick fog. Staravia, clumsily stumbled through the mist, inadvertently bumping into Shinx.
"Now, Fly, Murkrow!" the Team Galactic grunt on the right commanded.
Murkrow burst from the swirling cloud of smoke, its dark wings cutting through the haze as it soared high above Floaroma Town. The bird Pokémon flapped its wings vigorously, emitting a sharp, echoing screech of "Krow!" that reverberated through the air.
"Perfect, now use Wing Attack!" the other grunt ordered.
Murkrow's wings sliced through the air with a powerful force. The sound was like a high-pitched crack, as if the very air was being torn apart by the sheer velocity of the attack. The force created a massive gust of wind that ripped through the smoke dispersing it in a dramatic, sweeping wave.
Dawn, still unable to see through the smoke, gritted her teeth and shouted, "Staravia, Shinx, dodge it!"
Both Pokémon scrambled to avoid the attack. Shinx's nimble movements allowed it to evade the strike but Staravia was hit head-on. The powerful gust of Murkrow's Wing Attack sent Staravia crashing to the ground, the force of the wind knocking him hard against the pavement.
As the smoke cleared, Staravia lay momentarily stunned on the ground. In a swift, determined motion, he pushed itself up with its talons. The Starling Pokémon cracked his neck, the sharp crack echoing softly, clearly unfazed by the attack.
Murkrow hovered in the air, its eyes wide with fear as it watched Staravia rise unscathed. The once confident bird Pokémon now appeared hesitant, its wings fluttering nervously.
"Err, use Cut on Staravia!" the grunt stammered, his voice betraying his own unease.
Stunky rushed toward Staravia with a glowing paw, ready to deliver a Cut attack. Before it could strike, Shinx leaped in front of Staravia with a fierce glare.
Dawn smirked, raising her hand with a confident flick of her wrist. "Dodge the Cut, and then use Bite!"
Shinx ducked under Stunky's swipe, the move just grazing his fur. With a flash of teeth, Shinx clamped down on Stunky's arm. The sharp bite caused Stunky to cry out in pain, a piercing yowl that echoed through the empty streets.
"Err, Murkrow, use Peck!" the other Galactic grunt commanded, desperation creeping into his voice.
Murkrow ascended into the sky, its wings beating with a powerful rhythm as he gained altitude. It then tucked its wings close to his body and dove, beak gleaming in the faint light. The air whistled around him, a high-pitched sound that grew louder as it picked up speed. Murkrow's beak was aimed directly at Shinx, a missile on a deadly trajectory.
"Don't let it, Staravia! Use Fury Attack!" Dawn yelled, her voice steady and commanding.
Staravia launched into the air with a swift, powerful kick. His sharp talon struck Murkrow at the back of its head just before it could hit Shinx. Staravia moved with incredible speed, a blur of motion as he delivered multiple rapid kicks to Murkrow.
Murkrow was launched like a rocket soaring far past the Team Galactic grunts. The speed of its flight created a gust of wind that ruffled their clothes and caused them to stagger slightly. Murkrow continued its trajectory until it crashed headfirst into a tree, causing it to split into two with a resounding crack.
"M-Murkrow!" the Team Galactic grunt cried out in shock.
Dawn's smile widened. "Okay Shinx, now use Thunder Shock!"
Electricity crackled around Shinx as he channeled the energy, still biting down on Stunky's arm. The air buzzed with power, and with a fierce spark the Thunder Shock coursed through Stunky. The Stunky screamed in pain as the electricity overwhelmed it causing a burst of smoke to erupt around them.
Stunky staggered out of the smoke, its fur singed and sparking, its body trembling with each step. It panted heavily, clearly on its last legs, struggling to stay upright.
"Oh c'mon, don't give in that easy!" the other grunt yelled. "Use Poison Gas!"
Stunky lifted its tail and released a cloud of poisonous gas, the noxious fumes spreading rapidly and clinging to the air with a vile stench.
"Eww, yuck!" Dawn exclaimed, covering her nose. "S-Shinx, dodge it, get behind the Stunky!"
Shinx flipped backward into the air performing a graceful somersault before landing behind Stunky, successfully avoiding the poisonous gas.
"Now, use Double Kick!" Dawn yelled.
As Stunky turned its head over its shoulder it only saw Shinx's paws barreling towards it. Shinx's first kick landed squarely on Stunky's side, sending it flying towards Staravia. The impact was so powerful that Stunky spun in the air, its eyes wide with shock.
"Staravia, use Fury Attack again!" Dawn commanded confidently.
Staravia launched into a series of rapid kicks, each strike hitting Stunky with such force that it was suspended in mid-air, unable to counter or defend itself. The kicks came so fast that Staravia appeared as a blur, a whirlwind of relentless attacks.
In the blink of an eye, Shinx leaped above Stunky and delivered a final Double Kick, stomping down with such strength that Stunky was slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash, creating a crater upon impact. Staravia deftly leaped back to avoid the collateral, landing gracefully on the ground.
"St... Stunky..." the Skunk Pokémon moaned, its eyes rolling back as it fell unconscious.
Both crooks quickly recalled their Pokémon, the beams of light from their Poké Balls absorbing Murkrow and Stunky. Their hands were trembling, sweat dripping down their foreheads. They exchanged a nervous glance clearly frightened by the unexpected ferocity of the trainer before them.
The one on the left looked up towards Dawn, his voice shaky. "You just made a big mistake, kid!"
Dawn smiled, her confidence unwavering. "So, does that beatdown cover my fee, or do I need to give you guys another one?"
The Team Galactic grunts glanced at each other; their eyes wide with fear. Without another word, they turned and bolted, their heavy footsteps echoing through the empty streets of Floaroma Town. One tripped over a loose cobblestone, scrambling back to his feet in a panic. Their uniforms flapped wildly as they sprinted away, disappearing around a corner as fast as their legs could carry them.
Dawn watched them flee, her smile widening with satisfaction.
"Good job, Shinx, Staravia," Dawn exclaimed, turning to her Pokémon with a proud grin. "You guys really showed them who's boss!"
Staravia and Shinx exchanged a look of mutual respect, their eyes reflecting the camaraderie forged through battle. With a nod to each other, they were recalled into their Poké Balls, their forms vanishing in a flash of red light.
As Dawn returned her Poké Balls to her bag, a voice spoke up behind her. "Good work, Dawn Platinum."
She spun around, her eyes falling onto a figure emerging from the shadows. The man's serious demeanor and distinctive outfit made her pause. Dawn furrowed her brow, trying to place him. "Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" she asked, pointing at him with a curious expression.
"What, don't tell me you've forgotten me," the man said, flashing a confident smile. "We first met in Jubilife. I was searching for a lead on... shady individuals."
Dawn's eyes lit up with recognition. "Yeah, I know you... you're... you're..." She hesitated, then dropped her finger. "Uh, what was your name again?"
The man chuckled and gave a theatrical flourish. "I go by Looker, an agent of the international police!" His voice was smooth, almost too smooth, and he struck a dramatic pose.
Dawn raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "You, a member of the international police? Yeah right! I mean, you were doing that ridiculous homeless act and even got me to give you some money. Hey, you never gave it back either!"
Looker shrugged with a playful smirk. "I was undercover, trying to find bad guys. What can I say? I take my disguises very seriously."
Dawn shook her head dismissively. "Whatever, I don't care about that. What's going on with this town? There's nobody in sight aside from creeps," she said, glancing around.
Looker quirked an eyebrow. "There's not just creeps—I'm here too."
She gave him a skeptical look. "Yeah, like I said, no one in this town aside from creeps."
"I'll answer all your questions, Dawn," Looker said, scanning the area. "But first, let's get out of here."
"Why?" Dawn asked, still hesitant.
"Think about it," Looker shot back with a grin. "Those criminals you just chased off? They're headed straight to their commander to report a rogue trainer causing trouble."
"Those Team Galactic stooges?" Dawn chuckled. "I'm not scared of them. They're small fries. They're not the first members of that organization I've faced, and they've all seemed pretty weak to me."
"Believe me, I know. I've been keeping an eye on Jubilife News—I saw you on TV. You're the trainer who claimed to chase off those Team Galactic goons who kidnapped Professor Isaac Rowan, right?"
Dawn's eyes widened, her surprise palpable. "Wait, his first name is Isaac?"
"Look, if I saw that broadcast, you can bet Team Galactic saw it too. If they recognize you, they'll be after you like Tom after Jerry. Sure, you managed to handle two of them, but what if a whole squadron shows up?"
Dawn didn't respond, her expression showing clear concern.
"Alright then, follow me," Looker said, leading the way with a brisk stride.
Looker led Dawn to a small, nondescript house on the outskirts of Floaroma Town. The exterior was unremarkable with wooden planks nailed over the windows, giving the impression that the house had been abandoned for some time. Looker used a key to unlock the creaky door which opened with a groan. Dawn followed him inside.
The interior was dimly lit and sparsely furnished, with a few dusty pieces of old furniture scattered about. The walls were lined with peeling wallpaper, and the floorboards creaked underfoot. A musty smell lingered in the air, hinting at the house's long period of neglect.
Looker walked purposefully to a corner of the room where a discreet panel in the floor was partially covered by a tattered rug. He lifted the panel, revealing a set of worn wooden stairs descending into darkness.
"After you," Looker said, gesturing for Dawn to proceed. She hesitated only for a moment before stepping into the shadowy passage, her curiosity outweighing her caution.
Dawn descended the ladder into the basement, the creaking of the rickety rungs punctuating the stillness.
The basement was surprisingly spacious, its walls lined with shelves stacked with old crates and dusty supplies. Faint light from a single, flickering bulb illuminated the room, casting long shadows across the concrete floor.
In one corner of the basement, a woman and a small child stood in tense silence. The woman looked to be in her early thirties, with shoulder-length brown hair falling in disheveled waves around her face.
Her eyes, wide with fear, were fixed on Dawn as she clutched a butter knife in her trembling hand. Beside her, the little girl, no older than six or seven, clutched a timid-looking Budew close to her chest.
The child's eyes were wide and filled with worry, her small frame trembling slightly.
The woman's voice was shaky but firm, "Who are you?" She held the knife in a defensive posture, her gaze darting between Dawn and Looker. Despite her fear, she was prepared to defend her daughter and the Budew at any cost.
"Do not worry, she's with me," Looker said, his voice calm as he descended the stairs and joined Dawn at the bottom. The woman's eyes softened as she recognized Looker, and her grip on the knife gradually relaxed though she still held it close.
"Who is she?" the woman asked, glancing at Dawn.
"This is Dawn," Looker said with a grin, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "A Pokémon Trainer, and quite the formidable one at that. Dawn, meet Margaret, who's kindly offered me refuge since I arrived in Floaroma. And this," he added, gesturing to the little girl, "is her daughter, Sophia."
Dawn's attention shifted to the girl, who, upon meeting her gaze, instinctively shrank further behind her mother.
"So, you gonna tell me what's going on now?" Dawn asked, turning towards Looker. "What's happening in this town?"
"Glad you asked," Looker replied with a snap. "About a month ago, Team Galactic stormed into Floaroma, driving out nearly everyone. Only Margaret and Sophia stayed behind," he said, glancing at the woman and her daughter.
"What do they want?" Dawn pressed. "Why Floaroma?"
Margaret chimed in, "Aside from the desire to terrorize us, they've taken over the old Valley Windworks."
"Valley Windworks?" Dawn repeated, her curiosity piqued.
"Indeed," Looker replied, his tone sharp and precise. "It's an old power plant just outside of town. Abandoned for years, but Team Galactic likely saw it as a perfect place to set up their operations. They needed a secure spot to siphon off electricity for their... less-than-noble purposes."
"Why would they need electricity?" Dawn asked, her curiosity evident.
"Truthfully, Dawn, your guess is as good as mine," Looker admitted. "Moreover, I've been digging into their operations here, and it appears they're channeling the electricity into Power Storage Units scattered around their base. These units store and presumably redistribute the power, but the exact reason behind their need for such vast amounts of energy remains unclear."
Dawn crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. "So, what are we going to do about it?"
Looker's eyes gleamed with determination. "We're going to sneak into the Valley Windworks and uncover their plans. And if you think that's all, think again. We have one more objective," he said, gesturing toward Margaret, who stepped forward, her face etched with distress.
"T-they've captured my husband," Margaret said, her voice trembling with deep sorrow. "He's a scientist, specializing in electrical engineering."
Dawn's eyes widened in shock. "A scientist? Why would they take him?"
Margaret wiped a tear from her cheek. "They need him to help with their plans. My husband was working on advanced power systems—technologies that could amplify or even control massive amounts of electricity. My guess is they're forcing him to enhance those Power Storage Units Looker mentioned, making their energy resources far more potent and easier to control."
Dawn's face softened with sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that. I promise, I'll rescue him and bring an end to Team Galactic."
"Do you mean it?" Sophie's voice quivered as she hugged her Budew tighter. "C-can you really save my daddy?"
Dawn walked over to the little girl, kneeling to her eye level and offering a reassuring smile. "Hey, there's no need to worry, alright? When I make a promise, Inever go back on my word. You're going to see your dad very soon."
Margaret, eyes filled with doubt, looked at Dawn. "Can we really trust you?"
With one last comforting smile to Sophie, Dawn stood up. "Of course. I never lie. Just sit tight, and you'll see your husband will be safe and sound before you know it."
The Valley Windworks was a large, gray stone building, its paint long faded and windows boarded up with rusted metal grilles. Overgrown vines and weeds obscured the lower half, and a heavy, corroded metal door marked the entrance, and flickering security lights cast eerie shadows on the cracked pavement.
In front of the door stood two Team Galactic grunts, their uniforms standing out against the backdrop of the old Valley Windworks.
The area was dominated by towering, rusted wind turbines, their blades still and silent in the evening air.
Dawn and Looker crouched in the tall grass beside the entrance, their eyes fixed on the guards. The faint whir of the turbines and the rustling of grass filled the air as they waited for the right moment to make their move.
"Keep your eyes peeled," one grunt said. "They say there's an enemy trainer causing trouble in town. We can't let anyone through."
"Yeah, I heard," the other grunt replied. "Apparently, she's pretty good."
Meanwhile, Looker was fiddling with a small, handheld device, his eyes focused on the screen.
Dawn leaned in, whispering, "What are you doing?"
Looker flashed her a quick, confident smile. "Intercepting their communication channels. Got to stay a step ahead of these clowns."
Dawn's eyes widened. "You can do that?"
"Of course," Looker said, his fingers dancing over the buttons. "When you're as good as I am, you pick up a few tricks. Found their frequencies and cracked their codes last week."
Within moments, Looker sent a distress signal through the intercepted channel. The device buzzed, and a crackling voice came through. "Attention all units, we need immediate assistance at Route 205. Multiple hostiles engaged. Repeat, immediate assistance required!"
The grunts exchanged nervous glances. "Did you hear that?"
"Yeah, sounds serious. We better check it out."
Without hesitation, they rushed off towards Route 205, leaving the entrance unguarded.
Looker turned to Dawn with a smirk. "See? Easy as pie. Now, let's move before they realize it was a fake."
Dawn nodded, impressed. "You're something else, you know that?"
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Looker replied, leading the way towards the now unguarded Valley Windworks entrance.
Both Dawn and Looker stepped out of the tall grass and approached the now unguarded entrance. With a quick, cautious glance around, they cautiously pushed the door open and slipped inside, finding themselves in a dimly lit hallway lined with metal walls. The air was filled with the low hum of machinery and the faint scent of oil.
Turning the first corner of the hallway, they spotted two Galactic men standing guard. They quickly ducked behind a nearby stack of crates, their breaths held in anticipation. The grunts were deep in conversation, discussing the lookout for the enemy trainer.
"We need a plan to get past them," Looker whispered, his eyes darting around for any possible solutions.
Dawn, her mind racing, hatched a plan. She quietly pulled out a Poke Ball and released Chimchar, who immediately let out a loud, "Char, Char!"
The girl immediately covered Chimchar's mouth, her eyes wide. "Shhh!" she whispered urgently. "We need to be quiet."
Looker leaned in close, his voice barely a whisper. "What's the plan?"
Dawn, her eyes fixed on the grunts, responded quietly, "Chimchar can handle this. His speed is remarkable—if he sneaks up on them, we can knock them out without making a fuss."
"Char!" Chimchar cried out, flashing a sharp, mischievous smirk. His claws extended with a sharp click, gleaming ominously in the faint light of the hallway.
Looker shook his head, his voice a low whisper. "No, knocking them out isn't ideal. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves by dealing with more grunts. We need to stay under the radar."
He glanced at Chimchar with a thoughtful nod. "How about this: We have Chimchar cause a commotion somewhere else. A small fire or a noise could draw their attention away. Chimchar stays hidden, they go investigate, and we slip past without a hitch."
"Char?" The fire starter whined softly, his claws twitched, eager for action but clearly bummed out by the idea of not getting to fight.
"Chimchar, please," Dawn said, her voice earnest. "I know he might not look that bright, but trust me, this guy knows what he's talking about. Can you do this, please... for me?"
The Chimp Pokémon gave a resigned nod, his sharpened claws retracting back to their normal state with a deft flick.
Looker grinned and nodded approvingly, then quipped, "Wait a minute, what do you mean 'not that bright'?"
With that, Chimchar positioned himself in the corridor and released a small, controlled Ember. The tiny flame flickered to life on the right side of the hallway casting a warm glow against the walls.
The grunts, alerted by the sudden sight of fire, dashed around the corner to investigate and extinguish the blaze.
As the Galactic crooks hurried to deal with the distraction, Dawn, Looker, and Chimchar crouched low behind the crate, concealed by its shadow. They remained perfectly still, barely making a sound as the grunts' footsteps faded into the distance.
Quietly, the three began to move around the corner of the corridor, carefully avoiding detection.
As they advanced, Looker's sharp eyes caught sight of a surveillance camera mounted on the wall. In response, he pulled out a small device from his pocket. The device emitted a soft, whirring sound as it interfered with the camera's signal, causing the screen to crackle and turn to static.
Dawn, Looker, and Chimchar, still crouching low to avoid detection moved cautiously down the corridor. As they approached a partially open door, the faint sounds of battle drifted through. Dawn glanced over.
Inside was a training room, two Team Galactic grunts were engaged in a heated battle. One grunt commanded a Sneasel with a sharp, commanding tone, while his opponent directed a sturdy Koffing. The Pokémon clashed with bright, fierce attacks—Sneasel's claws slashing through the air and Koffing releasing puffs of poisonous gas.
She quickly pulled her gaze away, urging Looker and Chimchar to continue moving. They edged past the training room, remaining hidden in the shadows.
Dawn, Looker, and Chimchar wove through a labyrinth of rooms: cluttered storage areas, dim maintenance spaces, and a vacant staff lounge. After navigating this maze, they arrived at a door labeled "Control Room."
Looker peeked into the Control Room, which was a hub of activity. The room was dominated by a large console lined with blinking lights and screens displaying various data feeds and control panels. The air was filled with the soft hum of machinery and the occasional beep of alerting systems.
A group of Team Galactic soldiers stood by, their dark uniforms and stern faces contrasting with the bright chaotic glow of the consoles. They appeared to be on high alert, occasionally glancing at the monitors or at each other.
At the center of the room, a man was absorbed in his work at one of the consoles. Unlike the soldiers, he was not wearing the standard Team Galactic uniform. Instead, he wore a white lab coat over a collared shirt and tie. His black hair was slightly tousled, and he wore glasses that occasionally caught the light as he adjusted them.
The man's face was streaked with grime and bruised. He seemed both stressed and exhausted, his movements quick but erratic as he operated the console. His fingers moved frantically across the controls, and he wiped his brow with the back of his hand.
Looker's eyes widened as he took in the scene. "Well, well, if it isn't our prize catch. That's Margaret's husband alright, Dr, Morton," he whispered, his tone sharp and amused. "Looks like he's been dragged into the thick of things."
Dawn glanced at him, worry etched on her face. "So, how are we gonna rescue him?"
Looker smirked and replied, "Time for some more high-tech sleight of hand. Follow my lead."
He ushered Dawn and Chimchar into the storage closet. It was cramped and filled with dusty supplies, barely enough room for the three of them. They huddled together in the shadows, barely able to move without bumping into each other.
Dawn wrinkled her nose and whispered, "This place is tiny. I can barely move!"
Chimchar, squeezed between them, made a soft, uncomfortable noise. "Char."
Looker grinned despite the situation. "Oh, come on, it's not that bad. At least we're not out there with those goons."
As Looker activated his device, it emitted a burst of static crackling through the grunts' radios, the room outside erupted into confusion. The sharp interference distorted voices into unintelligible noise.
"What's that noise?" one grunt said, looking around in confusion.
"Sounds like a comms glitch. Let's check it out!" another grunt said, rushing towards the door.
As the soldiers bolted from the room, one remained behind, keeping a wary eye on the engineer. Right when Dr. Norton tried to stand, the grunt snapped, "Sit tight! No funny moves!"
Dawn, Looker, and Chimchar remained perfectly still in the cramped closet, their breathing heavy and the space even more uncomfortable as they listened to the grunts' footsteps fading away.
Dawn shot a glance at Looker and whispered, "Look, it's just one of them. I think our best bet is to have Chimchar take care of him."
Looker sighed theatrically and replied, "Alright, alright, I concede. Let's let Chimchar handle it. Not exactly my first choice, but we don't have a better option."
Looker, Dawn, and Chimchar slowly exited the cramped storage closet, moving with careful precision. They stepped into the Control Room, where the Engineer was still at the central console, and Looker's eyes darted around to ensure the coast was clear.
Chimchar rubbed his hands together with a snarky grin, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. Dawn glanced at him and whispered, "Remember, silently."
With a nod, Chimchar leaped gracefully up to the ceiling, his movements fluid and almost feline as he clung to the wall. He gave Dawn a quick salute before starting to crawl along the ceiling, his agile limbs gripping the surface effortlessly.
The Galactic soldier, still watching the Engineer, was oblivious to the approaching threat. Dr. Norton, visibly distressed, pleaded, "I want to see my family."
The grunt sneered, "You moron, your family has already left this town. They don't care about you."
Chimchar advanced with deliberate silence, his movements calculated and stealthy as he climbed along the wall. Each step was muffled, his claws barely scraping the surface, as he carefully positioned himself above the soldier.
With a swift, silent descent, Chimchar landed directly on the soldier's back. The grunt's startled screech echoed through the room, but Chimchar wasted no time. He pressed a precise pressure point on the soldier's neck, sending him collapsing onto the console. The grunt hit the communication device the Engineer had been working on and then crumpled to the floor, unconscious.
Dr. Norton's eyes widened in terror. "Jeez!" he screeched, recoiling in fear. "What just happened?"
Chimchar crept up behind the engineer and gently patted him on the shoulder. Startled, Dr. Norton immediately ducked his head onto the table, frantically shouting, "I didn't do it, I didn't do it!"
Annoyed by the man's panic, Chimchar let out an exasperated screech, "Char!" The engineer froze, slowly lifting his head and turning around to face the fire-type Pokémon, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion.
Chimchar backed away, allowing Dawn and Looker to step forward. Dawn raised her hands in a calming gesture, her voice soothing, "No need to worry, we're not here to hurt you."
Dr. Norton's eyes darted between them, his voice trembling, "W-who are you people?"
With a smirk, Looker chimed in, "Dr, Morton, we're all friends here. I'm Looker, international police and occasional troublemaker. I've been staying with your wife, and—"
"You've been what!?" Dr. Morton burst out, jumping up in alarm, sleeve raised as if to defend himself.
Looker, flustered, stammered, "Refuge, I meant refuge! I mean, don't get me wrong, your wife is quite the looker, but I'd never make a pass at another man's wife. That's not my style!"
The scientist's face flushed with anger as he growled, "That's it, you wanna go right now, buddy?" He squared his fists, ready for a fight.
Dawn stepped between them, hands outstretched. "Whoa, whoa, let's not do anything hasty. Please, mind my friend's idiocy," she said, gesturing towards Looker. "He's got a bad case of foot-in-mouth syndrome. It's highly contagious, so it's best to just ignore him."
Dr. Norton's fists slowly unclenched as he took a deep breath, his anger fading into concern. "My wife, my kid, tell me, are they still—"
Dawn nodded reassuringly. "Yes, your family is still in the village. They're refusing to leave without you. Me and the big man here are gonna rescue you and find out what Team Galactic is up to."
Looker's eyes narrowed as he leaned closer, his tone sharp and inquisitive. "Come on, spill the beans. What's Team Galactic's grand scheme here? You must know their plan!"
The engineer's face was a study in inner turmoil. His lips quivered as if on the brink of revelation, but he shook his head slowly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I... I don't know. I have no earthly idea what they want."
Looker's frustration was evident. He crossed his arms and scowled. "Seriously? You're telling me you're stuck in the middle of this mess, and you don't know a single thing about their big plan? You must know something—anything!"
Dawn stepped in, her voice calm but firm. "Hey, relax, Looker," she said, placing a reassuring hand on his arm before turning to the scientist. "Look, Dr. Norton, we can discuss this later. What matters now is we get you out of here and return you to your family."
The engineer's face was a portrait of conflict. His gaze dropped to the wedding ring on his finger, his brows furrowing deeply as if wrestling with an internal battle. His expression suddenly shifted to a hardened resolve.
He straightened up, turning his attention to the unconscious grunt. Kneeling beside him, he asked, "How long will he be out for?"
"Long enough for us to escape this place," Dawn reassured him. "But we need to go right now."
The engineer's eyes hardened as he looked up from the grunt. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't do that."
Dawn, Looker, and Chimchar looked at each other in confusion, their concern turning to suspicion. The engineer reached for the radio on the grunt's belt and spoke into it with a controlled tone. "This is Dr. Morton. Intruders have breached the control room. One of them has identified himself as an International Police officer, and they've incapacitated one man. Requesting backup immediately."
"W-what!?" Dawn and Looker exclaimed in unison, disbelief clear in their voices.
Chimchar's eyes narrowed with fury as he sharpened his claws, preparing to spring into action. However, Looker acted first, he lunged at Dr. Norton grabbing him by the shirt and slamming him violently against the wall, the impact reverberating through the room.
"Have you lost your mind!?" Looker sneered, his voice sharp with rage. "You just threw away your chance to get out of here home free!"
Dr. Norton couldn't meet Looker's furious gaze. He stood silent, his eyes downcast, unable to utter a word.
Dawn's attention snapped to the door as approaching footsteps grew louder. Instinctively, she reached into her bag and tossed two Poké Balls, releasing Shinx and Staravia. The two Pokémon landed gracefully beside Chimchar, ready for action.
The door burst open, and three Galactic grunts stormed in. Dawn let out a slight, relieved breath. "Whew, just three. This should be a cakewalk!"
Her relief was short-lived. As the door continued to swing open, an intimidating wave of soldiers surged into the room from behind the grunts. The sudden influx of around twenty Galactic soldiers, each with Poké Balls at the ready, filled the room with a chilling pang of fear.
Dawn, Looker, and their Pokémon stood frozen, their faces reflecting shock and growing concern. The room was now packed with intimidating, grim-faced soldiers.
Dr. Norton's voice was fraught with stress as he stammered, "Look, I didn't betray you… I-I did not betray you. T-these two are responsible for this," he said, pointing at the unconscious soldier.
"You rotten scumbag!" Looker roared, his anger boiling over. He swung his fist and landed a punch squarely on Dr. Norton's face. The blow sent the engineer crashing into the control desk, knocking him sprawling onto the console. The impact caused the engineer to crumple, his head hitting the desk before he fell to the floor.
"That's enough…" a voice cut through the chaos. The soldiers parted to reveal a short, elderly man with a sharp demeanor. With his distinctive patches of pointy lavender hair, he stood out amidst the sea of black uniforms. His grey shirt and black trousers were marked with the Team Galactic logo, while his grey shoes had black soles. A lab coat flowed over his attire, and red-tinted round glasses perched on his nose,
One of the grunts stammered, "C-Commander Charon," as they moved aside to make way for him.
Charon stood before Dawn, Looker, and their Pokémon, exuding an air of absolute authority. His gaze flicked over Chimchar, Staravia, and Shinx before settling on Dawn.
"Return your Pokémon now," Charon commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Dawn's hands trembled as she glanced at Looker whose expression mirrored her own anxiety. He gave a terse nod, signaling her to comply. With visible hesitation Dawn turned to her Pokémon. Her lips quivered as she slowly lifted the Poké Balls, her fingers unsteady. One by one, she returned Chimchar, Staravia, and Shinx, each ball snapping shut with a faint click leaving the room in tense silence.
Charon's lips curled into a sinister smile as he placed his hands behind his back. "Wise choice to comply," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Now, take these two to the interrogation room."
Several soldiers moved forward, and Looker's eyes widened with fear. Before he could react, one of the grunts swiftly placed a bag over his head, and the darkness quickly overcame him. His muffled protests were cut off as he slumped unconscious, leaving Dawn standing helplessly amid the chaos.
Dawn's face was pale, her eyes wide with fear as she stared at Charon. Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "You don't have to do this. You don't have to hurt anyone."
Charon's eyes gleamed with recognition. "Wait a minute," he said with a smirk, "You're that kid. The one from the news who claimed to have defeated two of our operatives on live television. What a foolish mistake."
As Charon snapped his fingers, Dawn flinched visibly. "Change of plans," Charon continued, his voice cold. "Take the man to the interrogation room. The girl goes straight to Commander Mars."
One of the soldiers stepped forward, a black bag in hand, approaching Dawn with a menacing stride. Her heart raced, and her breath quickened as she glanced desperately toward Dr. Norton, who was just getting up off the floor, one of his glasses lenses shattered.
Before she could react further, the bag was swiftly pulled over her head, plunging her into darkness.
This chapter man... that was crazy for me to write, originally this part of the story was just supposed to be one chapter, but I think ending it here is a really good cliff hanger.
I'll get started on that next chapter immediately, please leave a review if you're enjoying this story, it'd mean the world to me.
—yonas813, out.