Chapter 76 – The Hidden Laboratory; Secrets of the Aether Foundation
It was instinctive to Ash to call out "Pikachu," when searching for his missing partner. Same with his other Pokémon. But when he tried down here, the words got stuck in his throat. Sure, he had been in scary places before, but there something different about this secret part of the Aether Paradise.
The darkness surrounding the walkway felt as though it were pressing down on them, and the air was cool and thick. His breath steamed in front of him, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
Zacian and Zoroark's furs bristled, and nervous expression crossed their faces. Their eyes darted in all directions. Their foot and paw steps on the ground echoed throughout the…whatever this place was.
The two white and green buildings were undecorated with any marking, symbols or signs that indicated their purpose nor gave clue to what was inside. The doors did not even have a knob or a button to enter. They just slid open electronically as the group approached.
"Not locked," Cameron murmured as they stepped through the threshold of the first building.
"Don't have to be," said Zacian. "That elevator looks like it's the only way down here, and that scientist, Colress said we need a special key card to activate the lift."
The inside of the building was, in stark contrast to the outside, brightly lit. Brilliant white lights shone down from the ceiling, their shine made all the more powerful by the white tiling of the walls. Surprising, the interior of the building was not that large, consisting only one large room.
Most of the floorspace was empty, save for a large white table, and a desk with a single computer monitor and keyboard sitting on it. The walls were taken up by shelves, cabinets, draws and what appeared to be either cages, storage, or tanks behind glass windows. A strong sickly-sweet smell of disinfectant and…something else…hung in the air.
"What in the distortion world where they're doing down here?" breathed Cameron, his eye darting nervously around the room. His face was almost as pale as the walls.
"I don't like to think about it," murmured Ash. Zoroark and Flygon drew closer to him, and Ash felt Zoroark shiver as he touched him.
Zacian however, sniggered and said loudly, "What, you've never seen a mad scientists lab before. At least this one is clean. Professor Sebastian used to leave plates of food under his desk. I still remember the smell." She gave a flick of her tail and wandered over to the computer. "Now let's see what we have here!"
Cameron gaped at her. "Wait, what. Professor Sebastian. What are you talking about?"
"It's a long story," said Ash, clasping him on the shoulder.
"How can you be a connoisseur of mad scientist labs," growled Zoroark."
"Like I said," replied Zacian. "At least it's clean. Sebastian used a knife to cut up his pizza, then used it to vivisect me."
Cameron's eyes widened at this. "What!"
"Like I said, it's a long story," said Ash.
"Ah…here we go." Zacian pressed a button on the computer and at once the room went dark, and a holographic image projected on the wall across from the computer monitor. "Somebody forgot to password protect their computer. No wonder this place keeps getting broken into."
It was a video of a gaunt man with a goatee, receding hair line and a large pair of green goggles over his eyes sitting at a desk, against the backdrop of the laboratory. He started to speak, and his voice had a high nasal quality to it. "Project Beast Killer research log entry 1. Today I gave my elevator pitch to the President. Simply put, we do not have an effective weapon against an Ultra Beast infestation."
"Wait, is that guy doing a Flygon impression," said a disgruntled Flygon, jabbing a claw at Faba. "That's really offensive. And you lot wonder why you get eaten."
"Shut up," Hissed Ash, elbowing his Pokémon in the ribs.
"The success in splicing Charmander and Raichu genes into a Darkrai indicate that it is possible to attempt a larger genetic construction project. I propose to build a creature capable to killing Ultra Beast. I call it the beast killer."
Bztt
There was a slight blip on the screen. The image of Faba remained but there was something different about the background. As though the Camera were angled different. "Project Beast Killer research log entry 2. The President has approved the proposed budget for this project, so it will be implemented."
Bztt
Another blip and a brief moment of static as the image changed to one of Faba without his goggles. His eyes seemed oddly small somehow. "Project Beast Killer research log entry 5. Materials for development have been collected from the Canalave Library in the Sinnoh Region.
"Hey bigot. Collect this." Flygon extended a clutched claw towards the screen, extending his middle claw in a rude gesture.
"Flygon, stop it," Ash hissed again.
To which Zacian added with a growl, "yeah, shut up!"
"Plans are being drawn up for the specifications of the Type change program known as the RKS System," continued the Faba on the screen. "Work is underway on designing the specifications of special memories for said system."
Bztt
"Project Beast Killer research log entry 7. Collection of cells for all types for genetic modelling has been completed. Blueprints for the skeletal structure has been approved, and incubation of the bio-frame is underway."
Bztt
"Project Beast Killer research log entry 11. Dummy test of the RKS System Program has been completed. Type has been successfully altered with all 18 special memories. The transplantation of the RKS System program to the models is underway. The BK's official name has been set as Type: Full."
At these last words Cameron's eyes widened and he gasped, clutching his hand to his mouth. "Ohh. Silvally…"
Bztt
"Project Beast Killer research log entry 18. Production of three models has been completed. They are identified as serial number 01, serial number 02, and serial number 03. All three models rejected the RKS System upon initialization during testing. Shortly after these initialization errors, all three models of Type: Full went berserk."
Bztt
The image on the screen change to one of Faba standing in full profiled with a large tank behind him. Something vaguely Pokémon shaped with four legs and a large head was floating behind him. "Project Beast Killer research log entry 44. Models have been fitted with control masks to mitigate the effects of their rejection of the RKS System. Due to the implementation of these control masks, our RKS System initialization tests have failed. All three models of Type: Full are to be cryogenically frozen for the rest of eternity. The name of these models has been changed from Type: Full to Type: Null."
Bztt
After that it was just static….
"Hmmm…This seems to have been tampered with," said Zacian as she hit the keyboard with her paws. "It looks like there's files missing. With security as bad as this, I'm not surprised."
Zoroark frowned at her. "How do you know about computers. That's human stuff."
"Let's just say some bad trainers, taught me some bad moves," said Zacian with a grin.
"So that all means that this is where Silvally was made," said Cameron. "Gladion must have stolen them from here."
"Three," Ash added, a thought occurring. "That's what that said, they made three models. Gladion had two and gave one to you… And there was one with that Cornerian at Realgem Tower, remember."
Cameron raised his eyebrows and nodded. "Yes, Arkane! But that must mean that laboratories been broken into twice."
"Three times," said Zacian. As everybody looked at her again, she explained, "you heard what those guys in the white were saying. There was a recent break it, and it appeared that some files had been copied…Like I said, the security in this place is crap."
Ash shook his head. "Well, it's not really our problem. C'mon we need to find Pikachu and the others."
It didn't take long to do a sweep of the room. The glass cages were empty, and the draws and cabinets filled with typical lab equipment; test tubes, Petrie dishes, stands, Bunsen burners and the like. Cameron pulled some of the books off the shelves, large loose-leaf binders filled with complex diagrams too complex for Ash to understand.
As the lab begun to resemble Ash's bedroom more and more on the occasion Pikachu had gotten into an entire packet of marshmallows…that is a complete mess…the more frustrated as became. "Ugh…It doesn't look like there in here, and we're running out of time."
"Next building," suggested Zacian…
The second laboratory was almost identical to the first, right down to the colour of the walls. Nothing more than a desk, computer, lab table, shelves, and empty cages. Ash groaned upon entering it, "Oh it doesn't look like they're down here either."
"That human must have lied," growled Flygon.
"We don't know that," said a desperate Cameron. "C'mon let's get looking." He ran over to a draw and started out objects out and throwing them on the floor.
Zacian meanwhile pawed over to the computer. "Yes, same story. There are no protections on this computer at all. Hmm there's a video file saved here as well, but it appears to be different…."
Just as had happened in the other laboratory, the room went dark and large holographic screen appeared on the wall opposite the computer screen. This time however, the video was of a young boy with spiky blue hair, dressed in a lab coat.
"This is Lyte's research journal, entry 1-7-3. Despite continual study of the Pokémon Cosmog our team has been able to determine very little about it. It's molecular and biological structure is similar to UB-01 which has led Dr. Faba to theorise that it is a form of Ultra Beast. Unlike the other Ultra Beasts, it has the ability to open Ultra Wormholes, which provide a connection to the Ultra Space. While little is understood about the Ultra Space, it is believed to be a type of pan-dimensional space, in which other dimensions exist. I confess I have limited understanding of the theoretical physics involved here. Cosmog, it seems capable to using this power, only when it is under considerable stress. So far this has occurred twice in lab conditions, although I have grave ethical concerns about the techniques used to coerce Cosmog into doing it. Further, Cosmog opening an Ultra Wormhole seems to take Cosmog a lot of energy. After the last experiment, Cosmog was unable to move for nearly a week. I have advised the President directly that these experiments should cease until we can at least learn more about Cosmog from observing and interreacting."
The video came to an end and the image of Lyte was replaced with static.
"That seems to be all there is on here," said Zacian. "There are no other files on the computer except windings. But that Can't be right…" She continued to tap at the keyboard mumbling to herself. "Almost as if somebody tried to wipe the computer's memory and done a really bad job."
Cameron gave another groan of frustration as he finished emptying a draw. "Ugh! This makes no sense. None of our Pokémon are down here!"
Ash pulled off his cap and scratched his head. "Yeah, it looks that way." He was starting to feel a definite sense of unease, as realisation slowly dawned upon him. "Colress must have lied to lure us down here."
"But why," Cameron exclaimed as he got to his feet. "I can see why he'd lie about where our Pokémon are, but why send us into a restricted part of the facility. That makes no sense. He even gave us his key card. UGHHH." He seized the front of his headband, stretched it out and let it fly back, slapping him in the forehead. "We're missing something Ash. Lucario would know what it was…"
"We should get out of here," said Ash. His voice was horse as his throat had suddenly gone very dry.
Before any of them could act on this suggestion, however, then was a loud whining sound, as a high-pitched siren sounded off nearby.
[Pokémon]
Meanwhile…In the conservation area…
Lucario glowered at Ashachu. "Yeah, yeah very funny… Now are you going to help us or not!"
Ashachu giggled. It was hard not too given the state of Lucario. "Alright, alright. Keep your fur on!" He cocked his head, admiring for a moment the sight of these larger buff Pokémon restrained like this, covered in sweat and defined muscles visible.
Unbidden, his mind filled with thoughts of exploiting their misfortune, teasing their sheaths and cocks with his paws and tail, getting their dicks nice and wet but not allowing them to blow their load, and causing them a mixture of pain and pleasure.
"Pika."
His body felt warm and his head light at the thought. The heavy musky smell on the air was almost overpowering. It was hard to think straight. He shook his head and scurried up to the post holding Chari, climbing up the back and onto the wooden frame.
He clambered up onto the beam from which Charizard was suspended and examined the cuffs securing his paws; tight, metal and secured by a brass padlock. "Okay, no problem. A quick thunderbolt should short this out."
"Hmm…What." At that, Charizard opened his eyes and lifted his head to look at Ashachu, "no wait!"
"Pikachuuuuuuuu!"
A bright yellow flashed filled the conservation area, as Ashachu discharged a large volt of electricity. The attack had seemingly no effect on the padlock, though did manage to put several thousand volts through Charizard.
"Oh," groaned Ashachu, examining the still pristine locks in disappointment. "Didn't work."
"No, it worked."
Ashachu looked down to find his boyfriend looking up at him with a glower on his face. Black soot coated his scales, mixing with the sweat.
"No offence, but would you mind taking more care with your electricity. That was me you shocked!"
Ashachu felt a prickle of guilt. "Oops Sorry…"
It was Lucario's turn to laugh now, something he regretted immediately as it made it even hard to breath. From behind, Geyser and Axew cried out impatiently, "What in the distortion world is going on," and "Ashachu, are you taking this seriously?"
Ashachu looked closer at the pad locks. "Alright, let's try Iron tail." He lifted his tail into the air, which started to glow with a metallic sheen, then brought it down onto the cuff like a hammer.
"Ow ow ow," came Charizard's howl of pain. "Those are my claws you idiot."
Ashachu stopped at once, his body trembling. "Sorry, sorry, sorry," he squeaked, his heart racing. "Ugh this thing just doesn't want to break."
"Perhaps if you actually hit the damn thing, and not me," grumbled Charizard. Beside him, Lucario was still trying to keep himself from laughing.
"I'm trying," Ashachu whined.
"It's ironic…These devices were erected here to be a safe way for Pokémon to be able to engage in consensual bondage. It was believed it would help encourage them to mate. The restraints had to be strong enough to keep larger Pokémon, such as you, unable to release themselves, but still easy to use for the dominant partner. But they also make for excellent restraints for. Well, everything else."
"That voice…" Ashachu felt a lurch of fear in his stomach and the cold voice. He looked up from Charizard to find a peculiar group of people standing before the wooden frames. They were hard to distinguish as humans, let alone as individuals.
There were three of them; each dressed in some type of futuristic looking jumpsuit (or onesie) white in colour with blue trim around the shins, ribs and upper arms, large helmets, and visors. The only part of their faces visible was the mouth and chin.
Yet even so, Ashachu recognised that voice. "No…Not you," he gasped. "Anybody but you!"
"Hello Ashachu. Long time, no see."
[Pokémon]
Secret laboratory…
"What in the distortion world is that" exclaimed a panicked Cameron, shouting to be heard over the sound of the siren. The room had been plunged into a sea of red. The white overhead light and somehow changed to red.
"Out OUT," shouted Ash, and they all scrambled for the exit.
The sound was even louder out of the building, having the cavern, or whatever they were in, to reverberate around. Like inside the laboratory, the lamps overhanging the walkway had turned blood red.
"Warning, Device three is activated," boomed a high-pitched electronic voice. "This is the five-minute warning….All Pokémon within the vicinity will be affected by the device if they have not cleared the area by the end of the countdown…"
"Pokémon affected…How," stuttered Cameron.
"Don't know, but I don't want to find out," said Ash. "C'mon."
They ran up the walkway back to the elevator shaft, only the platform was not present. Ash jabbed at the button on the console. There was a buzz and an electronic voice spat out the words "PLATFORM DISABLED" as at the same time they appeared on a little screen at the top of the panel.
"No No." Ash jabbed at the button again and again, but every time was met with the message "PLATFORM DISABLED."
"What's going on," cried a desperate Cameron.
"It's not working," hissed Ash, fighting desperately against the surging panic in his chest.
"Warning, Device three is activated," came the electronic voice again. "This is the three (3) minute warning… All Pokémon within the vicinity will be affected by the device if they have not cleared the area by the end of the countdown…"
Ash clenched his teeth and looked up the elevator shaft. Around him Flygon, Zoroark and even Zacian were shivering as they wondered what their fate would be when the countdown ended.
[Pokémon]
Conservation area…
"I don't believe it," Ashachu whispered. "How can YOU be here."
One of the humans sneered evilly, an act that seemed even more malevolent with the helmet and visor covering most of her face. Ashachu felt as though the ground had fallen away beneath his paws. Even though his instinct screamed at him to attack, he was too shocked to move.
How could SHE be here…
In contrast to Ashachu, Lucario and Charizard had become incensed, thrashing in their awkward positions and snarling threats at the three of them. Though, without the ability to use attacks, or indeed to move beyond the confines of the frames, they didn't really pose much of a threat.
"what's going on," cried Axew from behind. "I can't see."
At the same time, Geyser called out, "Who are these humans."
Dragonite seemed unsure of what to make of the situation, coxing his head and blurting out, stupidly, "Uhh, this is starting to feel a lot less fun."
"Blacephalon!" One of the three seemed to produce a Pokéball from nowhere – Not a Pokéball like Ashachu had ever seen before, but one that was blue with golden rings around it. It burst open in his hand and in a flash of light the strangest Pokémon Ashachu had ever seen appeared.
It had a humanoid shape, but was not remotely human, with a weirdly shaped body of long tall feet, wide hips leading into a slender, almost cylindrical torso, opening up into a flower like collar. Its arms were long and spindly, ending in white teardrop shaped nubs rather than paws, and it had an odd coloration of white, blue, and yellow stripes.
But its head was the most distinctive feature. A transparent sphere covered in blue and pink poke dots with two star like objects on either side. It rotated, around and around, rather like a disco ball, floating just above the flower like object.
Ashachu felt a cold chill run down his spine, and he shivered. "What the hell!"
He was not the only one this creature had this effect on. Charizard and Dragonite hung their frozen, gaping at the creature at it dumbfounded, while Lucario actually cried out, "What is it…What in the name of the Original One is it."
"We need the Dewott, Blacephalon," shouted its apparent trainer. It sounded like a male beneath the helmet and suit, with a deep and loud voice. "Use psychic!"
The creature, Blacephalon, raised its nub like paws and its head started to glow. Ashachu heard a yelp from behind him, as Geyser suddenly shot in to the air and hung above them. A blue shroud of aura surrounded.
"Uh Oh, Geyser," squeaked Axew.
"Dew Dewott." Geyser grunted and mewled, his body contorting, his tail twitching. Whatever Blacephalon was doing to him was clearly causing him great discomfort.
"Geyser," whispered Ashachu, desperately. He should attack, defend his fellow Pokémon, and team members. But something inside him was rooting him to the spot. Like his brain was not communicating with
"Careful," called out another of the three. "We can't upset it, or else…"
And then something strange happened. Geyser's body started to glow. No, not glow, shine. As if there were some fires inside him that was burning inside him, getting brighter and brighter until Ashachu was blinded. He closed his eyes, but the light pressed against his eyelids.
"What the hell," cried out one of the helmet clad figures. "That can't be an Ultra Burst."
"Guys get back," shouted another. "It's opening a wormhole. Stop it before it can…"
Ashachu didn't hear what it said next. His body suddenly felt like it was floating. The brightness died from his eyes, replaced by a spiralling void of multi-coloured lights…