This will be the last "warmup" chapter before we get to some of the more intense battles and the Dark Star attack. Because of this these next few chapters will be a bit on the shorter side. Don't worry though, once we get to the attack things will get insane!
Professor Goff had just exited a hotel close to the stadium, this one specifically meant for people and trainers not participating within the tournament so as to not disturb those that were. After the recent mission in Mt. Mortar, he had received a follow up message from his comrade acting within Team Dark Star. With the recent news that they were planning one last mission before they made their move, the teacher appeared to be on edge.
"Professor!"
Goff was snapped out of his doldrums by the sight of Yuki calling out to him with Aiden and Ray in tow.
"Ah, good morning you three! Is everything alright?"
"Yeah! We're okay!" The coordinator answered.
"We just wanted to find you and ask if there's anything we can do to help you with this whole Dark Star issue." Aiden said.
"Heh, well I don't really have anything right now. Admittedly, I'd also rather not put my former students into any danger if it comes to that. I'm assuming Styles and Snow told you about our excursion to Johto?"
"Yeah, so we want to help out, too!" Ray exclaimed. "But, if there's no mission right now, I guess we'll wait."
A soft ringing noise came from Goff's pocket. The officer reached into it and pulled out a device that resembled a Rotom Phone, though without the aforementioned pokemon.
"Hm, well it looks like I spoke a bit too soon. I just received word from Ms. Anabel that I've been tasked with guarding the royal family." Goff explained.
"Why would they need more protection? Don't they have a bunch of guards already?" Aiden asked.
"They do. However, those guards only have two pokemon each and have never had an encounter with Team Dark Star, who we suspect may be after the family."
"But, why would they want to attack the King and Queen?" Ray pondered.
"Because they have another plate in their possession; they currently have the Blank Plate in their possession."
"Blank Plate? That's the one that brings Arceus back to it's natural type of Normal, isn't it?" Yuki questioned.
"That is correct." Goff nodded. "Now, while I did just say that I'd rather not put you in the line of fire, perhaps this task may be better to have you all assist me with."
"Are they expecting trouble?" Aiden huffed, a serious look forming in his eyes.
"Word has spread around that something may happen, so they sent in a request to increase security as a precaution, though we should hope nothing actually happens. While you three are certainly capable as trainers, please let me handle the talking. The King and Queen can be a bit... blunt, in how the speak to people."
"So they're rich jerks?" Yuki sighed.
"Well... yes, but don't say that when you're in front of them." Goff replied. "We should head to the castle now, I'd imagine they wouldn't like to be kept waiting."
The royal castle was as extravagant as the three trainers had imagined, a well kept garden circled the outer perimeter of the castle with various statues of Kanto landmarks from both the modern and past eras. A fountain in the shape of an angel poured water into a pool underneath it. The castle itself was draped with velvet and maroon flags with the family crest on it. In front of the main entrance, a butler wearing a blue suit with a red handkerchief waited for the group.
"Ah, welcome, I assume you are the officer for the International Police that the Larose family had called for?" The butler asked, shaking Goff's hand.
"I am. I hope it's alright that I brought these trainers with me, they are to be considered recruits for the International Police and should be treated as such."
"I see. I would imagine the King and Queen would have no issue with this, so long as you are considered their superior and follow your provided task with no issue. The family themselves will brief you all on your assignment as well. Please, follow me."
The four followed the butler over to a large and lavish throne room, several guards stood at the sides of the King and Queen, sitting atop their golden chairs as though they ruled the world itself.
"Master and Madame Larose, the officer from the International Police is here as per your request. He has also brought several recruits from the organization to assist him." The butler exclaimed, bowing to the royal family. Goff and the graduates did the same, with the trainers still in awe at the sheer sight of the castle itself.
"Very good." King Larose replied. "Thank you, Christopher, please stand by. We will need you to show these four around the castle and what they will be guarding following this briefing." The butler, Christopher, nodded and bowed at the two before stepping aside as the King and Queen turned to look at the four guests and allowing the trainers to get a better look at them.
"Welcome, Officer, to our castle. I would assume that despite this task being given to you on such short notice may be an inconvenience, I would hope that you and your assistants will perform to the best of your abilities." The King said.
"Of course, Your Highness." Goff replied, politely bowing.
"Now, on to the task itself. We've been informed by the goings-on at your little tournament that a gang of ruffians known as 'Team Dark Star' has been stealing the sacred Plates. As we are currently in possession of one, we would like for you to guard the one we currently own."
"While we currently have numerous guards around the castle grounds." The Queen continued. "You lot are more qualified in handling those beasts you refer to as 'pokemon'. Which is why we requested your services." Yuki huffed as she wanted to speak out, but Goff placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a stern look silencing the coordinator. "Our guards and other helpers around the castle also use pokemon, though we have imposed a rule stating that no pokemon are allowed within the castle halls and may only be used when absolutely necessary. While you may have been called to assist us, you are to adhere to these rules as well."
"I see." The professor answered. "You have my word that I, and my students, will follow these rules."
"See to it that you will." King Larose nodded. "You are to act as guards until the end of the tournament. As we believe once those little games have ended, peace can return to the area and those ruffians will cease their attempts at stealing the Plate. Christopher, please bring our guests to the Plate."
"Of course." The butler nodded. "Please, follow me."
Christopher had brought the four to an altar of stone with the Blank Plate in the center of it, the altar itself located at the end of an acre of land adorned with flowers and other exotic plants. At least two guards patrolled or stood guard in various spots around the castle, some wearing Chain mail armor while others were dressed in more professional attire like Christopher.
"Here it is." Christopher said. "This altar was hand crafted by the King's ancestors when the Blank Plate was first brought over to the Kanto region almost one-hundred years ago. It has rested here ever since, only being touched in order to maintain its condition."
"Do you really think they'll make a move for the Plate, Professor?" Yuki wondered. "There sure do seem to be a lot of guards around."
"I can't be certain, but it's better to be ready in case they do attack. Though with the amount of patrols, I am curious as to why you requested our help at all." Goff asked the butler, who sighed.
"Well, as you heard the Queen say, you are all more adept at handling pokemon than any of us are. I'm afraid the use of pokemon has been largely disallowed by the royal family as they dislike them as a whole."
"Really? But why?" Ray asked.
"The King and Queen have always considered pokemon to simply be wild animals, regardless of if they are well trained or not. I have not been working for them long enough to learn why they hold these beliefs, but I have no authority to question them."
"What about the Princess?" Yuki asked. Christopher's face became sullen at the mention of the woman.
"The royal family... has no children." The butler answered, his expression almost looking physically pained when he spoke.
"Are you sure?" Aiden prodded. "I could've sworn I read about there being a-"
The boy's statement was cut off when a series of explosions rattled the castle grounds as smoke bombs burst in the air and on the ground. Sounds of various scuffles filled the air along with the sounds of pokeballs opening. As the smoke cleared, over half of the guards were knocked unconscious, those that were still awake had sent out their pokemon and were fighting the small platoon of Team Dark Star grunts that had arrived on scene. The guards used mostly middle-stage pokemon like Machoke, Charmeleon, Dusclops, and other pokemon around that level to fight, though by now they were very much so outnumbered. The remaining TDS grunts that were not preoccupied made their way over to the altar, where the five stood firm. The Dark Star group appeared to be lead by Dakota, now donning his uniform and his face obscured by villainous team's mask, and another male grunt. This man appeared to be slightly overweight, his mask covering his face, but not the top of his head, which appeared to be balding slightly, though it was covered by his light brown hair that was done in a comb-over style, the tips of his hair dyed yellow-green.
"Stand aside!" The husky grunt ordered, his voice light and fluttery. "That Plate is too good for the King and Queen, it belongs in the hands someone more worthy, like me, Tsar Agus!"
"Not a chance!" Yuki growled.
"Ugh, don't talk back to me, you brat!" Tsar Agus hissed as he sent out a Drifblim. "You're just a girl!"
The young coordinator looked at the man in fury as she sent out Ember, her Ninetales. "Yeah, I'm a girl! And I'm going to kick your butt!"
"These must be that 'Team Dark Star' lot I've heard so much about!" Christopher said, shuddering just a bit as he sent out a Stoutland.
"Yeah, they're seriously bad news, especially their bosses!" Aiden added as he sent out his Electivire while Ray sent out Roy, his Poliwrath.
"Hmph, we'll see about that!" Tsar Agus spat towards Yuki before looking at Aiden and Ray. "Such a shame I'll have to beat you two strapping young men, but I'm afraid you two are on the wrong side of history."
The two boys shuddered as they could practically feel the hefty man giving them a creepy glance. Dakota sent out a Dragapult which charged at the group, only to be met by Stoutland's Wild Charge.
"I will not allow you to rob the royal family!" Christopher exclaimed.
"I'm afraid, you won't have a choice!" Tsar scoffed. "Drifblim, be a dear and get those disgusting, creepy men and that girl out of here with Shadow Ball!"
"Dragapult, use Shadow Ball as well!" Dakota ordered. The two ghost pokemon, launched the dark-purple bombs towards the group, only to be stopped by a swirl of fire.
"Hmph, you're going to have to do better than that if you want to break through Ember's 'Fire Swirl'!" Yuki scoffed.
"Smart thinking, Yuki!" Goff praised as he reached for his own pokeball. "Now..." Goff's pokeball opened up, revealing a Dragonite the stretched out its wings and gave off a mighty roar as it glowered down at Tsar Agus and Dakota.
"...Dragonite, use Dragon Pulse!"
With another roar, the Dragon unleashed a grey whirlwind from its mouth at the two Shadow Balls, destroying them as it continued on and blasted the two attackers. The sheer power of the attack knocking out Dakota's Dragapult.
"What in the world?!" The younger Dark Star member called out. "How strong is that thing?!"
"Strong enough to stop you two!" Goff assured.
"Not strong enough to last as long as we can though!" Agus replied. "Drifblim, use Strength Sap!"
The Blimp pokemon revealed its underside and unleashed a bright green tendril from the hole within its body. The tendril sped closer towards the Dragon, until...
"Stoutland, cover!"
The Big-Hearted pokemon leaped in front of Dragonite, allowing the tendril to envelop the hound as small, yellow spheres of energy were leeched out of it and into Drifblim, healing the injuries it sustained from the previous attack.
"Hmph, well it wasn't my intended target, but at least now I gave my baby a bit more stamina." Agus noted before looking over at Aiden and Ray. "If you boys want to, I can show you that I have good stamina, too!" He said with a wink.
"Stay away from my students!" Goff shouted. "Dragonite, Iron Tail!"
"Protect!"
Dragonite's attack rattled the barrier that Drifblim had set up around itself and its trainer, who scoffed at the teacher.
"Ugh! How rude!" Tsar Agus scoffed.
"Roy, use Wave Crash!" Ray ordered, his Poliwrath flexed its muscles as his body began to turn as blue as a surging ocean.
"POLI!" The water pokemon shouted before barrelling forward and smashing its fist into Drifblim, though appearing to harm himself in the process. With the phantom now stunned, Aiden took the opportunity to make his move.
"Electivire, use Thunderbolt!"
With a yell, the Thunderbolt pokemon rear its right arm back and threw a bolt of lightning at the Dark Star members like a javelin. This time it was Dakota who made a move as he sent out an Alolan Marowak. The Bone Keeper's haunted club absorbing the electric attack.
"Tch." Aiden scoffed. Just as he and Ray were about to call for another attack, a beeping sound emanated from Aiden's PokeGear. "Uh oh..." He grumbled.
"What is it?" Christopher asked. "Are there more of them coming?"
"No, that was the alarm I set up for my next League battle. It's starting soon, and if I'm here then that means I won't make it in time!"
"Oh man, we're supposed to be battling each other!" Ray added.
"Don't you boys worry." Goff assured, reaching for another pokeball from his belt. As he sent it out, his Ditto wiggled and wobbled as it greeted the group. "Ditto, transform into Dragonite and use Extreme Speed to get the boys back to the arena! As for you two, find Styles and Shade, they should be wrapping up their battle now. Fill them in on the situation and have them use Dragonite to get back here!"
"Right!" "We're on it!" The two boys affirmed as they recalled their pokemon. Ditto's shape began to meld and change as it underwent its transformation. Once finished, Aiden jumped onto Ditto's back as the once blobular pokemon grabbed Ray.
"W-w-w-woah!" Ray yelped as Ditto carried the two into the sky and sped off back towards the Indigo Plateau.
"Aww, I wanted to play with those boys a bit more!" Agus whined before glaring at Goff. "Leave it to some creep to take those boys away from me! I bet you're taking them to hurt them later!"
"You truly are despicable!" Goff spat.
"Oh man. This guy is just the creepiest!" Yuki shuddered. "I don't think I've ever seen someone tick you off so badly, Professor. Not even after Diego pulled that prank back in class that one day."
"That was more frustrating than anything." Goff replied. "But to actively threaten and show such overtly predatory behavior towards my students is unforgivable!"
"Yeah, let's beat 'em up!"
"Oh, honey, you're really going to side with the creepy guy who just abducted two kids? Drifblim, show these two psychos who they're messing with, use Thunder Bolt!"
As Goff and Tsar Agus continued their battle, Dakota sent out his Haxorus. The two rushed towards the altar, only to be met Christopher and Yuki. Stoutland tackled the Dragon, with Ember stopping the beast in its tracks using Fire Spin. As for Dakota, Yuki grabbed him before he could take another step closer.
"You're not... getting any closer!" She said, pulling the boy back.
"I have no choice!" Dakota replied as he tried to pry the girl off of him. "I already screwed up in the League, I can't mess this up, too!"
"The League? You're in it?!"
"I was..." Dakota replied, putting less energy into getting the coordinator off him. Christopher eventually pulled the boy away.
"Hold on." Yuki continued. "You didn't hurt anyone to get your badges, did you?"
"No." Dakota answered sternly. "I earned them all the right way."
"Then what's a guy like you doing with a group like Team Dark Star? Let alone with this creepy guy?!"
"I... I don't know... I guess I-"
"PROFESSOR!" A voice called out. Everyone looked up to see Styles, riding on the back of Ditto, still transformed into Dragonite. Shade hung onto Ditto's arms as the three landed back onto the castle grounds. The sight of Styles elicited a gasp from Tsar Agus.
"Oh my gosh, he's gorgeous!" He squealed, cupping his face in his hands as he looked at Styles, who recoiled in disgust.
"Ugh, who is this creep, Professor?!"
"Right on time, you two. I'm assuming Ray and Aiden filled you in on everything?"
"Yeah, they told us all we need to know, especially about this freak-show!" Shade hissed as he sent out his Luxray alongside Styles' Glaceon. "We're not at one-hundred percent, unfortunately, but we should have just enough juice in us to back you guys up!"
"Oh, if you boys need some more juice, I can definitely help you out in that department!" Agus giggled, his eyes still on Styles. "Especially for you, boy!"
"Ick, shut up, shut up!" Styles gagged. "Glaceon, Ice Beam!"
"Protect!"
Once again, Agus' Drifblim blocked the attack.
"Give up, you are surrounded and your men have been defeated!" One of the castle guards exclaimed as several of them approached Tsar Agus and Dakota, the other grunts that attacked alongside them were either unconscious or otherwise detained.
"Normally I like being surrounded by a bunch of men, but I'd rather not lose this way." Tsar Agus huffed before addressing Dakota. "Let's get out of here!"
"Wait, you can't go yet!" Yuki said, shaking Dakota by the shoulders.
"I... I have to!" Dakota said, pushing Yuki away as he recalled his Haxorus and ran back to his repulsive ally.
"Wait!" The coordinator shouted as Tsar Agus called out to the rest of the Grunts.
"Use the Smoke Balls!"
The TDS grunts that were gaining consciousness or still able to move grabbed a series of smoke bombs from their belts and tossed them onto the ground. The heroes coughed as the smoke entered their lungs.
"Dragonite... Ditto... use your wings to blow away this smoke!" Goff commanded. With a flap of their mighty wings, the two pokemon blew away the smoke as if it were dust. Once the air was clear, everyone looked around and saw that while a good chunk of the Dark Star grunts were still there, most of them were now in the air, using their pokemon to fly away from the area. Among them were Dakota and Tsar Agus, who were flying away on a Flygon and Drifblim respectively.
"This isn't the end you creepy freaks!" Agus shouted. "Especially you, Professor! I won't let the abduction of kids go lightly, that's something a serial killer would do! But you... Styles! I hope you don't forget me, I could never forget such a young boy as handsome and dashing as-"
"FOR THE LOVE OF ARCEUS, STOP TALKING!" Styles shouted with a disgusted look on his face.
As they flew off, Dakota looked back at the group, specifically at Yuki, with a look of guilt in his eyes. Even though she couldn't see it, Yuki could almost feel the regret oozing out of him.
"What is going on here?!" King Larose shouted as he and his wife ran into the courtyard.
"Oh my, look at this mess! There are ruffians everywhere!" The Queen gasped.
"A-Apologies for the mess, Your Highness!" Christopher bowed. "But, the theft of the Blank Plate has been prevented!"
The royalty looked over at the alter and breathed a sigh of relief as the Plate was, indeed, still there with no damage done to it.
"Well, I suppose this can be considered a job well done. I presume the International Police will handle the apprehension of these criminals?" The King asked.
"Of course, Your Highness. I'll make the call to send in more officers immediately. As for you kids, I'm proud of you!" Goff exclaimed.
"I'm just glad we were able to get here on time." Shade said. "Although it does kind of stink that Styles beat me."
"It was a close battle." The semi-finalist remarked.
"Close? You beat me two to zero! I don't think we've even seen your last pokemon yet!"
As the three continued talking, Yuki looked out into the horizon, specifically in the direction that Dakota flew away in.
"Yuki..." Goff called out, getting er attention. "Are you alright?"
"Y-yeah... just thinking about that one Dark Star member."
"Ugh, he was such a creep!" Styles shuddered.
"No, not that weirdo, the other one." Yuki replied. "I don't know for sure but it seemed like he really didn't want to be part of that group."
"Then he really shouldn't have joined them in the first place!" Shade scoffed.
"Don't be too hasty, Shade." Goff noted. "It's possible that he's come to regret his choices only recently. Perhaps I should keep my eyes on that one. For now I should at least get you three back to the Indigo Plateau."
"Please, allow me to escort you." Christopher added as the two men bowed to the royal family. "I hope you will excuse me, your Highness."
"Yes, yes, do what you must. The guards will round up these hooligans for the Police to collect."
Christopher parked his car in front of the hotel for trainers and opened the door for the four passengers.
"You don't have to open the door for us, you know." Yuki giggled.
"Perhaps, but it is the least I can do for your assistance today!" The butler nodded.
"Hey!" Ray called out as he and Aiden ran towards the group.
"How did it go?" Aiden asked.
"We managed to stop them, for now at least." Styles answered.
"Good, I would have felt like a jerk if we left and the Plate ended up stolen!" Ray sighed in relief.
"What about you two, how was your battle?" Goff asked, Aiden pouted and turned his head away while Ray looked proud.
"I guess we'll be going against each other then." Styles noted, locking eyes with Ray.
"Guess so." Ray replied, meeting Styles with a confident smirk.
"Hey, um, speaking of which. I'm sorry if I'm prying here, but what really happened to the Princess?" Yuki asked, bringing everyone's gaze to her and Christopher.
"Oh, yeah! You didn't ever tell us what happened to her!" Aiden stated. Christopher let out a heavy sigh as he looked up into the sky.
"The Princess... was disowned from the royal family quite some time ago." The butler began, much to the shock of the trainers. "She... did not agree with her parents' views on pokemon. Princess Bella was such a kindhearted soul who never had any ill will towards anyone."
"What... What happened to her?" Ray asked.
"Well, after her repeated instances of her singing to attract and play with pokemon, the King and Queen had eventually disowned her from the royal family. I had helped her leave the castle, we had tried to keep in touch with written letters, but once her parents found out about my contact with her, I was sworn to cut ties with her. I... have no idea where she may be now..."
"That's awful!" Yuki sniffled.
"When was the last time you wrote to her?" Styles questioned.
"Several months ago. She seemed to be doing well, but with the time that has passed, I'm not so sure now. I wish I could stay and tell you more about her, but I'm afraid I'm needed back at the castle." Christopher sighed as he entered his car.
"One of my associates and I will be back a bit later to continue guarding the Plate."
"Right." Christopher nodded.
"Well... I guess we should head to the arena." Ray let out. "Our battle should be starting soon."
"Right..." Styles nodded.
"This battle is turning out to be unbelievable!" Mauro exclaimed as Ray recalled his Reuniclus and sent out Roy again.
"You can say that again!" Corey added. "We're down to just two pokemon on both sides and it's been incredibly even throughout this whole battle. Styles' Glaceon doesn't look like she can hold out for much longer either, will this be the first time we see Styles' secret sixth pokemon?!"
"Man..." Yuki sighed from the audience. "This makes me glad I'm not much of a battler!"
"Aww, come on." Snow said, as she had met up with the group before they entered the arena. "It's not as bad as you think, it's like the battles you do for your contests, just with a bit less flair!"
Just as both boys were about to call for an attack however, an explosion from the other arena rattled the entire Indigo Plateau.
"WOAH!" Mauro shouted, nearly losing his footing.
"What the hell was that?!" Corey cursed. "Uh, uh, the titantron! We can see what happened in the other stadium!"
The large screen that usually showed the two trainers and their pokemon changed to show the other arena. The sight that the audience was given elicited a variety of reactions, ranging from gasps to screams, to stunned silence...
A massive, robotic Dragonite stood in the center of the battlefield, looming over the two trainers that were battling...
"ATTENTION CITIZENS OF KANTO, JOHTO, TOURISTS WHO CAME FROM ALL AROUND AND EVERYONE WATCHING AT HOME!" A voice from within the giant mech called out. "WE... ARE TEAM DARK STAR!"
And scene! So you all might hate me for this but while this chapter ends on a cliffhanger to the beginning of the Dark Star attack, we're going to turn back the clock a bit and check in with the main group before we really get into things. We've got two chapters left, each with major battles before we get to the juicy stuff! But just like this chapter, they'll be on the shorter side. Not as short as this one, but not as long as the previous chapters. Stay tuned!