DORORO: THE POKEMON MASTER
Chapter 1: Through Miracles of Ex Nihilo
Storm clouds loomed above the heavens as lightning struck and thunder roared. The winds were heavy outside the neighborhood. Prompting for plenty to remain indoors. Beneath under a certain residency existed a site akin to no other. Clean-white metallic walls spread throughout. Technology beyond humanity's current scientific understanding laid scattered everywhere.
Within one of the base's halls, an enormous chamber was located. Standing at the very middle was a golden colored sphere floating amidst midair.
His fellow platoon members rushed all about, his leader stood center, a paper fan he used to command his fellow troops.
"Tamama! Attach the wiring!"
"Yes sir. Sergeant sir!"
"Giroro! Ensure that the surrounding area is deemed safe for our first test run!"
"Hmph."
"Less grunting, more following. Chop! Chop! Mois! Prepare the box containing our first subjects!"
"Yes Uncle!"
"WHY IS SHE ALWAYS HERE?!"
"Kururu-"
"Not yet. Project Ex Nihilo's programming is unfortunately still loading. So be patient. Ku. Ku."
"Kero! Kero! Kero! Alright men! Ready your stations! Cause soon, Pekopon shall finally be ours!"
"Yeah!" each of his comrades exclaimed in unison. Both Tamama and Angol Mois pumping their fists into the ether all whilst Giroro continued with his pessimism and Kururu with pressing buttons.
Meanwhile, a certain blue Keronian sat by himself at a secluded corner. A hand-held device he held in hand whilst stealing a peek towards his comrades around every now and then. From where he loitered, Dororo watched as his leader instructed his co-workers at organizing for his own latest scheme. He had not much knowledge surrounding said scheme's details. Considering since when he first arrived for work this morning, his ilk had hitherto reached near completion. Of course, he should have had information about what exactly this plan that Keroro had conjured was suppose - but that was something that he would have to complain to his commander for another occasion-
-again.
Sigh. There was really no such point really. He should be used to this by now. He SHOULD be BY now! His presence -for better or for worst- was simply naturally not all that dominant. His aura so laughably week that a grain of sand that found itself within a treasure trove full of diamonds would undoubtedly have a far easier time at being noticed upon than him. He was background sound, a potted plant that remained at the sidelines, a wine cup inside the painting of the Last Supper. That was him as far as his concerned, it always has been like that, and he hated it.
To manage his current 'trauma switch', Dororo stayed at his spot. Releasing his frustration through playing the video game that he bought.
"3 minutes remaining Mr. Sergeant, sir!"
It was a gift from Aki. Presented to him about a week ago during what would be Pekopon's equivalent to his birthday. A classic game boy with a single chip. Black was its coloring.
"2 minutes before activation."
Now just to be clear - video games were not exactly what the ninja would consider as is cup of fine tea, having as he preferred a lifestyle with minimal dependence in technology. However, since it was a gift for him, Dororo couldn't find it in his heart to simply refuse. Plus, the fact that someone other than Koyuki bothered at getting him something (let alone remembering that his birthday exists) was a gesture that he greatly appreciated. How could he turn down such a present given by the Hinata's matriarch?
"Oh! Sorry, might have spoken too soon. Now its two minutes before activation."
Of course, he still never planned in actually ever using it. For as rude as it might seem, he simply could not find use into spending his time with such a digital-based hobby. Add that as well as the part that he was totally unfamiliar with the particular game inside the chip that came along with it. The only info that he could gather was that it was supposed to be part of this popular franchise that Pekoponian's refer to as 'Pokemon'. Where the general gist was that players are expected to catch for as many of this creatures dubbed as Pocket monsters or Pokemon for as much as they could and then use them for battle. Quite not all too different from the concept of beetle hunting if he were being honest. Though he mostly only got this data from Koyuki, who in turn had expressed her own interest after once finding Fuyuki and Saburo playing it at their school.
But that's a story for another time…
Moving back into the present, Dororo had decided that he might as well try it out. Viewing the prospect as at least better than to simply allow the gadget to collect dust, or for him to wallow and cry tears over once more being ignored and forgotten again.
Fortunately, Pekoponian devices tended to be much more 'primitive' (for a lack of an appropriate term) compared to those manufactured from his home planet. Allowing him to navigate through efficiently. He had already selected his character and simply let for the default name of 'Caleb'. Now, he was at the stage where he was presented with three Pokemon before his virtual counterpart. The game informing him to choose the one that would serve as his partner.
Amongst the starters, there was a trio to select from.
-Chespin, a 'grass type'. He somewhat liked the way that it smiles at him.
-Fennekin, a 'fire type' as the game states. Quite cute looking and vulpin.
-and then there was Froakie, a 'water type'. Which was basically a blue frog.
Was this the reason why she bought this for me?The former assassin muttered deadpan in his mind.
"1 minute remaining. Ku. Ku. Ku."
"Kero! Kero! Kero! Soon. Soon Pekopon. Soon you shall finally bow your heads to your rightful overlords! Prepare to surrender to our Keronian awesomeness! Kero! Kero! Kero! Everyone! Commence in our traditional Keronian celebration. Kero… Kero… Kero… Kero…"
"Tama… Tama… Tama… Tama…"
"Giro… Giro… Giro… Giro…"
"Kuru… Kuru… Kuru… Kuru…"
"Doro… Doro… Doro… Doro…"
"Huh? Oh hey Dororo! Haven't seen ya' all day. Where'd dyu' been buddy?"
And just as his commander said that, a gloomy aura immediately enveloped his being as he mulled back into his corner.
"I've been here all morning actually. I've even asked you if you needed my help with anything, remember?"
Keroro imagined himself as to having a comically ginormous sweat drop beating down his forehead whilst a wry smile crept from his lips.
"Well, you see…"
But the swordsman didn't wish to hear it from him. He simply resumed his focus back unto his game.
Now who exactly should he choose…
"Hmm? Oh hey! I didn't know that you were into video games sir?" Tamama gleaned.
"Well, its only cause-"
"XY? Talk about ancient. Ku. Ku." Kururu too decided to steal a glimpse. "You should choose Fennekin."
"Fennekin? No way! Only weirdos would ever choose that furry. Sir, I suggest in picking Chespin instead. His way more cuter."
"Ku. Ku. Dear Second Class Private. If you choose your partner with physiology solely as a basis, then I'm afraid that you'll always be bound to be caught in the trap of selecting a 'weak beauty.' Choose Fennekin."
"Hmph! With all due respect sir, I don't think anyone has ever used the term 'weak beauty' before. Plus! I believe that physical appearances are an important component when choosing for one's partner. Why else bother unless looks isn't meant to be a main factor?"
"Then I presume that you'd never heard of the phrase, 'Never judge a book?'"
"Hmph! Never. Shnever. Everyone knows that it's the cover of the book that people will look for inside a book store anyway (so shut it you four eyed creep!).
The shinobi simply observed as his two colleagues argued in front of him, unamused. Meanwhile as his green companion also done so likewise from where he stood.
"Uncle! Loading process is in 7 percent."
And suddenly he envisioned as a floating light bulb came to lit.
"Well, you see buddy. The reason for why I haven't um… called you to do anything yet is cause… I was actually planning into giving you the most important task of all. Yeah! See that box over there by the door? Could you go get its contents for me? Please and thank you."
Through his mask, the alien sighed. Aware that this was simply a ploy so he wouldn't stay mad at him. Yet, nevertheless, for as annoying as his friend can be, he was still his commander by the end of the day. To comply to his whims was part of his oath as a soldier - even if he had partially defected.
Against his will, he placed his device to the side before flashing from his position and towards the aforementioned wooden box.
The blue Keronian assessed the container for a second. Wondering what could be laid within. With his fingers, he opened its lid, revealing the several sheets of papers that were contained. Each with rather kindergardenish styles of drawings on them. A brief evaluation and he surmised that they were probably supposed to represent Keroro's gundam collection.
"Hey! Dororo! Hurry up in there!"
He jerked upon hearing his voice. "Coming!"
Like before, he practically vanished from his location, only to materialize once more within another. The pile of doodles he handed, to which his leader accepted whilst sporting a conniving grin.
"Kero. Kero. Kururu! Raise the rods!"
The mad scientist chuckled prior to pushing a button from his pad.
"Press."
Within the surface where neither heavy rain nor strong gusts yield, about 4 metallic antenna-like structures protruded out from each side of the Hinata's square. Each reaching to a height taller than even the house itself. Each daring the gods to strike at them with their bolts.
From a holographic monitor, the whole team viewed at what was occurring above unfold. Keroro erupted a maniacal laugh whilst Dororo was still left at a lost. No longer desiring the feeling of not knowing, the Lance Corporal gripped his palm. For if this plan were to bring forth danger unto Pekopon, then he would have no other option but to stand against it.
"C-commander-"
"La~ La~ La~"
However, the second he craned his peripheries, he watched as his Sergeant was no longer there. Instead he was carelessly skipping, embarking his way to some sort of slot connected to the greater machine.
Dororo envisioned himself becoming petrified as stone. Because that was how he felt.
"Keroro…" he whimpered with a lone-comically large tear.
All the while, within at Keroro's position, the Keronian had hitherto slid each of his own crafted artworks through the slot.
"Kururu! Prepare to activate!"
"Project Ex Nihilo activating in 10-9-8-"
At his perspective, the blue alien dragged himself out from his own mental labyrinth, shaking his head furiously as he gazed once more towards Keroro, the others, and the machine.
"Sir?"
He turned, seeing as the youngest among them came and offered him the gadget he had nigh forgotten about. He thanked the Private as he cast his peripheries back unto the game's screen.
"7-6-5-4-"
3 creatures, and he still needed to choose just one.
"-3-"
The one that would serve as his partner.
-2-
Right… I choose…
"-1."
you.
Suddenly, just from out of nowhere, a great flash invaded their surroundings. Prompting for everything to turn blank.
Ached. Everything ached. His body ached in agony as he forced himself to arise. With effort, he managed to brush through the pain, his years of training deserving partial recognition. It took him a second however to steady his focus once more, but once he did, he shook his head and instantly scanned the area. Black soot was scattered everywhere. Rubles, debris, and pieces of machinery laid at all corners. It did not require much thorough investigation for him surmise that an explosion had just occurred. And as he craned his gaze towards the center of the lobby, he found the wreckage site of the invention that his acquaintances had been working on. Confirming his suspicion.
The ninja bolted his way towards the machine, inspecting the nature of its damage. It appeared that it had been torn from the inside, only proving his deduction. He sighed. Now turning his attention towards his comrades.
He called for their names, yet not a response came in return. He called for their names again, yet he was still met with muteness.
Worry grew from within the Keronian's chest. But he quickly banished such thoughts. After all, they were each some of the finest well trained warriors that Keron had to offer. As well as the fact that Keronians were vastly well recognized across the galaxy for their high tolerance and dense flesh. Surely they would be alright, right? After all, this wasn't the first time that an explosion had blasted in front of their faces.
Despite clinging unto reason, Dororo could not help but tremble. Concern he was for his friends. Immediately he vaulted towards the vents. Jumping, running, maneuvering his way. Just as he expected, it seemed that the rest of the base was left unscathed, a sure indication that the blast wasn't enough to inflict actual harm to an average Keronian, certainly.
He made it up back at the Hinatas, towards his commander's bed chamber and climbed his way above the metallic ladder. He finally stepped foot back at the wooden floors of the family's home, and instantly he heard the sounds of voices coming right from the living room. He opted to steal a peek, and relief washed his anxieties like a tidal wave. Each of his teammates were safe and unharmed. Fine and awake. Though it also appeared that they were also currently being punished for something they've done - courtesy of Natsumi. No doubt their crimes having to do with that explosion.
He beamed and sighed out of gratitude. And yet his excitement had vanished in an instant. His fingers gripped the wall he was clinging. His aura darkening.
Had they… even tried to wake him up?
This realization stabbed him in the heart. And he winced upon the emergence of such pondering. Did they even attempted to find him from among the rubles? To cry his name? To check if he was okay?
Nigh it was for Dororo to wallow in his own misery. But after observing their current state of being disciplined, the alien concurred that he'd rather count his blessings this time around.
Much like before, he practically had disappeared from where he sojourned, only to reappear once more above the rooftop of the Hinata's abode. He cast up and towards the crescent moon.
So I was out for this long?
Once more his knuckles gripped, the desire to punch something, anything, now taking play within his deepest id. However, he afterwards huffed. Recalling that to resort into such senseless violence went against what he stood for.
He sat down, and tried to calm both his nerves and his spirit. Gazing skyward at Pekopon's lone natural satellite as it reflected the light of the nearest star so to illuminate the night with its presence. It was not a wonder for why various Pekoponian civilizations had each offered honor to what they called as Luna. Hilarious that an empty ball of iron and dust can draw more attention than him.
He shut his huge eyes prior to gazing up once more. Him and the moon. Both alone. Do you get lonely too? He silently asked the celestial body.
Was he really so forgettable to the point where no one went looking for him?
What if something did happen? Would his life end with no one to even remember-
No. No. Don't be overdramatic. You should be used to this by now. You SHOULD be used to this BY NOW.
Exhaling via his breath, the Keronian leaned his head to his arms, moping. He wanted to cry. But what use was it to shed tears over something that he had experienced a plethora of times before?
Then, just then, he felt another's presence from behind him. Quickly he turned around, only to be met with nothing. He sighed, brushing it off to his own imaginings. However, as he drew his blue pupils down, he soon discovered a familiar device. All broken, its glass shattered.
Oh no.
He picked it up. Attempting to press the 'on' button. Yet the device had remained deactivated.
Dororo huffed a breath, it seemed there was no use in salvaging it. Pekoponian contraptions tended to be more fragile after all.
He would just have to apologize to Aki tomorrow.
With a final sigh, Dororo leapt from the roof. Unbeknownst to him however, not so far off from a distance, by the family's back lawn, a silhouette of a figure had watched him as he left.
Deep by the mountains where several foliage roamed, a wooden cottage was situated peacefully and without a sound. The soldier from beyond the stars landed himself in front of the cabin's door, and from there, he entered, stealthily. The insides were darkened. Indicating that his Pekoponian housemate was hitherto fast asleep. He did well not to disrupt her from her rest. School was still up for tomorrow after all.
Tip toe. Tip toe. He made his way to the kitchen. Deciding to fill his stomach with something before bed. A quick snack should probably due. A nice biscuit or two. He never was the glutinous type.
He quietly checked the cover. Then the cubby. By the pantry. He then found some leftover rice cakes, so he grabbed one from the plate.
The amphibian lowered his mask. Eating silently whilst sat atop the counter. He took one bite, then another- but then as he done so, he fortuitously heard of something scampering by the apex. Dororo stopped. His eyes flying towards where he heard that faint noise. After a second or four he heard the same exact scampering sounds again, so immediately his instincts were activated, and he summoned his kunai to appear from his hand. Quickly, he hopped to the nook where the scampers were being conjured. Only for them to cease. Puzzled, Dororo heard them again at another spot, then towards a different space. Scamper here, scamper there. Whoever or whatever this intruder was. They were clearly light on their feet, he'll give them that. Fortunately for him, he was a trained shinobi, and a retired professional assassin, so such tricks were of little concern against him. Dororo shut his sights, tuning his ears towards his environment. All the sounds of the forest did the ninja picked. The swaying branches, the hooting owls, and as he listened-
There!
In a flash, he vanished from his position, materializing again to the cranny where the interloper was. Beneath the dining table, the interstellar visitor prepared his weapon. Only to drop it the moment he laid his eyes upon their uninvited 'guest'.
*Thunk* Ring Ring Ring
His orbs widened. This can't be- this has to be a dream. A trick.
As he froze from shock, their 'guest' merely smiled, and attempted to reach its webbed paw at him. Prompting him to jerk and fall on his buttocks.
His body was shaking. Doubt was filling his brain. Doubt… or panic.
"Ahhh….."
Abruptly, the lights were switched on. Prompting for Dororo to crane towards the kitchen's entrance way.
Koyuki rubbed her left eye. "Hey D. What are you…"
She found him shivering. A lone tear pouring from off one of his irises.
"K-Koyuki… Please tell me that you see it too?"
She leaned her head to where he was pointing. And any signs of fatigue and exhaustion from her was all swiftly replaced as her expression gradually morphed into that similar to his.
There, just underneath the shadows of the table, a blue colored frog-like specimen grinned upon seeing her. Hopping gleefully, as if happy to meet her for the first time.
Froakie! Froakie. Froak.