Chapter 78: A Common Enemy

The Darkrai stalked through the facility seeking out the two trainers he'd come for. He was given pause however when he felt something pulling him. A powerful hatred, a desire to take life. Whilst hidden within the shadows of the corridors he heard several Aether employees dashing down the halls.

"We have to hurry, we don't have long to evacuate the pokemon!" One of the employees spoke.

"The President said the infants, the sick, and the dying are a priority." Another spoke.

'Pyre's little riot shouldn't warrant evacuation, it hasn't spread beyond the conservation area yet.' That familiar pull hit him again. It was like something nearby was tempting him back toward the dark, something made him want to kill. And whatever it was, was approaching quickly.

"The police have been alerted to the situation and the entire facility is going into lockdown, so we can't waste any time!"

Time, it would seem, was against the Darkrai. As he followed down the corridor he'd seen the two trainers flee down he found what appeared to be an elevator. Despite his resolve to find the humans, that sensation had him gripped, he needed to find out what was going on.

*With Pyre*

The Charmander chuckled as his arms were held outstretched, the Machamp he was fighting had made his extra arms useful by restraining Pyre's as he let loose a flurry of powerful punches against the smaller pokemon. "That…all ya got big guy? I've had cotton candy harder than you!"

The Machamp disregarded the taunt as he resumed his onslaught. Each punch seemed to shake the fire lizard. Two, four, eight, sixteen, each time a punch landed the Machamp seemed to double his attack speed. Finally he let up as the Charmander coughed hard.

"You….done?" He asked, barely able to see as his head was spinning. His vision began to clear up as he glanced around, the rioting pokemon had been losing steam. Seeing the pokemon who'd inspired them to do this beaten so badly had broken their morale. Machamp raised his fists again, preparing to end the fight. "Cause…. I'm…NOT!" The Charmander cocked his head back before flinging it forward headbutting the fighting type. The larger pokemon was unfazed by the attack. "I'm not DOOONE!" Without warning the charmander's body ignited, wreathing itself in flames. At the same time his mouth lit up a bright blue as he spit the flames straight into machamps face.

The fighting type released him and began patting his body. The burns became visible after a moment.

The two pokemon smiled at each other getting ready for another round.

*With Shadow*

The Darkrai stared off into the distance. All he'd heard until then was that something was approaching. And now he knew what it was. There was a vessel off in the distance flying straight toward them, and at the front of the vessel appeared to be some sort of metal mask. And suddenly that desire to take life was growing. He felt a sense of familiarity. He'd felt this familiarity before. The day he died, that train. "Team Rocket." He turned away, that riot seemed as though it was about to backfire. He had to warn Pyre. But then he felt something more coming from the ship. His eye flashed the deepest red it had since he died. His body nearly bolted straight for the ship, but he rooted himself in place. It was almost a need, like an addict in withdrawal. He could feel that presence. If his mouth were visible, his salvation would be visible and maddening. His breath grew heavy as he felt his hatred growing by the second. "Cleeeeeaaave" the name seemed to almost drip from his mouth along with the venomous way he said it. Forcing himself to look away he shook his head, his bloodlust would have to wait. Once again he sank into the ground. Darting away toward the Charmander.

When the Darkrai arrived it looked like Pyre was about to go another round with his opponent. Shadow set himself in the ground beneath Pyre. "Great what now?"

"It seems we were not the only ones who intended to hinder Aether's plans. Team Rocket is coming. And they seem to have brought a massive vessel for this attack."

"Ugh of all times for those jaggoffs to show up!"

"Aether has already begun evacuating some of the more vulnerable pokemon. If you can I suggest you assist in the evacuation."

He looked at the Machamp. "Hey, we're gonna have to postpone this battle, apparently someone a lot worse is coming!" He turned to the rioting pokemon. "Everyone stop! As bad as these humans are someone a lot worse is coming this way! If history repeats itself like everyone says, they're gonna try to capture all of us! And these humans have no issue trying to kill your loved ones outright."

The Machamp had stopped attacking as had the rest of Aether's pokemon.

A voice came over the intercom. "The facility is now in a state of emergency lockdown. Law Enforcement have been alerted to the situation and should be on their way. All employees who are capable of doing battle are asked to prepare to repel possible invaders. Those who are not are to assist in evacuating the pokemon." The voice cut out, then returned repeating the message.

The Aether employees stood fast ready to continue the battle to quell the riot. But then the rioting pokemon simply stopped, some of them even going so far as to assist their opponents in returning to their trainers.

"Well you guys heard the sky voice! Let's help evacuate and fight!" The Charmander wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Ya know, that was way easier than it should've been. I'm not complaining though. If anything I'm getting fired up!"

"Do try to contain your enthusiasm. I still need find those boys…"

"Well if I'm feeling properly I think they're outside, along with most of their pokemon." The Charmander looked at his shadow, where his friend was lurking. "And I can feel you. Are you alright? You feel….well worse than your old self right now. I've never felt you this….bloodthirsty before."

"I don't know if I'm alright Pyre, I'm doing the best I can…but I can feel Cleave on that ship."

"Cleave? Oh great, just what we needed, that douche." The Charmander stretched. "I'll coordinate with these guys to try and get as many pokemon away from Team Rocket as possible, but stopping them, you're gonna definitely need to step in."

"I know. At least now I have an even better chance of helping those trainers. Now we face a true common foe." With his statement done the Darkrai seemed to simply disappear.