Chapter 48 – The train of the Rose
Somewhere in the Crown Tundra, Galar Region…
'Can they get through the doors?"
"They stopped the fucking train. I doubt they'll have any problem cutting through the doors!"
The end door of the Shadowpiercer's rear car was now all that stood between Team Rocket and whoever, or whatever, was waiting for them aboard that other train. The train's exterior, its doors included had been made to be Darkrai proof.
But would they be proof against whatever these people or this entity were or had at their disposal. Thus far they had managed to trap Team Rocket in a pincer movement and bring Shadowpiercer to a standstill.
Of course, whomever or whatever they were, Team Rocket wasn't going down without a fight. They had gathered their forces, consisting of the five humans, Butch, Cassidy, Namba, Gozu and Matori, along with their Pokémon in rear car, waiting to ambush what came through that door.
The Pokémon were lined up in terms of size, five Raichu, Butch's Mightyena and Hitmontop, Cassidy's Sylveon and Sableye, Mr. Rhyme, three Machamp, two Ryhdon, Gozu's Aggron, Namba's Electabuzz and the ultimate Pokémon in its suit of armour.
BANG!
The first announcement that someone was in fact on the other side of the door was a loud knocking. The sound of someone of something, probably with a big paw, knocking on the cold metal exterior.
"Knock knock," muttered Cassidy, only loud enough for Butch to hear.
"Who's there," said Butch.
BANG BANG!
Even for experienced agents and fighters it was an unnerving experience. The calm before the storm. The Pokémon, even the larger ones like Ryhdon and Aggron, were glancing at each other nervously and one of the Raichu was visibly trembling.
Fearing a possible retreat, Matori snapped at them, "Remember Pokémon, you belong to Team Rocket. This is our train, and I don't intend to let it fall into enemy hands. Aggron! If you don't want your eggs to end up on toast, then you and your friends had better do your job!"
"Gron…" The large metal plated Pokémon turned to stare open mouthed at the Rocket leader, it's jaw open in surprised.
Matori glowered at him and added, "Don't think I don't know! That goes for you too, Raichu."
"Chu." The trembling Raichu trembled harder than ever.
BANG! BANG! KABOOM!
The doors didn't just fly off their hinges…They crumpled. Buckling in the middle and dropping to the floor. They broke as easily as if they were a can of soda pop. And what was capable of delivering enough force to do that?
Standing in the doorway, was an elephantine Pokémon, with a dark green body and a light teal underbelly. It resembled a Donphan in some way, except its tusks were squarish and it had a heavy spoon shaped trunk – presumably what it had used to knock down the door.
And it was three times as tall. Nearly three meters in height taking up almost all of the space between the floor and the ceiling.
"Ahh an Copperajah," exclaimed Namba, sounding impressed in spite of the situation.
Butch and Cassidy looked at him. "A Copperajah," they both repeated at once.
"The Copperderm Pokémon. A Steal Type. Found only in the Galar region and exceptionally rare. I doubt there are any wild ones left. It's a Pokémon I had been interested in acquiring for some time."
A slight smile crossed Butch's face. "Well, perhaps today will be your lucky day! We'll beat these losers and teach them that Team Rocket is a name they should respect!"
"Agreed," said Cassidy.
"Enough talk," Matori snapped, before shouting at the Copperajah. "Who are you? We need to get our train moving."
Copperajah however, didn't reply, but instead disappeared in a flash of red light. Someone had called it back to a Pokéball. For a second there was only silence, then came the pitta patter of soft paws on a cold metal floor, and Raichu let out a cry of surprise.
"Raichu!"
A small Pokémon had walked from the other train and into the carriage.
"A Meowth?" said Cassidy coxing her head. Being familiar with the loyal companion to Jessie and James, recognised the pointy ears and charm on the small cat like creature's forehead.
"Doesn't look like any Meowth I've ever seen before," said Butch.
Unlike Jessie and James's Meowth, who was thin with short teal coloured fur, this Pokémon's coat was greyish-brown and extremely thick. It almost looked like a beard encompassing much of its head and torso, and it's charm was black unlike Meowth's gold.
The Galrain variety Meowth wandered in and came to a halt just beyond the threshold, near the Raichu. Then it drew itself up, standing as tall as it could, it's gleaming yellow eyes fixed on the humans, and cleared it's throat.
When it spoke, it did so in a high feminine voice that was seemingly at odd with gruff appearance. Butch and Cassidy had been expecting a rasp. "Members of Team Rocket. Chairman Rose has complete control of your engine and your train. You have ten minutes deliver into our custody the Darkrai and the Sneasel known as Shadow and Blade. Or you will all perish in hellfire!"
The members of Team Rocket exchanged looks.
"What?" asked Butch incredulously. "They can't be serious."
"Chairman Rose," repeated Cassidy.
Namba let out an exasperated sigh. "Yes, I thought we might encounter this."
His two underlings gazed at him in wide eyes astonishment.
"Wait, you know who these people are?"
"Why didn't you say something before?"
Matori spoke to the Meowth. "Tell your master. Tell this Chairman, that we wish to speak to him directly. We will not accept delivery of messages by Pokémon."
"We have two members of your organisation as our prisoners," the Galarian Meowth continued. "If you choose to defy us, we will not hesitate to condemn them."
Another exchange of looks and whispered discussions between the rockets.
"Members prisoner."
"With them."
"Who is it. Do we know if anyone has gone missing in the field?"
"Alright," Matori replied, her commanding voice cutting off and silencing her fellows. "We are happy to discuss the terms with your master. But first we must see the prisoners and determine they are safe."
"We will permit a representative of Team Rocket to board our train. Mr. Rose is keen to meet you," added the Meowth. "All of Team Rocket's Pokémon are to remain onboard this train. We will treat the crossing of the bridge to our train by one of your Pokémon as an act of hostility. Your representatives are to leave your Pokémon here."
She turned to the others. "Cassidy, Buddy! You go. Find out what this Chairman wants…"
Cassidy nodded nervously but didn't reply. Butch groaned and whispered under his breath, "For the thousandth time. My name is Butch!"
[Pokémon]
Meanwhile, up on the roof…
"Breath…. Please Charizard, just breath…"
Ashachu felt his strength leaving him. His energy, his very lifeforce and being, was draining away into Charizard as he willed the flame Pokémon to live. He glanced over his shoulder. The wound seemed to have closed, or at least was no longer bleeding.
But Charizard was lying motionless on the roof of the train, his eyes closed. And Ashachu couldn't feel his chest rising and falling under his back paws. He continued to grip his large muzzle and stretched out with his aura.
"Just breath, Chari just breath. Open your eyes and breath."
And then he heard a terrifying sound behind him. A ripping followed by the crackle of electricity. And he knew it could mean only one thing. Still keeping his paws clasped on Charizard, lest his boyfriend slip away should he let go, he looked over his shoulder.
Shadow had finally managed to pull the electro web off himself, and was rising from the ground, his red eye fixed right on Ashachu.
"No, no," Ashachu whispered. "No." He was starting to feel lightheaded.
"You willingly give your aura, your life for your mate," said Shadow coldly. "Desperately trying to keep him in this life, despite the fact that you will probably lose yours in the attempt. I almost respect you for it… But you abandoned Blade. Even after everything he did for you. He helped you train; he was there for you when no one else was. When I tormented your dreams and plagued your thoughts, your parents, friends, even your mate ignored your cries for help. You were punished for knowing Blade, and you had to constantly deal with that wretched little Dewott trying to steal your mate. And worse still, I tortured you to the brink of death. And from the way things look, that Riolu, your mate abandoned you when you needed him most. No wonder you cling to that Charizard like you'll die if you don't. He was there to fill the void left by the ones you loved when they betrayed you...I should thank-you for trying to save him. This way, I get to kill Charizard again!"
He drifted slowly towards Ashachu, and Ashachu knew that this time there would be nothing he could do. He was too weak to fight, too weak to use a move. And Charizard still wasn't moving. He could save himself, or protect his mate, nor the egg in Charizard's claw.
But Shadow did not attack at once. He swooped past Ashachu and Charizard and over to the edge of the roof where Blade still clung for dear life. He put his great black claws around the Sneasel's body, pulled him back to safety and embraced him.
The sight of it made Ashachu feel slightly sick in his stomach and a gave him a surge of anger. He redoubled his effort, concentrating hard of pushing is aura into Charizard…
[Pokémon]
Back aboard the train…
Like Shadowpiercer, the interior of the other train was vastly different to its cold metallic exterior. Meowth lead Cassidy and Butch, through the locomotive and into a brightly lit and plush carriage decorate with soft carpeting and expensive looking furniture.
A long room occupying nearly all of the space of the upper deck of the first car behind the locomotive, which would not have looked out of place as an executive suite in the Hotel Richissime in Lumiose City, Heahea City's Hano Grand Resort.
"Mr. Chairman," the Meowth announced as they ascended the small flight of steps onto the upper deck. "The representatives of Team Rocket."
"Then allow me to be the first to welcome you aboard the train Pyre. Please, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable!"
The Chairman, as Meowth kept referring to him, was a middle-aged man, dark tanned and dressed in a grey three-piece suit. He sat at a small table by the window in a plump armchair, but stood up to greet the newcomers, hand outstretched.
If Butch or Cassidy found the situation odd, they didn't say anything about it. They silently made their way over to the table but did not immediately take a seat. Up close they could see that the man had dark black hair and a moustache, with sliver donning the edges.
He had a kind green eye and an almost grandfatherly way of smiling. As if he were greeting some tiny Pokémon or new trainer, and not members of an infamous criminal organisation, whose secret weapon he had just immobilised.
"Please, please, take a seat," he said again, before resuming his place in the armchair.
Butch and Cassidy remained on their feet.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rose, though most of my underlings will refer to me by my title, Chairman… Please, do sit. It is rude to ignore such an invitation when offered by your host. Even when discussing terms of surrender, the niceties should be observed."
Butch and Cassidy looked at each other and then sat down in two chairs on the opposite side of the table from Rose.
"May I offer your refreshment. Tea, coffee. Perhaps a light supper? Meowth here could fetch you a menu."
The Galarian Meowth had, almost as soon as Rose had sat back down, climbed onto his lap, and curled up. It opened one eye wearily at the sound of its name.
"No thanks," Butch replied. "We're good."
"Suit yourself," said Rose. "Our kitchen is rather good you know. This is my personal train, we have only the best."
"Alright enough with the niceties crap," snapped Cassidy. "What is it that you want from us. Why have you attacked our train?"
Rose raised an eyebrow, as if troubled by her tone or the way she was glowering at him. "What I want? I believe that was already made clear by my dear friend Meowth here. My only desire is that Team Rocket return to me, that which has been taken. The Pokémon Shadow and Blade. Then you will be free to leave the Galar region and never return. Galar does not need a villainous Team terrorising her citizens."
"And what makes you think we've got these Pokémon," said Butch. "Or that we would ever agree to give them to you if we did?"
A frown crossed Rose's face. "Please, do not play games with me. Up until a few hours ago Shadow was my captive. He was released from his bonds when you train collided with a freight service to the south of Wyndon. Blade was removed from his home at Aether Paradise two days ago. Both were spotted atop your train mere moments ago. I presume they are still there."
Cassidy let out a little simpering laugh. "Ha, well you've certainly got us there, Mr, Chairman. But, as per my colleague's second question. Why would we ever agree to give them to you!"
"Again Ms. What is your name?"
"Cassidy. He's Butch!"
Rose raised his eyebrows. "Butch and Cassidy. Jessie and James. Is there a Bonnie and Clyde Team somewhere in Team Rocket, per chance?"
He chuckled, but the laugher vanished from his face when Butch replied, seriously and straight faced, "they work in our Johto Region division. Came to us from Teams Aqua and Magma."
"Ah…"
"What was so funny?"
Rose shook his head. "It matters not. As I was saying, I do not see you are in a position to refuse my, very reasonable, demands. I have control of your train. I have two of your fellows in my captivity. My team of Pokémon and those of my employees vastly outnumber and are far stronger than yours. I give you this opportunity to surrender and retreat in safety and dignity. If you refuse it of course, I shall have no option but to unleash my forces upon. You will join your friends in my captivity and the whole lot of you will had handed over to the authorities. Two elite Rocket agents, a top scientist and Giovanni's personal assistant all to stand trial. While we here in Galar are more sophisticated than our friends in the Seven Nation, I believe Kanto still has the death penalty. Your life really is in your own hands here. And mine."
"Who exactly are your prisoners," asked Butch. "You keep saying you have members of Team Rocket, but I wasn't aware that any one of our agents had been caught or gone missing."
"Team Rocket keeps a close eye on those it has in the field," Cassidy added.
"A fair question," said Rose. "Of course, I would be happy to show you. It only fair that my cards be placed on the table. As I have said, they are much higher than yours…"
[Pokémon]
With Ash and Pikachu…
"AAAAAAHHHHH…."
The world seemed to spin around them as Zacian leapt into the air. Ash gripped Pikachu tightly as the train first fell away from them, and then rose up to meet them. It was all too much for his partner, who shut his eyes and gripped Ash tightly.
They were right above the strange beams that looked like bolts of blue lighting. Could they pass through it? He had seen that energy capture and imprison Shadow. Would the same thing happened to them?
Zacian shifted her position. She was diving right into it, nose first. Ash squeezed her flank tighter with his legs to keep from falling off. Like Pikachu he wanted to shut his eyes, but at the same time he didn't dare. Directly below them was one of those weird triangular structures.
What happened next was so fast, that Ash had no time to process what happened. His vision became filled with a blue light. He tensed instinctively and gritted his teeth, expecting to feel an electric shock or some other force, but it never came.
The next thing he knew Zacian's paws had touched down lightly on the roof of the train. He glanced upwards. The cloud of blue sparks above the train had vanished. Beside Zacian stood a small, mangled pile of melted twisted metal. The triangular structure was gone.
"I don't know how you did that," he exclaimed.
"Pika."
Zacian snorted. "Ha. I've been with Team Rocket enough to know their secrets. And their weaknesses! Now, where's Charizard."
"Down there, hurry," cried Pikachu.
Once again, Ash had no idea how he'd spotted him. He couldn't see anything beyond the end of Zacian's nose in absence of the blue light.
[Pokémon]
"You've got to be kidding me!"
At Rose's request, a tall pale woman with a hard face had entered the upper deck of the carriage, leading with her a Tangela and a Tangrowth, two Pokémon whose bodies seemed to consist only of a mass of blue tentacles.
Tentacles that served, it seemed, as perfect nature hand and paw cuffs, for the two grass types lead with them the prisoners Rose and his Meowth had been referring to. Neither Cassidy nor Butch could quite believe it when they saw them. But then…
"That explains a lot," said Cassidy.
"What! Cassidy. Just when I thought this day couldn't get any worse," Jessie exclaimed, her face turning red as she was led into the carriage, her hands bound Tangela's thick vines.
Tangrowth followed dragging James and Meowth behind it. Unlike Jessie, who was red faced, angry and humiliated, they both seemed nervous.
"Well, I guess that certainly explains a lot," said Butch. "You two are probably the only members of Team Rocket stupid enough to get yourselves into a situation like this."
"Typical!" scoffed Cassidy.
Jessie's eyes narrowed to slits. "For your information we were on a secret mission for the boss to steal one of the strongest Pokémon. Marco Cosmos' employees outnumbered us. We fought bravely but there were too many."
Cassidy sighed and folded her arms. "What strongest Pokémon? Not that Pikachu again. The one you've been trying and failing to steal for the last four years."
"Even stronger," snapped Jessie.
"Yeah right!"
Rose raised his eyebrows. "I take it you two are not the best of friends."
Jessie glowered at him. "What me, friends with Cassidy. No way!"
"The feeling is more than mutual," said Cassidy, turning her nose up.
Rose groaned and looked like he was trying hard not to roll his eyes. "It matters not whether you like each other or not. The offer is quite simple. Relinquish Shadow and Blade to me and I release Jessie and James here to you!"
"Oh please," replied Cassidy. "When you said you had Team Rocket prisoners, I was worried you'd captured somebody who actually mattered. These three are barely members as it is. And I suspect when Giovanni finds out about this, they won't be."
"You're doing Team Rocket a favour in holding them," added Butch.
"No way are they worth a Darkrai!"
Rose frowned, as if he weren't sure exactly what to say or do. Of all the ways he had thought this might go, this wasn't it. "It matters not whether you accept the trade or not," he said after a moment. "I still have control of your train and my employees still outnumber you. So, tell me, what is your decision?"
[Pokémon]
Back on top of the train…
The embrace was sweet and warn, but far too short lived. As Blade buried his face into the folds of Shadow's cloak, he heard a harsh female voice call out, "Shadow!"
He felt slightly cold inside when Shadow ended their embrace and turned to see who had spoken. "So Zacian, this is what it has come down to."
Zacian, along with Ash and Pikachu, were standing atop the next carriage, looking almost heroic in the battering wind. Blade nearly did a double date. Zacian had changed. The fringes of the fur on her back had grown to become wing-like amour, her braids had become ribbons and a crown like helmet had formed over her head.
But most produced of all was the golden sword clasped in her mouth. Except it wasn't in her maw. The hilt seemed to be embedded in her lower jaw, as if the sword were growing out of her. It was unsettling to look at.
Ashachu raised his head. He could barely keep his eyes open now. He felt so weak, so drained of energy. His vision was blurry, but still he managed to make out the outlines of Ash and Pikachu nearby.
"Pikapi!" His heart filled with joy, though not as much as it did after what happened next…
"Ashachu."
He gasped and glanced down to see Charizard looking back at him through eyes that were only half opened.
"C-chari…"
"Y-you saved me."
A single tear formed in Ashachu's eye. "I love you," he managed to whisper back, before his world turned black…