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The Dark Type	By : Manifest Destiny Category: Pokemon > General Views: 36309 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon is copy write by GameFreak, INC. and Nintendo. I make no money from this story, nor do I seek any.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
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Chapter 11: Greater Things
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While most residents of Blackthorn City were just beginning their morning routines, these select few have been hard at work since well before the sun crested the eastern horizon. Sparse cloud cover set the fields outside of the city in a splotchy pattern of light and dark. I leaned back against a tree and stared up at the clouds for a moment, watching their mass shift and sway with the wind. Recognizable shapes would appear at random and then distort into obscurity.
Not far from these trees, two of my comrades were in the midst of one of their regular training matches. A sudden burst of commotion grabbed my attention; it appeared that they were escalating their exercises. I looked back down to see a small blue dragon is butting heads with a small bird of a similar blue, whose wings resembled the spotty clouds above. I had no need or want to join them; there was nothing to be gained from their style of training. I was far enough away so their noise isn’t unbearable. There was much on my mind today. Maybe too much, or maybe not enough. It’s difficult to tell at times, frustrating me to no end.
To live two lives to regain a life lost. There is much to do.
“C’mon Bagon! Hit ‘em hard! Dragonbreath!”
Jacob Ostra’s Bagon steadied itself after the blow it just took, taking a few deep breaths of humid air before it stood back up and faced its opponent. The small dragon inhaled, and locked eyes with the small Swablu fluttering before it. The small bird had been dodging rather than attacking for a large part of the battle. Its last hit had just winded Jacob’s Bagon with a strong Take Down, but the tiny Cotton Bird was tiring itself out; a victor would be decided soon. Building up the fiery energy in its mouth, Bagon started to close the ground between the two combatants.
“We’re not falling for that, Jake,” Tyler Nedile, the Swablu’s trainer, yelled back in an unsteady voice. “Swablu, hit it with another Take Down!” The little bird chirped in response, and flew to meet its opponent head-on.
I hope that Tyler wins this bout. He rarely shows this level of enthusiasm. He needs to free himself from his weak and reclusive state.
“Now Bagon!” Jake ordered at the opportune time.
The Rock Head dragon cleverly side-stepped the incoming attack, and unleashed the Dragonbreath attack on the Swablu’s vulnerable side. Blue and yellow flames of energy washed over the cloud-covered bird, sending it flailing onto the muddy ground. I could see Tyler’s Swablu trying to get back up, but it was far too weak, and it collapsed back onto ground. A pity.
“Dammit… I was so close!” Tyler said, defeated. He quickly ran over and scooped the tired, cloudy looking bird into his arms. “I’m sorry Swablu. That was a dumb risk to take.” His Pokémon cooed at him reassuringly as Jake made to cut in.
“That wasn’t dumb, just reckless. I had Bagon charge in too, ya know?” he knelt down to his small, blue dragon. “And you almost had us beat, just a little— Whoa!”
A bright white light suddenly began emanating from his Bagon, causing Jake to jump back on his feet in surprise. Jake and Tyler backed up to watch the process unfold as I merely watched from the trees. The hard and callous material that covered Bagon’s head began to grow and expand around his body, creating a large, round shell. The light began to fade, revealing his hands had become front feet, and that his legs were the only parts of him to escape the shell’s growth. A pair of yellow eyes could be seen inside the dark interior of the shell. Flawless evolution. A single step forward, one of many.
Perhaps the step before we sprint?
“Well, would ya look at tha’! C’mere Shelgon!” Jake’s Shelgon struggled, but managed to look up at his master.
Shortly after kneeling back down, Jacob soon found himself flat on his back as his Shelgon tackled him, giving various exclamations of mirth. “Whoa, put some pounds on, did ya? Ah, that’s okay. The more our enemies have to take down, eh?”
“Hey, Bagon evolved!” I heard her before she made her way into my line of sight, which is quite an accomplishment. I look over in time to see Andrea Karson arriving on the scene.
We’re all here now. I should prepare.
“You got it. Tyler’s Swablu almost got the drop on us, but Bagon— I mean, Shelgon won out! We should celebrate tonight!”
“You can count me out,” Tyler said, dejected. “No sense in celebrating when you’ve got nothing to celebrate…”
“Come on, Tyler. Come out with us tonight. We’re a team, all of us.” Andrea was always kind to Tyler. Perhaps she is the one to show him how to overcome his weakness and grasp at the strength he uses so little.
“Yeah, just because you lost to me doesn’t mean the end of the world, ya know? And your Swablu’s been leading our little group up until now, she’s raring to evolve any day now, just you watch.”
“Don’t beat yourself up, Ty. My little Nibbles has a long ways to go, and he can’t even see,” Andrea draped both of her arms around Tyler’s neck, leaning into his stance. “You and me can train tomorrow, okay? But tonight, let’s just relax. Maybe later… you and I could find some alone time…?”
Jake laughed, “Aw, don’t tease the kid, Andrea.”
“Who’s teasing?” she said, tightening her grip on Tyler’s neck. “I’ve always loved our little Ty.” It was hard to tell with her whether she’s serious with her flirting. She did seem to focus on Tyler more than others. There might be some genuine interest there. I wish them the best.
Tyler’s face is starting to visibly flush, “Andrea, please…”
“Hey, speaking of ‘us’,” Andrea looked to Jake, “Where’s Galian?”
He gestured to where I sat. I suppose I had less time to prepare than I thought.
“He was all up in arms about trainin’ this mornin’. Said he wanted to take it easy today. Says he’s been thinkin’ a lot lately.”
More than thinking. Planning. Making contingencies for those plans and fallbacks for those.
“Mmm, well, you go over and see if he wants to go out with us tonight, and I think Tyler and I have some… plans to settle on.”
They both laughed at Tyler’s increasingly nervous face, “Andrea… Not in front of everyone…”
Ah, there’s some initiative. Those two fit together well, I think.
She sighed, “Fine, I’ll save it for tonight then.”
Jacob started walking over to where I was sitting to leave his newly evolved Shelgon to get acquainted with Andrea’s Deino. After he was released from his Poké Ball, the blind dragon began sniffing around until he found a new object that clearly wasn’t a pair of human legs. “Nibbles” crept a little closer, cautiously circling the new scent. The blind, half-Dark dragon tentatively gnawed on Shelgon’s new shell, quickly discovering it isn’t food, and that his teeth make a painful grating sound when he bites it.
Shelgon barked in surprise, turning back around to face the Deino. He growled defensively at Andrea’s bewildered Pokémon. Not knowing what to do, Nibbles stuck his head out again, but ended up sticking his head inside Shelgon’s shell. Andrea and Tyler laughed at the frantic motions of the two before they helped separate the two dragons. That Unovan Pokémon needs training before it can become a contender in our ranks.
A curious thing, that Deino. The wanderer who traded it to Andrea mentioned finding it wild, just north of Johto. I may not be familiar with the migratory patterns of Dragon type Pokémon, but that fact alone seems peculiar. Whisperings of strange encounters are spreading with more frequency than ever. I’ve made it a habit to record them as of late, just in case. This world is changing, I think.
As I sat, leaning my back against a tree some feet away, I held a vacant Ultra Ball in my hands. Among a myriad of other things, I’m considering what other Pokémon to add to help my efforts. I’ve been weighing the odds of a dragon, but none of the local ones catch my eye.
“’Ey Cora!”
I abhor that corruption of my given name that he uses. “Yes, Jacob?”
“You alright there, big guy? You’ve been sittin’ here all mornin’.”
“Just contemplating future additions to my roster… I see that Bagon evolved.”
“He sure did! We’re all celebrating tonight. You in?”
“To what end, Jacob?”
“What end?” Jake asked.
I stood up and faced him, “To what end does your Bagon evolving lead you to?”
“Whaddya mean? We’re trainers. Isn’t it normal to want my Pokémon to evolve and get stronger?”
“But do you have a goal? Why do you get stronger, Jacob Ostra?” Before he could answer, I started walking back to where the others were gathered and motioned for Jake to follow, “Come, this needs to be heard.”
Andrea’s Deino had since figured out the identity of the angry, hard-to-bite creature, and was playing a game of tag. Despite being blind, he could hear the loud romping of the bulky, shelled dragon, making wild leaps where he thought he’d catch his target. It’s a shame that his eyesight will not return until he is a Hydreigon. What a long, arduous life that is…
“Andrea Karson. Tyler Nedile,” I made my voice loud and firm, which caught the two off guard. I usually dislike forward conversation. “I have something I would like to say.”
“Whoa, Galian’s talking? It’s about time you started coming out of your shell. Right as Bagon gets into his!” Andrea laughed at her own joke. She made to ask Tyler’s opinion, but I raise a hand to silence her.
“If I may, I’d like to speak without interruption.” The group all looked to each other, curious about what topic I was about to bring up. I wonder how well they’ll respond. “Thank you. Now, today is a day of note: Jacob’s Bagon evolved, a physical example of something I’ve been thinking on for some time. Jacob, you said that we, as trainers, train Pokémon to get stronger. But why do you train? For what goal do you strive for?”
“Uhh,” Jake thought for a moment, “Well, right now I want to make sure Shelgon here is as strong as he can be. That’s the best I can do for him.”
“But why?” I repeated. “When he finally evolves to a Salamence, what then? Do you have a dream or goal you hope to reach? A dream is something everyone needs in order to justify starting anything. What is it that drives you?”
“Well…” he looked down at his feet. Jake’s Shelgon gave him a happy look in return. Jake smiled and continued, “I’ve thought about it for a while, and I didn’t really want to say anything, but I think that, if me and Shelgon get strong, and get some more teammates, we could give Clair a run for her money and be the Gym Leader here.”
I thought as much.
“That’s great, Jake!” Andrea exclaimed.
“You’re going to have to train hard for that, man.” Tyler added. “But we’re a team, we’ll help—”
I raised a hand and spoke in a hard voice, “Everyone, if you please?”
Tyler and Andrea quickly stowed their comments and apologized.
“Thank you. Now Jacob,” I continued, “You plan on training and getting stronger to become this city’s Gym Leader. But you plan to do it here? Never leaving, never going so far as the perimeter of the city?”
“What, you talkin’ about leavin’ Blackthorn?”
“Correct.” Here’s where they might fight back. I must push them in the correct manner.
“Why would I do that? This is my hometown. I’ve got family here. I’ve got you guys, and the training around here isn’t as dull as you put it, Cora. There’s plenty—”
“And just who do you think the Pokémon League will consider for the position?! Some local who casually trains his only dragon? Or a hardened, seasoned, veteran trainer, with a diverse team, and one with some following behind him?” This is the first time this group has heard, and the first time in a long time I’ve had to raise my voice. The faces of the group before me betrayed a look of fear, and perhaps apprehension. It is fleeting however, I’ve long since gained their trust.
“It’s time we move on to greater things than this isolated mountain city. Your goal is here, but the journey to get there spans far beyond this city. We should make our names known throughout the Johto region, perhaps more. We should go together, gym to gym, and earn respect amongst the trainers and Gym Leaders of this land. This is the way we’ll attain true strength. Because strength isn’t just what’s in our limbs or our minds, it’s everyone around us, working together, talking together, and fighting together.” I motioned about the group, “Allies joining to conquer a goal, combining their personal strength for the good of the group!
“Jacob,” I said, pointing to the city, “leaving your family behind is not something to dwell over, you know this.” I took a deep breath before continuing, I must pick my words carefully…
“Family will always be there, supporting you and your dreams, wherever they take you. Their lives are in the walls of the city, and yours,” I turned around, and spread my arms out to the wilderness ahead of me, “is out there. You just have to find the drive to live it yourself, and not let it stay a dream forever.”
I turn back to the group, “And we’ll be right behind you, supporting you.” My voice fell to its normal level, “It’s no mystery that we consider you the leader of our little troupe. It should only make sense that we follow the leader’s goal, and make sure it’s a reality. With you as Gym Leader, we’ll be what trainers will have to get through to face you. We as a team will bring a level of fame to the Blackthorn Gym that even Clair’s legacy cannot match.”
The others looked at their normally reserved member, shocked at how fierce I had become. However, my speech worked.
“Wow Galian,” Andrea said, “where’d all this come from? You were always so quiet before. I think I like this new you a bit more.”
Tyler cut in, “Never mind that, do you really think we can even do this Galian? I mean, I think I’m for it, but you really believe in us that much?”
“I do. Our group has too much potential for us to only use it here.”
“Well, I’ll be damned Cora,” Jake finally said. “You’ve really got some high hopes for us. And I think you’re right. We’re a good team, our Pokémon are getting stronger, but pretty soon, we’ll be too far above what this place can give us.”
“So,” Andrea said, “what do we do now?”
“You suggested it yourself, Andrea,” I spoke up, “We already have plans, or has this talk of leaving town killed your drive to celebrate? Perhaps we—”
“Whoa, whoa!” Tyler suddenly yelled. “Look over there!” We all turn to where Tyler was pointing to. On the mountainous edge of the clearing, just inside the tree line, a family of Haxorus and Axew were moving down the trail.
“Those aren’t local! We should—” Tyler almost made to run forward and battle one, but Jake put a hand on his shoulder.
“Oh, what a day this is…” I straightened my posture, push my unruly hair out of the way, up and over my scalp, and quickly grabbed Amé’s Dive Ball and my vacant Ultra Ball. I didn’t care if they followed, I merely saw an answer to another of my questions. It seems fate is falling into place all around me. I began sprinting toward the forest, gaining the attention of the family dragons. Releasing my Pokémon, I gave the order to begin distracting the siblings. I ignored the intimidating snarls of the parent Haxorus; wounds would heal later. Now, it is time to capture a dragon of my own.
—————
The morning after his meeting with Professor Elm, Iruni woke up far earlier than he had the day before. While he had just spent the better part of a week scaling mountainous terrain just to get to Newbark Town, he didn’t feel much need in staying any longer. His new title of ‘Cartographer’ weighed heavily on his thoughts, bringing him to wonder just how much impact this project would have on the world. The professor had made it very clear to him the consequences of a worst case scenario, but there was too much uncertainty about how these migrations would start affecting people.
Iruni was the first awake in his room and managed to get through his morning routine uninterrupted before any of his Pokémon managed to rouse themselves. Already, Iruni began to revel in the convenience of having shorter hair. So much easier to manage, he thought, reflecting on his new image in the mirror.
Walking back into the main room, he noticed his Chikorita had woken up, and was lying on the floor at the foot of his bed. She was trying to sunbathe in what little rays managed to slip past the blinds. Iruni quietly moved past her and pulled open the blinds; letting bright rays of morning sun fill the room. “There, that’s better, isn’t it Anya?”
Anya—or Atanya, in full—called up to him happily, thanking her new trainer. She closed her eyes and raised her leaf to catch more of the sun. The longer she did so, the air in the room became a fraction fresher.
“Mmmh…” A noise came from the mass of blankets that sat curled up on the bed. The mound of cloth shifted a few times before Rikalia finally emerged. She squinted her eyes as she found herself caught in the bright sun. “Uhh, why does it have to be sooo bright?”
“Oh come on,” said Iruni. “It’s a great day out.”
“What’s got you up so early?” she asked.
“Probably still running off the excitement from yesterday, and besides; we said we’d stop by Elm’s lab again today before we set out, and he’ll be expecting a log for today, so I thought ‘The earlier, the better’.”
“You said we’d leave today,” Rikalia said. She buried her head back into the blankets. “I could’ve done with a resting day…”
“Oh, we haven’t had that hard of a time yet. I think you’re catching Karros’ bad habits. Anyway, we’ve got more work to do besides my duties as a Cartographer.” Iruni looked around the room, “Speaking of, where’d Kar go?”
Rikalia sat up and crawled over to the edge of the bed. A simple look to the floor ended the search for the still-sleeping Houndour. “I found him. He fell.”
Iruni asked Atanya and Rikalia to try and wake Karros while he started gathering his things. Unlike his departure from Blackthorn, leaving Newbark would see him with a nearly identical load on him, apart from the mental note to buy another ration’s worth of Pokémon food for his newest Pokémon. After they were all roused and packed, Iruni settled on getting breakfast for him and his Pokémon in the lobby of the Pokémon Center.
Atanya and Karros were returned to their Poké Balls, and Rikalia set out with her trainer as soon as they finished eating their meal. As they entered Professor Elm’s laboratory, they were met with a very different scene. A staff of workers and other scientists were about the main room, performing their daily tasks and conducting their own tests. As he walked in, Iruni was greeted by one of the men in white coats.
“Good morning,” he said. “I’m Professor Elm’s assistant. Can I help you?”
“Yes. I’m Iruni Thomas. I’m supposed to see the Professor today.”
“Oh yes! I remember. He should be back in his office. He’s expecting you.” The assistant motioned for Iruni to continue on back.
“Thanks,” said Iruni.
The door to Elm’s separate workspace was open, and the papers that covered the floor were beginning to spill out into the main area. He looked in and saw the professor hard at work on his computer and tapped the doorframe with his knuckles to get his attention.
“Yes? Oh! Mr. Thomas, there you are,” he stood and went over to greet his visitors. “I didn’t expect to see you so early. I see you’re all set to head out,” he said, gesturing to Iruni’s gear.
“Yep. Just one last stop by the mart before heading out, and we’re off to Cherrygrove. What all do you still have to bring me up to speed with?” he asked.
“Just a few bits of information I think would be helpful. I take it that at this point—apart from Carter—you don’t know everyone in the Johto branch of this operation.”
“I didn’t mention him yesterday, did I? How’d you know?”
“I’m a good guesser.” Elm said. “Your Sneasel seemed to recognize the model of Pokédex Cartographers have been issued. Carter left here recently. So I drew those lines. Apart from that though, Carter mentioned meeting you on his way out of town two days ago in his most recent report. Some ‘misunderstanding’ happened between the two of you, is that right?”
“Yeah, a bit,” said Iruni. “He introduced himself by kicking me in the head.”
“Ah, the source of you ‘real headache’… Iruni,” the Professor’s tone dropped down, “Know that we must have cooperation in this initiative. I won’t tolerate the two of you being indignant against one another. This sporting rivalry you two have is fine, but nothing that might hinder the both of your performance as Cartographers. As professional as it sounds; you work for us now. Don’t take any unnecessary actions against your fellow teammates. If either of you are in trouble, I expect you two to rush to the other’s aid, no hesitation. Understand?”
“Yes sir,” Iruni said.
“Good!” Elm said, his demeanor shifting back into his bright-eyed, regular style. “Oh yes, the other. Her name’s Alice Wingborne. She’s from Hoenn— Fortree City to be exact, and she’s studying to be a Pokémon and human doctor! Can you believe it? Anyway, there’s been a document sent to all Cartographers about our newest member—you—and it contains basic info on your peers. I’d like you to read it, and have a general knowledge of them. Helps ease some of the awkward social situations, I’d think.”
“Sure, thanks Professor. When did Alice leave here?”
“Oh, well before Carter showed up. She lives up in Violet City, so it didn’t take nearly as long as it took you two boys to work your way here. So,” Elm changed the subject, “how’s Chikorita? Getting along well, I hope?”
“Oh yeah, she’s great,” Iruni said. “I’ve named her ‘Atanya’, but you’ll always hear me call her ‘Anya’. She took to my other Pokémon rather well, I think.” Iruni knelt down, “How do you like her, Rika? I thought the two of you seemed to be hitting it off pretty good, right?”
“Huh?” Rikalia snapped out of her thoughts. “What? Oh, yeah. Anya’s alright. We were talking a bit last night... She’s fine around me and Kar, even though her type’s weak to both of us.”
“Trust me Rika, type advantages aren’t everything. And you’re teammates, why should she be afraid of you two?”
“I dunno. I kinda…”
“What?”
“Nothing,” she said flatly.
“Okay?” Iruni stood up. “Anyway, yeah. She’s really friendly. I’m hoping to get some battle practice in with her today.”
“Good, good. Oh, that reminds me of the other thing I’m supposed to tell you,” Elm cleared his throat. “All Cartographers are given full access to any sort of field moves or otherwise restricted moves during the course of our operation. Just in case.”
“What do you mean?”
“In case of emergency, we can’t have you being hesitant to use a move you have to because you’re hung up on the possible legal ramifications. Just covering all of our bases again.”
“Alright. Well, is that everything?” he asked.
“Yep,” said Elm. “If any crucial information needs to spread, I can send messages to your Pokédex. You’re all set, Cartographer Iruni.”
“Great. I’ll do my best.” Iruni and the professor exchanged in one last handshake before he turned to leave the laboratory. Once they were outside, Iruni asked, “Hey Rika, you want to ride on my back until we find a place to train?”
“No thanks. I’ll walk.”
“Is something the matter?” he asked.
“No.”
“Well, let me know if you change your mind. It feels like it’ll get hot out today.” He bent down to her level, “And if there’s something you want to say, say it.”
Rikalia looked at him with a solid gaze, not moving her eyes from his for a long moment. Without saying a word, she jumped up onto his shoulder and settled herself onto his backpack. “You’re right. It is a bit hot…”
Iruni sighed as he stood back up. He waited for her to continue, but it soon became obvious that the conversation had died already.
“You waiting for something? Don’t we have to head to the mart for more food?” Rikalia asked, her voice carrying an accusing tone.
“Yeah,” said Iruni. “Food…”
—————
The speeding wheels of the taxi hit a pothole, jostling the interior of the vehicle violently. The falling rain had obscured and filled the unnatural crack in the pavement, leaving the driver completely unaware of its existence. The force of the impact had awoken the single passenger riding in the back seat rather painfully; his head was against the cool, damp window when the car suddenly jolted. He groaned and could already feel his head pounding in protest.
“Sorry about that, buddy!” the cab driver called back at him. “These roads don’t see too much traffic, and I can’t say I’ve driven them much myself, either. I’m still goin’ the right way, right?”
They had been traveling along the winding, single lane road for the past ten minutes. The road was flanked on either side by dense woodlands, with the occasional winding drive to a house farther off the road. They had cleared the city limits some time ago. Their destination was well out of the way of anything.
“Quit your worrying, it’s just down this road. Keep going, you can’t miss it,” Dalton said. “And watch the fucking road, will ya? I’ve already got a fucking headache from this damn weather…”
“Sorry ‘bout that, buddy. Here, I’ll crank the AC for yeh, it always helps me.” The drive continued a ways before the driver spoke up again. “I didn’t think anyone actually lived this far outside the city. Must like it, eh? Being so far out of the way?”
“Not really. I just moved there,” said Dalton.
Feeling confident in his own memory of the road, Dalton rested his head back on the cool window. If the driver were to hit a turn sharply, he would be ready for it. With potholes, he’d just have to rely on his luck. He kept drifting into sleep, only being woken up by the noise of the cab ride. He never could get used to sleeping on a plane, cars weren’t much better.
Thankfully, after another five minutes of nothing but rain battering the cab, the sight of the house came into view. The house could almost be accurately described as a mansion. It stood three, impressive stories tall, white in color, with a well-kept front yard. The drive leading up to the main roundabout in front of the main entrance. The face of the building was lined with brilliant white columns with ornate designs at their tops. The driveway had a split that lead to either a carport in the front, or a closed garage at the side of the house.
The cab driver let out a long whistle as he slowly crept up the drive, “Damn, son. Some nice digs you got here. Can’t say I wouldn’t mind the drive either if it was THIS I was coming home to.”
“Pull close to the covered walkway, will you? I don’t want to be out in this shit more than I have to.” Dalton began pulling his luggage resting in the back seat closer to him. He was already dreading stepping out into the humid atmosphere that clung to the area. Rain is easy to avoid if I have to. But when there’s water in the air… it’s just fucking miserable…
As the car slowed to a stop, Dalton didn’t give the cabby any time ask for the toll. He pulled out an amount of cash he that was sure would cover it from his wallet and handed it to the man. He opened the door and shouldered his large bag, grasping his smaller one in his hand. “Keep the change,” he said, stepping out into the humid air.
“Hey, thanks budd—”
With a backwards kick, Dalton shut the cab’s door and walked to the front door. He heard the car start to drive away and stopped. He stood, bags weighing down his arms, and stared on at the door in front of him. I’m tired. I’ve gotten minutes of sleep in the last fourteen hours. It’s raining. It’s humid as fuck. And my head hurts. All I want… is to just go in, set my bags in my room, head to kitchen, and pour a drink. I want to fucking relax. Just for a bit. That’s all I’m asking…
Without warning, the door flew open in front of him, revealing the disgruntled visage of one of his colleagues.
“Dalton!”
“No? You won’t let me have that much?!” Dalton yelled upwards. Ignoring his clearly livid partner, Dalton strode inside and started for his room.
“Dalton, don’t you ignore me…” Sebastian yelled after him.
Dalton wheeled around, “Hold onto your ass, will ya? Goddamn, I didn’t even walk through the door and you’re acting like I just shot you in the foot! Give me minute before you start throwing all sorts of shit at me.” He turned back around and started up the set of stairs and continued to his room. Once there, he threw his luggage onto the floor, and sat down on the side of the bed.
It’s like I’m a fucking amateur. Always harping on everything I do… Fuck it.
Dalton sat and let his anger die down before he got back up. Walking back downstairs to the foyer, he found it empty. He stood in the wide open room, listening to the rain battering the windows, waiting for Sebastian to assault him again. When no sound apart from the occasional roll of thunder came to him, Dalton gave up and walked into the kitchen. It annoyed him walking through the large house without knowing where the others who inhabited it were. He walked into the kitchen and began looking for a glass in the dark, “And he never turns on any fucking lights… the guy’s like a Woobat or something…”
The lights stung Dalton's eyes as they suddenly flashed on around him. “The dark helps me concentrate.”
Dalton turned back to the doorway, seeing his silver-haired comrade folding his arms. He held Sebastian's glare for a moment and turned away, worrying more about pouring his drink.
“Are you going to explain yourself, Dalton?” Sebastian asked expectantly.
“You tell me,” Dalton said as he poured the alcohol. “What do I have to explain this time? I just went on a pleasure trip back home.” Dalton leaned back on the counter and took a sip of his drink as he watched his partner let a sliver of anger through the normally calm façade he put on.
“Don’t patronize me. You just cost us a very important position in Unova! We could have used you as an information feed directly from—”
“Used me!?” Dalton exploded. “Don’t talk down to me like you’re the Alpha himself! I did what I did for some very good reasons. And not one of us has power over the other, if you’ll remember, Sebastian…”
“Very well, explain your ‘reasons’ then.”
Dalton took a long drink, and slammed his glass down on the counter. “Fine. For one? The long-ass plane rides to and from Unova to keep up appearances because of my position are a fucking pain. Not to mention having to come up with more excuses to leave and come back here. Eventually, they would’ve started looking into where I’ve been going, if they haven’t already.
“For two? I’m sick of the Unova League! Having to go all the way there, just to be in the shadow of that man again and fend off a few measly trainers every so often. Yeah, that lifestyle was fine for a while. And I enjoyed it, sure. But the more time I spent away, the more I realized how little there is for me there.”

Dalton took another drink and set the glass down next to him once more. “Besides, we don’t have any business in Unova anyway! What sort of information could we get that’ll be useful? They’re half a world away!”
“That’s not true at all. I already told you about my interest in that region. My ‘V Initiative’ still stands as a—”
“Stop right there you son of a bitch!” Dalton cleared the length of the kitchen in mere instants, grabbing Sebastian’s shirt in his fists. “We agreed! You were supposed to drop that plan when we all agreed not to interfere with someone else’s safeguard! The thing we want to protect and keep pure! Mine’s just as significant as Coralis’, so don’t you dare think it’s any less important just because it’s in one of your little plans! You leave my family’s legacy out of your little schemes, you got that!?”
“Look at you, protecting your family’s little secret.” Sebastian looked at him with a sneer. “Looks like you’ve got some stock in that place after all.”
“I don’t hate Unova! Or its people, especially not my family and what they’ve done! I’ve sworn to go on protecting what we have for generations. And not you, not Coralis, not what we’re doing will change my mind, got that!?” Dalton let his hands drop and turned to walk away, picking up his drink as he walked past. Dalton walked into the large sitting room, and took a seat in a chair. Sebastian followed.
“I only hate that old man Alder and his old fashioned ways. I hate the League and the fact that they turn a blind eye to that hollow, decrepit excuse for a Champion.” Dalton set his drink on a small table beside the chair. “I may be your ally in this, but I’m a member of the Drake family. You come second.”
“Very well. But think of it, Dalton. You, as well as I, could benefit greatly from acquiring Vi–”
“I don’t want to hear it, you rat bastard! I don’t even know how you know as much as you do! But you’re always catching leaks wherever they spring up, don’t you? How did you find out about what’s hidden there, huh? You never told me.”
Sebastian sat on the couch across from him and looked him square in the face. “I did tell you, Dalton. My research is very thorough. While there might not be explicit documents leading to the conclusions I reach, my exceptional mind is what really points me in the right direction.”
“Oh, so you guessed? Is that it?” Dalton asked sarcastically.
“No, I’m just good at finding patterns.”
“Whatever. You swore to never go attempt anything and I expect you to hold to your word.”
“I promise,” Sebastian said.
“Good. So, we done here? Can I finally get some fucking peace?”
“Have you come across any new leads on Giovanni as of late?” Sebastian asked.
“Nope.” Dalton picked up his drink and pressed the cool side of the glass against his head. “Guy’s like a ghost. Something’ll turn up though, it always does.”
“Yes.”
“What about you?” Dalton asked, glancing over. “Find that kid who talked to him from your bird’s vision?”
“Unfortunately, no. And I wonder if it is a lost cause. I’m not sure what this person would be able to tell us, as they did not seem to recognize him for who he is.”
“Again, they’ll turn up. They always do.” Dalton took the last swig of his glass and started to head out of the room.
Sebastian stood up as well. “One more thing, Dalton.”
This guy could have a thousand ‘more things’. I just want to fucking sleep… “What is it?”
“News, from Coralis. He’s gone mobile.”
“Ho-ly shit, really? So he’s finally got something working for him, huh?” Dalton actually felt good about that bit of news. “The sooner he gets those cronies of his into shape, the better.”
“And another thing he said to me,” Sebastian said, his tone shifting to a slightly more serious level. “He says he might’ve found a fourth.”
Dalton laughed, “A fourth what? Great-grandchild he’s never met?”
“No, and don’t joke about that.” Sebastian’s angry glare seemed to glance right off its target. “Anyway, he says he might’ve found a fourth Watchmaker for us.”
“Watchmaker?”
Sebastian sighed, “Tell me I don’t have to keep reminding you of our agreed upon title.”
“Oh, shit,” Dalton said. “Well excuse me for not carrying a separate set of business cards! But really?” he asked, looking at the silver-haired man in front of him. “What’s Coralis thinking? Did he say anything?”
“No. Just that he met someone who might have something they would like to protect. He’s unsure himself, so don’t hold too much to it yet.”
“Believe me, I won’t.” Dalton turned and walked back to the main entrance hall, and started up the stairs. “I just want to fucking sleep…”
—————
Southwestern Kanto was caught in a fog; streetlights cast a dull gray atmosphere throughout Viridian City. Their light caught by the thick water vapor cascaded outward and down around the poles they were perched on. The late night did little to bring out any crowd in this city. The only sound that carried through the dark streets was a single pair of footsteps as they headed toward the suburban area of city.
A man walked alone down the eerily lit sidewalk. He moved at a slow, deliberate pace though he was more than on guard. Throughout his life, he had learned to strain his senses to try and find anything that might be coming towards him. His instincts weighed down on him about the fog, and tried to put the feeling out of his head that he was being followed. He looked over his shoulder, looking through some of the long, bright red hair that sometimes fell across his face.
“Probably nothing.” The words came from his mouth with a hint of exasperation. Silver walked a few more paces before feeling the sensation again. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Poké Ball. The flash of light would be a bit harsh in the darkness, so Silver waited until he was under the beam from one of the streetlights. Silver’s Pokémon materialized in front of him, already aware about his surroundings, claws extended and eyes alert.
“Jallen,” Silver said. His Weavile looked up at him, awaiting an order of attack. “It’s okay. I’m just feeling a bit… off. We’re almost home, but do you mind walking with me? Can’t shake this… feeling.”
The Sharp Claw Pokémon nodded silently and the two began walking down the road again.
Silver’s neck hurt from the plane ride—which had been delayed, resulting in such a late arrival—and he wanted some sleep. He had walked the streets of Viridian City in the dark plenty of times, usually thankful for the lack of people to annoy him, but tonight carried an unsettling air. His Weavile walked a few paces behind him, sharing his trainer’s attitude about the silence of the night.
They neared Silver’s small home near the edge of the city within minutes. The prospect of returning brought back memories of leaving. “I can’t believe it was all for nothing,” said Silver.
His pokemon asked what he meant with a questioning growl.
“The lead, I mean.” Silver had just returned from following a tip that Lance had given him on the whereabouts of a very important person. Silver had rushed to the Sinnoh region, only to find the tip to be for naught. “The trail was months cold. Shouldn’t Lance have known? Why would he even send me there in person? Whatever he was doing in Sinnoh, it was over a long time—”
Silver stopped in his tracks. It was difficult to see in the dim light—even his Weavile was a bit confused at the sudden halt—but Silver could definitely see it; the front door to his home was slightly ajar. Someone had been there, and it wasventirely likely that someone was waiting for him. Catching his trainer’s subtle motions, Jallen went on around the back of the house. Silver readied his Ursaring’s Poké Ball, and kicked open his front door.
Silver released his Ursaring and Silver quickly made his way through the front room. Jallen used commotion to enter the house through a back window, aiming to flank any intruder from behind. Silver dashed through his dark house, turning on the lights as he entered. His Ursaring stayed right behind him, caring little to avoid knocking anything over. The large Hibernator Pokémon stayed to guard the main room while his trainer ran from room to room, looking for anything out of place. As Silver was going up the stairs, Jallen met him half way.
“Anything?” Silver asked.
Jallen nodded, and held out an envelope. He pointed up the stairs toward Silver’s room. Silver took the envelope, but Jallen turned it around in his hands, pointing at a small, green pin that pierced the middle. It was in the shape of a small tree; an Earth Badge.
Silver looked at the envelope for a moment, confused why a Gym Badge would be pinned to a blank envelope. Then, his mind started piecing things together. My house was broken into, and this was found in my room…? An Earth Badge, the badge of… his gym! He threw the envelope down on ran back outside, trying to see anything hidden in the dark.
“Where are you!?” he yelled. “Come on! Show yourself! Where are you, dammit!? You’re here! I know you are!! Come on!”
He stood panting for a few moments, his eyes and ears failing to notice anything out of the ordinary around him. Calming down, he pushed his hair out of his face and walked back inside. His Ursaring was waiting by the door, and gave a questioning growl as he passed over the threshold.
“We’re fine, don’t worry.” He closed the door behind him, slightly wincing at the dent in the wall the door knob made when he kicked it in. He took off his black jacket and threw it on the couch as he passed it, “Jallen, let’s have a look at what he sent us.”
Silver stood over the table in his kitchen, flanked by his two Pokémon. His Weavile was filling in Ursaring on the origin of the envelope in question. What could he want? Why did he show himself now? The timing of it all… Seeing no more reason to stall, he tore open the envelope as he walked back to the living room. The badge fell to the table with a klink and he withdrew the note inside. He set the note down on the table and read it:
[Silver,
I see you’ve been busy trying to find me. How about I make it easier for you?
As odd as this sounds coming from me, we need to talk. Alone. Come armed if you want, if only to make it fair.
I have a hideout in the Tohjo Falls area. I don’t doubt you’ll be able to find me.]
Just seeing his handwriting was enough to rekindle his rage. “Talk?” Silver said aloud. “Talk?! After all these years of nothing, what could he possibly have to say to me?! After all these years of hunting him down, all those bogus leads and almost catching up to him, he finds me?! Dammit!” he slammed his fist into the table. He stared down at the handwritten note in anger, feeling the tingle of pain start to plague his knuckles. His Weavile jumped onto the table and shook his shoulder. Silver could see the concern on his friend’s face.
“Yeah… I think I’ll be fine…” he let his muscles relax, and slumped to the floor. “The irony… spend all that time looking for him, only to have him invite you over for lunch.” He laughed.
His Pokémon looked down from the table and asked him what Silver intended to do.
“Oh, we’re going alright. My father’s never been one to sound desperate, but that note,” he stood back up, “I think he’s looking for something more than just seeing how much his son has grown up.”
His Ursaring growled apprehensively at the idea.
“Don’t worry, we’re not going to be walking blindly into a trap. We’ll take it easy.” Silver picked up the Earth Badge from the table, finally noticing that its paint had started fading away, the metal underneath was rusted and worn. Just like him, maybe. But still… He has a lot to answer for.
—————
To Be Continued…
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- 12
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The Dark Type