Legends: Sheer Cold (A Hunter’s Tale) #1. Night on the Town There are alot of false perceptions about hunters out there in the world. For example, most people think we spend all of our time jetting across the world hunting Rayquaza, Zapdos, Entei and all the other glamorous Pokemon. The truth of the matter is that we don't do much of anything most of the time. We just sit and wait for a new job, then hope that we actually find something. Alot of the time we don't. If you're really desperate for a job, sometimes you have to go to absurd lengths for money. Like tonight, for instance. My name is Kate Flyer, and I'm a hunter. I haven't worked since the Registeel job. The hospital bills alone hurt, but then the park service came knocking because we managed to wipe out a proper tourist attraction in the process. Now my organization is really wanting for money. Which means that I'm just gullible enough to jump through my new client's obnoxious hoops. "No, I don't need any help Laura. I'm can find a decent pair of shoes on my own, okay?" The phone glanced precariously against my shoulder as I tried desperately to apply some eyeliner. "I f*cking hate makeup." "You're not going to wear those ratty hiking boots are you?" Laura, the designated fashion guru, sounded exasperated. "We have to look *nice* for this." "Right. I know. Anything to impress our client," I said thickly. The makeup application was becoming even more wobbly as Ripley wandered into the bathroom and attached himself to my leg. I tried shaking the affectionate Charmeleon from my leg as I wandered my apartment looking for a pair of decent shoes. I found the solution in a box at the back of my closet, behind a dusty box of antique Pokeballs. "I found some shoes. I think they're the ones I wore to prom though." "Do they fit?" Laura sounded doubtful. "Yeah," I finally succeeded in detaching Ripley and slipping into the shoes. I winced as they pinched my toes. "They're fine." "Great. Are you ready then?" "I think so," I looked into the mirror. A blue-haired girl wearing a rumpled black dress stared back. I tried brushing my hair down, but it refused to go where I wanted it. I finally settled for putting it into a simple ponytail. "Ok, I'll be over soon." I hung up the phone, exhausted. This was not what I had in mind when I entered this field. ------------------- Laura and Nik, her boyfriend, arrived not long after our phone conversation ended, and we were soon on the way via a fancy black sedan with tinted windows. The driver never said a word as we went, leaving time for Laura to take turns berating me and Nik for our outfits. Nik, clad in his fading black suit and Pokeball tie, weathered the assault with typical good humor. I just ignored her. Instead I stared out the window as the countryside whooshed by, lost in my own thoughts. An hour later we entered brightly lit Slateport City. As we pulled up in front of the bustling contest hall, an attendant was waiting to open our door. "See," Laura whispered excitedly. "Told you this guy was loaded. We're going to be rich after this job." "I'd make due with a month's rent," I tried to stuff my hands down my pockets, only to recall to my dismay that most evening dresses have no such thing. I suddenly had a craving for a cigarette. We were soon swept up in a throng of people as they hurried into the concert hall. As we entered, I saw the breeders striding in with their Pokemon. A grayish-black Charizard, a blue Ninetales and a fluffy Delcatty all caught my eye. We presented our tickets, and the hall manager nodded approvingly. "Ah yes, you are expected. Please proceed down the hall and to the left. Your seats can be found there." Our seats turned out to be in one of the luxury boxes. I sank into one of the fluffy seats and ogled the spread before me. Exotic fruits, caviar, sugared dates, and a fancy looking roast were all laid out with a variety of wines. Nik helped himself to a leg from the roast and poured himself some wine, "Hmmn, hope we won't get charged for this stuff." "Oh, don't worry. It's all complimentary," came a smooth response. We turned to find an older looking man wearing an all black suit with no tie. He had long, dark brown hair that had been neatly pulled back and the darkest eyes I've ever seen. "You must be Dominic," I said cautiously. The name given to Laura had been Dominic. Wealthy financiers were not rare in the hunting circles, but nobody had really heard of Dominic before. I had doubted that he had the money to even cover our base fee, but now things were beginning to look up. "This is quite the spread." "Oh yes," he took a seat beside me. "I hope you enjoy the show. My son Damion is one of the top breeders in Johto. He's come all the way to Hoenn to demonstrate his considerable skill." Damion wasn't hard to spot in the lineup of trainers. He looked quite alot like his father, though he chose to keep his hair down and wore more casual khakis. At his heel was a sleek, fearsome-looking Houndoom. Damion appeared supremely confident. "I've taught him everything I know about training," Dominic took a long draught from some of his wine. "I am extremely proud of his progress." We all sat and watched as the trainers paraded their Pokemon about the arena to the oohs and ahhs of the crowd as the judges scored appearance and obedience. Then began the real competition as each Pokemon demonstrated its unique abilities to an increasing excited crowd. Damion's Houndoom was particularly impressive as it lit the darkened arena in dazzling sunlight, then exploded into flame. The crowd roared appreciatively and the judges scored accordingly. It went on like this for quite some time as the contest came down to Damion's Houndoom and the blue Ninetales. It came down to the final moves. The two Pokemon dualed fiercely before a loud crack resounded through the arena, causing the Ninetales to jump. I could see a thin smile spread across Damion's normally impassive features as the competition came to an end. "That clinches it for Damion," I murmured. "No way. Go Miller!" Laura yelled as she slammed down her drink. Miller was the Ninetales. I glanced over Laura and knew immediately that she was going to have a nasty headache in the morning. The final scoring ended up going to Damion by a point. He waved to the cheering crowd as a wreath was placed over his head and the judges shook his hand. Dominic was clapping from his seat in the luxury box, "Very impressive, don't you think? Haha, yes. Very impressive." He turned to me, suddenly all-business. "Well, that concludes that bit of fun. I would like you to join my son and I for a few more drinks while we discuss the terms of your expedition." "What about my partners?" "They won't be needed. You alone please," Dominic swept a long black trenchcoat over his seat and waited. I hesitated for a moment, then decided that it was better Laura stay out of the negotiations considering her state. I nodded to Nik, and he helped her out of the luxury box. I shrugged toward Dominic, "Ready when you are." --------------------- We ended up staying in the luxury box, enjoying the catered wine and some of the sweetmeats offered by the staff. Damion joined us soon after Laura and Nik departed. He apologized for the delay and immediately helped himself to an eggroll. Sitting next to his father, he nodded politely toward me, "You must be Katrina Flyer. A pleasure to meet you." "Just Kate actually. And nice to meet you too," I replied as I shook his hand. I was starting to get woozy. I would have to lay off the wine a bit, or I would look worse than Laura. "Very well Kate," Damion leaned back with his wine. "I spoke earlier with your associate. I told her that I had a special task for you." "She told me as much. But she didn't tell me what you had in mind." "My father could probably tell you that I am something of.. a collector," Damion said. "Ah well, collector is likely an understatement. I am a connoisseur, Ms. Flyer. I delight in rare and valuable Pokemon, particularly birds. And I want you to help me catch one of the rarest birds of them all." I stayed silent as he took a long draught from his wine, "I have my own team of hunters. They have been in the Kanto Seafoam Islands for some time now, traversing the mountains there. I'm told that they have the object of my desire in sight, a very rare Pokemon. Can you guess what I seek?" "Articuno probably. I'm told she frequents the Seafoam Islands." "Correct," Damion grinned wolfishly. "I see that you have been doing your homework." "Well, hasn't your team captured her yet?" "Therein lies the problem," he looked suddenly chagrined. "There was some kind of accident. Several hunters were killed along with their Pokemon. They are depleted and demoralized, and likely stand no chance against the Articuno. They need an infusion of fresh blood, and I believe that your team may be able to assist us." I wanted to ask him if he was kidding. For a man of his obvious wealth, there were far larger and better equipped organizations to choose from. Some of them even operated directly out of Kanto. I struggled for words for moment, then finally asked, "Is our team somehow specially suited to this?" "To some extent. Actually, I am more in the market for your services than those of your peers." "Why?" "I was somewhat impressed with the role you played in the capture of Suicune and Raikou. Oh, there's no need to be modest. I know all about that particular expedition." I colored, not quite sure what to say. I still considered those captures the biggest mistakes in my career. Did he know that the group I had been hunting with still has a handsome price on my head? Did he know that I once sold out to the highest bidder? I was suddenly uncomfortable. "I don't know.." "Think about it," Damion's eyes glittered. "For your services, I offer you 10 million plus whatever it takes to send you to Kanto." "I.. I will.." I stammered. "Good," he reached out his hand. "I look forward to hearing from you." I took the hand and shuddered. His hand was cold as ice. ------------------- I awoke the next morning to the phone ringing. I groaned as my head pounded incessantly to the beat of the ringing. I dragged myself out of bed and to the kitchen, "H-hello?" "Hi!" Came a relatively cheery voice. "It's Laura. I'm coming over." "I just got up," I grumbled. "Can't you wait?" "Nah. I need to know what you talked about with Damion," I could hear Laura chomping on a piece of gun. She was evidently fully recovered from the previous night. "See ya soon." She was kidding. The next thing I knew, Laura was sitting on my couch watching the morning news with Nik while I brewed up some coffee. I handed a cup to Laura and Nik, then slumped down with some toast. "Well?" "Well what?" "What did he say?" "Um," I squinted for a moment. "Damion wants to hire us for a job in Kanto. I don't think we should do it." "Why? Is he a cheapskate?" "No," I glanced down at the floor. "He uh.. offered us ten million." Laura nearly dropped her coffee. Even Nik paused to stare. A heavy silence fell over the room. Laura leaned forward and shook her head, "You're joking, right? He's paying travelling expense *plus* 10 million? And you're *hesitating?* No, I'm not going to accept this. We're doing it whether you like it or not," she paused to drink from her coffee. "We'll leave for Kanto tomorrow." "Why don't you want to do it?" Nik asked curiously. "He brought up my work with the old organization," I glanced down. "Made it sound like I did such an amazing think. I don't know about you, but I'm not exactly proud of that whole business. That he would actually praise me for it really bothers me." "Yeah, so he's a lunatic and a sadist." Laura shrugged. "But he's also paying us 10 million. Can you honestly turn that down?" "This whole job smells bad," I shook my head. "I don't want anything more to do with this." "We're going, whether you like it or not," Laura glared at me from her spot on the couch. I glared right back. Nik went back to watching television. "I'd like to see you make me go," I bit out. "Yeah?" "Yeah." "Heh, I've gotta see this," Nik grinned. The next day I was packing for Kanto. #2. The Countryside I don't like traveling to Kanto. Too many bad memories. I was born there, you know. I grew up in Lorraine, not far from Pallet Town. It's not a town that's worth mentioning really. It's just like any other dusty township that you'll find there. It was all I knew for a long time, and I hated it. My parents worked menial jobs in and around the town, and they were happy with their lot in life. They didn't understand my desire to train Pokemon and be the champ (a common dream among 10-year-olds, I hear). When they wouldn't let me get my trainer's license, I ran away from home. I haven't spoken with my family since then. Probably for the best. I have nothing to say to them, and they have even less to say to me. About four years after I ran away, I met Roy and Allen. They were both accomplished trainers, something I definitely wasn't. The pair of them had entered one of the Saffron Pokemon tournaments just for fun, even though they weren't nominally competitive battlers. It didn't matter. They were still better than many of the so-called professionals. I faced Roy in the second round. We stood facing each other in the ring, ready for the match to begin. He looked like a giant at six feet tall (especially compared to me), but he seemed friendly enough. He smilled gently at me from his bucket cap, "You think you're ready for me missie?" I didn't say anything. I just spat and released my first Pokemon - A Pikachu. Roy laughed uproariously and swiftly released his Golem. He stood there, hands on his hips, "You think your electric rat is going to defeat me?" Embarrassed, I fumbled about, trying to call the Pikachu back. But it was too late. "Earthquake!" Golem stamped its foot, sending a ripple through the ring. My Pikachu screeched in terror as the ground began to swallow him up. "Well, are you gonna call him back?" "F-f*ck you!" I yelled, on the verge of tears now, and called back my Pikachu. I didn't have many options against this man, but I wanted to be him so badly. With a show of bravado and confidence that I didn't really have, I called my next Pokemon, "Go Alsace!" Alsace was my best Pokemon. He had been a gift from an elderly trainer, a tiny chirping Torchic that the trainer had professed to be to old to raise. Alsace was a Combusken now, and had a few tricks up its sleeve. "Golem! Earthquake!" This time I was ready. "Alsace! A double-kick!" My Combusken leapt out of the way in the nick of time and sent Roy's Golem crashing to the ground with a well-timed pair of kicks. The Golem staggered and tried to regain its feet, not an easy thing for what amounted to a living boulder. I was determined to keep the initiative. "Now do a Sky Uppercut!" This was a move that had been taught to me by the karate master at the Saffron dojo. Alsace flexed its knees and crushed its opponent a devastating uppercut. Dizzied and in pain, the Golem was in no shape to counter the coup de grace: Alsace grabbed the Golem's stubby arm and bodily flung the Pokemon to the ground. Roy stood with his arms crossed for a moment, then called back his Golem. "Well, you got me there." "Maybe you should give up now," I grinned. I was insufferable when I was a kid. "Nice try kid. But I'm not done yet." Roy plucked another Pokeball from his belt. "You haven't even met Croc yet." He dropped the Pokeball and stepped back. It bounced a couple paces, then burst open to reveal a Feraligatr. It roared triumphantly upon its release, its eyes rolling madly in its head as it slavered in anticipation of the battle. I didn't have a prayer. Alsace staggered under a terrific water blast, then was actually seized in the Feraligatr's jaws before I was able to recall it. I stood biting my lip for a moment, then sighed and threw in the towel. The crowd roared, the bell clanged, and the tournament moved into the next the round. In the locker room, I angrily threw my spare Pokeballs along with a change of clothes into my bag and headed out. I was worried for my Pokemon's safety, but personally embarrassed. Roy's arrogant smirk was burned into my memory. Allen was waiting for me when I walked out of the stadium. "Hey there. I thought you did a good job at the tournament today." I stopped and glared, "Look, I know I'm really bad at this, alright? You don't have to.. patronize me." "Oh c'mon now," he walked up and put a hand on my shoulder. "There's no shame in losing to Roy. He's an accomplished battler, he's been doing this for years and years now. You're only what.. 12? 13?" "14," I mumbled. I didn't want this man to console me. I just wanted to get away and go back to the trainer hostel. He looked at me sympathetically, "Look, you're like alot of kids out there. You have big dreams when you get your license. You probably thought you'd be league champion by the time you were 11, right? Well, don't get discouraged. Here, this is my card. If you wanna talk some more, I'll be around." He patted me on the shoulder again, then wandered back into the arena. I glanced at the card. It read simply, "Allen Farrar, Hunter, Black Company." On the back of the card was his contact information. I sighed, stuck the card in my pocket, and sulked all the way back to the hostel. I would call the number on the back of the card next day, and my new life would begin. Allen and Roy ended up teaching me everything I knew before I sold them out. But that's another story. ------------------------------ I said that I don't talk to my family anymore. That's not entirely true. I have a younger brother. His name is Joe, and he makes a living as a freelance trainer in Saffron City. He usually lets me stay at his house when I'm in Kanto, and I repay him by making him dinner. The man is helpless in a kitchen. We were standing on the Northern Hoenn Shinkansen platform when I abruptly remembered that we actually needed a place to stay the night. It took three tries before I finally got through to him, and by then we were boarding the train. "Hello?" Came a sleepy sounding voice. It sounded like he had a nasty hangover. Just what I needed. "Hi Joe!" I grinned in spite of myself as I loaded my bags up into the baggage compartment. "I have some good news for you. My friends and I are going to be in Kanto in a few hours." "Yeah?" Joe grunted. "You thinking about stopping by to visit me?" "Half right," I was comfortably seated now and looking out the window. "I was wondering if you would mind picking us up at the Kanto station." "Take a cab," Joe yawned. "Or even better, take a walk." "I'd love to, but we don't have a dime between us. Our client is financing our trip to Kanto," I hated playing this game. He always tried to affect maximum boredom so he wouldn't have to drag himself away from the television long enough to pick us up. "Look, I know that you like my cooking. I'm sure I can make you something really special if you meet us at Kanto station." A sigh, "What time you guys gonna be arriving?" "Six o'clock," I glanced at my watch. "That should give you some time to put on some clothes and get out to the station." "Watch it sis, or you really will be walking." "Right right, so I'll see you then, right? Promise?" "Yeah I promise. Love ya sis, see ya later." "Love you too," I smiled as I folded up my phone and stuck it in my pocket. The train was underway now, and I stared out the window for a while as the countryside rolled past. Nik and Laura had already curled up in the other two seats. Bored, I grabbed a magazine and turned on a little music. The next moment, I was asleep. The intercom woke me as we drew closer to the Kanto train station. Some of the passengers were already packing up their belongings and getting ready to debark. I yawned and glanced over at Laura, "So we there yet?" "Looks like it," Laura was so absorbed in her crossword puzzle that she didn't even glance up at me. I yawned, stretched and watched as the train passengers swirled about me. A moment later the train conductor came back over the intercom to let us know that we had safely arrived at the Kanto station. I pulled my hiking pack from the baggage compartment and got into line with everybody else. "So where will we be staying tonight again?" Nik piped up from behind me. "We're not staying with your brother are we?" Nik isn't especially fond of Joe. They had a bit of falling out after Joe tried to lure Laura into his bed for the night. Since then, the two had hardly spoken. "Yes we are staying with my brother. I promise that he'll behave himself this time around." "Oh, I hope not. He's more fun when he's frisky," Laura winked at the increasingly red-faced Nikolas, then gave him a peck on the cheek to reassure him. He calmed down for a moment, but that only last until we debarked to find Joe waiting for us on the platform. It was typical Joe with the feathered fedora, trencher, biker gloves and braided ponytail. I thought I spotted his tame Gengar hovering nearby, visible as only a pair of mischievous yellow eyes. "Well if it isn't my big sister," Joe pulled his sunglasses down a bit. "I see that you made it in piece." "Yeah I made it," I looked him up and down. "Looks like you made it too. You look a lot better now then you sounded on the phone." "There are a few old folk remedies I know," he grinned crookedly as he turned his attention to Laura. "Besides, when you said that your friends were with you.. well.. Hey Laura, long time time no see. Still hanging out with that loser of yours?" Nikolas's face was starting to go red again. "Yeah I am," Laura grinned. "Love him as much as ever." "Ah well, if you ever change your mind," he winked and tipped his hat, then turned back to me. "Thought you'd like to know that mom and dad say 'hi.'" "Yeah right," I rolled my eyes. "Aww c'mon, you know they still think about you," Joe casually snapped his fingers, and our bags from the train began to float. He nodded and we started toward his car. "They even remember your name." "Let's.. not.. talk about them," I could feel Joe's Gengar tugging at my pack, but I kept it firmly anchored to my back. I didn't trust spirits. "Alright then," Joe's grin returned. "I heard that you and your buddies managed to trash a prominent tourist trap in Hoenn. Maybe you wanna tell me a little more about that one?" "Oh geez," I smiled a bit in spite of myself. "We took a job hunting a Registeel, though we didn't exactly know it at the time. We uh.. Got in a bit over our head." "Hah, I'll say," Laura piped in. "Kate was screaming and yelling, begging for help and all that. But ya know, my Echo managed to beat that Registeel even while her Blaziken was getting trashed by that Registeel. Echo ended up confusing it so badly that it trashed the ruins by itself." Laura, as always, had a talent for overstating things. "Heh, that's my girl. Looks like you still need practice, sis," Joe winked at me, and I smiled back. "So what about that special dinner that you promised?" ----------------------- Joe's special dinner ended up being a spicy soup that consisted of whatever meats and vegetables that came to hand with a bit of red wine. Joe called it "outstanding" and had four helpings of it while the rest of us poked at it awkwardly. The rest of the night was spent watching television, swapping old stories and playing cards. Laura and Nik ended up retiring early, and I followed them. But after a restless hour on Joe's spare futon, I ended up wandering back downstairs. Joe was there, his fedora tucked down to partially cover his eyes as he shuffled and reshuffled his cards. Sometimes he would lay them down for a game of a solitaire, but then he would sweep them back up again and go back to shuffling. The television hummed softly in the background. I picked up the remote and switched off the television, then sat down next to him. "You're up late," I yawned. "Look who's talking," Joe kept shuffling his cards. "You should be in bed. Guessing that you have an early start tomorrow morning." "Yeah, a pretty early start," I agreed. "And what exactly are you doing this time?" "I was asked to hunt Articuno over in the Seafoam Islands," I watched as Joe's Gengar hovered above me, fading in and out against the lamplight. "I really don't know why I took the job. Everything about it smells funny. If he hadn't offered me so much money.." "How much did he offer?" Joe interrupted. "10 million." Joe gave a low whistle, "Sis, you don't turn down that much money, and you know it." "Yeah, not usually." "So what's wrong?" "My client brought up my old team. He made it seem like they have something to do with this job," I picked up one of my Pokeballs and let it roll about in my hand. "That's a period in my life that I don't want to revisit." "Well, looks like you don't have much choice in the matter," Joe dropped the cards and lit up a cigarette. "Sis, I've seen you make a lot of bad decisions in your life, starting with when you ran away from home. You're smart, you're a professional, but you're also a heartless b*tch. You don't give a f*ck about anything or anybody, and you know it. You even managed to betray those guys Roy and Allen, and you were practically ready to marry those two. You're a cold fish sis. A f*cking cold fish." "Maybe I am," I said slowly. "But.. I've changed. I'm different now." "Naw, no you're not," Joe snubbed the cigarette and leaned back. "You're the same Kate I always knew. Wouldn't even acknowledge her own parents when I brought them up. For me to believe that you've changed.. Heh.. You'll have to prove it to me, sis. You're going to have to show me." "I don't have anything to prove." "Yeah? We'll see about that," Joe tossed me half the pile of cards. "Wanna play speed? We've got time." I picked up the cards, and narrowed my eyes. "You're on brother." Joe grinned and dealt the first hand. #3. Schlessinger's Grudge We got an early start the following morning. We sat bleary-eyed as we choked down burned toast and some cereal. Nik paged through a Kanto map book while I read the morning paper, blinking all the while to get the fatigue out of my eyes. Only Laura seemed energetic as she alternately munched on her toast and ranted about what she was watching on television. "Morning guys," Joe abruptly appeared in the kitchen. He was wearing his usual outfit, a backpack slung over his shoulder. His Gengar hovered just behind him. "I see you helped yourselves to breakfast." "Yeah," I mumbled. "We were hoping to finish up and head out before you got down here. Didn't want to intrude any more than we already did." "Well, you *do* want me to drive you wherever you're going right?" Joe helped himself to my toast. "Unless you're planning on walking this time. In that case, I'll just go to bed." "If you could drive us, that would be great," I said. Laura cheered and gave Joe a hug. Nik rolled his eyes from behind the maps. I could hear my cell phone buzzing in my bag, so I excused myself and went to take the call outside. "Yeah?" "Hello, this must be Kate." I could almost feel Damion's cool smirk through the phone. "I trust that you made it to Kanto safely enough?" "Yea, the trip was fine," I shivered a bit as I leaned against the door. It was a cool, misty morning. "I was going to have my brother drive us out to wherever your teams base is." "Oh yes, that's what I was calling about. They are basing their operation out of Vermillion City, but there is no need to make your brother drive that far. One of the team members has graciously offered to meet you at a local filler station at the edge of Fuschia City. He will drive your team the rest of the way to the base." "If that's how it's going to be, that should be fine." "Very good. Let me give you the directions." A moment later, I finish my conversation and wandered back into the house. Joe, Nik and Laura had transferred themselves to the living room, and they glanced up as I walked back in. "That was Damion. We're going to meet one of the team members near the edge of Fuschia, and they'll take us the rest of the way." "Great, saves me a drive," Joe was holding his car keys. "Let's get out of here." -------------------------- Fuschia was closer than Vermillion from Saffron, but not by much. We crammed outselves into Joe's car, and were soon on the local highway. Laura was chatting and flirting with Joe up front. Nik and I were in back, trapped between a case of soda, some old fast food, and alot of magazines. Luckily, the ride was uneventful. Before I knew it, we were pulling into the filler station that Damion had indicated. Joe stopped to gas up the car while Nik and Laura wandered into the convenience store. I sat at he curb and looked for our ride, "Looks like we got here first." "Yeah we did. I did like 80 all the way here." "When are you going to learn to drive like a sane, normal human being?" "I'm not a normal human being, sis, and I'm barely sane," Joe finished gassing up his car and tipped the Makuhita that had washed his windows. The Pokemon dutifully hurried into the store to cash its earnings. "For instance, did you know I spent almost a month hunting for a shiny Flareon recently? That takes talent." "There are plenty of shiny hunters out there," I said. "Exactly my point. They're all completely nuts. Who would want to spend their entire life hunting for a shiny Bagon? They're hard enough to find as it is. But they do anyway. Because it's *sparkly.* Anyway, the real reason that I came with you. I wanna come with you." "What?" I started. "Since when?" "Since last night, big sis," he grinned. "I haven't worked in ages. I'm broke. I'll lend you my services for a cut of the profits. Oh, and I'll cover your back." "I have Laura and Nik to do that for me," I said skeptically. "Haha, see? You really do need me in your company," he paused as he leaned against his car. "C'mon sis, let me tag along just this once. Let me show you what Helluce and I can do." "I'll think about it," I said reluctantly. I really didn't want my brother tagging along, mostly because he was an unknown quantity. I didn't know what skills he had, or if he was any good at battling. For all I knew, he would just slow us down. I was sympathetic to his plight though. I was just about to say 'okay' when a black sedan pulled into the lot. "Is that our ride?" Laura ran up from the convenience store, Nik in tow. The driver's side door popped open and a man wearing a suede jacket popped out. A revolver and several Pokeballs hung from his belt, a Machamp stumped along at his side. I couldn't make out his face, but his clothing and gait were familiar. I instinctively took a step back as he sauntered up to our car. He paused and looked up. His eyes were like flecks of ice, "Long time no see, Kate." I recognized the face now. "Yea Schless, it's been a while." He drew his revolver, "I think we have alot to discuss." ---------------------- Time seemed to freeze as Schlessinger pointed his gun at me, his Machamp cracking its knuckles to his rear. His voice was steady as he spoke, "You're a traitor, Kate. Took me a long time to find you, but here I am. Do you want me to shoot you, or should my Machamp just snap your neck?" I could see Joe starting to signal his Gengar, but I waved him off with a look. I didn't want this to come to a fight if I could help it, "You've changed Schless. You were just a kid when I left. What happened to you?" "You happened. You destroyed the organization. You sold us out. You deserve to die." The hurt and betrayal was clear in his voice. I felt a stab of sympathy, then my temper began to rise. "Well kiddo," my voice was suddenly thick. "Take your best shot." Schlessinger hesitated a moment, but then started to pull the trigger. Too late. He gasped in surprise and anger as the gun abruptly wrenched itself out of his hand and began to float away. He made a futile grab at the gun, then turned toward his Machamp. I had already released Alsace while Laura and Nik added in their Zangoose and Marowak respectively. "Still wanna fight, Schless?" "Tell them to call back their Pokemon. This is between you and me," Schlessinger had lost his cool demeanor now. "You wanna fight like this? Fine. I was always a better trainer than you anyway." "You really think that huh?" I smirked. Still the arrogant kid. His words had the desire affect though. Nik and Laura recalled their Pokemon while Joe grimly called off his Gengar. We faced off. Nobody to disturb us here. I could see why they picked this area for the meeting. I privately rebuked myself for being stupid enough to fall into this trap. Schlessinger abruptly made his move. "Machamp! Cross Chop!" "Blaze Kick now!" The Machamp charged forward, only to be hit squarely across the chin by the faster Blaziken. It howled in pain and grabbed blindly at Alsace, but the Blaziken deftly dodged and delivered another punishing blow to the infuriated Machamp. "Keep moving Alsace! Don't let it get hold of you!" The Blaziken danced in to jab at the Machamp, but one of its four arms darted in and grabbed the unfortunate Pokemon around the middle. Alsace screeched as it was spun around and slammed into the ground with a sickening crack. Ready for the kill, the Machamp leapt high into the air and aimed directly for the prone Blaziken. Alsace rolled out of the way in the nick of time as the Macamp came crashing down, sending junks of concrete into the air as he landed. "Flamethrower now!" "Rock Slide!" Schlessinger's Machamp roared, ripped a chunk of pavement out from where it landed and hurled it at Alsace. The Blaziken tried to duck, but rock caught it across the chest and sent it crashing into one of the pillars that made up the filler station's canopy. Alsace tried to stagger to its feet, but another crushing blow from the Machamp brought the Blaziken down for good. I recalled Alsace and quickly released my Raichu. Errol hit the ground, raised its stubby arms and screeched a challenge. Heady with the scent of blood, the Macamp was all too happy to oblige. It roared and charged the Raichu. Errol's fur crackled as it hit the oncoming Machamp with a bolt of lightning, but that hardly stopped the beserk Pokemon. "Quick attack! Out of there!" My heart skipped a beat as Errol dodged away away from the maddened Machamp and used the beast's head as a springboard to slip in behind it. The Raichu sent forth a burst of electricity, paralyzing the confused Machamp. Raiiiiiiiichuuuuuu! Errol wound up and landed a punch that would have made a Hitmonchan proud. The Machamp staggered briefly, then collapsed. "Got any more for me Schless?" I grinned tightly. Just like old times. Schless bristled and pulled out another Pokeball, "As a matter of fact--" "Stop this now!" We spun around to find that another man had emerged from the sedan. A droopy- mustache and a snow-white ponytail were the newcomer's distinguishing features, his expression was stern. "You've had your chance Schlessinger. Now back off." He turned to me. "As for you.. Hmmph.. Maybe I should've let the kid shoot you." "A-Allen.." "Shush Flyer. I don't wanna hear anything out of you," he eyed me grimly. "We have a job to do, and you're going to help us do it." He started back toward the car. "Now." I shuddered. The kindly glint in Allen's eye that used to be his chief feature was gone. Was that what I did to people? I followed uneasily, the rest of the group at my back. I thought about making a break back to Joe's car, but Allen's look suggested that I shouldn't try anything of the sort. Schlessinger had recovered his gun, his expression like stone as he pointed it toward me. I climbed reluctantly into the Sedan. This job was getting worse all the time. #4. The Black Company It was a long drive from Fuschia to Vermillion. Allen said hardly anything at all, only staring straight ahead as he drove. Joe, Laura and the rest were riding in another car that followed just behind us. I could only hope that Schlessinger hadn't decided to take his frustration on the unfortunate crew. I was at the mercy of my old boss now. I guess it was inevitable that I would have to face up to my past. But you know, sometimes it's just easier to keep running. We used to be like a family. Allen and Roy were the surrogate parents while Torry, Schlessinger, Dante, Mac and I were the kids. We were the Black Company, and we always watched each others back. I was just a kid without a future when I came into their care, and they treated me like one. I wanted so badly to impress them. I would do *anything* to catch their notice. I didn't know just how far I would go until I met Morita. I was having a smoke outside the Espresso, our company's usual meeting spot, when he stepped up and lit one up himself. "Hello." "Hi," I said distractedly. I had alot on my mind that night. I was mostly upset because Roy and Allen had opted to leave me behind while they undertook a job in Johto capturing a Tyranitar. That left me and Schlessinger to babysit the house. Hardly my idea of a good time. "You must be Kate Flyer," he smiled through slightly yellowed teeth. "A pleasure to meet you." "And you are?" "Morita," he said simply. "My organization is in the market for a good hunter. A few of my colleagues directed me to the Black Company. Perhaps you could.. Help me out?" He was still smiling. I shuddered a little and flicked away my cigarette, "The bosses are out of the town. I'm not in a position to do anything." "I see. Well, when they return, let them know that I have a very enticing assignment for your organization. You can find me here anytime," he handed me a note, which I dutifully stuck in my pocket before trying to fish out another cigarette. I was hardly paying any attention to him. "Great, I'll do that. Thanks." "Once again, a pleasure, Ms. Flyer." That chance meeting was the beginning of the end for the Black Company, and for me. ----------------------------- I recalled that meeting later that night. I had been training for much of the night with Schlessinger, and the poor kid was nearly the end of his rope. His Machoke had just taken a savage beating from Alsace, leaving it at the point of exhaustion. I smiled triumphantly as he was forced to recall his best Pokemon, "Face it Schless, you can't beat me." Schlessinger's face was red. "Oh yeah!? Come on out Pidgeotto!" Now here was a challenge. I grinned as I ordered Alsace to stand ready against his new opponent. Nearly as tall as the runty Schlessinger, the fearsome bird was a match for all but the toughest fighters, but I was confident that my Combusken could handle this challenge. "Wing Attack! Go!" "Out of the way Alsace!" Schlessinger's Pidgeotto screeched a battle cry, taking to the air and diving at high speed. The bird tried to buffet Alsace with its wings, but he flexed his spindly legs and swiftly dodged the marauding bird. The Pidgeotto swept back into the sky and chirped angrily as it wheeled about for another attack. Another diving attack. Alsace dropped into a fighting stance, then neatly dodged his attacker again. This time though, the Combusken followed up with an attack of its own. Flapping his stubby wings furiously, Alsace was able sent a gout of flame after the retreating Pidgeotto. Caught offguard, the bird was forced to land as it tried to douse its scorched tail feathers. Alsace was ready. Taking advantage of the moment of weakness, the Combusken leapt in and delivered a hard karate chop, followed by a stunning jump kick. The Pidgeotto recovered quickly though and delivered a hard a peck between Alsace's eyes before taking back to the sky. My Combusken reeled as Schlessinger's Pidgeotto swept around for the finishing blow. "Sky attack!" "Ember!" Alsace was able to launch another ring of fire in time, but it wasn't enough to stop the furious Pidgeotto. The bird continued right through the mini-firestorm, its feathers actually burning as it crashed into my Combusken. The two Pokemon rolled about now, all semblance of discipline gone as the two battled for the upperhand. Brown and russet feathers intermingled with the occasional bit of fire as Schlessinger's Pidgeotto delivered several hard pecks to the overwhelmed Combusken. At last, Alsace was able to push his assailant away and launch a sky uppercut. Caught completely offguard, the Pidgeotto was knocked senseless. The bird fluttered into the air for a moment before hitting the ground as a sad bundle of feathers. "Come back Pidgeotto," Schlessinger said, the frustration evident in his voice. "Good fight," I was breathing hard. It had been a relatively intense battle for a practice round. "That wasn't a good thing. My Pidgeotto couldn't even beat your Combusken," he stared bitterly at Alsace. "I mean, look at that thing. It barely makes a smear on Pidgeotto's beak." "Oh come on, you know that's not true. Let's go back inside. You can beat me at video games for a while," I reached into my pocket for a cigarette and suddenly recalled the meeting with Morita as my hand closed around his note. "Oh yeah, I was going to leave this on Allen's desk." "What does it say?" Schlessinger asked curiously. "Umm.. I think it's a job offer," I murmured as I started to ready. The note was attached to a newspaper clip, which I unfolded. The headline was what caught my eye. Legendary Pokemon Freed in Ecruteak It went on to say that a trainer had stumbled into the town's famous burned-out tower, releasing three previously unknown Pokemon. Hunters from all over the world were already converging in Johto in an effort to catch the rare Pokemon. The going price for just one was in the millions. The note said only, "If interested, meet me at the Gallery." "Huh, this looks interesting," I remarked. "I wonder if Allen and Roy would want to pursue this?" "Probably not," Schlessinger said lazily. "They usually like to take a break after a job, especially ones with travel obligations." "But this is so.. big. We *have* to do it. We could be passing up millions!" What I *didn't* mention was just how desperate I was to actually accompany the rest of the company on a job. If I brought this note to Allen's attention and he agreed to the job, he couldn't help but bring me alone. At least, I hoped so. Schlessinger was like a mindreader. "You think if you bring this up with Allen, he'll bring you along, right? Stop dreaming. We're the kids here." "I'm 17!" I bristled. "Yeah, so? Torry wasn't allowed on a hunt until he was almost 20, and Dante was 25 when he went out for the first time. Allen and Roy are really careful about bringing up their members I think," Schlessinger said thoughtfully. "I kinda understand. I mean, were no match for an Articuno or a Registeel." "Whatever, I'll show them." I crumpled up the note and stuffed it back into my pocket before storming back into the house, too upset to continue the conversation. --------------------------------- Allen's answer was predictable. I left his office upset, sure that he was just brushing me off. Why? Because I was some kid? I didn't know anything back then. But when you're 17, I guess a few things get into your head. Like the idea that you're an adult. Before I knew it, I was packing my stuff and getting ready to leave. I wasn't sure what I planned to do, but my basic plan involved independently capturing one of the three legendaries in Johto, selling it for a huge sum and returning triumphantly to Black Company where they would beg me to return to their fold. Something like that anyway. Morita was waiting for me at the Gallery, a leaky little restaurant that sat near the edge of Lavender Town. He had taken a seat near the window, the Pokemon Tower looming large at the distance, which he seemed to admire. I sat down across from him, "I accept the job." He cracked a faint smile, "Just you?" "Yeah. Just me. I'm an independent contractor." The words sounded tough, but there wasn't alot of conviction behind him. I quailed a bit under his amused gaze and started paging through the menu. I thought about just going back to the apartment and just forgetting this whole thing, but I just as quickly resolved to keep going. Allen's rebuke was still fresh. "Very well then, Ms. Flyer," Morita said finally. "Let me tell you a little of what I expect.. I had a lot to learn. ...... "If only you had done what you were told," Allen said abruptly, his gaze fixed straight ahead. "You had to be so.. god damn.. headstrong." I didn't say anything. All of my hard-earned bitter professionalism melted away, and once again I was a kid recieving a stern rebuke from her surrogate father. Allen took a deep breath, "You had so much potential, and look what you did with it. You squandered it. You squandered your chance to be one of our best. And you ran away from us." "If I had come back, you guys might have killed me." "Pah, we might have roughed you up a bit." "That's why you put out a price on my head right?" Allen squeezed the steering column a little harder, "That wasn't my idea. I'm past the desire to have you killed." "Tell that to the bounty hunter I met up with last year. Or Schless." "Schlessinger is still a child, no matter what he thinks otherwise." "You see? You see? There you go again. That's the reason that I left Schlessinger. I left because of that attitude," I was clenching and unclenching my fists. "I'm sorry that everything turned out the way it did. I'm sorry about Torry. I'm sorry for what happened to the organization because of me. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, god damnit!" I kicked the the bottom of the glove compartment. "Kill me or let me get on with my life. But don't put me through all of this again. Please." "I've already forgiven you," Allen said quietly. "It's the others who still hold a grudge. As for killing you.. Well, we rather need your expertise at the moment." We were pulling up a dingy hotel now. I climbed out with some trepidation, as did the rest of my crew as they pulled up behind me. Allen stood in front of the entrance to the motel, scratching his beard thoughtfully as he let his gaze from one to the other. A moment later we were standing in the motel room where the rest of the Black Company sat waiting. Every one of them fixed me with a stony stare, and I stared right back. I was beginning to lose my patience with this whole affair. "Well, now that the guest of honor is here," Allen slowly closed the door. "I think it's time we get this over with." They were all there. My old organization, the Black Company. Roy was seated at the courtesy table, his face more gaunt than I remember it. Allen stood next to me, his arms folded and his face somber. Schlessinger had moved next to Roy and looked kind of jittery. Dante sat apart from the rest, the long pink scar that ran from his right eye to his ear throbbing gently. At my back was Joe, Laura and Nik. My present and likely future. This was starting to get surreal. "Well Allen, are you going to tell her why she's here or not?" Dante was sharpening a wicked looking skinning knife. "Yea, I'd kind of like to know why we're here," Joe's hands were in his pocket. His Gengar cackled to itself as it surveyed the room. "If you wanna throw down right here, I'm game. I'll start with you big guy," his gaze zeroed in on Roy. "Both of you shuttup." Allen grumbled as he moved slowly to sit down next to Roy. "Kate, you're here at the request of our employer, and that's all. After our first run at the Articuno failed, he insisted on sending us backup. He selected you." "Why did you attack us in the parking lot?" "That.. Was Schless's idea," Allen cast a glance at Schlessinger. "He had a few old scores to settle, and I needed him to get it out of his system so that he could think clearly. To be honest, I don't like the idea of working with your group, Kate. I told Damion as much. But he insisted, and he pays the bills. Roy, would you please brief the newcomers?" Roy stood slowly and unfurled a set of maps, "Two weeks ago we were in the heart of the Seafoam Mountains. Our gear was secure, and we were ready to begin our hike. The Articuno hit us right here," Roy pointed at a spot on the map. "About a half mile up the trail." "F*cking diseaster," Dante shook his head. "We were forced to retreat so that we could heal our Pokemon and lick our own wounds," Roy continued. "Now we're ready to begin the operation again. We will transit across the sea using any available ship. When we hit the islands, we will divide into two groups and start working our way up the mountain. Whoever encounters the Articuno will attempt to hold it off as best they can while the other group does its best to outflank it. It will be a 60/40 take in favor of our organization if we capture it." "60/40!" Laura hissed. "Why should you get more of the take than us?" "Because this is our job," Allen cut her off. "We have been here six months now. Our investment is far greater than yours. 60/40 is a generous share by my reckoning." Laura was about to protest further, but I cut her off, "60/40 is fine. When do we leave?" "Early tomorrow morning. I suggest you get your rest, you're going to need it." ------------------------- "60/40!" Laura yelled again as we reahed the safety of our hotel room. "Who do they take us for? Guild rules say that all cooperating parties will recieve an equal share of the fees," she turned her fury toward me. "And you accepted!" "It's still a four million fee," I countered. "And frankly, we don't have alot of ground to stand on here. We were basically forced together, and now we have to make the best of it." "They didn't look too happy about the arrangement," Joe murmured. "Surprised that they didn't just kill us and get it over with." "It wouldn't have been very profitable for them to kill us," Nik was busy fiddling with a net ball. "They know that they're no match for us the Articuno. I know they said that Damion forced them to take backup, but I'd a hazard a guess that they asked for assistance and wound up with us." "Well they're sure making the best of a bad situation, aren't they?" Laura sighed and slumped on one of the beds. "I'm so ordering room service and putting it on their bill." "You do that. I'm going to wander over to the store," I rose and stretched. "Be back a little later." "See ya sis," Joe waved. Eager to be alone again, I wandered outside and released my tiny Cyndaquil, Chancer. I had recieved him only recently, a gift that came with my captures, and I was still trying to get to know him. "Come on," I gestured to Chancer. "We're going to the store." The Cyndaquil gave a chirp of affirmation. I watched as it trundled after me, struggling to keep up, and smiled. I could remember when Alsace was just a Torchic and could actually sit on my shoulder. I walked slowly down the path, hands in my pockets. Since becoming a Hunter, all I had wanted to be was the very best. A consummate professional. But there was always something getting in the way. Friends, familiy, the past, emotions. I wished that I could just forget all of that. Sometimes it sucks to be human. The Vermillion store was closed when I arrived, some kind of holiday, so I soon found myself wandering back the way I came. It wasn't a totally wasted trip since it let me get some exercise with Chancer. I chafed a little at the idea of returning to the motel, but I knew I couldn't run away this time. Lost in thought, I didn't notice as Chancer abruptly came to a halt and chirped. I almost tripped over the tiny Cyndaquil, cursing as I did an awkward hop step over the Pokemon, "Geez Chancer, what was that for?" I paused. Somebody was whistling a familiar tune as they walked up the path. "Hey Flyer," Dante abruptly appeared near one of the oaks that sat near the path. "Hey Dante." I didn't know what else to say. "Out for a walk?" "Yes." A pause. "So..." "I'll let you be on your way," he smiled thinly, tipped his hat and continued on his way. Halfway down his path, "Oh and Flyer, don't sweat it, alright? Nobody in that room up there would actually hurt you." "What about you?" "Me?" Dante smiled and unsheathed his skinning knife. "Well, I suppose it's always best to watch your back." Sheathing the blade, he resumed his curious, lighthearted tune as he wandered down the path. I shuddered and hurried back to the motel. ------------------------------- I slept fitfully that night, dreaming little as I woke up hour after hour. I tried a glass of warm milk, running through every Pokemon type in my head and wearing a sleeping mask. Eventually I just gave up and settled down in one of the Motel's armchairs and brought Chancer up into my lap. I stroked his velvety fur and drifted off into my own world. I woke up in that chair as the sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon. The others were still snoring. Joe's Gengar drifted from Laura to Nik, peering into their dreams and cackling. I rose and took a shower, then dressed quickly. Gathering up my gear, I walked outside and headed for the docks. Wingulls chirped and cawed at one another as they pestered and harried the fishers who were returning with the morning catch. Allen was at Dock 9 chatting with a grizzled looking sea captain. He noticed my approach and nodded, "You're up. Good. Have you met Captain Fargus?" "Nice to meet you." "And you lass," he spat out a glob of chaw. "A pleasure, heh." "Fargus will be taking us back into the Seafoams. He has some experience navigating the shoals there. Is your company ready?" "Good then. We set sail in an hour." "Did that I hear that right?" Joe appeared behind me, rubbing his hands against the morning chill. "We're setting sail in an hour?" "I guess so." "Great, barely enough time for breakfast." "You might want to skip that. I know what you're like when you get in a boat," I grinned and poked at him. "Like the time you were retching all over the deck on that cruise to Johto." "They were rough seas!" Joe was blushing. "C'mon sis, you never gotten a little seasick?" "Not as much as you," I smiled. I was glad that Joe was along for this hunt. Sometimes he helped me to forget myself. One by one, the remaining members of both crews wandered down to the docks to find the rest of us waiting. An hour later, Allen checked his watch and nodded. "Ok, let's get going." We all clambered onto the trawler and steeled our stomachs. The Seafoam Islands were just ahead. It was going to be a rough ride. #5. The Blue and Blue When we got to the ocean, I was relieved. I happen to be pretty fond of the open waters between Kanto and Johto. Lorraine sits about a half mile down the road from the beaches that lead to the sea, and I spent alot of time there when I was much younger. I found the sand and salty breeze invigorating. Maybe in another life, I could have been a sailor. Not so with Laura or Allen. Laura vanished into the cabin almost as soon as we set sail. Allen sat on one of the benches in the boat's aft section and tried not to look sick. "'Lo missie," Fargus nodded as I wandered up to the helm. "Enjoying yourself, I hope? Aye, a good day for sailing, it is. Maybe some of crew'll go fishing later today." I stared out into the ocean. It was an unending carpet of wavy blue set against a grey relief, a sea that seemed to forge into eternity in every direction. I shrugged, "Yeah, it's pretty nice. How much longer until we arrive at the Seafoams?" "Patience lass," Fargus furrowed his brow as he stuck a cigar in his mouth and lit it with a free hand. "We'll be several more hours at at sea before we even arrive at the ice floes, then it's another few miles beyond that to the Seafoams. O'course, that's assuming we don't go keel to keel with old Stormfin." "Stormfin?" "Aye, Stormfin," Fargus stared wistfully at the lazy cloud of smoke drifting from the end of his cigar. "I took 'is eye once, but that was as close as we ever got to defeating or capturing it," the captain smiled and patted the revolver holstered at his side. "He's a monster, that one. A shipwrecker. We've never been able to stop 'im before. Nobody ever has." "Sounds like a challenge," I smirked as I pulled Errol's Pokeball from my belt. "I wouldn't mind a new addition to my collection." "Hah! Sure of yourself, then?" "I do this for a living." "Heh, you may have a chance then, miss," Fargus smirked. "But not much of one." "Hey sis," Joe walked up. I looked him up and down and felt a stab of regret for bringing him along. His fedora, which was pulled almost completely over his eyes, only barely masked his greenish pallor and sullen eyes. Joe had never been one for the ocean. "I don't suppose you've seen Helluce." "No? Why?" "Don't know where he went," Joe sighed. "I'm not surprised or anything. He goes off and does his own thing alot. I would just rather have him at my side right now. I have a bad feeling about this trip." "It doesn't have anything to do with you heaving over the side, does it?" "Well.. A little.." "Haha!" Fargus laughed, "A real lubber you are. Who's this Helluce? I'll keep an eye out for 'im." "He's my Gengar." "Spirit-keeper, eh?" Fargus nodded knowingly. "Aye, we're of the same ilk, boy." The captain pointed toward a violet cloud of smoke that lingered near one of the ship's mast. "My Misdreavus, she is. Found little missy near Lavender town. Just a wandering spirit. Heh. The spirits live on a plane apart from ours. Consider yerself lucky to 'ave such a rare Pokemon." "Thanks," Joe glanced down and seemed to digest that, then he looked to me. "Wanna go below decks? This air is making me feel sick." I glanced out at the waves and thought of Stormfin with a shudder. As much as I love the sea, I didn't disagree. ------------------------ I bumped my head on the ceiling when we went below the deck, a harsh reminder to bend over as I walked through the cramped quarters. I immediately felt sorry for Roy and Nik. Seemingly twice my size, they sat hunched near the room's lone table playing a game of cards. I sat down next to the hammock where Laura lay and tried to smile reassuringly, "Feeling better?" "Hah, no," Laura managed a smile, then belched and lay back. "It's not fair.. I grew up in Saffron City. I'm not built for this seafaring stuff. They tried to feed me seaweed," she gestured weakly at a pair of crew members who sat further down the passage. "I just want to get back to dry land. I'm okay with that. I can walk around without being.. urk.." "You and me both sister," Joe was fanning himself with his hat. "Dunno what you're talking about," Nik glanced up from his hand and smile. "In my old merchant fleet, we rode trawlers half this size all the way to Johto and back. I used to spend all day prying Staryus and Tentacool and from the side of the hull. It was pretty thirsty work, you know?" "Less talk, more dealing," Roy mumbled from behind his cards. Nik smiled and returned to his hand. The cabin abruptly silent then. We laid back and listened to the sounds of the ship. The creaking, the hum of the engine, the pounding of the waves. I thought I heard a Wailord, but it may have just been Dante cleaning his knife. Joe fell asleep, his hat pulled over his eyes, and Schlessinger soon joined him. I sat with my Cyndaquil and absently stroked the tiny creature's furry back. Nik finished his hand and quietly slid over next to me, "How're you doing over here?" "What do you mean?" "Oh you know," Nik shrugged. "Been tough on you, I know that. Can't say what it would be like to have my old shipmates trying to kill me. Imagine it would be pretty stressful." I glanced at Roy, then Schlessinger and Dante, and shrugged. "It had to happen sometime. We're all hunters here." "Speak for yourself," Nik sniffed. "Much prefer the technical side of things." He suddenly brightened and pulled out his pack. "Look at some of the great stuff I found for this operation." He pointed excitedly at a long cylinder. "I found that at a police auction. I think it used to belong to Team Rocket." "What does it do?" I stared at it skeptically. "Capture cannon. It fires this really sticky thread that immediately hardens into a substance like.. Well, I suppose you could say its like a Spinarak's web," he said proudly. "I can't wait to try this out." The rest of Nik's equipment was the standard array of souped up Pokeballs, stun guns and netting equipment. He described all of it with growing pride, throwing in details about where he found it and whether he souped it up or not. I was just examining a Stickyball, a device of his own making, when the ship shuddered. I glanced quizzically at Nik, "Wonder what that was?" "Ummm.. Don't know?" He shrugged. "Well, you should know. Weren't you the great sailor once?" "Haha, funny," Nik shook his head. "We've probably just arrived at the ice floes, alright? Now look at this.." "Think I'll go have a look," I stood and brushed myself off (no bumping my head this time) and sent Chancer back into his Pokeball. "I know it's probably nothing. I just need a breath of air." "Fair enough," Nik nodded and packed up his myriad equipment. "Maybe Roy'll want to play another hand of cards." I smiled and headed up to the main deck, grateful to get away from the stifling air and cramped conditions. When I arrived, I found the deck in chaos. Much of the crew had lined up on the starboard side of the ship both fore and aft, semi-automatics held nervously at the ready. A few Pokemon, a smattering of Raticates and Linoones, stood with their masters while Wingulls actively patrolled the sky. Captain Fargus had moved up to the fore, his revolver loaded and ready. His Misdreavus had materialized now. It wandered restlessly through the crowd, occasionally pulling faces at the crewers or giving them sour looks. "What's going on?" I stared at the rows and rows of hardened sailors that lined the ship's railing, looking ready for anything. "Stormfin missie," Fargus said grimly as he gripped his revolver tighter. "The old bastard was sighted off starboard, and now we have to be ready for anything. Could strike at anytime, it could. You'd best go rouse your companions." I hesitated a moment, staring out at the ocean one more time. I could see the ice floes in the distance, and further beyond were the Seafoam Island. The sea was beautiful, a perfect mirror that reflected the steel gray sky, our ship and the ice floes beyond. The ship lurched again, and I was brought back to reality. So much for a smooth trip. These seas were about to get a lot rougher. -------------------------- It wasn't long before the entire ship was on the lookout for the elusive Stormfin. Several crewers had manned harpoon guns while the Black Company stood ready with a litany of Pokemon ranging from Schlessinger's Machamp to Roy's Feraligatr. Of their number, only Dante had neglected a Pokemon, choosing instead to wield his skinning knife and a hefty looking revolver. He grinned wolfishly and winked at me when I glanced in his direction, and I quickly returned my attention to the sea. Occasionally, somebody would shout and fire into the water, certain that he had seen the flash of crimson that signified Stormfin's passing. "Nothing's happening," Laura whined, her complexion sallow. "Why are they making us stand out on the deck like this?" "Because we'll all be dead in our beds if Stormfin shows up with only one person on the watch," I murmured. "Don't you want a shot at catching it? It's probably worth big money to somebody." "I don't even know what a Stormfin *is.* Why would I want to catch it?" Laura grumped. "It's been hours. Please let me go back downstairs, will you? I'm about to throw up." "No worries lass," Fargus abruptly appeared. "Ye can go back to bed if you like. I'm about to order everybody to stand down anyway." "Really?" Laura brightened. "He might still be out there though," I protested, trying to mask my disappointment. I really wanted a crack at the thing. "No Stormfin today missie. Count yourself lucky," Fargus glanced over the sea. "We're in the ice floes now. Ol Stormie won't follow 'is prey into the floes. Too hard to navigate for the brute." I was about to reluctantly agree when one of the watches yelled excitedly, "I saw 'im Captain! I saw 'im!" "What did you see? Better not be another be another Staryu.." For a moment we were all galvanized back into readiness, even Laura. We anxiously scanned the sea for any hint of red, but the minutes ticked by and nothing happened. A few groans went up from the crew, and a few even started to head back to their cabins. I hardly remember what happened next. I think I was wrenched off my feet as we were hit by a fifty foot wave that nearly capsized the ship and gave me a nasty bump on the head. A few of the sailors had been washed overboard, and I heard their cries intermingle with the pathetic shrieks of the Pokemon who had been dumped overboard with their masters. I spotted Schlessinger among their number as I hunted about for a life preserver. I had just seized upon one of the familiar donuts when I saw Stormfin. Crimson red, with glittering jaws and one wide, unblinking eye, it was far bigger than any Gyarados had a right to be. Its screeches rattled the eardrums as its furious thrashing kicked up waves that easily dwarfed our tiny vessel. It shrugged off a hail of bullets and vanished. Seizing the moment, I snatched the life preserver and hurriedly tossed it to Schlessinger. He coughed and sputtered as I hauled him up onto the deck. I whacked him on the back once and he vomited what seemed to be a gallon of seawater, "Are you going to be alright?" "Yeah I think I'll.." "Here it comes again!" Stormfin had reappeared to port, and now geysers of water vaulted into the air as the Gyarados prepared another attack. "Harpoons!" I screamed at one of the sailors and shoved him toward one of the vacant cannons. "Get the harpoons ready!" Nodding numbly, the crewer stumbled back to my station as I reached to my belt, "Errol! Go!" Raichu! "Thunderbolt that thing!" Raiiiii.. It was too late. The watery onslaught came again as we were pounded by the massive waves generated by the Gyarado's outrage. Apparently satisfied, Stormfin now slithered up to the ship and actually wrapped us up in its fearsome coils. I could hear the ship groan from the stress as the creatures powerful coils rippled and bunched in an effort to tear us apart. "Errol! Now!" This time there was no mistake. Aided by the water that now flooded the ship's deck, Errol sprang onto its nail and seemed to erupt into a otherworldly surge of electricity. Stormfin raged and shrieked and a pain as it was struck dumb by the ferocity of the counterattack. It released the ship and slithered back into the water to nurse its wounds. "Don't let it go! Harpoons!" Too late, the harpoons splashed fruitlessly into the water. I stood on the deck, soaking wet and sobbing for air. The screams of the wretched crew came to my ear, many of them scorched beyond recognition by Errol's attack. I shook my head and turned away, unable to bear the sight. "Is it gone?" Laura was gasping. "Is it gone?" "No, I don't think s-" As if on cue, Stormfin returned! This time the ship was lifted bodily into the air by the beast's massive, impossibly strong coils. Moans of pain turned to shrieks of terror as we were tilted sideways and shaken, sending many sailors to their doom below. I latched onto the the ladder that lead to the helm and held on tight. Desperate sailors held tight to whatever they could find, some of them firing their handguns or throwing harpoons. Snatching up a shotgun that slid past me, I added to the futile fusillade. This only seemed to enrage the beast further as its coils began to crush the ship like a tin can. I kept firing, trying desperately to aim for the eyes, but then I heard a plaintive wail. Raiiiiichuuuu! I could see Errol tumbling from the deck to the sea below. The shotgun fell as I grabbed blindly for a Pokeball. "Errol! No! Hold on!" I scrambled to try and catch the Raichu in midflight, the Pokeball's red capture beam missing once, then twice. At last, it struck the Raichu, converting it to data and bringing it back to the ball's safe confines. It wouldn't be safe for long though. In the desperate grab, I had lost my grip from the ladder. As I tumbled from the ship with a hail of people and equipment, I could see Stormfin snap the ship in half and toss it away like so much rubbish. I hit the water with a whoosh and tried frantically to stay above the water as Stormfin submerged once again, creating an almost irresistible drag. A moment later, a piece of falling debris from the ship rendered my efforts moot. I sank into the abyss, certain that I would never rise again. #6. MIA My encounter with Stormfin didn't kill me, though by rights it probably should have. I don't believe in an afterlife, it's just a little too convenient. I prefer to live my life under the assumption that there are no second chances. So when I hit that water, I was hardly surprised at the nothing that greeted me. No dreams; no paradise; no anything. Just the way I like it. What did surprise me was the warm, wet feeling on my face. I woke to find little Chancer trying his best to revive me by furiously licking my face. It squeaked and jumped back as I came to with a moan. I blinked a few times to clear my eyes and gauged my surroundings. I was wrapped in a blanket near a campfire. I spotted Dante sitting off to the side whittling a piece of wood. He glanced up once, then went back to his work, "Welcome back to the world of the living," he said dryly. "Yeah right," I winced as I sat up. I had a nasty headache, but I was otherwise unharmed. Grateful to see that I was alright, Chancer promptly trundled into my lap and went to sleep. I sat there a while, warming myself by the fire, before speaking up again, "Do you know.. What happened to the others?" Dante didn't appear to hear me. He went on whittling without interruption. There was suddenly a strangled cry, "Oh my god! You're awake!" Laura hit me like a thunderbolt, alternately hugging me and shaking me as she cried. "You stupid.. Oh my god.. I thought you were dead for so long and.. You're awake!" "You're.. very.. perceptive.." I managed. "Could you.. please stop shaking me?" "Oh my god," Laura stopped shaking me. "I'm just so glad you're alive. I'm so.. so glad." "Hey, is she awake?" Joe popped into the clearing with an armload of firewood. He had somehow managed to hold onto his fedora, though it looked a little worse for wear. He smiled broadly at me, "Hey sis, you had us worried." "Yeah, I had me a little worried too," I peered into the darkness. Where was Nik? And Allen? And the rest of the crew? "Is there anybody else?" "Um, no, it's just us. Oh, and him," Laura shot a nasty look at Dante, who smiled. "We found the captain next to you. He didn't make it. And the others," her voice faltered. "I don't know what happened to Nik. We looked up and down the beach for hours but.." The tears were coming again. I wiped them away and gave her a hug. "We'll find him. Promise." "O-ok," Laura sighed. "I believe you." "You should," I turned to Joe. "Where are we?" "The Seafoams," Joe was feeding the fire now. "Looks like the tide carried us in. Brought in a few others too, but I think Stormfin had a go at them first," he wrinkled his nose. "We're not alone. We've spotted at least three helicopters since landing here. We've tried to signal them, but I guess they never saw us." "Hmm.." What were helicopters doing over the Seafoams? There wasn't much to see around here save Articuno. Maybe Fargus had gotten a distress signal off? I cast about for a way to contact the helicopters, "How's our equipment doing?" "Not too well," Laura said gloomily. "All we have left are those two bags. There a couple Pokeballs.. Some other things. And look! My CD player got water in it, so it doesn't work anymore." "Are you sure that's the only thing that took on water?" Dante smirked. "What's *that* supposed to mean?" Laura growled. "Oh nothing," Dante smirked as he finished whittling. "Well Ms. Flyer, you seem to be the leader here. What's your plan of action?" I shot a look at Dante. He could be such an arrogant jerk sometimes. Unfortunately, in this case he was right. I stood thinking, keenly aware that all eyes were on me now. Finally I shrugged, "We've gotta get the hell off this island." "And abandon Nik!" Laura shrieked. I winced, "We're no good to Nik or any of the others if we die of exposure out here. We don't have anything in the way of supplies and all of our equipment is shot. We need to save ourselves while we still can, ok?" As soon as I finished speaking, I regretted my words. Laura looked like she was about to burst into tears as she started shoving some of our remaining food into one of the packs. "F-fine.. We'll save ourselves and get away and we'll just leave Nik to beaten by wild Luvdiscs and stuff. Well.. Okay! I don't care! Let's just.. Go!" She slung the backpack over her shoulder. "Well!" "Oh will you sit down?" Dante rolled his eyes. "We'll be back for them." Laura shuddered once, still trying not to cry, then sat down on the ground and crossed her arms. I threw a helpless look at Joe, "Look Laura.. Nik means alot to me too. But the best way to help him is to find a rescue crew," I glanced up at the sky. "Don't you think we'd have an easier time finding Nik if we had the help of those helicopters?" "Yeah, I guess.." Laura sniffled. "I know what we have to do. I'm just scared for Nik." "I know," I gave Laura a little hug, not sure what else to do. "Now come on, let's get to sleep. We can get started in the morning." Laura nodded and lay down on the ground, dropping the bag with a thunk. I shrugged and lay down next to Joe. Dante started whittling another large stick. I sighed. My headache was only going to get worse. ---------------------- It was still dark when I sat up, unable to sleep any longer. The fire had burned low, and I shivered a bit from the morning chill. Dante was still awake. He smirked at me as I tried to rekindle the fire, "Do you know that you talk in your sleep?" "Oh really," I threw a few wet sticks into the fire, but that didn't seem to help. Joe and Laura were snoring in the background. "What do I say?" "Mostly gibberish," he paused. "Two things I caught though. You cried out while you were drowning. And you apologized to Torry." I felt my heart leap a little, and my face flushed. "Look, don't bring that up, alright? Now isn't that time." "Now is always the time," Dante kicked a log into the fire, causing it to abruptly flare. "Roy swore to kill you for that you know. You killed his beloved.. younger.. brother.." "Shuttup, alright?" I tossed one of the bags at Dante. "Here, load this up, asshole." "Whatever you say," Dante started loading some scattered equipment into his bag. He paused a moment and smirked, "I have to ask.. What was going through your head when you accepted that job?" "None of your business, alright?" I gritted my teeth. "You know, I don't remember you being such a prick while we were working together." "Life's been good to me." I shot another look at Dante, but he was busy feeding the fire. We went about our business for another hour without speaking to each other when Laura and Joe stirred. Eager to look for a way off the island, we were soon on the trail. It was good to be walking. I was still sore from my ordeal at sea and my head still hurt, but at least I wasn't sitting around the fire exchanging barbs with Dante. The air was crisp and cold as we made our way along the winding trail through the wood. I could make out the mountains towering above the tree tops. I squinted, trying to catch a glimpse of Articuno, but had no luck. "So how are we going to get off this island?" Joe asked. "We're going to find out where those helicopters are going," I said. "They're probably our ticket off this island." I paused and turned to Laura. "Hey, do you think you could send out Echo to survey the island?" "Yeah, I think I can do that," Laura fished the appropriate Pokeball out of her bag and released her Crobat. It leapt into the air with a screech, blinking its eyes against the harsh sunlight as it circled our party. "Echo! Look for Nik and um.. A way off the island, k?" The Crobat acknowledged with another screech and took off over the treetops. I called a halt and sat down, "We might as well take a break here. Echo will have an easier time of it than we will." The group obligingly sat down to rest their feet. Joe pulled a bit of a rice ball and a couple sandwiches, and we munched on what remained of our dwindling supplies in silence. "Guess we won't be able to catch Articuno," Laura looked wistfully into the moutains. "And she's such a pretty bird." "The legendary birds have no gender," Dante pointed out. "They weren't even able to breed Mew. The Rocket scientists had to clone it." "I know," Laura smiled. "But something that beautiful couldn't possibly be male." "Think I'll take exception to that," Joe winked as he finished his sandwich. "Awww, I didn't mean it that way," Laura smiled. "You're gorgeous." She stopped and blushed a little, suddenly realizing what she had just said. I smiled, glad that Joe had managed to take Laura's mind off Nik, if only for a moment. "Hey, is that the Crobat?" Joe pointed. Sure enough, Echo came wheeling into the campside to land at Laura's side. She listened carefully as the Crobat delivered a message in a complex series of screeches and chirps, then turned to the group, "Um.. Echo says he knows where the helicopters are from." "You can actually understand that?" Dante said skeptically. "Laura has a talent," I shrugged. I didn't pretend to understand Laura's capacity for understanding Pokemon either, but it had been extremely useful in the past. "Well?" "They're um from.. They're from Team Rocket." -------------------------- Rockets! Sure enough, we found a group of them not far from our campsite, huddled around a fire of their own. A few tents had been pitched, and armed Rocket guards were patrolling the premises. "Guess that cancels the helicopter option," I sighed. Now we were really stuck. Alone with no equipment or supplies, and on an island swarming with Rockets no less! This was going to be tricky. "Why do you suppose they're here?" Joe suddenly had an edge in his voice. He had dealt with Team Rocket before. "I imagine they are executing a major operation," Dante said non-chalantly. "My best guess is that they want to capture the Articuno for their genetic experimentation." "No wonder why Damion was in such a hurry to get us out here," I murmured. "He must be in competition with the Rockets or something." "Well, what do we now?" Laura sounded dismayed. "I don't know.. Capture a helicopter?" "Are you out of your mind!" Laura's eyes went wide. "They've got guns!" "And they kind of outnumber us 2 to 1, sis," Joe pointed out. "Well, what do you wanna do? Sit here and let them capture us?" "That may be exactly what happens," Dante said quietly. We turned to find that a Rocket had broken away from the main group, his gun drawn. A Houndoom was sniffing at the ground ahead of him, only a few ways from our hiding spot. We all froze. "Oy, Eddie!" I heard a voice from the camp below. "Where ye going, eh? C'mere and get the tents pitched." "Aye mate, be right there," the Rocket waved him off. "Blackie 'ere thinks he's found something." "Prolly just a bloody Pidgey. Get back down 'ere!" "Nay mate. Give me a moment." Blackie was getting dangerously now. It whuffled as it sniffed carefully at the ground near our shrubbery. It paused, wagged its tail once, then thrust its nose into the tiny grove to come face to face with Laura. They stared at each other a moment, then the Houndoom began to growl. "Sssh.. Sshh.." Laura whispered frantically. That only got the Houndoom excited. It started barking loudly, causing the Rocket below to start. Dante threw a look at Laura, "Well *now* you've done it." Before we had time to react, he leapt from the shrubbery and slit the unfortunate Rocket's throat. The Rocket slid lifeless to the ground as the whole camp went on alert. "Oy! Up there! The rest of 'em!" "Get 'em mates!" "Run! Scatter!" I pushed Laura away and ran full tilt into the woods, the Houndoom in hot pursuit. I barreled down the path, daring only once to glance over my shoulder. The Houndoom was gaining fast, easily making up ground with its long, graceful strides. I took a deep breath and tried to put on an extra burst of speed, but it was too late. "Get off me!" I shrieked as it pinned me down and snapped at my face. I tried to reach for Alsace's pokeball, but another snap at my hand discouraged that. We rolled through the dirt into the bushes, each trying to get the upper hand. I could hear it whuffling, its white eyes rolling furiously as it tried to lock on my throat. With a furious shove, I was able to knock it off-balance, giving me time to get to my pokeballs. Alsace was on the Houndoom in an instant! Blackie yelped as it was dealt a crushing blow to the head by the furious Blaziken. It rolled back onto all fours and sprang at Alsace, knocking him to the ground and forcing him to the defensive. The Houndoom clawed at Alsace's eyes and snapped at his face, but the Blaziken was able to gain some leverage and deftly threw tail first into a nearby Oak. The Houndoom recovered quickly, and now the two injured combatants circled each other warily as they looked for an opening. But it was a moot point. The battle was over. "Look what we've got 'ere mates?" A pack of Rockets armed with revolvers and submachine guns had emerged from the bushes. "Drop your weapons, lass. This battle's over." "F*ck you," I spat. I made to run again, but one of the Rockets fired and caught me squarely in the back with a rubber bullet. I yelled and dropped like a rock, racked with sobs as the pain radiated from my lower back. A weighted net was thrown over Alsace, and the Rockets moved in. The leader clucked reprovingly, "Wrong move, missie. This is just not your day, is it? C'mon lads, get 'er back to base. Gotta let the boss know we've got the last one." A Rocket struck me over the head with the handle of revolver, and the scenery faded. #7. Night and Day For the second time in two days, I awoke with a splitting headache and an aching back. This time though, circumstances were much worse. I was bound and tied at the center of the Rocket camp, my legs and arms completely useless. I choked and wheezed on the dirty sock that served as a gag while leering Rockets jabbed at me with the end of their rifles. Occasionally, a Raticate or a Houndoom would wander over to have a sniff at me, which always set the Rockets into uproarious laughter. "Oy mates," one of them piped up. "Whaddaya say we 'ave a bit o'fun with the lady, eh? Heh.." "Aye aye Ralph-o," another grinned. "I 'aven't 'ad me a woman in a fortnight. This one looks scrummy.." I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to play dead. They sauntered over to where I lay, laughing and joking amongst themselves as they tossed scraps to their Houndoom. I resolved to take a hunk of flesh out of their hands if they tried to remove my gag. No need. A ragged, crackling voice abruptly gave my would-be assailants pause. "Whaddaya scumbags think yer doing?" The newcomer growled. "You were told to leave 'er alone." "Awww, 'ave a heart, Colin," Ralph whined. "It's bleeding dull on this isle, it is. Was only meanin' to get to know her." "Save it," Colin sneered. "Now get 'er up. Malcolm means to 'ave a word with her. He doesn't need you two idiots bonking her behind his back." "Have a care mate," Ralph looked wounded. "Just leave the lady to me, Colin. We'll take good of her, won't we Roy?" "Oh aye, very good care," Roy burst into an uncontrollable bout of sniggering. That did it. Colin was red-faced as the trio began arguing loudly, leaving me to my own devices. I wiggled once and gained a little ground to the left. I glanced up to see if there was any reaction, but the Rockets were knee-deep in their argument now. I did my best to roll discreetly toward the edge of the camp, my eyes constantly open for any wandering Rockets. My hopes for an easy escape were dashed though as a shotgun was jammed intomy cheek. I craned my neck upward and squinted. The Rocket pushed the shotgun hard against my face, and tsk'd as I gave a muffled moan in return. The Rocket's Weezing drifted down to examine me listlessly as he unbound my feet and dragged me up, "Come along now. You wouldn't want to be late for your meeting, now would you?" ------------------- The Rocket moved me away from the melee at the campsite and escorted me to a lavishly decorated tent. He said nothing as he shoved me into the tent with the end of his gun and took up position at the entrance, leaving me alone to wait for their leader. The Weezing drifted in with me, settling happily in a nearby garbage can and belching foul gasses. I wrinkled my nose and tried to scoot away. A heavy hand landed on my shoulder, "Why don't you sit down." I was pushed down into a chair as my assailant walked smoothly around his desk and poured himself a cup of coffee. Upon first glance he was a heavy-set man, but closer inspection soon revealed that he was all muscle. He was clad in Team Rocket's standard black; the crimson "R" on his shoulder. His eyes were quick and intelligent. He adjusted his red beret as he sipped his coffee, "Well now, you gave us quite a chase. You should be proud." I stayed silent, waiting to find out what he wanted. He scratched at his scraggly beard and tossed a dead Rattata to his Weezing. The Pokemon growled and belched happily from its spot in the garbage can as it caught its meal to a cascade of oily gas. "Well, allow me to introduce myself," he turned back to me. "My name is Malcolm. You are my prisoner here today because I have a task for you." Another sip of the coffee. "We've been keeping an eye on you since you departed the mainland. We had hoped to engage your services when you hit the beach." "Sorry about that," I bit out. "We were delayed." Malcolm smirked as he tossed another Rattata to his Weezing, "This one has a sense of humor I see. Well, anyway, we were able to collect several of your companions without too much difficulty. And now we have you, the ringleader." My heart leapt. Allen, Roy and the others could still be alive! But my new found enthusiasm was tempered by the realization that they were probably in Rocket hands, just like me. Malcolm didn't seem to notice my change in demeanor as he crouched and carefully scrutinized me, "I know that you are working for Damion." I stayed silent. We glared at each other for a few moments, then he had another sip of his coffee. "Well, if you'd like to remain silent, that's fine. But I will find out why you're here. I have my own suspicions but.. Well, I'd rather not do this the hard way, Ms. Flyer." "I'm here on business," I ground out. "Here to sabotage our operation then?" More silence. "Are you going to answer me?" "Go to hell." Malcolm a deep breath and closed his eyes, "I'll give you one more chance to tell me why Damion and Dominic hired you and what his intentions are for the bird." I glared at him. Malcolm's expression soured, "Then this will be a very long night." He reached to his side and drew a long skinning knife. "Harold, block the door so she can't run. I have work to do." --------------------- I still have the scars from the night, though I honestly don't recall what happened after a certain point. All I remember is being thrown into a makeshift pit following my interrogation and blacking out. When I woke several hours later, I was in agony. I was covered in cuts and bruises, and my right eye was swollen shut. I reached gingerly to my left ear and blanched. Part of it was missing. I groaned and lay down, shivering against the night air. I thought back to my apartment in Rustboro and thought of warm nights training my Pokemon. I thought about Damion and just how little I really knew about him. I thought of Laura, Nik, Joe and all the others who had followed me on this stupid expedition, and I felt a twinge of guilt. I had dragged them into my past and my vendettas. They had no business fighting my fights. But then, I could almost hear Laura's reproving voice. Silly, we *wanted* to go, remember? I groaned and put my head back down. I was just on the verge of falling asleep when a voice filled the void, "Sit tight. We'll be leaving soon." I jerked awake and scanned the top of the pit. I thought I saw a sillhoette of a man in a Rocket uniform, but I blinked and he was gone. I was just beginning to think that what I heard was my imagination when the voice piped up again, "Looks like Malcolm did a number on you. Sorry about that." "Who are you?" I squinted. "I'm sorry if the uniform confuses you. I work for Dominic. I'm here to make sure that you are able to continue your mission." "How does Dominic know that I'm down here?" "He doesn't. He assigned me to keep you out of trouble," the voice said. "F*ck," I cursed. "How many people have been watching me since I left Hoenn?" "You'd be surprised," the response was blunt. "You're in the midst of a shooting war, lady. Dominic and Damion mean to replace Rocket at the top of the business, and to do that they mean to have Articuno first." "And why should I help them defeat Team Rocket?" I bristled. "It sounds to me like they mean to replace them." "They do. It's business. You understand that better than anybody else, I hear." "I'm not going to capture Articuno just so that it can become Dominic's toy in his war with the Rockets," my voice was thick. "I already did that once, alright? I want out of this operation." "You can either help us capture Articuno, or you can stay right there in that pit. It's your decision." I ground my teeth, hating the position that I had been forced into. Why did I keep ending up with jobs like this? Mostly because my would-be rescuer was right. It really had been all business to this point. You're a cold fish sis. A f*cking cold fish. Yeah Joe, I know. Thanks. "Get me the f*ck out of this whole." "We've got a deal then?" "Yeah." Something was thrown into the pit. "Put that on. And try not to be conspicuous." It was a Team Rocket uniform, complete with beret. I grimaced and started to get dressed. I had a job to do. --------------------- The man who pulled me out of the pit was a young man who couldn't have been older than 25. His fearsome green eyes flashed as he looked me up and down, but that was hardly his most striking feature. He had hair that went to at least his waist, a fiery red mane that was tied into a neat ponytail. "My name is Vail," he shook my hand briefly. "I already know your name." "Well, that's good to know," I glanced around the camp. We appeared to be largely alone. "Where are the rest of them?" "Hunting," Vail said solemnly. "Dominic has agents all over this island. They are trying to distract the Rockets long enough for you to capture Articuno. They've done their job. Now you've just got to do yours." "What about my companions?" "I don't know," Vail shrugged. "At least one escaped. He made contact with us not long after you were captured. The rest were taken to camps across the island. I think you may have to fend for yourself." Wasn't that the case? "Then let's get out of here." "Right," Vail nodded. "Keep your head down." We walked quickly but carefully through the Rocket camp, making conversation with the guards when neccessary, but always keeping up the pace. Occasionally a patrolling Houndoom would stop to sniff at us, but Vail expertly turned them away at the last moment. His hand always remained near the pokeball and the revolver that he kept at his belt. I hoped he wouldn't have to use them. Sooner than I realized, we were out of the camp and into the woods. "That was easy," I murmured. "There are patrols everywhere. We're not out of this yet." We hurried through the wood, occasionally ducking behind a row of bushes or behind a tree as a Rocket patrol wandered by. It was a tricky game. I expected to be discovered at any moment. At last, we arrived at a clearing. "You can take her now," Vail said. I glanced about, uncertain who he was speaking to. "Good, I'll take it from here," Dante appeared behind me. "You should learn to be more careful, Flyer. This isn't a game anymore. We have a job to do." "I didn't bargain on this," I growled. "Our line of work is full of surprises," he said placidly. "You know that as well as anybody." "I'll leave you to your work," Vail nodded. "I best be getting back to the camp before I notice that I'm gone," he glanced up at the mountain. "Capture the bird. We'll have somebody waiting to extract you if and only if you succeed. Don't fail." He turned to me, "Your Pokemon," he dropped several pokeballs into my hand. "You'll need them." Vail melted into the wood, leaving me alone with Dante. We stood there for several long moments, the tension palpable. "Can you do this, Flyer? Or am I going to have to send you home?" "I'm not a child anymore," I said coldly. "Heh," Dante turned and headed into the wood. "If you say so." I followed, cursing loudly. Articuno's mountain loomed in the distance. #8. Fire and Ice It was two days before we took a real break from our relentless hike to the mountain. Three days of poison ivy, brambles, burrs and every other unpleasant bit of plant life you could ever imagine. I had never been cut out for hiking, but this was the worst. Still, we didn't stop. Stopping probably meant death. We finally came to a halt in a small clearing, the mountain looming not far off. Already we could find largish hills springing up here and there along the trail. Dante was on one such hill providing lookout, leaving me to rest and care for my Pokemon. I shivered and warmed my hands next to Ripley's tail, occasionally taking a break to toss a few pokeblocks to the eager Errol, Alsace and Chancer. I was just trying to figure out how I could cook a dinner using the fire on Ripley's tail when Dante reappeared. "Activity to the north," he mumbled as he ate a wafer from his pack. "We may have to get under way soon. Damion's forces are forming up to cut them off while we make our way to the mountain." "Great," I said dully as I took a wafer of my own. My thoughts turned to Joe, and I felt a pang of guilt. He was out there somewhere, probably a Rocket captive. I wish I had told him to just stay home. I mean, if I made it, and he didn't, what would I tell mom and dad? Would they want their runaway daughter to tell them about their dead son? "Have you heard anything about the rest of the team?" "No," Dante replied blandly. I was about to question him further when he tossed a pack to me, "More supplies. You're going to need them when we get to the mountain." I shrugged and glanced inside the pack. I found several Pokeballs; a revolver that could be loaded with tranquilizers or bullets; a jacket; ammunition; a pair of binoculars and some freeze-dried food. Several of the items were decorated with a familiar looking "C." What did "C" stand for? "Hey Dante.." Dante was gone. I sighed and shoved the supplies back into the bag, ready to move on by myself. My erstwhile partner could catch up with me later, if he felt like it. God Dante had changed. Had he always been this shifty? I remembered him as being fairly interesting and outgoing, always taking time out to give me a tip on battling or hunting. Now he was just a jerk. Dante wasn't the only one who had changed though, I thought ruefully. Schlessinger had been ready to gun me down at that gas station. The usual outgoing Roy barely spoke to me before he vanished. Allen was just angry. I paused along the trail. They all hated me, and here I was wanting to save them. Maybe I had changed too. I sure hoped so. --------------------- The path grew darker as I moved along. The tree cover had grown so thick that I couldn't even make out the full moon anymore. Ripley stayed a few steps ahead of me, growling to itself as it waved its luminiscent tail back and forth to illuminate possible points of ambush. There was no sign of Dante or the Rocket. Damion's crew remained similarly out of sight. The skin on my neck pricked slightly, and I spun around. Was something watching me? But there was nothing, only shadows. "Stay close to me, will you Ripley?" The charmeleon oblidged, and the the sudden warmth from its tail reminded me of how cold it had become. Shivering, I opened the pack and pulled out the jacket, a simple fall coat with a red 'C' embroided on the back. I frowned as I slid it on. Sis? I froze, "Joe?" Sis, you've gotta help me. "Where are you!" I yelled louder than I probably should have. I clamped a hand over my mouth, then looked about cautiously, "Joe? Are you there? Joe?" They've got me sis. You gotta help me. "I can't help you if I don't know where you are!" I pleaded. The sound of footsteps abruptly shook me from my reverie. Panicked, I searched frantically for a hiding place before finally diving into the nearby foliage. A moment later, two Rockets with submachine guns and an accompanying Raticate appeared on the path. "Swear I 'eard something.." "Probably just a pidgey you stupid lout," the Rocket's companion cuffed him. "No Lawrence, it was a shout. Bloody pidgey's don't shout. You think its those hunters we're looking for?" He began to scan the nearby bushes, "Oy, anybody there?" "Well if it is them, they certainly aren't going to respond, idiot." I watched the argument from my hiding place with baited breath and hoped that they wouldn't just leave soon. I hoped they wouldn't notice Ripley's fiery tail waving from behind the bushes. The argument was winding down now, and the second Rocket seemed to have won. I was beginning to relax when I heard a low laugh. The first Rocket, a man named Andrew, jumped, "What the bloody hell was that!" I stifled a shout a pair of yellow eyes and a grin appeared just in front of me. The Gengar winked at me and vanished. A moment later, the Rocket's shadows began to move. "What's that!" Lawrence pointed. "What's what.. Ah!" Andrew shrieked as his pants abruptly dropped, then pulled the hapless Rocket down in a tangle of legs and boxers. Lawrence looked on in horror as Andrew pants, seemingly now with a life of their own, began to drag his companion bodily down the path. "Help me mate! Help me!" "I'm coming!" Lawrence was ashen. He started after his companion, a stray rock hit him square in the back of the head, laying him out senseless. Andrew was sobbing and praying now as he was lifted up and made to hang upside down from a nearby tree by his pants. That stopped a moment later as a rock knocked him out with his companion. The Raticate squealed and fled down the path, leaving its two masters to the unseen force's mercy. I stepped out from my hiding spot, still not sure if my eyes were devieving. "Helluce.. Is that you..?" Gengarrrrr.. The ghost was laughing as it fully materialized on the path. Gengarrrr.. Gen-gen-gen.. Genngarrrr! "Was that you pretending to be my brother?" It nodded once as it vanished and reappeared at my side. Ripley hissed and tried to take a swipe at the wayward spirit, but that only seemed to amuse it more. I gently placed a hand on the charmeleon's head to hold it back, "Do you know where he's hiding?" Another nod. My heart lifted, "Well we've gotta go find him! We've.." I paused. I could hear gunfire in the distance. I frowned and glanced up at the sky. As if on cue, several bursts of fire lit up the night and sent down showers of sparks. "Maybe we should get off the path," I murmured, and Helluce seemed to agree. There was a lookout point not too far away I scaled the rough pile of stones with binoculars in hand, grimacing as I scaped my hands and knees. Before too long I was above tree level, giving me a clear view of the area at the mountain basin. I scrambled up one more boulder, then sat and pulled out my binoculars. I could make out gunfire and tiny figures battling it out at the mountain's base. The Rockets were on a frontal asault up the mountain. Many were carrying shields on the backs of Rhydons as they inched slowly up the mountain path, a hail of bullets flying down in response. I frowned as I focused in on the opposition. They were darting fast between boulders and trees, making it difficult to get a fix on them I spotted a red scarf, then a blue helmet. I blinked and focused in as best I could?" "No.. That can't be.." But the uniforms were unmistakable. The Rocket's opposition were clad in multi- colored jumpsuits with scarves for rank. My binoculars turned to focus on a familiar face directing the battle from the rear. "Morita!" I gasped. There was no doubt about it. I was working for Cipher. --------------------------- I stared at the scene below, overwhelmed by feelings of horror and betrayal. I dropped down to my knees and let the binocular fall as the battle unfolded before me. I was just a pawn in their stupid war. All I had ever been was a pawn. I thought of Dominic, then Damion, and wanted to spit. No wonder Damion had been so interested in my past. "I see that you decided to have a look at the battle below," Dante stepped up behind me. "Beautiful, isn't it? Team Rocket has no idea that they are walking into a trap. A few minutes from now, they will be destroyed. All that will be left is for us to capture the Articuno and collect our reward." "We're working for Cipher, Dante. We can't turn the bird over to them!" Dante frowned, "Oh, I see the secret's out. Well then, let me say that we can indeed turn the Articuno over to Cipher. It will be their instrument of victory over the pathetic Rockets." "You knew about this," I stepped back, the realization settling in. "Of course I knew about this. I work for them now, you know," Dante smiled. "Dominic and his son rescued me just as surely as they rescued Cipher. They gave me a purpose after the Black Company died." "Cipher killed the Black Company," I snarled. "No, you killed the Black Company, Kate. You destroyed us with your f*cking freelancing," Dante's face was suddenly red. "You let Torry die! And you bankrupted us! And you made sure that our name was dirtied in every hunting circle in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Orre!" "Because I worked for Cipher," I retorted. "Just like you are now." "You don't get it do you? You really don't get it. The Black Company was dead the minute you betrayed us. Cipher just buried the corpse," Dante turned his attention to the sky. "This is a revolution, Kate. Pretty soon Team Rocket will be dead, and Cipher will take their place. Just watch." I shivered as I was suddenly struck by a blast of wind. A snowflake fell and lit on my jacket, then another and another. The wind and snow temporarily blinded me, forcing me to back away slightly and lower me head. When I regained my sight, I could only stare. Articuno! The sparkling blue bird was at the center of a snowstorm that now engulfed the entire mountain. The Ciphers had long since departed, leaving the Rockets to take the brunt of the storm. A few of them took pot shots at the Articuno, others just tried to run. A blast of ice froze them in their tracks. "Now the coup de grace," Dante was still smirking. "Sheer Cold. The most powerful attack in the world. Only Fissure can begin to match its power." The snowstorm had become so heavy that I couldn't see the Articuno anymore. Ripley cowered behind me as Articuno reappeared in the center of a vortex of ice high above the mountain. I threw myself to the ground as the vortex suddenly erupted into a light so bright that it immediately blinded whoever looked directly at it. When I look up again, the Articuno was gone. The landscape below was littered with ruined trees and frozen Rockets, all of it covered in a thick layer of ice and snow. The blizzard abated, leaving a light snowfall in its place. "Well, what do you think?" "You.. Traitor!" I spat. "Traitor? You still don't understand." Dante said softly. His skinning knife was out now, and an Arbok was uncoiling at his side. "I've been waiting a long time for this, Flyer. Damion made me a deal when he sent me on this mission. If I could obtain Articuno, he would make sure that I had my chance to cut out your heart. It would been a touch of irony if you had helped me to catch Articuno, but I suppose that's past now. This will be just as satisfying." "I don't die easily." I said coldly, the revolver from my pack coming easily to my hand. Ripley hissed at the Arbok, his tail fire a bright blue. "You can have Articuno over my f*cking dead body." "I believe that's the idea." Dante's knife flashed quicker than the eye could follow and deftly buried itself in my side. He stood behind me now, his breath washing over my neck as my life ebbed away. He yanked the knife away and shoved me to the ground. "Be seeing you Kate. Say hello to Torry for me." #9. Graveyard I don't remember much of my encounter with Dante. My last memory was of crawling down the hill, blood streaming from my side, certain that this time I would die. I was wrong, as usual. I've been told that I never completely passed out. I just lay in the snow, delirious from blood loss and hypothermia. Usually a person slips into a coma in the cold as their body slows and begins to shut down. You can survive for a long time in that semi-stasis, neither dead or alive. For two days I alternately slept and raved as I was pulled through the forest on the remains of a helicopter hatch. I finally regained my senses on the night of that second day, and immediately wished that I hadn't. Aside from a still aching side, most of my extremities had been badly frost-bitten. I sat in front of the fire, alternately screaming and cursing as my toes began to thaw. "Shhh, It'll be okay sis," Joe murmured as he draped another blanket over me and added to the fire. Helluce hovered nearby, occasionally drifting near enough to have a swipe at my waking nightmares, but Ripley always hissed and swiped at the wayward ghost when it got too close. "It hurts!" I was like a little kid again. I just wish there wasa band-aid big enough to cover a knife wound. Where was a chansey when you really needed one? We went like this for an hour before I finally ran out of energy and passed out from sheer exhaustion. I never stopped to consider why I wasn't dead, or where Joe had come from. All that mattered was sleep. ------------------------- When I woke the next morning, I was back on my makeshift sled. Joe was trudging through the snow just ahead of me, the rope slung over his shoulder as he pulled and grunted. Ripley noticed that I was awake and grunted. "Joe.." "Sis, you're awake?" Joe abruptly stopped, then walked over and kneeled next to me. "How ya feeling?" "Need a cigarette.." "Sorry," Joe apologized with a half-smile. "I lost all of my cigarettes in the shipwreck." "It's okay," I sat up and shivered. "I guess that it would be kind of tough to stop and build a fire, huh?" "Well, actually.." I watched as Joe pulled a few dry logs from his pack and began to build a woodpile at an astounding rate. He finished by beckoning Ripley to him and using the charmeleon's tail to light the fire. Joe and I sat there awhile, just warming ourselves by the fire. Finally, I spoke up. "Joe?" "Hmmn?" "Pardon me for asking this," I winced as my side continued to throb. "But how did you find me?" "Well, it's kind of a long story," Joe glanced down at the ground, seemingly refusing to meet my gaze. "Umm.. I was captured by the Rockets, like you were. And uh.. When the Articuno attacked.. Well, it took out all of my pursuit I guess. I was walking through the woods trying to find survivors when I ran into Helluce. He lead me to you." A pair of slitted eyes were hovering behind Joe's shoulder. He had been at last reunited with his gengar. "Now it's my turn for a question," he broke in. "And I think I have a good one. What the f*ck happened to you?" "Dante happened," I winced. Joe blanched at the name. "Dante?" "Yeah," I pointed at my side. "Here's where he put his skinning knife." "Oh my god," he shook his head. "That son of a b*tch. I knew he would betray us somehow. I just didn't know when." "I didn't know that he would," I said quietly. "I guess he's changed." "Oh, he hasn't always been a complete bastard?" "No. We actually used to be friends.. Kind of.." I shook my head. "But he blames me for what happened to the Black Company, which is completely insane because he also happens to work for Cipher now." "Wait a minute, Cipher?" "Yes," I turned away, suddenly ashamed of myself. "Damion and his father have resurrected Cipher. We were working for them all this time. I was helping them to catch Articuno. I was making the same damn mistake all over again." "Come on sis, don't blame yourself." Joe put his hand on my shoulder. "It's not like you knew." "I should have known!" I hissed. "Just like I should have known back then. I delivered Suicune and Raikou right into their hands. I was god damn full of myself, I thought I could do anything. But I couldn't, and the whole Black Company paid for it." The memories were coming back now. I really had been full of myself. I had raked in the money by finding Suicune and Raikou in Johto, though it was really Torry who did most of the work capturing them. I thought I could get Entei all by myself. But I got in trouble trying to catch it. It had trapped me. It was mad. Torry came out of nowhere and tried to save me. A moment later, he was completely incinerated. Nothing left. Cipher wouldn't accept that I couldn't capture Entei. They accused me of reneging on my contract. Then they sent in their troops to punish the Black Company. I started the whole thing the day I met with Morita at the Gallery. Now I was doing it all over again. "Maybe Dante was right," I balled up my fists. "Maybe it really was all my fault. My Cipher just happened to be in the right place at the right time." "Sis.." "Let me finish," I cut him off. "But you know what? I'm not going to let it happen again. I'll be dead before I see Team Rocket or Cipher get hold of Articuno. I swear to god." I fell back, suddenly exhausted. Joe noticed my fatigue and offered a sympathetic hand, "Sis, you're in pretty bad shape. How do you think you're going to stop them?" "I'll capture that bird myself," I glanced up at the nearby mountain. "We're almost to the mountain aren't we? We can beat them to Articuno." "Sis, do you realize that you almost died up there? You should be in a hospital right now." "F*ck the hospital," I struggled to my feet. "Before I'm done, I'll do to Dante what he did to me a hundred times over. Now c'mon Joe, get the hell on your feet." Joe shook his head in amazement as he climbed to his feet, "Well sis, lead the way." ---------------------- I wasn't nearly as healthy as I put on, not by a longshot. Twice I staggered and nearly fell, to be helped to my feet by Joe. Once I almost considered asking for Joe's makeshift sled, but I thought better of it. "Sis," Joe huffed from behind. "Slow down.. Geez.." I slowed down a bit and bent over, "Sorry, we're just losing time, alright? Who knows how close Cipher is to capturing Articuno?" "They might already have captured it," Joe pointed out. "You were completely delirious for like two days, you know. They could have done a lot in that amount of time." I stared up at the mountain peak and tried to imagine Cipher capturing Articuno. My thoughts were broken by the sounds of a helicopter whirring overhead. Joe and I jumped off the path and into the a clump of foliage as the helicopter continued to the mountain. I pulled out a pair of binoculars and tried to get a look at the helicopter's insignia. Sure enough, I spotted the familiar "C" on the tail, "That's a Cipher copter. They haven't captured Articuno yet. They must be getting ready to spring something big though." "I wonder why they haven't moved yet?" "They probably figure that they have all the time in the world," I replaced the binoculars. "I mean, with me dead and Team Rocket completely decimated, who do they have to stand in their way?" I cracked a smile and continued down the path. My side was throbbing again, but I did my best to ignore it. As we walked, I noticed that the ground was beginning to fall into more of a scoop pattern. The path seemed to be running along a ride, with the rest of the forest dipping down into the mountain valley. After almost two hours of walking, we emerged from the forest and gained a full view of the valley below. "Oh my god.." I gasped. "Yeah.." Joe's eyes were hard. "It's all just a graveyard now." I had seen Articuno wreak his destructive havoc on the valley below, but now I had a much better view of it. Jeeps, helicopters, balloons and other equipment lay in a frozen wasteland. Worse were the bodies, many of them frozen where they stood. The path began to wind downward back into the valley, and it wasn't long before I found myself among these dead statues. I flinched as I saw one Rocket fully encased in ice, his eyes still fixed upward. "Sheer cold," I mumbled. Even Suicune and Raikou could not command the frightening power that Articuno seemed to hold. What could it do to a city, or a country? We came to a stop in front of a tiny marker. It looked like the remains of a helicopter tailfin. Somebody had etched out "Niklas" on it. "What's this?" I furrowed my brow. Joe stared at the marker for a long time, his brow furrowed. He turned away from me, his voice low, "I'm sorry Kate, but I had to show you. You deserved to know about this." "What? What's going on?" Joe took a deep breath, "When I was taken to one of the Rocket camps, I was imprisoned with Nik. He had been there since the shipwreck. He, you know, covered for me there. Made sure that the guards didn't give me too hard a time. The night of Articuno's attack, we were finally able to break out with the help of.. Well, I guess a Cipher operative, now that I think about it." I thought back to Vail. He had been a Cipher operative too. How could I not have seen it? "Anyway, we made a run for the valley here, and we ended up right in the middle of a fight between the Rockets and Cipher," Joe shook his head. "He took a bullet.. And then.. Oh my god Kate.. Articuno appeared. And he told me to make a run for it, he couldn't follow. And he was.." Joe broke down into sobs. I stood by numbly, not sure what to do. "Joe.. Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?" "I couldn't bring myself to. It was too hard," Joe shook his head. "My god, look at me. I didn't even have the nerve to acknowledge the guy who saved my life." He took off his fedora and curled his lip. "I'm sorry." "No it's okay," my eyes were fixed on the marker. I wasn't feeling anything at that moment. The only thing that I could think to do was turn and hug Joe. "He was my friend. You're my brother. I'm glad your safe." "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I couldn't just tell you. I had to show you," Joe dropped his fedora on the makeshift marker and backed away. "Are you going to let him keep the hat?" "Yeah. He deserves it more than I do," Joe turned away. "Let's.. go. I can't be here anymore." He started off down the path, but I lingered. Nik had been my friend for a long time, but I didn't know what to say or feel. How was it possible that he died, and I kept surviving time and again? I shook my head and headed after Joe. Maybe it was all just luck of the draw. Maybe. #10. Reckoning I had never been colder in my life. I guess the blood loss was starting to get to me. I shivered almost uncontrollably as I walked, at one point having to be propped up by Joe as we went. Worse, the going was beginning to get tough as the snow continued to fall. The path was almost completely covered, and the mountain only seemed to get further and further away. I couldn't get my mind off Nik, nor could I get the lump out of my throat. My steps felt like lead and my head hurt. I wasn't crying though. Mostly, I was filled with questions. What had his final moments been like? What would I tell Laura? Mostly though, I wondered why he had to die. It was so damn unfair. I thought of Nik being frozen under the sheer cold, and I quickened my pace. I would never let Cipher have that kind of power. I was so deep in thought that at first I didn't notice Joe slow to a stop. I glanced up and noticed that he was several paces behind me, staring intently down the road. I thought I could make out two pinpricks of light. I walked back to Joe and squinted into the distance, "What do you think those are?" "I think they're headlights." "From what?" Nothing more needed to be said. Hearts pounding, we hurried off the road and back into the graveyard. We huddled behind some wreckage and blew our hands against the bitter cold as we watched and waited. It was indeed a pair of headlights. A Team Rocket jeep rolled to a stop where we had been sitting, and a pair Rocket grunts climbed out. "Aye, there we something 'ere. Saw 'em myself, I did." They stood there a moment, hands in their pockets as they glanced about, before another jeep pulled up and a Rocket executive climbed out. "What are you two idiots doing?" "Lloyd thought he saw the girl and 'er brother," the first Rocket shrugged. "No sign of 'em anywhere, chief." The Rocket executive turned to Lloyd, "What did you see?" "Pair o'figures on the road, boss. They hurried from the path as we began to approach. Think they must be around here somewhere." "You're probably right. Good work," the executive nodded. "Spread out and find them." "Won't have to look very hard boss," I saw Lloyd pointing to where we sat. "Look 'ere, footprints! Just follow 'em to the gold, mates." The Rocket snickered and started toward our hiding spot with his comrades. "Shit," I muttered. Joe and I huddled there, barely daring to the breath as the Rockets gradually approached. Suddenly an alarm was sounded from behind us, "There they are! Get 'em, lads!" Joe grabbed my hand and yanked me to my feet, and we were off. We slogged through the snow as best we could, the Rockets hot on our trail. I tried hard not to get tangled up with Ripley, who was right on my tail. Another pair of headlights abruptly appeared as a second jeep veered in front of us and came to a halt. We quickly changed direction as the Rockets leapt out to give pursuit. Exhaustion was beginning to slow me down. I slowed and grabbed my side, and that's when I felt a hand grab my shoulder. I whirled and punched the offender as hard as I could in the nose while Ripley roared and leapt upon the unfortunate Rocket. The delay proved costly though as we were abruptly surrounded by Rockets, all of them bristling with guns and Pokemon. "I was hoping we wouldn't have to chase you," the executive bit out as he pushed his bloodied trooper aside and looked me up and down. "You're wanted back at our base. You can come quietly or you can resist. I don't suggest you resist." I glanced at Joe, who shrugged helplessly, and raised my hands slightly. "Lead the way." ------------------------ It wasn't long before we were back in the woods where we started, the mountain further away than ever. I cursed, wondering how I would get away from the Rockets a second time. This time there would be no Cipher agent to help me escape. My hands were bound behind my back, and just for good measure, my feet were bound too. They had allowed us to keep our Pokemon though, and they hadn't disposed of our weapons. "What do you think they want?" I whispered through gritted teeth to Joe, who was sitting next to me. "I don't know," he was staring hard at the floor. "I thought that the Rockets had been completely wiped out. I watched Articuno destroy them." "Yeah, I did too. Dante was gloating about it the whole time," I shrugged. "Guess they got some reinforcements, huh?" "I guess." I felt curiously lightheaded sitting in that Rocket jeep, the scenery rushing by. For some reason, I wasn't worried at all. I ferverently hoped that I wasn't going to shock. I really didn't need that at the moment. It wasn't long before we came upon the Rocket camp, nestled firmly between the trees. Our little convoy ground to a halt near the main tent, and a pair of Rockets pulled us out. Joe and I stood there, hands and feet bound, as the Rocket executive headed into the tent. "I wonder if they'll just shoot us and be done with it," I mumbled to Joe. "That's a cheery thought." "There will be no dying today," a familiar voice growled behind me. I started and turned to see a familiar face. Allen nodded once as he worked to loosen my binds, "Well Kate, are you surprised to see me? It certainly took us long enough to find you." "Allen! What are you doing here? You're not working for Team Rocket are you!" I gasped accusingly. He wasn't wearing Rocket black, but he might as well have been. What in the world had happened in the intervening years since my departure? Apparently everything had been turned on its head! "I don't work for Team Rocket," he finished loosening my binds and moved on to Joe. "Call it an alliance of convenience I guess. I'll explain a little more later." Our binds gone, Joe and I stood in the middle of the Rocket camp, uncertain what to say. Finally, I was able to speak up, "Where's the rest of the company?" "Schless and Roy are with me. Your friend Laura is here too," he paused and furrowed his brow. "We don't know what happened to Dante or Niklas." I felt Joe sag behind me, and my own relief at knowing that rest of the crew was safe was tempered by what I had to tell Allen. "We met up with Dante, Allen. He's alive." Allen visibly brightened, "Where is he?" "He might be on that mountain now," I stared up at the peak jutting just above the wood. "He works for Cipher now. He betrayed me and left me for dead." "What!" The big man's face abruptly went red. He stood there, his fists clenching and unclenching. Finally, he spoke up in a husky voice, "You're lying." "You know I'm not lying," my voice had similarly dropped. We stood there glaring at each other, the old anger suddenly white hot. I could see the struggle on Allen's face as he tried to figure out what to believe. Finally, he called out to Joe, "Is she telling the truth?" "Yes," Joe nodded slowly. We stood there for another minute before Allen finally nodded in grim acceptance. "This complicates things a bit. Come on, we have things to discuss." ---------------------------- Schlessinger, Laura and Roy were sitting together in a small tent on the periphery of the camp. When Laura saw us walk in, she squealed and leapt to give us both hugs, "Oh my god, when they said they couldn't find you, I thought for sure you were all dead! Oh my god, oh my god," she paused suddenly. "Where's Nik?" "Um.." "We need to get down to business," Allen gently guided Laura back down to the blanket that served as her seat. "Kate, I know that you've met Malcolm." "Yes," I nodded. "Well I haven't," Joe squinted. Malcolm flashed a smile from the corner, where he was barely noticeable, but said nothing. That left Allen to the introductions, "He is the commander of the Team Rocket expedition to this island. He's also our main contact with the Rockets." "And how did we end up allied with the Rockets?" I started to go red. "What are we doing working with him!" "An alliance of convenience, nothing more. We don't expect you to adhere to our ideals," Malcolm was still smiling as his Weezing hovered in through the doorway and took its place at its master's side. "I understand that you are mercenaries, and that your services were engaged by Dominic and that brat of his. Well, I have decided to co-opt your services. Team Rocket will pay you double what the Cipher's offered." I felt the hair go up on the back of my neck at the thought of handing Articuno over to the Rocket's at any price, "And when was this deal made?" I demanded. "Not long after your escape," Allen said wearily. "We've been looking for you ever since." "We are preparing a final assault upon the Cipher position," Malcolm patted his Weezing affectionately, and I struggled to keep from throwing up. "While the enemy is engaged, you will attempt to capture the Articuno." "What was that attack on the mountain? I thought that was your final attack?" "That was an expeditionary force designed to test the Cipher defenses," Malcolm shrugged. "Unfortunate for the Ciphers that they brought their final attack to bear on a fraction of our strength. They will pay for that mistake." I thought back to the reams of Rockets on the mountain. That was a fraction of the Rocket's strength? "We will leave tonight in an effort to catch them by surprise," Malcolm continued. "You will be ferried to the top of the mountain in one of our helicopters. The Articuno should be roosting, and thus present an easy target. For a successful, we will pay you 20,000,000. Consider the offer carefully." Malcolm nodded and left, leaving us to ourselves. I stared at the tiny gathering and tried not to throw up as I digested what I had just heard. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore, I had to get out of there. "I need a cigarette," I announced, and I was gone. I needed time to think." ----------------------------- I stood not far from the tent, in the midst of the Rocket camp, and smoked a borrowed cigarette. I haven't smoked in years, but right at the moment I really couldn't stop myself. I felt like everybody I had ever known had betrayed me. There was nobody left to trust. I stood and watched as the Rockets hurried about in an effort to organize the attack. Executives briefed a horde of Rocket grunts while automatic weapons and Pokeballs were passed around. Several Rhydons were being outfitted with plated armor while mechanics put the finishing touches on their jeeps and helicopters. There would be a bloodletting tonight. I didn't want any part of it. I heard footsteps behind me, and I flicked away the cigarette. I didn't even have to turn around to know who it was, "I'm not going to do it Allen. I'm not going to give them Articuno. I don't care how much f*cking money they offer." "No, you won't," Allen said softly. "I have already seen to it that you won't have to turn over the Articuno." "Oh really? And how will that work? We'll be stranded on an island, and the Rockets will be our only ticket off. We can't just run away/" "Yes we can," he said gravely. "I have paid off one of their pilots. When the time comes, a helicopter will be available to extract you from Articuno's nest. The Rockets won't know a thing until they come looking for us, and by then it will be too late." "I never bargained for any of this sh*t," I shook my head. "Why am I even here, Allen? I could have just said 'f*ck the job' as soon as I saw you guys, and been done with it." "Maybe you were looking for a little redemption?" He offered. "Have I find any of that?" "Maybe not yet, but soon." "You'll just forgive and forget if I help you guys get the Articuno?" "No, probably not. But it will be a first step," Allen lit a cigarrete for himself and offered the pack. I sighed and lit up again, and we just stood there for a while. "Do you know why Dante decided to betray us?" Allen asked quietly. "He blamed me for what happened to the Black Company," I said bitterly. "He said that he came back to the Black Company just for a chance to get back at me. He's obsessed with revenge." "I see," Allen smoked quietly. "I hope he finds peace someday." "He'll find his peace in the grave," I growled. "If I see him, I'll f*cking kill him." "We must all do what we feel is right," Allen turned back to the tent. "The Black Company used to be my family. You were my daughter, and the rest were my sons. It hurts to see the children fighting like this." I flushed despite myself, "Sorry.." "Well, the family isn't dead yet. You're back at least, and of course I still have Schlessinger," Allen nodded. "Maybe things will turn out for the best after all. But first, I think we have a job to do. I'll see you in a couple hours." "Yeah, I'll see you then." Allen smiled a little and headed for the command tent, probably to talk to Malcolm. I stood with the remains of my cigarette and shivered a little against the cold. Turning back to our little meeting tent, I felt a sudden stab of regret. I would be heading out on the job a man short. There was some unfinished business at hand before I tried to capture Articuno. I headed back toward the tent and tried to prepare myself for Laura's reaction. In a lot of ways, I was more interested in fighting Dante or dueling with Articuno than telling Laura the news about Nik. I don't like to cry. But sometimes there's just a few things a girl has to take care of before getting into a knife fight. I took a deep breath and stepped into the tent. #11. Bloodletting Laura didn't take the news well. She sat wailing in the tent, screaming and gnashing her teeth as I did my best to hold and comfort her. I didn't know what else to say, so I didn't try. We were like that for over an hour, Laura screaming like a wounded animal while I hugged and gamely held on for dear life. And then, it was like somebody hit a light switch. The tears stopped, and Laura huddled up with her knees to her chest. We sat in that unnerving silence for a moment before I finally spoke up. "Laura.." "I need to be alone." That was my cue. I hustled from the tent and patted my pocket for a cigarette. I was in luck - One left. I lit up, cursed myself for getting back into this stupid habit, and stood watching as the Rockets continued their preparations. "Your fighting for the wrong side, Flyer," a familiar voice reached my ear. I spun to find Vail standing behind me, his arms crossed. He was still clad in his Team Rocket uniform, his scarlet hair neatly tied back. "I went through all that trouble to get you away from the Rockets, and where did you end up? Right back in their hands. Even better, you're working for them now." "I don't think Cipher is any better than Team Rocket," I hissed. "On a lot of counts, I think your crowd is a lot worse." "Well, my organization certainly doesn't have the best reputation," Vail shrugged. "On the other hand, we aren't the ones who are about to be ground into dust. Think about it Flyer, we're about to usher in a whole new world. With Team Rocket defeated, trainers will never again have to worry about having their Pokemon stolen and governments won't have to worry about genetically engineered menaces like Mewtwo. It'll be a whole new beginning. Sounds nice, doesn't it?" "Trainer's won't have to worry about theft," I ground out. "But they'll have to worry about your f*cking shadow Pokemon." "Well, the whole shadow Pokemon idea wasn't exactly my idea," Vail shrugged. "Ein can do whatever he wants with his spare time. I'm here to save the world from Team Rocket. Are you coming with me?" I glared at Vail for a split second, then started to go for my revolver. Vail was faster, "Nice try. If that's your answer, I'll be going now. So much interesting news to report to the boss. And don't bother following me because I can gun you down at three hundred yards." I growled in frustation as he turned and waved, "Be seeing you, Flyer." ------------------------- I didn't tell the Rocket leadership about my little encounter with Vail. Instead, I immediately sought out Allen. Pulling aside from one of his meetings with Malcolm, I whispered, "Cipher had an agent with the Rocket. They know about the offensive." Allen nodded gravely at the news, "Hmmn.. Not unexpected. We should be fine." "What do you mean? Do we want Cipher to defeat Team Rocket, or something?" "Not neccessarily," Allen said thoughtfully. "I think we are more concerned with allowing the two organizations to bleed each other white. That should allow us time to make good our escape." I shivered a bit against the cold despite the heavy jacket that I had on loan from Team Rocket, "The Rockets may be massacred, you know that right?" "That's a risk I'm willing to take," he put a hand on my shoulder. "The outcome of this operation rests in the hands of you and your organization, Kate. I'm going to trust you to make it out alive." "Do you know who you're talking to?" I felt a twinge at my side, and I winced. "Yes, I think I do now," Allen removed his hand. "I'll be with the Roy and Schlessinger in the air. We'll do our best to keep an eye on you, but we'll mainly engaged with Cipher. You'll be largely on your own once your dropped off." "Don't worry, I'll be fine." As the words came out of my mouth, I spotted Malcolm and his entourage exiting the tent. They nodded for Allen to follow. He started to head off, then paused, "Not many people get a second chance to make a first impression. Make it a good one, Kate." Rockets were everywhere now as they ran to their stations and made their preparations. Executives donned body armor and mounted their dodrios. A line of rhyhorns lead by a solitary donphan snorted and whuffled against their body armor. Helicopters and jeeps started their engines. Grunts were issued rations, cigarettes and a cyanide pill. They stood fiddling nervously with their automatic weapons as they stared at the mountain ahead. I felt a light touch on my shoulder, "You ready to go sis?" "Joe!" I spun. "What do you mean I'm ready? I'm always ready. What about you, are you ready?" "Are you serious?" He tipped his fedora. "Scout's motto. Always be prepared, you know? Gotta look after my big sister. Don't want Mom and Dad to get mad at me." "Joe.. Where did that fedora come from?" "I don't know, it's a mystery." "Kate!" Laura ran up behind Joe. "Is it almost time to leave?" "Laura!" I started. "What are you doing here?" "I'm ready to leave!" She said nervously. "But.." "I'll be okay," Laura shivered. "We have a job to do right?" "Guys," I cracked a nervous smile. "Thanks for the support, but I can go this alone. I've got business to settle with Dante." "That's what you think," Joe winked and lit up a cigarette. "Ok, that's better. Too bad Rocket really suck. Where was I? Oh yeah. Laura and I have business to settle too. You're not the only one here who had a tough trip." "I'm going to see this thing through, okay?" Laura stamped her foot. "For Nik." "Yeah, for Nik," Joe agreed. "Besides, Allen would f*cking kill us if we didn't go with you. Somebody's gotta keep an eye on you, what with your thing for getting stabbed and all." I smiled. I loved my brother. The sound of footsteps interrupted our reverie as a stern-looking Rocket walked up to your group, "You must be the hunters. Well c'mon, get along now. Ye have a helicopter to catch, mates." I cast a glance at my two companions, "Are you ready?" I recieved two firm nods in return. Laura glanced at Joe, and I could see the tears welling up in her eyes again. But just as quickly she wiped them away again, "It's time to go!" ------------------------------ The Rocket army was already under way by the time we reached our transport helicopter. They thundered out of the forest and into the valley leading to the mountain, an impressive array of weezings, dodrios, rhyhorns, houndooms and soldiers. For our part, we climbed calmly into the helicopter, our equipment loaded and ready. I had to yell to Joe and Laura as the helicopter rotors started up, "Okay guys, standard capture job!" I was all business now. "We've got tranquilizers and net balls, so we'll use those to take her out of the air before we go for the capture. Laura, you know what to do! Just make sure Echo stays out of the way of those ice beams! And Joe, you know how to use a gun right?" "Are you kidding me?" Joe grinned. "I'm a first-class marksman, sis." "Great, then you're in charge of the gadgets," I held tight as to my bag and tried not to vomit against the sinking feeling in my stomach as we left off. "Okay, we have a job to do, guys! Let's get it done!" "Right!" Finally. I'm at my best when the job is at hand and there are no ambiguities. I am a hunter. Articuno was my prey. My heart beat faster as the copter swept out of the wood and over the valley. The Rockets had already engaged the Ciphers. I could only barely make out the blue uniforms against the snow, but I could tell they were firmly dug in. The Rockets were much more conspicuous in their black uniforms, and they were having a hard time of it against the entrenched Ciphers. The helicopter shuddered a bit as we were hit by flack, and Laura grabbed hold of my arm. I could feel the copter straining to gain altitude as we approached the mountain. There was another shudder, this one much more violent. Now there was smoke streaming from the tail. We were straining up the mountain now, the pilot's face twisted in concentration. "This is as far as I can take you, lads," he glanced back, his face visibly strained. "Time to bail out, the lot of you!" I nodded and tossed two pairs of heavy gloves to Joe and Laura, then dutifully slipped on a pair of my own. Leaping up from my seat, I wrenched the door open and struggled against the cold wind as I secured a length of rope to a hook just above the door, "Everybody out! You first Joe!" He nodded, grabbed his hat with one hand and slid down the length of rope to the mountain path below. "Go Laura! Go!" I yelled. The pilot was looking at me urgently as the flack began to pick up again. Laura closed her eyes, took a deep breath and slid after Joe. "Good luck to you lass!" The pilot called as I took the rope myself. I gave one look, then leapt out the door. My heart stopped for a moment as I hung in mid-air, then the rope suddenly became taut and I was sliding down at what seemed a hundred miles per hour. I landed on the mountain path with a bump, then stood and brushed myself off. The helicopter was already on the way out. I could feel the gusts of wind in my hair as it flew away. I took a deep breath and looked about. The scene was eerily quiet save for the occasional gust of wind and the sounds of battle below. "Pretty," Joe murmured. "Yeah, see how long that lasts." Shouldering my pack, I nodded to Joe and Laura and we began our trek toward the peak of the mountain. I couldn't say that I knew where Articuno was nesting, but I could take a few guesses. As we walked, the wind grew bitterly cold and our legs began to sink further and further into the snow. The peak seemed a long, long way away. Another gust of wind hit my face. I could see a shadow against the mountain. "Get down!" I threw myself against Joe and wrenched him down as we narrowly avoided a blast of wind, snow and ice. I could see Articuno now as it swept over our head and back up to the mountain peak. "Is everybody okay?" "I think so.." "Kate! Look out!" I only had a split second to draw my gun. I felt the clash of steel against the revolver barrel as Dante's skinning knife sought my flesh, and I reflexively fired two shots as I dove out of the way. Dante was just a blur as he abruptly changed directions and headed straight for Joe. I snapped off two more shots, but Dante abruptly vanished, leaving Joe to scramble out of the way of my bullets. "Flyer, you've been alive long enough," Dante growled from a nearby ledge. "That's what you think, Dante!" I didn't bother to answer. I brought my revolver up one more time, but Dante was already releasing his Pokemon. My bullets pinged neatly off his Steelix as the thirty- foot metal snake announced itself with a roar. Dante stood on its head, his finger pointed accusingly, "Stop this, I have no time for you." "Guess you're going to have to make time, huh?" The words were hardly out of my mouth before Ripley knocked Dante clean from the top of his Steelix. The two bounced to the path below, locked in mortal combat, as the entire area suddenly erupted with Pokemon. Alsace, Echo, Errol, Helluce and Ratchet were all quick to leap into the fray against Dante's steelix. Dante had to roll out of the way, Ripley's claws firmly entrenched in his neck and face, to avoid being crushed by the steelix as it thrashed about in a vain effort to strike its attackers. Flinging Ripley aside, he started to rise, only to meet the handle of my revolver. Blood streaming down the side of his face, he swiped at me with knife, "You're cursed Flyer! You can't win!" I spat in his eyes as I wrestled him back to the ground. Everything as a blur as we rolled about in the ground, sweat and adrenaline permeating our senses. We were only vaguely aware of the crash of the steelix's scales, Joe's battle cries and Helluce's laughter. I spotted the ghost's yellow eyes as it descended on Dante. He spotted them as well. Using his superior strength, Dante gave me a swift punch to the kidney's and flung me off into the snow. Before Helluce could pounce, another Gengar leapt from Dante's pokeball and met its adversary halfway. I watched stunned, trying to regain my breath, as the two spirits tangled between the their realm and ours. Sensing that he had an advantage, Dante did his best to lean on it. The skinning knife flashed and once again buried itself in my side. I gasped and choked as he leaned close, his acid breath washing over my face, "You lose, Flyer. Didn't I tell you to watch out, or you would get a knife in the back? Well here you go, an encore even! This is for Torry and everybody else you be - hrrrk!" Laura had grabbed Dante around the neck and pulled him away with a quick jerk. He flailed about as she held on for dear life, a panicked look in her eyes, "Kate, help!" "Duck!" All three of us narrowly avoided another sweep of the maddened steelix's massive coils. It screeched in pain as Ripley and Alsace both focused a stream fire at its head, sending heat wave shimmering through the cold air and turning the great snake's metal plating to slag. Taking advantage of the distraction, Dante delivered a swift elbow to Laura's stomach and made leap back to the top of his steelix. I stared incredulously. How was Dante doing all of this? My amazement was short-lived though. "Griever! Go!" Dante cried. The steelix needed no further prompting. With an unearthly screech, it shrugged of Ripley and Alsace's harrying fires and surged forward. The pair only barely leapt out of the way as the snake roared by. The steelix ground to a halt and seemed to crawl up the mountain in an effort to get reoriented. I couldn't begin to imagine what would come next. "Now destroy them! Earthquake!" Dante sneered. "No!" It was too late. I could see the mad triumph in Dante's eyes as Griever bunched up its coils and split the earth in two. The whole mountain shuddered as rocks crumbled and the ground rose to swallow us up. I grabbed Ripley and tried to leap for cover. Joe, Laura and the rest of the Pokemon weren't far behind. Griver roared mournfully as the path beneath it gave way to its terrible weight, sending the steelix plummeting down the mountain with its master. As if angered by the mad display, an avalanche of snow and rocks tumbled after the pair as half the mountain face slid away with the antagonists. Far below, I could see Rockets and Ciphers alike scamble away from the mountain's fury. I collapsed on what remained of the mountain path, suddenly aware of the knife still lodged firmly in my side. I was only barely aware that Dante was gone, but I still felt a measure of satisfaction. He was buried at the foot of the mountain, paid back in full for his treachery. I suddenly retched, and my hand went to my side. It came back covered in blood. "Oh my god, Kate!" Laura gasped. "Sis!" I was hardly aware of my two companions. I only saw the shadow light on the ledge just above us. Articuno was watching intently. I could feel its ancient power coursing through me, the challenge plain in its eyes. "Are you ready!" I screamed, the pain suddenly gone. It screeched back a reply. It was just between the two of you. Ignoring my friends' pleas to stay down, I staggered to my feet and yanked a pokeball from my belt. "You stay right there!" I screamed at the bird. "You're mine!" I had a job to do. #13. Sheer Cold So this was it. Articuno was perched just a few feet away, ready to battle, and I was bleeding all over the snow. A gust of wind blew my hair back a bit as I tried to staunch the wound. My adrenaline was already beginning to fade. I stumbled once, and the Articuno pounced. I only narrowly dove out of the way as it flew from its perch, an ice beam missing my head by inches. I whirled about in the snow and watched as the bird swept off and around the mountain, then came back for another pass. This time it was met by a flamethrower from Ripley, causing the great bird to squawk and flap awkwardly away. "Thanks Ripley," I gasped. The blood was still flowing, and I was beginning to feel a little lightheaded. Using my teeth, I ripped away a long piece of my shirt sleeve and did my best to wrap tightly around the wound. "Where's the Articuno?" "There!" Laura pointed. Articuno had settled into a holding pattern nears it original perch. It had puffed its feathers, and I could tell it was powering up for some sort of special attack. Hands shaking, I threw down my pack and dug about desperately for the tranquilizers. They were at the bottom of the bag, of course. "Hurry!" I was able to get a shot off, and not a moment too soon. The Articuno was rearing back to launch its attack when it was hit by two tranquilizer darts. It came crashing to the ground with a terrific shriek, its eyes already beginning to glaze over from the powerful drugs. I could smell victory. Ultra Ball in hand, I limped toward the fallen bird. But as I was about to seal the capture, the bird abruptly sprang back to life and sent me head over heels with a nasty brush from its wing. Hssskkkk! The bird glared at me. Articuno was rearing back for the kill when Ripley once again sprang forward and pounced. It flapped back into the air with a angry shriek, the bold Charmeleon attached firmly to the bird's leg. "Ripley! No!" I yelled. "What is he doing!" Joe gasped. It was too late. The Articuno had flown high into the air, and was now doing its best to shake the stubborn Charmeleon. I turned to Laura in desperation, "Can't you do something!" "Um.." Laura looked about frantically. "Echo! Go!" Though overmatched, Laura's Crobat did its best to pester the Articuno. With Ripley still clinging gamely to the Articuno's leg, the pair of flyers dodged and snapped at one another. The Articuno tried for an ice beam, but Echo only narrowly dodged and responded with a sludge bomb. Blinded by the slime, the Articuno was nevertheless able to snap off another ice beam, and this time Echo was struck dead on. The Crobat froze, flapped about awkwardly for a moment, then dropped like a stone into the precipice. Ripley wasn't far behind as the Articuno finally shook the troublesome Charmeleon away. "NO!" Laura screamed after Echo. I could only cover my mouth. We stared down into valley below, our Pokemon now invisible. Laura let out a strangled sob and turned away. "Are they.." "Look at that!" Joe pointed. Echo was rocketing back up from the valley, with Ripley hot on its tail! It stared in dumb disbelief as I suddenly realized that my little Charmeleon was now sporting wings. "My god, a Charizard!" I gasped as I took a step back. Ripley scratched at it ear, flexed its wings, then reared back and uttered a terrifying challenge followed by a gout of flame. There was no mistaking the beast's meaning. The Articuno reappeared in an instant. Hsssk! Articuno shrieked at its opponent. Wrooaaarrr! I barely had time to swing onto Ripley's before he was airborne and in hot pursuit of the errant articuno. The chase was on! -------------------------- Articuno shot through the air like a rocket, a trail of snow and ice in its wake. Ripley wasn't far behind as I clung desperately to the big Charizard's neck, its wings flapping relentlessly around me. My eyes watered from the wind and cold, and I twice felt as if I was about to slip off. I clung tight to my Ultra Ball - My one chance to capture Articuno. For its part, Ripley hardly seemed to notice my presence on its broad back. The charizard was wholly focused on the chased. The mountain faded away as we raced all the way to the beach, then all the way back. I thought I spotted some Rockets and Ciphers below, still engaged in a fearsome battle of attrition. As we neared the mountain again, Articuno came to an abrupt halt, sending the surprised Ripley careening into the ice bird's waiting talons. The flyers grappled as I tried to get a clear shot with my Ultra Ball, then abruptly broke apart and zoomed off in different directions. Ripley paused to hover a moment and lick its wounds while Articuno vanished into the cloud cover above. "Stay calm, Ripley!" I yelled against the wind swirling around me. "Make sure it doesn't take us by surp---!" Articuno suddenly burst from the clouds and smashed into Ripley, sending the dazed Charizard spinning to the ground. I yelled and tried to hold on tight as Ripley did its best to regain control. Finally, the Charizard regained control and shot back into the air. Articuno was waiting with an ice beam, but Ripley countered with a withering flamethrower. The two elements hissed and clashed as Ripley rocketed past the Articuno, only narrowly evading the bird in the process. Articuno wasn't done yet though as it wheeled around and began to flap its wings at high speed. Suddenly the entire world was a blanket of white as Ripley struggled to fight his way through the blizzard. My teeth chattered as I struggled to stay warm against the cruel elements, "R- Ripley..! Try to b-break through with.. flamethrower!" The Charizard tried to comply, but even its fearsome flamethrower was stymied by the Articuno's freezing storm. Suddenly the bird burst into the maelstrom and buffeted Ripley with its wings as it struck once, then twice by an ice beam. Wroarrrr! Ripley screeched in pain and loosed another flamethrower, this time successfully cutting through the sheet of hail. Articuno seemed hardly phazed by the attack as it flapped its wings to add to the maelstrom. I was almost entirely blinded now. I could feel my skin freezing and my hands numbing. Through the haze, I saw Articuno abruptly spin up into the stratosphere and begin to glow. Oh my god.. No.. It was preparing to loose a sheer cold. I thought of Joe and Laura on the mountain, and the remains of the Black Company below. They would all be wiped out in an instant. My heart sank as Ripley fought against the elements to no avail. "Ripley! Go! Harder!" I screamed and kicked at the Charizard, but he only seemed to grow weaker. Articuno was preparing to unleash its attack now. Suddenly, Ripley broke free from the blizzard. With a renewed burst of energy, the Charizard burned toward the Articuno. But even then, I could tell that we would never make it. So I took the only option left to me. I leapt clear from Ripley's back. The momentum from Ripley's upward rush combined with my leap sent me flying wildly into the air, the Ultra Ball outstretched. I felt my finger hit the trigger, and a band of energy leapt out and struck the bird. I could see the beginning of the attack being launched even as the Articuno was beginning to be converted into energy. The ball was white hot in my hand as the bird actually fought against the physics of the ball. For a moment, it looked like the Articuno might win as the ball wavered and snapped. The Ultra Ball's band of energy was a rope now, and it had the Articuno firmly about the neck. With a final shriek, the bird was at last converted and sucked into the ball. My eardrums burst as what resembled a sonic boom erupted from the Ultra Ball, sending a wave of energy rippling through the sky. I could feel myself falling. The ball shook once.. The ground was getting closer. It shook twice.. I thought I saw Allen. It shook thrice.. .. And locked. I hit Ripley's back with a thunk, causing the Charizard to waver a bit as it raced back to the mountain. I struggled to regain my balance on Ripley's back, always careful to keep from dropping my prize. The ball glowed a bit, and it was as cold as ice. For a moment, I forgot my injuries and whooped and yelled for all to hear, "I got him! I got him! He's mine! ARTICUNO IS MINE!" As Ripley swept back to the mountain, I held the Ultra Ball up triumphantly. I could see Joe and Laura waving excitedly from the peak as we drew nearer. I felt a wave of relief as I lit on the peak and dropped to the ground. It was time to get off this island and go home. Mission accomplished. Epilogue I spent three weeks in the hospital after that mission, which in my mind was three weeks too many. The final diagnosis was severe blood loss, a nasty case of frost bite, an infected ear and a variety of other maladies. Dante had managed to avoid disemboweling me on two occasions, but I still needed surgery to patch up the damage he did inflict. Nevertheless, a few days after the surgery, I was up and about and agitating to go home. "God damnit Joe, can I go home yet?" I called from my bed to the door as I impatiently flipped through channels. It was all afternoon soaps again. "No! Another week!" Joe called from the door. He had volunteered to keep guard day and night, which was nice of him. Cipher and Team Rocket both had bounties on me now, so it was for the best. I would have to move out of my little appartment in Rustboro now. Though on the other hand, with a fat charizard to keep an eye on, that was probably inevitable anyway. "Hey, you have a visitor!" Joe called. "Who is it?" I grumbled. "Allen." "Okay, I'll talk to Allen." I smiled as the big man sidled into the room, a bunch of flowers in his hands. "Hope you get better soon, my dear. These flowers are from back home. Their fragrance has healing qualities." Allen grunted as he sat down next to my bed. "I hope you like them." "Thanks a lot, Allen," I smiled. "Anything to get me out of this hospital as soon as possible is appreciated." "I wanted to say that I'm sorry about the death of your friend," Allen grunted. "I'm told that his funeral will be in a few days." "Yes. Laura's planning it," I felt a little bit of the ache come back. "He was really good to us, you know?" "Well," Allen looked a little embarrassed. "I was going to say.. If you ever feel overwhelmed with only two people in your company.. Well, you and Laura are always welcome in the Black Company." "What?" "You did well out there, Flyer," Allen patted my leg. "You're a full-fledged hunter now. And with that scoundrel Dante about and Team Rocket calling for our head.. Well.. We can use all the help we can get," he leaned forward. "And you should know.. Your honor and bravery is impressive. I have forgiven you." I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. "T-thanks.." "You are welcome." "But you should know.. Dante is dead." "Oh, you think so?" Allen raised an eyebrow. "I actually doubt that very much." He rose and brushed himself off. "You will consider my offer, then?" "I appreciate it," I grinned back. "But you know, you're not eliminating the competition that easily. My brother has agreed to take Nik's place in my organization. So I guess the next time we meet, you'll be the competition." Allen actually reared back and laughed at that one, "Indeed! Well then, I'll be seeing you on the field then, Flyer. Good day!" I could hear his laughter echoing all the way down the hallway as he left. I stared at the door for a moment, Joe's fedora was faintly visible, then leaned back and turned back to the television. A successful hunt begets a new hunt. Pretty soon the news would spread that I had captured an Articuno. My services would likely be in high demand soon. Pretty soon the phone would ring, and I would be on my way to a new job. I turned off the television and rolled over. Maybe I could use the rest after all. Five minutes later I was dead asleep. ...................................... Legends: Sheer Cold - By Kathkat