XD002: Return of Cipher
With Sabrina captured and the Elite Four going after Akina, Saffron is being 
populated again, with strange new inhabitants. Akina is unaware of this, but 
she may regret that she hadn¡¦t paid any mind to it. Now, an old friend and a 
new rival come, both in unsuspected ways and Akina learns about her real 
past...

	The muddy streets of the ruined Saffron City were quiet. The sky and 
earth seemed to have held its breath, waiting for the deep plunge. Nothing 
but silence filled the air, and not a single Rattata or Pidgey chirped or 
scampered.
	It had been that way for several days, until it happened. The ground 
shook violently and a rancid stench filled the air. The towering skyscrapers 
groaned and creaked on their rusting steel beams, toppling over like dominos.
	They came by the thousands, a blur of lavender with gray and scarlet. 
All of them were different species, but they were similar in many aspects. 
They destroyed the remaining ruins in the city, save one building.
	The Shadows had come.

<><><><>

	Akina did not know how long it had been since she had cried herself to 
sleep. When she did wake up, she felt sour inside from Sabrina¡¦s words. She 
could still remember the conversation clearly:
	¡§What happened to my family and friends?¡¨
	¡§Dead.¡¨
	Akina almost cried again, but the pain had numbed. She could no longer 
feel the wound and the tears would not come. She would not allow it. Akina 
got out of bed and heard the door open.
	Sabrina, she thought in irritation, probably checking on me.
	However, when the door swung open, it was not Sabrina at all. It was an 
old woman with calculating black eyes wearing an old fashioned dress. Behind 
her was a hulking man wearing only shorts with fizzy hair. What made her 
heart lurch though, was Sabrina over the man¡¦s shoulder. 
	¡§What?¡¨ Akina managed to stammer out as they came closer.
	¡§Ah,¡¨ the woman gave a wicked smile. ¡§You were bigger than I had 
last seen you. Isn¡¦t your name Akina?¡¨
	Akina backed up and bumped into the bed. Who were these people? Why did 
they capture Sabrina? How did they know her?
	¡§Now don¡¦t look surprised,¡¨ Akina had the nasty feeling that the 
woman was enjoying this.
	¡§What do you want with me?¡¨ Akina felt a bit braver.
	¡§That¡¦s a good question,¡¨ the woman continued to smile. ¡§We want 
you, Project ESP001.¡¨
	ESP? 001? Project? Akina was confused. ¡§I¡¦m a project?¡¨
	¡§Goodness, our little girl here didn¡¦t tell you?¡¨ the woman took a 
step closer.
	¡§Get away from me,¡¨ Akina felt uncomfortable. Sabrina, she silently 
pleaded, please, wake up!
	¡§You need to come with us dear,¡¨ the woman continued, ¡§We need you. 
If you don¡¦t¡K¡¨
	The man grunted and pulled Sabrina off his shoulder. Quicker than Akina 
could see, he held a knife against Sabrina¡¦s throat.
	¡§Your friend here will die.¡¨
	¡§Sabrina-!¡¨
	¡§Decide now,¡¨ the woman had a look of triumph in her eye, ¡§Or she 
shall die. If you come, than we will release your friend.¡¨
	Akina looked at the woman, the man, and Sabrina, trying to think of a 
way out.
	¡§I will come,¡¨ Akina gave her answer in a low voice. ¡§But first, 
give me my friend.¡¨
	¡§Certainly,¡¨ the woman seemed satisfied. ¡§Bruno, kill the girl.¡¨
	¡§What?!¡¨ Akina was enraged. ¡§But, you promised¡K¡¨
	¡§Silly girl,¡¨ the woman laughed, ¡§Promises mean nothing!¡¨
	¡§¡¨NO!¡¨ Akina screamed, and a hidden power awoke inside her. She 
didn¡¦t know how, but Bruno suddenly stumbled back as though he was stabbed 
by a sword. The woman gasped in amazement and muttered something 
unintelligible. Akina felt the sheer force of the element course through her 
and pulsate out, harming anyone who was near her. The woman spat to Bruno, 
¡§Get out of here! Leave the girl and her friend here! We must get out, 
now!¡¨
	The groaning man ran out the door willingly along with the woman, 
leaving Sabrina on the floor. Akina collapsed from the energy she had 
released and fell unconscious on the bed.

<><><><>

	A rustle went throughout the swarms of Shadows. They had all felt the 
awesome quakes of mental energies and all were restless. Especially a certain 
Shadow Pokemon. It was a peculiar Espeon who noted the psychic energies. The 
cat-like Pokemon thought it seemed familiar, like hers. It gave a low purr 
and dashed off toward the source of the energy.

<><><><>

	¡§Akina, wake up.¡¨
	Akina was floating in a dark sea, feeling the warm waves lap over her 
face and body.
	¡§Akina, wake up.¡¨
	¡§No,¡¨ she muttered, trying to ignore the voice. ¡§I don¡¦t want to 
wake up.¡¨
	¡§Akina,¡¨
	It was no use; the voice will not leave her alone.
	¡§Shut up¡K¡¨
	¡§Very well then,¡¨
	Akina saw a figure emerge from the mist and walk toward her. ¡§No, I 
don¡¦t want to go.¡¨
	¡§I¡¦m afraid it¡¦s not your choice.¡¨ the figure grabbed Akina¡¦s hand 
and jerked her out of the ocean.

	¡§What-¡¨ Akina sat up straight and saw Sabrina¡¦s eyes glowing golden.
	¡§What were you doing?¡¨
	Sabrina just shrugged and the psychic energy in her eyes left. ¡§You 
would not wake up. I am not surprised. You released a ton of psychic energy 
in a matter of two minutes.¡¨
	¡§You mean¡K¡¨
	¡§Yes.¡¨
	Akina shook her head. ¡§It can¡¦t be possible.¡¨
	¡§I feel like I should fully tell you what had happened,¡¨ Sabrina¡¦s 
eyes narrowed. ¡§Years ago.¡¨
	Akina nodded and Sabrina began, ¡§There was a region far from here, 
called the Orre region. It was a beautiful land with no problems¡Kuntil 
Cipher came.¡¨
	¡§What exactly,¡¨ Akina asked, ¡§is Cipher?¡¨
	¡§Cipher is a criminal organization who wants to take over the world, 
much like Team Rocket does. But, they have a different method of 
accomplishing this. They began to research ways to shut Pokemon¡¦s hearts, 
and they succeeded. The tainted Pokemon were dubbed Shadow Pokemon, mindless 
fighting machines with no feelings at all.¡¨ Sabrina gave a grim smile. 
¡§Except for a few. Their first downfall three years ago was when a ¡¥hero¡¦ 
rose. His name was Wes and he used to work for Team Snagem, a group in league 
with Cipher, until he realized their intent. He escaped and destroyed their 
hideout. Then, with the help of a girl, Yuki, he brought Snagem and Cipher to 
their knees. However, two years later, Cipher rose again, stronger than ever. 
They had figured out how to create even more powerful Shadow Pokemon and 
planned to use them soon in a war. Fortunately, this was stopped too. 
Michael, a young boy who was only ten, stood up to them and destroyed them 
again. Once again, Chiper lay in dust. But it was not meant to be. Five years 
ago, Chiper made an alliance with Team Rocket and¡K¡¨ Sabrina paused. ¡§The 
Elite Four.¡¨
	¡§But¡Kbut¡Kisn¡¦t the Elite Four supposed to be good? They aren¡¦t 
supposed to help them!¡¨
	¡§Their vie for greater power got the best of them. They teamed up in 
hopes of gaining some of the power. With power, they reasoned, they could 
control the region more successfully.¡¨ Sabrina sighed. ¡§They persuaded some 
Gym Leaders to join them and half of them did so. Blaine, Lt. Surge, Koga, 
and Blue. The rest of us, Brock, Misty, Erika, and I try to protect our 
cities from attacks and convince our fellow gym leaders to come back. So far 
it has been unsuccessful.¡¨
	¡§So let me get this straight. Cipher and Team Rocket teamed up and 
persuaded the Elite Four to join them who persuaded half the gym leaders to 
join them?¡¨
	Sabrina nodded.
	¡§So, what happened then? Those two who came in¡K¡¨
	¡§The Elite Four members Bruno and Agatha.¡¨
	¡§Yeah, Bruno and Agatha told me that I was Project ESP001.¡¨
	¡§When they were working the past few years, they made a human baby 
infused the DNA of a Mewtwo. The baby had extraordinary psychic powers and 
they planned to use her in the war, but they lost her. They were furious and 
had searched for her for ten years.¡¨
	Akina felt feeble again. ¡§Then, I am Project ESP001?¡¨ she whispered 
hoarsely. Sabrina nodded.
	¡§But, my family! Aren¡¦t they¡K¡¨
	¡§No. Have you wondered how Cipher lost you? According to files, when 
Wes was still in Team Snagem, he found you. Thinking that you were a child 
kidnapped by them, he smuggled you out of the hideout and sent you to anyone 
who would care for you. Your so called ¡¥parents¡¦ are actually your 
guardians.¡¨
	Akina scowled, but Sabrina ignored it. ¡§You were actually the daughter 
of¡K¡¨
	At that exact moment, a violet blur crashed through the window and went 
sprawling through the door. Sabrina immediately had her telekinesis ready 
while Akina jumped behind the Gym Leader. As the figure stopped moving, it 
turned out to be¡K
	¡§Princess!¡¨ Akina ran out from behind Sabrina who relaxed visibly. 
There, in the glass, was a cat like animal with a gleaming red jewel in the 
middle. On its neck was a worn leather collar.
	¡§Espii!¡¨ The Espeon meowed.
	Akina hugged it and stroked its head several times.
	¡§You know this Espeon?¡¨ Sabrina flatly asked.
	¡§Yes!¡¨ Akina put the overjoyed Espeon on bed. ¡§I had her when I was 
little, about three I think, but she disappeared one day.¡¨
	¡§Well,¡¨ Sabrina sat down on a chair, watching the reunion. ¡§I hope 
you won¡¦t be offended from what I say next.¡¨
	The joy left Akina¡¦s eyes. ¡§What?¡¨
	¡§This Espeon,¡¨ Sabrina glared at it. ¡§Is a Shadow Pokemon.¡¨
	¡§How can you tell?¡¨
	¡§By its aura, Akina. If you concentrate mild mind power through your 
eyes, than you can see the Pokemon¡¦s aura.¡¨
	¡§But,¡¨ Akina frowned. ¡§If she¡¦s a Shadow Pokemon, then why is she 
acting so friendly?¡¨
	Sabrina seemed lost in thought and answered, ¡§Most likely its her love 
for you.¡¨
	¡§What?¡¨
	¡§Most Shadow Pokemon cannot feel happiness nor sadness in their 
hearts. Only darkness. This forces most of the deepest feelings, such as love 
or hate, to be contained in a hibernating state. Brining those hibernating 
feelings out is one way you could try to purify a Shadow Pokemon.¡¨
	¡§Purify?¡¨
	¡§You ask too many questions. Purifying is a process where you rid the 
Pokemon¡¦s heart completely of the darkness that contains them. After that is 
done, they are normal Pokemon again.¡¨
	¡§So is Princess already purified?¡¨
	¡§No.¡¨
	¡§No?¡¨
	¡§Like I said Akina, you ask too many questions.¡¨
	¡§But can¡¦t you tell me?¡¨
	¡§Later.¡¨
	Akina frowned; disliking that Sabrina would not share her knowledge 
with her. Princess gave a low purr and snuggled up against a soft pillow.
	¡§Right now, we have to go check how Celadon City is doing. I¡¦m fear 
for Erika¡¦s safety.¡¨
	¡§Right now?¡¨
	¡§Yes.¡¨
	¡§How are we going to do it? The trains are closed and it¡¦ll take us 
forever to walk there.¡¨
	¡§I can teleport us with the help of my Alakazam.¡¨
	¡§Why don¡¦t we check on Pewter City or Cerulean? I don¡¦t get it.¡¨
	*You will very soon, Mistress Akina, you will.*
	Akina jumped at the voice in her head and saw the Alakazam slowly 
materializing into the room.
	¡§You¡¦re Sabrina¡¦s Alakazam?¡¨
	*Yes, Mistress Sabrina is my master.*
	¡§And we have no time to waste with formal introductions,¡¨ Sabrina cut 
in. ¡§We must go now.¡¨
	¡§Erm, what do I do?¡¨
	¡§Hold onto my arm.¡¨
	¡§Sure, will it be painful?¡¨
	Sabrina¡¦s eyes flashed. ¡§No.¡¨
	Before Akina could yell ¡¥what¡¦, she felt like she was suddenly flying 
over the earth.

<><><><>

	The gym in Celadon City was well known for its nicely cared for flowers 
and floral beauty. The Gym Leader, Erika, prided herself on taking great care 
of her plants. Unfortunately, if any passerby had come to see the gym, he 
would find the gym burning.
	A lady wearing a kimono with sandals rushed out, her short black hair 
which was held back by a red headband was becoming untidy. She had gentle 
brown eyes which were filled with horror as she watched her giant garden 
paradise burn up from the fires of the horse like Rapidash and lizard like 
Magmar.
	¡§Riddle me this Erika!¡¨ An old man was in front of the flames, 
wearing dark sunglasses and a white lab coat. He had a pasty mustache and was 
bald. ¡§What is green but burns black? Your precious flowers!¡¨
	¡§Let me be Blaine!¡¨ Erika shouted back. ¡§I have done nothing against 
the League, yet you attack me for amusement!¡¨
	¡§You? Did nothing? Ha! I would like to see proof! Magmar, Fire 
Blast!¡¨
	 Blaine¡¦s Magmar inhaled and released a burst of pure fire at Erika 
who managed to dodge it just in time, the scorching heat¡¦s nearness making 
her sweat.
	Erika knew it was hopeless; Fire types like Blaine¡¦s would demolish 
the Grass types she had. But she knew she would have to give it a shot.
	¡§Go, Vileplume!¡¨ The Flower Pokemon came out, its giant Rafflesia 
shaped petals on its head quivering. ¡§Stun Powder, Vileplume!¡¨
	¡§Vile!¡¨ the Vileplume shouted and let loose spores everywhere from 
its head.
	¡§Mag!¡¨ The Magmar tried to burn all of them before they reached him 
and his master, but it was useless. There were too many spores and he 
stiffened. The Magmar was successfully paralyzed.
	¡§Children¡¦s games, Erika!¡¨ Blaine spat. ¡§Your little flower there 
won¡¦t help against my Rapidash¡¦s speed! Rapidash, Fire Spin!¡¨
	The Rapidash neighed and used its extraordinary speed to overtake the 
two victims. It left a ring of blazing fire around Erika and her Vileplume 
which rose higher and higher¡K
	¡§Vileplume, return!¡¨ Erika instantly returned the Vileplume back to 
its ball. This was a bad turn circumstances¡K
	¡§Now, Rapidash, KILL HER!¡¨
	¡§Rapi!¡¨ The Rapidash broke the rising wall of fire and charged at 
Erika, raising its diamond sharp hooves to stomp her brains out. Erika closed 
her eyes; surely this was the end¡K
	¡§Ala!¡¨ to Erika¡¦s relief she heard the voice of Sabrina¡¦s Alakazam 
arriving just in time to hold the Rapidash still with its Psychic attack. The 
Rapidash neighed and threw its head back, but to no avail. It was frozen.
	¡§Good day Erika,¡¨ Sabrina materialized in the air, her voice sounding 
detached. ¡§I take it that we are not too late.¡¨
	¡§No,¡¨ Erika got up. ¡§You saved me in the nick of time.¡¨
	¡§That¡¦s Gym Leader Erika?¡¨ an unfamiliar high voice came behind 
Sabrina and Erika saw it was a girl holding an Espeon.
	¡§Why did you bring a girl here of all places, Sabrina?¡¨
	¡§She¡¦s the One.¡¨
	Erika smiled. ¡§Thank goodness! You found ESP001?¡¨
	¡§ESP001¡K¡¨ Blaine stared at Akina hungrily, and then suddenly whipped 
out a pokeball out of is belt. ¡§Is that so?! Thank you ladies for bringing 
her here! Now I shall take her! Return Rapidash and Magmar! Go, Moltres!¡¨ 
	¡§Oh shit,¡¨ Erika cursed, ¡§This is the worst time to choose out a 
legendary in a city!¡¨
	Blaine¡¦s pokeball opened to reveal a colossal orange bird-like 
Pokemon. Its wings were at least twenty feet long with flames leaping out and 
it was over seven stories high.
	¡§Oh,¡¨ Akina shrunk behind Sabrina. ¡§I didn¡¦t know Moltres was so 
big.¡¨
	¡§They aren¡¦t.¡¨ Erika pointed out, ¡§Moltres is about six feet high 
and only has a wingspan of ten feet. Blaine must have enlarged it somehow 
using DNA modifications¡K¡¨
	¡§Moltres!¡¨ Blaine commanded, ¡§Use Burning Tail!¡¨
	¡§Mol!¡¨ The Moltres dived down at them, its flaming tail sweeping the 
land in front of them.
	¡§Run!¡¨ Erika screamed at the top of her lungs. ¡§Now!¡¨
	They all ran from the giant inferno which was quickly advancing on 
them. Closer and closer, the flames hungrily leapt at them to carve their 
flesh from the bones. Akina shivered and willed herself not to trip of fall 
behind. Akina had Princess clutched tightly to her chest, panting and only 
knew that she had to run. If she failed, it would be the last mistake she 
would ever do. The Moltres finally stopped its attack and veered off, Blaine 
ordering it to halt.
	¡§Are¡Kare we safe?¡¨ Akina gasped. They had run ten miles from where 
they had started.
	Erika snorted. She didn¡¦t seem winded at all. ¡§You wish. We have to 
keep running, and fast. And you¡¦ll learn quickly, what¡¦s-your-name, that it 
saves your life plenty of times.¡¨
	Akina clutched a stitch on her side. Sabrina, like Erika, didn¡¦t seem 
to be fatigued.
	¡§How¡K can you guys keep running?¡¨ panted Akina.
	¡§Practice. Years of practice.¡¨ Erika began to run again, her kimono 
flapping behind her. ¡§Unless you want to be charred food for Moltres, run!¡¨
	¡§TRESS!¡¨ the Moltres screamed and flew up into the air, Blaine riding 
on its back.
	¡§I hate running,¡¨ Akina grumbled, but followed them.

<><><><>

	¡§Very good my pet!¡¨ Blaine petted the Moltres¡¦ head. ¡§We¡¦ll have 
them on the run soon, and both of us will please Master Evice with our juicy 
catch!¡¨ 
	¡§Mol-mol-tress!¡¨ the Flame Pokemon gave a musical squawk.
	¡§Forward now! They can¡¦t be far!¡¨
	The Moltres flapped its wings faster and Blaine was nearly ripped from 
the Legendary¡¦s back.

<><><><>
	The group was hiding in the midst of an old factory in Celadon, barely 
making a sound.
	¡§Shh!¡¨ Erika covered Akina¡¦s mouth before she could ask something. 
¡§Now¡¦s not the time. You have special mental powers, don¡¦t you? Why don¡¦t 
you use it right now, we really need it!¡¨
	¡§I don¡¦t know how to control it!¡¨ Akina blurted out when Erika 
removed her hand.
	¡§Oh my God,¡¨ Erika rolled her eyes. ¡§Haven¡¦t you tried to teach her 
anything Sabrina?¡¨
	¡§There wasn¡¦t time.¡¨ Sabrina frowned. ¡§The Elite Four interfered 
and-¡¨
	¡§TREE!¡¨
	¡§Damn!¡¨ Erika swore again. ¡§Keep quiet everyone!¡¨
	The five held their breath, hearing Moltres crash through the ceiling 
sending chunks debris everywhere
	¡§Look closely, my pet.¡¨ They heard Blaine whispering to the Moltres. 
¡§They may be hiding from us behind a box.¡¨
	Akina shut her eyes and clenched her hand into a fist, sweat beading 
her brow.
	Please, she prayed in her head, don¡¦t let him find us, don¡¦t let him 
find us.
	¡§Aha!¡¨ They heard the triumph tone in his voice, the shriek that made 
Akina¡¦s stomach drop in panic. ¡§Found you!¡¨

<><><><>
<><>End of Part 2<><>