BobOfTheHedgeField - (PAP - 10) A Wild Professor Appears!
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I was dreaming. That much was clear. Otherwise there was no way I could have moved from Truck Guy’s Truck, to a coffee shop. Especially not one where a short woman with green hair sat across from me, kicking her legs as the faceless server sat down a cup of coffee and cake.
“Zena?” I muttered, and the woman nodded her head, proud of my ascertain.
“Well done Mortal!” She held a hand over her mouth, chuckling at my answer. “I’m not surprised you pieced it together so quickly, even in the haze of a Dream, you’re still my Mortal!”
“I’m sort of in between consciousnesses right now . . . but I can’t get that expression on your face confused for someone else.” It’s just way too arrogant and bratty to mix up. “So we’re in a dream right now?”
“Yep~ I stimulated the part of your brain that causes dreams, producing acetylcholine in droves so we could have this chat.” She waved a hand, brushing the confusion off my expression as she continued.Producing what? “It’s ok if you don’t know what I’m talking about, just leave it to me. What matters is that we’re speaking right now. You probably have a lot of questions for the Great Me . . . and I want to answer them.”
She leaned forwards, a bratty smile on her arrogant expression. At least she’s cute.
“So . . . What’s the deal with your overwhelming desire? What exactly is it directed at?”
“Hmph! Stopping the prophecy of course!” She pointed at me, a wide smirk on her face.
“And what exactly is this prophecy?”
“I don’t know!” She crossed her arms with a huff, clearly annoyed, though somehow, still maintaining her arrogance.
My Pokemon is such a brat. How can she say that and be so confident!?
“I don’t need to know it, to know that it's bad! I was hoping we could find something related in that Kalastra Ruin, as their Garufan Allies were the ones who discovered the Prophecy, though that clearly didn’t work. At least I got a good snack out of it~” She laughed almost lewdly, looking down at her belly like the glutton she is.
“Is it an end of the world prophecy?” I offered. Those are usually my go to when I think of ‘prophecy’.
“My mortal is pretty smart.” She muttered. “That would be something the great me would take notice of, as the Guardian of the Planet of course.”
“Mhm.” I hummed. Giving her a flat stare. My squishy brat has a big ego. First she’s a Goddess, then she’s the Guardian of the Planet. Her ego really needs to make up its mind. Unless she’s claiming to be both?
“Hrmph. You’re thinking disrespectful things aren’t you?” She huffed, “I will forgive you because you’re my mortal, but you must cease such errant thoughts right this instant!”
“Mhm.” I hummed.
“You can’t just say ‘Mhm’ it doesn’t even mean anything!” She pointed at me accusily, one hand slamming on the table and shaking the untouched coffee mug.
“Mhm.” I hummed again.
“Noooo. . .” She sniffed, arms crossed as she pressed back into the chair. Her bravado weakened at my unbreakable shield of hums! “How am I supposed to counter that . . “
“So the world is ending?” I spared her the wrath of my hums for now, moving the conversation forwards.
“Unless we do something about it, probably.” She shrugged, biting into the piece of cake, then gagging. “Tastes like dirt! Is this really the best cake your brain can conjure!?” Her standards are way too high. Just yesterday she was eating grilled Pokemon.
“So how should we go about ‘doing something’. I’m not exactly sure where to start for this sort of thing.”
“For now, let's just focus on getting stronger. Strength your Aura Cultivation, as well as our Aura Contract, and I’m sure we’ll crush it. After all, you have the Great Me!” She stood up on her chair, holding a hand over her tiny chest.
“You are really short.” She nearly fell off as she double taked from my comment, scowling.
“Hrmph! When I get my old cultivation level back, I’ll be super tall and sexy, and you’ll be like ‘Wow you’re so amazing and hot and awesome! I’ll never bully you again Goddess!’ That’s what you’ll say!”
“Mhm.”
“Grah!” She stomped, swaying, then she fell off the chair, flopping planting on the ground with a groan.
So she used to be really strong then? She might actually be a fallen goddess . . . It would fit the trope of losing your cultivation then having to regain it back. Until proven otherwise though, she’s just a puntable gelatin.
“You jerk! Just wake up already! I can tell you’re thinking rude things!”
My vision spun, and my eyes blinked out of sync as I regained consciousness. I was still inside of the truck, blanket over my body as Truck Guy, whatever his name is, continued down what was now clearly a better paved highway. Though, no other cars surrounded us, despite the large city only a few miles in the distance.
The bird on his shoulder tilted its head at me, then gave a small wave with its wing to welcome me back to the land of the living. A gentle trill leaving its rotund body, eyes creasing in a smile.
The man glanced at me as his Natu alerted him to my consciousness, though he quickly switched his eyes back to the road.
“Not a lot of cars out here.” I looked out the window, seeing another road lead to the city, but no other cars were on that one either.
“. . . You’re not from Gearen, are you?” He sent me another glance, and I shook my head. “Well, we’re on Route 5 right now, which cuts through Keliax Forest. That’s where I just picked you up. Most people just go around because of how risky it is.” He muttered, sighing.
“So why didn’t you?” I wondered aloud, picking up on his strange behavior. He chuckled in response.
“About three days ago the Great Keliax Bridge Collapsed. The only way to Gearen by car from the East is through the Forest until they rebuild it.” He bit his lip, the car slowing down slightly as we got closer to the city.
“Why’d you risk your life?” Alexandria stirred to attention, joining the conversation. “Surely your existence is worth more than whatever the contents of this delivery are, and even then couldn’t they be delayed?”
“Call it . . . Professional courtesy.” He chuckled, and I raised an eyebrow.
He’s lying. Whatever, if he doesn’t want to say anything, I won’t press him. He helped save me from that forest, it's the least I can do.
“If what you’re delivering is dangerous and important enough that it can’t be delayed, then on my honor, I request the contents of the delivery. Either to aid in its safe delivery, or to halt it to protect the people of this Gearen City.” Alexandria’s eye began to glow, the extremely sharp ghost type energy beginning to glow.
“Alexandria.” I spoke softly, Natu bristling at the intense aura. The power receded, but she still continued to stare.
“I apologize . . .” She’s quick to temper. I can’t know if that’s who she used to be, or her new sword self speaking. “Still, I must request this information! It’s possible the bridge was collapsed to stop the delivery, and perhaps even ambush you here and now if any scoundrels knew it could not be delayed.
I let out a small hum, somewhat surprised by her tactical assertion. I somewhat figured it collapsed because of my arrival, as the timeline would line up somewhat, though as she continued to speak, I became more convinced.
“An near unused delivery checkpoint with a much lower guard presence would be a good place to ambush a target and make a quick escape back the way we came.”
The guy became a bit more nervous, slamming the brakes on his car, and stopping it in its tracks. His hands, slightly sweaty, eyes slanting, glanced up at Natu.
“Hey Nat, what caused the bridge to collapse again?”
The Natu, or ‘Nat’, chirped lightly, and he nodded his head with understanding.
“Something caused a massive landslide, smashing through the support pillars of the bridge, the cause was still being figured out when we left . . .” His hand flicked through the cd player, switching it to radio mode, and only getting static.
“We should be close enough to the city to get reception.” He paled.
Watching the pair of figures in uniform somewhat ahead of the checkpoint, one pulled out a radio from their vest, and I sighed.
Dammit. Why did Alexandria’s paranoia have to be dead on the money? What the hell are we even delivering here?
Unlocking the door to the car, I stepped outside with my Honedge close behind.
“Hey Truck Guy, what are we delivering?” I questioned. “If it's even vaguely related to combat, we could use it.”
“It’s some kind of special device that Professor Kousa was working on with Professor Jenner and Professor Oak over the Midnight Sea.” Opening the glove box, he pulled out a small sleek device, causing my eyes to shoot open with shock at what exactly I was witnessing.
“I think she called it a Pokedex?” His hands shook as he held it, but he fumbled as a face appeared on the device.
“Goooooood Morning Professor~ Huh, who the hell are you?” The feminine voice of the device fell flat, then angry. “No internet access!? Ok, now you’re really pissing me off!”
The device floated in the air as I got a good look at it. No fucking way. A Rotom inside of a Pokedex!? I know I’d vaguely heard about that being a thing, but since I stopped playing the games, I had no idea they’d actually gone through with it!
“Rotom, right?” The pokedex turned towards me, smirking.
“At least someone recognizes greatness when they see it. You got that chump. GTFO my way before I fry your brain.” Great. Just as arrogant as Zena.
“We’re getting ambushed, someone blocked reception and is probably coming to capture or kill us.” I casually remarked, tired of having to fight for my life.
“Some fuckers are trying to block me from shitposting!? Oh this is gonna be good~” Her voice was somewhat electronic, and had a strange echo, especially as she said that last bit. What is this Rotom even talking about?
Her smile widened, as the two figures approached, Contracts on their bodies burning as each summoned a Pokemon to the battlefield.
Teeth bared, a Houndoom slinked forwards, a tail swishing as a Sallaze cruelly laughed beside it.
The one on the right, a man with dark brown hair and tired eyes peeked down at his wrist watch. The white uniforms they wore most likely disguises rather than their normal attire. Not that their clothing was exactly relevant, as we had bigger worries right now.
Their aura’s blared outwards, more specifically that of their pokemon. I could feel the intensity or their Aura pressing down on my own. I sniffed, wiping away some blood from my nose as I focused. Truck guy didn’t fare much better, clutching his chest and gritting his teeth and he completely froze up.
“Surrender peacefully, and we’ll make this quick.” The man spoke, tapping his foot as he continued to stare at his watch.
“Ehehe we don’t want to damage the merchandise, you know?” The girl laughed, her Houndoom snarling at the casually floating Rotom.
Alexandria’s aura flared outwards, but I pulled her back within me. Honedge facing off against a Houndoom and Sallazle? Talk about a death wish. Especially with Sallaze’s Corrosion ability . . . It’s just not even worth trying.
We need to think of a plan. Considering they bothered cutting communications, I have no doubt we’ll be safe if we can manage to get the message out. Though, how can we do that?
I thought at my companions, who agreed.
Indeed. The answer always exists, we simply must find it. This is merely another trial on our path.
Great idea Gareth, one small problem, how are we supposed to contact anyone!? Its not like we have a signal flare we can use! They’ll just stop it before it gets anywhere! Ugh, I wish I still had my Goddess powers.
I furrowed my brow at Zena’s comment, then I internally smirked. She doesn’t know about technology, neither does Alexandria.
Though with a Rotom, that should be much of an issue. Glancing at the advanced piece of technology, her smirk was telling. Confidence clear in her expression.
“What? You don’t wanna hurt lil ol’ me? I adore the confidence you bitch ass motherfuckers just looooove towing around, but you’ll find I’m a lot more trouble than I’m worth.”
“Hm, I don’t know about that. Houndoom, blast the car.” She gave a wink, and immediately the Houndoom began charging a fire blast in its mouth. A deep orange aura building in its
Rotom casually moved on top of the car, and immediately I knew she was stalling.
“Sacrificing yourself for some delivery driver? Or maybe you’re just stalling~” The woman laughed and the man waved his hand at the Sazzale. Unfortunately our foes realized it as well. Fighting competent people sucks.
“You overplayed your hand.” The man muttered, eyes flicking down to his watch again. “Though stalling won’t do you any good. Your signal isn’t getting out, our boss made sure of that.”
“Hn? Signal? Whatever could you mean?” The Rotom laughed, and the man narrowed his eyebrows. “I’m not the one sending the signal~.”
What? Is she bluffing? My eyes turned to her, but the pair somehow realized what she meant. Eyes widening as the both immediately shot away from where they were previously standing. They were about eighty feet away, but now they were much farther, the sheer speed of the movement stunning me for a moment. That’s what humans and Pokemon are capable of?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pajiNTT7fw&pp=ygUSbmV2ZXJtb3JlIHBlbmFjb255
Moments later, a massive streak of red light burst down from the sky, making a gigantic crater where the pair originally was. They evaded by moving closer to the City, now trapped between city and Pokemon, they were in a terrible spot.
An enormous curled up Registeel slammed downwards, the shockwave smashing the glass on the windshield of the car, and nearly sending both myself and the vehicle tumbling. The Registeel slowly rose to its feet, a woman in a lab coat sitting on its back with an annoyed glare.
“Twenty years of research, an obscene amount of resources, and the future of the Information era on the line? Do you really think I’d be patiently waiting?” She furrowed her eyebrows, hands sitting in her pockets as she gently hopped off the back of the legendary golem.
“Mission failed, we need extraction-” The man called out into his watch, Pokemon receding into tattoos on their body as the Registeel’s eyes glistened.
“UN UN- TARGETS SET, CALCULATION COMPLETE. EXTERMINATE.” Two thin steel beams shot out with the speed of a railgun, rapidly transforming from streaks of silver light to solid steel as a thick black portal opened behind the pair.
The man pushed his partner backwards into the portal just barely in time as he attempted to dodge. Instead of evading the attack, he was forced to bring an arm up in defense. An arm torn off as a piece of pointed metal ripped through his hand and tore it clean off of his body. The sound of an Aura breaking from the sheer force of the attack, as well as a portal closing as both he and his arm fell through it, echoed across the battlefield.
“They got away.” The professor snapped her fingers with annoyance, grumbling a bit. The massive Registeel leaning down with a faint glimmer is eyes as though to apologize. “I know it's not your fault, if you went all out you would have flattened part of the city.”
The Registeel turned into a sheen of silver and red, floating into her body as she turned to our shocked group.
“Hi Professor!” Rotom called out, her sing-song voice giggling slightly as she floated on over. “I missed you so much! These jerks woke me up from my nap, they were sooooo useless without me!”
The professor giggled, then gave us a bit of a forced smile as she approached, extending a hand for me to shake it.
“Sorry about Rotom, she’s a bit excitable, I’ll see to it that you’re all properly compensated for your efforts in her safe delivery.” I returned the handshake as Honedge watched from over my shoulder with awe. She’d pulled herself out of our contract just to watch the legendary pokemon crash down from the skies and the pure power it displayed.
So why do I get the feeling she wants to fight it?
“Yeah, no problem.” I awkwardly blinked, still somewhat reeling from the previous impact. As well as the knowledge that a humongous Registeel could blast away part of the gigantic city in the distance.
“Sorry if I scared you.” She leaned on her back leg. “That wasn’t my intention at all.”
“I just didn’t expect to see a Registeel today.” She tilted her head lightly, some suspicion on her face at my words.
“Registeel is the Guardian of this City, is this your first time visiting?.” She nodded to Rotom, who quickly spoke up.
“Whoever this guy is, he’s not in our database. We’re gonna have to detain him~ Eheh, seeing a cute boy in chains is soooo hot.”
The Professor groaned, putting a hand on her forehead.
“No, we’re not gonna do that.” The professor spoke up, much to my relief and much to the annoyance of the Pokemon who was obviously way too internet brained. “My name is Sonia Magnolia Jenner. What’s yours?”
“Gareth Vaughan. I assume you’re the professor Truck Guy was talking about?”
She giggled at my comment, turning to the man behind the wheel who slowly stirred awake thanks to Natu’s pecking.
“That’s what you’re calling him? I think I’ll use that from now on.”
“Hm? What- Oh hi Sonia.” He gave a small two finger salute from the inside of the vehicle, before slowly turning with a sigh to the broken windshield.
“Don’t worry Truck Guy~ I’ll compensate you for the damages.” She gave him a wink, and his jaw dropped. He threw me a light glance, and gave a mutter of defeat.
“Bro, how could you betray me like this?” He shook his head, turning away with a slightly sullen expression. “It’ll buff out. So you don’t have to compensate me.”
She snorted, putting her chin on a closed fist as she leaned towards him..
“I see. Then I suppose I’ll just get it towed then, whatever the shop does to your beloved Truck will just be part of that service.”
“You’re impossible.” He muttered.
“Says ‘Truck Guy’.” She did air quotes with her fingers, spinning on her heel back towards me. “So, Gareth, you’ve done me a big favor. Because of that, I’m not going to jail you until we get your papers sorted, but you must stay out of trouble, can you do that for me?”
Her expression turned deeply serious, and my heart skipped a beat. Rotom was serious about sending me to jail?
“I can do that. Thank you.” I gave a small smile.
“She just doesn’t want to do the paperwork herself-”
“Quiet you.” She clonked the Rotom on the head gently, briefly stunning it. “Seriously though, without you waking up Rotom, it's entirely possible she never would have made it to me. We’ll sort your papers out, and I’ll do everything I can to help you . . . As long as you answer one question for me.”
She winked, giving me a gentle stare, though behind it was a hidden intensity.
“You know of Registeel, yet you’ve clearly never been to Gearan. You have no identity, and a Pokemon I’ve only seen once before in my entire life. Gareth Vaughan . . . Who are you?”
How much should I say? How much should I reveal? . . . Enough to matter, but not too much.
“I woke up in that forest.” I pointed. “With no memory of how I got there. I ran into Truck Guy, and decided to tag along.”
She gave me a warm hug, her firm breasts pressing into me as she gently pat me on the back.
“That must have been really hard. I’m really sorry to hear that-” Zena crawled out, staring at the woman who reeled back with surprise at the sudden intrusion.
“Back off lady!” Zena vibrated, extending a small pseudopod so she could shake her ‘fist’ at the Professor.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I had help.” It's over now, and I came out stronger. Honestly, I’m more looking forward to the future rather than dwelling on the past anyways.
“Oooh? Who’s that Pokemon?” At the Professor’s words, the Rotom instantly flew over, intrigue on her screen face.
“I’ve never seen this Pokemon before, we should totally detain them so we can run experiments-” Clonked again by the professor the Rotom groaned.
“Rotom, I’ll cut your internet time if you bring that up again-”
“Forgive me!!”
“Anways, you don’t have to do that, but do you know their name? Aura type and Aura Traits would be nice as well, but it's alright if you don’t know.” The Rotom buzzed faintly, a notes app appearing on the screen.
“I don’t know the species, but I’m pretty sure she’s a Ground and Grass type, though what’s an Aura Trait?”
She waggled a finger, straightening her back slightly as she entered ‘teacher’ mode.
“Abilities inherent to the Pokemon’s Aura, usually any given Pokemon has one or two, though Rotom here actually has three. Making her quite the special Pokemon. For example, one of her abilities classified as ‘Levitate’ in her system, gives her near immunity to Ground Type Aura attacks, letting them glide off her Aura like water. With some tests we can surely figure out what your friend has, but if it's an unknown ability, it may be much harder to test.”
“Hmph! I’m not one so easy to decipher, my ethereal nature eludes you Mortal! Only one Mortal understands me, and he is the one I am bound too! So don’t even try it, and don’t think you’re getting my name either!”
“Worth a shot!” She laughed, waving me on as she began to walk towards the city, Truck Guy getting out of his car as a few more approached in our direction. “Now come on, let’s get you sorted, and I know the perfect person to show you around!”
AN: We meet another character, as well as some baddies. The lovely Professor Sonia stomps in with Registeel, who is a demigod. Next time we meet a cute girl, the ward of Sonia, as well as possibly running into the Player Character!
Thanks for tuning in, and check out this Pokedex Rotom concept below: Who won't be joining Gareth's team, but maybe someone else's!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bmVOnDHKsjxbPTcCDCEtEfbtFDp4bRNVGpu7zyTsi70/edit?gid=0#gid=0
I was dreaming. That much was clear. Otherwise there was no way I could have moved from Truck Guy’s Truck, to a coffee shop. Especially not one where a short woman with green hair sat across from me, kicking her legs as the faceless server sat down a cup of coffee and cake.
“Zena?” I muttered, and the woman nodded her head, proud of my ascertain.
“Well done Mortal!” She held a hand over her mouth, chuckling at my answer. “I’m not surprised you pieced it together so quickly, even in the haze of a Dream, you’re still my Mortal!”
“I’m sort of in between consciousnesses right now . . . but I can’t get that expression on your face confused for someone else.” It’s just way too arrogant and bratty to mix up. “So we’re in a dream right now?”
“Yep~ I stimulated the part of your brain that causes dreams, producing acetylcholine in droves so we could have this chat.” She waved a hand, brushing the confusion off my expression as she continued.Producing what? “It’s ok if you don’t know what I’m talking about, just leave it to me. What matters is that we’re speaking right now. You probably have a lot of questions for the Great Me . . . and I want to answer them.”
She leaned forwards, a bratty smile on her arrogant expression. At least she’s cute.
“So . . . What’s the deal with your overwhelming desire? What exactly is it directed at?”
“Hmph! Stopping the prophecy of course!” She pointed at me, a wide smirk on her face.
“And what exactly is this prophecy?”
“I don’t know!” She crossed her arms with a huff, clearly annoyed, though somehow, still maintaining her arrogance.
My Pokemon is such a brat. How can she say that and be so confident!?
“I don’t need to know it, to know that it's bad! I was hoping we could find something related in that Kalastra Ruin, as their Garufan Allies were the ones who discovered the Prophecy, though that clearly didn’t work. At least I got a good snack out of it~” She laughed almost lewdly, looking down at her belly like the glutton she is.
“Is it an end of the world prophecy?” I offered. Those are usually my go to when I think of ‘prophecy’.
“My mortal is pretty smart.” She muttered. “That would be something the great me would take notice of, as the Guardian of the Planet of course.”
“Mhm.” I hummed. Giving her a flat stare. My squishy brat has a big ego. First she’s a Goddess, then she’s the Guardian of the Planet. Her ego really needs to make up its mind. Unless she’s claiming to be both?
“Hrmph. You’re thinking disrespectful things aren’t you?” She huffed, “I will forgive you because you’re my mortal, but you must cease such errant thoughts right this instant!”
“Mhm.” I hummed.
“You can’t just say ‘Mhm’ it doesn’t even mean anything!” She pointed at me accusily, one hand slamming on the table and shaking the untouched coffee mug.
“Mhm.” I hummed again.
“Noooo. . .” She sniffed, arms crossed as she pressed back into the chair. Her bravado weakened at my unbreakable shield of hums! “How am I supposed to counter that . . “
“So the world is ending?” I spared her the wrath of my hums for now, moving the conversation forwards.
“Unless we do something about it, probably.” She shrugged, biting into the piece of cake, then gagging. “Tastes like dirt! Is this really the best cake your brain can conjure!?” Her standards are way too high. Just yesterday she was eating grilled Pokemon.
“So how should we go about ‘doing something’. I’m not exactly sure where to start for this sort of thing.”
“For now, let's just focus on getting stronger. Strength your Aura Cultivation, as well as our Aura Contract, and I’m sure we’ll crush it. After all, you have the Great Me!” She stood up on her chair, holding a hand over her tiny chest.
“You are really short.” She nearly fell off as she double taked from my comment, scowling.
“Hrmph! When I get my old cultivation level back, I’ll be super tall and sexy, and you’ll be like ‘Wow you’re so amazing and hot and awesome! I’ll never bully you again Goddess!’ That’s what you’ll say!”
“Mhm.”
“Grah!” She stomped, swaying, then she fell off the chair, flopping planting on the ground with a groan.
So she used to be really strong then? She might actually be a fallen goddess . . . It would fit the trope of losing your cultivation then having to regain it back. Until proven otherwise though, she’s just a puntable gelatin.
“You jerk! Just wake up already! I can tell you’re thinking rude things!”
My vision spun, and my eyes blinked out of sync as I regained consciousness. I was still inside of the truck, blanket over my body as Truck Guy, whatever his name is, continued down what was now clearly a better paved highway. Though, no other cars surrounded us, despite the large city only a few miles in the distance.
The bird on his shoulder tilted its head at me, then gave a small wave with its wing to welcome me back to the land of the living. A gentle trill leaving its rotund body, eyes creasing in a smile.
The man glanced at me as his Natu alerted him to my consciousness, though he quickly switched his eyes back to the road.
“Not a lot of cars out here.” I looked out the window, seeing another road lead to the city, but no other cars were on that one either.
“. . . You’re not from Gearen, are you?” He sent me another glance, and I shook my head. “Well, we’re on Route 5 right now, which cuts through Keliax Forest. That’s where I just picked you up. Most people just go around because of how risky it is.” He muttered, sighing.
“So why didn’t you?” I wondered aloud, picking up on his strange behavior. He chuckled in response.
“About three days ago the Great Keliax Bridge Collapsed. The only way to Gearen by car from the East is through the Forest until they rebuild it.” He bit his lip, the car slowing down slightly as we got closer to the city.
“Why’d you risk your life?” Alexandria stirred to attention, joining the conversation. “Surely your existence is worth more than whatever the contents of this delivery are, and even then couldn’t they be delayed?”
“Call it . . . Professional courtesy.” He chuckled, and I raised an eyebrow.
He’s lying. Whatever, if he doesn’t want to say anything, I won’t press him. He helped save me from that forest, it's the least I can do.
“If what you’re delivering is dangerous and important enough that it can’t be delayed, then on my honor, I request the contents of the delivery. Either to aid in its safe delivery, or to halt it to protect the people of this Gearen City.” Alexandria’s eye began to glow, the extremely sharp ghost type energy beginning to glow.
“Alexandria.” I spoke softly, Natu bristling at the intense aura. The power receded, but she still continued to stare.
“I apologize . . .” She’s quick to temper. I can’t know if that’s who she used to be, or her new sword self speaking. “Still, I must request this information! It’s possible the bridge was collapsed to stop the delivery, and perhaps even ambush you here and now if any scoundrels knew it could not be delayed.
I let out a small hum, somewhat surprised by her tactical assertion. I somewhat figured it collapsed because of my arrival, as the timeline would line up somewhat, though as she continued to speak, I became more convinced.
“An near unused delivery checkpoint with a much lower guard presence would be a good place to ambush a target and make a quick escape back the way we came.”
The guy became a bit more nervous, slamming the brakes on his car, and stopping it in its tracks. His hands, slightly sweaty, eyes slanting, glanced up at Natu.
“Hey Nat, what caused the bridge to collapse again?”
The Natu, or ‘Nat’, chirped lightly, and he nodded his head with understanding.
“Something caused a massive landslide, smashing through the support pillars of the bridge, the cause was still being figured out when we left . . .” His hand flicked through the cd player, switching it to radio mode, and only getting static.
“We should be close enough to the city to get reception.” He paled.
Watching the pair of figures in uniform somewhat ahead of the checkpoint, one pulled out a radio from their vest, and I sighed.
Dammit. Why did Alexandria’s paranoia have to be dead on the money? What the hell are we even delivering here?
Unlocking the door to the car, I stepped outside with my Honedge close behind.
“Hey Truck Guy, what are we delivering?” I questioned. “If it's even vaguely related to combat, we could use it.”
“It’s some kind of special device that Professor Kousa was working on with Professor Jenner and Professor Oak over the Midnight Sea.” Opening the glove box, he pulled out a small sleek device, causing my eyes to shoot open with shock at what exactly I was witnessing.
“I think she called it a Pokedex?” His hands shook as he held it, but he fumbled as a face appeared on the device.
“Goooooood Morning Professor~ Huh, who the hell are you?” The feminine voice of the device fell flat, then angry. “No internet access!? Ok, now you’re really pissing me off!”
The device floated in the air as I got a good look at it. No fucking way. A Rotom inside of a Pokedex!? I know I’d vaguely heard about that being a thing, but since I stopped playing the games, I had no idea they’d actually gone through with it!
“Rotom, right?” The pokedex turned towards me, smirking.
“At least someone recognizes greatness when they see it. You got that chump. GTFO my way before I fry your brain.” Great. Just as arrogant as Zena.
“We’re getting ambushed, someone blocked reception and is probably coming to capture or kill us.” I casually remarked, tired of having to fight for my life.
“Some fuckers are trying to block me from shitposting!? Oh this is gonna be good~” Her voice was somewhat electronic, and had a strange echo, especially as she said that last bit. What is this Rotom even talking about?
Her smile widened, as the two figures approached, Contracts on their bodies burning as each summoned a Pokemon to the battlefield.
Teeth bared, a Houndoom slinked forwards, a tail swishing as a Sallaze cruelly laughed beside it.
The one on the right, a man with dark brown hair and tired eyes peeked down at his wrist watch. The white uniforms they wore most likely disguises rather than their normal attire. Not that their clothing was exactly relevant, as we had bigger worries right now.
Their aura’s blared outwards, more specifically that of their pokemon. I could feel the intensity or their Aura pressing down on my own. I sniffed, wiping away some blood from my nose as I focused. Truck guy didn’t fare much better, clutching his chest and gritting his teeth and he completely froze up.
“Surrender peacefully, and we’ll make this quick.” The man spoke, tapping his foot as he continued to stare at his watch.
“Ehehe we don’t want to damage the merchandise, you know?” The girl laughed, her Houndoom snarling at the casually floating Rotom.
Alexandria’s aura flared outwards, but I pulled her back within me. Honedge facing off against a Houndoom and Sallazle? Talk about a death wish. Especially with Sallaze’s Corrosion ability . . . It’s just not even worth trying.
We need to think of a plan. Considering they bothered cutting communications, I have no doubt we’ll be safe if we can manage to get the message out. Though, how can we do that?
I thought at my companions, who agreed.
Indeed. The answer always exists, we simply must find it. This is merely another trial on our path.
Great idea Gareth, one small problem, how are we supposed to contact anyone!? Its not like we have a signal flare we can use! They’ll just stop it before it gets anywhere! Ugh, I wish I still had my Goddess powers.
I furrowed my brow at Zena’s comment, then I internally smirked. She doesn’t know about technology, neither does Alexandria.
Though with a Rotom, that should be much of an issue. Glancing at the advanced piece of technology, her smirk was telling. Confidence clear in her expression.
“What? You don’t wanna hurt lil ol’ me? I adore the confidence you bitch ass motherfuckers just looooove towing around, but you’ll find I’m a lot more trouble than I’m worth.”
“Hm, I don’t know about that. Houndoom, blast the car.” She gave a wink, and immediately the Houndoom began charging a fire blast in its mouth. A deep orange aura building in its
Rotom casually moved on top of the car, and immediately I knew she was stalling.
“Sacrificing yourself for some delivery driver? Or maybe you’re just stalling~” The woman laughed and the man waved his hand at the Sazzale. Unfortunately our foes realized it as well. Fighting competent people sucks.
“You overplayed your hand.” The man muttered, eyes flicking down to his watch again. “Though stalling won’t do you any good. Your signal isn’t getting out, our boss made sure of that.”
“Hn? Signal? Whatever could you mean?” The Rotom laughed, and the man narrowed his eyebrows. “I’m not the one sending the signal~.”
What? Is she bluffing? My eyes turned to her, but the pair somehow realized what she meant. Eyes widening as the both immediately shot away from where they were previously standing. They were about eighty feet away, but now they were much farther, the sheer speed of the movement stunning me for a moment. That’s what humans and Pokemon are capable of?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pajiNTT7fw&pp=ygUSbmV2ZXJtb3JlIHBlbmFjb255
Moments later, a massive streak of red light burst down from the sky, making a gigantic crater where the pair originally was. They evaded by moving closer to the City, now trapped between city and Pokemon, they were in a terrible spot.
An enormous curled up Registeel slammed downwards, the shockwave smashing the glass on the windshield of the car, and nearly sending both myself and the vehicle tumbling. The Registeel slowly rose to its feet, a woman in a lab coat sitting on its back with an annoyed glare.
“Twenty years of research, an obscene amount of resources, and the future of the Information era on the line? Do you really think I’d be patiently waiting?” She furrowed her eyebrows, hands sitting in her pockets as she gently hopped off the back of the legendary golem.
“Mission failed, we need extraction-” The man called out into his watch, Pokemon receding into tattoos on their body as the Registeel’s eyes glistened.
“UN UN- TARGETS SET, CALCULATION COMPLETE. EXTERMINATE.” Two thin steel beams shot out with the speed of a railgun, rapidly transforming from streaks of silver light to solid steel as a thick black portal opened behind the pair.
The man pushed his partner backwards into the portal just barely in time as he attempted to dodge. Instead of evading the attack, he was forced to bring an arm up in defense. An arm torn off as a piece of pointed metal ripped through his hand and tore it clean off of his body. The sound of an Aura breaking from the sheer force of the attack, as well as a portal closing as both he and his arm fell through it, echoed across the battlefield.
“They got away.” The professor snapped her fingers with annoyance, grumbling a bit. The massive Registeel leaning down with a faint glimmer is eyes as though to apologize. “I know it's not your fault, if you went all out you would have flattened part of the city.”
The Registeel turned into a sheen of silver and red, floating into her body as she turned to our shocked group.
“Hi Professor!” Rotom called out, her sing-song voice giggling slightly as she floated on over. “I missed you so much! These jerks woke me up from my nap, they were sooooo useless without me!”
The professor giggled, then gave us a bit of a forced smile as she approached, extending a hand for me to shake it.
“Sorry about Rotom, she’s a bit excitable, I’ll see to it that you’re all properly compensated for your efforts in her safe delivery.” I returned the handshake as Honedge watched from over my shoulder with awe. She’d pulled herself out of our contract just to watch the legendary pokemon crash down from the skies and the pure power it displayed.
So why do I get the feeling she wants to fight it?
“Yeah, no problem.” I awkwardly blinked, still somewhat reeling from the previous impact. As well as the knowledge that a humongous Registeel could blast away part of the gigantic city in the distance.
“Sorry if I scared you.” She leaned on her back leg. “That wasn’t my intention at all.”
“I just didn’t expect to see a Registeel today.” She tilted her head lightly, some suspicion on her face at my words.
“Registeel is the Guardian of this City, is this your first time visiting?.” She nodded to Rotom, who quickly spoke up.
“Whoever this guy is, he’s not in our database. We’re gonna have to detain him~ Eheh, seeing a cute boy in chains is soooo hot.”
The Professor groaned, putting a hand on her forehead.
“No, we’re not gonna do that.” The professor spoke up, much to my relief and much to the annoyance of the Pokemon who was obviously way too internet brained. “My name is Sonia Magnolia Jenner. What’s yours?”
“Gareth Vaughan. I assume you’re the professor Truck Guy was talking about?”
She giggled at my comment, turning to the man behind the wheel who slowly stirred awake thanks to Natu’s pecking.
“That’s what you’re calling him? I think I’ll use that from now on.”
“Hm? What- Oh hi Sonia.” He gave a small two finger salute from the inside of the vehicle, before slowly turning with a sigh to the broken windshield.
“Don’t worry Truck Guy~ I’ll compensate you for the damages.” She gave him a wink, and his jaw dropped. He threw me a light glance, and gave a mutter of defeat.
“Bro, how could you betray me like this?” He shook his head, turning away with a slightly sullen expression. “It’ll buff out. So you don’t have to compensate me.”
She snorted, putting her chin on a closed fist as she leaned towards him..
“I see. Then I suppose I’ll just get it towed then, whatever the shop does to your beloved Truck will just be part of that service.”
“You’re impossible.” He muttered.
“Says ‘Truck Guy’.” She did air quotes with her fingers, spinning on her heel back towards me. “So, Gareth, you’ve done me a big favor. Because of that, I’m not going to jail you until we get your papers sorted, but you must stay out of trouble, can you do that for me?”
Her expression turned deeply serious, and my heart skipped a beat. Rotom was serious about sending me to jail?
“I can do that. Thank you.” I gave a small smile.
“She just doesn’t want to do the paperwork herself-”
“Quiet you.” She clonked the Rotom on the head gently, briefly stunning it. “Seriously though, without you waking up Rotom, it's entirely possible she never would have made it to me. We’ll sort your papers out, and I’ll do everything I can to help you . . . As long as you answer one question for me.”
She winked, giving me a gentle stare, though behind it was a hidden intensity.
“You know of Registeel, yet you’ve clearly never been to Gearan. You have no identity, and a Pokemon I’ve only seen once before in my entire life. Gareth Vaughan . . . Who are you?”
How much should I say? How much should I reveal? . . . Enough to matter, but not too much.
“I woke up in that forest.” I pointed. “With no memory of how I got there. I ran into Truck Guy, and decided to tag along.”
She gave me a warm hug, her firm breasts pressing into me as she gently pat me on the back.
“That must have been really hard. I’m really sorry to hear that-” Zena crawled out, staring at the woman who reeled back with surprise at the sudden intrusion.
“Back off lady!” Zena vibrated, extending a small pseudopod so she could shake her ‘fist’ at the Professor.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I had help.” It's over now, and I came out stronger. Honestly, I’m more looking forward to the future rather than dwelling on the past anyways.
“Oooh? Who’s that Pokemon?” At the Professor’s words, the Rotom instantly flew over, intrigue on her screen face.
“I’ve never seen this Pokemon before, we should totally detain them so we can run experiments-” Clonked again by the professor the Rotom groaned.
“Rotom, I’ll cut your internet time if you bring that up again-”
“Forgive me!!”
“Anways, you don’t have to do that, but do you know their name? Aura type and Aura Traits would be nice as well, but it's alright if you don’t know.” The Rotom buzzed faintly, a notes app appearing on the screen.
“I don’t know the species, but I’m pretty sure she’s a Ground and Grass type, though what’s an Aura Trait?”
She waggled a finger, straightening her back slightly as she entered ‘teacher’ mode.
“Abilities inherent to the Pokemon’s Aura, usually any given Pokemon has one or two, though Rotom here actually has three. Making her quite the special Pokemon. For example, one of her abilities classified as ‘Levitate’ in her system, gives her near immunity to Ground Type Aura attacks, letting them glide off her Aura like water. With some tests we can surely figure out what your friend has, but if it's an unknown ability, it may be much harder to test.”
“Hmph! I’m not one so easy to decipher, my ethereal nature eludes you Mortal! Only one Mortal understands me, and he is the one I am bound too! So don’t even try it, and don’t think you’re getting my name either!”
“Worth a shot!” She laughed, waving me on as she began to walk towards the city, Truck Guy getting out of his car as a few more approached in our direction. “Now come on, let’s get you sorted, and I know the perfect person to show you around!”
AN: We meet another character, as well as some baddies. The lovely Professor Sonia stomps in with Registeel, who is a demigod. Next time we meet a cute girl, the ward of Sonia, as well as possibly running into the Player Character!
Thanks for tuning in, and check out this Pokedex Rotom concept below: Who won't be joining Gareth's team, but maybe someone else's!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bmVOnDHKsjxbPTcCDCEtEfbtFDp4bRNVGpu7zyTsi70/edit?gid=0#gid=0
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