Chapter 33: Kingmakers

Bles looked over a map spread out before her, a lukewarm breakfast sandwich at her side as the group filed in, Rin and Sakura looking back at N. Their friend had been unusually quiet when they’d returned to their rooms, and that brooding silence had carried through their own breakfast. Now, in the room with the woman who’d prevented his capture, he seemed a little more animated, but the nervous shifting of his feet spoke less of energy and more of anxiety.

Bles looked up as the door shut. “I’m glad you came in early–” She cut off her words as she checked the time. “Or I’m behind. Lost in thoughts, apologies.” The captain stood from the table, snatching up her sandwich and downing it in a few efficient bites. “I think we need to address the Copperajah in the room, first and foremost.”

“Team Plasma, yes,” Rin replied, sipping from a cup of tea. “For Sakura, N and I’s benefit, could you first explain why you reacted the way you did when you heard the word “Team”, Captain Bles? We’re both fallers, so we have significantly less context than you do, and I doubt N’s… family told him anything about that.”

“To make a long story short? Organizations calling themselves Teams were once extra-legal organizations, often vigilante or progressive groups back before the world stabilized. Today, most of the groups which use the ‘Team’ moniker are involved in organized crime, terrorism, or social protest. The most recent example, Team Rocket, is and was a criminal syndicate which supposedly called for a breaking of borders and a formation of a single world order to combat true evil. In truth, they’re nothing more than common criminals banding together across the world,” Bles explained, tapping her mug on the table. “Team Rocket is one of the longest lasting groups to bear the name, and any hope of the term returning to its roots is likely impossible. Many organizations today use the term simply to inspire a shadow of the fear Team Rocket has.”

“Right. Well, I suppose Team Plasma is implying the older version, though some of how they’ve behaved is more cultish than I’d like,” Rin explained. “According to N, they’re primarily a Pokemon rights group, one with a very radical bent. Their leadership claims that interactions between humans and Pokemon are detrimental to the latter, to the point that they should be separated from each other.”

“I suppose you don’t mean on a case-by-case basis,” Bles said after a long moment.

“No.” N said quietly. “Father says… that all Pokemon should be separated from humans, and allowed to live apart from them. And that it will take the power of Truth or Ideals to see it done.” He swallowed. “...I’m supposed to be the next Hero of Truth.”

“... That old story?” Bles mused, eyes narrowing,. “That’s supposed to be a fairy tale.”

Sakura coughed. “Umm, while I don’t know all the details, I’ve always assumed there was at least some truth to that story.” As Bles snapped her an offended look, Sakura shrugged. “In our old world, every myth had some basis in reality, and your Legends are much more present here. I assumed the dragons mentioned were… sleeping, or waiting. Not nonexistent.”

N nodded. “Father knows the legends are real. He says he found the empty body from which the Tao Dragons sprung. He knows they’re real, though he also says he is unworthy to partner with either.” N’s brow furrowed. “He says he’s seen too much suffering to trust in Truth or Ideals.”

“That’s a load of horse shit.” Agate snorted, “Truth is fairly easy to believe in, as are Ideals. And your father, as ambitious as he seems, would likely fit either… If he wasn’t an evil man, as we suspect.”

“I’d say the evidence is strongly against Ghetsis, though I can’t say for certain he’s evil. The qualities deities look for in their partnered heroes is not something we can figure out without actual evidence,” Rin said.

Bles nodded. “I’d like to think I’m a good person, and I’ve seen too much to say I believe in objective truth at this point.” She sighed. “Which brings up why I asked you three to come in.” The captain motioned to the map spread out on the table. “When I brought you two into this fight, I mentioned that we needed to prepare for sweeping up all three of the active gangs. But that was before I knew about someone prepared to step in as soon as a power vacuum arose.”

“... Father…” N sighed, looking at his hands with an absent expression.

“So we need to reassess.” Sakura studied the map. “For clarification- are we asking N to organize his cult to take over the underworld, are we going to choose one of the factions to keep control until Plasma have been neutralized, or are you asking us to go establish ourselves as the new rulers of the Castelia underworld?”

“... On that note, N, how many people in Team Plasma are loyal to you, not your father? To your ideals,” Rin asked, adopting a thoughtful expression.

“...I thought all of them,” N muttered. “I knew father had control, but I can’t lead so many humans.”

“Send a letter to your sisters, N,” Sakura ordered firmly, “Given what you’ve said to them, and what they’ve told you in reply, I see no reason to believe that they wouldn’t believe you in turn.”

“Kept in the dark…” Bles muttered, then turned back to Sakura. “I’m not asking you to become criminal warlords at your age, even if I thought you’d be pretty competent. And I’m not asking N to become a Team Leader at the same age.” She tapped the table. “But if we make it easier to take down two of the factions and let the third escape relatively intact during the League intervention, it might help. But then, that’d allow them to dig in further, and that’s going to lead to major long-term problems.”

“No deal,” Rin said firmly. “Letting any of these groups dig in would be a travesty.” She glared at Bles. “Not even worth considering.”

Bles nodded grimly. “I understand, that’s why I was asking.” She looked back down at the map. “Sometimes, you need a fresh pair of eyes and a sounding board to avoid doing something disastrous in the name of expediency.” She looked back at the girls. “But that means we need eyes on the Uptown Men’s headquarters in town.”

“That can be done,” Ren mused, looking at his sister. “Agate, you and I should be able to handle that on our lonesome. An Espeon and Umbreon wouldn’t stand out in a city like this, especially not in Castellia, where we are fairly common. Those that do not believe us equal to humans consider this one of our ‘native’ habitats, after all.”

“Only once we’re near the possible location, we need to be nearby in case you need help.” Sakura said firmly. “You’re both strong, but if they caught you, I’d rather be close enough to help and not halfway across this city.”

“... An understandable compromise. I would recommend sticking to ‘civilian’ areas, my Lady.” Ren acknowledged with a tilt of his head.

“Of course.” Sakura said. “We’re not looking to get into fights.” She reached up and ruffled Other’s fur. “Well, most of us aren’t.”

“An entire city full of criminals, and we haven’t fought any of them yet,” Other growled. “This is an utter disappointment.”

“We’ll probably get our chance eventually,” Sakura said soothingly, carefully concealing her actual feelings on the matters with a grace that spoke of her years of experience doing so.

As the group made their way out of the planning room, N slowed to a halt. “Um. Do you really think father was lying to me?” He whispered, Zorua placing himself on his partner’s shoulder with a quiet yip.

“Your father lies even more than most stereotypes of my kind do,” Zorua replied blandly, shaking his head with a fond expression. “I followed you despite that, because even though you are lied to your intentions have always been pure.”

“I just– I thought I was special.” N whispered.

“I can’t say if you really are fated to meet one of the Tao Dragons.” Rin said quietly. “But you are special. You speak Pokemon, N! Even with my devices, that’s a wonderful gift.”

“And there’s something to be said for someone who speaks for Pokemon,” Libra drifted out of her Pokeball. “I remember the old days and the old ways. Voices like yours are needed, even if things have gotten much better. There’s still a long path to walk.”

N closed his eyes and shook his head. “I think I need time to think. And something to occupy my time. I will go back to working in the medical tents.”

Bles walked out of the room, coffee cup in hand. “I’ll accompany you today. I don’t think your ambushers would try again, but better safe than sorry.”

--(0)--

Watching from the rooftop, Sakura touched her head, focusing on her latent psychic energy as she looked out at Ren, watching as her Umbreon shadowed the damaged van. Rin had spotted the vehicle a while ago, and since it seemed to be heading the same direction as the possible Uptown men base, they’d set up while the two Eeveelutions pursued the damaged white van. With her gathered energy, she reached out, her own shadowy soul meshing with the Espeon beside him. Agate, can you hear me? If you can, would you read the minds of the men in that van?

Sakura, psychics cannot read minds like that. Momentarily pausing in her response, the Espeon briefly sounded contrite as she continued. Theoretically, I could do what you ask, but not only is it a highly intrusive process that would immediately be detected, but it is in fact completely illegal without a court warrant. With another pause, Agate ‘hummed’ considerately, Though you not knowing that is understandable.

…I suppose Other is also rubbing off on me, Sakura thought back as the two eeveelutions and their quarry moved out of sight. Any trouble following the van? 

They aren’t moving fast enough to pose an issue; it seems they’re trying to not draw attention to themselves at the moment. Agate responded.

Keep us posted, then, Sakura thought back, then looked over at her sister. “They’re fine, and are following the van no problem.”

“Good.” Rin huffed, still tense.

“Lass, Agate will be fine.” Gordon said quietly.

“...she’s so young,” Rin muttered. “I don’t feel right sending them off alone.”

“Young? As far as I understand it, both of them are adults for their species,” Libra blinked, the Lampet having been called out to keep an eye on the sisters. “Now, this has less to do with their age or evolutionary stage, and more to do with, quite honestly, the method of their creation. Mystery Gifts, almost universally, are born either in their late adolescence or early adulthood. They just do not seem that way, as quite often they are quite curious towards the world they were created for; in a manner many interpret as childlike wonder.”

“...oh. That makes… a lot of sense,” Rin muttered. “Juniper did say they were on the cusp of young adulthood. I suppose human ideas of how maturity happens wouldn’t apply to Pokemon.”

“There’s not a huge amount of overlap, no. Hellfires, most Pokemon won’t evolve until they feel ready,” Gordon buzzed. “Even if you did everything right, most Eevee won't evolve until they considered themselves adults.”

“Is that why you’re not supposed to force stone evolutions until the Pokemon asks?” Sakura shot a glance at Libra.

“Correct. Now, this isn’t to say that the Pokemon has zero say in the matter, but there are ways trust can be abused, and evolution is one of the major ones,” The floating lamp replied with a crinkle of her ‘eyes’. “Now, while Gordon is mostly correct, there are groups of Eevee that consider Evolution a rite of passage into adulthood proper. There are actually several species and groups of Pokemon who consider it such.” 

“I wonder what Agate and Ren think about that? They’ve been living with us instead of other Eevee,” Rin murmured, then started, looking across town. “Maybe they’d like to meet their kin here in town?”

“We can ask,” Sakura answered, then paused and touched her head. “Agate’s speaking to me. It seems they’ve found something.”

--(0)--

Castelia City was known for many things. The Stock Exchange on Market Street, the World Trade Center, its status as the Melting Pot of the world, the world famous Castellian University of Liberal Arts, and the Castelia City Gym. What many don’t remember is Castelia City’s formerly thriving shipbuilding industry; one that had stood dominant for years upon years, now fallen from the former heights of its glory during the World War, a conflict that had engulfed the world generations past. The warships produced in Castelia alone had accounted for a good portion of Unova’s shipbuilding production, and the sheer amount of currently abandoned and disused shipyards was a testament to that fact.

Ren peeked his head out of the shadows, glancing around the massive warehouse, seemingly constructed out of one of the many old ship slips that dominated this largely abandoned portion of Castelia. A dozen black and white vans; many set up with weapons and armored plates, sat on the ground floor in various degrees of repair. The multi-leveled gantries above were covered in shipping containers, many of them cut open to install doors and windows. He quickly ducked back out through the wall, emerging from the shadows to appear beside his sister. “If this place isn’t a major Uptown base, I’ll be really surprised. There’s a lot of activity in there. How many people can you sense inside?”

“There’s enough mental activity for hundreds of people, if not more. Nevermind the presence of all this firepower. Honestly, I don’t think it matters who occupies this territory. This needs to be reported now, and we can’t risk approaching any closer.”

“Approaching what?” Both Ren and Agate blinked, then swung around to look at a very familiar Pokemon. The Eevee tilted his head, blinking slowly. “Hi! Are you from one of the other skulks?”

“...umm.” Befuddled, Ren shook his head to clear his thoughts before shifting a little closer to the little Eevee. “Not really, and it’s not very safe here.”

“Really? Mom says that too, but what she knows won’t hurt her!” The little fox-cat stuck out his tongue.

“What my brother means to say, little one, is that we’re both Trainer mons. We’re not from any of the local Leashes, Skulks, or Earths,” Agate clarified, filing away the mention of the Eevee’s parents. It wouldn’t do to have a child roaming so close to the Uptowners…

“Ooh! Some of my older siblings joined trainer teams! A few of them even come back to visit!” Eevee bounced around. “So where are you guys from? Paldea? Galar?”

Before either of the older eeveelutions could respond, a much crisper, deeper voice echoed from a side alley. “Kit, come back here right now!” From the alley, the lithe shape of a Vaporeon emerged, a half-dozen Eevee tumbling along in her wake. “Stay away from the humans– oh, thank the Dragons,” she said, spotting the siblings. “Pin him down, please.”

Sharing a glance, both the mentioned eeveelutions nodded in tandem and did exactly as asked, Ren smoothly moving to cover any possible escape vector while his sister gently pinned the Eevee with a deft application of psychic energy. The kit looked at them, betrayed, moments before Vaporeon was upon him and lifted him up by the scruff of his neck.

“Thnk oo.” Vaporeon managed to push out around her son’s fur. “Nw ee shld–”

“Dammit, fix the fucking sensors.” As one, the entire skulk turned to see a couple of men dressed in the white and black of the uptown men peeking around the corner. “It’s just a pack of Eevee.”

The other man looked at his partner. “Shouldn’t we catch them? I mean–”

“Hell no, three adults protecting kits? John tried that, he got tossed over the damn building last time; bastard’s lucky he didn’t die.” The first man waved a Pokeball. “Get out of here! This is human turf, go hang out elsewhere!”

Vaporeon smartly turned, trotting back down the alleyway with her despondent kit hanging from her mouth. “Yrr n so much trble.”

Turning and following the Vaporeon with a shrug of their shoulders, Ren and Agate briefly looked at each other before the former spoke. “Thank you. While it wasn’t likely intentional, we appreciate the cover you provided us by association.”

“Not a problem.” Vaporeon offered after she dropped her wayward kit on the ground, pinning him with one paw. “You’re not wild, so you wouldn’t know, but lone Eevee get caught very often. Which is why we don’t go off on our own, right dear?” She said pointedly to her kit.

“Yes mom…” Eevee grumbled, his brothers and sisters snickering around him.

“You can tell we’re not wild?” Ren asked, curious.

“You smell like human soaps, and there's not many who manage to evolve into an Espeon or Umbreon without trainers. It’s not impossible, but it’s rare,” Vaporeon explained, her nose flaring again. “Hmm. I don’t think you’re mates, but I can’t quite tell…”

Choking on his own spit, Ren rapidly shook his head. “Siblings, we’re siblings! Ew ew ew ew ew ew!”

Snickering, the female of the pair interjected blandly, “As my brother so eloquently put it, we’re related by blood, not by ties of romantic love. Our scents are likely so similar and intermingled because we’re mystery gifts.”

“Oh! Now, that’s interesting.” Vaporeon gave them a raised eyebrow while the whole Eevee pack gasped. “Not part of a skulk, then? You’d probably be able to find your own, you know.” Her tail waved. “But I don’t think this is the right time to talk about that. Will you and your trainer– trainers?” As they nodded, she continued. “-be in town for much longer? My mates and I would be happy to introduce you to Unovan Eevee culture.”

“We’d like that,” Ren said, getting a nod from his sister as she finished communicating with Sakura. “Any place in particular we could meet?”

“The local park is a common meeting place for us. Come by at dusk, we usually gather to socialize.” Vaporeon let her tail wag. “Just… perhaps leave the humans at home? Other Pokemon are fine, but with so many kits in one place…”

“Understood. Have a nice day, and thanks again for your help,” Agate said, just as Gallade and Elgyem popped in and scooped them up. Seconds later, they departed in another flash.

“So cool…” The adventurous Eevee muttered, just before his mother scooped him up again. “Aw, come on!”

--(0)--

Captain Bles was in her full uniform as she led the children towards a large stone building, glass windows letting light into the space. Looking back over her shoulder, she gave them a small smile. “I apologize for dragging you with me without time to rest, but the vanguard of the League has arrived– and there are several people who wish to meet you, prior to the beginning of operations,” she explained as they walked into the hall, crowds of people entering and exiting around a cordon of policemen and pokemon.

Rin frowned as she looked around Grand Southern Station, taking in the sights of the train terminal. “Is it because we’re lab trainers, mages, or just for our help with this issue?”

“All of the above, and more!” A gregarious voice cut through the line of policemen, the tan-clad figures parting to reveal a tall man with poofy brown hair, a scuffed green jacket and tan pants completing his ensemble. He ambled over, a tight smile on his face and a paint-speckled coffee mug in one hand. “When I heard a few of our journeying trainers were roped into police action, it got me bugged and bothered,” the man said. “I’m sorry your trip was interrupted by this awfulness, but I am glad you’ve made it through all right.”

Turning to face the man, Sakura took a moment to bow towards him. “Leader Burgh.” As she rose, she continued, “We were simply doing our duty as lab trainers.”

“Maybe! But considering you literally went into the wild streets so early in your careers, I’m still impressed,” Burgh responded, giving a small bow. “Now, I know the League will be compensating you for your time–”

Bles coughed. “We still need to discuss what form that compensation will take, but yes.”

“-right, but I wanted to personally thank you both.” Burgh gave a small bow, then took a slurp from his coffee mug. “I don’t know if you’re under some sort of a time crunch, so I’m sorry to say we’re likely not going to open the gym for another week. With that in mind, I can either give you your badges now for community service, or just move you to the front of the schedule as soon as we open our doors again.” The gym leader gave a smile. “I’d miss our bouts if you took the badges, but you have earned them. Lenora and Henderson both passed on their assessments, and I think you’re well within the level for a third-badge team.”

Rin and Sakura looked at each other, then both turned back to Burgh with an answer upon their lips.

“I’ll take it,” Rin acknowledged with a tilt of her head, smiling at the Gym Leader.

“I’d like to battle you for the badge, if you don’t mind, Leader Burgh,” Sakura answered, blinking towards her sister before giving her head a little shake.

“One badge, and one early battle, as requested,” Burgh pulled a badge from inside his jacket, handing it off to Rin. “And there you go. I’ll have it posted as a community service badge within the day.”

Captain Bles coughed. “Sir, the League team–”

“Are coming up now, just getting all their bugs in a row,” Burgh said with a wave. “They wanted to coordinate with the local assets.”

Both girls turned to see a group of people marching up the main stairs from the train platforms. While the idea of a league team brought about ideas of soldiers and uniforms, the reality was much more diverse. Rangers in red and black, veterans in brown and grey uniforms, Ace Trainers in many different outfits, interspersed with men and women in suits and overcoats, members of the International Police.

And at their head, two figures in black and white, dour face mirrored with cheerless smile.

“Greetings, Sakura, Rin,” Ingo called out, stepping forward smartly, his voice echoing through the room. “Though this derailment is unfortunate, it is good to couple our carriages again.” He motioned to his side. “The other of my two-car train, my brother, Emmet.”

“Well met!” Emmet chirped. “My brother had good things to say about you. We are here to deal with a wreck and kick some ass!” He laughed. “I am looking forward to facing you both in a few months, when you have fully fleshed out teams!”

Rin gulped. “Well… I’m certain you’ll do fine, Subway Master,” she said politely.

“And I’m looking forward to facing you,” Sakura said, her smile much more sincere as she extended a hand. Meeting his firm grip with her own, she smiled to match his. “Be ready.”

“Bravo!” Ingo clapped. “We will welcome your challenge. But for now…” He spun to face the gathering trainers. “ALL ABOARD! Come, we should get to work before the enemy has time to deploy to other tracks.”

As the trainers, led by the Subway Masters, marched into the streets of Castela, N couldn’t help but speak up. “They seem intense. But earnest. Almost like Pokemon.” He smiled. “I like them.”

“You will have a chance to meet with them when the action is done. Your hotel room has been paid for the next two weeks, so take this time to explore the rest of Castelia.” Bles said. “For now, I need to go join them on the frontlines. Stay safe.”

“We will.” Rin said. “So, what do we want to do first?”

As the children talked about their plans, they couldn’t see the ripples the revelations and work they’d done had caused. As a woman once fated to die stepped alongside Interpol agents and set to rooting out the criminals infesting the city, they relaxed, secure in the knowledge they’d done a good thing.

And in the end, that’s all it takes to break fate wide open. A few friends, putting themselves in the way of evil at the right moment.