Chapter 32;
...........................the wingardom missionary

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The sunlight met my weary eyes with a burst of golden energy. The path we were on began to fade from view as I was momentarily blinded. Sliding my eyelids half shut I shielded my face with a paw, my head twisted back in the direction of Lani. The Houndoom had followed my steps over the small hill and stood gazing in awe at the scene before her. Tali, who was to Lani’s left, was rather indifferent about the whole thing and seemed to be irritated by the sudden flash of sunlight, uninspired at all. When I regained my vision, I was taken aback at the sight before me.

The Marble City, Wingardom, stood before us. Huge stone walls surrounded the entire city and shielded most buildings from view, albeit a few very tall-looking skyscrapers. A clock tower stood in what seemed to be the centre of the town, laced with silver and gold patterns of past relics; ancient Pokemon. At that moment a peal chime sounded and a song rang out across the town, sending the nearby airborne Pokemon to life.

The song was one I recognised at once, for I’d heard it not too long ago when Jarre was injured in the hospital wing at the PRA. The lullaby of Suicune of the North Wind. The harmonious chords soothed my wrenched spirit and made me forget all my troubles in an instant. It called to me and I wanted nothing more than to answer it.

“Lani!” I called to the Houndoom, an ecstatic smile on my face. “This city is amazing!” For the first time since I could remember, I felt so unbelievably happy and overjoyed. Never in my life had I seen such a city.

I raced on all fours to the large entrance gate where two Gallade were standing, heads cast in my direction. They both wore a steel helmet and chainmail across their bodies; the attire of a guard. Carved into the brow of the helmets was a symbol blazed in gold. The intricate designs formed two rising wings, spiralling towards the heavens. As I took a closer look, the gate was also carved with the same design. It must be the symbol of the town, or the king who resided here.

“Halt. What is your business here?” The Gallade closest to me held its arm out to the side and a green leaf-blade spear materialised into view, blocking my path. It peered down at me with narrowed eyes, but an unreadable expression. What could be seen through the helmet, anyway.

“We have come to seek the Freedom Fighters.” Lani stepped past me and bowed her head to the guards, each in turn. “I am Lani of the Pokemon Rescue Association located in Likera Town.”

A sharp intake of breath from the guard told me it was not unheard of.

“The town that was recently attacked by Deoxys? That is from which you hail?” The Gallade cast anxious glances over all of us, lingering on Tali.

“That is true,” Lani replied gravely. “We are survivors of the attack, and wish to rally the support of your Missionary. Our numbers are now small, but with your help we may replenish them. Will you allow us?”

The two Gallade exchanged glances and a few nods. Whatever was being said was done telepathically, for not a word was said aloud. After a time they had finished conversing. The second Gallade who had not yet spoken turned to me and pointed.

“That one, the Pikachu with the white circle on her tail. Is that the Light Pokemon who is being targeted?”

So it seemed Deoxys was not the only one who had heard of me. Lani was right when she had said news travels fast. I found my voice before Lani could speak on my behalf.

“I am,” I spoke to the Gallade, standing up to my full height. “My name is Zanna, and I wish to gather the aid of the Wingardom Missionary in the fight against Deoxys. That is why we have come.”

The Gallade considered this for a second, with a stern gaze, and then nodded. “You may enter, and you will have a personal escort to the Missionary. Nowhere is safe these days.” He nodded past the hills. “Trouble is never far away.”

At a gesture from his partner, the first Gallade signalled further up the wall to someone who I could not see. A giant creaking ensued as the great oak gate before me began to swing open. I watched with amazement at the sight of the inner city.

There were large houses, small houses, shops, more shops, and Pokemon everywhere! Without even realising I took a step towards the gate, not registering the tentative stares of the Gallade following my movements.

“We’ve organised your escort for you.” The Gallade to my left gestured with a hand, snapping me out of my reverie. “They will be here shortly.”

As if on cue, two distinct figures made their way from the bustling crowd, slowly coming into focus. Peering intently, I wondered who they were. The figures were not big, nor small, but they could still be very powerful. Strong guards as an escort? I was liking this. Then my smile faded in an instant.

“Sir.” A head bowed towards the two Gallade followed by another. “I was told we were to escort- you?!” The yellow-green face of Kraal the Leafeon stared back in utter surprise. His partner, Marilai, was much the same.

“S-sir,” Marilai uttered, a look of contempt on her face. “We have to escort them?”

The Gallade merely glanced down at the two dogs and nodded. “King’s orders. Is there a problem, private?”

The Glaceon glanced at me before hanging her head in defeat. “No, sir. Come on,” she turned to Kraal, “let’s go.”

Oh great. Not only had my smile gone, but my happy feelings had been sucked away too. I had to put up with these two as an escort? I’d rather be stuck alone with Tali. It was with that thought the three of us followed the two dogs into the town centre, and the bustling crowd.

As we passed through various stalls, owners were crying out fresh goods for sale. A Slowking nearby stepped close to us as we passed. “Plenty of fish, sea-fresh from the piers, young ‘uns!” He smiled and held out a fish in his claws, but one shake of Kraal’s head silenced him.

“Missionary business.”

I grimaced apologetically at the Slowking and hurried along. It was then that a cry reached my ears. My head whirled to face a side-alley where two grown Marowak had cornered a little Ralts. They held the kid trapped against the far wall with a bone-club. My fur bristled as I veered off to hear what was being said.

“Tell us, kid! Tell us what you saw!” The Marowak that had the Ralts pinned pressed harder with its club. “I know you saw somethin’, so quit lyin’ already!”

“I-I told you I couldn’t make it out! It was just a blur!” The poor Ralts struggled to breathe as the bone was pressed harder against its neck. “P-please-”

“Blur or no blur, you tell us now!” The second Marowak spoke with conviction, its face grim. “I dun’ care if it changes the future – I want to know!”

“Hey, you. Stop what you’re doing right now.” Both Marowak turned to face me as I stood tall, seething with anger. The one pinning the Ralts removed its club and redirected it towards me.

“A Pikachu? And what is it you want, eh? This is none o’ your business!”

“I beg to differ!” I had no idea what had come over me, but the second I saw that Ralts in trouble I knew I had to intervene. It seemed too much like my recent dream – my memory – only this time I was in a situation where I could stop it before it got worse. “I’m going to say this once and once nicely. Step away from the Ralts.”

“HAH!” The second Marowak turned to me and barked out a laugh. “We have a little something we need from this ‘ere Ralts. We’re not gonna let her go easy.” He turned to the Ralts with a manic grin spread across his face. “So if you want her before we’re done, you’re gonna hafta fight us!”

As if on cue, both Marowak took a battle stance in front of the Ralts, bearing their bone-clubs high. So it had come to this. A battle. Electricity crackled from my cheeks.

“Stop this at once!” My head snapped round to see Kraal stepping lithely past me, shooting a glare as he did so. “What are you two doing?” The Leafeon looked hard at the two Marowak who immediately lowered their clubs.

“Kraal, sir, we were just… nothin’.” The first Marowak shrugged and stepped to the side.

“And the kid?”

“We was just helpin’ her back. She got lost.” The second Marowak nudged its partner and the two scuttled past. “We need to get goin’ now. Bye!”

What a sorry bunch they are, I thought as the two raced away into the streets. I started to snicker but the Leafeon had turned and strode right up to me.

“What do you think you’re doing?! You can’t just step into alleys in broad daylight! I know you’re this ‘Chosen One’ and all, but you can’t do whatever you want just because you feel like it! We’re supposed to escort you safely, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

“Like it or not,” Marilai snapped, stepping up next to Kraal. “Now hurry and follow us. If you get left behind again we won’t help you.”

“But the Ralts,” I started, casting an anxious glance towards the back of the alley, but it was nowhere to be seen.

“Must have teleported,” Kraal shrugged. “Now let’s go. That’s the last time I’m telling you.” He backed out of the alley and Marilai followed, leaving me alone to stare at the empty spot where the Ralts had been, and wondering what on earth those two Marowak wanted from it.

~*~

“Commander, Major Kraal and Private Marilai have the escorts. They have all arrived safely. Shall I send them in?”

Virok sat within his chair, glancing idly up at the communications screen. No word had come from Rye in over a week. What was that boy up to? Had the tracer been placed on the project? If so, he was not receiving a clear signal and that was trouble. It was good news, however, that the project in question now happened to be on his very doorstep. He shuddered with pleasure at the thought. It was all so convenient. Swinging around, Virok tapped his claws on the arm of the chair, eyeing the messenger that had spoken to him.

“Please, Nadal, see if our guests would like to eat first. There is much to discuss, but they must be famished.”

“I’ll send orders to the cook right away, Commander.” The Persian, Nadal, nodded and turned brusquely on her paws, exiting the room in silence.

Swivelling his chair back to the communication screen, Virok pondered his thoughts. There was much to discuss with the new Light Pokemon, indeed. With her arrival, he may be finally able to complete his plan. He could destroy Deoxys once and for all. But first, a call was to be made. Virok tapped into his telepathic link, searching for a familiar signal.

“Rakai?”

The silence buzzed and faded, a voice slowly coming into focus. “Sir.”

“She’s here. Be ready when I give the signal.”

“Aye, Commander.”

“And Rakai… this time things will not go wrong.”

A short silence crackled over the link, and a short sneer.

“Aye. They will not.”

~*~

“Right this way, please. Our Commander has decided to welcome you with a gracious banquet.”

A banquet! After all this time I could not imagine how such food might taste. If I recalled correctly, I had never had much of a good meal whilst in this world, albeit for the ones when training at the PRA. Jarre, Dash and Codan had yet to arrive, but I doubted they would be too far off, and Lani assured me that it was alright to enjoy our time here without worrying about them.

Upon arrival at the Missionary, Kraal and Marilai had forsaken their escort duties – gladly – to rejoin their fellow soldiers. Instead a kindly Persian named Nadal had taken us in and given us a brief tour of the facilities. Not much, but it was enough for the time being. She told us that once we had properly rested from our long trip she would give us a grand tour and then we might grant an audience with the Commander – Virok himself!

I was both nervous and anxious about meeting Rye’s father. I had never thought about it that much before, but the feeling had suddenly hit me. I wanted to know all I could about the Missionary, if they were to fight alongside me. I was happy I could finally get the chance to turn the tides of war my way, but I was also very concerned about the words Rye had imparted to me in his letter. If Virok was indeed creating an army of dark Pokemon he could be considered a dangerous threat. I had not breathed a word of this to any of the others, but it had dawned on me if I wanted to keep them out of harm’s way I had to mention my suspicions. I didn’t know what I’d do if my own foolishness got them hurt.

Nadal led us through winding halls of the white-washed building. It was very large, that was for certain. We met few Pokemon along the way save for a couple of soldiers from the medical unit who were returning with casualties. ‘A forest fire’, Nadal had explained when I asked. It appeared there were many happening of late, as the spring season bloomed on.

At last we entered a large, circular room lined with tables. Food adorned them in bucket loads! Fresh Magikarp, Rattata, berries and more! I had never seen so much food in my life, least of all thought about eating as much. If only Jarre were here to see this, I thought, and was briefly overcome by sadness at the fact my best friend was not here. But he would arrive soon enough.

“Right this way. There is a small table at the back which has been reserved for you.”

It seemed we were to sit outside this fine evening. We were led out to an alcove which opened up to a spacious balcony. The sight was absolutely magnificent. Luscious green foliage surrounded a small lake bordered with pebbles of all shapes and sizes. Different species of fish swam within. Even though the Missionary was built far underground, the banquet hall was situated closer to the surface.

“There is nothing better than eating a fresh meal outdoors,” Nadal sighed with serenity. “You young’uns eat up now,” she turned to Tali and I. “Need your energy. It was a pleasure meeting you all. If you need absolutely anything, just sing out. I have ears like a Loudred!” With that she padded off silently, disappearing into the shadows at the far end of the alcove.

Lani turned to the two Pokemon and smiled. “And so one journey has ended, let us celebrate this with a lovely feast!” Tali began eating, but I poked at my food sourly. It didn’t escape Lani’s notice. “Zanna,” she lowered her voice, “there is no need to worry. The others will be here soon. I have known Codan for such a long time that if he were in danger, I would feel it.”

I nodded and smiled meekly, shoving a forkful of Razz berries into my mouth. “Thank you, Lani.” Somehow that Houndoom always did know just what to say.


After we had eaten, Lani and Tali had been shown to the sleeping quarters which were much further down. I was kept with Nadal, as she told me the Commander wished to speak with me before I retired for the night. She padded silently in the direction of the Commander’s quarters, which were much more spacious than the rest, of course. He was, at this very moment, located in the command room, where he could oversee every action happening in the town. Nadal said he had been busy for the past few weeks analysing a lot of data about Deoxys and his followers, trying to locate their next moves, but he was a slippery red devil. She also said it had made the Commander rather restless, and I was to try to disturb him as little as possible – to keep to his good side.

We arrived just outside his door a moment later. Like all the other doors within the facility, it had a mechanical lock built into the centre of the silvery-white frame. When the locks were green, they were open. Red meant it was inaccessible. The lock at this moment was now green. Upon reaching the door it slid open with a slight whir. I glimpsed a large chair and lots of mechanical equipment within the room. However, it was the figure within the chair that most unnerved me. I glanced nervously at the Persian. She inclined her head slightly, and I turned to step into the room.

I entered in complete silence, the door sliding shut behind me, only a single thought buzzing through my mind. A single name. Virok Virok Virok. But I could not see the Commander. His chair was facing a long row of large screens, obviously recording data and monitoring the town. A large yellow and black striped arm appeared over the right side of the arm chair and I froze. That was close enough, I decided. Though I could not see his face, every inch of the aura that emanated from him spelled danger. It warned me to stay away and not come any closer. Being in no position to bargain, it was in my best interest to heed the warning.

After I had been standing for what seemed like a few minutes, a deep voice reached my ears. “Welcome, Light Pokemon.”

Virok.

The Electivire swung his chair around ever so slowly, a gentle creak spreading throughout the room. Virok’s voice was deep and masculine. It held ice, though I was sure it was from years of operating with dark energy. My gaze swung over his dense figure, taking in the muscular power – large arms, legs, a harsh smile and his eyes… His eyes, unlike the emerald of Rye’s, were a deep crimson; almost black. It was as if emotion itself no longer existed within him, turning his heart as black as ash. I gulped, hoping this would definitely not be the case.

Unable to find my voice, Virok spoke again. “You have a name, I presume?” he asked, sounding irritated.

“Y-yes, Zanna,” I stammered after clearing my throat. Why are you stammering, you fool?! It took everything I had to not stare directly at his black eyes. Instead I trained myself to fixate just over his right shoulder. There.

“Zanna. What a…fitting name,” he decided, a slight smile crossing his face. I had no idea what he meant by that, but a bad feeling suddenly rooted itself in the pits of my stomach. “We have much to discuss, you and I,” he continued, “regarding the defences of Talzere. But I wish to start off with something a little more personal. Let us get to know each other. After all, if we are to work together, I think it would be best if we knew at least a little about the other’s history, wouldn’t you say?” Virok smiled wider, and the pit in my stomach fell into an abyss.

Great. I could not tell him I was a human, not from this world. I hadn’t even come up with an alibi about my past yet. Stupid me, not thinking it would be an issue! But here I was and Virok was asking me about my past. Wait, what did it matter? I didn’t have to tell him anything. My past was my past, and it was private. Still, if I wanted him to trust me I had better come up with something and fast. I hope he doesn’t think I’m mentally deficient, standing here like this. I grimaced and managed a weak nod.

“Excellent! I will start first.” Virok stepped from his chair, took two paces towards me and lowered his gaze, for he towered over me like a giant. “My name is Virok and I sit as Commander at the Wingardom Missionary, and head of the Marble City. Make no mistake; I am not its king, as such, but more of a guider. I guide the city to do what is best.”

Right… I thought icily, my eyelids sliding lower ever so slightly. He was adept at lying, that was for certain.

“My father ruled before me, and his father before that. The Missionary has been in my family for generations and that is the way it shall be kept.” He paused for a moment. “I have a son called Rye, perhaps you know him?” A dangerous glint entered his eyes and I gulped. He was challenging me; judging me to see what I knew. Well, I would not lie. I would answer him head on.

“Yes, I know Rye,” I said with clarity. “I met him in Likera at the Pokemon Rescue Association.” Then, remembering the ribbon was meant to be a tracer, I reached towards it and held it up for Virok to see. “In fact, your son was very nice and gave me this ribbon. I am quite fond of the etchings on the side, but I’m afraid I don’t know what they mean. Do you, sir?”

“They are runes of the ancient language, child,” Virok said, indulging my request. “I cannot read what they say, but there is a library here if you do wish to find out after. Though I must say that ribbon is very fitting on you, indeed.” I noticed his pupils thin ever so slightly, swivelling over the white fabric. Was he trying to find the tracer that did not exist? I smiled inwardly at the thought. His son was no longer his own.

“Thank you, sir,” I bowed my head slightly.

“By chance, do you know where my son is now?” Virok peered down at me with an inquisitive gaze. He didn’t know where Rye was. Well, nor did I for that matter. I was only lucky I didn’t flinch now when I heard his name, otherwise Virok might be very suspicious of me.

“I’m afraid not, sir,” I replied, looking downcast. “He left us long before the attack on the PRA, when Deoxys attacked.” I lied.

“Ah, yes, the infamous PRA attack. I heard that Deoxys had finally come out of hiding. It looks like he knows what you are up to, child. It looks like he wishes to stop you.” Again, I felt a piercing gaze boring through me. What was he doing so intently? Why was he studying me as if trying to peer into my soul?

“He does. And that’s why I have come to the Missionary; because I realised that to win this war I need your aid – not just you, but the entire town. Sir…I am at a loss if you do not help.” I watched as the Electivire raised a hand to his chin, rubbing it back and forth.

“Of course, child, you will have our help. But I wish to enquire about you first. You are a Light Pokemon, are you not? How did you gain this power? This unfathomable power of light.” There was something eerie about the way he said ‘light’ that I did not like.

“I, well, I’m not sure, sir. I was captured by Deoxys for a brief time when he attacked the PRA. I was very scared and had no idea why he was after me. One of his followers, a Gengar named Arc, told me that Deoxys wanted my soul. He…he didn’t say why,” I interjected hastily. I was not letting this Pokemon know I was human. Worst case scenario, he could tell Rye. Then where would I be? “But after when he was torturing me, and I felt like I might die, this new power overcame me. It was nothing like I had ever felt before. It washed away all the worry and doubt I had, causing me to grow very strong and calm. My head was so much clearer and I was able to fend off the Gengar until I was rescued. I was lucky, really.”

“Lucky, indeed,” Virok mused. “It has been over 10,000 years since a Light Pokemon has graced this earth, the very last being Altair. If I recall, he was a Pikachu like yourself. How very intriguing. They say that Altair sacrificed himself to send Darkrai to the Underworld, you know. It was by his actions that the Pokemon kind was freed from torment. Until Deoxys arrived, that is. I presume you know of the Great War?”

I shook my head. “Very little of it.”

“Ah, well! Short story is the Dark Ones were unleashed upon this world by Darkrai. Lord Arceus created the Light Ones – Pokemon that would banish the darkness. He did not foresee that they would all lose their lives in the Great War, but it was a sad price they were willing to pay for freedom. The rest is a story for another time. While the past events of history bore me, I’m sure yours will not. How did one such as you come to Likera and enrage Deoxys so?” He seemed to be positively glowing as he asked the question. I just gulped.

“I, er, I was lost. I was taken from my parents with little warning; I’m not sure by whom. But I awoke in Likera where I had been rescued, it seemed. I was really grateful for that. I still have no idea if my family is alive or dead, or if… I will ever see them again.” It was the honest truth, if only leaving out a few minor details. Virok studied me closer, if that were possible, but for the most part appeared satisfied.

“I see. Now, before we turn to business, are there any questions you would like to ask? I’m sure there is much you wish to know about the city.”

For a dark Electivire, he certainly was indulging every desire I had. It scared me to think why this was. Why was he acting so friendly when Rye said he was raising an army of Dark Pokemon? Maybe he wasn’t as bad as Rye had said. His tone and demeanour were cold, true, but he didn’t seem evil. I knew that Elekid had been blowing things out of proportion. But as long as I was here I would remain wary, and be careful in regards to what I said.

“How old is the city? I noticed it’s very grand. Surely it wasn’t always like this?”

Virok threw his head back and laughed. It was in no way like Rye’s – the bell-like peal I was never tired of hearing – but rather coarse and unrefined. “Arceus, no, child! This town used to be as small as an Oran berry, let me tell you! It was in my great, great grandfather’s reign that things began to spruce up a bit. We used to have houses built from trees, as you see in the smaller towns. Houses that accommodated the landscape. But as we learned to harness the wilderness, we were able to build grand things made of stone. Almost every building you see in this town is made of stone, whether it is white-washed, marble or something else entirely! We learned to use the skills Lord Arceus gave us to make the land fit us, and not the other way around. After all, we are the supreme beings on this earth.” He said this so matter of fact that I was beginning to see what a narrow mind he had.

“This town is one of the oldest in all of Talzere, dating way back to times before the light predecessors. We are also the capital city, where all information centres. Pokemon at local taverns are always sharing gossip and the like; that is how we at the Missionary receive most of our leads. It is not just our soldiers that do the field work.”

“How many soldiers are there?” For the first time since I’d entered, I raised my eyebrows curiously.

“Many,” Virok answered. “We have soldiers by the hundreds. Thousands, even. They are all specially trained in an area of combat. We have the pure-bred fighters, soldiers – privates, majors, lieutenants, corporals, generals and the sort – navigators, trackers, sentinels, vanguards, agents and such. Then you have your rogues. They’re always causing trouble for us. But each unit specialises in a skill that the Missionary cannot do without. I, as Commander, oversee all the units and make sure they’re doing their job correctly. It’s not easy running a town, child.”

I didn’t believe for a second it was. It then occurred to me that I knew Virok had a son, Rye, but he had not mentioned Rye’s mother. I mean, surely, he had one. It never occurred to me to ask Rye, either. “I’m sorry to ask, sir, but if you have a son, you must have a wife?”

It was all too easy to see the lines on Virok’s face crease at the question. All too clear to see the pain in his dusky eyes. It was the first time since I’d entered the room that I felt his dangerous aura recede. Maybe his heart was not as black as I thought.

“I had…a late wife, Ameli. She died shortly after giving birth to our son. It was not her time.” He waved a hand. “Enough of this, you should proceed to your sleeping quarters, child, there is much to discuss tomorrow about the upcoming battle.”

“Of course, sir, thank you for the chat. It was nice to get to know you a little.”

“Oh, Zanna,” he stared at me, his gaze widening an inch. “You have no idea. The pleasure is all mine.” As his dark aura returned I whirled and hurried from the room, and his sight, to Nadal waiting just outside. The Persian had an uncanny knack for knowing when and where she was wanted.

“Now Zanna, dear,” she purred, “your friends are waiting up in the sleeping quarters. You best be getting some shut-eye now. There is much to do tomorrow!”

She trotted off happily and I followed in her wake, all the while feeling the piercing gaze of the Electivire on my back.

~*~

“What a delightful little chat that was,” Virok exclaimed with glee, returning to his chair. “Rakai,” he called to his right. “Did you get anything?”

“Aye. I was able to analyse some of the data, sir.” The Weavile slowly came into focus as his invisibility wore off. He was situated in a far corner of the room latched to the ceiling. A strange device was strapped around his head and what seemed like a scanner stretched across his eye. It flickered in strange motions.

“What was found?”

“Her aura is particularly strong and difficult to read. If I compare it to the recent deceased Light Pokemon, Altair, there is little difference in strength. This could become one brutal fight.”

“Powers?”

“She can heal, it seems, but the rest appear to lay dormant deep within her. That side won’t be much of a challenge. She must have had a battle quite recently, because her tail was broken and is still healing. Her condition is far from weak, however.”

“Hmm.” The Electivire raised an arm to the monitor closest to him and pressed a button. “Dispatch Maske. I want to see how the Light Pokemon handles herself in a situation such as this.”

Rakai widened his gaze. “Are you sure, sir? That might not be called for, my data says-”

“Oh, damn your data!” Virok cried, bringing a fist down on the table.

Rakai flinched, but remained firmly rooted to the ceiling. “Half the Missionary could be destroyed by that Feraligatr alone! It will take ages to rebuild!”

“Why Rakai,” Virok lowered his voice to a whisper and laced it with ice. “You’d think you were more concerned about the Missionary than your own life.”

The Weavile dashed from the room faster than a blink of the eye could follow. Virok smiled. Life was good. Now for the test to begin.

~*~

My eyes were barely closed when a loud rumble issued through the building, shaking the whole room. Lani and Tali were both upright in an instant.

“What the hell was that?!” the Buizel cursed, rubbing her eyes. “You try to get some sleep, honestly!”

Lani shot a sharp look at the Buizel but turned her head to me. “That seemed like trouble, young ones. You two better stay here while I go see what it is. I will confer with the Commander and be back as soon as possible.” The Houndoom bounded out of the room without another word.

“Damn Arceus,” Tali cursed from across the room.

“Oh, shut up,” I glared at her, but the Buizel only poked out her tongue in defiance. She was a real irritating ball of fur, that Pokemon! “Well don’t just stand there in a daze. Make yourself useful and set up a barrier!”

Tali peered at me. “Whatever would we need a barrier for? As if some huge monster is going to come walking in here and attack us. Hah!” She sneered and proceeded to laugh.

Through seething anger and gritted teeth I snapped back a command. “Just do it!”

The Buizel muttered a never-ending string of curses in my direction but dutifully raised her arms, creating invisible force fields that would stop negative energy from coming our way. As she did so, I waited patiently for Lani to return. It was hard, however, to tune out from the rumbling noise which was growing louder by the second. To distract myself I tried to reach out with my mind, seeing if I could sense the location of the disturbance, but the Missionary defences were far too advanced for my level.

“Dark Pokemon!”

Lani skidded through the doorway, gasping and crying out. “There is a dark Pokemon on this very route! I think it is after you, Zanna. We must escape before it reaches – oof!”

The Houndoom yelped as she was knocked off her feet and sent flying through the air across the room. Tali and I ducked just in time.

“Lani!” I screamed, but it was drowned out by an overwhelming roar.

From the shadows of the doorway appeared a large black Pokemon. It stomped forward and I caught a glint of its face in the dim light. Teeth – thousands of teeth – in many rows lined its jaws. Its eyes glared savagely, arms stretched out to attack. I recognised it at once as a Feraligatr, not from instinct, but because I had seen one briefly whilst at the PRA. Normally they were a teal blue colour. This one, as a dark Pokemon, appeared dusky grey.

It roared again and I raised an arm to shield myself from the drool that was constantly being flung from its mouth. Being scared wasn’t an option, though I would be lying if I said I wasn’t. Lani was rendered unconscious on the floor and Tali seemed struck with dread. As the Feraligatr stepped forward again it hit something. Something invisible. I had been right to suggest raising a barrier. Tali’s barriers seemed to have stopped it in its tracks. Or so I thought. With a groan the Dark Pokemon raised its right arm, bringing it crashing down upon the invisible barrier. The next step it took brought it closer towards us. I cringed.

“I thought those barriers were to stop it from getting through!” I yelled back to Tali. But it looked, for once, as if she was lost for words. With Lani unconscious and Tali’s barriers being knocked down effortlessly, we were in for a tough fight. Assuming we would even get out alive. This was the Missionary for Arceus’ sake! Where were all the reinforcements?!

But there was no time to think. The huge Feraligatr was coming closer and I had to stop it. From what I knew, the Pokemon was a water type and my electric attacks would be super effective. Reaching deep within, I readied what I hoped would be a powerful thunderbolt. “Step back!” I told Tali, who for once, obediently obeyed. I then launched the attack directly at the Feraligatr and watched as it cried out, crumpling into a heap on the floor. “Yes!”

I thought for sure my attack had worked, but it was all too easy. I was sure it wouldn’t go down so fast. My intuition proved right as the Feraligatr merely shook away the rest of the static and roared again, scrambling to its feet. A closer look and I could see my attack had left no mark – not a singed scrap of scales to be found. My smile broke with dismay. It was a Dark Pokemon. Yes, of course it would be stronger than normal. Well, I thought. If my attacks can’t do me justice in this form, perhaps I ought to try my other.

My ears now easily blocked out the savage roaring and stomping of the Pokemon and I closed my eyes. It was hard to do so without wondering if I was about to be squished, but an inner calm had begun to spread through me, telling me that everything would be alright. A gasp issued from behind me – Tali’s –and I realised my fur must be changing to the white hue it so often took in my Light form. It was then that I opened my eyes and glared, glared hard at the enemy causing such distress. Though I could not be sure, it seemed the Feraligatr flinched under my gaze. A smirk touched my lips. Now it was my time to fight back.

Bashing through the barriers with speed, the Feraligatr came close enough to lunge at me. Its jaw snapped towards my tail but I dodged – and just in time. It crashed into the wall, sending debris flying. Tali had come to her senses and was dragging Lani out of the way of our battlefield.

I readied another thunderbolt and released the crackling white energy. This time on impact it singed the underbelly of the Pokemon, leaving a blackened scorch mark. My attacks now had effect. But the Dark Pokemon whipped its head round almost immediately and opened its mouth. A beam of bright cold energy bore into my body, knocking the wind from my stomach. I slammed into the wall with such force I became dazed, unable to stand upright.

W-what was that? I peered through my half-shut eyelids. The Feraligatr was up and charging towards me again. This time it took all my energy to run in the right direction and not crash into an object. I was dizzy and uncoordinated. In no way could I launch an attack like this. It would be likely I could hit Tali or Lani.

But something sparked in my mind. The body of the Feraligatr was becoming clearer as I focused on it. This time when it came close enough, I lithely dodged its paw and grabbed onto its back, holding tight with my tiny paws. Though it tried to shake me off my resolve was strong. I let loose another thunderbolt, singing every scale upon the Feraligatr’s body. As it fell to the floor once more I backed away to the far side of the room, gathering my energy.

I felt weaker than usual. Maybe I wasn’t yet healed from my fight with Rye that had roughed me up so much. At the thought my tail twinged with a slight ache, but I ignored it. I was no longer dazed, although my energy was draining fast. The Feraligatr stood on its feet for a second time and let out the most devastating roar yet. I cringed, covering my ears with my paws. Leer! My feet suddenly felt wobbly.

My eyes caught my make-shift bed. It had escaped my notice that the Orb of Sorrow, which I usually carried very close to my side, had rolled away from underneath my downy pillow. Straight towards the Feraligatr! “NO, STOP!” I shrieked in panic. The orb was very special, an Orb of Altair. If that Feraligatr crushed the orb we would all be lost. No, no, no!

Disregarding my safety I raced after the orb, just as the Dark Pokemon reached down with its jaw. I’m going to be eaten, was my last thought. But then a miraculous thing occurred. As my paw connected with the orb it glowed, illuminating the room in silver light. Feelings of such sadness coursed through my body, casting away the golden warmth of my Light form and disrupting it. My fur turned to yellow once more and I lay in a heap on the ground, curled into a tight ball.

Shadows beckoned and called to me, lamenting with sorrow. Zaaaaaannnaaaa, they hissed into my ears. You shall die where you sleep, Zanna. The light has forsaken you. You…will…die.

My eyes snapped open, glowering fiercely at the orb. “No I won’t.” A brief glance told me both Tali and the Feraligatr were blinded, but I was not. I alone could clearly see through the light of the orb and it did not touch me. “I will not die,” I continued, “and you will answer to me!”

At my cry the light of the orb faded and emitted a wailing screech. It did not harm me, nor Tali, or Lani for that matter. But the Dark Pokemon fell to the floor, clawing at its ears with such power that they began to bleed. It roared and lashed out with its tail, screeching in agony.

“S……stoooopp.”

It was the first time I had heard the Pokemon speak. I thought perhaps it was unable to, but it appeared that was not the case. Finding my feet, I scrambled to a sitting position and grabbed the orb within both my paws. The sorrow I now felt was strange and hollow to me. It didn’t have the effect it used to when I held it. The power of it now seemed reigned in – more in control. Mine. I held the orb closer to the Feraligatr, as a test, and it roared again, clawing harder.

It was amazing, the power this orb had. The Feraligatr seemed completely incapacitated. It could not move – it was paralysed. How had this happened? Just when all was surely lost this orb, the Orb of Sorrow, had come to my aid. Such is the power of the Orbs of Altair. What were these orbs?

“Sttttooooppppp,” The Feraligatr wailed again, its voice curdling. “I’ll teeelll you. I’ll tell you.”

“Tell me what?” I glared, but I was no longer afraid.

“Whatever is your command, I will tell it.” The large Pokemon swallowed and shuddered. “My name is Maske. I was bred and born in the laboratory in this Missionaarrryy,” it hissed. “I was not born of womb nor egg, but was created. I have always been this way. Darrknnesss is my friend. It calls to me to attack, to do his bidding. I have never defied him because I do not wish to die.”

“Who the hell is he?” Tali cried from her corner of the room, finding her footing. “You have some nerve to attack us like that, brute!”

“He…” Maske turned to the Buizel and watched as she froze. “He is like none other. He is everywhere and he is nowhere. He is darkness and he is sin, for he is my makkkeerrr. I know not his name, but he is darkness incarnated itself and he bids me to attack.” The Feraligatr broke off and cringed again.

Slowly, yet cautiously, I removed the orb from his presence. The glowing dimmed and the Dark Pokemon let loose a heavy gasp of air, crumpling on the floor. Unconscious.
“Darkrai,” I said at once. As soon as the name left my lips, I knew it was true. “Darkrai is his maker.”

“What?! But he’s dead! He’s in the Underworld! He very well can’t escape and create a dark army from in there,” Tali scoffed.

“No,” I said hesitantly, glancing sadly at the unconscious Feraligatr. Yes, sadness had crept over me. These beings were not so different from the rest of us. Most had no choice when it came to being tainted, as it was with Rye. I sorely hoped he would never become like this, as bad as Maske was. Maske.

If Darkrai was now sending Pokemon to target me – and they could get through Missionary defences – nowhere was safe. I would never be safe until this was over. I had to confer with the Commander at once. Whether he was involved with making Dark Pokemon or not, he needed to know that Darkrai was following me. The whole city could be lost.

“Tali,” I turned to the Buizel. “I need you to take care of Lani. I know it’s late and you want to sleep, but there is something I have to do that can’t wait until morning. If Jarre or any of the others arrive, tell them I won’t be far off. And for the love of Arceus,” I added, “please don’t argue with me.”

Tali peered at me intently before slightly inclining her head. “I’ll take Lani to the med unit. They should be able to heal her.”

“Good.” Perhaps that Buizel wasn’t always a nuisance. “And do something about him,” I jerked a paw towards Maske. “We can’t leave him here. When he wakes up he might decide to attack us again.” I bent briefly to retrieve the Orb of Sorrow, hiding it deep within my fur.

“You’re not going to kill him?”

“I…I can’t. He’s not that different from me, Tali. He’s just been tainted differently. There will be a time when I have to kill, but that’s not now. Cage him up, or something, but I won’t kill him.”

I shook my head and exited the room, unable to glance any longer at the tears that leaked from Maske’s eyes.