Miho Chan
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Chapter 7: A Traveling Sisterhood
🕑 Added 2023-05-05 11:09:23 +0000 UTCAurea Juniper watched her wife pacing back and forth, coat flaring as she flitted from one side of the room to the other, “Oh, couldn’t they stay a little longer? It’s so soon! I don’t want them to go!”
Cedric chuckled as he sipped his coffee. “The girls will be fine, Ivy. Besides, it’s not like they’ll be missing too long. They’re both very good at taking care of each other, and promised to call regularly.”
“And you didn’t panic when Junbug left on her journey?”
Professor Juniper smiled as the memory came back to her. “Dad actually insisted on filling out the paperwork for a bodyguard Pokemon.” She sighed. “I miss Stoutland…”
Cedric smiled. “He was a fine friend and partner. But his time came.” He took another sip of his coffee. “You know, at this point he has a few dozen grand and great-grand pups around. We could get a couple for the girls…”
“Grandfather, we’re already equivalent in strength to a three or four badge trainer,” Sakura stated disapprovingly as she walked down the stairs. Turning to look at her adopted daughter, Aurea was only mildly surprised that her battle-maniac had opted for a look that portrayed her love of it. A deep, violet tank-top covered her torso with a burnt red leather jacket with an intricate Eevee design printed on the back pulled over it. Her legs were covered with a pair of dark navy jeans, with hiking boots outfitted on her feet. She didn’t have any immediately noticeable backpack, though she did carry a fannypack that Aurea recalled was far larger on the inside than out. Completing the ensemble was a burnt crimson and white baseball cap emblazoned with the Pokemon League’s symbol, that of a green, delta shaped insignia.
“I’m an old man, and I worry. And having one strong Pokemon and a fine support isn’t enough for three badge strength,” Cedric retorted. “Henderson is going to be a difficult challenge, for both of you.”
“Ah, but Ren is far more than enough Grandpa. Between him and Agate, we’ll be okay even without a Bodyguard Pokemon,” Sakura demurred, tilting her head to acknowledge Cedric’s point. “Nee-san will be down soon. She’s putting the finishing touches on a mystic code for me.”
Ivy looked up, exasperated. “Leaning into her new outfit, huh?”
Sakura shifted. “It is good quality, and it was on sale…” she murmured. “Even if it is… odd.”
“What? So I’m not allowed to play a practical joke as well, Sakura?” The older sibling’s voice called from the hallway leading to their rooms. “Besides, think of the faces they’ll make when I answer quite literally that I’m ‘a witch’!” Rin trotted down the stairs, the long deep purple skirt brushing the tops of her brown boots. The crimson blouse beneath her purple cloak and silver clasp was the only bit of brightness on her outfit, save for the wide-brimmed purple hat, also adorned with a silver band. A well made backpack completed her look. “That and I wanted to test some of the less… horrible enchantment techniques the Rockafellers came up with on my outfit before yours, Sakura. It’s been a success so far, but most of the enchantments will have to be tested during a battle..”
“Ah. Thank you, nee-san.”
“No problem, imouto-dear. I’m not going to make you alpha or beta test any of my new mysteries.” Rin paused, her gaze turning serious, “I wouldn’t ever do that to you.”
Before the statement could generate any awkward silence, Aurea clapped her hands. “So! Two children, two bags, four pokemon. Are you both all ready to go?”
“Yes mom!” The sisters replied quickly, nodding towards each other. They’d discuss more serious topics later, when they were both in the mental headspace to deal with it. Aurea hid a smile that threatened to break out onto her face. Couldn’t let her daughters know that she knew exactly what they were thinking yet, after all.
“Perfect! Then get over here, we’re taking a picture.” Aurea trotted over to the entry passage, setting up her specimen camera. “Let them all out, please!”
Rin stepped forward, sending out Agate and Libra, the little Litwick perching on the brim of her hat. Almost in tandem, Sakura sent out Ren and Ana, the Snivy settling on the floor with a miffed look.
“Say Pokeball!”
“Pokeball!” “Veon!” “Wick!” “Vii.” The group chorused.
“There we go,” Juniper nodded. “So… here you go!” She produced two red devices from a box on the table nearby. “Two Pokedexes, both of them already linked to your Trainer accounts. Sun should be up soon, and then you two can be on your way. Heading to Striation first?”
Sakura nodded. “Mattias Henderson is the gym leader there, right?” She shot a look at Rin, or rather, at both her pokemon. “Rin, have you done any preparation for him?”
“I think we can handle him. Even if he is a Dark-type specialist.” Rin replied.
“Well, good luck, both of you.” Cedric said, standing from his chair and walking with his new grandchildren to the doors. “Going to try and make it the whole way in one day, or pace yourselves?”
“We have no reason to rush,” Sakura replied, glancing at her sister and smiling as Rin nodded in approval. “We’ll probably take the journey as a whole pretty slow in general. We’ll go at a pace that allows us three months buffer before the League and we should be fine.”
“Sounds good. Just remember; no matter how exciting the adventure gets, you’re both children,” Ivy said as they opened the doors. “If you get in over your heads, call the League or us, and we’ll sort out the worst of it.”
Juniper nodded. “Thinking of picking up any Pokemon to add to your teams around here?”
“None yet. We’re thinking that we’ll find partners as we go,” Rin replied, quickly checking her Pokedex. “Yeah, we’re good for now.”
Sakura waved as they stepped off the porch into the dawn light. “Bye moms, bye grandpa! See you all later!”
“Come back after you get a flying partner! Or manage to teach Agate teleport, I suppose.” Cedric called as the two girls walked off.
Juniper cupped her mouth. “Let me know if you scan or catch any rare Pokemon! Have fun!”
“We’ll see you soon, mom and mama!” Sakura waved, her sister giggling as she did the same, “Call you when we stop for lunch and dinner!”
Rin waved over her shoulder as the two girls began to walk up Route 1, pulling out her phone as she walked. “So… I was thinking.” She traced her fingers over the map. “If we wanted, we could go scout some of the smaller attractions and known delving spots across the area as we make our way to Striation… or take a look and see if there were any odd jobs that needed doing on TrainerNet. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Earning money will probably be more helpful in the long run, but we could do both, nee-san,” Sakura suggested, reaching down and giving Ren an ear rub, giggling lightly as she looked over at Rin, “I see that Agate has made you her horse.”
Rolling her eyes, Rin reached back and petted her Espeon, giving the fox-cat head-rubs as she lazily kept a lookout from her perch on Rin’s backpack. “Agate’s keeping watch right now, and Libra prefers to stay in her ball. I don’t begrudge her for her rest.”
“She prefers to be out at the hours of dusk and night,” Agate explained.
Sakura nodded. “I mean, there is another option.” Sakura tapped her Xtranceiver, pulling up a short list of events. “There are some small tournaments in the area, some with prizes. We could go take a look.”
Rin grinned. “I like having options.” She looked at Sakura’s list, then at her own. “Let’s head over to Brasston, and then we can head back onto the main routes if need be. Sounds good?”
“Two days journey? Sounds fine.” Sakura hummed. She looked down, then triggered Miracle Eye. “Up for a long walk, Ren?”
“Looking forward to it.”
It was the second day of the girls’ journey when they finally reached the outskirts of Brasston. Rin stretched as she saw the outskirts of the town peeking through the forest. “Okay, there we go.” She groaned. “I know I’m going to have to get used to this… but I hate sleeping outside.”
“You just like sleeping in, and being outside makes that impossible.” Agate sassed from beside her partner.
Sakura focused on the town, frowning. “...was the tournament supposed to have a bonfire or something? Because that looks like smoke.”
“... No. Sakura, your dex should have an alert from the League if the town’s in crisis. Check it. Now.” Rin ordered, calm descending on her as she pulled out her Pokedex, looking at the screen. “An alert just went out. Someone’s… trying to steal the Pokemon at the convention? And holding them all up with weapons?” She blinked and looked forward. “What?”
Sakura blinked, darkness crawling over her for a split second before fading. “...well, let’s see if they enjoy a bit of Black Magic, hmm?”
“Of course. No need to be merciful either. While we’ll have to take them alive, no other RoE otherwise. I’m marking us as responding trainers, Sakura - let’s go.”
The two girls sprinted into town, coming up on the main square, where a pair of dirty ATVs sat near a wide open sports field. Two men with assault rifles were menacing a gathered group of young trainers and a smattering of older folks. Sounds of yelling came from a nearby church as another man stood guard outside. All three of the visible men wore green-brown camouflage and brown leather, with a symbol of a Sawsbuck’s antlers adorning their backs.
Rin crouched behind a low wall. “Okay, we’re about sixty meters from those two thugs, and eighty from the church,” she muttered. “They have Pokeballs, but they don’t have them out. I wonder why?” She peered over the wall. “And I have no idea what those guns are. Some sort of assault rifle?”
“They’re firearms,” Sakura observed quietly, nodding to her sister. “Probably fully automatic. Do you have a gem that could take them out safely?” Pausing, Sakura eyed her own Pokeballs before shaking her head. She wasn’t quite confident enough in her throwing arm for that idea quite yet.
Rin tilted her head. “I have a Thunder Wave stone, but most of my stuff is too indiscriminate to use near hostages. Boombusts, Heat Wave… I do have a few Shadow Balls, though.”
“Then we’ll go for a Gandr from you and me,” Sakura replied firmly, raising her finger and warming up her circuits. “You take the one on the far left, I take the one on the far right, and we move inwards. Does that work, nee-san?”
“Right.” Both girls came up in sync, pointing forward. Rin smiled as the red-black bolt of light hissed across the space, then grimaced as it collided with the man’s gun, sending it spinning away but leaving him cursing and upright. Sakura’s own shot, a more malevolent deep black tinged with pink and purple, collided with her target and caused him to scream as he staggered, his gun dropping from his hands.
Both girls broke from cover, sprinting as the three upright goons responded to the attack. The man at the Church yelled, aiming downfield but unable to find an angle uninterrupted by his friends. “Freddie, we’ve got a couple of heroes out here!”
The staggered man snagged a ball from his waist, tossing it to the ground. “Heracross, smash these little bitches!” He roared in pain, the bulky bug-type forming and yelling as it opened its wings. “Heracross!” His buddy dropped his own Pokeball, releasing a Sawsbuck, which moved to guard him.
“Ren, take the Sawsbuck with Ana!” Sakura ordered, turning to face her sister and opening her mouth to ask before-
“Agate, we’ll take the Heracross, Libra, help Ren and Ana!” Rin called, before going quieter as she looked at her sister, “Sakura, keep an eye on the trainers. If you get an opening, take em out.”
“Got it.” Sakura agreed. Seconds later, Ren erupted from the shadows beneath the Sawsbuck, slamming his skull into their crotch in a critical headbutt. As the large grass-type staggered, a blast of purple flames covered him, even as his hooves were wrapped in grass knots. The deer fell forward, twitching, even as the sound of two more opening Pokeballs filled the air.
The Heracross lunged forward, springing forward in a pounce. Almost lazily, the psychic type tripped the bug with confusion, sending him skidding into the dirt as Rin threw a Gandr towards it. “No. Bad,” Agate taunted, a cheeky smirk plastered on her face, “Stop charging.”
“Nasty kitty! Bad kitty!” The Heracross yelled as he came upright, pumping his arms and sending sprays of pin missiles into Agate. “Get stung, kitty!”
Rin ducked beneath her second target’s clumsy swing as she blocked him from reaching his gun. “How about… no.” Rin rammed one foot into the man’s knee, sending him to the ground just as she heard a cry from nearby. She spun, barely dodging an I-beam swung through her torso.
“Get wrecked, human. You can’t stop the Wild Men!” The Gurdurr taunted, only to grunt as a heavy weight slammed into him in the form of Sakura, the young girl’s limbs glowing with circuit like patterns as she sent the fighting type skidding with a jump kick.
“Thanks.”
“Of course, nee-san.”
With the obligatory exchange out of the way, Rin blurred as she engaged the Gurdurr, fights and legs blurring as she attacked the pokemon in a dizzying display of martial arts. Her assault was met squarely by the bulky fighting type, the brawler enduring her lighter hits and blocking her harder hits with his I-beam.
Sakura dodged aside as a Braviary swooped down, trying to wrap its talons around her, sending a pulse of darkness to keep it honest even as Ren moved to aid her. He shot her a look. “Sakura, I need to go take care of the gunmen before they decide shooting their friends is acceptable collateral. Can you handle this?”
“Yes, Ren. Send Ana over to help when she can, but I have this one for now.” Sakura grunted, rolling aside from the dive-bombing Braivary, “Now, if only the other trainers in the area would respond…”
“Most of us were already here! And that bastard over there took our Pokeballs!” One man ran up, scrambling for one of the man she’d strangled with his own shadow. “There you are! Go, Murkrow!” He started passing out Pokeballs even as the little dark-type took wing.
As more Pokeballs began to open, one of the last standing men yelled over the crowd as he sprinted past the fighters, backpack pulled on over his uniform. “Let’s get out of here, move it idiots!” The Gurdurr broke off from his sparring even as the battered Heracross and harried Braviary moved to scoop up their trainers.
“I don’t think so.” Rin growled, smiling nastily as they began to flee; away from innocents, away from unacceptable collateral. Fingering one of her nastier gems, one that had earned it’s notoriety as one of the strongest dragon type moves, the magus activated it and reinforced her arm, flinging it with all her strength towards the fleeing criminals, “Draco Meteor!”
Sakura paused as the gem flew in an arc. “I didn’t think you had that working yet?”
“Only partially now. It’ll be enough,” Rin grumbled, then winced as the gem shone brightly before flaring uselessly, crumbling. “...I also have Discharge.” She sighed, pitching the yellow gem to arc in a collision with the leading ATV, causing it to stall out, then explode as its riders were electrocuted.
“Right. Rin, what’s the rules for using experimental mystic codes in battle?” Sakura asked her elder sister.
“That one wasn’t experimental.” Rin whined, pouting at her sister, “The last one I made the exact same way worked!”
“Didn’t you have Haxorus’ help making that one?”
Before the two girls could continue their argument, they were surrounded by awed and chattering trainers and kids.
“Wow, that was–”
“You kids sure were something–”
“Are you a real witch–”
“Did your hair turn white?”
Rin and Sakura glanced at their surroundings, blanched, and both in turn plastered fake smiles on their face. “Ah, one-”
“Oooh, why’d you use Pokemon moves?”
“Where are you guys from?”
Rin took a deep breath, tapped her throat, and yelled. “OKAY!” The pseudo-boomburst stunned the crowd into silence. “Okay– first, is everyone alright?”
One man yelled over the crowd. “Everyone but Missus Rhoda! Those toughs roughed her up to get at the church coffers.”
“And your victims! Not that they didn’t deserve it.” A woman’s voice carried over the crowd.
“Alright! You,” Rin pointed at a random adult, “Go get Rhoda to the Pokemon Center. They’ll have enough first aid equipment to tide her over until the EMTs can arrive.” Nodding towards another group of people, Rin grumbled, “Go provide stabilizing care to those morons; and tie them up. We don’t want them escaping.”
“Ah, not that I don’t think I need help…” The crowd parted as an older woman in the garb of a Taoist priestess was led forward, a smile on her face. “A witch and a warrior. Duality, once again.” She chuckled. “Thank you for arriving when you did. This was supposed to be a day of fun.” The bruised woman sighed, shaking her head.
“It’s not a problem. We’re lab trainers; it’s our job to intervene when the alerts go out.” Sakura interjected, smiling serenely, “Besides, it was very rude of these… ruffians to interrupt your festivities. I’m glad nee-san and I were able to help you take care of them.” Rin shook her head, stepping forward. “Rin Tohsaka, and my sister…”
“Sakura Juniper.”
“Mmm.” She nodded, then turned to look at one of her assistants. “Well, today’s festivities are a wash. Shep, get the prize basket.”
Sakura blinked as the man hustled off, even as the four Wild Men were bound in the middle of the battle court. “Are you sure you want to give it to us?”
“Sure!” Rhoda chuckled, wincing. “Girls, we were going to give this to the best trainer here anyway. And you two seem to fit the bill.” The assistant returned, a hefty picnic hamper with several potion and drink bottles peeking out in his hands. “All yours. There’s a gift card for Krok-o-Burger in there, along with some more practical things. Enjoy it.” She winced. “Ah, but you will need to stay until the police arrive. While I go get my ribs seen to.”
“We expected as much when we intervened, Ms. Rhoda,” Rin replied steadily, relaxing her diva persona ever-so-slightly in the face of a mature adult, “Do we have to remain here, or are we good to head to one of the local diners to get food? It’s about lunchtime, and since you provided us with these gift cards so generously,” at this the witch-like girl raised the gift-cards pointedly, ”we might as well enjoy them while we’re not in the wilderness.”
One of the men nearby laughed. “Hell, the barbeque is still smoking! I don’t think we were held up long enough for anything to burn!” He turned and yelled, a dozen men and women rushing towards the rear of the church. “Tend those stewpots! Let’s go!”
As the crowd began to break up, dragging the girls along, one of the kids explained. “A lot of places offer food to attract folks to minor tournaments.”
An older woman walking alongside him chuckled. “It’s also a good excuse for a party.”
“Makes sense.” Sakura remarked, eyeing the food, “Especially since most trainers forget how expensive feeding their team and themselves is.”
As the girls were sat down at a long picnic table, they blinked as they watched the four bound trainers being tied up near the tables. “Um… shouldn’t they be held for the police?” Rin ventured.
“It’ll be a few hours until anyone can get out here with a paddy wagon. Better keep them close.” One man muttered.
“Hey, you girls have any preference on your barbeque? Any cut, spiciness?” The man who’d originally directed them to the picnic area called out. “Also, any of your Pokemon vegetarian?”
Sakura and Rin both shook their heads, “No. None of our Pokemon have any dietary needs besides our Litwick, and she already had a feast.” Rin explained, smirking darkly at the look of shock that flickered across the man’s face, “Criminals are fair game, and have been since the dawn of banditry, and Sakura and I provide enough life-force to sustain her easily on our own. Most trainer-bonded Litwick and Lampent are fine with just their trainer. Chandelure sometimes require more, but that’s why that evolution and those who train them are so highly regarded.”
“Huh. Not many people who try to train ghost types, at least not fully evolved ones.” He eyed Rin with a more critical gaze. “Hmm. Not often we see hex maniacs in these parts. Is wearing the hat a new thing?”
“Ah, no. Not a ghost specialist in the making. I just like the aesthetic they have going.” Rin giggled honestly, patting Agate’s head as her starter tried not to drool; not that she blamed her, the food smelled divine. “Though I do fit some of the archetypes Hex Maniac covers, I’m more of a generalist at the moment.”
“Well, that’s fine.” The man shrugged, doing a quick count of the people and pokemon at the table. “Anyway, so… five plates? What do you all want?”
Rin frowned, only to pause as Libra perked up and tittered on her hat, cocking her head. “Ah… I’ll try a pulled pork sandwich, with… corn nuggets and hush puppies? And a salad.” Looking over at Agate, who perked up hopefully. “And Agate wants a rack of ribs, cut separate if possible.”
Sakura nodded. “I’ll have a half rack, and a sausage, please. With bread and fries. Ren wants the same as Agate, only extra spicy.” She paused as she looked over at Ana, who was grinning. “A bowl of brunswick stew and a couple sausages for Ana, please.”
“Coming right up!”
After eating their fill, the two girls took a little while to digest, perking up as a blue and black van with a pair of uniformed officers parked nearby, two policemen and a pair of Growlithe piled out. Sakura looked over at one of their hosts. “So, who were those men, anyway? It seems odd to see so many thugs so… color-coordinated.”
“Erg, they’re from the Wild Men,” The woman beside them explained. “Bunch of redneck assholes, really. Used to be an organization for wildlife preservation, but they also liked the ‘old ways’ of Pokemon fighting and hunting. Even with that out of favor, they’re still a bunch of crooks. Moonshining and petty theft most commonly, but they also do ambushes on caravans and travelers, run guns, and sell Pokemon from wild areas and protected zones.”
“Any advice if we run into them?” Sakura asked honestly, blinking as one of the officers hauled one of the men to his feet.
“Fight them if you can, run if you can’t,” The woman muttered. “...did your parents give you two the Talk yet? New trainers should have it, but some folks try to ignore it.”
“We’ve gotten it, yes,” Rin nodded, before paling. “Ah. I see. They’re that kind of scum.”
“No. Well, not for you two, too young. Though there are some trainers who’ll try to make match wagers with that sort of thing on the line.” The woman hemmed. “There are some stories about more forcible stuff happening, but not often. The other gangs are already at the Wild Mens’ throats enough, no reason for any of them to do something to get people to gang up on them.”
“So they probably are that kind of scum but don’t do it because it would get them nuked from orbit by everyone involved?” Sakura hedged, eyes dark. She did… not like being reminded of the fate that had potentially awaited her.
As the woman nodded, Rin raised a hand. “Other gangs?”
“Yeah, the Wild Men are jostling for turf with the Uptown Crew and the Reapers,” the woman shrugged, before frowning. “Of course, these days, they’ve started to push past jostling.”
“We’re not as read into the regional situation. Would you mind filling us in so we know what to expect as Lab Trainers?” Sakura asked kindly, hiding a frown. It seemed that she and her sister wouldn’t have the peaceful journey they’d want- eh, who was she kidding, this sounded like fun!
“I don’t know the details, but whatever peace existed between the gangs? It’s breaking down, hard and fast,” the woman explained. “Makes me wonder if this was some sort of supply run. Not sure how they’d get a bunch of captured mons to actually fight for them, but there you go.”
“I think,” Rin began, pausing when the sound of sirens began to reach them, “that we’ll have to have a good, long talk with the police. If things aren’t peaceful, it’s highly likely that we’ll be called in as Lab Trainers to assist. Forewarned is forearmed, after all…”
“Speaking of which…” The girls looked up to see one of the officers, a tall woman with silver hair and a tight uniform, giving them an eye. “While I would normally bring you two to the station for your statements, it would require some deviation from your journey. Would it be acceptable for me to take notes and record your statements here?”
“We’re happy to go with you to the station, officer,” Sakura replied steadily, her eyes sparking as she stared the woman in the eye. “It appears our journey will be disrupted by a gang war anyway; and this was already a minor detour. More will not hurt, and Agate knows teleport.”
“I see.” The woman nodded. “In that case, we can go together. Seeing as you have questions, I will take the time to speak with you while we travel.” She looked back at the wagon, her partner standing nearby. “Have you finished your meals? We can wait a few minutes before we head to Swaddleton.”
“We finished enough to carry the leftovers with us, thank you officer.” Rin replied politely, bowing towards the man at the barbeque, “Thank you for the food, sir.”
“Don’t mention it!” The man laughed. “My Woobat’s family to me. Losing her would have been… bad. You’ve got friends here, if you ever need them!”
Sakura smiled, nodding bashfully. Minutes later, both girls climbed into the back of the wagon, along with the female officer, who was busily securing a gag on the last of the prisoners. “Unfortunately, we don’t have space up front for four. Thus, we will speak back here on the drive.” The woman sat in one of the seats, indicating the two across from her. After the girls took their seats and the car started up, the officer removed her cap. “So. I am Captain Bles. And I understand you have questions for me?”
“Rin Juniper-Tohsaka, and my sister Sakura Juniper. Don’t ask about the last name, it’s related to… our father, and his insane treatment of my sister.” Rin introduced herself, scowing at the very mention of her father, “I continue to carry his last name because it holds weight in the world we came from, and as much as I hate my father, I do not hate my family’s legacy. Regardless, we had questions regarding the rise of gang actively. We’re lab trainers, and thus one of the trainers that will be called upon in the event of an emergency according to league bylaws.”
“You…” Bles paused. “While normally, I would say you have nothing to worry about… these are not normal times,” the captain acknowledged. “This is not public knowledge, but several months ago, all three heads of the most predominant crime syndicates; the Reapers, the Uptown Crew, and the Wild Men, perished. Circumstances varied, but there was evidently enough doubt in all three deaths that foul play could be expected.”
“Someone wanted chaos.” Sakura and Rin immediately observed simultaneously, both sisters blinking before giggling lightly, “Continue please, captain. Apologies for the interruption.” Sakura continued, a small smile on her face despite the grim news.
“Likey, yes. Unfortunately, all three deaths were covered up by the syndicates for several weeks, so the investigations have been slow going.” She nodded to the bound men, who were listening with a mixture of sullen interest and anger. “Keeping the deaths a secret also caused tensions and suspicion between the gangs to escalate into violence. And once the skirmishing began, the more ambitious, bloodthirsty, or power-hungry members began to agitate the situation to further their own goals. It’s only a matter of time before fighting escalates into all-out gang war.”
“... And leave the criminal underworld empty once the International Response arrives in force.” Rin grimaced, eyes tracking the gang member’s reactions as she muttered, “The League is crystal clear about their response to large scale violence. Purge with prejudice. The usual ‘take alive’ mandates are lifted, and everything is at the trainer’s discretion. Interpol arrives in force, and Champions are called in to clean up the trash.”
“Someone wants to move into Unova. A new group.” Sakura finished for her sister, eyes flickering with inner darkness, “The question is; who?”
“No.” Both girls looked at Captain Bles as she shook her head. “That is the second, and less important question.” She looked back and forth at the two girls. “Tell me, who are the current members of the Unova Elite Four?”
Sakura opened her mouth, paused, and began tapping her fingers. “...why can I only remember two? And the champion?”
“Because right now, there are only two active members.” Bles said grimly. “Adamaeus Grimsley and Robert Marshall are good men, but they’re stretched thin. Isabelle Freest stepped down six months ago to care for her kids, and though Sabrina Court is training her successor, she is too old to stand as an active member, at least not in a policing role. And her successor is too young for the same tasks.” Bles grimaced. “And for that matter… Champion Alder is 58. He’s nearly too old for field work himself.”
“... The timing is suspicious.” Rin growled, eyes flashing with restrained anger, “Someone knew exactly when to stir the pot; and if it was a normal coincidence, I’ll eat my hat.”
Bles nodded. “But it does mean that, when tensions flare, the questions of who is truly responsible will take a back seat to simply dealing with the chaos.” She nodded to the girls. “You have strong Pokemon. Not strong enough, but at least enough to aid in fringe actions. More importantly, you’re capable combatants yourselves, which means you can handle yourselves in a fight.” Her face darkened. “You are both far too young for this. But we may not have a choice.”
“We have help we can call on as needed. Our friends, both lab trainers, won’t let us handle this by ourselves, and one of them will insist on showing up via teleport if needed.” Rin nodded, before turning to her sister, “What do you say we prioritize gyms over everything? Sticking to urban environments seems to be the best idea with this kind of unrest, Sakura.”
“I agree to a point, nee-san. Wilds near major routes only?”
“That works. Thank you, Sakura.”
“That you worry for me is enough, nee-san.” Sakura replied softly, a gentle smile on her face.
Bles sighed softly. “If you insist on meddling… Please keep the Unovan Police Force informed of all actions.” She insisted. “And leave all base assaults to the League, Interpol, or the UPF whenever possible.” The officer tapped her chin, then frowned. “Also, no killing.”
“We will not intentionally escalate unless they do so first.” Sakura replied firmly, her sister nodding in tandem, “The moment they do, the gloves come off. And we have magic. They have more to lose than we do,” she continued darkly, almost daring the gangs to go ahead and take the gloves off. She’d enjoy it.
“...magic? Interesting.” Bles mused. “I am a Normal Conduit myself, and I assumed you were using Rock and Dark energies. I’ve not heard of combat capable magic-users before, at least not in direct combat.”
“That’s because our world’s method of drawing prana from the environment never caught on here.” Rin explained kindly, genuinely looking to educate the woman; it wouldn’t hurt, and she’d already proven that mystery was less valuable here, if not inversely valuable, “Most mages here only used their internal energies; od, in our world’s terms, to manifest mysteries; what you would call spells. Using ambient mana lets us do more at less cost to ourselves.”
“...I see. Not from here? Your world?” Bles cocked her head. “Fallers? That… hmm.” She shook her head. “Most irregular, but you two are quite young. Too young for Interpol or relocation, I suppose.”
“Indeed. We’ve been vetted by the Clans of Sinnoh, if that helps,” Sakura added, smiling serenely, “Battling Subway Master slash Warden Ingo was rather exciting.”
“...more irregularities. Your files are going to need a lot of modification,” Bles mumbled. “Thank you for being so forthright.” She reached into her belt pouch and pulled out a folding computer. “I need to start putting all of this down. Do you have any more questions?”
“None at all, Captain Bles,” Rin nodded gracefully, before asking a question of her own. “If you would like to sit us down for questions of your own, we’re more than happy to answer them. We gain much and lose nothing from revealing things about ourselves.”
“Hmm.” Bles nodded back. “More sensible than most, at least.” She began to work, and the three women lapsed into comfortable silence,hich was interrupted by one of the tied up men making an inquisitive sound behind his gag. Bles looked up. “Yes, we’re done talking. No, I’m not letting you speak.”
The sisters only gave the criminals a little mocking wave before turning their backs to them and pulling out various electronic devices to pass the time. And the wagon rolled on, carrying them on their journey.
