PBZ: Vol. VI Ch. 129

    “So, Team Rocket is responsible for the disturbance in the area,” said Lance as he crossed his arms.

    “Team Rocket has been working on technology that would allow them to control Pokémon against their will,” explained Tatsu. “They’ve been testing this technology for the past few months. I’m not sure if they’ve been successful or not, but they intend to use this technology to control the Mewtwo that they’ve genetically engineered.”

    “Once this technology is perfected, then they’ll move forward this their plot,” said Hanako. “If we could disrupt their plans, we could stall their plans involving the Mewtwo until they come up with an alternative.”

    “How did you come across this information?” asked Lance.

    After a short pause, Tatsu sighed. “My father, Giovanni, is the leader of Team Rocket. Most people outside the organization believe that a man named Archer is the head of the organization. In fact, most of the people in Team Rocket think this too. Only the high-ranking officials know his true identity. He’s been trying to groom me to become the next leader of Team Rocket. I pretended to join him recently to gain his trust and leak information to Satoshi, the former Champion.”

    “Ah,” Lance tapped his chin in thought. “I remember him saying he had a source from the inside for all the information he’s revealed in the past few meetings we’ve had with Mr. Itami. Kanto and Johto have been stirring tensions with each other recently and haven’t attending any meetings, not since Johto is blaming Kanto for Team Rocket’s attack on Cianwood Island. Satoshi, Mr. Itami, and myself have been taking matters in our own hands as of late.”

    “That’s a part of their strategy,” explained Hanako. “Team Rocket has been playing both Presidents in their plots to overthrow the other. The brothers point fingers at each other for attacks that Team Rocket has done to both sides to reignite the war and keeping the public favor on their side.”

    “A clever ruse,” said the Dragon Champion before he looked over to Tatsu. “Do you know where their base is?”

    “I don’t know the exact location, but I do know that they are based in Mahogany Town. Their radio antenna will be disguised. If we can find that, then we should be able to locate the base.”

    “Hm.” Lance turned and looked at the Lake of Rage, observing the now still surface. “I think we should assail it tonight.”

    “T-Tonight?”

    “The longer we wait, the more chance Team Rocket discovers that we are close. They may go into hiding or flee all together. Best to strike when they are not expecting us.”

    Hanako and Riviére turned to Tatsu. “Do you think we can take them?”

    Tatsu crossed his arms and pondered for a few moments. “Well…I don’t think that they would have very many soldiers stationed there. Most of them would be scientists working on their experiments. I don’t expect us to run into a commander, but they’ll have a few soldiers around just in case. I think we can take them if we’re careful.”

    “So, will you help me?” asked Lance.

    “Yeah. I’m in,” said Tatsu.

    “Me too,” volunteered Riviére. “If Tatsu’s going, I’m going too.”

    “I’ll go as well,” said Hanako.

    Alexander couldn’t help but smile at their bravery. “I’ll also assist you in bringing down Team Rocket’s plan.”

    Lance nodded and smiled faintly. “Thank you. I am grateful of your assistance,” said Lance as he took out an Ultra Ball. He gave the Ultra Ball a firm toss and his Aerodactyl materialized from the ball. “Take some time to prepare. I’ll meet you at the Pokémon Center,” said Lance as he climbed onto his Aerodactyl’s back.

    “We’ll be there shortly,” said Alexander as Hanako tossed the housing unit Poké Caps and it too materialized.

    “Don’t take too long,” said Lance as the Aerodactyl spread his wings and took off into the night sky. Alexander turned and entered the housing unit with Tatsu and the girls to prepare for the hostile takeover of the research station.

    The Key Stone on Natsu’s sword shined bright as Natsu’s form appeared, leaning against the wall. “It’s late. What are you doing up?” he asked as Tatsu removed his shorts and began to put on his day attire.

    “We’re going to assault the research center in Mahogany Town,” said Tatsu quickly as he pulled up his pants and buckled his belt. “We just met up with Lance. He’s been scoping the area out after he’s heard reports of Pokémon acting strangely in the area. The device that would allow Team Rocket to control Pokémon must be close to completion. Lance wants us to storm the research center and destroy it.”

    “I see. If Team Rocket completes their device, then they can control the Mewtwo,” said Natsu as he crossed his arms. “I agree with this plan. I will be here to assist you.”

    Tatsu buttoned up his jacket and turned to Natsu. “Hopefully I won’t need it.”

    “Better to be prepared and not need it, than to be caught off guard with nothing,” said Natsu wisely. “This is a critical experiment for Team Rocket. They’d be fools not to have some powerful Pokémon and soldiers stationed there to prevent their research from being interrupted or destroyed.”

    “Yeah, probably,” said Tatsu as he grabbed his sword and laced the sash around him and through the belt loops.

    “Be careful, Tatsu,” said Natsu as his body began to fade.

    “I will,” Tatsu replied as he walked over to his desk and grabbed his Poké Balls before exiting his bedroom. Tatsu found Alexander already dressed and waiting in the living room. Alexander had prepared some sandwiches and had poured four cups of hot coffee. “The girls still getting ready?”

    “They’ll be done shortly,” said Alexander as he picked up one of the cups and took a drink of it. “You should have something to eat and drink quick before we go. It’s going to be a long night, you’ll need your strength.” he said as he placed the now empty cup of coffee on the table.

    “Right,” said Tatsu as he grabbed a sandwich and took a bite.

    A few minutes later, Riviére and Hanako entered the living room. They each quickly ate their sandwich and drank their coffee before they went outside. Riviére tossed Gyarados’ Poké Ball as Hanako returned the housing unit to its capsule form. She and the others climbed onto his back before Gyarados took flight in the midnight hours.

    It only took a few minutes before they arrived at Mahogany Town. Gyarados landed out just outside of town so he wouldn’t be noticed by anyone still awake. The group hurried over to the local Pokémon Center. When they got inside, they asked the nurse if Lance had stopped by. Quietly, she led them to the back room where he was waiting patiently.

    “You’ve made good time,” said Lance as the nurse left them to their business. “Fortunately, while you were getting ready, I did a quick scope of the town and I think I’ve found our secret base,” said Lance as he led them over to the window and pointed a ruddy shack with a strangely shaped tree. “See that tree there? It sort of looks like an antenna.”

    “Yeah, it sort of does,” said Hanako as she took a closer look. “So, what’s the plan of action?”

    “I want one of us to stay behind and make sure that no one escapes,” said Lance. “If someone tries to escape while we’re in there, stop them at all costs. We need to get as many of them behind bars as possible.”

    “Should we alert the police?”

    “They’ve been alerted, but I told them to stay out of sight for now. We don’t want too many bodies rushing in at once. Plus, the Mahogany Town police force is very small in number; not much to make a difference.”

    “So, who’s going to stay behind?” asked Riviére.

    “I will,” said Alexander. “My Pokémon and I will set up a perimeter when you infiltrate the base and take down any suspicious people.”

    “Then let’s get started,” said Lance as he and the group left the back of the Pokémon Center and walked towards the grubby shop. Alexander stayed behind, taking cover behind a car as Lance, Tatsu, Riviére, and Hanako walked to the front door. Lance’s Dragonite landed beside him as they reached the front door. Dragonite punched the door off its hinges and landed on the floor with a loud thud. Lance and the Dragonite walked in and Tatsu and the girls heard a loud voice.

    “What the hell are you doing?!” shouted one of the men inside.

    The Dragonite immediately took out the man by headbutting him in the temple. The man crumbled to the floor, instantly knocked out. A scrawny man lay cowering on the floor as Lance turned his attention to him. Lance kneeled down and grabbed the man by the scruff of his shirt. “I know this is where Team Rocket is doing their experiments. Tell me, where’s the secret entrance?”

    “I-I-I d-don’t kn-know what-t yo-you ar-are t-t-t-talk-ing abo-about!” he stuttered.

    “Don’t lie to me!” shouted Lance as he punched the man in the jaw. As the man fell on the ground, Lance noticed a suspicious bookcase leaning against the wall. Lance approached it and observed it closely. “What do we have here?” he said to himself as he pulled on the bookcase. To their surprise, the bookcase opened like a door, revealing a large iron door with a key pad. “Looks like I’ve found a secret door.”

    “Let me see that,” said Tatsu as he approached the door and looked at the key pad. “If the password is the same as the other facilities, we can enter without blowing it up,” said Tatsu. He typed out the password “Hail Giovanni” in the keypad, and instantly the iron door became unlocked and swung open slightly.

    “Great job, Tatsu,” said Lance as he patted Tatsu’s shoulder. Lance turned to the girls and said, “One of you get Alexander and have him restrain these two and take them outside. Dragonite and I will go on ahead and when Alexander is done, you three come in afterward.”

    “You sure you don’t want us to come with you?” asked Tatsu.

    “I think it’s best if we part ways. I’ll go on ahead and draw whatever soldiers they have to me. Then, you three can sneak around them and go on unnoticed.”

    “We’ll be right behind you then,” said Riviére as Lance turned and he and his Dragonite walked down the tunnel.

    Tatsu watched as Lance and the Dragonite disappeared into the darkness.