Chapter 1
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Although we have no obligation, to stay alive
On broken backs we beg for mercy, we will survive
(Break out) I won't be left here
Behind closed doors.
—Rise Against
I
"Thank you for joining me today," Professor Oak spoke in a darkened auditorium. The overhead lights illuminated his worn lab coat. The bags under his eyes and sunken cheeks created deep valleys of shadows on his face.
"I know…" His voice quivered with a mix of tiredness, anger, and deep-rooted pain. "Sorry… I know what it took to be here today, what you're sacrificing just by sitting in these seats looking at me stuttering and shaking. But we are here because of our loved ones. Whether it's the ones we left at home like my two grandkids or those we lost. Those that were stolen from us."
The audience was silent as Professor Oak stood in the void, hoping to pull out something tangible. “It's for them. Those we have left that we're here. To give them a future that only people my age remember and many of you dreamed of.
"Today, I stand before you not only as a researcher but as a witness to the oppression that has befallen Kanto. Team Rocket, their iron grip tightening with each passing day, has left our region shattered after the brutal war with Johto. Their tyrannical reign has plunged our society into darkness, burdening us with unbearable taxes that suffocate our very existence. With the only escape provided winning the league and fleeing to the very nation that brought this pain to our door. The nation that wiped out my son, your kids, parents… Protectors."
As Professor Oak spoke, his words hung heavy in the air. "We cannot remain silent any longer!" Professor Oak's voice resonated with a mix of determination and righteous anger. "The time has come to rise against them before we struggle for our last breath. We must unite together for the freedom and future of our remaining loved ones. To honor the memory of those lost and bring an end to this era of suffering."
His eyes, once filled with weariness, now blazed with a fierce resolve, urging the crowd to shed their fear and embrace their true potential. The auditorium echoed with a shared sense of purpose, a spark of rebellion ignited within each listener. "We shall be the beacon of light in this darkness," Professor Oak proclaimed, his voice carrying a profound sense of hope. "Together, we will reclaim our home. Let the ashes of despair fuel the flames of revolution. Let us stand united and face Giovanni head-on, dismantling their grip on us! Grab your Pokémon. We march to Viridian!"
The cheers poured out of the auditorium and into the Pallet Town. The wave of hate continued to spill and surge through the streets, colliding with the advancing group dressed in black.
The resounding chants that filled the atrium abruptly halted, replaced by a suffocating silence that hung in the air like a heavy fog. Dread permeated every corner of the building as two figures emerged, clad in black outfits adorned with the unmistakable red "R" symbol on their chests. One took their place on the right side of the stage, while the other positioned themselves on the left. They exude an aura of authority, their presence a stark reminder of the power and reach of Team Rocket.
"Attention," shouted the Team Rocket member on the right, his voice dripping with contempt. "All operations cease immediately."
The audience tensed, their eyes wide with apprehension, their hopes flickering amidst the encroaching darkness. The second Team Rocket member, standing on the left, spoke with a chilling detachment, his tone devoid of empathy. "Professor Oak, you will be executed on this very spot for treason. Anyone wishing to aid this traitor will join him."
"You will be the first to pay for my daughter!" Professor Oak roared.
The Team Rocket members exchanged knowing glances, their faces contorted with smugness. "So be it," scoffed the one on the right.
In that critical moment, Professor Oak's hands moved instinctively to the Pokéballs strapped to his hip. His fingers tightened around them, their presence a comforting reassurance against the encroaching darkness. The room braced for what would come next.
As the tension reached its zenith, the Team Rocket members on opposite sides swiftly retrieved their Pokéballs, tossing them with practiced precision. A burst of crimson light engulfed the stage, revealing the unleashed horrors upon the auditorium.
From the Pokéball on the right, a Raticate materialized, its once-innocent form now twisted into a grotesque embodiment of malice. Its fangs gleamed with a malevolent luster, razor-sharp and stained with the blood of countless victims. Its eyes burned with a sinister white glow, exuding a predatory hunger that sent shivers down the spines of those unfortunate enough to meet its gaze.
On the left side of the stage, the summoned Golbat emerged from its Pokéball. Its wings stretched wide, casting an ominous shadow that seemed to swallow the light around it. Its sickly purple skin clung tightly to its skull-like frame, accentuating the macabre nature of its existence. Jagged fangs protruded from its gaping maw, dripping with a venom so potent that it promised a swift and agonizing demise to any who crossed its path. Its eyes, pitch black and devoid of empathy, gleamed with hatred, relishing in the chaos and suffering it could inflict upon its adversaries. Its wings fluttered with an unsettling grace, leaving behind a trail of darkness that seemed to mock the very essence of life.
With a thunderous command, Professor Oak released his own Pokémon, a Poliwrath, onto the stage. The Water-type Pokémon stood tall, its blue and white orb-like body shimmering with moisture. The unmistakable black swirl on its belly seemed to pulsate with untamed power Its eyes burned with fierce determination, mirroring the fire that blazed within Professor Oak's own gaze.
"Mega Punch!" Professor Oak's command thundered through the auditorium, carrying with it a mixture of fury and unwavering resolve. In a blinding flash, Poliwrath vanished from sight, reappearing with lightning speed on the right side of the stage. Its fist, charged with a torrent of raw power, pierced through Raticate's head, impaling it through the mouth. Gasps of horror filled the air as Raticate's lifeless body convulsed, blood pouring from the grotesque wound. The malevolent light in its eyes faded, replaced by a chilling stillness.
The audience stood frozen, their breath caught in their throats, witnessing the brutal display of strength. The battle had only just begun, but in that moment, a glimmer of hope rang through the darkness, igniting a flicker of resistance in the hearts of those who still dared to dream of liberation.
As Raticate’s Team Rocket trainer's command disappeared, the other's voice roared, "Poison Fang, kill it now!" A horrifying aura permeated the auditorium, suffocating the hopeful atmosphere that once filled the space. Golbat, fueled by its trainer's malevolent intent, lunged ferociously at Poliwrath, its mouth agape, venomous fangs poised to strike with lethal precision.
Professor Oak, amidst the encroaching darkness, responded with unwavering resolve. "Catch it, Poliwrath!" he commanded, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade. In a breathtaking display of agility, Poliwrath leaped into the air, its hands snatching Golbat mid-flight, rendering the creature's attack futile. With Golbat's wings hopelessly trapped within Poliwrath's grasp, it struggled relentlessly, desperate to sink its fangs into Poliwrath's flesh. But the poison dripped uselessly onto his body.
"Water Gun!" Professor Oak's voice reverberated with unwavering authority. Poliwrath's mouth, positioned at the top of its white section of its orb-like body, widened. From within, a focused torrent of water burst forth. The razor-sharp stream sliced through Golbat's fragile form clean in half, tearing it apart with swift and decisive force. The gruesome remnants of the defeated creature were flung aside, landing with a sickening thud on either side of the stage. The auditorium descended into stunned silence, broken only by the haunting sounds of dripping water and the heavy breaths of the audience.
Just as Professor Oak prepared to confront the retreating Team Rocket members, his gaze abruptly shifted towards the stage. To his horror, he witnessed four blinding beams of light piercing through the chaos, revealing the ghastly forms of four Electrodes. The air crackled with impending danger, and a wave of panic surged through the room. Chaos erupted as the terrified audience scrambled to escape, desperately pushing and trampling over one another in a frantic bid for safety. The exits became clogged with bodies, amplifying the sense of dread that permeated the auditorium. Desperate pleas for help mingled with screams of terror, created a cacophony of fear. It echoed through the halls and bounced off the Team Rocket guards that encircled the exits outside.
Amidst the pandemonium, Professor Oak's heart sank, and a profound sadness washed over him. He knew the situation had spiraled beyond hope. With tears streaming down his face, he knelt before Poliwrath, gratitude and sorrow intermingling in his expression. Just as despair was consuming him entirely, a blinding white flash engulfed the room.
II
"Knock. Knock. Knock"
III
An older man with weathered hands opened up his newspaper, flattening out the front page to read the story more clearly. "A devastating explosion at Pallet Town Amphitheater, the result of heroic efforts by Team Rocket, claimed the lives of many terrorists, including the notorious Professor Oak," his voice echoed into the street from their porch. "Fucking garbage," grumbled Harold in frustration. "Labeling innocent people as terrorists? That's a load of shit!"
"Why even read that nonsensical propaganda?" replied Samuel, shaking his head in disbelief. "Those poor people."
Benjamin, the eldest among them, nodded solemnly. Amidst the seriousness of their conversation, a burst of lightheartedness unfolded right before their eyes. Erin Conklin, a spirited 4-year-old boy with light brown skin and curly hair, fearlessly pounced on a Mankey, as it playfully scurried across the sidewalk onto the first step of the older mens' porch.
Harold couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "Erin, you sure know how to show that Mankey who's boss! Don't go too rough on 'em now!" Erin giggled gleefully as he tussled with the Pokémon, their playful energy filling the room. Mankey hopped and jumped, delighted by the attention, as Erin playfully tried to tackle him, earning a series of joyful screeches and laughter. Seth Conklin, a slim younger man, with a stubble beard, walked up next to his son, on the sidewalk, drawn by the commotion. He glanced at the newspaper, concentrating on the distant picture.
"What's going on in the news?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Samuel turned to Seth, the playfulness momentarily set aside. "They're saying there was an explosion at Pallet Town Amphitheater, attributing it to Team Rocket and claiming that Professor Oak was trying to overthrow Giovanni but was killed. It's all distorted, twisted nonsense." As the weight of the news lingered in the air, Seth, ever the soft-spoken figure, turned his attention to his neighbors.
"I'll be taking Erin hunting later to get something fresh for the restaurant. You're welcome to stop by later, bring as much money as you can," he chuckled.
"Well, Seth, if you want me to bring in some serious cash, You better go and carry back a Bouffalant!" Harold said.
Seth carried Erin on his shoulders, Mankey playfully hopping on the other shoulder, they ventured through the once-thriving town that now appeared as a hollow shell of its past self.
The buildings stood like silent sentinels, their worn facades revealing the scars of neglect and time. Paint peeled from their surfaces, exposing the weathered wood. The streets, once bustling with life, now echoed with emptiness. When was the last time he saw the streets vibrant. Abandoned storefronts lined the path, their dusty windows reflecting a ghostly image of what used to be. The faded signs creaked in the wind, their messages barely legible anymore. The town's inhabitants, those who remained, moved with weary steps and downcast eyes.
Throughout the dismal atmosphere of their walk Seth just wanted to enjoy the time he had with his son. He looked and smiled at Erin who in return smiled back displaying the deep dimples he had on both checks. They always did bring a lightness in his heart.
IV
A hard knock echoed through the worn-out door once more, interrupting the quiet solitude of the small, modest building. A thin black woman stood before the door, her hazel eyes reflecting a mix of resilience and weariness. "Sorry, we're closed," she uttered politely. Another knock rang through the room. Curiosity mingled with a sense of unease as she opened the door.
Standing before her was a member of Team Rocket, dressed in a menacing black uniform that seemed to devour the light around him. His face symbolized cruelty, sent shivers down her spine. Fear gripped her, freezing her in place as the intruder forcefully pushed his way inside. Her eyes widened with terror as she saw another member swiftly close the door behind him, sealing off any escape. The room seemed to shrink, suffocating her in its oppressive atmosphere. Unspoken threats hung heavy in the air, leaving her paralyzed with fear.
V
They approached the end of Westgate, the path leading towards Route 4 and the dense woods to the south, a sense of urgency weighed heavily on Seth's mind. He contemplated the pressing matter that haunted his thoughts—the impending burden of their taxes. He knew that Team Rocket, ruthless in their pursuit of power and control, would not hesitate to inflict severe consequences upon those who failed to meet their demands. He couldn't fathom those consequences being put against his son or wife. He saw first hand when they killed the Mcfadden family in the streets. With each step, the weight of their financial struggle bore down on Seth's shoulders. Their meager earnings from the struggling restaurant, coupled with mounting expenses, left them with a daunting shortfall of $5000. It felt like an insurmountable sum, a seemingly impossible hurdle to overcome.
Seth's gaze shifted to Erin, his innocent hazel eyes filled with wonder as he reached out to touch the leaves of a nearby bush. Is this really the last day he would get to spend with his boy? Erin's insatiable curiosity continued to blossom as they made their way through the woods. With each step, his inquisitive nature bubbled over, filling the air with a symphony of innocent yet incessant questions. "Daddy, where are we going?" Erin's bright hazel wide eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for clues.
"Somewhere," Seth replied with a hint of weariness, having grown accustomed to the repetitive nature of his son's inquiries.
Undeterred, Erin's little feet continued to tread the forest floor as he looked up at his father, his face alive with anticipation. "Are we almost there yet?"
"Almost,"
"What will we do there, Dad?"
"Hunt,"
"Why are we hunting?"
"Because I like food"
"Oh, me too! What city are we in?"
Seth couldn't help but chuckle, appreciating his son's endless curiosity. "Does this look like a city, buddy?"
"Nooooo," Erin drawled out, his response laced with amusement. "Do we live in Westgate?"
"Yup,"
"Why is it called Westgate?"
"Because it's west of Celadon City," he explained. As Erin's interest waned, he began to run ahead, eagerly climbing rocks that lined the path. Seth watched with fascination, marveling at his son's boundless energy and sense of wonder. As Seth and Erin continued their walk through the woods, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves above, carrying with it the sweet scent of nature. The tranquil melody of chirping bird Pokémon filled the air, as a fluttering of starly, Pidgey, fletchling, Swablu, and various other avian creatures perched on branches, their colorful feathers creating a picturesque scene.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
The dappled sunlight filtered through the foliage, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the forest floor. The trail meandered alongside a peaceful stream, its crystal-clear waters glistening under the golden sunlight. A group of ducklett waded gracefully in the shallows, their vibrant blue plumage contrasting beautifully with the shimmering ripples of the stream. Their playful movements created small splashes that added to the symphony of nature's serenade.
Their footsteps were blending harmoniously with the soothing sounds of nature. With each passing moment, the beauty of the forest enveloped them, filling their hearts with a sense of awe and gratitude for the wonders that surrounded them. Seth glanced around the tranquil forest and turned to Erin, his voice gentle yet firm. "Hold up here, buddy. Mankey, it's time. Go on, just like we practiced." Mankey obediently leaped off Seth's shoulder and scurried towards a nearby tree, skillfully scaling its trunk with nimble agility.
Seth turned his attention back to Erin, a reassuring smile on his face. "Now, Erin, I want you to take these Oran Berries and place them on the ground, right under Mankey."
Erin's bright eyes lit up with excitement as he carefully held the Oran Berries in his small hands. "Okay, Daddy!" With great concentration, Erin carefully arranged the Oran Berries on the ground.
Seth crouched down next to Erin, his voice filled with encouragement. "Good job, buddy! Now, follow me. Be very quiet." Seth gently led Erin by the hand, carefully guiding him out of sight behind a dense cluster of brush. They settled down, hidden from view, and patiently waited, the peaceful sounds of nature surrounding them. Time passed slowly, and the forest began to lull Erin into sleep.
As an hour ticked by, the stillness of the forest was interrupted by the soft rustling of leaves. Seth's senses heightened, and he peered through the leaves, his heart pounding with anticipation. A beautiful Deerling, adorned in its delicate pink spring coat, emerged from the shadows and approached the carefully placed Oran Berries. The Deerling delicately nibbled on the berries, savoring their sweetness. It seemed at ease, unaware of the impending danger lurking above. In a swift and precise motion, Mankey descended from the treetops, unleashing a powerful Karate Chop that struck the Deerling's neck with deadly force.
VI
As Sarah stumbled backward in fear, her heart pounding, the Team Rocket members barged into her closed diner, their presence casting a shadow of intimidation over the small space. She desperately searched for her footing, her voice trembling as she tried to explain. "Please, I swear my husband just made the payment," Sarah stammered, her voice laced with genuine fear.
One of the Team Rocket members sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. "We were sent here to collect. No money has been given. Now where is our annual payment." Sarah starts crawling backwards speechless and confused. “Butch, it doesn't seem like she has what we need.”
The second member grinned wickedly, relishing in the power he held over Sarah. "Well, if you don't have our payment, then I guess we'll have to find some other way for you to repay us. Isn’t that right Darren? Perhaps some... entertainment."
Sarah's heart raced, her mind racing for a way to escape. But before she could formulate a plan, the room was engulfed in a blinding flash of red light. A chilling hiss echoed through the air, and Sarah's eyes widened in horror as a Seviper materialized before her. Its purple and black scales glistening with venomous intent. Poison dripped from its fangs, and its tail swayed ominously.
The Seviper hissed with a bone-chilling intensity, its sound moving through the room. Sarah's breath caught in her throat as she recoiled in sheer terror. The realization of the danger that now lurked in her once-safe space overwhelmed her, and her mind raced for a way to escape. Butch’s horrifying voice echoed behind the menacing serpent, "Seviper, remove her legs so she doesn't escape from us."
As Seviper's dark aura intensifies, its sinister eyes fixate on Sarah with a chilling glare. In a swift and brutal motion, it lunges forward, its sharp tail slashing through the air like a deadly scythe. The sound of slicing flesh encompassed the room as Seviper's Night Slash connects with its target. Sarah's feet were abruptly severed from her body, torn apart with a horrifying force. The sight of her limbs, severed sinews, and gushing blood sends waves of terror through her. Sarah's agonizing screams pierce the air, mingling with the chilling hiss of Seviper. Butch looked upon Seviper's ruthless attack with a twisted sense of satisfaction.
"Excellent job, Seviper!" As he played with his long red beard thinking of what horrors to inflict next. He loomed over Sarah. He glared down at her with cold, calculating eyes, relishing in the terror that gripped her. A twisted smile splits across his face, and all hope faded from Sarah's.
VII
Seth and Erin made his way through the woods, the golden hues of the setting sun casted a glow over the surroundings. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of Chatots created a peaceful ambiance. With a solemn expression, Seth carried the lifeless body of the Deerling over his shoulder, its delicate form draped over his worn grey flannel shirt. Mankey walked steadfastly beside him, its arms tucked behind its back, providing support for little Erin. The young boy's feet dragged lightly on the ground, his energy depleted, while he slept soundly, his head nestled between Mankey's ears.
Despite the weight of the moment, there was a sense of hope in the air as the trio continued their journey through the dusky woods, bathed in the ethereal glow of the setting sun. However, that hope quickly faded from him as his thoughts drew on to the reality of his situation. He just couldn't shake off the sense of guilt. He knew he shouldn't have lied to Sarah, but he felt cornered, as if he had no other choice. He didn’t want to live his last few days with his family with the noose visibly around his neck.
Was there hope that made him believe he could make the money in time or just willful ignorance put him in this position; probably just shame and fear. The deadline for the money he owed left them with limited options. Deep down, he knew he would have to leave tomorrow to pay for just his wife and son. Seth absentmindedly rubbed the rough stubble on his face, lost in a sea of thoughts and conflicting emotions. The weight of the situation bore down on him, evident in the weariness in his eyes. Each stroke against his skin was a momentary distraction, a futile attempt to clear his mind and find a solution. As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees, Seth's face mirrored the uncertainty and contemplation that consumed him.
The three made their way back to town, the fading light of day was replaced by the shroud of night. The once-familiar streets of Westgate took on an eerie atmosphere as the glow of the streetlights pierced through the coming darkness, casting long, distorted shadows on the worn pavement. The air was thick with a sense of unease, as if the town itself held its breath, waiting for something to happen. The dimly lit storefronts stood ominously, their closed shutters and darkened interiors adding to the sense of desolation. Even the familiar sounds of everyday life seemed muted, as if the night had stolen away the usual bustling activity.
Seth couldn't help but feel a chill creep up his spine as he walked. There was an undeniable weight to the night, a feeling that something lurked in the darkness, hidden from sight. The streetlights, though meant to bring comfort, instead heightened the sense of isolation and vulnerability. They pressed on, the night's embrace seemed to tighten, wrapping itself around the town and its weary inhabitants. His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of anticipation and trepidation filling his thoughts. He stood across the street just far enough where he could see his diner, a wave of fear washed over him.
The darkness enveloped the building, every light had been extinguished. His wife, Sarah, should have been inside, waiting for them. Why was the house so dark? The deerling slipped off his shoulder. He carefully picked up his sleeping son from Mankey. He then instructed Mankey to return to its Pokéball, the red flash illuminated the sidewalk for a moment and Mankey dissipated.
As Seth's hurried footsteps echoed through the empty streets, his thoughts raced alongside them, entangled in worry and uncertainty. The dimly lit streets stretched out before him, a labyrinth of shadows that mirrored the labyrinth of his thoughts. Uncertainty gnawed at his core. With each passing moment, Seth's mind became a whirlwind of possibilities, each more distressing than the last.
The mere thought of Sarah, being in danger, haunted him to his core. But standing side by side with that fierce love was an even greater fierce protectiveness for Erin. Putting their child in harm's way would not fucking happen. "Why would I lie to her?" Seth's thoughts whispered, a flicker of self-doubt in the depths of his mind. But deep down, he understood the twisted reality of Team Rocket's actions. They operated without rules or mercy, exploiting any perceived vulnerability with ruthless efficiency. Seth knew that promises alone couldn't shield his family from the looming threat and was it not his own action that set him in this hypothetical hellscape. Action was needed, and time was of the essence. As Seth pushed forward, his determination fueling his every step, he made a silent vow to Sarah.
"Once I return home," he promised in his mind, "I will explain everything. I will go to Cerulean City myself, and pay for both you and Erin. Perhaps the funds wouldn't be enough for all three of us, but I swear on everything, nothing will befall either of you."
Seth's heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted up the porch steps. He knocks on the door in the quiet night. Moments stretched into what felt like hours as he anxiously waited for Harold. Finally, the door creaked open, revealing Harold's groggy face, still drowsy from his interrupted sleep. “Harold, something's wrong with Sarah. The diner is closed, and all the lights are off. Team Rocket... I was supposed to pay them in a few days, but I don't know what happened. Sarah should be home, waiting for us. I don’t know, I might be assuming or overacting. I just have a feeling in my gut. I need to make sure she's alright.”
“Shit. What do you need from me?”
"Harold, I beg of you, keep a close eye on Erin. I'll rush back to our house and make sure Sarah's alright. But I need to know our son is safe in your care."
“Alright, alright. I'll watch over Erin for you. Go Go.”
Seth's heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted through the deserted streets. His legs carried him swiftly towards the familiar sight of the diner. As he neared the building, his pace slowed, and he crouched down. Moving with caution, he made his way to the back of the diner, His senses heightened, Seth prepared himself for whatever awaited him behind the closed door in front of him. With a swift motion, Seth released Mankey from its Pokéball and silently instructed, "side window, go!"
Mankey understood and nodded, quickly scaling the side of the building towards the side window, opened it and disappeared from sight. Meanwhile, Seth cautiously unlocked the door and pushed it open and stepped into the kitchen. The atmosphere inside was heavy with an unsettling stillness, amplifying his growing concern. Carefully, he made his way through the kitchen, his footsteps deliberate and soft. Every creak of the floorboards seemed magnified in the tense silence as he approached the dining area, his heart pounding.
He flipped on the light switch, the room was bathed in a sudden brightness, revealing the expansive dining area before him. For a moment, relief washed over him as everything seemed to be in its rightful place at the right side of the diner. But as his gaze swept left across the room, his heart sank and his muscles tensed with dread. The sight that greeted him was far from the expected calmness. Tables were overturned, chairs strewn across the floor, and a sense of chaos filled the air. His breath caught in his throat as he stood frozen, his mind unable to comprehend the scene before him. With each hesitant step forward, his apprehension grew, his instincts warning him of the impending horror he was about to witness. The silence seemed to intensify, amplifying the weight of the unknown as he prepared himself to face the unimaginable.
His eyes then fell upon Sarah's motionless body, every fiber of his being rebelled against the horrifying scene that unfolded before him. The room felt suffocating. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the contorted expression frozen on Sarah's face, The once vibrant dark hue of her skin was now marred by deep, painful bruises. But it was the wound on her neck that horrified him. Dark veins snaked their way across her skin demonstrating the poison that had seeped into her veins. Necrosis had already begun its relentless march, claiming her flesh and leaving behind a harrowing spectacle of decay around the bite mark.
As Seth knelt beside her, his trembling hands hovered in the air, unsure of how to touch her fragile form. He noticed the stubs where her feet had once been were drenched in dried blood. The air seemed to still, as if holding its breath.However, Seth's anguished cry tore through the silence. It was a primal, gut-wrenching sound that reverberated through the empty room, carrying the weight of unbearable sorrow and anguish. It started as a low, guttural moan, emerging from the depths of his being, as if the very core of his soul was being torn apart. As the cry intensified, it transformed into a haunting wail, echoing off the walls with an eerie resonance. It was a sound devoid of any semblance of hope. The groan reverberated with a mixture of raw grief, anger, and disbelief, as if Seth's entire being had been consumed by an all-encompassing darkness.
VIII
Butch, nudged his partner Darren on the shoulder, directing his attention to the diner across the street. They both observed through the darkness the shape of a thin man crouched down and scurrying behind the building, catching their interest. Darren, eager for some more action, exclaimed, "Alright, showtime!"
However, Butch, with his commanding presence, raised his hand. "Why?” Darren questioned. Just then, a quick flash of red light emanated from behind the building, swiftly disappearing. Following the burst of light, then some type of Pokémon scale the side of the building, effortlessly entering through a second-floor window.
"Alright, let's proceed. Prepare Seismitoad for action. As for whatever the fuck just climbed in upstairs, I leave it to you. Don’t fuck up."
IX
Seth held Sarah's lifeless body, the front door of the diner was propelled across the room with an incredible force, crashing into the opposite wall. Emerging from the newly created opening, a colossal Seismitoad crouched through the doorway, its imposing presence filling the room.
In the midst of the chaos, a thickly built gentleman with a long red beard strode in, his voice booming, "Good afternoon, Mr. Conklin. I'm here to collect your taxes." The abrupt intrusion only added to the surreal and terrifying atmosphere. Reacting instinctively to the sudden threat, Seth grabbed his small knife and lunged at Butch in front of him. Butch swiftly caught Seth by the throat, overpowering him with ease. He slammed Seth forcefully into the ground, causing pain to surge through Seth's body. As he lay there, his gaze locked with Sarah's blood-soaked foot, inches from his face. "Let me try that again," still holding his throat Butch bends down closer, "where is my fucking money."
In a desperate attempt to intervene, Mankey leaped at Butch, his movements swift and silent. However, Darren's voice pierced the air, commanding Seismitoad to strike with a devastating "brick break." Seismitoad's muscular arm swung through the air, connecting with Mankey's left eye. The impact sent Mankey hurtling across the room, crashing against the wall before slumping down, his eye streaming with blood, caking to the matted fur.
"My money, Mr. Conklin."
Seth's voice quivered as he pleaded, desperation lacing his words. "I have it, I have it," he begged
"I highly doubt that, Mr. Conklin, or I wouldn't have had the time of my life with your wife here," he sneered, reveling in Seth's distress.
Seth's confession spilled forth, a mixture of guilt and fear. "I lied to her because I didn't have enough for the two of us, so I told her I already paid. I was going to leave tomorrow to pay for hers at Cerulean City."
Butch's gaze narrowed, his voice laced with derision. "And, of course, your son's payment too, right?" he inquired, already aware of the answer.
Seth's voice trembled as he affirmed, "Yes."
Butch released his grip on Seth, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "Well, that's great," he taunted. "And seeing how Mrs. Conklin here already paid me with a great time, you now have enough for both you and your son. Go get my money," he commanded. As he made his way towards the basement staircase, he stepped next to Mankey, relieved to see his chest rising and falling. Seth slowly made his way down the creaking stairs. Hidden behind a stack of supplies, he uncovered a small box and retrieved two wads of cash.
Clutching the money tightly, he ascended the stairs, his hand absentmindedly massaging his throbbing neck. As he handed the money to Butch, a sense of unease gnawed at Seth's gut. Butch's smile, marred by missing teeth and yellowed remnants, somehow terrified him. "Why, thank you, Mr. Conklin," Butch sneered, inspecting the cash. "You owe us $20,000, $10,000 each for you and your son. It better all be here," he warned, his eyes fixed on Seth.
Seth nodded, his voice laced with a hint of nervousness. "It is, now will you please fucking leave."
"Bold, but I am a man who likes to play by the rules," he replied, his gaze momentarily shifting to Sarah's lifeless form. "Well, mostly by the rules," he added, a chilling implication lingering in the air. Darren recalled Seismitoad to his Pokéball, and together, the two Team Rocket members turned and left the diner, their presence leaving an unsettling void behind them.
X
As Seth sits in the suffocating silence, his body feels heavy and unresponsive. He musters every ounce of strength to crawl towards his wife, his movements slow and labored. With trembling hands, he reaches out and gently grasps her cold, lifeless hand. The weight of the moment presses down on his chest, making it difficult to breathe. Tears well up in his eyes as he whispers words of apology, his voice barely audible in the stagnant air. The stillness of the room envelops them. His eyes then meet Mankey, still unconscious on the floor just below the staircase. A giant dent busted into the wall over his body. He gently places his wife's lifeless body on the floor. As he approaches him, Seth's eyes focus on the injured eye that was caked in blood. "Mankey," he whispers, his voice laced with guilt. He notices the labored breathing."Let me get something to help clean you."
Swiftly he moves to the kitchen. He grabs a towel and rushes to the sink, drenching it with water. As he returned to Mankey's side, he began to clean the wound "You did good there. Thank you for trying to protect me. Well, other than a serious concussion, I think you'll be okay." he murmurs, Mankey then begins to labor for breath again. "I really hope you don't have a broken rib." Knowing that rest is crucial for Mankey's recovery, Seth softly recalls his loyal companion back into the Pokéball, offering him a chance to heal and find solace in the familiar confines of the device. "Thank You."
Gathering his strength he climbs the stairs to their shared bedroom. Each step feels heavier than the last. When Seth reached the top of the staircase, he hesitated, his hand resting on the banister, seeking support in this moment of overwhelming grief. His heart pounds in his chest, echoing the mix of emotions swirling within him—sorrow, anger, and a profound sense of loss. With faltering steps, Seth moves toward the closed bedroom door, his trembling hand grasping the doorknob. As he slowly pushes it open, the room reveals itself in muted darkness, illuminated only by the faint glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. The sight of their shared space, once filled with warmth and love, now feels hollow.
Seth's gaze falls upon the Pokéball on his wife’s nightstand. With a trembling hand, he reaches out and grasps it firmly, his thumb pressing against the button. In an instant, a radiant scarlet light emanates from the Pokéball, casting a warm glow that pierces through the grim atmosphere of the room. The light subsides, a majestic Vulpix materializes before Seth, its golden fur shimmering with an ethereal glow. The Pokémon sniffs the air, sensing the tension and sorrow that hangs heavy in the room. With an instinctual understanding, Vulpix darts off, swiftly descending the stairs, its paws gliding silently across the floor. She approaches Sarah's lifeless body, nudging her head gently and leaving small stains of blood on its pristine golden fur. Seth's voice trembles with guilt and remorse as he speaks to the Pokémon, his words filled with regret. "I am sorry. I… I… I messed up." Tears stream down his face as he slowly descends the stairs, making his way to the dining area of the diner.
Vulpix's gaze is fixed on Seth, its eyes filled with anger.
"I thought I had more time. I wanted more time."
Vulpix growls soft but continuously, its expression reflecting its own discontent.
"I need you. I… I need… I need your help to protect Erin." his voice trembling in uncertainty.
Vulpix nods in response, though its glare remains fixed on Seth.
Seth takes a deep breath, wiping away his tears, and speaks with a mix of determination and resignation. "Okay, I'm going to bury her. For now, return to your Pokéball." He presses the button on the Pokéball, releasing a beam of light that envelops Vulpix. But to his surprise, Vulpix remains, the light illuminating the room without the expected disappearance of the Pokémon. Seth's voice carries a hint of confusion and realization. "Vulpix, come on. Return to your ball." Yet again, she resists the call of the Pokéball, its presence unwavering. With a heavy sigh, he accepts the unspoken bond between them. "Okay, I get it. We're in this together. Help me give her a proper burial.”
As Seth completes the somber task of patting down the freshly turned earth, he stands up and retrieves a knife from his pocket. With a steady hand, he carefully carves the words "Sarah Conklin, Loving wife & incredible mother" into the trunk of the tree that stands above her grave. The early rays of the rising sun illuminate the scene, casting a warm glow over the solemn moment. The light washes over him and Vulpix. His voice is resolute as he speaks aloud to himself. "I have to get Erin out of this country."