Chapter 11

KILLING ME

Prove to me I’m worthless

Strip my spark away

How could this mean anything

When your comfort's in my pain?

Break me down, break me down

Because you love the way it feels

- Ocean Sleeper

I

"Emily, we need an actual solution," Seth pleaded.

"And that's not one," she responded firmly.

"No, it's not. The best-case scenario is that we go face-to-face with the Pokémon that caused an entire city to abandon and ask it kindly to undo the damage without killing us," Seth argued.

"Did you not hear the story?" Emily retorted, growing more frustrated with Seth's stubbornness.

"It's just a story, Emily!”

It's based on the extinction of Darkrai!" She yelled back.

"Exactly, extinction!" He emphasized, his frustration mounting.

"When I am right, I get to hit you as hard as I fucking can. Deal?" She said with a smirk.

"Sure, but we're not goi...," Seth insisted, but before he could finish his sentence,

Brian interjected, "We are going in."

"What?" Seth responded, taken aback.

"What other choice do we have? We either don't go in and let these kids die of dehydration while we figure out how to get them out, or we go in and hope to be lucky enough to encounter a Pokémon that can wake them up," Brian reasoned.

Seth knew deep down that he would abandon every child here to save Erin, and he hated himself for it. "It's not going to do us any good if we're dead," he responded reluctantly.

"It's not going to do Erin any good if he is still asleep in four days, dying in his sleep," Emily said bluntly, emphasizing the urgency.

"Whatever, let's just get this done. Torterra, move the barrier," Seth commanded. Torterra focused on the debris—desks, chairs, and shelves—and after a moment, roots broke through the floor and began lifting them. Some items fell to the floor, a wooden chair splitting into pieces in front of them. However, most of the debris was lifted, creating a narrow passage that Primeape could possibly fit through.

"Glenn, are you going to be alright?" Brian asked, concern evident in his voice, as the three of them ventured closer to the doorway. Glenn looked up, his expression completely broken as he clutched onto Ava. He nodded in response, but it was clear that he was devastated. Brian desperately wanted to offer some comfort, to tell him that everything would be okay, but deep down he knew that it wouldn't. He had failed once again in protecting someone—Rachel, Flapple and Charlotte were gone, and he felt utterly powerless to change that fact.

Seth walked through the debris and opened the double doors that led into the amphitheater. Emily, Brian, and the Pokémon that they hadn't recalled followed behind him, ready to face whatever awaited them inside.

II

A profound darkness engulfed the center of the stage, casting an even deeper shadow over the already dimly lit amphitheater. It was a darkness that seemed to consume all light, leaving nothing in its wake. From the sides of it, two swirling clouds of eternal blackness arose, emanating an ominous presence. Meanwhile, in the middle, a small pillar of white smoke billowed upwards, standing out to the surrounding darkness.

With cautious steps, they advanced further into the amphitheater. The bench seats were long past worn, the open ceiling causing decades of weathering. Moss had taken hold, freely spreading across the cracked concrete flooring, as nature sought to reclaim its territory. In certain spots, small trees had managed to break through the ground, their twisted branches rising defiantly above the desolate landscape.

With their Pokémon standing guard, they cautiously approached the edge of the stage, drawing nearer to the enigmatic shadow. Fraxure, Vulpix, and Lairon took up defensive positions, ready to protect their trainers from whatever awaited them. As they moved closer, their focus honed in on the peculiar sight before them: a crimson, jaw-like growth encircling the pillar of white smoke.

"What is it doing?" Brian curiously stared at the enigmatic figure shrouded in eternal darkness.

"I have no idea," Seth responded.

"Should we... like, hit it or something?" Emily suggested a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"Feel free, but let me step way back here," Brian replied, playfully taking a few steps backwards. As they joked, the shadowy form began to rise and solidify, taking shape in the air.

Seth felt a sharp pain shoot through his right arm. "Fuck yeah, I was right," Emily said with a smile.

"Now is not the fucking time, Emily!" Seth retorted.

The red jaw-like object hung like a necklace, while the white smoke resembled hair. A piercing blue eye stared at them, shifting between the six of them. Lairon growled protectively in front of Emily. The figure hovered in the air, motionless, as if waiting for them to make a move.

"Can... can you understand us?" Emily cautiously asked.

The figure nodded its head.

"Are you going to attack us?" Brian inquired. It shook its head, dismissing the notion of causing harm, like it was some absurd idea.

"Do you know what has happened here?" Brian pressed. Darkrai appeared confused and shook its head. It suddenly returned to a shadow disappearing into the ground, swiftly making its way towards the main entrance.

“The kids!” Brian screamed and chased after it, followed closely by the others. As they reached the hole in the barrier, Glenn stood there, his gaze fixed on Darkrai, who floated above the sleeping children, appearing tormented.

Seth approached Darkrai, his voice filled with anger and grief. "Why do you act as if you're in pain? It's because of you that my son won't wake up," he accused. Kneeling beside Erin, Seth pleaded, "Make this right and release them." Darkrai hovered near Seth, its piercing blue eye locking with his gaze. After a moment, Darkrai looked around at the sleeping children, then slowly transformed into a shadow on the ground, moving towards the front doors before disappearing entirely.

"Come back!" Seth cried out, clutching Erin tightly. "Help us! Please, help us... Help him." His screams turned into quiet sobs.

III

"Seth," Emily gently touched Seth's arm, trying to wake him. Light streamed through the broken barrier and the main entrance doors. "We need to get out of here," she urged.

Seth lifted Erin, who remained asleep beside him. "How can we get them out?" he wondered aloud.

Brian spoke up, sharing his idea. "What if we hook up this rug," he gestured towards a large rug in the center of the room, "to Torterra, and he pulls the kids towards town." Torterra nodded in agreement, ready to assist.

The light from the main entrance grew brighter, capturing their attention until it became almost blinding. The doors swung open, releasing a strong gust of wind that swept through the room. The blinding light intensified, revealing a purple Pokémon with three pink crescents adorning its body and a face shaped like crescent moons. Darkrai floated in behind it, seemingly absorbing the light.

"It's Cresselia," Emily said in disbelief.

“You came back," Seth remarked, looking at Darkrai, who floated above the children.

Suddenly, Cresselia began to twirl around the room, its crescent-shaped pink lights flickering and illuminating the decaying building. The group was mesmerized, unable to look away.

"Daddy," Erin called out, looking up at him. "Daddy!" Seth embraced his son. Tears streamed down his eyes, unable to say anything.

Glenn stood, holding Ava tightly in his arms. One by one, the children started waking up, looking around with confusion.

The light from Cresselia gradually faded. Brian approached the Pokémon, coming so close that he could rest his hands on its beautiful body. "Thank you," he whispered. Cresselia locked eyes with Brian, its light nearly gone. It closed its eyes and dissipated into shimmering dust that floated peacefully along the floor.

Darkrai floated happily over the children, emanating his unique aura in a dark and eerie manner. Seth stood up, still holding his son, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you," he whispered gratefully. Erin, curious and captivated, pointed towards the mysterious Pokémon. Darkrai hesitated for a moment, then approached slowly before retracting.

"It's okay," Seth assured Erin and Darkrai both, before gently placing him on the ground. Erin walked closer to Darkrai and reached out, placing his hand on the Pokémon's dark form. Darkrai, suddenly absorbed into the ground, transforming into a shadow that stretched along the wall.

The shadow then morphed into an image of children lying down, seemingly asleep, with Darkrai and Cresselia as shadow figures appearing before them. Cresselia danced gracefully, and the children within the shadow image stood up, joining Darkrai in an ethereal dance. Erin clapped and laughed joyfully, completely enthralled by the shadow display. As the shadow faded, Darkrai reappeared, its presence once again solidified.

"It's true," Emily said as she walked up to Seth, observing Darkrai as it performed more shadow stories for the frightened and displaced children. "He really just wants to make people happy."

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Seth nodded, his gaze fixed on the shadow representation of Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon entering a towering structure. “This is how I beat Sabrina.”

"I don't think it wants to hurt anyone, Seth. It seems so peaceful," Emily explained. Suddenly, the shadow tower burst into flames, capturing the attention of all the children who gasped in awe.

Seth turned to Brian, "What do you think?"

Brian pondered for a moment before responding, "I believe we have no chance of winning without its help."

“And if the Pokéball doesn’t hold back the nightmares?” Emily asked.

“We will figure that out when we get to it.” Brian responded while watching the show Darkrai was putting on.

Seth agreed, determination etched on his face. "It cares about the kids, I will use that to force it."

Emily raised an eyebrow, expressing her skepticism. "That's fucked up." she remarked.

"Whatever it takes, Emily," Seth replied with conviction. As the shadows on the wall morphed, a majestic Ho-Oh flew overtop of the smoldering ruins. Emerging from the destroyed building the legendary beasts Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, sprinting off into the distance. The children erupted in applause, and Darkrai reappeared, radiating with delight.

Seth took a deep breath and addressed Darkrai boldly, "If you want to help the children get home, you can, but you must stay here, especially at night. Do you understand?" Darkrai soared towards the Pokéball in Seth's hand and pressed the button, disappearing inside and causing the ball to shake vigorously until it finally stilled.

IV

The journey back to Commerce City was arduous and lengthy. Many of the children had suffered from dehydration, necessitating a day-long rest by a stream just outside Gardenia Town to regain their strength. The children were filled with fear and loneliness, wanting so desperately to see their parents. One girl, Judith, not even five-years-old, really hung onto Brian. And, of course Ava, found extreme comfort in his presence. Seth and Emily did their best to provide support for them. However, it was Darkrai who played a crucial role in preventing them from succumbing to their overwhelming fears.

Glenn, holding a small jar containing Charlotte's ashes, remained withdrawn and barely spoke, even to his daughter Ava, who was equally terrified. Erin managed to bring some laughter to Ava, but she would always return to her questions about Charlotte's whereabouts, denying her death. Finally, on the fourth day after finding them, Commerce City came into view.

As they entered the shanty town, gasps and cries of joy echoed through the air, enveloping everything in a wave of emotion that grew louder with each step. Tears streamed down the faces of parents as they rushed to embrace their long-lost children, holding them tightly in their arms.

The entire city seemed to come alive, converging towards them like a celebratory parade, showering them with love and gratitude. Seth, Emily, and Brian were engulfed in hugs and kisses from the grateful parents, overwhelmed by the outpouring of joy. Reaching the heart of the town, all the children were joyfully reunited with their loved ones, surrounded by the entire community, cheering and celebrating their return. Erin sat atop Torterra, his eyes wide with wonder and contentment, as the scent of food filled the air and the joyful sounds of dancing and singing filled the streets.

Never before had Erin witnessed such a lively event. Sure, he had seen Harold and his friends laugh on their porch, but this was on a whole different level. There were so many people, all filled with happiness. As he looked around, he noticed a few approaching his dad, Emily, Brian, and Glenn. Instead of joining in the celebration, they appeared sad and tears streamed down their faces. Glenn held onto a jar tightly, but he didn't know what was in it. But then, amidst the sorrow, he saw more people dancing and lifting their children high in the air, filled with joy and love.

The party carried on even as the sun began to set. Erin had never felt so full in his life. He had indulged in countless Spoink sausages, feeling his stomach reaching its limit. Ava, too, couldn't help but smile as they sat on Torterra, enjoying the food and the lively atmosphere around them.

As the darkness deepened, Seth began walking towards Erin, signaling that it was time to go to bed. However, the sound of clapping suddenly echoed through the air, drawing Seth's attention. The crowd started to part, revealing a group of individuals dressed entirely in black, accompanied by their Pokémon. Erin clutched onto his dad tightly, feeling an uneasy sense of fear as the man clapping had a sinister smirk on his face.

V

"So this is where you all were hiding. Damn, a whole city fleeing like that. I'm almost impressed with your determination to oppose Giovanni," the Team Rocket member sneered, followed by thirty more men and women dressed in black.

A man stepped forward, attempting to explain, "Please, you don't understand. We were-" but his sentence was cut short as an Escavalier impaled its spear-like appendage through his chest, splattering blood on the people behind him, who began to scream.

"Really, I don't understand? Does anyone else want to question my intelligence?" Brian started to step forward, but Seth held him back, gripping his shoulder firmly. "I'm going to read off my list, as my patience is at an all-time low after trudging through the woods for weeks trying to find all of you. When I say your last name, stand over by us with your family. Holloway!" The team rocket members shouted.

The crowd fell silent as everyone looked around. Thirty seconds passed with no reply. "Very well, we'll play it like that," he said frustratingly, showing a picture to a Noctowl that flew overhead. Moments later, the Noctowl began hooting loudly. "Go get them, hurry," he instructed his subordinates, and five Team Rocket members disappeared into the crowd, screams for help reverberating through the air. Erin clutched Seth so tightly that it physically hurt.

"Please, no!" the father screamed as his family was forced to kneel in front of the main Rocket member.

"Now, my name is Allen Wade. I have been dispatched by-" The youngest child in the Holloway family began crying loudly, cutting his speech off. Allen then took his foot and slammed the child's head onto the ground with a sickening crack.

"Get off him!" the father screamed.

"I was talking. It's rude to talk over people. Now, unless you want to see his guts spewed out in front of you, shut up.” The dad looked up at him, his eyes filled with hate but didn't say a word. “Now, where was I? Ah, yes. I have been dispatched by Giovanni because so many of you have yet to pay us," Allen continued, his foot still pressing down on the child. "I will read off my list, and you will come up to us. If you fail to comply and I have to send my Noctowl to find you, you will end up like the Holloway family here. If you attempt to flee, you will be brought back to end up like the Holloway family here."

A Pyroar approached their side as Allen Wade lifted his foot off the boy, who remained motionless. "Flamethrower," Allen commanded, and before the mother could utter a plea, the four of them were engulfed in flames, their screams echoing through the air.

Emily looked at Seth, a fire in her eyes. "I don't care about our deal. I have to do something," she said firmly. Seth frantically grasped for her hand.

"Jarrett," Allen yelled, beginning to call out names.

Seth pleaded with Emily, "Look at them. They all have six Pokéballs on their belts. We are outmatched."

"Morse," Allen continued, the tension in the air escalating.

"I don't fucking care. I'm not letting them do this," Emily responded defiantly.

"Pennington," Allen shouted.

Erin was now crying on his father's shoulder, his sobs echoing through the tense atmosphere. "And if you do, how many will die as collateral in your act of bravery?" Seth explained.

"Richard," Allen reverberated.

Brian bit down on his hand tightly, blood streaming down as he fought the urge to move forward and intervene. Ava cried loudly on Torterra's back, while Glenn sat in front of him, clutching the jar tightly. "Emily, please go get Ava," Seth pleaded, his voice filled with worry.

"Sosa," Allen continued.

"I can't stand here and watch them die," Emily said resolutely, walking towards Ava.

"Warner," Allen declared.

"Then explain how you're going to save them," Seth snapped, his frustration evident.

"Zavier," Allen finally fell silent, leaving seven families kneeling before him, just behind the smoldering remains of the Holloways.

"This is only going to get worse, Seth," Emily said, her eyes filled with worry.

"Now, I will give one adult the opportunity of ten minutes to retrieve your belongings and hand me your taxes. If you comply, your family can make it out and be given the chance to pay us for another year. If you don't, well, we will deal with that." Allen said, chuckling at the end.

Three men and a woman; Mr. Jarrett, Mr. Zavier, Mrs. Sosa and Mr. Pennington ran frantically out of the circle. The others, Mr. Richard, Mr. Morse, and Mr. Warner remained going from person to person desperately pleading for money. One man, Mr. Morse, not much older than Seth, pleaded to him begging for money. Seth turned his head and held on to Erin desperately hoping for this moment to end. Sarah's grotesque and decaying face was hanging over the crowd. He then approached Brian, pleading, "Please, I just need $12,000. Please, don't let them kill my kids."

Brian looked at him, with compassion in his eyes. "It's okay," he reassured the man, pulling down his backpack and searching through it.

Seth tried to intervene, “Brian that's almost everything you have,” but his words were silenced by Brian's glare.

"Here you go. Save them," Brian said, handing Mr. Morse the money.

"Thank you," he said, embracing them with gratitude. The next seven minutes passed in stone silence as the failed pleas for money continued. The other seeing Brian's compassion flocked towards him begging, he tried to explain that's all he had but they wouldn't leave. Brian's eyes became red, clearly holding back tears. Three of the people who ran out of the circle returned, their faces filled with hope as they handed the money to Allen. The others, holding back sobs, returned empty-handed. "Your ten minutes are up. Pay now," Allen said bluntly, his tone conveying his impatience.

The three families and the Morses hurried back into the crowd, tears streaming down their faces. The remaining three families knelt down, their pleas becoming quieter louder as the seconds, minutes, stretched on.

Suddenly, Mr. Pennington came screaming back into the circle, “I’m here! I’m here!”

"Great," Allen remarked. "Pay me." Mr. Pennington handed him the money, a smile on his face as he looked at his family. "Now, because you were late, pick two," Allen declared.

"But I paid you $40,000," he pleaded.

"And I said ten minutes," Allen replied matter-of-factly.

"Please," the father begged.

"If you make me wait any longer, you will watch them all die." Mr. Pennington solemnly walked over, taking his two children by the hand, leaving his pleading wife behind. "No!" Allen shouted. "I said two, and that includes you." The father stared at him in disbelief. "Now, Mr. Pennington!" Allen ordered.

“I am sorry,” he said as he sat the youngest child down by his mother. As the boy began crying a Team Rocket member held him down with his foot.

"Well, folks, let's get on with it. You there," Allen said, pointing at Brian. Brian pointed to himself, confused. "Yes, you. You were so helpful to that family, really quite brave. Could you help me out?" Brian stood still, not knowing how to respond. "Grab him!" Two huge Team Rocket members swiftly moved towards Brian, restraining him and forcing him to kneel before Allen. "Oh, please, sir. I know your kind. You love helping. I'm sure you will love to help me as well," Allen said, smirking. "Kill them."

"You sick fuck. I won't do it!" Brian exclaimed, standing up and trying to appear larger, even though he felt like a speck.

"YOU WILL FUCKING DO AS YOU'RE TOLD, OR I WILL BURN THIS WHOLE FUCKING TOWN!" Allen roared. Brian stood there, tears streaming down his face, as he looked at the kids who were just saved, hesitating still. "You think I'm playing? Get me the girl he was with." A Machamp began walking towards Emily, Seth, and Glenn.

"No! Get the fuck off her!" Emily screamed. The Machamp grabbed Emily, ripping Ava out of her arms and throwing her to the ground. Glenn sank to the floor, clutching the jar.

"Kill them now, or I will start with the girl!" Allen yelled. Brian's hand trembled as he reached for his pokéball, but Allen's voice cut through the tension. "No, you won't be needing that," Allen said coolly, as Machamp held Ava's head, her screams piercing the air. Allen threw a knife in front of Brian. "There you go. Don't make me wait, or this girl here will join them on the line."

Three families were lined up, five adults and three children, all forced to the ground. Brian held the knife tightly in his shaking hand, his breaths rapid and erratic. He knelt down beside the first person, a father squirming under the weight of the Team Rocket member holding him down. "Don't do this!" the man cried out.

“I… I… I…” Brian struggled to speak, his words barely audible between his breaths. ”With the knife held over the man's neck, Seth turned around and shielded Erin's view.

Thwump!

Emily stood there, one hand covering her mouth, the other gripping Seth's shoulder tightly it felt like she was going to snap it in half.

Thwump!

Glenn stared at Ava, still clutching the jar, muttering "Not her" over.

Thwump!

And over.

Thwump!

Ahhhhhh! Brian let out a gut-wrenching scream.

Thwump!

"Please stop this," Brian pleaded, but Allen only smiled.

Thwump!

His cries mixed with the anguish of the prisoners, their echoes reverberating through the streets of Commerce.

Thwump!

"I am so sorry," he cried. Looking at Judith's crying eyes.

Thwump!

Brian threw the knife away as if it was burning through his flesh. He clutching his stomach as he vomited amidst his sobs.

"Release her," Allen Wade demanded. Machamp let go of Ava, and she ran towards her dad, who held her tightly and kissed her forehead. "Now, listen carefully. If I have to search for any of you again, I will not be so kind next time. You will not have 10 minutes to return what you owe. You will simply be killed." The Team Rocket members and their Pokémon dispersed from the crowd, leaving behind an eerie silence.