Chapter 13

WRITING ON THE WALLS

I swear we need to find some comfort in this

Run down place

To bridge the gap of this conscious state that we live in

And I'm short on time

- Underoath

I

"Your Pokémon are now healed. Ceruledge will still need a few weeks to recover. She is okay and stable enough for travel, but her chest plate will be concave," the front desk receptionist said to Brian and Seth, handing them a tray of their eight Pokéballs. Vulpix jumped on the counter, emitting a high-pitched yipping sound towards the young woman with long pink hair. She pleasantly petted Vulpix, "We hope to see you again."

Seth felt irritated hearing the words "Hope to see you again," as if this was some sort of right they had. Without Sabrina's approval, they would have been out of luck. He turned towards Brian walking to the exit of the Pokémon Center, asking, "Did you ever get to use these facilities in Pewter City?"

"No," Brian responded, running his hand through his hair. "They were pretty much reserved only for Team Rocket, Brock and his staff, or the wealthy." Seth simply nodded while pushing open the front door.

"Erin, do you want to walk or ride on Torterra?" Seth inquired.

"Walk," Erin replied quietly. Both Brian and Seth abruptly looked down at Erin, who was uncharacteristically silent. They noticed him looking around at the families on the street—kids playing with their young parents, and his focus on the moms. Seth ruffled his hair, and as Erin looked up to him, Seth gave him a playful smile which he returned, though not as brightly as Seth had hoped for.

The number of Team Rocket members in Saffron City was beyond anything Seth could comprehend. Even Brian seemed taken aback by their overwhelming presence. They weren't merely a foreign occupying force; instead, they seemed like an integrated pillar of the community. Citizens openly conversed with them, treating them almost like the old police force from Seth's childhood. He scoffed loudly, catching Brian's attention. "I will never get used to this," Seth muttered.

"After Commerce City, I will never be the same. But for them… it’s… it's peace in ignorance. Say what you will, but if Erin was born here and you lived here before the takeover, you would feel the same," Brian responded.

"What would it take to make major cities rebel against Team Rocket?" Seth questioned genuinely.

"Optics. Most of these people, like us, can't remember life before the war. If the gym leaders openly opposed them, that might change something, but safety is all that matters to them. Whether we like it or not, these people feel safe under Team Rocket's rule," Brian explained.

The streets leading south were incredibly bright in the evening sun. The breeze carried away the summer heat and ushered in the pleasant coolness of fall. Erin's curly black hair danced in the wind, and the sun's radiance reflected off his skin, just like his mother's. Suddenly, Sarah's form appeared before Seth, catching him off guard and causing him to fall backward to the ground. “You can’t save him.” she repeated over and over not even taking in breath into her decaying corpse.

"Daddy, are you okay?" Erin asked, concerned, grasping his father's hand.

"Yeah, buddy," Seth replied warmly.

"Again?" Brian inquired.

"She won't leave. Ever since Commerce City, it’s getting worse." Seth admitted.

"Who won't leave, Dad?" Erin questioned.

"No one, dork," Seth replied, trying to dispel any worry. "I was a coward. It makes sense. If I would have joined you and Emily, we could have—"

Brian interjected firmly, "Stop. Part of me blames you, I did what I…” he started stampering his words, his lips trembling. “I want to hate you for that. You did what was right for Erin. I just wish you would see the world outside that.” Seth stood up next to Brian, and they walked back towards camp in an awkward silence.

II

"Emily! We won! We won!" Erin exclaimed, his smile almost taking up his whole face, his dimples taking the rest.

"Oh, you did? What happened?" Emily asked, curious.

"Alakzam was beating everyone until my Pokémon came in!" Erin said, even more eager to share his victory.

Seth leaned in, whispering with his hand over his mouth to block Erin's view, "Darkrai plus Ditto." Emily burst out laughing.

"Is Glenn back?" Brian asked, scanning the camp and noting its calm setting.

"No, your boyfriend isn't back yet," Emily teased, smirking as she joked with him, and Brian responded with a playful middle finger. "It's almost dinner time. You guys took longer than expected. Do you want to get something set up? We only have a little left in supplies."

"Yeah, I got you," Brian said, still holding up his middle finger playfully, and Erin innocently followed his lead.

"I'll stop in Saffron tomorrow to pick up supplies since you both are broke," Seth interjected, taking on the responsibility. "I don't understand, and have never understood, how Team Rocket became such a large entity. The birth rate has plummeted for the last decade, the population has been declining rapidly, and I can't see why anyone raised in Kanto would join something so cruel to its own country," Seth expressed, his concern evident on his face. Brian and Emily exchanged puzzled looks in response.

"There is protection in joining them, not to mention the monetary gain," Emily said, breaking the silence.

"I guess, but it still doesn't sit right with me. You should have seen them in the City. There was a pair on every block," Seth retorted.

"You’re thinking too much into it, Seth," Brian remarked.

“I guess.”

The campsite returned to its usual warmth. Erin pestering his father about food every ten minutes while helping set up their tent. The aroma of cooking engulfed the entire site as the sun began to set. A cool chill passed through them, making Seth thankful that Westgate was getting closer, as he needed to pick up winter supplies before the weather turned harsh. Glenn and Ava walked back up the hill to greet them. Ava immediately began playing with Erin by poking him in the shoulder and running away.

"How did it go?" Brian asked Glenn, genuinely curious, though a small part of him wished he had bombed the interview.

"It went fine. They are really hush-hush about what exactly I'll be helping Silph Co. to create, but there were Team Rocket members all throughout the building," Glenn replied, cleaning his glasses on his shirt.

"Yeah, we noticed that too," Seth added, scratching his beard.

"We'll be camping out here with you guys for one more night, but tomorrow I have to look for a place," Glenn said, turning to Brian, "You can come with us."

Pretending not to hear him, Brian replied, "Yeah, we'll be heading out tomorrow as well." Glenn's face dropped, clearly hurt.

"I have to go into the city tomorrow morning. I'll come with you if you don't mind," Seth offered.

"Of course not. I'm sure Ava would want a proper goodbye with Erin," Glenn said, and Seth responded with an agreeing nod.

As the delicious aroma of the cooked food wafted through the air, the group sat around the crackling campfire, its warm glow enveloping them. Laughter filled the air as both children and adults shared stories and jokes, creating a pleasant atmosphere of camaraderie. The stars above twinkled brightly, casting a magical glow over the campsite. However, the tranquility of the night was occasionally interrupted by the cries of the children who adamantly refused to sleep, their energy seemingly boundless.

Despite the restless kids, Glenn, Emily, Brian, and Seth found solace in the peaceful moments, enjoying each other's company and the soothing feeling of the campfire. Vulpix rested contentedly in Brian's lap, seemingly basking in the stillness of the night alongside its human companions. Seth noticed Emily had her bare feet sat on the log bathing them in the warmth of the fire. As Seth 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."

His breaths came in ragged gasps as he struggled to get up, feeling the firm grip of Butch's hand tightening around his throat. Summoning all his strength, he managed to muster a powerful punch, knocking Butch to the ground. However, his relief turned to horror as he saw Sarah's lifeless body on the ground, her hands clutching her mouth where he had struck her. Veins now visibly snaked all over her body, her neck and face blackened, and the darkness seemed to be spreading.

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Her blood curdling scream tore through the air, “You can’t save him!” As she pointed menacingly at the tent where Seth's son slept peacefully. He turned back to see Brian holding his jaw, a massive red spot formed just under his hand, while Emily and Glenn were helping him up.

"What the fuck was that?" Emily said, trying to use hushed volume but failing miserably in her anger.

"I'm... I'm..." Seth tried to get his thoughts out but found the hyperventilating taking over, making it impossible to say anything coherent.

"It's fine, man," Brian said, holding a hand out to Seth. He took it and got to his feet.

"I'm... Fuck..." Seth still found it impossible to speak, so he sat back down, everyone else doing the same, staring at him as if he had grown a separate head.

"You're suffering from psychosis," Glenn said bluntly, causing all eyes to turn to him. "You need to see a therapist or, at the very least, get some sort of medicine."

"I can... handle it," Seth responded slowly, taking deep breaths while looking at his trembling hands.

Emily scoffed at this, looking sharply at him. "Great fucking job so far."

"Drop it," he said sharply before getting up and retreating to his tent.

Emily just shrugged her shoulders and shook her head, returning to the conversation with the others. Seth tried to keep his breathing under control while lying next to Erin. Finally, sleep overcame him, but the voice repeating, "You can't save him," was faintly heard repeating even in his dreams.

III

As the group walked towards the end of Route seven, the imposing Team Rocket wall encasing Saffron City came into view.

"Alright, I will meet you guys about this far up Route five, north of the city. Come here, girl," Emily said, bending down to embrace Ava. "Glenn, I wish you the best." He returned a friendly smile.

Brian walked over closely towards Glenn, "I promise, I am getting you two out."

"Just don't die trying to achieve it," Glenn said. "When you do come to your senses, you have a place with us."

Brian picked up Ava tightly. "Promise you will be good?"

Ava smiled ear to ear, "I promise."

"Alright, I will meet you north of the city," Seth replied.

They passed the checkpoint smoothly, with the exception of Vulpix fighting not to go in the Pokéball. The city seemed to have grown even larger overnight.

"Erin, give Ava a hug goodbye," Seth said, looking at his son.

"But I don't want her to go!" Erin protested, a tantrum starting to set in.

Glenn got down to his level, "We will see each other soon, I'm sure."

The two kids awkwardly hugged each other while their parents smiled, observing their cuteness.

"Here is Darkrai," Erin said, handing the ball to him.

"Thank you, Seth. Please look after Brian for me," Glenn asked.

"I will, and you be safe here," Seth responded, eyeing two Team Rocket members passing them.

IV

As the weeks passed, Brian, Seth, Emily, and Erin, along with their Pokémon, embarked on the journey along the uphill path of Route five towards Cerulean City. The once vibrant greenery of the landscape had started to transition into a breathtaking display of autumn colors. The air grew cooler with each passing day, carrying the crisp scent of fallen leaves that now blanketed the ground, forming a golden ocean beneath their feet.

Despite the beauty of their surroundings, tension lingered among the group. Brian and Seth were determined to hone their skills and strategies in preparation for their upcoming battle against Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader. They spent hours each day working closely with their Pokémon and Emily’s Vaporeon, perfecting their moves and learning to anticipate each other's thoughts in battle.

On the other hand, Seth's psychosis seemed to intensify with the passing of time. He became increasingly withdrawn, often keeping to himself during their breaks and camp nights. His once sectioned off personality was even subdued, and he struggled to find solace in the tranquility of their journey.

As they continued their ascent, the uphill path became steeper, challenging both their physical and mental endurance. The days were long, filled with arduous training sessions and the never-ending uphill trek. But through it all, the group held on.

Emily, with her vulgar, cheerful and unwavering spirit, often tried to uplift Seth's spirits, reminding him that they were in this together. Erin, always the beacon of positivity, added a spark of joy to the otherwise tense atmosphere, with his innocent laughter and playful interactions with their Pokémon.

The ever-changing landscape mirrored their inner struggles. The golden leaves that surrounded them seemed to symbolize the fleeting moments of respite amidst their challenges. The cool breeze that caressed their cheeks reminded them of the chill in Seth's heart as his psychosis continued to take a toll on him.

As the cries filtered through the trees, Brian's ears perked up, drawing his attention towards the source. "Do you guys hear that?" he asked, sensing something amiss.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Seth replied coldly, trying to brush off the sounds.

But as they continued walking up the hill, the cries grew louder, making it impossible for Seth to deny their significance. "I'm going to check it out. Emily, will you come with me?" Brian asked, his focus fixed on the direction of the distressing sounds.

"Yeah, let's go," Emily responded, gesturing for Seth's knife. The two of them released their Pokémon and hurried up the hill, leaving Erin and Seth resting on the side of the road.

As they approached the scene, about 100 yards away, the cries became even more unbearable, and the horrifying sight unfolded before them. An Ampharos was pinned under a net, struggling relentlessly to break free. Another Ampharos lay on the ground dead, its head missing its red orb replaced with blood streaming down its fading yellow skin. Its tail orb had been brutally ripped from its body, leaving a pool of blood beneath it.

Just a short distance from the Pokémon, a man and a woman were holding a Flaaffy down with what appeared to be rubber gloves on their hands. Flaaffy's face was pressed to the ground, emitting heart-wrenching screams, while another poacher held a knife, cruelly sawing off the blueish orb from its tail.

"Motherfucker!" Emily screamed in anger and despair, causing Brian to startle, snapping him back to the present horror scene.

The three poachers looked up at her, and the man sawing off the tail glared. "Back off if you know what's good for you."

"Fat fucking chance," Emily repeated defiantly, her emotions raging.

Without a second thought, the man stuck the knife into the back of the skull of the helpless Flaaffy. The Ampharos' scream was gut-wrenching and brutal, sending shivers down Brian's spine.

"Fine," the man responded with a chilling grin. In an instant, red light illuminated the area as each person released their Pokémon, ready for a vicious confrontation.

Durant, Mabosstiff, and Vigoroth emerged before them. "Emily, I'll take Vigoroth and Mabosstiff if you can..." Brian's eyes caught Emily riding on Lairon, charging towards one of the poachers hidden behind Mabosstiff.

The poacher smiled, as if he couldn't believe his attacker was so reckless. "Crunch!"

"Stone Edge!" Emily shouted. Lairon lifted its legs and crashed right in front of the gaping mouth of Mabosstiff, sharp rock darted forward from the ground, impaling Mabosttiff with one of the rocks protruding from its skull. Emily jumped off mid-attack from Lairon and deftly stuck Seth's knife into the poacher's right cheek. Brian stood with his mouth agape, never having seen Emily like this before.

"Vaporeon, Water Pulse!" Water rushed out of Vaporeon's mouth, streaming towards Vigoroth, enclosing him in a water bubble.

"Durant, Iron Head!" The female poacher called out, but before it could get to Vaporeon, Lairon jumped in front of the attack, clashing its head with Durant's.

"Brian, are you gonna help?" Emily yelled out.

Brian snapped back to reality. "Yeah, sorry. Ceruledge, Flame Charge!" Ceruledge ran towards Durant, impaling its body with one of her swords. Vigoroth began flailing inside the water bubble, the pressure increasing, its head feeling like it would implode, until its body went still as its lungs filled with water.

The two poachers began backing away, begging for their lives as Emily walked towards them, closing the distance. "Brian, go get Ampharos freed."

Brian's heart pounded in his chest as he approached Ampharos, still trapped under the net, its eyes filled with grief and rage. He knelt down beside the distressed Pokémon, his hands trembling as he reached for the net. "It's okay, girl," he whispered softly, his voice laced with empathy.

Ampharos let out a mournful cry as the net was removed, but instead of relief, her sorrowful eyes turned to her fallen family. Her gaze locked onto the lifeless body of the Flaaffy, and a mixture of sadness and anger engulfed her.

The air crackled with electricity as Ampharos's fur began to glow with a brilliant golden light. Sparks danced around her body, and her yellow cheeks emitted a fierce electrical charge. The intensity of her emotions fueled the power within her, and she unleashed a devastating Thunderbolt attack.

The bolts of electricity shot out from her body like deadly spears, aimed directly at the poachers who had caused so much suffering. The force of the Thunderbolt hit them with an explosive impact, sending them flying backward. Their screams echoed through the forest as the electricity surged through their bodies, leaving them paralyzed and writhing in agony.

Ampharos's eyes blazed with righteous fury, and her Thunderbolt seemed to intensify, as if she could sense their guilt. The ground quivered beneath her as the lightning continued to strike with unyielding power.

It was a terrifying and awe-inspiring sight, as Ampharos, driven by her grief and indignation, became a force of nature, unleashing her pent-up rage in a storm of electrical fury. The air around her crackled with energy, and the smell of burning flesh filled the forest.

When the attack finally subsided, the poachers laid badly scorched on the ground. Ampharos stood there, her fur still glowing, her breath heavy from exertion. She turned her gaze back to her fallen family, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Brian couldn't help but be moved by the display of strength and sorrow. He gently placed his hand on Ampharos's back, offering what little comfort he could.

V

The sky above them began to darken, and the sound of distant thunder rumbled through the air as a light rain started to fall. Seth, Brian, Emily, and Erin their journey bringing them closer to the gate with the words "Westgate" etched onto it. The town had been a place of sorrow and despair when Seth and Erin had started their journey, and from the looks of it, not much had changed.

As they approached the gate, the raindrops grew heavier, gently tapping against their skin and soaking their clothes. The streets of Westgate were eerily quiet, with only the soft pitter-patter of rain echoing through the desolate town. The buildings looked weather-worn and worn-out, their windows boarded up, and the doors hanging off their hinges.

Torterra's heavy footsteps echoed as they traversed through the near abandoned streets, the rain washing away the dust and grime that had settled over time. Emily pulled her hood over her head to shield herself from the rain, while Erin sat under Torterra’s tree.

Seth's eyes scanned the town, taking in the familiar sights that had not changed since he had last seen them. The memories of their first encounter with Team Rocket flashed through his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a knot of sadness in his heart and the echoing yells of “You can’t save him,” from his deceased wife.

As they walked through the streets, the rain persisted, but the sight of Harold's house caught Erin's attention. He pointed excitedly, "Daddy, look at all the pretty flowers on Mr. Snyder's porch! Why does he have so many?"

Seth hesitated for a moment, "I... I don't know, buddy," he replied softly, trying to find the right words to explain.

As they continued on, they approached their old home, Golden Tails Diner. The front door was surprisingly fixed, but Seth's heart sank when he saw Sarah's lifeless body unmistakably positioned in the window, staring out at him.