Chapter 25
OBLIVION
The road back to You feels so long
With so many battles along the way
I brought all of this on my myself
And I should accept the blame for everyone I hurt
Through all my mistakes
Those who look down on me
You show me Your face in a way I can see
- Fit for a King
I
The grass crunched under the tens of thousands of feet, slowly and gradually succumbing to its death as each time it got a break from the pressure of a boot or Pokémon’s foot, it was immediately replaced with another. Rocks and pebbles tumbled down the canyon walls on each side of Route 28, dislodged by the thunderous quakes caused by the flood of soldiers pressing toward Johto. The peak of Mt. Silver now lay behind them but the snow peak mountain range hovered above each side of them. Edward turned to his left to see a pile of trees, their roots still attached with the dirt still clinging to them towards the side of the canyon walls.
He looked to his right and admired the Rhydon next to him. The two sat in the middle of the thousands marching toward their likely deaths, and he couldn't have asked for a better partner to go into war with. The solemn faces, from weeks of marching surrounding him, had a profound effect. Not a single word was spoken among the masses, and a gloom hung like a cloud above them. This plan should work, though. Generals Giovanni, Bruno, and Flint Harrison had all assured them that this was a secret attack. The war would be over soon, and he would be back home with Seth. General Harrison, a gym leader from Pewter City, was even leading the attack, leaving his home, son and gym behind.
The sheer size of the marching force was incredible. Pokémon like Steelix, Golurk, and Copperajah towered above the people. Many had their Pokémon walking beside them, as Edward did with Rhydon. Others had small Pokémon riding on their backs, like Morelull and Joltik, most likely given quickly to fill this meat grinder of an invasion with warm bodies.
Captain Koga marched a few people ahead of him, his spiky black hair and the Crobat circling above him making him fairly easy to spot. Did he even hear about this plan before the march began three weeks ago? They said that there were two diversionary forces attacking Johto from the North and the Ocean to the South. Edward wanted so desperately to believe that this would work, that he could go back home and live his life before his wife succumbed to whatever was infecting her. They have been so strict with information escaping that all Pokémon were attacked if seen leaving the force without permission and all pokemon that had the ability to teleport were confiscated, that he only was able to get a single letter to him that was vetted before releasing it to his son.
"Sir," Edward yelled, catching Koga's attention. Koga dropped back gracefully and marched close to him.
"What’s wrong?" Koga said, his always positive energy evident.
"I was just wondering how far into Route 28 we wer-” A faint siren interrupted Edward, barely heard from in front of them, catching both Edward and Koga’s attention and cutting him off short. Then another, louder siren, this time closer in front of them. Then another, so loud that any conversation they might have had would have been drowned out. The source of the closest siren was clear: an Exploud clung to the canyon wall with one arm, releasing a deafening, continuous boom that overwhelmed all of Edward's senses. His head vibrated so violently that he was surprised his eyes didn't just pop out of his skull to release the pressure.
Then, silence, almost as abrupt as the sirens, enveloped them. It was finally broken by Koga next to him. “Defensive positions! Flyers on your Pokémon now!” A stream of airborne Pokémon with their trainers on top took flight above them. A few Sigilyphs began setting up light screens and reflects as opaque windows were created out of thin air, turning transparent against the backdrop of the blue sky, disappearing from sight.
“Sir, this is a secret operation. Even if we are almost there, we shouldn't be attacked.” Koga looked away from Edward’s irrelevant question.
“All Pokémon out! Prepare for anything!” Koga continued.
Storm clouds unnaturally spread from the west, creeping over the sky above them and blocking out the sun. Rain started to drip down sporadically onto the soldiers' faces. Everyone was utterly confused about what to do. They were stuck between the canyon walls with nowhere to go but forward or backward, and they waited in this position for either the false alarm to be cleared or for death to release them from their stagnation. An ethereal song gradually took over, echoing through the canyon. A song his son would grow to always remember fifteen years later.
“Sir, what are our orders?” A man next to Edward asked Koga, who was still situated next to him and Rhydon, looking around at the now louder song.
The answer didn't come from Koga, though. Edward watched as the aerial forces made evasive maneuvers out of the canyon, all while the song reached the same volume as Exploud's siren from only a minute ago. Flame burst from Charizard and Talonflames, beams of ice erupted from Swanna, bolts of lightning struck from the sky, likely caused by the Kilowattrel, and purple pulsing energy flew overhead from a Hydreigon with his trainer sitting atop, targeting an advancing threat. Then, like a blur, Lugia shot across the sky, releasing an aeroblast of wind that sent the entire army and air force, Pokémon included, flying backward. All airborne trainers unlucky enough to be in its path were knocked out of the sky, crashing to the ground.
Screams replaced the retreating song as a trainer next to Edward had her right arm smashed by her own Coalossal, the searing embers on its back setting fire to the clothes she was wearing.
“To your feet!” Koga roared out, still next to Edward. But it was too late. Just as he and everyone else saw streams of rainbow light pierce through the storm clouds, the sound of a plume of fire reached them.
“Rhydon, cover us now!” Edward commanded instinctually. Rhydon stomped his feet and hands into the ground. Koga turned around to Edward, raising his finger in anger and protest, but four triangular blades of earth shot out of the ground, isolating Koga from his company, his Crobat, and the fire. Just as Edward saw Ho-Oh's giant golden wings, the fire spilled over the troops like a wave of scorching water, burning everything it touched. Rhydon’s cover enclosed them from the outside world, plunging them into darkness that was soon illuminated as the rocks surrounding them glowed from the intense heat.
“Why did you do that?” Koga screamed at Edward, his face barely visible in the red glow, sweat pouring off him from the intense heat.
“We would have died,” Edward remarked, confused about how anything other than gratitude could fill Koga’s voice.
“Release it now, Rhydon!” There was a loud stomp, and then the earth shrank away, the gray-clouded sky seeming to have holes punctured all through as sunlight collided with the smoldering ground. Bits of the reflect and light screen fell toward them like burning silk. Smoke rose from everywhere, immediately burning his throat as he inhaled for fresh breath after being released from the small confines of Rhydon's protective shield.
Koga stepped around the field in disbelief. A few people with Rock or Ground-type Pokémon emerged from similar protective shields as them, but the scorched bodies of thousands lay around them. The smell of burnt hair, skin, and clothes smothered their senses. The grass that had been previously stomped to the ground by their march was now nonexistent, replaced by burning earth.
“Retreat!” The cry echoed from the few surviving leaders, as Koga and Edward looked around at the desolation.
“Edward, Gavan, retreat,” Koga said softly, still not looking at them.
“Sir, should we try to save anyone?” Edward asked.
“There is no one left, my company is gone. Retreat.” Hooves started to gradually echo through the canyon, cutting off Koga. “Retreat now!” Twenty riders atop Rapidashes, Mudsdale, and Zebstrika came galloping toward them, crushing the burning bodies under them.
One Kanto soldier with a Nidoqueen, a hundred yards ahead, roared out, “Poison Jab!” The Nidoqueen shot out its horn but was met with a pillar of rock that erupted from the ground by one of the Mudsdale. A Rapidash flanked it and released flames from its mouth, torching the Nidoqueen out of existence. A Zebstrika stomped its feet to the ground, and a bolt of lightning emerged from the pierced storm clouds above, finding its target in the now Pokémon-less soldier.
“Release your Pokémon now; we have to fight,” Koga commanded, changing his plans as he realized they would be outrun.
All Edward had was Rhydon; he had left Mankey at home to protect Seth. Rhydon stepped forward, ready for the onslaught. Gavan’s Piloswine did the same, and five Pokémon emerged from Koga as he released them all from his belt. Forretress, Muk, Venomoth, Salazzle, and Toxtricity stood as protectors in front of them all.
"Forretress, Muk, Rhydon, Toxtricity, defend! The rest, attack with everything you've got!" The horde of Johto soldiers riding the mounts approached, a mere 20 yards away. Edward could see burnt bodies cracking like eggs under the weight of the mounts, with one Mudsdale stepping on a skull. Salazzle unleashed a roaring surge of flames, the ground quaked from Piloswine's Earthquake, and Venomoth lifted a trainer off his Pokémon with a psychic attack, but it proved futile. Four Rapidashes charged forward, meeting Salazzle's flames with an explosive counterattack, overwhelming her feeble defense. The intense heat melted Piloswine and Venomoth as the suspended trainer plummeted to the ground, marking Venomoth's demise.
"Defend now!" Koga roared louder, but it was too late; a Rapidash was just feet away, so close that Edward could smell its fiery breath. He heard the Johto soldier yell "Megahorn" as Rapidash aimed its horn toward Koga. Instinctively, Edward pushed his captain out of the way, and the horn impaled his left side, creating a massive hole in his torso that only grew larger as the Rapidash stamped away, holding him on its head. Each shaking step further dug the horn into his abdomen. There was no more pain as Edward's final thoughts turned to Seth.
"No!" Koga bellowed, and Rhydon moved its head to witness and internalize what had just occurred. Losing all composure, Rhydon stomped its feet, causing the Rapidash and its trainer carrying Edward to be pinned between closing walls of rock that lifted from the ground. They screamed and then were silenced by the crunch. However, no longer protecting Gavin, a Mudsdale jumped over Rhydon and kicked both feet behind connecting with Gavin, removing the last member of Koga’s company for existence, as he body jerked violently to the ground and his head sailing yards away.
Toxtricity moved swiftly among all the attacking Pokémon, like a yellow and purple blur, striking each one and exuding a toxic substance. It started as a small sensation in their stomachs, soon turning into necrosis. The Pokémon screamed as they fell to the ground, blood and guts seeping from their rapidly growing wounds.
Rhydon began hurling rocks at the non-poisoned soldiers, obliterating them as they came within range. Koga scanned the carnage, finally spotting a window of escape. One Zebstrika attempted to go after Koga but was blocked by Forretress, who was slammed into the canyon wall upon impact. Inches away from driving a wild charge into Koga Muk fell overtop of the now screaming pokemon and soldier like a horrifying wave.
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"Toxtricity, Muk, Rhydon, we need to go!" Koga commanded. Rhydon carried Koga as he returned his remaining two Pokémon, and they ran back east, back to Kanto. Rhydon glanced at the Rapidash and the Johto trainer trapped between the walls of rock it had summoned, and left his partner behind on the battlefield.
II
"Are you telling me my father's Rhydon is alive?" Seth asked Koga. Both he and Emily watched their kids compete in their first gym battle, although calling it a gym battle was a bit of a stretch. After Erin released Metang, Janine couldn't find a way to counter it, so she released all three of her Pokémon to attack. This prompted Erin to jump onto Torterra's back and join the fray with Noivern and Lairon as well. There was also much more laughter than Seth had ever experienced in a gym fight.
"I am saying that," Koga replied as he reached for the Pokéball on the very back of his belt and handed it to Seth. "My wife is going to be sad to hear that Rhydon will be leaving us, but he deserves to go back to his family. He is a great Pokémon, and your dad trained him right."
"He was my grandfather's Pokémon when he was a kid. How is he still alive?" Seth asked, examining every imperfection of the red and white ball in his hand.
"Pokémon's lifespans vary wildly depending on the type. Ground, Rock, and some Grass types have extremely long lives. I would venture that Torterra," Koga was now pointing at the Pokémon and Erin, “will still be kicking when his great great-grandkids are born," Koga stated. Seth looked at Torterra due to Koga's words, and saw him smiling just as much as Erin was. "Fire, bug and Fighting types have short lifespans, however, due to their fast metabolisms. Ghost types are a mystery, though some think they are immortal." He continued.
"Thank you, Koga, for this," Seth said, cutting off Koga’s lecture and holding the Pokéball higher. "And for telling me about my dad. Did you ever find out who was the spy for the invasion?"
Spinarak had finally found his target, crawling up on Erin, getting around Noivern and atop Torterra, and began relentlessly attacking Erin, who was screaming with laughter. Torterra managed to rip the tree roots out of the ground and capture the small Pokémon, lifting him off his trainer.
Venipede darted towards Erin, but Lairon cut in front of him to protect. His eyes glowed brightly, causing Venipede to slow down. Everyone immediately stopped talking and turned to Lairon, who was now becoming hidden by the rocks being ripped out of the ground encircling him.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me," Emily said in disbelief.
The rocks fell away to reveal Aggron, its shining steel frame roaring loudly at Venipede, which ran away in a purple blur.
"No fair!" Janine began yelling.
"Are you out of your fucking mind, Lair—Aggron!" Emily shouted, standing now.
"Yeah, go, Go!" Erin yelled out.
"I've always just assumed Giovanni was the spy. Shortly after the Mt. Silver Massacre, he met with the Johto high command, and then Team Rocket began its takeover into Kanto," Koga answered, getting back to the topic after the excitement of the evolution. “Bruno became an elite four member being the only representation of Kanto and General Harrison died on the field there. They were the only ones who knew the plan, who else could it have been?”
"But you became his puppet?" Seth asked harshly.
"What would you have me do? I will do what I can to protect my family. My position has allowed me to do that, and if I didn't take up this gym, they would just find someone else," Koga replied, his eyes looking tired, and the true age showing on his face. "I've done a lot of terrible things in the name of my family, even capturing Articuno for Team Rocket, but I don't regret any of it. Janine can have a long and prosperous life here. To me, that's worth it."
"You would stand aside for the sacrifice of your country, for the safety of your wife and child?" Emily cut in, astonished at the sheer selflessness of this statement.
"I would, and I'm sure Seth would do the exact same," Koga said, looking away from Emily and back to Seth, who made no comment on the matter. He knew Koga was right, but as he was on the side that was being sacrificed, he hated to admit it.
"If Team Rocket has Articuno as well, that means Johto has all three legendary birds," Emily said back to Seth, overlooking a confused glance at Koga.
"Johto?" Koga asked.
"Mr. Fuji said that Kanto had Moltres before the war," Seth retorted back, ignoring Koga's confusion.
"Johto?" he repeated, trying to be heard.
"And it's safe to assume Team Rocket took it after its takeover. Koga captured Articuno for them, and if Lugia attacked Zapdos, then it's safe to assume that they recaptured it when we left. Plus, they cloned Mew, so they definitely have one of them if not the original. They have every Kanto Legendary and now every Johto legendary except for Raikou, according to Fuji," Emily continued.
"Would you please explain how Johto factors into this?" Koga demanded louder.
"You are a gym leader; how don't you know?" Emily answered him finally.
"I don't get much information from them. They give me a quota on how many challengers can pass my gym challenge, and if I go over that, I will be replaced. Other than that, it's just the few and infrequent orders I get from Giovanni, like my Articuno mission years ago," Koga answered, rubbing the back of his head, trying to process everything.
"Team Rocket is the Johto military. We think they are attempting to slowly take over to avoid causing a war with the other nations, specifically Sinnoh." Seth explained.
"How do you know this?" Koga asked in such disbelief that he had not completely forgotten about the childish battle before them.
"We tortured a Team Rocket grunt into explaining where he was from. He was from Johto and thought that the war was still continuing," Emily answered.
Torterra, still holding Spinarak who was trying like mad to wiggle out of the vines, and Golbat, who was now held down by Noivern. Metang, suspended Skorupi with Psychic. Finally, Aggron had Venipede in its arms as it wiggled trying to get free. Erin jumped off Torterra's back, running up and tagging Janine, declaring himself the winner as if this was the official rule. Janine sulked off to the side under the tree, with small tears falling from her face. Seth and Emily paused their important conversation and watched Erin go up and hug Janine, saying loudly enough for them to hear, "I'm sorry you lost. Do you want to play some more?" Erin then commanded the release of Janine's Pokémon, and the two began their battle again.
“So what after everything I have been through in the war I am just a puppet for Johto. A traitor.” Koga looked down at his hands at his words, as the three sat witnessing the much more unstructured rematch.
“Yes.” Emily said bluntly.
"Why don't you have Fuchsia City rebel? You're the gym leader; they will listen to you. Celadon did it," Emily said eagerly, grabbing fistfuls of grass and ripping them out by the roots.
"That would never work," Koga said softly, casting his gaze towards her without flinching.
"Bullshit!" Emily said louder than she anticipated.
"I know the suffering that is happening outside our walls, but the harsh reality is it isn't happening in the city. Sure, we have taxes, but there is enough commerce through the city where anyone willing to work will find it. Life has honestly not changed much since the war even started. You are asking me to step out to a small army of Johto soldiers, start a coup d'état, and explain to the citizens that their benefactor has been overthrown. They don't care about the suffering outside. They care about their survival and their family's survival. Just like I do," Koga said sternly, not yielding to Emily’s rage.
"Then you're a coward," she shot back.
"Yes, yes I am. But I am alive, my wife is alive, Janine is alive. And I will not put them on the execution block for a non-starter," Koga declared.
There was a long silence at Koga’s words. Seth knew he was right. Why would anyone in this city care? Celadon was an unusual case where the problems of Team Rocket were laid out in the open, and their presence was nearly eradicated. Any city attempting to fight back for Kanto was a hopeless endeavor.
"Completing the League challenge is really the only way to get him to safety, isn't it," Seth asked to no one in particular.
"I am afraid so," Koga answered, his thoughts open. "Which reminds me, here you go." Koga handed out the small Soul Badge. The pink heart flickered in the dull sunlight under the canopy of the trees.
“Shouldn't this be the Marsh badge and Sabrina’s the Soul Badge?” He asked pleasantly.
“You know I have always thought the same thing.” Koga said smiling.
"You're not going to make me battle? I know you said we would leave it to the kids, but you were being serious? Didn't you say that you need to meet a quota?" Seth asked in disbelief at the badge.
"I will be just fine. This is payment for your father saving my life. I am sure you would have rather had him with you, to raise you, but let this badge allow you to do that very thing for your son," Koga explained, smiling kindly at Seth, the age of his face now creeping over again in the light.
"Thank you," Seth said softly, putting the badge into his case. "Now—" He struggled to get the words out as he held Rhydon’s Pokéball firmly in his hand as he got to his feet. "I don't even know if he will recognize me." He pressed the button, and the ball opened, releasing the blinding scarlet light that this time seemed to slowly materialize into Rhydon, who immediately smiled and gripped Seth in the tightest embrace he had ever been held in. The rocky arms created the most uncomfortable, painful, emotional, nostalgic, happy embrace he had ever experienced.
III
"Daddy, did you see? Janine was like, 'I release all my Pokémon,' so I was like, 'I release all my Pokémon!' Good thing Torterra saved me from Spinarak!" Erin exclaimed, perched on Rhydon's head. Rhydon seemed to be soaking up Erin's infectious enthusiasm as the boy stared upward rather than forward. “And then Lairon evolved, that was so cool!
"I saw it, buddy! You did great!" Seth responded with admiration.
"Erin, I'm so proud of you," Emily added from the other side of him.
"I did do great!" Erin proclaimed proudly.
The sun was slowly retreating to the west, casting a crimson glow over the sky as the lights of the Fuchsia City Zoo began to illuminate their path.
"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" Seth anticipated the impending request and sighed, accepting it begrudgingly.
As they wandered through the Fuchsia City Zoo, Seth couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and belonging. The zoo had transformed into a mesmerizing wonderland under the evening sky, with unique habitats for various Pokémon species that illuminated the night with stunning, colorful lights.
Emily and Erin were completely captivated by the sights and sounds that enveloped them. Emily, who had not felt such joy since her early years before her father's departure for the war, radiated excitement, which had now passed down to, as she now considered, her son. Erin, fueled by his youthful curiosity, was a bundle of energy, constantly pointing and giggling as they explored, much to the amusement of those around them. There was one minor interruption when he was denied a giant basket of popcorn close to midnight, which caused a temporary fit.
Their journey began in a lush, tropical habitat where Slowpoke leisurely inhabited a tranquil pond. Erin was utterly fascinated by the Pokémon's slow movements and goofy smiles. Emily knelt down to his level, explaining how Slowpoke's easygoing pace made them excellent fishermen and that their tails were considered a delicacy in some regions.
Venturing further, they found themselves in an electrifying exhibit teeming with Voltorb. These spherical Pokémon emitted a dazzling, bright glow, creating a mesmerizing display of lights that left Erin in awe. He mimicked their round shapes, curling into a ball and rolling around, which caused Emily to laugh wholeheartedly. Even Vulpix, couldn't help but let her guard down and returned to her younger, more joyful self as she attempted to jump on Erin during the playful moment. This brought back memories of Seth watching Vulpix and Sarah play when they were kids.
Kangaskhan's habitat followed, designed to mimic the rolling plains of a savannah. The massive Kangaskhan and their young roamed freely. Erin was thrilled by their strength, while Emily shared stories of Kangaskhan fiercely protecting their young. Seth watched from a distance, witnessing the bond solidifying between Erin and Emily. Although Erin had lost his mother, that pain would never go away, and he still occasionally cried for her. However, Emily had become a vital support, and Seth couldn't help but worry about how he would raise Erin without her.
In another section of the zoo, they stumbled upon an enchanting pool where Lapras glided gracefully through the water, singing a hauntingly beautiful tune. Erin was captivated by the gentle giant, while Emily explained how Lapras had been known to rescue sailors lost at sea. The zoo dedicated an entire section to prehistoric Pokémon, where Kabuto and Omanyte thrived in aquatic enclosures.
Yet, amid all the joy and wonder, a moment of disarray struck. As they passed through a dimly lit corridor, Seth caught sight of Sarah. Her spectral figure, the top and left half of her body laid on the floor in front of them, locked eyes with Seth, her expression a haunting mix of despair and anger. She screamed, "You can't save him." Seth's heart raced, and he fought to ignore the eerie apparition. He concentrated on Emily's laughter as Erin and Vulpix playfully imitated Omastar's and Kabuto's ancient-looking faces, as they passed their faces in a photo stand-in with pictures of the ancient Pokémon.
Before Seth could blink, a clock indicated that it was almost 2 o'clock. After a strenuous battle to get Erin to leave, Seth finally picked him up, kicking and screaming, as they made their way to the exit. Erin was already asleep on his father's shoulder, beginning to drool, before they even reached the main road.
"He loves you, Emily. Thank you," Seth unexpectedly expressed, catching Emily off guard.
"I love him and you, Seth, even if you are a dick," she replied with a small smile. They walked to the nearest hotel and crashed as quickly as Erin did.