Chapter 8

THE GREY

And it's getting harder to pretend like I'm okay

When there's this constant reminder being drilled into my brain

I still believe in happiness and I want to find a way

But lately my whole world is being swallowed by the grey

For now there's comfort in the quiet, solitude, and rainy days

I've got my sadness to a science, all I can do is hope for change

- Movements

I

Once Seth and Brian emerged through the trap door, they were greeted by a scene of organized chaos. The once-raging fire had significantly reduced in size, thanks to the efforts of Torterra. He stood proudly on top of a massive dirt pile that had flowed into the Casino, alongside a Sandslash, Donphan, Graveler, and Hippowdon. Together, they had created a barrier of earth and rock, containing the flames and preventing further spread.

Amidst the commotion, they could see groups of dedicated Pokémon and citizens diligently working to bring out the injured and attend to the deceased. Completely oblivious to the chaos that has been happening below their feet or the carnage currently unfolding.

Seth and Brian, recalling their Pokémon except for Vulpix and Flapple, surveyed the immense effort being made to control the fire and save lives. Nearby, at a pond situated outside a local's house, a team of Water-type Pokémon led by Blastoise, Quagsire, Milotic, and Tentacruel were shooting towering pillars of water high into the air, creating a cascading rainfall over the Casino.

Trainers equipped with healing Pokémon like Chansey, Audino, and Hatenna were diligently attending to those screaming in pain, their compassionate actions bringing comfort and solace to those in need. Even Erika, seemingly sobered by the catastrophe, stood alongside her a Bellossom, attempting to provide first aid to both people and Pokémon.

"Vulpix, go fetch Torterra for me," Seth commanded.

Brian turned to Seth with a concerned expression. "Should we tell someone about what's happening below the building? What Giovanni is doing."

Seth paused for a moment, rubbing his now well established beard. "Tell them what? Even if we did, Team Rocket is getting annihilated down there by that kid with the Charizard. I don't think we should send anyone else into that chaos. We did…” Just then, Torterra approached with Vulpix on his back. Seth shifted his focus to Torterra and continued, "Let me rephrase, Torterra did a lot to help the people inside. You've been amazing." Torterra beamed with pride, enjoying the affectionate head rubs from his trainer.

“Awsome, Torterra.” Brain said, smacking his shell affectionately.

"We have done all we can," Seth reiterated. "Let's just go back to Erin and Emily. They must have seen the smoke or heard the explosion. I'm sure they're worried about us."

As They made their way out of the city, the colossal tower of smoke rose ominously in the distance. Seth couldn't shake off the thought that lingered in his mind, that kid in the red.

II

The arrival at the campsite brought a pleasant atmosphere. Emily was engaged in training Vaporeon, as its Aurora Beam coated a nearby tree trunk in a thick layer of ice. Lairon, lying in the stream behind the camp, gleamed under the sun, its metallic body reflecting the bright light. Erin, on the other hand, was occupied with feeding Oran berries to a cheerful Noibat, fluttering around him.

A smile grew across Seth watching his son, being reminded of the similarities between him and his mother. He approached Emily, "What's that all about?" he inquired.

Emily turned around, vexation clearly labeled on her face. "I have no idea," she replied. "He gave that damn Noibat an Oran berry this morning, and now this little fucker won't leave us alone. I didn't even know Noibats stayed active during the day."

Erin ran toward his father, Noibat trailing closely behind. "Daddy!" he exclaimed, reaching out for a hug. "How did the Gym battle go? Did you win?"

“Yupp.” Seth proudly displayed the Rainbow Badge.

"Whoa, that's so cool!" Erin exclaimed, eagerly taking hold of the badge.

Emily, devierting Seth’s attention, "What happened? We heard a loud bang and saw the smoke from the city."

Brian chimed in, "That's a long story. Show her, Seth." With a release from the Pokéball, Ditto emerged, its amorphous form eliciting a wide grin. It fixed its gaze on Emily, its eyes expressing a blank yet joyful stare.

“What the fuck is that?” Emily's yelled bewilder. While Erin started poking it with his finger. Her stunned expression turned to shock as she witnessed Ditto's transformation, assuming the form of Vaporeon behind her. "Fucking shit!" she screamed.

“We have a lot to go over.” Seth said coolly.

III

Emily sat there, stunned by what Seth and Brian shared. The basement hideout, the Mew Pokémon, and the multitude of Dittos locked up with it—they were all mind-boggling. Yet, what truly astonished her was the presence of the stranger who had attacked Team Rocket. For years, she had dedicated herself to sabotaging Team Rocket, alone. Discovering that there were others equally devoted, ignited a mix of renewed determination and resentment toward Seth for making her stop. She wished he could understand, but a sense of disappointment washed over her because he could never fully comprehend her perspective.

"So, what do we do?" Emily finally spoke up. "Should we try to find the guy who attacked them?"

Seth, in his straightforward manner, responded, "Why would we? My goal hasn't changed. If someone wants to take out Team Rocket members, let them. I'm not willing to risk our lives for that cause."

Brian nodded in agreement, adding, "I see no positive outcome in searching for that kid in the red, assuming he's part of a larger operation. Even if he is, I don't see any benefit in jeopardizing our lives for it." Emily remained silent, her face clearly displaying annoyance and disagreement. However, she chose to withhold her thoughts and dropped the subject.

"Right, Saffron City it is," Brian replied. "I have to admit, I'm still terrified of Sabrina. Rumor has it she took over as the gym leader in Saffron during the war.”

"Isn't she younger than us?" Emily inquired.

"Yeah, that’s what makes me so scared for that challenge," Brian explained.

Seth chimed in, "I'm particularly afraid to face her since Primeape is my strongest, but against her Psychic-type Pokémon, I just don't see how I stand a chance."

"And don't forget, if you lose against her, you have to wait a whole year before you can request a rematch," Brian reminded.

"That's true, and I can't afford to take that risk. The bounty from the Brute helped, but if I could get Erin out before my next tax payment, that would be ideal," Seth admitted, concern for his son evident in his voice.

"Then let's train on our way to Saffron," Emily suggested. "Psychic types rely on sensory manipulation, so training our Pokémon to avoid engaging in sensory-based battles could give us an advantage."

"That's actually a smart approach, does nothing for their telekinesis but one problem at a time," Brian acknowledged.

"Yeah, when Vulpix uses Extrasensory, she needs to make eye contact, but if she does she amplifies her opponent's senses. And afterward, uses flamethrower to exploit the heightened sensitivity.”

"Man, that sounds brutal," Brian remarked, while actively cringing his face.

"Cruel? This guy right here used that exact strategy against me the moment we met," Emily retorted, shooting a pointed glare at Seth.

"You did charge at me with Larion," Seth defended himself.

"Okay, fair point," Emily conceded, a small smirk appearing on her face as the tension eased.

Seth and Brian nodded in agreement to Emily's suggestion. They positioned themselves on opposite sides of the campsite, preparing to train their Pokémon. Brian placed a blindfold over Fraxure's eyes, ensuring that it wouldn't rely on visual cues during the battle. Meanwhile, Seth did the same with Primeape, with Erin eagerly giving commands from his father's shoulders.

Laughter filled the camp as the Pokémon engaged in their friendly spar. The warm summer sun illuminated the scene, casting a golden glow over the group. The black smoke from the earlier incident began to disperse, gradually fading away into the sky. Absol stood at the edge of the tree line, unseen, its gaze fixed upon the group, on Erin.

IV

The journey to Saffron City took the group through the flat trail of Route seven that wound its way through a dense forest. The trail was well-maintained, with a soft dirt path that was easy on their feet. Towering trees lined both sides of the trail, their branches extending outward to create a lush canopy above, providing ample shade from the warm sun.

The shade cast a cool and soothing ambiance, making the hike comfortable and enjoyable. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leafy canopy, creating a dappled effect on the forest floor. The air was filled with the earthy scent of moss, ferns, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. The woods were alive with Pokémon, both seen and heard. Providing easy meals for the group. With each step, the pleasantness of the wooded trail uplifted their moods and created a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead in Saffron City.

V

A few days of hiking they settled in a cozy campsite just outside the historically bustling city of Commerce, located on Route seven. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of food sizzling over the crackling fire, their appetizing scent wafting through the serene surroundings. Each member of the group diligently engaged in their training routines.

"Primeape, use Bulldoze followed by Throat Chop!" Seth's voice echoed through the tranquil woods. Primeape's feet pounded the ground with immense force, causing the earth to tremble beneath Ceruledge's feet. The ground split and rose, forcing Ceruledge to leap over and evade the attack. With unwavering focus on Ceruledge's swift movements focusing solely on her feet, Primeape anticipated the night slash and blocked with his steel cufflet. The resounding clash of steel on steel reverberated through the woods. Countering with his free hand his fist aimed a precise strike at Ceruledge's throat, delivering a gentle tap to Ceruledge's neck, showcasing its increasing mastery of the technique.

"Excellent job, Primeape!" Brian cheered, admiration evident in his voice. "You're really getting the hang of it. That was impressive!"

Emily and Vaporeon stood at the center of the open field. With her closed eyes, Vaporeon relied solely on her acute hearing, attuned to the subtlest of sounds around her. Meanwhile, Vulpix moved swiftly and stealthily through the tall grass, her every step calculated to avoid detection.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Vaporeon's ears twitched, capturing a faint rustling sound. In an instant, she unleashed a focused surge of water toward the source of the disturbance, precisely targeting Vulpix's hidden location. As the water surged forward, Vulpix reacted with lightning speed, flames erupting from her mouth. The water collided with the searing flames, creating an explosive burst of steam that engulfed the space between them.

Torterra stood firmly rooted to the ground, its massive form casting a commanding presence. With closed eyes, it relied on its heightened senses, attuned to the vibrations reverberating through the earth. It focused intently, trying to discern the precise location of Lairon within the training field.

After a few moments of concentrated effort, Torterra's connection to the earth guided it with remarkable accuracy. Without opening its eyes, it manipulated a thick root to emerge from the ground, lashing out towards Lairon. The root crushed on top of Lairon's metallic body. Lairon simply shrugged off the attack. The display of defensive strength showcased the formidable training that Lairon had undergone, solidifying its role as a stalwart protector within the team.

Perched upon a low branch of a majestic tree, Erin sat with his legs swinging freely, his curly hair dancing with the gentle breeze. With a mischievous gleam in his eyes, he commanded Noibat to "unleash gust!" As Noibat flapped its wings, a powerful current of air surged towards Fraxure, who effortlessly evaded the attack. However, Fraxure playfully feigned a narrow escape, allowing a hint of excitement to ripple through the young trainer and his new Pokémon.

VI

Commerce City, towering skyscrapers pierced the heavens, reaching towards the vast expanse of the sky. The intricate network of roads crisscrossed through the urban landscape, creating a labyrinthine web of pathways. Yet, the once bustling city appeared hauntingly abandoned and forlorn. Broken windows marred the facades of the skyscrapers, revealing the emptiness within. The passage of time had worn away the vibrant colors that once adorned the frontages of homes, leaving them dull and lifeless. The roads, once paved, now bore the scars of cracks and fissures. It was a stark contrast between the grandeur of the architecture and the desolation that permeated the streets, leaving an eerie sense of abandonment hanging in the air.

As they ventured further into the city, lost child signs seemed to litter every window and wall of the buildings they passed. "What is this?" Brian asked, picking one of the signs off a wall. The poster depicted an adorable 8-year-old girl with brown pigtails, joyfully riding on the shoulders of a Scizor, both captured in a moment of laughter. The word "Missing" stood out in bold letters, revealing her name as Luna, along with instructions on how to contact her parents. The signs continued to line the road until they reached the city square, where dozens of pictures of missing children were posted on a board at the center of the plaza. "Let's find a place to stay for the night. I don't want Erin out here in the dark," Seth said, concern evident in his voice.

As they walked down the main city street, they were repeatedly met with "No Vacancy" signs, adding to their growing frustration. "How is this possible?" Emily voiced her confusion. "The city seems nearly deserted." Seth, holding Erin in his arms, took the lead, determined to find a place to stay. They arrived at the fifth hotel with a "No Vacancy" sign, and the rest of the group followed suit.

Inside, they were greeted by an elderly woman, her weary appearance reflecting the hardships of the deserted city. "Sorry, folks, we don't have any rooms available," she said apologetically.

Seth pressed, "We want to know why there is no lodging and where we can go."

The woman paused and then responded, "Oh, you guys are passing through, not refugees?"

Confused by choice of words, Emily inquired, "Refugees?"

The woman nodded and explained, "Yes, Gardenia Town, a city north of here, was completely abandoned a few weeks ago. Because Saffron City wouldn't house them, they fled into Commerce."

"Why was the city abandoned?" Brian's asked curiously.

The elderly woman's voice turned somber as she revealed, "A curse plagued the city. Nightmares fell over the town like a cloud, and then the children disappeared one by one."

Erin clung tightly to his father's leg, his gaze averted from the woman's unsettling stare. "Then where is everyone?" he whispered, his voice filled with unease.

The woman's smile, attempting to be pleasant, seemed to carry an underlying sense of darkness. "They are out searching, but they will be back most likely tomorrow," she replied, her tone evoking an eerie vibe.

"Okay, thank you, ma'am. Is there a place we can stay?" Seth asked.

The woman's smile widened as she responded, "There is a shanty town just north of town. Goodbye, dear." She waved at Erin, who clung even tighter to his father, a sense of foreboding creeping over them.

As they reached the northern outskirts of the city, darkness enveloped their surroundings. The moon's feeble light struggled to penetrate through the thick clouds. The shanty town they encountered was even more desolate than the rest of Commerce City. Tattered tents were scattered across the barren field, devoid of any signs of life. The worn-out grass had long lost its vibrancy, trampled by the constant activity it endured. Dimly lit fires cast a somber hue on the faces of the weary inhabitants who watched the group pass by. "We need someone on watch at all times tonight," Seth declared, his voice filled with a sense of caution.

Emily nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the unsettling surroundings. "No fucking arguments from me. This place is either creepy or just plain depressing," she remarked. The group swiftly set up their tents, a well-rehearsed routine after months of constant use. Erin, already exhausted, curled up against Vulpix's warm body and fell asleep almost instantly.

Gathered around their campfire, Brian posed the question, "So, what's our plan, Seth?"

He sighed, "Based on the map we still have a solid two weeks of walking ahead of us to reach Saffron. I don’t see a city called Gardenia on it, but if it lies on Route seven, I don't see a way around it. The land between Celadon and Saffron is just an expansive forest, and going off the trail might lead us into even more danger or leave us hopelessly lost.

“Yeah I remember the short detour Brian ensured us was legit in Viridian Forest.” Emily said, smirking towards Brian who responded with a proud middle finger.

Seth continued not being distracted by the banter, “Besides, it's been over two months since Sarah, and I only have two badges. At this rate, I won't be able to free Erin of Kanto before I have to pay Team Rocket. We can't afford a detour."

"Hey folks," a short and stubby man with glasses and a receding hairline emerged into the flickering firelight. Two girls, one slightly older than Erin and the other around eight or nine years old, trailed behind him. Seth's face contorted obviously with suspicion.

Emily quickly intervened, dismissing Seth's hostility. "Oh, don't fucking mind him," she said, gesturing for the man to join them.

"Come, sit with us." Brian added while blushing a little.

"Sorry for the eavesdropping but I heard you are headed to Saffron?" the man asked.

“Yeah,” said Seth coldly.

“Sorry my name is Glenn, I got a request at Silph Co. to help them with some sort of project. I am an engineer." Glenn added.

"Hi, girls," Seth finally softened his demeanor, addressing the young newcomers. "What are your names?"

The younger girl, full of energy, exclaimed, "Ava!"

The older girl, more reserved, barely whispered her name, "Charlotte."

"I really need to get to Saffron, but this news of the kidnappings has me terrified to go alone with my girls," Glenn expressed, his face cringing at the thought.

"Yeah, I get that," Seth responded, glancing at his sleeping son inside the tent. "We're heading out tomorrow if you want to tag along."

"That would be wonderful! Thank you," Glenn exclaimed excitedly.

"Do you know anything about what's going on?" Brian inquired.

"Not much. We've only been here for two days. Apparently, about two months ago, everyone in the city started having horrible nightmares every night. Some people left, some stayed, but about three weeks ago, their kids started disappearing. A lot of people are out searching while the rest of their families stay here, but nothing has been found. After that, everyone left in fear," Glenn explained.

"How many kids have gone missing?" Emily asked, her concern evident.

"Accounted for, I think around 28, but it's hard to say with people just passing through," Glenn replied.

"Has Team Rocket been involved at all?" Seth asked, subtly pointing the finger at the likely suspect.

"I haven't seen Team Rocket since I was in Celadon City paying my taxes six months ago. I rarely see them otherwise," Glenn added.

"Daddy, can we go?" Charlotte tugged at her father's sleeve, eager to leave.

"Of course, sweetie. Alright, guys, we'll meet you here in the morning," Glenn confirmed, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Sounds good!" Brian responded, his tone a bit more buoyant than intended.

"Who wants to take the first watch?" Seth inquired, addressing the group as Glenn and his children walked away.

"I gotcha, man. Not really tired," Brian volunteered.

"Thanks, Brian," Emily expressed, tapping his shoulder reassuringly.

Seth lay in his tent, staring at the top, lost in thought. He couldn't believe it. It had been three whole days since he was plagued by Sarah. Every fiber of his being longed to believe that things were finally turning around. But lately his whole world is being swallowed by the grey. It was just so hard to think otherwise.

VII

The two days of walking with Glenn and his two girls proved to be a refreshing change of pace amidst the looming threat of Gardenia. Watching Erin and Ava play together, their laughter filling the air, brought a much needed sense of joy and normalcy to the group.

Eventually they passed the missing patrons in Commerce City. The sight of the group of grieving parents, family, and friends returning from their fruitless search was truly heart-wrenching. The weariness etched on their faces mirrored the weight of their collective disappointment. As they gathered around Seth, assisting in marking the town on his map, it was evident that their minds were not fully present. It was as if the relentless ordeal had drained them of their vitality and spirit, leaving behind only a shell. The air hung heavy with unspoken sorrow, a silent reminder of the painful reality they all faced.

The sun began to set, the campsite transformed into a lively space. Laughter and conversations filled the air, momentarily pushing back the shadows of despair. Seth and Glenn decided to keep the kids up a little later, savoring the precious moments of innocent joy. Charlotte, though reserved, found solace in their presence, and Seth respected her need for space.

"Alright, guys, I've got the first watch," Brian announced with a playful air of heroism. Seth and Emily chuckled, willingly agreeing to his grandstanding.

"I will stay up with you." Glenn added softly, "Cant really sleep you know."

Seth wrestled with the desire to fall asleep, his mind restless and alert to every sound that filled the night. Hours seemed to drag on, with his thoughts spinning. Meanwhile, Brian and Glenn remained awake, engaging in hushed conversations.

While engaged in their soft conversation, their voices carrying a sense of understanding. In a tender moment, Brian leaned in for a kiss, which Glenn gratefully accepted. Both blushed like smitten teenagers, a stark contrast to Brian's muscular physique that added a touch of endearing innocence to the scene.

Emily couldn't resist, “Get it boy!” Chiming in from her tent. Seth burst into laughter, causing Erin to stir slightly in his sleep.

"Fuck you, Emily," Brian whispered, his amusement blending with a hint of annoyance.

Finally, exhaustion claimed Seth, and he drifted into sleep, finding solace in dreams where he saw Sarah. The real, happy, Sarah.

VIII

Erin and Ava chased each other gleefully, darting between the trees that lined Route seven. Meanwhile, Charlotte found herself captivated by Vaporeon's presence, playing and interacting with the Pokémon. Although still somewhat reserved, Charlotte had begun opening up to Emily, who cherished the opportunity to bond with another girl, even if she was only eight. Witnessing Erin having a playmate brought a smile to her. Just watching him be allowed his innocence to continue unfettered was amazing.

"So you really don't believe in any violence whatsoever?" she inquired completely floored. Glenn nodded in affirmation. Emily persisted, "What if a Team Rocket member stood before you, ready to harm one of the girls?"

"I would like to think I could talk them out of it, even if that sounds idealistic…" Glenn responded.

"Crazy," Seth interjected.

"What would violence achieve?” He continued. They would just send someone else."

Sensing the tension, Brian intervened, "Alright enough politics."

"Philosophy." Emily said matter of factly.

"Shut up," Brian said, chuckling. "The treeline is ending."

Emerging from the dense treeline, a deserted town loomed before them, its eerie presence sending a chill down their spines and the kids reaching out for their fathers. As Emily glanced at the empty streets and dilapidated houses, memories of her hometown flooded her mind. She couldn't help but draw a comparison between the two. The homes that lined the streets were quaint and well-maintained, exuding an inviting charm. Neighbors would greet each other with smiles and engage in lively conversations on the sidewalks. The air was filled with the pleasant scent of flowers, and children's laughter could be heard echoing through the neighborhood. However, that was a whole war ago.

The current town they encountered was more reflective of that reality. The once-lovely homes now stood as if fading from memory, Their paint peeling and windows shattered. The streets were eerily silent, devoid of any signs of life except for the wweeds and overgrown foliage sprouted through the cracks in the pavement. The atmosphere was heavy with a sense of abandonment, a haunting decay.

"Damn it," he exclaimed, causing Emily to startle. "I didn't think we were reaching Gardenia Town today. We have only been walking for two days. They said it was a three day walk."

Glenn, voicing his uncertainty. "What should we do now?"

Brian, his fingers absentmindedly running through his dark hair, pondered their options. "We only have a few hours of daylight left. We need to make the most of it."

"We'll have to walk fast through the city and cover as much ground as possible before we set up camp," Seth declared lifting Erin onto his shoulders.

Brian turned to Charlotte, attempting to lighten the mood. "Charlotte, do you think you can keep up with a fast pace?" he asked, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Charlotte, still shy and avoiding direct eye contact, nodded in response.

The walk through the streets did little to improve their surroundings. It felt as though unseen eyes were peering at them from the shadows of the abandoned houses. And indeed, there was one pair of eyes, filled with a chilling intensity, glaring through the veil of comforting darkness within one particular home. These eyes fixated on the children, their gaze unyielding and filled with an unsettling presence.

IX

Seth sat by the fire with Vulpix, keeping a watchful eye over the camp while the rest of the group slept in their tents. The night remained calm, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Pokémon creating a peaceful symphony. Lost in thought, Seth ran his hands through Vulpix's curls, contemplating his strategy to defeat Sabrina. However, his attention was suddenly drawn to a peculiar sight just in front of the nearby brush—a small, silver light swaying back and forth. As he stopped petting Vulpix she also noticed the light. He couldn't help but notice the unusual nature of it. It was difficult to determine if it emitted its own luminescence or simply reflected the moon's gentle glow. The light continued its rhythmic swing, back and forth, captivating Seth's gaze. Although a part of him felt a sense of alarm, urging him to awaken the others, he found himself entranced, unable to look away from the mesmerizing motion—side to side, side to side, sidr to side, side to…