Chapter 536: Attack on Galactic (2)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Next Day, Route 212]
The first blush of dawn painted the sky above Route 212 in hues of soft rose and nascent gold, chasing away the remnants of night. The air, crisp and fresh, carried the gentle scent of damp earth and distant floral whispers from the Pokémon Mansion's sprawling gardens. Pearl, his usually boisterous energy tempered by the morning's quietude, stood before Crasher Wake, a bead of sweat tracing a path down his temple.
His Buizel, Zeller, shivered slightly, water still clinging to its fur from their final training drill. Crasher Wake boomed, his voice rumbling like an incoming tide, even at this early hour, "Alright, kid! That's it! You're soaked, but you're strong! Your Zeller's got the makings of a true powerhouse!"
His masked face, usually a mask of stoicism, crinkled around the eyes with a genuine smile continued, "That Water Pulse technique? Magnificent! And the way you taught Zeller to use its tail to create a wind current… that's ingenuity right there!"
Pearl grinned, wiping his brow with the back of his hand, replied, "Thanks, Wake! Zeller and I really appreciate it. We learned a ton."
Zeller, sensing its trainer's pride, puffed out its chest, a happy cry escaping its throat, "Buizel-buiz!"
It had been an intense, yet incredibly rewarding, few days. Crasher Wake, with his boundless energy and unconventional methods, had pushed Pearl and his new partner to their limits, honing Zeller's raw power into focused skill.
Ever since he failed, he was rescued by Crasher Wake when Lake Valor was bombed. But with the Gym Leader's quick thinking, he managed to refill the water with Rain Dance and save Pearl, who was unconscious with Rad Rickshaw.
Since then, Pearl has been busy training under Wake's guidance. He even captured and tamed one of the pissed Wild Pokémon that lost their homes, Zeller the Buiezl, promising him the chance for payback against the ones that bombed his home.
Rad Rickshaw, the bicycle enthusiast, leaned against his latest creation, a gleaming, custom-built bike, a knowing smile on his face, and exclaimed, "Aye, the lad's got grit, Wake. Just like you back in your prime."
Wake clapped Pearl heartily on the back, a thump that nearly sent Pearl sprawling as he boasted, "Speaking of prime, Pearl, you're about to head into the thick of it, aren't you? Team Galactic's been stirring up trouble all over Sinnoh. When you succeed in stopping those no-gooders, I'm gonna get you a present, kid. Anything you want!"
Pearl's eyes lit up. His mind raced, then settled on something unique, 'A present? From Crasher Wake?'
He declared, a wide, enthusiastic grin spreading across his face, "A theme song! Just like yours! Something that makes everyone pumped up when I show up!"
Crasher Wake threw his head back and laughed, a grand, booming sound that echoed across the quiet route, stirring a flock of Starly from a nearby tree, "A theme song, eh? I like your style, kid! Consider it done! When you come back, the Crasher Wake Band will compose your epic ballad!"
*Clip-clop*
As Wake's laughter subsided, a new sound began to filter through the morning air – the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on asphalt, growing steadily louder.
Pearl turned his head, spotting a magnificent Rapidash-drawn carriage approaching them from the direction of Hearthome City. Its polished mahogany gleamed in the nascent sunlight, and its wheels spun silently, expertly guided. Rad Rickshaw mused, pushing himself off the bicycle, "Well, now, look at that."
The carriage pulled to a smooth stop a few yards away. The door swung open, and out stepped none other than Johanna, Diamond's mother, her usually warm smile replaced with a worried frown.
*Wooosh*
Behind her emerged Sebastian, the Berlitz family butler, impeccably dressed as always. Trailing them was Roseanne, a respected researcher, her expression equally grim. And then, with a soft whoosh, Fantina's Drifblim drifted gracefully out of the carriage, its ghostly form bobbing gently in the air.
Pearl's heart gave a sudden lurch as he thought worriedly, 'Why was Johanna here? And Sebastian? And Fantina's Drifblim? This couldn't be good.'
His mind immediately went to Diamond. Before Pearl could utter a word, Drifblim floated directly up to him, its small, ethereal hands holding two familiar Poké Balls.
*Whoosh-whoosh*
… it emitted, offering them. Pearl's hand trembled as he took them. They were Tru's and Kit's. Diamond's Torterra and Lickilicky. Pearl stammered, his voice laced with panic, "Tru? And Lickilicky? Must be a new capture Dia made… Wait! What are they doing here? Where's Dia? Is he… is he okay? What happened?"
A cold knot tightened in his stomach. He knew that Diamond would never leave his Pokémon behind. For them to be here, without him. Johanna stepped forward, her hands clasped tightly, her gaze meeting Pearl's with a profound sadness.
She quickly explained to him, "Pearl… Diamond is… inside a Team Galactic airship."
The words struck Pearl like a powerful Thunder Shock from a Pikachu. His mind reeled as he thought, 'A Team Galactic airship? Diamond? The carefree, food-loving Diamond, trapped with those villains?'
It was almost impossible to imagine. He choked out, his earlier joy from training evaporating, replaced by a surge of dread and disbelief, "W-what? How? When?"
Zeller, sensing its trainer's distress, nudged Pearl's leg, a concerned cry escaping its throat, "Buizel?"
Johanna took a deep, shaky breath, her eyes clouding with an unshed tear, explaining, "It happened yesterday… yesterday at Lake Verity. Team Galactic was there, trying to capture Mesprit."
She paused, gathering her composure, then began to recount the terrifying tale, her voice hushed, painting a vivid, harrowing picture in Pearl's mind, "Diamond and Platinum were on their way to Jubilife, but they heard about the commotion at Lake Verity. Diamond… he couldn't just stand by. He saw Mesprit caught in one of Team Galactic's energy nets, struggling. He didn't hesitate. He just… jumped."
Pearl's eyes widened, picturing his best friend, impulsive and brave, leaping into danger. It was so like Diamond, yet so utterly reckless.
Johanna continued, her voice trembling, clutching her hands together, "He tried to reach it, to free Mesprit. He sent out his Pokémon, hoping they could use their strength to open the net. But the commander was too strong, too well-secured. In the struggle… they fell into the lake. Diamond, still clinging to the net, was pulled upwards, higher, until he was hauled inside one of their large aircraft, the net still around him."
Pearl felt a wave of nausea. Dia's Pokémon falling into the lake?
Diamond, caught and dragged into an airship? It was a nightmare.
He remembered Diamond's unwavering cheerfulness, his love for Pokémon, especially his own. To think of him in such peril…
Johanna went on, her gaze distant, reflecting the horror of the scene, "He eventually realized that Mars, the Team Galactic Commander, wasn't on board the airship with him. He could only assume she and the others believed he had fallen into the lake with his Pokémon. It seems they only cared about securing Mesprit."
A wave of relief, fleeting but significant, washed over Pearl as he thought, 'So, they didn't know he was on board. That gave Diamond a fighting chance, at least. But still, he was alone, surrounded by enemies.'
Sebastian, ever the picture of calm, stepped forward, his voice a smooth, reassuring baritone, and explained further, "It was Fantina's Drifblim here that heroically rescued Master Diamond's Pokémon from Lake Verity. After ensuring their safety, it brought them to us, along with Master Diamond's Rotom Phone, which allowed us to communicate with him briefly."
Drifblim gave a soft whoosh, almost like a nod, confirming Sebastian's words. Pearl squinted at the butler as he asked cautiously, "Wait, how do you know Diamond? Who are you? And how did you know to go to Lake Verity?"
Sebastian offered a small, polite bow as he explained himself professionally, "My apologies, Master Pearl. We haven't had to formally cross paths. I am Sebastian, the head butler for the Berlitz family. When Master Diamond failed to make contact and Master Platinum was distressed, I was dispatched to investigate. Luckily, Drifblim provided the crucial intelligence."
Pearl, hearing that, eased up, slumping his shoulders as he thought rationally, 'The Berlitz family. Right. Platinum's family. It made sense now. Sebastian would be privy to the movements of her companions.'
Pearl asked, a desperate hope in his voice, "So… so he's well?"
Sebastian's expression softened as he replied, "He managed to contact us briefly from inside the airship. He is unharmed, physically, and resourceful, as always. He asked us to assure you and his mother that he would be alright, and that he would find a way to free Mesprit."
A profound wave of relief washed over Pearl, making his shoulders slump from the tension he hadn't even realized he was holding.
He mentally exclaimed, 'Diamond was okay! Physically, at least. And still determined to do the right thing, even when trapped. That was so Diamond.'
Pearl clutched Tru and Kit's Poké Balls. His determination, momentarily shaken by fear, now hardened into an unyielding resolve, stated, "I'm glad to hear he's alright. I need to get these back to him. And I need to get him out of there."
As Pearl turned, preparing to make his way towards Veilstone City, Rad Rickshaw cleared his throat, "Hold on a minute there! Heading to Veilstone, are we? That's quite a trek, and you'll need to move fast if you're going to catch up with one of those airships."
He gestured to the gleaming custom bicycle he'd been leaning against. He said happily, "Consider this a little gift from a bicycle enthusiast. It's built for speed and endurance. Best of luck, Pearl."
Pearl's jaw dropped as he thought, 'A new bicycle! And not just any bicycle – a Rad Rickshaw original.'
He glanced at Wake, who winked with a grin and said happily, "Part of that 'present for when you succeed' guarantee, kid! Move it!"
Pearl exclaimed, his voice filled with gratitude, "Thank you, both of you!"
He quickly put Tru and Kit's Poké Balls into his bag, promising them silently that he'd return them to their trainer soon. With a final determined nod to Johanna and Sebastian, Pearl hopped onto the new bicycle.
The frame was lightweight, the gears smooth, and the tires gripped the road with a silent efficiency. He pedaled, feeling the wind already begin to whip through his hair.
He yelled over his shoulder as he sped off, leaving the group behind, his mind already set on Veilstone City, the presumed location for Team Galactic's main base of operations, "I'm going to get him back!"
Crasher Wake watched Pearl disappear down the road, a rare, thoughtful expression on his face as he uttered, "He'll do it, lass. That kid's got fire in his belly."
Johanna sighed, a mixture of pride and worry etched on her features. She replied hopefully, "I hope so, Wake. I hope so."
She then looked towards the rising sun, her mind drifting back to a conversation she'd had with Diamond just a day or two prior, before all this chaos. The memory was vivid. The cheerful ring of her Rotom Phone, then Diamond's familiar, happy voice…
/////
[Flashback, Sinnoh Region, Later, Twinleaf Town]
Johanna just returned to her home after exiting Verity Lake, and her son was gone trying to save Mesprit. She just arrived home and grabbed her Rotom Phone, which she left at home, as she began to call frantically.
*Beep—Click*
Holding her own Rotom Phone, Johanna saw her boy's happy voice as he said resolutely over the phone, "Mom! Guess what? Team Galactic is doing something bad. But don't worry, I'm going to stop them!"
Johanna's heart had tightened as she screamed, "Diamond! What are you talking about? Don't put yourself in danger! That's for the police and the League to handle!"
She could almost hear him pouting through the phone. Diamond replied sternly, "Aw, Mom, you sound like Professor Rowan! But it's not that simple. Remember Proteam Omega? My favorite show?"
Johanna smiled despite her worry and replied, "Of course, dear. You watched it every day."
Diamond's voice had gained a surprising edge of seriousness, a rare glimpse into the depths of his easygoing nature. He replied, "Right! And in Proteam Omega, the villains always got stopped by the heroes. For the longest time, I thought villains only existed on TV. But then… Team Galactic showed up. And they're real. They're hurting Pokémon, hurting people. It's not just a show anymore, Mom."
Diamond took a deep breath and exhaled as he said in a determined tone, "I have to do something, Mom. If I don't, who will? Proteam Omega always said, 'When evil looms, a hero blooms!' I will stop Team Galactic from harming anyone else. I promise."
A lump had formed in Johanna's throat. Her easygoing son, usually so content with food and simple pleasures, had found his resolve. He wasn't just a boy anymore; he was a hero, in his own quiet way.
/////
[The Present, Sinnoh Region, Route 212]
The memory faded, and Johanna leaned on Sebastian's steady arm. She murmured, a sad smile playing on her lips, "He's so much like his father. Always rushing into things, but with the best intentions."
//////
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Route 213]
Meanwhile, Pearl pedaled furiously, the wind a constant companion as he devoured the miles along Route 213. The vibrant green of the landscape blurred around him, the chirps of wild Pokémon fading into the background hum of his bicycle tires.
Every pump of his legs was fueled by a mixture of anger, worry, and an unshakeable determination. Diamond was in trouble, and Pearl, his best friend, was going to fix it. He passed the Hotel Grand Lake, its elegant architecture a stark contrast to the urgency of his mission. He pushed past trainers and tourists, his mind singularly focused on Veilstone City, the looming silhouette of its structures growing larger on the horizon.
As he rounded a bend, the hum of his bicycle abruptly gave way to a discordant cacophony. Ahead, the route was blocked.
Three Team Galactic Grunts, their distinctive black uniforms and blue hair visible even from a distance, stood defiantly across the path, their Pokémon already out, blocking any further passage. A Zubat fluttered menacingly, a Bronzor spun lazily, and a Skuntank glared with malevolent intent.
One of the Grunts barked, his voice nasal and grating, "Halt! Nobody gets through here! Team Galactic operations in progress!"
Pearl skidded to a stop, his blood practically boiling as he thought angrily, staring at them, 'I'm not letting these goons stand in my way. Not now. Not when Diamond was counting on me to save his butt.'
Pearl yelled, leaping off his bike, "Get lost, you creeps!"
Without a moment's hesitation, he thrust out a Poké Ball. He yelled swiftly, "Zeller, these are the guys! Let's go!"
*WHUMP*
Zeller materialized in a splash of light, its eyes narrowed. This wasn't practice anymore; this was real.
Zeller's eyes narrowed, recognizing the 'G' emblem on their suits, growled, "Buiiii!! (It's you! YOU BLEW UP MY HOME!!!)"
Soon, one of the Grunts with the Skuntank sneered, "A Buizel? Ha! What's that little thing going to do?"
Pearl smirked, a dangerous glint in his eye. He then commanded fiercely, "You're about to find out! Zeller, Surf!"
*BOOMING—SPLASH*
Zeller let out a ferocious cry, gathering an immense torrent of water.
With a powerful surge, it unleashed a colossal wave that crashed over the Grunts and their Pokémon in a surprise attack.
*SPLAT*
The force of the water sent them sprawling, their arrogant sneers replaced by sputtering gasps. They were completely drenched, their hair plastered to their faces, their Pokémon momentarily stunned.
The Zubat Grunt shrieked, wiping water from his eyes, "G-gah! What was that?!"
"My Zubat!"
"My Bronzor!"
"Skuntank, get up!"
The Grunts' Pokémon, recovering from the surprise drenching, surged forward, their eyes alight with anger. Zubat dove with a screech, "Zuh-bat! (Oi!)"
Bronzor spun rapidly, and Skuntank lunged with a foul-smelling cry, "Skun-tannnkk! (Now's fighting words!)"
Pearl commanded, his voice sharp and clear, "Not so fast! Zeller, tail spin! Create a harsh wind to make a Counter Shield!"
*WHOOSH-WHOOSH-WHOOSH*
Zeller obeyed instantly, its two buoyant tails beginning to rotate at an incredible speed, faster, creating a miniature vortex of air. The force generated a powerful, stinging wind that whipped up dust and pebbles from the ground, lashing out at the charging Pokémon. It wasn't a direct attack, but a strategic diversion.
The Bronzor Grunt cried, shielding his face, "Agh! My eyes!"
The Pokémon, caught in the unexpected gale, instinctively recoiled, their charges faltering as they squinted against the abrasive wind. They didn't notice. Too distracted by the stinging wind and their struggling Pokémon, the Grunts failed to see the subtle tremors in the earth beneath their feet.
*Rumble*
*Thump-thump-thump*
A faint, almost imperceptible sound grew closer, hidden by the wind's howl. Suddenly, the ground rumbled till…
*BOOOM*
… bursts of earth exploded underneath the enemy, and a single brown Pokémon erupted from the ground directly beneath the Grunts' Pokémon.
It was revealed to be Pearl's Digler, the Diglett.
Pearl roared, "Tauler, Horn Attack!"
Pearl's Tauler shot up like a missile, its horns slamming into the Bronzor, sending it spinning wildly into the air. And with its impressive horns, barreled forward, its immense bulk and momentum carrying it through the dazed Skuntank and Zubat.
*CRASH*
The Skuntank was sent skidding, while the Zubat, caught mid-flight, was swatted aside like a fly. The Grunts, finally realizing what was happening, stared in disbelief. The Grunt stammered, scrambling to recall his injured partner, "My… my Pokémon!"
Pearl commanded, pointing, "Zeller, finish them off!"
From behind, a Grimer, attracted by the commotion, oozed its way rapidly towards Pearl, its slimy body rippling. It was a sneak attack, silent and insidious. It gurgled, lunging for Pearl's back, "Griiimer! (Sneak attack!)"
But Pearl was ready.
His senses, honed by countless battles, picked up the subtle shift in the air, the faint, metallic scent of the Sludge Pokémon ordered, "Zeller, Quick Attack, then Ice Beam!"
*WHOOSH*
Zeller, with incredible speed, zipped backward, narrowly dodging the Grimer's lunge. The Grimer, surprised, lost its momentum. Before it could recover, Zeller gathered a frosty blue energy in its mouth.
*SHIIIING*
A concentrated beam of cold erupted, striking the Grimer head-on. The slimy Pokémon cried out, its body instantly hardening, turning brittle as it was enveloped in a layer of ice. With a final, pitiful cry, it crumbled into icy shards.
Pearl stood proudly, his chest heaving slightly, his eyes blazing with renewed conviction. Around him, the three Grunts lay defeated, their Pokémon either recalled or unconscious. Zeller proudly stood at his side, water still dripping from his fur.
*Pop*
Digler, having popped back out of the ground, gave a pleased cry, "Digg-digg! (Heh. These fools deserved to get robbed.)"
And Tauler, the impressive Alpha Tauros, stomped triumphantly, a cloud of dust rising around its hooves, "Tauuu! (Hmph! I expected better.)"
Pearl clutched his Poké Balls, his full team, including his newest members, standing ready. He had faced down Team Galactic, and he had won. It was just a small skirmish, but it was a crucial victory.
Veilstone City loomed ahead, its tall buildings now in the distance against the brightening sky. His friends needed him. Diamond was in that airship.
Platinum and the others were likely already moving on to the main base, unaware of Diamond's perilous situation. Pearl's jaw set, his resolve iron-hard. He murmured, petting Zeller's head, "Alright, everyone! Next stop, Team Galactic HQ. Let's go get Dia!"
With a determined stride, Pearl bypassed the incapacitated Grunts, leaving them to their misery. He was no longer just a trainer on a journey; he was a friend, a hero, on a rescue mission. The road to Veilstone City's Team Galactic Headquarters was open, and Pearl was ready to charge through its gates.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!