Pokémar Episode V, A Clone's Destiny

The Warehouse

 True to her word, the moment the skies cleared, Sylveon was gone. While I do wish she would have stayed to help, I can't blame her. No one should have to go through that kind of betrayal. Regardless, we still have a mission to complete. With the clock ticking we work to prepare as much as we can. Much of that time was spent getting familiar with what Ninetales could do. 

As it turns out, she is a formidable fighter who prefers swift, decisive strikes. Against single targets she is exceptionally dangerous. As such, we tried to ensure that Growlithe would be able to divide enemy groups so she can have those chances. As they practiced, Mewtwo and I rehearsed tossing Thunder's pokeball onto the roof of the house. While throwing something onto a roof seems easy enough, it becomes significantly trickier when doing it from a mile away. Eventually we got it down, coordinating my throw and Mewtwo's psychic boost to cross the distance. Mostly, anyways. To help Thunder along I paint the ball sky blue to make it less likely an observant lookout spots it as it flies.

Inevitably the time comes to make our move. We're all nervous. We all worry that we didn't do enough. That we're still ill prepared. But I remind them, and myself, that no matter the outcome, we all did our best. Arceus permitting, that will be enough.

The drive to the Rustburo industrial district puts on display the effect Rocket has had on Hoenn. The roads are sparce and mostly empty. The handful of people who feel brave enough to go outside have pokemon walking in lockstep with them, eyes vigilant for any sign of trouble. I even spot several groups of people flagrantly waring Rocket colors as if daring the law to take them in. Rustburo is paralyzed in fear. I can only hope that ending Project Mewtwo will be the first step towards ending this madness.

We park a few miles from the building in question and put the first steps into motion. I grab the pokeball before glancing at Mewtwo. "Alright. Link us up." Almost immediately I feel the presence of the rest of the team eking out a small place in my mind.

Alright. Testing. We all connected? I think.

I can hear you. Mewtwo's voice echoes.

All good here. Thunder thinks.

Loud and clear. Growlithe confirms.

It's working. A curious sensation... Ninetales muses.

It does take some getting used to. You ready Thunder? I think.

As much as I can be. Let's do it. He replies. I take his pokeball and put him inside, nodding to Mewtwo. On the count of three I lob the ball as hard as I can. Mewtwo hits it with a psychic blast, giving it enough speed to cover the rest of the distance. Soon its painted exterior blends with the sky and I lose sight of it. I have to wait for Thunder to land and report in.

The wait feels intense. Worries nag in the back of my mind. Maybe he was found. Maybe I missed and he was released on the street straight into traffic. Or worse, he landed right in front of a Rocket goon.

Alright. The sound of his voice sends a wave of relief through me. I've landed. That was quite an experience. I'll have to ask Chatot if that's what flying feels like.

Do you see an entrance? A skylight or ventilation unit?

Yeah. A big boxy metal thing. I go in that?

Yes. It should lead into a network of vents. Watch out for fans.

Right. I'm going in. Wish me luck. With Thunder in position the rest of us get back into the car and drive up to the building in earnest. Growlithe and Ninetales crouch down in the back to stay out of sight while Mewtwo and I disembark.