Chaos and Order - A Multiverse Fanfic

0091 D- Hidden Mission - Perception Failed?!

Afternoon, June 11

East Edge of the Ilex Forest

There was a looming silence around Kurt's house.

When Kai approached it, he found the lack of zeal he had heard so much about quite apparent. Nowhere were the shouts of a gruff old man, which he was promised. Nor was there any crowd of Pokemon Trainers waiting for their orders, or about to place one.

The silence had a bitter taste to it of loss and sadness.

Kai beamed at this silence, this sense of loss, sadness, and helplessness. There was an opportunity here for him, which he would love to grasp at the merest hint.

Knock! Knock!

Petyr gently announced their presence.

Kurt's house had an old Japanese-style touch to it.

The outermost gate had a big sliding door through which Kai could have just barged if he wanted to. But he needed Kurt's favor, not anger. As he waited for a reply, Kai looked around at the small settlement. The sun was too hot here, and the ground seemed to sizzle, blurring the farther edges of the fields.

The most conspicuous was the presence of the Pokemon, Slowpoke, in a vast number.

They were all over the place.

But Kai knew better than to hurt any of them. People here worshiped these Pokemon as some kind of rain-bringer, and if this place is still standing, then surely there was some hideous reason behind it. Kai would rather not find out that reason. He was here for a specific task, and then he would be on his way, as smoothly as he had come.

Knock!!

Kai banged with his fist.

This one attracted a response.

"Go away!" a shout came out. "I am not taking orders."

"Mr. Kurt," Petyr said, "We are not here to order custom Pokeballs. We are here to help you."

The door opened, and Kai and Petyr faced a short old man with long gray hair and two bulging eyes. The blackness under his eyes told of the sleepless nights the old man must have passed in these last few days.

The Pokeball expert, Kurt, narrowed his eyes. "What help?" he asked, the slightest hint of hope returning to his eyes.

Kai licked his lips, sensing the traces of happiness he could suck out of this man.

Petyr continued, meanwhile. "Mr. Kurt, we are sorry to hear about the grievous news of the kidnapping of your granddaughter," he said sadly. "But the moment I heard about it, I contacted my friend here to help you out."

Kurt looked at Kai as Petyr pointed at him. "What can he do when Officer Jenny and another hundred people couldn't find them?" the old man rebuked. "Who even are you?"

Petyr permitted himself a courteous smile. "I am Simon, a big fan of your work," he lied. "This young man here is Desmond, a reputed hunter of Pokemon Trainers who has turned to the dark side."

"I haven't heard either of you," Kurt grunted.

But Kai could see the old man looking at his face, into his eyes with sheer fascination.

Not just anyone could talk to Kurt or enter his confidence. With his Charisma, Kai could pretty much walk up to almost all Characters to talk with them.

"Isn't that a good sign?" Petyr said gently. "Our services are better not needed by gentle hearts like yours and your granddaughter. Will you permit us a short meeting? Time is running out while we stand at the door and waste it on mere prodding, don't you think?"